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Lowland Romance #1
The Handfasters
There is an alternate cover edition for this ASIN here.
Coming from the Scottish Highlands to Edinburgh in search of a husband, Alison Lamont finds herself in all sorts of trouble.
Thrown out of the fashionable ball of Lady Forres for a stolen kiss, she has to flee from a riot in the notorious Old Town and ends up staying the night with Willie Kemp, an eccentric boatbuilder. The trouble is, while Alison falls deeply in love with Mr Kemp, her aunt wishes her to marry the obnoxious but rich John Forres.
Alison takes drastic measures to solve her dilemma, including a long trip through the snow-covered Pentland Hills. But who is the owner of the mysterious footprints outside her cottage, and what secret is Mr. Kemp hiding?
Coming from the Scottish Highlands to Edinburgh in search of a husband, Alison Lamont finds herself in all sorts of trouble.
Thrown out of the fashionable ball of Lady Forres for a stolen kiss, she has to flee from a riot in the notorious Old Town and ends up staying the night with Willie Kemp, an eccentric boatbuilder. The trouble is, while Alison falls deeply in love with Mr Kemp, her aunt wishes her to marry the obnoxious but rich John Forres.
Alison takes drastic measures to solve her dilemma, including a long trip through the snow-covered Pentland Hills. But who is the owner of the mysterious footprints outside her cottage, and what secret is Mr. Kemp hiding?
171 pages, ebook
Published October 13, 2012
1947 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
About the author
Helen Susan Swift
30 books39 followersBorn and bred in Scotland, I live in the north east of the country. My interests include history and folklore, as well as nature and animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
November 2, 2017
It is a good story except for one huge black plothole. . . . . Louise. Does she know what the others are doing? If not, how not, if so why on earth does she behave that way? She makes no sense and drags all else down with her other than her comic relief moments.
Also, I must not actually know what romance is. I must misunderstand the word. Because my understanding does not include a man treating a woman like an idiot. I also don't consider watching a woman take actions that could straight up ruin her whole life forever and calling them romantic because she gets her man in the end. In my definition of romance a man doesn't let his beloved act crazy and toss her life, stability and family away like it's nothing just to trick her into ‘proving her love’.
Also, I must not actually know what romance is. I must misunderstand the word. Because my understanding does not include a man treating a woman like an idiot. I also don't consider watching a woman take actions that could straight up ruin her whole life forever and calling them romantic because she gets her man in the end. In my definition of romance a man doesn't let his beloved act crazy and toss her life, stability and family away like it's nothing just to trick her into ‘proving her love’.
January 29, 2017
The writing is deceptively simple yet very subtle. It is an old woman relating the tale of her youthful romance to her grandchildren. Speaking in a semi-humorous manner, the elderly Alison recounts her naivety as a lesson, mocking herself and her ideas as she imparts the lessons that all parents and grandparents hope to teach.
The history is accurate: the contrast between the old and new towns of Edinburgh and the riot are historical facts, and the interest in steam technology in Scotland at that period is well known. I loved this book for its period details and the flurry of excitement at the end.
The history is accurate: the contrast between the old and new towns of Edinburgh and the riot are historical facts, and the interest in steam technology in Scotland at that period is well known. I loved this book for its period details and the flurry of excitement at the end.
November 3, 2017
Excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I did suspect that Willie Kemp was much more than he appeared to be but the journey to the truth was very entertaining. I would love to read more about the life of Miss Lamont and Mr. Kemp because I would imagine it is filled with much adventure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I did suspect that Willie Kemp was much more than he appeared to be but the journey to the truth was very entertaining. I would love to read more about the life of Miss Lamont and Mr. Kemp because I would imagine it is filled with much adventure.
July 17, 2017
Linda historia romántica.
May 21, 2023
Bathong, what a silly little entertaining tale. I suspected the whole time the story arc but still enjoyed the unfolding of events. The only reason I am not giving full five stars is because of the one cuss word I encountered. Otherwise, I enjoyed every moment, even the most annoying bits. I am going to get the other books in the series and read them too...
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July 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/18/2019)! 🎁
November 17, 2017
Delizioso! Una di quelle storie brevi, leggere, nelle quali romanticismo e ironia la fanno da padrone. Qui c'è anche quel giusto mistero che tiene avvinti alla lettura fino alla fine.
La giovane Miss Lamont non ha idea di cosa le capiterà: sua cugina Louise, ricca e viziata, le farà un gran brutto dispetto, ma proprio grazie a questo incontrerà lo strano Willie Kemp. Tra le sfuriate della zia Elspeth, un promesso sposo antipatico e l'insolito atteggiamento di Kemp, la poveretta non avrà vita facile, ma il lieto fine sarà proprio dietro l'angolo.
Ho trovato davvero originale l'idea di rendere narratrice la stessa Lamont anziana: i suoi consigli pratici e sensati, disseminati qua e là, erano non solo molto saggi ma anche spassosi. Tutti i personaggi sono ben delineati, la trama è coerente e gli accenni storici sono sempre tra i miei dettagli preferiti! Insomma, se amate il genere, questo racconto fa al caso vostro. Io l'ho adorato!
Consigliato senza riserve.
La giovane Miss Lamont non ha idea di cosa le capiterà: sua cugina Louise, ricca e viziata, le farà un gran brutto dispetto, ma proprio grazie a questo incontrerà lo strano Willie Kemp. Tra le sfuriate della zia Elspeth, un promesso sposo antipatico e l'insolito atteggiamento di Kemp, la poveretta non avrà vita facile, ma il lieto fine sarà proprio dietro l'angolo.
Ho trovato davvero originale l'idea di rendere narratrice la stessa Lamont anziana: i suoi consigli pratici e sensati, disseminati qua e là, erano non solo molto saggi ma anche spassosi. Tutti i personaggi sono ben delineati, la trama è coerente e gli accenni storici sono sempre tra i miei dettagli preferiti! Insomma, se amate il genere, questo racconto fa al caso vostro. Io l'ho adorato!
Consigliato senza riserve.
March 10, 2019
THE HANDFASTERS
HELEN SUSAN SWIFT
Review by Roy Murry, Author
Before internet search for a mate, there was the meeting someone at an event to decide whether you cared to date that person. In 1811, families of a class met and decided who would be good together and they mated.
Alison Lamont, an eighteen-year-old is sent to Edinburgh, Scotland from the country to mate with one of her class. During this adventure, she met a man who was below her class and fell in love.
This love affair presented many problems, and she runs away, close by, with the man's help. However, was it help he was providing?
She goes on a merry-go-round with many exciting results. Will she be able to grab the golden ring and be with her love?
Alison's romantic chance turns into an experience she'll never forget nor will her family. Will she move down in the class structure for love?
This romance is an easy and pleasant read with fun story twists and turns including a sea adventure.
HELEN SUSAN SWIFT
Review by Roy Murry, Author
Before internet search for a mate, there was the meeting someone at an event to decide whether you cared to date that person. In 1811, families of a class met and decided who would be good together and they mated.
Alison Lamont, an eighteen-year-old is sent to Edinburgh, Scotland from the country to mate with one of her class. During this adventure, she met a man who was below her class and fell in love.
This love affair presented many problems, and she runs away, close by, with the man's help. However, was it help he was providing?
She goes on a merry-go-round with many exciting results. Will she be able to grab the golden ring and be with her love?
Alison's romantic chance turns into an experience she'll never forget nor will her family. Will she move down in the class structure for love?
This romance is an easy and pleasant read with fun story twists and turns including a sea adventure.
November 3, 2021
This was a fun quick read. There was something about it that just felt different. Maybe it was the writing style or the way the plot went along, but it felt different than most of the historical romances I read. It was a short one, but very sweet. You knew kind of what was happening as you read, so the ending wasn't a huge surprise. But it was still perfect. And Willie Kemp is perfection. He reminds me a lot of the boy in the movie This Beautiful Fantastic. I absolutely adored him.
April 26, 2025
Enjoyable
This is a silly and predictable story. It’s sweet though and I enjoyed it.
I’m not sure if Louisa knew the whole time.
If I was Alison I would have been peeved at being left alone in the cottage too and the whole play acting by everyone. They live happily ever after though.
This is a silly and predictable story. It’s sweet though and I enjoyed it.
I’m not sure if Louisa knew the whole time.
If I was Alison I would have been peeved at being left alone in the cottage too and the whole play acting by everyone. They live happily ever after though.
February 24, 2019
It was a nice read, I enjoyed some parts better than others but overall it was ok.
February 2, 2017
A clean, clever romance set in Scotland in the early 19th century. The main character is a young girl from the Highlands, slightly naive as many country people would be at that period, and slightly at a loss in the big city. Her adventures were believable for the time, with genuine historical facts - such as the riot of the winter of 1811 - adding authenticity, and the speech peppered with contemporary words and phrases.
Well written through the point of view of an old lady recounting her past, musing over her mistakes and laughing at her own immaturity.
Absolutely a lovely light tale, an easy, feel-good read for a winter's evening.
Well written through the point of view of an old lady recounting her past, musing over her mistakes and laughing at her own immaturity.
Absolutely a lovely light tale, an easy, feel-good read for a winter's evening.
January 8, 2018
Not impressed
I didn’t care for the book very much. I only finished it because it wasn’t long and in my review I wanted to say that it drove me crazy that whoever edited this book does NOT know how to spell JUDGMENT!!! Not once was it spelled correctly. Also the story was told by an old woman who kept inserting comments directly to the reader. Not my preference at all!
I didn’t care for the book very much. I only finished it because it wasn’t long and in my review I wanted to say that it drove me crazy that whoever edited this book does NOT know how to spell JUDGMENT!!! Not once was it spelled correctly. Also the story was told by an old woman who kept inserting comments directly to the reader. Not my preference at all!
November 11, 2017
Love it
Love the book It was different from most love stories so I really enjoyed it hope you have more like it thank you
Love the book It was different from most love stories so I really enjoyed it hope you have more like it thank you
September 10, 2020
The Handfasters by Helen Susan Swift is the first book in the Lowland Romance series. The story opens as an old woman is writing her story for her descendants. The truth behind her life, her marriage, and their family. In 1811, Alison Lamont has been sent to her aunt in Edinburgh with the goal to find a suitable husband. After a disastrous night at a high society ball, Alison finds herself in the company of Willie Kemp, a local eccentric who spends his day tinkering with strange machines. Alison is immediately drawn to Willie but soon meets with a dilemma as her aunt wants her to marry a titled man. In her desperation, she runs to Willie for help. Willie has a plan; will Alison go along with it to escape a marriage trap? Is she walking into a worse situation?
The Handfasters is a fast paced and enjoyable story of romance, society and following your heart. I enjoyed all the characters even Alison’s annoying and obnoxious cousin, Louise. Alison had a mix of the typical of damsel in distress until the situation called for her own strength and courage. As the story progressed, I had a feeling there was more to Willie than he let on and when it is revealed, it is a great “I knew it!” moment. I also enjoyed Ms Swift’s descriptions of Edinburgh and differences between the ancient side of town and the newer, more modern side. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy enjoyable romance set in the beautiful country of Scotland, I recommend The Handfasters.
The Handfasters
is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
The Handfasters is a fast paced and enjoyable story of romance, society and following your heart. I enjoyed all the characters even Alison’s annoying and obnoxious cousin, Louise. Alison had a mix of the typical of damsel in distress until the situation called for her own strength and courage. As the story progressed, I had a feeling there was more to Willie than he let on and when it is revealed, it is a great “I knew it!” moment. I also enjoyed Ms Swift’s descriptions of Edinburgh and differences between the ancient side of town and the newer, more modern side. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy enjoyable romance set in the beautiful country of Scotland, I recommend The Handfasters.
The Handfasters
is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
January 31, 2019
THE HANDFASTERS is a delightful work by Helen Susan Swift that blurs a number of boundaries.
It is historical fiction taking place in southern Scotland telling the romantic adventures of a young Highlands woman in 1811/1812 so it could easily fit into the “young adult” category. But it is slyly told in first person by the girl when she is a great-grandmother to an audience of grand- and great-grandchildren. It cleverly follows general contours of a “Romance” novel, but in a more subtle way than is sometimes seen.
Part of the enjoyment of this story is how the narrator simultaneously tells the story in the voice of the young girl and comments on the girl’s actions from the vantage point of an older woman as, with a wink and a smile, as she gives her young audience lessons about life.
For example, she explains to her young listeners:
“The waltz did not make its way into Scotland for a year or so, as it was considered most indelicate. Honestly my dears, you have no idea how much hypocrisy ruled our lives when romantic affairs were considered normal, and only became a scandal if they were broadcast in public, yet to wear even a fraction of makeup was to chance being ostracised from all respectable society. Life is so different today.”
A person familiar with Romance novels could no doubt figure out early on where the plot was going. But the story has enough clever touches to appeal to readers of any age regardless of favored genre.
It is historical fiction taking place in southern Scotland telling the romantic adventures of a young Highlands woman in 1811/1812 so it could easily fit into the “young adult” category. But it is slyly told in first person by the girl when she is a great-grandmother to an audience of grand- and great-grandchildren. It cleverly follows general contours of a “Romance” novel, but in a more subtle way than is sometimes seen.
Part of the enjoyment of this story is how the narrator simultaneously tells the story in the voice of the young girl and comments on the girl’s actions from the vantage point of an older woman as, with a wink and a smile, as she gives her young audience lessons about life.
For example, she explains to her young listeners:
“The waltz did not make its way into Scotland for a year or so, as it was considered most indelicate. Honestly my dears, you have no idea how much hypocrisy ruled our lives when romantic affairs were considered normal, and only became a scandal if they were broadcast in public, yet to wear even a fraction of makeup was to chance being ostracised from all respectable society. Life is so different today.”
A person familiar with Romance novels could no doubt figure out early on where the plot was going. But the story has enough clever touches to appeal to readers of any age regardless of favored genre.
April 2, 2023
Totally unique...
I have never read a story written quite like The Handfasters. Alison is the narrator of her own story, which gives it an unusual tone to begin with. It's a memory and a warning, against clever men. And it takes place at a time when the highlands and lowlands of Scotland almost weren't part of the same country. The highlanders were still considered wild barbarians. Alison was a highlander sent to her Aunt Elspeth to find a suitable husband in spite of her wildness, temper, and poor sense of direction. She was a curvaceous 18 year-old woman with black hair that she found difficult to tame. Her cousin, Louise, was two years older with glorious blonde hair. Alison was terribly jealous of Louise's lovely hair. Louise disliked her highlander cousin greatly. She didn't want the competition. And when the elegant young man kissed Alison instead of Louise at midnight, he got slapped in the face. Alison got kicked out of the ball and sent home. Because of the riots and new year partying and such, she got lost on her way home and met the second man of the evening. This man wasn't elegant, but he was kind and gave her dry clothes, hot food, and a place to sleep safely for the night. This is how the great deception starts. Recommended.
I have never read a story written quite like The Handfasters. Alison is the narrator of her own story, which gives it an unusual tone to begin with. It's a memory and a warning, against clever men. And it takes place at a time when the highlands and lowlands of Scotland almost weren't part of the same country. The highlanders were still considered wild barbarians. Alison was a highlander sent to her Aunt Elspeth to find a suitable husband in spite of her wildness, temper, and poor sense of direction. She was a curvaceous 18 year-old woman with black hair that she found difficult to tame. Her cousin, Louise, was two years older with glorious blonde hair. Alison was terribly jealous of Louise's lovely hair. Louise disliked her highlander cousin greatly. She didn't want the competition. And when the elegant young man kissed Alison instead of Louise at midnight, he got slapped in the face. Alison got kicked out of the ball and sent home. Because of the riots and new year partying and such, she got lost on her way home and met the second man of the evening. This man wasn't elegant, but he was kind and gave her dry clothes, hot food, and a place to sleep safely for the night. This is how the great deception starts. Recommended.
December 24, 2018
This story was told in a retrospective fashion, as a letter to her now great-grandchildren. Alison Lamont is the narrator and main character. Alison recounts the story of how she fell in love with a man she believed to be little more than an eccentric mechanic. She tells the story of her life at 18 years of age, in Edinburgh, Scotland. I was not surprised by the twists and turns this story took, as these kinds of stories tend to follow a pre-determined course.
Were the characters likable? Believable? Genuine and fully formed? For the greater part, yes. There were a few hollow moments, and they weren't surprising. But overall, the story flowed from point to point, and created a sense of familiarity while keeping pace with the eventual conclusion.
The author did do a very good job of portraying the time/setting of the story. I could fully envision both the mews of Edinburgh, the waterways, the smells and the sounds. I could imagine the strangeness of Mr. Kemp's creation, and the implication of our main character's assumptions regarding Mr. Kemp and the other persons who inhabit this world.
Were the characters likable? Believable? Genuine and fully formed? For the greater part, yes. There were a few hollow moments, and they weren't surprising. But overall, the story flowed from point to point, and created a sense of familiarity while keeping pace with the eventual conclusion.
The author did do a very good job of portraying the time/setting of the story. I could fully envision both the mews of Edinburgh, the waterways, the smells and the sounds. I could imagine the strangeness of Mr. Kemp's creation, and the implication of our main character's assumptions regarding Mr. Kemp and the other persons who inhabit this world.
March 23, 2018
I really love historical fiction/ historical romance. I don't know what about it makes me so content, but it does. This is my second book in a few months with handfasting and I love the idea of it.
So Allison is telling us this story from her past. She is a great grandmother now and this story takes place when she was 18. She has a ton of humor about herself as a young woman.
She tells the story of William Kemp very well. She keeps us in the dark as much as possible. I kept hoping for the ending I got, but the story was told in a way that I was never fully sure.
I decided that William Kemp was not who she thought he was when she got in a fight with her cousin. Allison admitted that she loved William Kemp, and her cousin said that she must think a lot of herself. That of course would make no sense if he was who she thought he was.
Still once everything was revealed, I'm still left wondering how he knew all those strange people. I wish the author would write another story about the adventures of William and Allison.
So Allison is telling us this story from her past. She is a great grandmother now and this story takes place when she was 18. She has a ton of humor about herself as a young woman.
She tells the story of William Kemp very well. She keeps us in the dark as much as possible. I kept hoping for the ending I got, but the story was told in a way that I was never fully sure.
I decided that William Kemp was not who she thought he was when she got in a fight with her cousin. Allison admitted that she loved William Kemp, and her cousin said that she must think a lot of herself. That of course would make no sense if he was who she thought he was.
Still once everything was revealed, I'm still left wondering how he knew all those strange people. I wish the author would write another story about the adventures of William and Allison.
December 18, 2023
I can't tell whether I liked this book or not. To me it was okay...
The writing style was quite simple and I found the layout of an elderly woman's retelling quite interesting. At times I was interested but there were other times where I was quite bored and so I began to skip some parts.
The characters were not very memorable nor as likable save Willie Kemp. I think this story needed something else to give it more feeling because it didn't really keep me engaged however that being said it was not so bad that it was unreadable.
I would leave this book here but I saw after I finished reading, the blurb for the next book called The Tweedie Passion and that actually seemed interesting so maybe I might like this authors works after all.
This is a nice quick read as I have found with a few of the books that I have reviewed this year, so it's ideal if you have an hour to spare, are commuting via bus or train or wanted to just check it out.
The writing style was quite simple and I found the layout of an elderly woman's retelling quite interesting. At times I was interested but there were other times where I was quite bored and so I began to skip some parts.
The characters were not very memorable nor as likable save Willie Kemp. I think this story needed something else to give it more feeling because it didn't really keep me engaged however that being said it was not so bad that it was unreadable.
I would leave this book here but I saw after I finished reading, the blurb for the next book called The Tweedie Passion and that actually seemed interesting so maybe I might like this authors works after all.
This is a nice quick read as I have found with a few of the books that I have reviewed this year, so it's ideal if you have an hour to spare, are commuting via bus or train or wanted to just check it out.
January 26, 2019
The story is told as Alison's character has left a journal chronicling her life. I would give it a 3.7, rather than a 4. But it was not a 3.
I admit I was often screaming at the book because Alison's character was too naive - her Aunt Elspeth is too "mean" in the beginning of the story to have a turn a heart later.
Willie Kemp's true identity should be easy to recognize. He is too authoritative.
The one thing the author threw at me that made no sense historically was that Alison was 18. She does not require permission to marry. Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act of 1753 affected England and Wales. The Act required consent to the marriage from the parents if a party to a marriage was not at least 21 years old. However, in Scotland it was possible for boys to get married at 14 years and girls at 12 years without parental consent. Alison only needed to be 21 to inherit.
I admit I was often screaming at the book because Alison's character was too naive - her Aunt Elspeth is too "mean" in the beginning of the story to have a turn a heart later.
Willie Kemp's true identity should be easy to recognize. He is too authoritative.
The one thing the author threw at me that made no sense historically was that Alison was 18. She does not require permission to marry. Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act of 1753 affected England and Wales. The Act required consent to the marriage from the parents if a party to a marriage was not at least 21 years old. However, in Scotland it was possible for boys to get married at 14 years and girls at 12 years without parental consent. Alison only needed to be 21 to inherit.
October 3, 2025
This is the first book in the Lowland Romance series by Helen Susan Swift. Set in 1811 Scotland, Alison Lamont is a spirited young woman who travels from the Highlands to Edinburgh in search of a husband. Alison meets Willie Kemp a boatbuilder after fleeing a riot in the Old Town. Alison’s aunt insists that she marry wealthy and obnoxious John Forres even though she is in love with Willie. Torn between duty and desire, Alison treks through the snowy Pentland Hills to resolve her dilemma. Mysterious footprints outside her cottage and hidden truths about Willie add suspense and intrigue to this romantic tale. This sweet story with a strong heroine, a touch of mystery is a great read. I really enjoyed this fantastic historical adventure romance novel.
October 13, 2025
This is the first book in the Lowland Romance series by Helen Susan Swift. Set in 1811 Scotland, Alison Lamont is a spirited young woman who travels from the Highlands to Edinburgh in search of a husband. Alison meets Willie Kemp a boatbuilder after fleeing a riot in the Old Town. Alison’s aunt insists that she marry wealthy and obnoxious John Forres even though she is in love with Willie. Torn between duty and desire, Alison treks through the snowy Pentland Hills to resolve her dilemma. Mysterious footprints outside her cottage and hidden truths about Willie add suspense and intrigue to this romantic tale. This sweet story with a strong heroine, a touch of mystery is a great read. I really enjoyed this fantastic historical adventure romance novel.
September 19, 2018
Different writing style was intriguing
I found myself wondering why I was continuing to read this book because the writing style was very different but I am SO glad I kept reading. The story itself is delightful. I found myself chuckling at the conclusion but never certain quite what direction the story would head until the very end. I had my suspicions here and there, but the author did a great job of giving a little information without giving away anything. Brava!! And thank you so much for a good clean story with hints of a racy nature or language unbecoming a lady--I did love the way some of that was handled.
I found myself wondering why I was continuing to read this book because the writing style was very different but I am SO glad I kept reading. The story itself is delightful. I found myself chuckling at the conclusion but never certain quite what direction the story would head until the very end. I had my suspicions here and there, but the author did a great job of giving a little information without giving away anything. Brava!! And thank you so much for a good clean story with hints of a racy nature or language unbecoming a lady--I did love the way some of that was handled.
January 24, 2019
Written as a journal entry to her grandchildren
Alison Lamont is visiting Edinburgh from the highlands where she was raised. Alison’s aunt believes she and her daughter are better status wise than Alison. The Oisin embarrassesAlison at her first foray into society. Alison is removed from the ball, and then loses her way home. She is down by the docks and finds Willie Kent’s shack. He invites her to stay the night. Willie Kent is not forthcoming about himself...she thinks he is a lowly mechanic. Meanwhile, another man wants her hand in marriage. Alison asks Willie Kent to save her from a marriage to a dandy.
Alison Lamont is visiting Edinburgh from the highlands where she was raised. Alison’s aunt believes she and her daughter are better status wise than Alison. The Oisin embarrassesAlison at her first foray into society. Alison is removed from the ball, and then loses her way home. She is down by the docks and finds Willie Kent’s shack. He invites her to stay the night. Willie Kent is not forthcoming about himself...she thinks he is a lowly mechanic. Meanwhile, another man wants her hand in marriage. Alison asks Willie Kent to save her from a marriage to a dandy.
September 22, 2019
A Wonderful Message to Women
This book grabs your attention from the prolog! By the time I finished reading it, I felt like Alison and I were dear friends. Ms. Swift is a clever writer. She knows how to keep her audience. At first I thought the book was slow, but she was laying the ground work for her story. And what was slow, quickly turned to demanding my attention. I read it in an afternoon. Lots of smart advice and great messages for women that apply now as well as in 1812! This is also a nice clean book with lots of humor. Great read! Now I HAVE to get back to my sewing.
This book grabs your attention from the prolog! By the time I finished reading it, I felt like Alison and I were dear friends. Ms. Swift is a clever writer. She knows how to keep her audience. At first I thought the book was slow, but she was laying the ground work for her story. And what was slow, quickly turned to demanding my attention. I read it in an afternoon. Lots of smart advice and great messages for women that apply now as well as in 1812! This is also a nice clean book with lots of humor. Great read! Now I HAVE to get back to my sewing.
January 21, 2024
I started this book in mid-December, read a bit over the weekend and come Monday at work I couldn't face it (I always read on my lunch break) so I started another book instead. After that I read another one.
I couldn't bring myself to pick it up again for a couple of weeks, it was that bad. I skimmed most of it just to see what the point of it all was and where the heck the author was going with it. The only reason I forced myself to finish it was due to curiosity about a comment in another review.
I shouldn't have bothered. The boring writing style, pointless story and uninteresting characters made for a complete waste of time.
I couldn't bring myself to pick it up again for a couple of weeks, it was that bad. I skimmed most of it just to see what the point of it all was and where the heck the author was going with it. The only reason I forced myself to finish it was due to curiosity about a comment in another review.
I shouldn't have bothered. The boring writing style, pointless story and uninteresting characters made for a complete waste of time.
March 28, 2025
This book grew on me. Although it was somewhat slow and I wasn't sure I wanted to continue, as I read on I grew to like it more and more. The author's style surprised me - written as a first person memoir to her posterity of how she met her husband. Having the character's quips and understandings stated honestly and surprisingly open, really added to the charm of the book. It takes place in old Edinburgh, which is a place I have visited and LOVED, so that alone is what kept me reading. I could just picture every place the author described and I loved being immersed back into Old Town. This is a gentle romance. It's sweet without being vulgar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2018
A romance
In 1812 Scotland life was difficult but classes usually stayed to themselves. One thing Scotland did offer was the custom of handfasting where a woman and a man could commit themselves to one another for the period of a year and a day. At the end, the couple could choose to be formally married or end the relationship. Allison, a member of the gentry, falls for Willie Kemp, a mechanic. This is their story. Details about Scotland and its countryside abound. At first, I was not sure I was going to like this nove but found myself wanting much more at the end
In 1812 Scotland life was difficult but classes usually stayed to themselves. One thing Scotland did offer was the custom of handfasting where a woman and a man could commit themselves to one another for the period of a year and a day. At the end, the couple could choose to be formally married or end the relationship. Allison, a member of the gentry, falls for Willie Kemp, a mechanic. This is their story. Details about Scotland and its countryside abound. At first, I was not sure I was going to like this nove but found myself wanting much more at the end
January 22, 2019
Every now and again, does one come across a book that captures your attention and imagination in a way that makes you wonder where the author is going. This is such a book and if I could award another star, I would.
I certainly suspected there was far more to the ever elusive Mr Kemp, although I had to wandered at the naivety and quite frankly sanity of Miss Lamont, nevertheless it was a beautiful retrospective tale of how the two fell in love. A truly delightful read and very much looking forward to more from this author.
I certainly suspected there was far more to the ever elusive Mr Kemp, although I had to wandered at the naivety and quite frankly sanity of Miss Lamont, nevertheless it was a beautiful retrospective tale of how the two fell in love. A truly delightful read and very much looking forward to more from this author.
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