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Highland Holiday #2 (Dunroamin Holiday)
Must Love Highlanders
Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrowes
Art history professor Liam Cromarty agrees to show American attorney Louise Cameron around the Scottish sights as a favor to a cousin. He doesn't expect that his guest will challenge and charm him, until all he can see is the possibility of a shared future with Louise.
She's at a professional crossroad, between the courtroom and the creative career she was robbed of as a younger woman. Liam is the perfect partner for exploring the wonders of Scotland, and he also inspires Louise to renew her artistic ambitions. When Liam realizes his actions were responsible for cheating Louise out of her dream years ago, he knows that whether he keeps silent about the past or reveals the truth, he could lose Louise forever.
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin
Last summer in the Scottish village of Gandiegow, Hugh McGillivray caught Sophie Munro’s eye, but the dashing Laird behaved as if she didn’t exist. Now Sophie is set to spend a week at his home, Kilheath Castle, housesitting and learning the art of kiltmaking. She’s been assured the Laird is out of the country. When he shows up unexpectedly, embarrassment has Sophie wanting to flee back to her own village. She’s not sure how she’s going to unravel herself from this mess—being in his home, under what appear to be false pretenses.
Hugh allows Sophie to stay…for now. He’s impressed that, from the start, she’s become indispensable at his wool mill as the kiltmaker’s apprentice, and in his home, helping him to unconventionally heal from his sister’s death.
Will the Laird let Sophie leave without telling her how much she’s come to mean to him? Or will he take a risk and ask her to tie the knot when her time at Kilheath Castle is up?
Art history professor Liam Cromarty agrees to show American attorney Louise Cameron around the Scottish sights as a favor to a cousin. He doesn't expect that his guest will challenge and charm him, until all he can see is the possibility of a shared future with Louise.
She's at a professional crossroad, between the courtroom and the creative career she was robbed of as a younger woman. Liam is the perfect partner for exploring the wonders of Scotland, and he also inspires Louise to renew her artistic ambitions. When Liam realizes his actions were responsible for cheating Louise out of her dream years ago, he knows that whether he keeps silent about the past or reveals the truth, he could lose Louise forever.
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin
Last summer in the Scottish village of Gandiegow, Hugh McGillivray caught Sophie Munro’s eye, but the dashing Laird behaved as if she didn’t exist. Now Sophie is set to spend a week at his home, Kilheath Castle, housesitting and learning the art of kiltmaking. She’s been assured the Laird is out of the country. When he shows up unexpectedly, embarrassment has Sophie wanting to flee back to her own village. She’s not sure how she’s going to unravel herself from this mess—being in his home, under what appear to be false pretenses.
Hugh allows Sophie to stay…for now. He’s impressed that, from the start, she’s become indispensable at his wool mill as the kiltmaker’s apprentice, and in his home, helping him to unconventionally heal from his sister’s death.
Will the Laird let Sophie leave without telling her how much she’s come to mean to him? Or will he take a risk and ask her to tie the knot when her time at Kilheath Castle is up?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2015
22 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,915 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 27, 2015
I reviewed the two sequel stories to this one, in Must Love Scotland, pretty recently, and I have to admit I gushed over several aspects and placed it promptly on my keeper shelf.
Today I needed a non-demanding, excellently written and thoroughly distracting read, and for some reason was drawn to re-read Grace Burrowes' Dunroamin Holiday, which is paired in this book with Patience Griffin's The Laird and I, which I don't plan to review.
Dunroamin Holiday belongs with the Must Love Scotland stories, in terms of texture, layered, beautifully rendered writing, skillful and subtle use of understated body language to reveal character and plot, and, of course, Scotland, its light, its scenery, its people.
But this story demands a bit more from the reader. Rather than a light and diverting Bon-Bon, this is a more complex, poignant story, and you can't really sit back and smile knowing you're going to read your way straight through to a happily ever after...after taking a couple of interesting and occasionally funny side trips.
This time you have to pay attention, you have to feel for the brave, hopeful, but wounded protagonists and, if you're observant, to start biting your nails about whether the hero will be able to face almost certain humiliation and loss and still win his lady love.
And I'm not gonna tell you any more, because I want you to read it.
Today I needed a non-demanding, excellently written and thoroughly distracting read, and for some reason was drawn to re-read Grace Burrowes' Dunroamin Holiday, which is paired in this book with Patience Griffin's The Laird and I, which I don't plan to review.
Dunroamin Holiday belongs with the Must Love Scotland stories, in terms of texture, layered, beautifully rendered writing, skillful and subtle use of understated body language to reveal character and plot, and, of course, Scotland, its light, its scenery, its people.
But this story demands a bit more from the reader. Rather than a light and diverting Bon-Bon, this is a more complex, poignant story, and you can't really sit back and smile knowing you're going to read your way straight through to a happily ever after...after taking a couple of interesting and occasionally funny side trips.
This time you have to pay attention, you have to feel for the brave, hopeful, but wounded protagonists and, if you're observant, to start biting your nails about whether the hero will be able to face almost certain humiliation and loss and still win his lady love.
And I'm not gonna tell you any more, because I want you to read it.
February 14, 2015
You get two stories in this book and both are great. It is helpful but not necessary if you have read earlier works by these two authors, especially the Patience Griffin story. The first story Donroamin Holiday loosely connects to Grace Burrowes's prequel novella for her Scottish contemporary series. Liam Cromarty, a relative of Dunstan, is to drive Louise, a friend of Jane, around Scotland for her two week holiday. Liam is a widower and Louise is a spinster. Liam and Louise have suffered,perhaps unfairly, in their relationships. However they are in Scotland. The kilt, the tablet, the unusual light from the angle of the sun, the sheer beauty of Scotland conspire to create a wonderful two weeks. Both lives are changed in a unique way. Grace always ties up her stories in a grand way. In The Laird and I a knowledge of the small fishing village of Gandigow and its colorful characters is helpful but not necessary. Sophie, a young woman from Gandigow, is going to house sit at the Laird's castle for a week while the Laird is away. Sophie suffers from SAD, a seasonal affective disorder, which causes her depressions during the winter months. She has her special sun lamp and is constantly alert when symptoms appear. This is the first time she is away from her family a and she has a handful of emails on what to do while she is there. The Laird owns a woolen mill and she is to learn kiltmaking while she is there. The people of Gandigow hope she will bring this skill back to the village. Following the email instructions, Sophie makes friends with the Laird's large dogs and uses the master bedroom per email instructions. Sophie unpacks and she and the dogs snuggle into the Laird's massive bed. Late that night the Laird, Hugh, arrives home and gets into his bed naked. When the dogs wake in in the morning, imagine his surprise to find three lumps, not two. Hugh is livid! What prank is Sophie trying to pull. Hugh sent no emails. Sophie explains that she is to also learn kiltmaking from the master kiltmaker at Hugh's wool mills. Hugh also has his secret demons. He has guilt about how he treated Sophie several years ago when he was in Gandigow. Upon learning that Sophie was expected by his master kiltmaker, Hugh decides to allow her to stay and in truth, he is delighted to have her there. The two of them tolerate each other outwardly but inwardly their feelings are becoming very real. Finally, Sophie has had enough of his tolerant ways and calls a guy from Gandigow to come and get her. To see her leave with another man clauses Hugh to take action. This book is almost a bridge to Patience's next book in her Kilts and Quilts Series. Allow yourself to fall in. Love with her unique characters who live in Gandigow. This was Hugh and Sophie's story.
March 17, 2015
I received Must Love Highlanders from Goodreads First Reads for free in exchange for an honest review.
The book contains two stories; Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrowes and The Laird and I by Patience Griffin. The book itself is about 150 pages, so, both stories are short stories. Really, REALLY short stories.
I have got to think that the reason I just couldn't get behind this book is that is NOTHING in the way of character development. Perhaps that lies solely with the actual length of the book. I have read a couple of the Sweetest Kisses books by Grace Burrowes and I adored them. The author has the ability to capture her reader's attention, but, I simply didn't connect to this one.
There was no passion between Liam and Louise, the sex was there, but no passion or longing that makes for a good story. I, as a reader, enjoy the chase. These two met and married, the falling in love was implied, but, not explored. There was absolutely no chase.
I hate giving bad reviews. So writing this is hard for me because I am a fan. It is just not her best work.
With the Laird and I, I simply didn't finish the story. The cover promised contemporary romance, it felt historical and forced. Hugh and Sophie seemed just as confused as I was. It was somewhat painful to read because I didn't understand what the author was trying to write. I am fearful that she was unsure of this herself. It is the first thing I have read from Patience Griffin, and it looks to be my last.
1-star.... sadly, I would not recommend it.
The book contains two stories; Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrowes and The Laird and I by Patience Griffin. The book itself is about 150 pages, so, both stories are short stories. Really, REALLY short stories.
I have got to think that the reason I just couldn't get behind this book is that is NOTHING in the way of character development. Perhaps that lies solely with the actual length of the book. I have read a couple of the Sweetest Kisses books by Grace Burrowes and I adored them. The author has the ability to capture her reader's attention, but, I simply didn't connect to this one.
There was no passion between Liam and Louise, the sex was there, but no passion or longing that makes for a good story. I, as a reader, enjoy the chase. These two met and married, the falling in love was implied, but, not explored. There was absolutely no chase.
I hate giving bad reviews. So writing this is hard for me because I am a fan. It is just not her best work.
With the Laird and I, I simply didn't finish the story. The cover promised contemporary romance, it felt historical and forced. Hugh and Sophie seemed just as confused as I was. It was somewhat painful to read because I didn't understand what the author was trying to write. I am fearful that she was unsure of this herself. It is the first thing I have read from Patience Griffin, and it looks to be my last.
1-star.... sadly, I would not recommend it.
January 27, 2015
Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrowes: Louise Cameron is on holiday in Scotland away from her lawyering career back in the States, trying to get her life back on track. Liam Cromarty has agreed to show her the sights while she’s in Scotland to assist his cousin who owns the cottage where Louise is staying…and uncovers grief and guilt over his wife’s death that has been buried for years. As suspected, they fall in love and are able to untie all the knots in both of their lives. Ms. Burrowes' wry humor shines through this wonderful novella.
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin: Sophie Munro and Hugh McGillivray are victims, of a sort, from matchmaking family members. Sophie becomes an apprentice at Hugh’s wool mill, learning to make kilts to expand her Gandiegow quilting family’s retreat business..Hugh is a loner bachelor, still suffering from his sister’s and parents’ accidental deaths. The two help each other heal from their personal traumas and in the doing, fall in love. Ms. Griffin's plainspoken, no-nonsensical humor delighted this reader!
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin: Sophie Munro and Hugh McGillivray are victims, of a sort, from matchmaking family members. Sophie becomes an apprentice at Hugh’s wool mill, learning to make kilts to expand her Gandiegow quilting family’s retreat business..Hugh is a loner bachelor, still suffering from his sister’s and parents’ accidental deaths. The two help each other heal from their personal traumas and in the doing, fall in love. Ms. Griffin's plainspoken, no-nonsensical humor delighted this reader!
February 14, 2015
Love these kind of stories.
The first book was about a potter and the person who feels he has wronged her. Liam deals in art and Louise has come to Scotland to find her art. They find love and contentment. The second story is about a couple of people that life hasn't treated very well. Sophia and Hugh need alot of love and understanding. Sophia fulfills her task and Hugh lets go of the past . Then of course happiness occurs. Love the Dogs.
The first book was about a potter and the person who feels he has wronged her. Liam deals in art and Louise has come to Scotland to find her art. They find love and contentment. The second story is about a couple of people that life hasn't treated very well. Sophia and Hugh need alot of love and understanding. Sophia fulfills her task and Hugh lets go of the past . Then of course happiness occurs. Love the Dogs.
March 4, 2016
I enjoyed both these stories a great deal. Each in their own way. They are very loosely connected. I would have appreciated a bit more of each story, just wasn't ready to let go yet. I hope we get to see more of each couple in the rest of their respective series.
I wanna go to Scotland now.
Recommended
I wanna go to Scotland now.
Recommended
January 5, 2020
loved the short story.
January 26, 2015
5 Stars to Grace Burrowes. She's one of my favorite authors, but that's because even in her novellas she creates believable characters, plots, and it FEEL like a complete story. Of course I would have loved for it to be a full length novel, but it works quite nicely as a novella.
This novella falls in with her new contemporary series, but does not directly involve the characters of that series. Perfect for anyone not familiar with the series and perfect for those who are. Louise Cameron is going on a Scottish holiday. Life has thrown her some curve balls and Scotland is just what she needs. Liam Cromarty is a widower who has agreed to showed Louise around. They have some common interests which happen to include each other. Great story, worth revisiting someday.
3 Stars to Patience Griffin. This is the first and probably the last I'll read of this author. I had a very difficult time reading through this story because it felt like it couldn't decide if it was historical or contemporary. Sophie is 25, has never spent a night away from home due to her SAD (seasonal affective disorder), she's a virgin who has a fondness for thongs. She is going to house sit for her friend Amy's cousin Hugh. Only things aren't quite as they seem because Hugh hasn't gone anywhere. He decides to stay after he drags her to church and confirms with the kilt maker that she's also suppose to apprentice with him. An apprenticeship he arranged, only he didn't. Me thinks cousin Amy knows his password. It becomes more ridiculous after that.
Overall, I give the book 4 Stars.
This novella falls in with her new contemporary series, but does not directly involve the characters of that series. Perfect for anyone not familiar with the series and perfect for those who are. Louise Cameron is going on a Scottish holiday. Life has thrown her some curve balls and Scotland is just what she needs. Liam Cromarty is a widower who has agreed to showed Louise around. They have some common interests which happen to include each other. Great story, worth revisiting someday.
3 Stars to Patience Griffin. This is the first and probably the last I'll read of this author. I had a very difficult time reading through this story because it felt like it couldn't decide if it was historical or contemporary. Sophie is 25, has never spent a night away from home due to her SAD (seasonal affective disorder), she's a virgin who has a fondness for thongs. She is going to house sit for her friend Amy's cousin Hugh. Only things aren't quite as they seem because Hugh hasn't gone anywhere. He decides to stay after he drags her to church and confirms with the kilt maker that she's also suppose to apprentice with him. An apprenticeship he arranged, only he didn't. Me thinks cousin Amy knows his password. It becomes more ridiculous after that.
Overall, I give the book 4 Stars.
June 25, 2015
Two Winning Novellas
Grace Burrowes opens with a contemporary Scottish romance connected to her "Kiss" series. The heroine is a woman who was diverted from her heart's desire to be a creative artist, and went into law instead. Because she's re-evaluating her life, she travels to Scotland where she is able to find the joy of life that she had lost. Of course, that joy includes a very handsome, art loving Scotsman as this is a romance. I love the feeling of warmth and joy that comes through in the writing. The encounters are sensual and instead of focusing on the physical dynamics, the feelings and responses to the actions are explored. This is so much more interesting and hot than a flat out physical description. I highly recommend it.
The second novella by Patience Griffin is also quite good in a very different way. Both the Laird and our heroine, his houseguest, have sustained emotional damage. As they slowly come together a healing occurs. Also a maturing of the heroine, who is quite insecure and young, thankfully happens. Written in a mildly Scottish accent, which adds to the flavor, this links into Griffin's series about a Scottish quilting town called Gandiegow. A very good addition to the contemporary Scottish romance genre.
Grace Burrowes opens with a contemporary Scottish romance connected to her "Kiss" series. The heroine is a woman who was diverted from her heart's desire to be a creative artist, and went into law instead. Because she's re-evaluating her life, she travels to Scotland where she is able to find the joy of life that she had lost. Of course, that joy includes a very handsome, art loving Scotsman as this is a romance. I love the feeling of warmth and joy that comes through in the writing. The encounters are sensual and instead of focusing on the physical dynamics, the feelings and responses to the actions are explored. This is so much more interesting and hot than a flat out physical description. I highly recommend it.
The second novella by Patience Griffin is also quite good in a very different way. Both the Laird and our heroine, his houseguest, have sustained emotional damage. As they slowly come together a healing occurs. Also a maturing of the heroine, who is quite insecure and young, thankfully happens. Written in a mildly Scottish accent, which adds to the flavor, this links into Griffin's series about a Scottish quilting town called Gandiegow. A very good addition to the contemporary Scottish romance genre.
March 31, 2016
Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrows
I only picked this up because it was free - I generally dislike 'Scottish' novels and the obsession with kilts and the accent - probably because I know a fair number of Scots. Anyway, as I said it was free and the blurb suggested it might not be quite so full-on tartan as other books I have tried so I gave it a whirl.
I rather enjoyed Dunroamin Holiday. Louise (friend of Jane and Dunstan from the Sweetest Kisses series) has broken up with her boyfriend who left her for one of his students and she is feeling at a crossroads in her life. She was a talented potter until her burgeoning career was torpedoed by her tutor who stole her ideas and then had her work ridiculed as derivative by a passing critic. She turned to the law but it is not her passion.
Jane and Dunstan send her to Scotland for a holiday. Dunstan's cousin Liam acts as Louise's chauffeur and tour guide. He is a widower, burdened by guilt over his marriage and his wife's death.
Together Louise and Liam heal themselves and each other. There is a bit of angst but it isn't overdone and both Liam and Louise were genuinely nice characters - the sort of people you would want as friends
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin
I only picked this up because it was free - I generally dislike 'Scottish' novels and the obsession with kilts and the accent - probably because I know a fair number of Scots. Anyway, as I said it was free and the blurb suggested it might not be quite so full-on tartan as other books I have tried so I gave it a whirl.
I rather enjoyed Dunroamin Holiday. Louise (friend of Jane and Dunstan from the Sweetest Kisses series) has broken up with her boyfriend who left her for one of his students and she is feeling at a crossroads in her life. She was a talented potter until her burgeoning career was torpedoed by her tutor who stole her ideas and then had her work ridiculed as derivative by a passing critic. She turned to the law but it is not her passion.
Jane and Dunstan send her to Scotland for a holiday. Dunstan's cousin Liam acts as Louise's chauffeur and tour guide. He is a widower, burdened by guilt over his marriage and his wife's death.
Together Louise and Liam heal themselves and each other. There is a bit of angst but it isn't overdone and both Liam and Louise were genuinely nice characters - the sort of people you would want as friends
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin
February 22, 2015
This type of book is always hard to rate due to the multiple authors. I loved Grace Burrowes story, and would give that a 5. It was nice to see her historical writing come into play agsin with this contemporary novella. Felt like reading one of her historical romance novels rather than the somewhat shaky contemporary novels she's released lately.
The second story by Patience Griffin paled in comparison. Though could have possibly worked as a historical. I generally prefer my heroines to be headstrong and if softer, than at least not constantly questioning their self worth. Amy suffers from SAD, is a virgin (nothing wrong with this so far), and has never been away from home due to having SAD. She supposedly overhears her parents talking about how she's at the age where she'll be hard up to catch a man (and yes, this is a contemporary novella, not historical) and might as well give up. Needless to say, I spent most of this novella rolling my eyes. If I find another Patience Griffin book for free, I might be willing to give it a shot, but as it stands. I probably won't be picking up another book by her.
The second story by Patience Griffin paled in comparison. Though could have possibly worked as a historical. I generally prefer my heroines to be headstrong and if softer, than at least not constantly questioning their self worth. Amy suffers from SAD, is a virgin (nothing wrong with this so far), and has never been away from home due to having SAD. She supposedly overhears her parents talking about how she's at the age where she'll be hard up to catch a man (and yes, this is a contemporary novella, not historical) and might as well give up. Needless to say, I spent most of this novella rolling my eyes. If I find another Patience Griffin book for free, I might be willing to give it a shot, but as it stands. I probably won't be picking up another book by her.
July 3, 2015
I'm a long time fan of Grace Burrowes, and had been looking forward to these Scotland novellas.
In "Dunroamin Holiday" we meet Louise Cameron who's taking an overdue break from her law career and visiting Scotland. Pressured by his cousin, Liam Cromarty reluctantly agrees to play tour guide for Louise, and so is pleasantly surprised to find that she's smart, independent, and attractive. However, as their feelings for each other develop, Liam's horrified to discover that he's the reason that Louise has closed herself off from her creative drives, but he's determined that Louise reconnect with the brilliant artist that she is, even if it means he must leave her.
It's typical Burrowes, it's easy to feel and see all the colors and textures that surround Louise and Liam. It's fun to read along as they find themselves falling for each other -- it's sweet and gentle and just...nice.
It's too bad it's a novella -- both Louise and Liam could easily have inhabited a full-length book.
In "Dunroamin Holiday" we meet Louise Cameron who's taking an overdue break from her law career and visiting Scotland. Pressured by his cousin, Liam Cromarty reluctantly agrees to play tour guide for Louise, and so is pleasantly surprised to find that she's smart, independent, and attractive. However, as their feelings for each other develop, Liam's horrified to discover that he's the reason that Louise has closed herself off from her creative drives, but he's determined that Louise reconnect with the brilliant artist that she is, even if it means he must leave her.
It's typical Burrowes, it's easy to feel and see all the colors and textures that surround Louise and Liam. It's fun to read along as they find themselves falling for each other -- it's sweet and gentle and just...nice.
It's too bad it's a novella -- both Louise and Liam could easily have inhabited a full-length book.
March 14, 2015
I won this book from a Facebook party.
Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrowes - 3 stars
A quick romance happens in 2 weeks between an American lawyer and artist and a lovely Scottish man who helps run the cottage she stays at in Scotland. As with all Burrowes' characters, Louise and Liam have a lot of suffering in their past. Louise Cameron was involved with a perfectly horrid man who stole her lovely pottery technique and presented it as his own.
Liam Cromarty has a lot of grief and guilt over his wife’s death years ago. Laim and Louise come together and heal each other in this short story. The healing and falling in love seem rather rushed, but since it's a novella, there's not a lot of time provided for them to reach their HEA.
Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrowes - 3 stars
A quick romance happens in 2 weeks between an American lawyer and artist and a lovely Scottish man who helps run the cottage she stays at in Scotland. As with all Burrowes' characters, Louise and Liam have a lot of suffering in their past. Louise Cameron was involved with a perfectly horrid man who stole her lovely pottery technique and presented it as his own.
Liam Cromarty has a lot of grief and guilt over his wife’s death years ago. Laim and Louise come together and heal each other in this short story. The healing and falling in love seem rather rushed, but since it's a novella, there's not a lot of time provided for them to reach their HEA.
December 5, 2015
I picked up this book because I love Grace Burrowes' other stories. I normally shy away from contemporary stories (hey, I want to escape from this world when I read, so I favor fantasy and paranormal stories) but this one promised me Scotsmen in kilts. I knew I was going to enjoy Grace's tale, but I ended up loving both stories very much. The characters were fun, the premises fresh, and I could believe the chemistry between the main duo in each story.
August 5, 2015
Two great stories
When I read the descriptions of these two stories, I was pretty sure I would like the second one more than the first. However, that was not the case. Dunroamin Holiday was a great story. I loved the characters, and the way they looked at the world. It made me want to go visit Scotland, and that is something I have never really wanted to do after reading a book set there. Of course, the hero was absolutely swoon worthy!
The second story was also a good one. As a seamstress, I enjoyed the kilt making aspect of it. The relationship between the H/h seemed rushed to me. However, I liked how they both had issues, and helped each other overcome them.
Overall, great quick reads. Check them out!
When I read the descriptions of these two stories, I was pretty sure I would like the second one more than the first. However, that was not the case. Dunroamin Holiday was a great story. I loved the characters, and the way they looked at the world. It made me want to go visit Scotland, and that is something I have never really wanted to do after reading a book set there. Of course, the hero was absolutely swoon worthy!
The second story was also a good one. As a seamstress, I enjoyed the kilt making aspect of it. The relationship between the H/h seemed rushed to me. However, I liked how they both had issues, and helped each other overcome them.
Overall, great quick reads. Check them out!
March 30, 2015
As novellas go, Liam and Louise's story was light, and lovely and (since you get accelerated attraction to action) there was plenty to enjoy along the way. Although the chances of finding a holiday cottage that also has a pottery studio in seemed pretty slim to me. 'The Laird and I' was altogether less convincing. I wasn't at all sure about its blend of historical novel mechanisms (being caught in cottages in a snow storm) and sudden lurches into 1970s Mills and Boon plots. It was all a bit ... underwhelming.
May 8, 2015
The problem with novellas by different authors being published in the same book is how to rate the book when when author is very good and the other not even close. Burrowes deserved at least 4 stars. Liam and Louise's story was absorbing, humorous, insightful and passionate. The second novella made such a poor impression that I can't even remember the author's name. It was formulaic and superficial. Whoever decided to put these authors in the same book did both the writers and readers a disservice.
March 12, 2015
The first novella is actually quite alright. Fun main characters, a nice storyline and any secondary characters feel like they add to the story.
The second novella is a drag. It has an interesting concept, but the characters and the writing… it is boring. Why would the Scottish heroine in a book only with Scottish people, set in Scotland, refer to an old family friend as "the Scottish woman"?
The second novella is a drag. It has an interesting concept, but the characters and the writing… it is boring. Why would the Scottish heroine in a book only with Scottish people, set in Scotland, refer to an old family friend as "the Scottish woman"?
October 7, 2015
If ever I want to enjoy an escape topped with a touch of romance, this double novella would be a good place to start. I have enjoyed my occasional getaways with Patience Griffin more than I can say. It is like the perfect vacation, a far away land that I am familiar with, characters I'd like to get to know, some romance and just a good blend in general, knowing that some of the characters will return in future versions. This paperback was also a nice introduction to Grace Burrowes.
March 22, 2015
Kind of a 3.5 really. I purchased based on the story by Grace Burrowes, & really enjoy her new contemporary publications. I just can't get enough of her characters. The other story was okay, but I've never read the author before, and other than Scotland I'm not sure how they tied together. I did preorder the next one though...
June 28, 2015
I really enjoyed "Dunroaming Holiday" by Grace Burrowes. It's mostly because I had already enjoyed the first in the series the novella, Kiss and Tell so I was happy to meet old friends and I like Grace's writing. I would have given it 5 stars except I had to push to get through the second short story.
January 24, 2015
The first half of the book is wonderful and rates 5 stars. The second half is, in my opinion a two star book. I admit Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite authors. The characters in the second half of the book were not engaging.
July 30, 2015
Loved it - it was super quick I can't even remember when I read it...I started it one night and had it finished the next evening. Looking forward to both of Patience's new releases coming out this year
July 20, 2015
Scones, bottom-patting, and calling each other by first and last names. Oh, and taking oneself and everything else with deathly seriousness at all times.
Must be another Grace Burrowes book.
I liked the first ones (very much) but it is. The. Same. Thing. All. Over. Again.
Must be another Grace Burrowes book.
I liked the first ones (very much) but it is. The. Same. Thing. All. Over. Again.
September 10, 2015
Loved the first story by Grace Burrows - it was steamy, romantic and had emotional depth. Want to read more by this author. 4 Stars
In contrast, the second story was so sophmoric and poorly written, I abandoned by Chapter 3. 1-2 Stars
In contrast, the second story was so sophmoric and poorly written, I abandoned by Chapter 3. 1-2 Stars
June 1, 2022
sadly the second story was a bit of a slog. GB was amazing as always, but these other book was very weak.
March 21, 2015
Excellent and fun read. Can't wait for more. Liam & Louise are perfect. I'd love to have them as friends. Sophie and Hugh make you want to visit..often.
January 25, 2016
Two very sweet novellas, each about a grieving highlander and the emotionally damaged heroine that help each other heal through empathy and love. Loved both stories!
March 5, 2015
Dunroamin Holiday by Grace Burrowes:
2-1/2 to 3 stars
It is absolutely official. I do not care for Grace Burrowes' contemporaries.
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin: DNF
2-1/2 to 3 stars
It is absolutely official. I do not care for Grace Burrowes' contemporaries.
The Laird and I by Patience Griffin: DNF
June 30, 2015
Enjoyable summer/holiday read. Great for a stress break/book snack.
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