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Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts #10
Christmas in the Scot's Arms
London, 1815
Laird Liam MacLeod is not lacking for lasses who wish to marry him. As chief of one of the few remaining stable and wealthy clans in the Highlands, the scheming misses are more than plentiful; too plentiful, in fact, for a man who desires to marry for love. Given the opportunity to escape to London for the holidays, Liam takes it with a halfhearted expectation that perhaps English ladies will be different. But the calculating debutantes of the ton and their marriage-minded mamas leave him with little hope, until a chance encounter brings him face-to-face with a beautiful, witty lady who knows nothing about him.
Miss Cecelia Cartwright has an unfairly tattered reputation and the distasteful yet pressing need for a marriage of convenience. She'd frankly rather eat dirt, but when one's family is on the verge of poverty, pride must fall by the wayside. But the day a handsome, honorable Scot comes to her aid, he awakens longings in Cecelia that she knows she cannot pursue.
Torn between her heart and her duty, Cecelia finds herself dancing at the very edge of impropriety that once before destroyed her good name. When her old suitor returns, she must choose between the laird she loves and the duke who could save her family. Just when she thinks she knows what she ought to do, Liam reveals a secret that may well prove charming Scots are the most dangerous rogues of them all.
Laird Liam MacLeod is not lacking for lasses who wish to marry him. As chief of one of the few remaining stable and wealthy clans in the Highlands, the scheming misses are more than plentiful; too plentiful, in fact, for a man who desires to marry for love. Given the opportunity to escape to London for the holidays, Liam takes it with a halfhearted expectation that perhaps English ladies will be different. But the calculating debutantes of the ton and their marriage-minded mamas leave him with little hope, until a chance encounter brings him face-to-face with a beautiful, witty lady who knows nothing about him.
Miss Cecelia Cartwright has an unfairly tattered reputation and the distasteful yet pressing need for a marriage of convenience. She'd frankly rather eat dirt, but when one's family is on the verge of poverty, pride must fall by the wayside. But the day a handsome, honorable Scot comes to her aid, he awakens longings in Cecelia that she knows she cannot pursue.
Torn between her heart and her duty, Cecelia finds herself dancing at the very edge of impropriety that once before destroyed her good name. When her old suitor returns, she must choose between the laird she loves and the duke who could save her family. Just when she thinks she knows what she ought to do, Liam reveals a secret that may well prove charming Scots are the most dangerous rogues of them all.
174 pages, ebook
First published November 28, 2016
826 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnstone
96 books762 followersJulie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 27, 2016
'Christmas in the Scot's Arms' by Julie Johnstone is book three in the "Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts" series. This is the story of Miss Cecelia Cartwright and Laird Liam MacLeod. This is actually my first book by Ms. Johnstone so for me this was a standalone book. In addition this book is about 120 pages...so a easy and sweet read!
Cecelia is having to deal with the lost of her father and him loosing their money too. Cecelia's mother is trying to keep up appearances but with not money they have been letting go of the help and Cecelia has been picking doing the jobs instead. But her mom still wants Cecelia to find a husband so she doesn't want her taking outside employment. Sadly Cecelia was done wrong by her former fiancée...which lead to the town thinking badly of her.
Liam has come to London to escape the ladies back home who have been trying to get him into a marriage. Liam thought in addition to escaping that he might find that the London ladies were different but no such luck. But he happens by a chance meeting with Cecelia that gets him to thinking maybe the ladies aren't all the same. Cecelia is under the impression that Liam is poor and that of course won't help her but she can't help the feelings she is having for him!
This was such a joy to read...loved it!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Cecelia is having to deal with the lost of her father and him loosing their money too. Cecelia's mother is trying to keep up appearances but with not money they have been letting go of the help and Cecelia has been picking doing the jobs instead. But her mom still wants Cecelia to find a husband so she doesn't want her taking outside employment. Sadly Cecelia was done wrong by her former fiancée...which lead to the town thinking badly of her.
Liam has come to London to escape the ladies back home who have been trying to get him into a marriage. Liam thought in addition to escaping that he might find that the London ladies were different but no such luck. But he happens by a chance meeting with Cecelia that gets him to thinking maybe the ladies aren't all the same. Cecelia is under the impression that Liam is poor and that of course won't help her but she can't help the feelings she is having for him!
This was such a joy to read...loved it!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/
http://romancebookreviewforyoublog.tu...
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
November 10, 2017
Man...this novella was heading towards a really high rating. And then the last chapter and epilogue happened....and my enjoyment deflated.
I really liked most of Liam and Cecilia's story. It was sweet and tender and real...with no drama. They both slowly fell in love with the help of a kind sister, a quirky widow, and a devoted fiance. It had all the elements of a perfect story...and then the last chapter came and the heroine freaked out, the hero was overly dramatic, and the epilogue, while intended to be sweet, was too cliche to be satisfying.
For those who want to know spoilers so you can see if you'd still like to try this, here they are:
Now, despite the disappointing ending, I will be reading more by this author because I see potential there. She created excellent sizzle between the characters and the author didn't cram in an unnecessary sex scene--YAY! She creates very real characters and for the most part, has excellent pacing. If not for the last chapter, I'd have been all over this story as a perfect Christmas read.
For those unsure of Johnstone, this story is currently free. It gave me a good taste of her writing style and I will be reading more of her work as a result.
I really liked most of Liam and Cecilia's story. It was sweet and tender and real...with no drama. They both slowly fell in love with the help of a kind sister, a quirky widow, and a devoted fiance. It had all the elements of a perfect story...and then the last chapter came and the heroine freaked out, the hero was overly dramatic, and the epilogue, while intended to be sweet, was too cliche to be satisfying.
For those who want to know spoilers so you can see if you'd still like to try this, here they are:
Now, despite the disappointing ending, I will be reading more by this author because I see potential there. She created excellent sizzle between the characters and the author didn't cram in an unnecessary sex scene--YAY! She creates very real characters and for the most part, has excellent pacing. If not for the last chapter, I'd have been all over this story as a perfect Christmas read.
For those unsure of Johnstone, this story is currently free. It gave me a good taste of her writing style and I will be reading more of her work as a result.
July 11, 2021
Very quick story
This story ended at the 67% Mark in the book at 61% I was irritated with the heroine for being mad at him because he was rich and Bryant told her that up front. Seriously if I found out he was rich and he loved me I would have felt like it was Christmas, my birthday and my wedding day all in one! I would be ecstatic! She was, how can I say this nicely, an idiot!! But then he fought a duel and beat someone up to defend her honor and she was finally convinced he was the man for her!
This story ended at the 67% Mark in the book at 61% I was irritated with the heroine for being mad at him because he was rich and Bryant told her that up front. Seriously if I found out he was rich and he loved me I would have felt like it was Christmas, my birthday and my wedding day all in one! I would be ecstatic! She was, how can I say this nicely, an idiot!! But then he fought a duel and beat someone up to defend her honor and she was finally convinced he was the man for her!
February 14, 2017
Very sweet novella. I wasn't sure how it was supposed to fit into the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series since in was in a different time frame and I didn't recognize any of the main character names. Turns our it is the great (maybe it is great, great) grandson of Iian and Marion MacLeod from the first book in the series. Actually, I am glad it isn't any of the characters from the original time frame because I think all of those need full length books!
You'll love our hero, Laird Liam MacLeod. He's a strong, honorable man who doesn't care for all of the empty-headed girls on the marriage mart and wants to marry for love as is the tradition in his family. The minute he rescues Miss Cecelia Cartwright there is an attraction.
Cecilia and her mother are impoverished - to the point of dismissing all of the servants and Cecilia doing their work. The next step is Cecilia taking seamstress work. Through no fault of her own, she has a tarnished reputation in the ton -- but must try to marry for money. However, when she meets Liam, she thinks he is impoverished as well.
You'll love this sweet journey into love and happily ever after.
You'll love our hero, Laird Liam MacLeod. He's a strong, honorable man who doesn't care for all of the empty-headed girls on the marriage mart and wants to marry for love as is the tradition in his family. The minute he rescues Miss Cecelia Cartwright there is an attraction.
Cecilia and her mother are impoverished - to the point of dismissing all of the servants and Cecilia doing their work. The next step is Cecilia taking seamstress work. Through no fault of her own, she has a tarnished reputation in the ton -- but must try to marry for money. However, when she meets Liam, she thinks he is impoverished as well.
You'll love this sweet journey into love and happily ever after.
November 29, 2016
3.5 I've received this book in exchange for an honest review
Portuguese version: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2016/...
Christmas in the Scot's Arms gives us exactly what it promises. It starts quickly (with a hundred and few pages you can’t expect it to have a long courtship), with a lot of tenderness and loving scenes.
Cecelia lives in a complicated situation, where she must think not just about herself, but also about her mother, and how to keep them away from poverty. Because her mother has already been in that sort of situation, she pressures Cecelia into marrying well, which means to marry someone rich. She connects this wealth with her happiness, as well as her daughter’s, even though those two are not the same, and therefore not true.
Cecelia randomly meets the Scottish lord (laird if you want) Liam MacLeod and their connection is instantaneous. To help this, his sister is also present and becomes an interesting character that helps them get together.
Their connection is nice and I liked seeing how Cecelia fights to keep herself faithful to her principles and how she ends up understanding Liam’s reasons for acting the way he does at the end of the book.
My favourite part was the stroll and the ice skating. It was so well described that I could visualize the scene entirely and I love episodes in the snow.
In conclusion, a nice, short book, that provides us with a pleasant reading.
Portuguese version: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2016/...
Christmas in the Scot's Arms gives us exactly what it promises. It starts quickly (with a hundred and few pages you can’t expect it to have a long courtship), with a lot of tenderness and loving scenes.
Cecelia lives in a complicated situation, where she must think not just about herself, but also about her mother, and how to keep them away from poverty. Because her mother has already been in that sort of situation, she pressures Cecelia into marrying well, which means to marry someone rich. She connects this wealth with her happiness, as well as her daughter’s, even though those two are not the same, and therefore not true.
Cecelia randomly meets the Scottish lord (laird if you want) Liam MacLeod and their connection is instantaneous. To help this, his sister is also present and becomes an interesting character that helps them get together.
Their connection is nice and I liked seeing how Cecelia fights to keep herself faithful to her principles and how she ends up understanding Liam’s reasons for acting the way he does at the end of the book.
My favourite part was the stroll and the ice skating. It was so well described that I could visualize the scene entirely and I love episodes in the snow.
In conclusion, a nice, short book, that provides us with a pleasant reading.
August 10, 2021
Christmas In The Scot's Arms is a fabulous holiday historical romance by Julie Johnstone. Ms. Johnstone has provided readers with a well-written book populated with spectacular characters. Cecelia, cut by society, supports her mother by doing the cooking, cleaning, etc. so the only paid servant left is the butler. While she suffers through her banishment from society, the two men responsible go on their merry way. Liam and his sister came to Cecelia's aid when she fell on a patch of ice. Liam and Cecelia's story is a fairly short read, perfect for those with limited reading time. It's packed with drama, humor, spice, action and a touch of suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Julie Johnstone. Christmas In The Scot's Arms is book 3 of the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 12, 2016
The talented Julie Johnstone takes her Medieval series (Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts) and brings it forward to the year 1815.
Liam MacLeod, descendant of Iain and Marion MacLeod, is now Laird and visiting London to meet with his sister’s intended when he comes to the rescue of Miss Cecelia Cartwright.
Miss Cecelia Cartwright has the misfortune of ruined reputation, a father who put the family in financial ruin and a mother who demands Cecelia must marry for money. Which makes her encounter with the impoverished Laird Liam MacLeod hard to bear as she is fascinated by the Scotsman.
Ms. Johnstone does a remarkable job giving us a glimpse into the future for descendants from her amazing Highlander Vows series!
Liam MacLeod, descendant of Iain and Marion MacLeod, is now Laird and visiting London to meet with his sister’s intended when he comes to the rescue of Miss Cecelia Cartwright.
Miss Cecelia Cartwright has the misfortune of ruined reputation, a father who put the family in financial ruin and a mother who demands Cecelia must marry for money. Which makes her encounter with the impoverished Laird Liam MacLeod hard to bear as she is fascinated by the Scotsman.
Ms. Johnstone does a remarkable job giving us a glimpse into the future for descendants from her amazing Highlander Vows series!
June 9, 2017
Miss Cecila Cartwright fell out of the good graces of the ton, and her mother wants nothing more than for her to earn her way back in and marry well. Cecilia, however, struggles with wanting to please her mother and help their finances, after meeting handsome and rugged Laird Liam MacLeod. Liam, visiting London from his homeland of Scotland, is happy to be free of the lasses back home who watch his every move and try to make him their husband. Cecilia, knowing nothing about Liam or his wealth, finds herself falling for Liam. He, in turn, is enticed by her beauty and finds it refreshing that she doesn't want him for his wealth. But will love be enough to bring this couple together? Or will the fact that Liam hides his wealth and Cecilia's need for a financially stable marriage keep them apart?
This is book three in the Highlander Vows series by Julie Johnstone. It was a delightful Christmas story, with the most romantic and tantalizing scene under the Christmastide kissing ball! While I suggest reading the first two books as well, you can pick this one up to get you into the Christmas spirit!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book three in the Highlander Vows series by Julie Johnstone. It was a delightful Christmas story, with the most romantic and tantalizing scene under the Christmastide kissing ball! While I suggest reading the first two books as well, you can pick this one up to get you into the Christmas spirit!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2016
Cecelia Cartwright must marry a man of wealth of save her family from poverty. Laird Liam MacLeod wants someone to want and love him for who his is and not for his wealth, and so he hides his financial status from the lovely Cecelia. Cecelia was shunned by the ton and fell out of their graces, because they believed that she cheated on her betrothed. When she slips and falls on the ice Liam comes to her aide, and there is an attraction between them that cannot be denied.
Will Cecelia be able to form an attachment with someone that she believes to be in bad financial straits? Not if her mother has anything to say about the matter. When an previous wealthy suitor beckons to her again will she go to him? Read this charming and totally enthralling story to find out what happens. It has a wonderful blend of humor, emotion, romance and drama that will draw you in and keep you there right up until the end. Very well-written story, very likable characters! Another great installment from a very talented author.
Will Cecelia be able to form an attachment with someone that she believes to be in bad financial straits? Not if her mother has anything to say about the matter. When an previous wealthy suitor beckons to her again will she go to him? Read this charming and totally enthralling story to find out what happens. It has a wonderful blend of humor, emotion, romance and drama that will draw you in and keep you there right up until the end. Very well-written story, very likable characters! Another great installment from a very talented author.
December 3, 2016
Christmas in the Scot's Arms by Julie Johnstone is a wonderful addition to her most surprising Book 3 in her "Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts" series, but can easily be read as a stand alone.
This is the story of Laird Liam MacLeod and Miss Cecelia Cartwright. Set in 1815 London. A quick read, only approximately 120 pages, but packed full of deliciousness from the first page to the last.
I enjoyed Cecilia and Liam, as they grow and their love blossoms into a loving relationship. But will their secrets keep them apart or will they find their HEA?
Fast paced, well written with well-developed and captivating characters. The storyline was utterly charming.
Ms. Johnstone is one of my favorite authors. She draws readers into her stories and holds them enticed and entertained. I would highly recommend reading this fabulous Scottish Romance.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
This is the story of Laird Liam MacLeod and Miss Cecelia Cartwright. Set in 1815 London. A quick read, only approximately 120 pages, but packed full of deliciousness from the first page to the last.
I enjoyed Cecilia and Liam, as they grow and their love blossoms into a loving relationship. But will their secrets keep them apart or will they find their HEA?
Fast paced, well written with well-developed and captivating characters. The storyline was utterly charming.
Ms. Johnstone is one of my favorite authors. She draws readers into her stories and holds them enticed and entertained. I would highly recommend reading this fabulous Scottish Romance.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
December 4, 2016
A wonderful story! Julie has a gift for putting you right in the book. Her words flow beautifully across the pages, her characters come to life. Miss Cecelia has unfairly been shunned by the ton, but Laird Liam is a scot and they see things differently. These two characters are honorable, loyal to family, friends, and love with their soul. Julie Johnstone is one of a few authors who I'll buy a book by the authors name alone, without reading the book blurb. If you haven't read her books before please read this one, you'll thank me when you finish! I recommend all her books.
November 30, 2016
What could be better
Than a Scot to rescue a lady from a lie that ruined her reputation? What could be better than a Scot to rescue a lady from poverty? No one answers those questions better than Julie Johnston. I loved this book so much that I've got to get the first two books in this series. Although the books are stand alone I can't wait to find out how they tie together!
Than a Scot to rescue a lady from a lie that ruined her reputation? What could be better than a Scot to rescue a lady from poverty? No one answers those questions better than Julie Johnston. I loved this book so much that I've got to get the first two books in this series. Although the books are stand alone I can't wait to find out how they tie together!
December 21, 2016
I would read anything by Julie Johnstone, so when this Christmas novella became available I jumped on it. It was a fun and entertaining story. While I felt the strong chemistry between Liam and Cecelia, I was a little disappointed that the heat level stayed pretty tame. Other than that, it was a captivating tale of a Highland Laird and an English miss.
December 2, 2016
I loved everything about this book and didn't want the story to end!
This amazing story will keep you spellbound and wanting more.
Her books never fail to pull me in and make me want to be a character in the story.
Happy reading!
This amazing story will keep you spellbound and wanting more.
Her books never fail to pull me in and make me want to be a character in the story.
Happy reading!
December 8, 2016
Sweet Christmas love story. Two people who disregard society's conventional norms and find truth and honesty refreshing. Can they find love amidst the scheming people of the ton? Short, easy, read.
December 9, 2016
Delightful holiday romance
Well written and poignant in parts, this page turner will keep you captivated. The characters and their motivations are believable and you get a invested in the story very quickly.
Well written and poignant in parts, this page turner will keep you captivated. The characters and their motivations are believable and you get a invested in the story very quickly.
December 1, 2016
Good read
Light fast moving. action. This book will give you a long enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it to any reader..
Light fast moving. action. This book will give you a long enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it to any reader..
December 3, 2016
Loved it! A lovely HEA story that had my eyes glued to the book - so engrossing.
A kisses only Christmas tale.
5*****
A kisses only Christmas tale.
5*****
December 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. This is a new-to-me author, but I plan to look for more of her books. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. It was an entertaining, fun read.
December 21, 2016
Verra beautiful
I love the story. It was simple and verra beautiful. I finished the entire book in less than 24 hours, it was so easy to read.
I love the story. It was simple and verra beautiful. I finished the entire book in less than 24 hours, it was so easy to read.
December 23, 2016
Sweet Romance
A lovely and heartwarming story. Truly engrossing. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. Good read.
A lovely and heartwarming story. Truly engrossing. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. Good read.
December 23, 2016
A lovely book for the holiday season.
December 27, 2016
Beautiful story
This is beautifully written. I haven't found many Christmas romance stories that I truly enjoyed. This is by far one of my favorites.
This is beautifully written. I haven't found many Christmas romance stories that I truly enjoyed. This is by far one of my favorites.
May 7, 2023
This is more of a novella than a full-length novel, so it doesn’t have time to build up a lot of tension or conflict. The main premise is that Cecelia was tricked into a situation that shamed her, and now the ton shuns her. Her mother wants nothing more than for Cecelia to be accepted back into society so she can make a good match with a wealthy gentleman. But Cecelia knows that is unlikely and doesn’t particularly care for society anyway.
Enter Liam. He is the Scottish Laird McLeod of 1815 (part of a series) and he is immediately enamored by Cecelia before he knows anything about her. He is thrilled that she knows nothing of his wealth because he has always been pursued by debutantes interested in his power and wealth. He wants to discover if Cecelia can love him for who he is. As he discovers who she is, he becomes more and more impressed by her fortitude and independence. She falls in love with him because he doesn’t judge her, he listens to her, and she feels confident he can protect her. Unfortunately, her mother will not allow her to marry someone of limited means.
The theme of the story is lies and deception, and how keeping secrets can cause greater harm than revealing them. Unless you’re a part of the ton, in which case, everything is based on lies and deception. Those who are honest are weeded out and discarded, much like Cecelia. Liam loves her honesty, but he deceives her about who he is because he wants to be sure she likes him for himself and not his status. If you think she’ll be thrilled when she finds out, you don’t know Cecelia very well because she values honesty above most everything else.
Naturally, and unsurprisingly, the book has a happy ending, even if the road there is not expected. At the end of the book, there’s an excerpt from another book in the series, When a Highlander Loses His Heart, that was so compelling, it’s going on my TBR list. I’m really enjoying this series about the MacLeods.
Enter Liam. He is the Scottish Laird McLeod of 1815 (part of a series) and he is immediately enamored by Cecelia before he knows anything about her. He is thrilled that she knows nothing of his wealth because he has always been pursued by debutantes interested in his power and wealth. He wants to discover if Cecelia can love him for who he is. As he discovers who she is, he becomes more and more impressed by her fortitude and independence. She falls in love with him because he doesn’t judge her, he listens to her, and she feels confident he can protect her. Unfortunately, her mother will not allow her to marry someone of limited means.
The theme of the story is lies and deception, and how keeping secrets can cause greater harm than revealing them. Unless you’re a part of the ton, in which case, everything is based on lies and deception. Those who are honest are weeded out and discarded, much like Cecelia. Liam loves her honesty, but he deceives her about who he is because he wants to be sure she likes him for himself and not his status. If you think she’ll be thrilled when she finds out, you don’t know Cecelia very well because she values honesty above most everything else.
Naturally, and unsurprisingly, the book has a happy ending, even if the road there is not expected. At the end of the book, there’s an excerpt from another book in the series, When a Highlander Loses His Heart, that was so compelling, it’s going on my TBR list. I’m really enjoying this series about the MacLeods.
July 16, 2025
It was a nice, story, on the shorter side. Overall it was pretty good but there were a few things that didn't make it great for me.
1. Some of the Christmas elements felt thrown in and out of place (like the game where they have to grab a raisin out of a flaming bowl - they're talking and then suddenly they're doing this game). There were a few other awkward scene transitions.
2. The drama when Cecelia finds out that Liam has been holding back. She should be upset but it felt a little too much and his response is to beat up all the guys who wronged her as well as the other opponent for her affection.
3. The other guy - the Duke of Blackmore. I felt he kind of came in a little late in the story. And some of his actions seemed too contrived. If there had been a few more scenes with him, I might have bought his attentions.
4. Aldridge never believed the story and neither did his father. But they did NOTHING until late in the story. It just felt wrong to me, especially with Aldridge. He's known her all his life but doesn't do anything to try and help before his fiancee asks?
I did like how Liam at least went after the two guys who ruined her reputation. That was nice. Overall it's a well-written story and I would read other items by this author. I liked Blackmore's character and would love to read his story.
1. Some of the Christmas elements felt thrown in and out of place (like the game where they have to grab a raisin out of a flaming bowl - they're talking and then suddenly they're doing this game). There were a few other awkward scene transitions.
2. The drama when Cecelia finds out that Liam has been holding back. She should be upset but it felt a little too much and his response is to beat up all the guys who wronged her as well as the other opponent for her affection.
3. The other guy - the Duke of Blackmore. I felt he kind of came in a little late in the story. And some of his actions seemed too contrived. If there had been a few more scenes with him, I might have bought his attentions.
4. Aldridge never believed the story and neither did his father. But they did NOTHING until late in the story. It just felt wrong to me, especially with Aldridge. He's known her all his life but doesn't do anything to try and help before his fiancee asks?
I did like how Liam at least went after the two guys who ruined her reputation. That was nice. Overall it's a well-written story and I would read other items by this author. I liked Blackmore's character and would love to read his story.
November 20, 2018
Cecilia has a ruined reputation with the ton. Her father gambled away most of his money. Now Cecilia lives with her mother in genteel poverty. Cecilia has learned to be their cook, she manages the bookkeeping and she has even taken over the duties of a maid.
But, she is still a positive thinker. She is fairly sure she could get work, which would keep them from starving.
On one icy day, while leaving the house she slips on a patch of ice and falls at the feet of a tall and handsome man with a Scottish accent and a wonderful smile. Liam with his sister, Aila, want to make Cecilia a friend. They know very few people in London and would like to invite her to the engagement ball for Aila and her future husband, the son of a duke.
This is a story of attraction for all the right reasons. Both Cecelia and Liam want to marry only after finding love. Both of them are willing to be completely honest with one another. Most of all, both of them feel a strong sense of meeting someone special.
I enjoyed this quick read. I liked the characters – Cecelia and Liam are warm and charming people who are perfect for one another.
If you are looking for a short Christmas story with the inevitable happy ending, this is the story for you.
But, she is still a positive thinker. She is fairly sure she could get work, which would keep them from starving.
On one icy day, while leaving the house she slips on a patch of ice and falls at the feet of a tall and handsome man with a Scottish accent and a wonderful smile. Liam with his sister, Aila, want to make Cecilia a friend. They know very few people in London and would like to invite her to the engagement ball for Aila and her future husband, the son of a duke.
This is a story of attraction for all the right reasons. Both Cecelia and Liam want to marry only after finding love. Both of them are willing to be completely honest with one another. Most of all, both of them feel a strong sense of meeting someone special.
I enjoyed this quick read. I liked the characters – Cecelia and Liam are warm and charming people who are perfect for one another.
If you are looking for a short Christmas story with the inevitable happy ending, this is the story for you.
October 27, 2017
he third installment in her Highlander Vows series, Christmas in a Scots Arms takes us out of the Highlands and to London's strict stuffy ton. Where Cecelia Cartwright has been shunned due to her father's gambling and a fiancé who broke their engagement through shaming her in the tons eyes and making him look the victim. Cecelia is a strong woman not letting her circumstances crush her sprit. Even though she faces poverty she finds ways to survive where others would have wilted. Enter Laird Liam MacLeod in London to see his younger sister married and to escape the scheming highland mothers trying to wed their daughters to him only to find London no different. He meets Cecelia by accident and her demeanor and straight talk enchant him. He hides his circumstance from her so he can have someone want him for himself and not money.
Liam is an extremely honorable man, defending Cecelia's honor when the chance arises.
I very much enjoyed reading Cecelia and Liam's story. Having a heroine who refused to rely on someone else for help was refreshing. Cecelia was my favorite kind of person. Liam too was not overdone but the perfect hero.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Liam is an extremely honorable man, defending Cecelia's honor when the chance arises.
I very much enjoyed reading Cecelia and Liam's story. Having a heroine who refused to rely on someone else for help was refreshing. Cecelia was my favorite kind of person. Liam too was not overdone but the perfect hero.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
April 10, 2018
For a fun fast read, you have to try this book. Julie has such fun entertaining characters that will have you laughing and scowling at them through the story.
Cecelia is in need of attention but does not have anyone to turn to. She has been shunned by society for a kiss that was not her doing. As she is seeking out her home she slips on ice and Liam, Lord Macleod, comes to her aid. As these two get to know each other truths and secrets are revealed. The starting of Cecelia' s downfall. Liam' s being hunted as husband material for money. I
Liam starts to put the pieces together and gets justice for what was done to Cecelia. He has challenged the men in a way that makes him the good guy.
You really need to read this fun, enlightening story
Cecelia is in need of attention but does not have anyone to turn to. She has been shunned by society for a kiss that was not her doing. As she is seeking out her home she slips on ice and Liam, Lord Macleod, comes to her aid. As these two get to know each other truths and secrets are revealed. The starting of Cecelia' s downfall. Liam' s being hunted as husband material for money. I
Liam starts to put the pieces together and gets justice for what was done to Cecelia. He has challenged the men in a way that makes him the good guy.
You really need to read this fun, enlightening story
October 23, 2023
As always, I love Tim Campbell and his velvety voice.
Also as always, my reviews are less of a traditional review and more of my notes to remind myself of things that I liked and didn't like about each book, because otherwise I will not remember.
This was pretty good for a short little novella. I enjoyed Liam, though I share his opinions that the Ton had a bunch of ridiculous rules that were solely to make everyone at the time miserable.
Cecilia and her Mom were a bit tiresome in their shticks, though I understand why the were the way they were. Flawed characters are more realistic.
I personally loved Elizabeth and Iyla. I would've thought being an opera singer would be a prestigious thing, so I was surprised to see that it was frowned upon.
Also as always, my reviews are less of a traditional review and more of my notes to remind myself of things that I liked and didn't like about each book, because otherwise I will not remember.
This was pretty good for a short little novella. I enjoyed Liam, though I share his opinions that the Ton had a bunch of ridiculous rules that were solely to make everyone at the time miserable.
Cecilia and her Mom were a bit tiresome in their shticks, though I understand why the were the way they were. Flawed characters are more realistic.
I personally loved Elizabeth and Iyla. I would've thought being an opera singer would be a prestigious thing, so I was surprised to see that it was frowned upon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2016
Loved this Story
This story is about a young girl of marriageable age who is caught in a compromising situation by her betrothed. Little did she know that she was set up so that he could marry another with a larger dowry. When the heroine meets a Highland Laird slowly she learns what real love is. There is just enough spice to keep things interesting without being graphic which is so much more enjoyable to read and leave a little to your own imagination. Well written, characters uniquely developed and a great plot. What more could you ask for in a great read.
This story is about a young girl of marriageable age who is caught in a compromising situation by her betrothed. Little did she know that she was set up so that he could marry another with a larger dowry. When the heroine meets a Highland Laird slowly she learns what real love is. There is just enough spice to keep things interesting without being graphic which is so much more enjoyable to read and leave a little to your own imagination. Well written, characters uniquely developed and a great plot. What more could you ask for in a great read.
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