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Kinross Saga #2
Storm över högländerna
Who can you trust?
Betrayed by his brother and his childhood love, Brice Kinross needs a fresh start. So he welcomes the opportunity to leave Sweden for the Scottish Highlands to take over the family estate.
But there's trouble afoot at Rosyth in 1754, and Brice finds himself unwelcome. The estate's in ruin, and money is disappearing. He discovers an ally in Marsaili Buchanan, the beautiful redheaded housekeeper, but can he trust her?
Marsaili is determined to build a good life. She works hard at being housekeeper and harder still at avoiding men who want to take advantage of her. But she's irresistibly drawn to the new clan chief, even though he's made it plain he doesn't want to be shackled to anyone.
And the young laird has more than romance on his mind. His investigations are stirring up an enemy. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, including Marsaili, even if that means destroying Brice's life forever...
Betrayed by his brother and his childhood love, Brice Kinross needs a fresh start. So he welcomes the opportunity to leave Sweden for the Scottish Highlands to take over the family estate.
But there's trouble afoot at Rosyth in 1754, and Brice finds himself unwelcome. The estate's in ruin, and money is disappearing. He discovers an ally in Marsaili Buchanan, the beautiful redheaded housekeeper, but can he trust her?
Marsaili is determined to build a good life. She works hard at being housekeeper and harder still at avoiding men who want to take advantage of her. But she's irresistibly drawn to the new clan chief, even though he's made it plain he doesn't want to be shackled to anyone.
And the young laird has more than romance on his mind. His investigations are stirring up an enemy. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, including Marsaili, even if that means destroying Brice's life forever...
329 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2015
264 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Christina Courtenay
35 books370 followersChristina Courtenay writes historical romance, time slip and time travel stories, and lives in Herefordshire (near the Welsh border) in the UK. Although born in England, she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden – hence her abiding interest in the Vikings. Christina is a former chairman of the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association and has won several awards, including the RoNA for Best Historical Romantic Novel twice with Highland Storms (2012) and The Gilded Fan (2014) and the RNA Fantasy Romantic Novel of the year 2021 with Echoes of the Runes. Christina is a keen amateur genealogist and loves history and archaeology (the armchair variety).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 6, 2011
I don't know how this woman does it.. one fabulous historical romance after another and as usual, Courtenay does the male POV wonderfully. And as usual I fell in love with the hero myself. (I'm super picky so this is not a easy feat!)
Highland Storms is a sequel to Trade Winds, but if you haven't read Trade Winds, this could stand alone without major confusion. The hero, Brice, is the son of the couple previously in Trade. He leaves Sweden and heads to Scotland where he has a family home and land and a suspicious landlord, Seton. Seems Seton has been "skimming off the top" and not doing his duties. Brice means to get to the bottom of it.
Seton is an evil cretin. His crimes may not stop at just thievery when Brice shows up threatening all his plans...
To read the full review, please click on the link. http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
Highland Storms is a sequel to Trade Winds, but if you haven't read Trade Winds, this could stand alone without major confusion. The hero, Brice, is the son of the couple previously in Trade. He leaves Sweden and heads to Scotland where he has a family home and land and a suspicious landlord, Seton. Seems Seton has been "skimming off the top" and not doing his duties. Brice means to get to the bottom of it.
Seton is an evil cretin. His crimes may not stop at just thievery when Brice shows up threatening all his plans...
To read the full review, please click on the link. http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
May 1, 2020
Hacía tiempo que una novela sobre Highlanders no me gustaba tanto, es original y a la vez típica dentro del género. Me ha encantado.
January 11, 2018
Highland Storms by Christina Courtenay is the second book in the Kinross Saga series. I have not yet read the first book, however, based on reading the second book you do not need to read the first book to continue.
This book is about Brice Kinross who is half Swedish and half Scottish, who went through a horrible betrayal by his brother and his childhood love. His father (Scottish) thought that it might be best for Brice to take up his heritage as the laird. In Scottland we also follow the story of a young housekeeper Marsaili Buchanan. As you can guess, there will be a love story between the two characters.
It was a nice story, nothing extraordinarily special but still entertaining.
3.25 stars
This book is about Brice Kinross who is half Swedish and half Scottish, who went through a horrible betrayal by his brother and his childhood love. His father (Scottish) thought that it might be best for Brice to take up his heritage as the laird. In Scottland we also follow the story of a young housekeeper Marsaili Buchanan. As you can guess, there will be a love story between the two characters.
It was a nice story, nothing extraordinarily special but still entertaining.
3.25 stars
November 22, 2011
Brice Kinross - even the name just oozes hero status - travels back to The Scottish Highlands from Sweden to claim his estate, Rosyth, with his father blessing. The Jacobite family fled to Sweden during turbulent times, but now Killian is concerned that all is not well on the estate and it is time for his son, Brice, to take the reins.
Brice is such a strong man, kind and caring towards all of his townsfolk. He is not happy to find his family estate in such conditions and sets about improving standards for all who live on the estate and make Roysth thrive again.
Mr Seton - Estate Manager at Rosyth. Mr Seton is not going to give Brice a warm welcome. In fact, he is going to be trouble for him and is not going to let anyone get in the way of his plans. His sole control of the estate has seen the estate go into dis-repair and money troubles.
Marsaili - the young housekeeper at Rosyth. There is more to this young woman than her beauty and position in the household. She is not interested in the many suitors who try to win her over, but there is something about Brice.
I cannot forget to mention, Liath, another hero in this story. Loyal and faithful. I don't want to give anymore away about him.
This is the second novel by Christina Courntenay that I have read so I had high expectations from Highland Storms. Christina did not disappoint. She takes us back to 1754 in the remote Scottish Highlands, just as life is beginning to settle after the Jacobite uprising of 1745.
I enjoyed seeing how Brice went about winning the trust and support of his townsfolk, and Marsaili, after years of neglect at the hands of Mr Seton.
Plenty of romance and adventure in a remote location had me willing Brice to overcome the problems he faced.
This is a sequel to Trade Winds but can be read as a stand alone adventure.
Loved it!
5 out of 5!
Brice is such a strong man, kind and caring towards all of his townsfolk. He is not happy to find his family estate in such conditions and sets about improving standards for all who live on the estate and make Roysth thrive again.
Mr Seton - Estate Manager at Rosyth. Mr Seton is not going to give Brice a warm welcome. In fact, he is going to be trouble for him and is not going to let anyone get in the way of his plans. His sole control of the estate has seen the estate go into dis-repair and money troubles.
Marsaili - the young housekeeper at Rosyth. There is more to this young woman than her beauty and position in the household. She is not interested in the many suitors who try to win her over, but there is something about Brice.
I cannot forget to mention, Liath, another hero in this story. Loyal and faithful. I don't want to give anymore away about him.
This is the second novel by Christina Courntenay that I have read so I had high expectations from Highland Storms. Christina did not disappoint. She takes us back to 1754 in the remote Scottish Highlands, just as life is beginning to settle after the Jacobite uprising of 1745.
I enjoyed seeing how Brice went about winning the trust and support of his townsfolk, and Marsaili, after years of neglect at the hands of Mr Seton.
Plenty of romance and adventure in a remote location had me willing Brice to overcome the problems he faced.
This is a sequel to Trade Winds but can be read as a stand alone adventure.
Loved it!
5 out of 5!
August 16, 2015
Book Review Of “Highland Storm” By Christina Courtenay
Brice Kinross has been drinking himself silly to try and come to terms with the fact that the only women Brice has ever loved, has gone and married his brother Jamie. Brice has given up on love and wants nothing to do with it, no matter what women should walk into his life. To bad he won’t be able to keep that promise to himself.
Brice’s father has had enough of his sons pitty party, and tells him that it’s his time to become laird of the family estate Roysth in the Scottish Highlands. Brice thinks this is not a bad idea, it might help him to get over what has happened. Elisabet, Brice’s father also informs him that he thinks the current landlord is not operating Roysth properly and suspects that there is money going missing. Brice and his father come up with an idea that Brice is going to go “undercover” as someone passing by and looking for a job at Rosyth estate. This should turn up the details of what is going on.
Brice can not believe his eyes when he gets a load of what his family’s estate Rosyth looks like. The main house is not being up kept, there is a shortage of cattle, and the local village people’s houses are all in desperate disrepair. Brice immediately knows that there is something going on at Roysth and is more then determined to find out what. Just as Brice enters the main house, he notices a beautiful redheaded lady and is immediately aw-stuck by her beauty. Brice will later find out how much this women, Marsaili Buchanan, who is the housekeeper, will really mean to him. Brice will not be able to control his feelings for Marsaili and will go to the ends of the earth for her. He will also develop and ally when it comes to figuring out what the current landlord Colin Seton is really up to.
Twists, Turns, and Deceit will grace the pages of “Highland Storms.” I really loved the plot of this book and loved the main character Brice. I also liked the villain Colin Seton, and how this novel kept you wanting to read more and find out what he is up to. I hope there is a sequel to this novel as I can’t wait to read it if there is. Great job Christina and thank you for giving me the opportunity to read “Highland Storms.”
Brice Kinross has been drinking himself silly to try and come to terms with the fact that the only women Brice has ever loved, has gone and married his brother Jamie. Brice has given up on love and wants nothing to do with it, no matter what women should walk into his life. To bad he won’t be able to keep that promise to himself.
Brice’s father has had enough of his sons pitty party, and tells him that it’s his time to become laird of the family estate Roysth in the Scottish Highlands. Brice thinks this is not a bad idea, it might help him to get over what has happened. Elisabet, Brice’s father also informs him that he thinks the current landlord is not operating Roysth properly and suspects that there is money going missing. Brice and his father come up with an idea that Brice is going to go “undercover” as someone passing by and looking for a job at Rosyth estate. This should turn up the details of what is going on.
Brice can not believe his eyes when he gets a load of what his family’s estate Rosyth looks like. The main house is not being up kept, there is a shortage of cattle, and the local village people’s houses are all in desperate disrepair. Brice immediately knows that there is something going on at Roysth and is more then determined to find out what. Just as Brice enters the main house, he notices a beautiful redheaded lady and is immediately aw-stuck by her beauty. Brice will later find out how much this women, Marsaili Buchanan, who is the housekeeper, will really mean to him. Brice will not be able to control his feelings for Marsaili and will go to the ends of the earth for her. He will also develop and ally when it comes to figuring out what the current landlord Colin Seton is really up to.
Twists, Turns, and Deceit will grace the pages of “Highland Storms.” I really loved the plot of this book and loved the main character Brice. I also liked the villain Colin Seton, and how this novel kept you wanting to read more and find out what he is up to. I hope there is a sequel to this novel as I can’t wait to read it if there is. Great job Christina and thank you for giving me the opportunity to read “Highland Storms.”
August 24, 2012
What a treat this book was for a reader such as me who loves fiery, passionate, realistic historical fiction that gives a real sense of the era in which it is set.
The setting of the book is wonderful – I love Scotland: the landscapes, the people, the history, the culture, the accent. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions, such as this one:
It was situated right next to the loch, dominating a peninsula that jutted out as if pointing towards a small island in the middle of the water. It was more like a keep of many towers than an ordinary manor house. Built of grey stone hewn from the surrounding hills, it looked forbidding, but Brice knew the interior was comfortable and welcoming… The loch’s surface was almost still today, reflecting the summer sky and the surrounding hills perfectly. Bruce felt an unexpected jolt of pride as he gazed down at his new domain – as far as the eye could see was Rosyth land and it belonged to him now.
I was fascinated to find out more about the historical period, and there is so much carefully researched context woven into the fast-moving, suspense-full plot. The characters are multifaceted and not without the ability to surprise, and the relationships are vivid and frequently touching. I love the strength of the characters – especially Marsaili (super name) who is a heroine with whom a twenty-first-century reader can empathise. I also enjoyed the romantic elements of the book, and I think the author shows great skill, maturity and thought in how she handles intimate moments: writing that makes you sigh dreamily rather than blush or cringe.
In all, I can see why this book won the 2012 Best Romantic Historical Novel of the year award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and I highly recommend it.
The setting of the book is wonderful – I love Scotland: the landscapes, the people, the history, the culture, the accent. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions, such as this one:
It was situated right next to the loch, dominating a peninsula that jutted out as if pointing towards a small island in the middle of the water. It was more like a keep of many towers than an ordinary manor house. Built of grey stone hewn from the surrounding hills, it looked forbidding, but Brice knew the interior was comfortable and welcoming… The loch’s surface was almost still today, reflecting the summer sky and the surrounding hills perfectly. Bruce felt an unexpected jolt of pride as he gazed down at his new domain – as far as the eye could see was Rosyth land and it belonged to him now.
I was fascinated to find out more about the historical period, and there is so much carefully researched context woven into the fast-moving, suspense-full plot. The characters are multifaceted and not without the ability to surprise, and the relationships are vivid and frequently touching. I love the strength of the characters – especially Marsaili (super name) who is a heroine with whom a twenty-first-century reader can empathise. I also enjoyed the romantic elements of the book, and I think the author shows great skill, maturity and thought in how she handles intimate moments: writing that makes you sigh dreamily rather than blush or cringe.
In all, I can see why this book won the 2012 Best Romantic Historical Novel of the year award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and I highly recommend it.
April 7, 2013
Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Okay, before I get into my review of Christina Courtenay's Highland Storms, I want to give a shout out to the unnamed cover artist of this piece. I think this cover and that of Trade Winds are beautiful, but I absolutely love the fact that Eilean Donan, the castle that appears here, like the family seat at Rosyth in the book, has a secret passage. Coincidence? Possibly, but it makes for a fun fact just the same.
Coming straight off of its predecessor, I was eager to see where Courtenay would take the Kinross family in Highland Storms and I was anything but disappointed.
Again we have a wonderful romance, but also two very real protagonists. Being born to privilege Brice is struggling to understand he can't always have what he wants while Marsali, born without, fights for every inch. Their story is as much about maturity and trust as it is the love between them.
While not as exotic as Trade Winds, the storytelling is much tighter. No loose ends or superfluous information though I would have liked a little time Killian and Jessanijn. Just a scene or two to get a better picture of their happily ever after might have rounded off their story nicely.
By virtue of its local in the misty mountains of Scotland, Highland Storms runs the risk of being lumped in with an untold number of bodice rippers, but don't be fooled. Courtenay is at her best balancing romance with adventure, intrigue and history, offering readers the perfect combination of each in one unputdownable volume.
Okay, before I get into my review of Christina Courtenay's Highland Storms, I want to give a shout out to the unnamed cover artist of this piece. I think this cover and that of Trade Winds are beautiful, but I absolutely love the fact that Eilean Donan, the castle that appears here, like the family seat at Rosyth in the book, has a secret passage. Coincidence? Possibly, but it makes for a fun fact just the same.
Coming straight off of its predecessor, I was eager to see where Courtenay would take the Kinross family in Highland Storms and I was anything but disappointed.
Again we have a wonderful romance, but also two very real protagonists. Being born to privilege Brice is struggling to understand he can't always have what he wants while Marsali, born without, fights for every inch. Their story is as much about maturity and trust as it is the love between them.
While not as exotic as Trade Winds, the storytelling is much tighter. No loose ends or superfluous information though I would have liked a little time Killian and Jessanijn. Just a scene or two to get a better picture of their happily ever after might have rounded off their story nicely.
By virtue of its local in the misty mountains of Scotland, Highland Storms runs the risk of being lumped in with an untold number of bodice rippers, but don't be fooled. Courtenay is at her best balancing romance with adventure, intrigue and history, offering readers the perfect combination of each in one unputdownable volume.
July 4, 2017
I was really disappointed with this mainly because the plot feels really lazy. It is almost identical to the first book in the series, just set in different locations. The characters are also nearly identical to those in the first book of the series, despite supposedly being a generation later. Also the characters from the first book are barely mentioned which is disappointing.
June 8, 2017
Highland Storm/Kinross Series
I did not read book one of this series. I thought the writing style was childish and immature. She did not research the time period to enable her to write historically correct dialogue and a mature well developed story. I was looking for a well crafted series to read and this was not it. Vera disappointing. Kate W.
I did not read book one of this series. I thought the writing style was childish and immature. She did not research the time period to enable her to write historically correct dialogue and a mature well developed story. I was looking for a well crafted series to read and this was not it. Vera disappointing. Kate W.
April 24, 2025
This book features an old school type romance between Brice, heir returned to Rosyth Manor, and Marseili, housekeeper and member of the household. There's little heat throughout the story, and their romances develops mainly through companionship and allyship as Brice navigates his new role as laird.
The summary hints at a mystery to find who is tapping into the estate's funds, but truly it's never in question as to who is the culprit. The conflict is very simple, and the resolution was very underwhelming and predictable (and not very entertaining).
It's a very simple read, though I did expect more.
The summary hints at a mystery to find who is tapping into the estate's funds, but truly it's never in question as to who is the culprit. The conflict is very simple, and the resolution was very underwhelming and predictable (and not very entertaining).
It's a very simple read, though I did expect more.
December 26, 2021
La novela está bien escrita, nos describe de forma magistral la Escocia de la época y esa parte me ha gustado. Lo que me ha faltado ha sido la parte romántica. Me ha parecido más una historia de aventuras que una de amor y eso ha hecho que no me enganchara como a otras novelas. Faltaba la parte sentimental.
July 28, 2021
Very enjoyable read
Enjoyed this book very much after reading the first in this series I just had to read the next in this instalment, I would recommend these books. They are a little different from the usual romantic love story.
Enjoyed this book very much after reading the first in this series I just had to read the next in this instalment, I would recommend these books. They are a little different from the usual romantic love story.
March 2, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the Kinross saga.
It tells the story of Brice Kinross who travels to Scotland to become laird of Rosyth.
It does follow a similar pattern to book 1 but is very readable and enjoyable.
Now onto book 3
It tells the story of Brice Kinross who travels to Scotland to become laird of Rosyth.
It does follow a similar pattern to book 1 but is very readable and enjoyable.
Now onto book 3
December 1, 2025
Estuvo mejor llevado que el anterior, la pareja se desarrolló mejor y la trama también. A su vez, me gustaron los protagonistas y también los personajes secundarios, todos conectados con el libro anterior. No fue un libro extraordinario pero estuvo bien para pasar el rato y me entretuvo.
September 27, 2017
A nice historical adventure in the mode of Poldark. A fun read!
October 20, 2017
I quite enjoyed this story about Bryce Kinross and Marcelly Bucannan, along with a few other characters. Not a lot of depth in the story but it was a fun read.
January 4, 2018
Needed something to listen to...it wasn't bad but certainly not earth shattering. A needed an outlander fix and this filled it nicely.
June 10, 2018
It’s obviously chic-lit but it’s fun, not pretentious about it and the storyline kept my attention.
September 23, 2018
Scottish history post Culloden. So much drama in this one.
March 9, 2022
Oh this was just as good as the first in the Kinross series. Starting the third one now
Read
August 24, 2023Dnf
November 5, 2023
Mysig bok med spänning och trånande romantik. Trevligt med flera olika perspektiv och jag hade svårt att lägga ner boken då det ständigt hände saker som man ville följa.
February 21, 2024
Fabulous. I have loved every book by this Author and can’t wait to read the next one in this series. Simply splendid!
May 4, 2025
Somehow missed book one in this series. Still enjoyed book two. Ms. Courtenay tells an interesting story.
July 29, 2025
Propaganda I’m falling for? A laird/housekeeper romance set in the highlands
April 20, 2012
Although Highland Storms is in fact a sequel, it is not dependent on having read Trade Winds although, I really urge you to read it first if possible. Why? Well because the protagonist Brice Kinross, although just a baby in the previous novel, his background and birth in China to parents of Swedish and Scottish descent is an integral part of the story. It was to me anyway as I enjoy family sagas, in fact I would love to read more stories about the Kinross's as I was disappointed when the book ended. I have no idea though if Christina is considering another sequel. Do not let the fact that you have not read Trade Winds stop you from reading this though as it does stand perfectly well alone. Basing my expectations on the previous novel I was hoping for a good read with plenty of love and adventure that would take me away to times past for a few satisfying hours. It did not disappoint.
The hero Brice Kinross recently thwarted in love by his own brother and his childhood sweetheart decides that the time is right to take over his inheritance, the family estate Rosyth in Scotland. His father has been worried about the situation back at Rosyth for some time and warns his son that he may at first be unwlecome when he suddenly turns up to take over the estate. So first Brice needs to find out whom he can trust, bear in mind this is 1754 and since The Jacobite Rebellion the locals do not trust anyone, particularly strangers. His situation is not helped by the fact that Seton, the estate foreman, is a really nasty character and turns the locals against him, although it is thanks to him that the estate is in such disrepair and that they live in poverty. Brice as the laird feels responsible and soon sets about improving conditions for those dependent on him, he wants to see the estate thriving as it once did. Seton is evil and has no intention of letting Brice get in the way of his own plans for the estate. Unfortunately he is riled even more when he discovers that not only does Brice want his estate back but that Marsaili Buchanan, the young housekeeper appears to be becoming his ally.
Marsaili is a very independent young lady and works hard at being the housekeeper, as a beautiful young woman she also attracts unwelcome advances from men, especially the evil Seton. To ward off her unwelcome admirers she is guarded by her constant companion her dog Laith, who becomes very protective of his mistress if a man approaches her against her will.
The love between our two main protagonists builds slowly as both Marsaili and Brice have good reasons for not wanting to become romantically with anyone. They are inevitably attracted to each other but determined that what ever happens between them just to be 'friends'. Love of course tends to thwart all the best intentions but they have a lot of battles to face together first.
The novel certainly met my expectations with romance and adventure in a historical setting. If you enjoy historical romance then I recommend you give Christina Courtenay's novels a try.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
The hero Brice Kinross recently thwarted in love by his own brother and his childhood sweetheart decides that the time is right to take over his inheritance, the family estate Rosyth in Scotland. His father has been worried about the situation back at Rosyth for some time and warns his son that he may at first be unwlecome when he suddenly turns up to take over the estate. So first Brice needs to find out whom he can trust, bear in mind this is 1754 and since The Jacobite Rebellion the locals do not trust anyone, particularly strangers. His situation is not helped by the fact that Seton, the estate foreman, is a really nasty character and turns the locals against him, although it is thanks to him that the estate is in such disrepair and that they live in poverty. Brice as the laird feels responsible and soon sets about improving conditions for those dependent on him, he wants to see the estate thriving as it once did. Seton is evil and has no intention of letting Brice get in the way of his own plans for the estate. Unfortunately he is riled even more when he discovers that not only does Brice want his estate back but that Marsaili Buchanan, the young housekeeper appears to be becoming his ally.
Marsaili is a very independent young lady and works hard at being the housekeeper, as a beautiful young woman she also attracts unwelcome advances from men, especially the evil Seton. To ward off her unwelcome admirers she is guarded by her constant companion her dog Laith, who becomes very protective of his mistress if a man approaches her against her will.
The love between our two main protagonists builds slowly as both Marsaili and Brice have good reasons for not wanting to become romantically with anyone. They are inevitably attracted to each other but determined that what ever happens between them just to be 'friends'. Love of course tends to thwart all the best intentions but they have a lot of battles to face together first.
The novel certainly met my expectations with romance and adventure in a historical setting. If you enjoy historical romance then I recommend you give Christina Courtenay's novels a try.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
December 25, 2011
originally posted at http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
In mid-eighteenth-century Scotland, the people still suffer under an oppressive rule of England. When Brice Kinross arrives from Sweden to take charge of his property, Rosyth House, he sees a big change since his childhood years when he spent much time at the then-prosperous estate.
Brice Kinross, seasoned and rich from years in the China Trade, arrives from Sweden with a broken heart or, more appropriately, a bitter heart. The girl he’d planned to marry married his brother.
Marsaili Buchanan, an illegitimate daughter of Ailsa Kinross’s dead husband, is the capable housekeeper at Rosyth. She struggles to keep the household functioning on the meager resources the factor Colin Seton allows her to use. She also struggles to keep men at bay, the most persistent of them being Colin Seton who seems to be obsessed with her.
Ailsa, Kristy, and Flora Kinross, while belonging to the owner family, have no true influence over what goes on at Rosyth House even though they live there. Colin Seton intimidates the sickly Ailsa who has no ability or inclination to see that the estate is properly managed. Seton has ruled Rosyth House for over a decade--looking out for his own interests at the expense of the estate that he has been entrusted with.
When Brice shows up incognito, he sees many discrepancies in information sent to his father about the estate and what is actually going on. He does some secret reconnoitering while there as a stranger so when he returns as the true owner, he is on alert. Liath, Marsaili’s deer hound, little Archie who knows much about what goes on, and a few of the people who remember Brice from his childhood days at Rosyth prove to be invaluable to Brice as conflicts boil up. Also, Brice’s knowledge about crops, stock, and the secret passageways in the house serve him well,
Seton sees his plan to continue using Rosyth House funds to buy his family’s old estate back becoming impossible unless he gets rid of the “meddling” owner. He ruthlessly uses his power over the people at Rosyth House, his connection with the deranged English Captain Sherringham who still hunts suspected Jacobites, and the outlaw MacGregors to do away with Brice and to force Marsaili to yield to his demands
Upon the arrival of Brice’s friends, Ramsey and Alex, new facets of the story begin to unfold—in romance and in life-threatening conflicts. The action picks up to a fever pace, while the undeclared love Brice and Marsaili have for each other becomes a mighty force in the plot and also becomes the balm that heals old wounds, reaffirms self-worth, dispels doubts, and gives them courage to acknowledge their love and find their happy-ever-after.
Christine Courtenay sweeps the reader into the story with tense moments for Marsaili then weaves a plot that looks like an impossible tangle of events and emotional hang-ups.. Her amazing untangling of it all, so that good wins over evil and the hero and heroine realize their true love holds the reader’s attention from start to finish.
In mid-eighteenth-century Scotland, the people still suffer under an oppressive rule of England. When Brice Kinross arrives from Sweden to take charge of his property, Rosyth House, he sees a big change since his childhood years when he spent much time at the then-prosperous estate.
Brice Kinross, seasoned and rich from years in the China Trade, arrives from Sweden with a broken heart or, more appropriately, a bitter heart. The girl he’d planned to marry married his brother.
Marsaili Buchanan, an illegitimate daughter of Ailsa Kinross’s dead husband, is the capable housekeeper at Rosyth. She struggles to keep the household functioning on the meager resources the factor Colin Seton allows her to use. She also struggles to keep men at bay, the most persistent of them being Colin Seton who seems to be obsessed with her.
Ailsa, Kristy, and Flora Kinross, while belonging to the owner family, have no true influence over what goes on at Rosyth House even though they live there. Colin Seton intimidates the sickly Ailsa who has no ability or inclination to see that the estate is properly managed. Seton has ruled Rosyth House for over a decade--looking out for his own interests at the expense of the estate that he has been entrusted with.
When Brice shows up incognito, he sees many discrepancies in information sent to his father about the estate and what is actually going on. He does some secret reconnoitering while there as a stranger so when he returns as the true owner, he is on alert. Liath, Marsaili’s deer hound, little Archie who knows much about what goes on, and a few of the people who remember Brice from his childhood days at Rosyth prove to be invaluable to Brice as conflicts boil up. Also, Brice’s knowledge about crops, stock, and the secret passageways in the house serve him well,
Seton sees his plan to continue using Rosyth House funds to buy his family’s old estate back becoming impossible unless he gets rid of the “meddling” owner. He ruthlessly uses his power over the people at Rosyth House, his connection with the deranged English Captain Sherringham who still hunts suspected Jacobites, and the outlaw MacGregors to do away with Brice and to force Marsaili to yield to his demands
Upon the arrival of Brice’s friends, Ramsey and Alex, new facets of the story begin to unfold—in romance and in life-threatening conflicts. The action picks up to a fever pace, while the undeclared love Brice and Marsaili have for each other becomes a mighty force in the plot and also becomes the balm that heals old wounds, reaffirms self-worth, dispels doubts, and gives them courage to acknowledge their love and find their happy-ever-after.
Christine Courtenay sweeps the reader into the story with tense moments for Marsaili then weaves a plot that looks like an impossible tangle of events and emotional hang-ups.. Her amazing untangling of it all, so that good wins over evil and the hero and heroine realize their true love holds the reader’s attention from start to finish.
December 5, 2011
Having already read and enjoyed Christina Courtenay’s previous two novels, Trade Winds and The Scarlet Kimono, you’d think that I would have learned my lesson and left Highland Storms for a weekend when I had some uninterrupted reading time. But no, despite knowing that I find it incredibly hard to put one of her books down, I picked it up on a Tuesday evening and started to read. Although I did manage to put it down long enough to get some sleep on Wednesday night, my dreams were vivid, heather-coloured ones, full of dashing heroes running about brandishing dirks! And when I woke up on Wednesday morning and really should have been working, I reached for Christina’s book instead and spent the rest of the day in the Scottish Highlands.
One of the things I love about Christina’s writing is how quickly she draws you into the world of her books and Highland Storms is no exception. Rather than reading Brice Kinross’ story, I felt more as if I were taking the journey alongside him, as he leaves behind his family in Sweden for a new and uncertain future running the family estate in Scotland. I moved about the family home with him and felt as if I really knew it and could feel its stone beneath my hands. Christina’s descriptions are so good and work on all your senses. She’ll have you smelling the peat fires, the sweat of the horses and the hay in their stables; feeling the wind and water on your skin; and tasting the whisky warming your body after a night out on the hills. Your heart will positively pound as dirks are drawn, you’re taken captive and then later go on the run.
Highland Storms tells the story of Brice Kinross, the son of Killian and Jess from Trade Winds, and, coming from such impressive hero stock, Brice had a lot to live up to in order to convince in his own right. Happily, he’s different to his father but no less appealing, and I especially liked that Christina didn’t create a mini-me version of Killian but let Brice grow into his role on his own terms. I loved Marsaili’s character and how she is strong and capable while under attack, rather than simply being a damsel in need of a rescuer. Special mention also has to go to her wise and faithful protector, Liath, who was another of my favourite characters in the book.
I don’t want to give any more away about the storyline or the other characters involved but I can wholeheartedly recommend this as an engrossing read from an author who has become a firm favourite of mine.
One of the things I love about Christina’s writing is how quickly she draws you into the world of her books and Highland Storms is no exception. Rather than reading Brice Kinross’ story, I felt more as if I were taking the journey alongside him, as he leaves behind his family in Sweden for a new and uncertain future running the family estate in Scotland. I moved about the family home with him and felt as if I really knew it and could feel its stone beneath my hands. Christina’s descriptions are so good and work on all your senses. She’ll have you smelling the peat fires, the sweat of the horses and the hay in their stables; feeling the wind and water on your skin; and tasting the whisky warming your body after a night out on the hills. Your heart will positively pound as dirks are drawn, you’re taken captive and then later go on the run.
Highland Storms tells the story of Brice Kinross, the son of Killian and Jess from Trade Winds, and, coming from such impressive hero stock, Brice had a lot to live up to in order to convince in his own right. Happily, he’s different to his father but no less appealing, and I especially liked that Christina didn’t create a mini-me version of Killian but let Brice grow into his role on his own terms. I loved Marsaili’s character and how she is strong and capable while under attack, rather than simply being a damsel in need of a rescuer. Special mention also has to go to her wise and faithful protector, Liath, who was another of my favourite characters in the book.
I don’t want to give any more away about the storyline or the other characters involved but I can wholeheartedly recommend this as an engrossing read from an author who has become a firm favourite of mine.
March 29, 2013
After Clockwork Princess, I needed a light, happy read. A friend recommended the Choc-Lit website, and Christina Courtenay in particular. I chose Highland Storm because I recognized the title as another friend read it recently. I was very pleasantly surprised although I didn't realize it was a sequel. It read like a standalone, and I enjoyed it very much.
I tend to be a literary snob, and I rarely read romances. This was not your typical romance. It was very plot-driven, and I would have enjoyed a bit more character development. But in all fairness, the hero might have been developed in book one.
Betrayed by his brother and his childhood love, Brice Kinross has been on a drunken binge for weeks. Brice had placed Elisabet on a pedestal. He loved the idea of her, but apparently he didn't really know her at all because while Brice was away in the far East on business, his younger brother Jamie seduces Elisabet and then marries her. Brice is devastated by both, so he welcomes the opportunity to leave Sweden for the Scottish Highlands to take over Rosyth, the family estate.
Unfortunately for Brice, Rosyth is in terrible shape. The estate is bleeding money, and repairs haven't been made in years. Brice has only a few weeks to get feed in storage for the cattle before winter, but he needs the cooperation and trust of his clan before he can manage the task. Plus he needs to discover where the estate's money has gone.
Marsaili is the illegitimate daughter of the former laird. She works hard at being Rosyth's housekeeper: She doesn't want to take charity from Rosyth's kind, elderly mistress. Marsaili is beautiful and has unusual golden-red hair, but her looks are more of a hindrance to her because she's had to fight-off men since she was a young teen. So you can already see the set-up: A hurt hero who has serious trust issues and a beautiful woman who is leery of men. Marsaili has made it clear to everyone that she isn't interested in getting married, but she can't help the attraction she feels for the new laird.
But unfortunately Brice's investigation about his inheritance stirs-up more trouble than he bargained for: one enemy who wants Marsailie at all costs, and another who suspects all Scots are Jacobites and wants to persecute all he suspects of going against the crown. Again, the story is excellent, and the plot is fast-paced. The suspense kept me very interested, and I will definitely read more of Courtenay's books in the future.
I tend to be a literary snob, and I rarely read romances. This was not your typical romance. It was very plot-driven, and I would have enjoyed a bit more character development. But in all fairness, the hero might have been developed in book one.
Betrayed by his brother and his childhood love, Brice Kinross has been on a drunken binge for weeks. Brice had placed Elisabet on a pedestal. He loved the idea of her, but apparently he didn't really know her at all because while Brice was away in the far East on business, his younger brother Jamie seduces Elisabet and then marries her. Brice is devastated by both, so he welcomes the opportunity to leave Sweden for the Scottish Highlands to take over Rosyth, the family estate.
Unfortunately for Brice, Rosyth is in terrible shape. The estate is bleeding money, and repairs haven't been made in years. Brice has only a few weeks to get feed in storage for the cattle before winter, but he needs the cooperation and trust of his clan before he can manage the task. Plus he needs to discover where the estate's money has gone.
Marsaili is the illegitimate daughter of the former laird. She works hard at being Rosyth's housekeeper: She doesn't want to take charity from Rosyth's kind, elderly mistress. Marsaili is beautiful and has unusual golden-red hair, but her looks are more of a hindrance to her because she's had to fight-off men since she was a young teen. So you can already see the set-up: A hurt hero who has serious trust issues and a beautiful woman who is leery of men. Marsaili has made it clear to everyone that she isn't interested in getting married, but she can't help the attraction she feels for the new laird.
But unfortunately Brice's investigation about his inheritance stirs-up more trouble than he bargained for: one enemy who wants Marsailie at all costs, and another who suspects all Scots are Jacobites and wants to persecute all he suspects of going against the crown. Again, the story is excellent, and the plot is fast-paced. The suspense kept me very interested, and I will definitely read more of Courtenay's books in the future.
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