Return of the Lost Bride: A Highland Warrior, a Hidden Past, and Dangerous Desire

Crowns & Kilts #4

by Cynthia Wright

From New York Times Bestselling author Cynthia Wright comes a thrilling new romance of 16thcentury Scotland!
 
A PROUD HIGHLANDER
Darkly handsome Ciaran MacLeod revels in his life as a Highland warrior. He spends his days training with his comrades at Duntulm Castle on the far cliffs of the Isle of Skye, and takes his pick of smitten lasses.
 
However, Ciaran harbors a secret, passed down from his dead mother, that has caused him to become deeply suspicious of love. He’s grateful he doesn’t have to worry about taking a wife, for the castle is efficiently run by Violette, a plain young Frenchwoman who covers her head with a gable hood and reveals nothing of her own past.
 
SECRETS REVEALED
Violete Pasquiére fled to Scotland to escape a vengeful stepfather. She feels safe on the remote Isle of Skye, disguised in drab clothing and and tending to these strong clan MacLeod men who would be lost without her care. The potent attraction Violette feels for Ciaran MacLeod is just one more secret she keeps.

But a threat to Duntulm Castle changes everything, and Ciaran’s elders propose that he marry Judith MacRae to bring additional lands and warriors to the clan. Rebelling against the efforts to control him, Ciaran proposes to Violette instead, setting in motion a passionate series of events that shake not only their future, but challenge their carefully guarded hearts...
 
Connecting Books:
The St. Briac Family in the 16thcentury:
YOU AND NO OTHER (Thomas & Aimée)
OF ONE HEART (Andrew & Micheline)
ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR (Christophe & Fiona)
RETURN OF THE LOST BRIDE (Ciaran & Violette)
 
The St. Briac Family in the 18thcentury:
THE SECRET OF LOVE (Gabriel & Isabella)
HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE (Justin & Mouette)
 
“Cynthia Wright magically entwines passion and history!” ~ RT Book Reviews

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Medieval, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2019

About the author

Cynthia Wright is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her Rakes & Rebels series, 16 intertwining historical romances starring the irresistible Raveneau & Beauvisage families. Her other acclaimed series are Crowns & Kilts and Rogues Go West. Romantic Times Magazine hails Cynthia's novels as "Romance the way it was meant to be."

Cynthia lives in northern California. She enjoys riding a tandem bike and taking road trips in an airstream trailer with her Colombian-born husband, Alvaro & their corgi, Watson. She is also devoted to her two teenage grandsons who live nearby.

You are invited to visit Cynthia's website (where you can sign up for her newsletter and peruse the Books Page):
http://cynthiawrightauthor.com/

You are invited to join Cynthia's private Facebook reader group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/98606...

View her "Behind the Books" boards on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/cynthiawright77/

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family series:
1 - SILVER STORM (André & Devon)
2 - HER HUSBAND, THE RAKE: a sequel novella (André & Devon)
3 - SMUGGLER'S MOON (Sebastian & Julia)
4 - THE SECRET OF LOVE (Gabriel & Isabella)
5 - SURRENDER THE STARS (Ryan & Lindsay)
6 - HIS MAKE-BELIEVE BRIDE (Justin & Mouette)
7 - HER IMPOSSIBLE HUSBAND (Justin & Mouette)
8 - HER SECRET ROGUE (Anthony & Frederica)
9 - HIS FIERY ANGEL (Benedict & Camille)
10 - HIS RECKLESS BARGAIN (Nathan & Adrienne)
11 - TEMPEST (Adam & Cathy)

RAKES & REBELS: The Raveneau Family intertwines with RAKES & REBELS: The Beauvisage Family series:
1 - STOLEN BY A PIRATE: a prequel novella to RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Jean-Philippe & Antonia)
2 -RESCUED BY A ROGUE (Alec & Caro)
3 - TOUCH THE SUN (Lion & Meagan)
4 - SPRING FIRES (Nicholai & Lisette)
5 - HER DANGEROUS VISCOUNT (Grey & Natalya)

CROWNS & KILTS: The St. Briac Family
1 - YOU & NO OTHER (Thomas & Aimee)
2 - OF ONE HEART (Andrew & Micheline)
3 - ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR (Christophe & Fiona)
4 - RETURN OF THE LOST BRIDE (Ciaran & Violette)
5 - QUEST OF THE HIGHLANDER (Lennox & Nora)

ROGUES GO WEST
1 - BRIGHTER THAN GOLD (Jack & Katie)
2 - IN A RENEGADE'S EMBRACE (Fox & Maddie)
3 - THE DUKE & THE COWGIRL (Geoff & Shelby)
Read less

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hero was a dolt

I didn't like the hero that much. And don't even get me started about his Grandfather who was not a honorable man at all. Violette was married to Cierran to make his Grandfather leave him alone about marriage. She was a servant in his house. They came to love each other but then she was swept away in the sea. She was rescued by a Spanish privateer, and she sent a message to the castle to let him know she was alive but he never got it. So he married the person his Grandfather wanted him too. She was a skank. No other word would describe her any better. On their wedding night, violette returns and stops them from consummation of the marriage. I could have done without that scene in his bedroom. Judith was a pig. Then he tried to keep both of them by keeping Judith as his wife, and Violette as his mistress. I lost faith in him then. So did violette and the book was just over for me by then. They do reach an HEA but several hurdles needed to be jumped and I never felt Cierran redeemed himself really. Glad his Father woke him up to the truth about love. It Still was an okay book but It lacked something for me. Romance actually.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25

Not too bad. I kind of wish the H/h spent more time together as a married couple before they were separated for a year.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

RETURN OF THE LOST BRIDE Cynthia Wright is book Two in the Brides of Skye Series. This is the story of Violete Pasquiére and Ciaran MacLeod. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Violete is running from her stepfather and has landed in Isle of Skye working in Duntulm Castle concealing who she is. Ciaran doesn't plan on marrying and he has only bad thoughts on love so he is happy that Violete is taking care of the Castle. When Ciaran gets pressured to marry a women that his family has chosen he diverts it to the lesser of 'two evil's and says that he wants Violete. Which leads them to actually having to marry, but now they both have to deal with their past in addition to the feelings that they both are having.

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was easy for me to attach myself to Violette Pasquiere. We met her briefly in book one of the series. She appears docile, withdrawn and extremely efficient in running the household for the MacLeod men. Fear makes her appear that way and fear keeps her there.

Her French ancestry, and her beauty are hard to conceal, however much she tries. She is a strikingly beautiful woman who conceals her golden tresses under an ugly headdress. Why is she hiding? If her stepfather were to discover her whereabouts, he may come seeking her and Violette would rather die than do what he intends for her. She is betrothed to an odious man, one her stepfather chooses, as odious as he himself is. Her younger life, living in the household of her stepfather left deep scars. She fears she’s marked for life.

When the MacLeod clan leaders are requested to appear before the King in Edinburgh, she is obliged to go with them.

Ciaran is a sensitive man and has enjoyed having Violette part of the family during the last year, even though she is only the housekeeper. He decided she should join them in Edinburgh, thinking to give her a good time, being she is cultured and well-spoken. He thought she would be most comfortable as nurse to his grandfather. Her life story in France somehow doesn't ring true, making him even more inquisitive about her.

Although Violette’s keeps Ciaran distant, she is charmed by his flirtatious ways and sweet disposition. She dare not let it go beyond affection. This, too, she keeps secret. But as things work out, it would have been better had she stayed in Skye and not gone to Edinburgh. Her disguise as Alastair Crotach’s nurse didn’t hide her beauty nor who she used to be.

Violette is discovered by her betrothed in Edinburgh. Her worst fears come back to haunt her. She panics. What to do?

Ciaran takes spotlight in Edinburgh when the MacRae clan see an opportunity to merge the families by marrying Judith MacRae to Ciaran. Ciaran panics. What to do?

The story evolves from this crucial point, with some laughable moments as I anticipte in any book penned by Cynthia Wright.

Magnus, Ciaran’s father is an interesting character, as is his father. I appreciate how much time the author takes to mold and flesh out these men, flaws and all. Both of them add more dimension to the story.

This is a story where past trauma squeezes the possibility of future happiness.

It’s a story where the ways of tradition are not necessarily the wise road.

It’s a story of stepping up to the challenge and taking it head on.

It’s a story where friendship matters, and trust is gained.

It’s a story you won’t want to miss!

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh man, I did NOT like where you took it with the ow drama.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

https://nanasbookreviews.blogspot.com...

Return of the Lost Bride is a historical romance about Violette Pasquiere, a strong-willed well mannered french lady and Carian MacLeod, a roguish moral Highlander.
We see how their professional relationship grows into a friendship and later into a romance. Also how they managed to overcome their personal issues together.
The story is told in the present time and has some scenes from the past. It's well written, with a detailed description, the language that is used is from that era.
There are some quite erotic scenes and a bit of violence. The plot is simple has a good structure and a gradual development. The characters are interesting and they have good chemistry. Even though Ciaran was described as an alpha male, I felt that Violette had more of a leading role in their relationship. My favorite scenes were the romantic moments between the two characters and Violette's little tricky plans. In general, it's an enjoyable book that I highly recommend it.

[Julie Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally wait up late at night to watch for a pre-ordered book to hit my Kindle, but I couldn't help myself with Return of the Lost Bride, the 2nd book in Cynthia Wright's Brides of Sky series. I enjoyed the first book in the series so much that I've read it many times and so I just couldn't wait for this next adventure! And as always, Cynthia Wright did not disappoint, She kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning because it was just too good to put down!

This story is set on the beautiful island of Skye and reintroduces the reader to the rogue Ciaran MacLeod, protector of Duntulm Castle.. A fierce warrior who is handsome and powerful, Ciaran has always had more than his share of willing partners in his life, but he has no interest in settling down with just one. The secrets in his own parents' marriage have left him too cynical to believe in something like true love. There is one woman that seems immune to his charms, however, and he can't seem to figure out the mysterious, proud, and thoroughly frustrating young French woman that came to the island to serve as his sister's maid. He just can't shake the feeling that there's more to her than her drab, shapeless clothing and confounding gabled headdresses let him see.

Violette Pasquiere escaped France to hide on Skye because her very life depended on it. To stay safe, she must hide every aspect of who she truly is. That would be easier if the handsome Ciaran wasn't always trying to flirt with her. Above all, she must keep him at a safe distance or risk discovery that she is more than a common servant. She misses her old life and family, but is happy quietly serving as the housekeeper of the MacLeod clan. Here she is needed and feels safe.

When summoned by the king to make an appearance in Edinburgh, the MacLeod men decide they need Violett's help navigating the finer aspects of court life, keeping them in line and making sure they follow all the protocols. Although reluctant to leave the safety of Skye, Violett knows they need her and agrees. After all, what harm can come from one little trip to the palace at Holyrood, as long as she maintains her disguise?

The next thing you know, Ciaran finds himself facing an arranged betrothal to a daughter of a powerful clan chieftan who was also there in the palace. Not wanting to be forced into plans that others made like he wasn't even in the room, Ciaran tries to escape the arrangement by professing that he is already betrothed--to the frumpy Violett. Of course this angers just about everyone and sets he and Violett on a perilous path.

As with any web of lies, twists and turns follow that land everyone in the midst of a sudden wedding at court, fierce battles between clans, love, loss, intrigue, and heartbreak. Cynthia Wright does such meticulous historical research that every step of the way, the world of Ciaran and Violett feels real to the readers. Beautiful imagery and careful attention to detail build their world and for at little while, we are really there in the 1500's experiencing it all right along with her characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan on reading it again and again, just like I do everything that Cynthia Wright pens. Her books are more than just your typical bodice-rippers.. I don't normally wait up late at night to watch for a pre-ordered book to hit my Kindle, but I couldn't help myself with Return of the Lost Bride, the 2nd book in Cynthia Wright's Brides of Sky series. I enjoyed the first book in the series so much that I've read it many time and so I just couldn't wait for this next adventure! And as always, Cynthia Wright did not disappoint She kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning because it was just too good to put down!

This story is set on the beautiful island of Skye and reintroduces the reader to the rogue Ciaran MacLeod , protector of Duntulm Castle.. A fierce warrior who is handsome and powerful, Ciaran has always had more than his share of willing partners in his life, but he has no interest in settling down with just one. The secrets in his own parents' marriage have left him too cynical to believe in something like true love. There is one woman that seems immune to his charms, however, and he can't seem to figure out the mysterious, proud, and thoroughly frustrating young French woman that came to the island to serve as his sister's maid. He just can't shake the feeling that there's more to her than her drab, shapeless clothing and confounding gabled headresses let him see.

Violette Pasquiere escaped France to hide on Skye because her very life depended on it. To stay safe, she must hide every aspect of who she truly is. That would be easier if the handsome Ciaran wasn't always trying to flirt with her. Above all, she must keep him at a safe distance or risk discovery that she is more than a common servant. She misses her old life and family, but is happy quietly serving as the housekeeper of the MacLeod clan. Here she is needed and feels safe.

When summoned by the king to make an appearance in Edinburgh, the MacLeod men decide they need Violett's help navigating the finer aspects of court life, keeping them in line and making sure they follow all the protocols. Although reluctant to leave the safety of Skye, Violett knows they need her and agrees. After all, what harm can come from one little trip to the palace at Holyrood, as long as she maintains her disguise?

The next thing you know, Ciaran finds himself facing a betrothal to a daughter of a powerful clan chieftan who was also there in the palace. Not wanting to be forced into plans that others made like he wasn't even in the room, Ciaran tries to escape the arrangement by professing that he is already betrothed--to the frumpy Violett. Of course this angers just about everyone and sets he and Violett on a perilous path.

As with any web of lies, twists and turns follow that land everyone in the midst of a sudden wedding at court, fierce battles between clans, love, loss, intrigue, and heartbreak. Cynthia Wright does such meticulous historical research that every step of the way, the world of Ciaran and Violett feels real to the readers. Beautiful imagery and careful attention to detail build their world and for at little while, we are really there in the 1500's experiencing it all right along with the characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan on reading it again and again, just like I do everything that Cynthia Wright pens. Her books are more than just your typical bodice-rippers.. They are anything but predictable and are full of so much rich history and fascinating real people and places. Every time I read one I feel like I've learned so much about the period. What a wonderful read! Download the whole series today!

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Violette's story. The object of her step~father's perverted sexual desires, her mother helped her run away (from a marriage to her step~father's friend) from France to Scotland into the MacLeods' stronghold where she became a valued housekeeper albeit incognito ~ she had to hide her obvious assets especially her golden tresses and her figure and become drab and almost invisible until she was constrained to marry Ciaran MacLeod for convenience because of his aversion to a forced marriage with the widowed daughter of the clan MacRae and for Violette's sake since her disguise was uncovered by no less than her betrothed from France attached to the King's court at Holyrood House when the MacLeods (Violette was included because Magnus and Ciaran wanted her presence) were issued a royal summons (re~ imminent clan war involving the MacLeods' holdings) to Edinburgh where the marriage took place as a result of royal meddling by the Queen who thought their false handfast was romantic.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read Ciaran and Violette’s story in the second installment of the Brides of Skye. Set against the backdrop of medieval Scotland and France, The Return of the Lost Bride is a story of unexpected love, loss, and secrets revealed. Highland warrior Ciaran MacLeod enjoys the ladies but is suspicious of love. Family is everything and he will do whatever it takes to protect his family home, Duntulm Castle. Violette Pasquiére came from France to serve Ciaran’s sister, but has become the caretaker of the family and castle. They are often at odds, but a past kiss provided unexpected sparks.

Violette is filled with secrets, disguising her looks and her true identity. Ciaran holds a family secret of his own. While Ciaran will do anything for Clan MacLeod, what he won’t do is be forced into an arranged marriage, even if he does not believe in love. To avoid what he sees as the bigger disaster, he claims a fake betrothal to Violette based on love. Forced to go through with the marriage, despite the disapproval of his family, Ciaran and Violette try to make the best of it. Unfortunately, as they get closer, events threaten to separate them.

Return of the Lost Bride does not disappoint. Fiona and Cristophe make cameos as do Thomas and Aimee St. Briac. I was pulled into the story and enjoyed Wright’s attention to detail and historical accuracy. I appreciated her descriptions of food, clothing, and the settings. Her supporting cast of real historical figures also ring true. I highly recommend visiting Cynthia Wright’s Pinterest boards, including her latest for The Return of the Lost Bride. She includes pictures of historical figures, clothing, and castles of the time. Also included are pictures of Dougal and Violette’s lute.

While the book stands alone, one of my favorite things about Cynthia Wright is how her books are all interconnected. New readers who enjoyed The Return of the Lost Bride can go back and pick up Abducted at the Altar for Fiona and Christophe’s story. They can also check out You and No Other and Of One Heart to learn more of the St. Briacs.

Fans of historical fiction will delight in Cynthia Wright’s latest foray into medieval Scotland, where passion and love abound.

I was given a free advanced copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars, Book 2 of the Series!!!!

Cynthia Wright has crafted another beautiful and exciting love story with this, the second book in her 'Brides of Skye' series, and it does not disappoint!
Ciaran McLeod - handsome, rogueish, and thoroughly jaded about commitment - is the book's hero. Violette Pasquiere, beautiful, spirited and keeping secret the traumas of her past that hold her back from her true feelings - is the book's heroine.
The couple begin as friends, and one of the joys of this book is following the simmering and steady burn of their relationship charted by Ms. Wright. From the first tentative flirtations to the inevitable deepening of passion, I was intensely interested in seeing what would happen to this couple! Violette, hiding her beauty and noble background, enters into a marriage of convenience with Ciaran. As their bond deepens, war, family events, tragedy and villains separate them and then bring them together again through exciting plot twists and turns.
The era of the book's setting, the 1530/40's, comes to life with the author's wonderful descriptions of the various locales (the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, and the Loire Valley of France), as well as the decor, clothing, food, and social intricacies of the time. The 'spicy' scenes, while certainly hot, are always infused with romance and never feel forced or out of place.
As always, Cynthia Wright includes beloved characters of past books in her story, so if you aren't yet familiar with her catalog, it's the perfect time to catch up.
If you are looking for the perfect summer romantic read, look no further than Return of the Lost Bride! It's a truly beautiful and sexy romantic novel by one of the genre's best and brightest stars.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of the last book, Abducted at the Altar, we were left wondering about that tantalising kiss between the handsome and heroic Ciaran and the intriguing Violette, but wonder no more, because their love story adventure unfolds into a wonderfully passionate tale, where twists and turns abound.
Cynthia fills this book with extremely descriptive writing bringing this age to life, both authentically and emotionally.
It is full of humorous dialogue, sadness, wit, adventure, plots and very dark deeds.
The camararderie between all the family members is very touching, and the story runs at a fast pace, but it is the terrible secret that the beautiful Violette lives with, that will be her undoing, if she does not confront it. For Violette is much more than she lets on, and Ciaran is about to discover that she is not the dull and plain woman who just looks after the clan so ably.
Ciaran carries the weight of his family and clan, and he too holds a dark secret that weighs on him heavily, together they must find a way to open their hearts, and trust each other, if they are going to find love and happiness.
Only by letting go of the past will they achieve this.
This is a book about expectations, Ciaran is expected to always put the clan first, he never expected to fall in love, ever. Violette never expected to find true love, she never expected to be able to trust again, and none of them expected to lose their home.
This is one of my favourite books of Cynthia's, and I cannot wait for the next instalment. Absolutely fabulous!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkly handsome Ciaran MacLeod revels in his life as a Highland warrior.

He spends his days training with his comrades at Duntulm Castle on the far cliffs of the Isle of Skye, and takes his pick of smitten lasses.
Ciaran, however, harbors a secret, passed down from his now deceased mother, that has caused him to be deeply suspicious of love.

Violete Pasquiére fled to Scotland to escape a vengeful and abusive stepfather.

She feels safe on the remote Isle of Skye, disguised in drab clothing and and tending to this strong clan of MacLeod men who would be lost without her care.

Ciaran's fall into the state of love is not a blissful one with all that is going on with his clan.

This epic tale of Ciaran and Violete's journey to love is one of the best and most absorbing books I have read this year. It really keeps you on your toes and is a real page turner since you are never certain what will happen next.

The characters are well developed and the plot is absorbing.
I gave this wonderfully written book 4.65 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.

I read a complimentary ARC of this book furnished by the author. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violette is running from her perverted stepfather. She has run from France to the island of Skye in Scotland. She has disguised herself as a housekeeper who is skinny with no breasts and hides her blonde hair so that she might not be recognized. Ciaran is the son of the lord she works for. He is quite the womanizer. They become friends and she frowns upon his lifestyle. When his grandfather is ordered to visit the king he wants his son and grandson to join his party. Ciaran insists that Violette join them. The king has ordered them to not fight another clan who wishes to take the lands that they have owned for a century. His grandfather decides that Ciaran should marry into another tribe to bring more soldiers to the coming fight. But Ciaran rebels and tells his grandfather that he is betrothed to Violette. The queen plans the wedding.
This is an exciting and enticing story that keep you reading through the night.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated that Violette had t do it all, forgive her Mother, come to terms with the s.. a.. she was a victim of, tell Ciaran what happenned in the past, work through her PTSD, save herself from drowning, remain faithfull while in Spain, find her way back to her husband, beg him to choose her AND COME BACK AND GIVE HIM A SECOND CHANCE!!??!!

I mean, come on!

And she went and helped to organize a banquet for the King, on The MacLeod's behalf, after the hateful, conniving things he did to her!?!?
That woman is not only a Saint, she had to carry the entire plot on her shoulders. After Ciaran contemplated staying with his other "wife" and keeping Violette as a mistress, I almost DNF this book

[Katie Kaste · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ciaran MacLeod is a skeptic when it comes to love, while Violete Pasquiére has fled to Scotland to escape her troubled past. Despite their initial differences, sparks fly when they share a kiss, revealing undeniable chemistry. To avoid a distasteful arranged marriage, Ciaran and Violete enter into a marriage of convenience. As they navigate their new relationship, they help each other confront and overcome their past traumas, finding genuine love and romance along the way.

However, the book felt about 100 pages too long for me. The "Lost Bride" element only comes into play three-quarters of the way through, making the pacing feel off. Overall, I neither loved nor hated the book—it was a decent way to spend a day but didn't leave a lasting impression. As such, I have no plans to continue the series.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so very glad Cynthia Wright continues to author her wonderful historical romances! Book 2 in the Brides of Skye series was full of passion and family drama and Ciaran was as yummy as you'd hope for. (Of course! Thomas St Briac of You and No Other is one of my favorites!)
Ms. Wright fills her books with settings and characters that you don't soon forget.

I did receive and read this as an ARC

[Judy Struck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Tale

Have you ever finished a book with a tear in your eye? Such a warm ending. I know these are fictional characters, in a setting long ago, but I have come to know them as dynamic actors, who recognize their deep fears and flaws, but work, by fits and starts, to correct them. Now for the real reason for tears.....there is only one more book in this series. Bwaah!

[Kathy Keesee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Page Turner by Cynthia Wright

Ms. Wright's books lead you right out of your current world into a time and place that you wish you could have visited in person. Her books always have the right amount of love, hate, understanding and support....The St. Briac Family are some of my favorites .........

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

I think this has been my most favourite been out of the series so far, it has me chuckling and crying and falling in love with the characters. It has been a book I haven't been able to out down which was difficult as I have had to go to work😁. I would recommend it to everyone, go on give it a try I guarantee you will love it.

[Alison Burnhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

I have just the one criticism, the other series all read very well, but this series has a string of missing words or extra words! There is obviously not as much care in the final proof reading. The stories are really fine, but these mistakes cause a hiccup in the smooth reading of the text.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ciaran MacLeod will fight to keep his home, but pushed into a corner to marry to join with another clan, he refuses. He'll decide who he'll marry. In a quick decision he marries Duntulm Castle's housekeeper, Violette Paquiere. Violette agrees, but she has her own stipulations and even more secrets. Talk about complications. It's a wonder these two ever get an HEA.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unbelievable

I read books 1-3 in this story and enjoyed them but this book 4 was just stupid. Violette is swept out to sea and is forced to spend the winter in a tropical climate? There was no port she could have gotten off at? The crew of the ship that rescued her clothed her, fed her, sheltered her for free for a year? Sorry unbelievable.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and charming

Having no desire to marry, the Laird's son is shocked to find that he shares things with th young French housekeeper that he would never share with any other! He sees a sadness in her eyes he plans to investigate and replace with happiness.
Innovative, tender, and frustrating to its characters, it won't be easy to put down!

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Reads more like a character development novella. If I hadn’t read any of the others in the series, and this was the first, I may not have read another. It’s not bad just not as gripping as the others.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

A wonderful story about the trials of true love! So much heartache! Makes you happy you didn't live back then! But overcoming those problems make an exciting story! Good read!

[Linda Brugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Obstacle at Every Turn

Character driven, but an exciting story too. I loved that the fictional characters were living out actual historical events. Good story telling and satisfying romance.

[Wilson Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series!!

I chose a five star rating because Cynthia Wright's series of Crowns and Kilts have dazzled me so far! I am a out to start book 5 of this enchanting series filled with passionate love, sex, betrayal, danger, and lots of adventure!! I highly recommend this series!!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE STORY OF THE LOST BRIDE: is the thirteenth book I’ve enjoyed by this author. Set in Scotland, CIARAN is caught up in the battle for his clans castle, his wife, VIOLETTE, is believed to be lost at sea. CIARAN remarries and wife VIOLETTE returns after a year…….ooops

[John Boles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Lost Bride

Cynthia Wright may have just written her best story yet. When the lost bride returns on the day her husband remarried to clam her husband and establish their love she finds that there are obsticals in their way. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Lost Bride ( Crowns & Kilts Book 4)

As Violette and Ciarran married to not be with the one the families wanted them to be with some were upset. Mystery and a ghost this author had my head spinning but in the end I was amazed.