Bestselling author Connie Mason teams up with Mia Marlowe to create a pleasantly surprising work of escapist literature in their new historical romance; Sins of the Highlander. Both authors combine their talent to produce a book full of Scottish life so entertaining it simply must be read in one sitting. Between vibrant characters and an epically Highlandish plot, Sins of the Highlander is one of those light reads perfect to distract readers on cold winter nights.
Highland Romance in Sins of the Highlander
The plot of this novel is a Scottish romance reader's dream. We begin with the planned abduction of a woman on her wedding day, in a time when such barbaric acts were a show of bravado and often the beginning of a love story. In this case, the bridegroom bent on rescuing his bride doesn't become our hero, but rather the Scottish Laird doing the bride-napping. How romantic. The victim overcomes her instant animosity toward her captor, in favor of experiencing the love she feels growing toward him.
Naturally, the bride-napper has a valid reason for his actions that endears him to readers rather than making him the villain. Though the blooming love between a kilt-wearing Laird and a damsel in distress is a been-there-done-that kind of plot, these fantastic authors bring something quite unique and delightful to the storyline. Reading this novel I never felt tired of the familiarity but rather eager to faster turn the page and see what was going to happen next.
A big contribution to that feeling was the characters. Elspeth Stuart is wronged on what should be the happiest day of her life, yet she keeps her wits about her and manages to go with the flow, so to speak. She is your quintessential heroine with gumption, stubbornness and the sweet, caring, kindness that always wins over the toughest of men. Specifically her alpha-male Scot, Laird Rob MacLaren. 'Mad Rob' got his name after the death of his wife Fiona and now seeks revenge against the man responsible for her death, none other than Elspeth's betrothed.
What better way to use 'eye for an eye' than to take a 'wife for a wife.' Though Rob's actions label him 'mad,' his intense ability to love deeply, to the point of being capable of immense grief, only makes him more lovable. Haunted and bitter, Rob's anger, aggression and actions become understandable as the book progresses, making him a very real, very relatable character.
More about the Sins of the Highlander
There is some historical accuracy in this novel that makes it all the more appealing to historical romance fans like me. Besides the bride-napping, cattle-stealing and financial issues to bring the era to life, it was nice to see the use of the Gift of Sight and the stories of old.
Elspeth having the Gift of Sight was an integral detail to the novel, with many events hinging on her ability. The tale of the mythical Water Horse was also well used, as well as the proceedings for witch trials. So many interesting details brought this book to life and I can only commend the authors for a collaboration well made.
About the Authors
Connie Mason is one of those women who proved to the world that it is never to late to follow your dreams or find your place in life, having become an author after she was a grandmother. Writing since 1984, it is not hard to believe the author was named Storyteller of the Year by Romantic Times in 1990 and was awarded the Career Achievement award in the Western Category in 1994. A current resident near Tampa, Florida, we can only hope the writer is using the warm weather to inspire her next masterpiece.
Mia Marlowe learned how to be a storyteller by being a corset-wearing opera singer. The talented woman won the District Metropolitan Opera Auditions, shared a stage with Placido Domingo, was a banker, teacher, choir director, real estate agent and now author. Currently living in New England, the award winning writer is creating more of the historical romances fans have come to know and love.
These two authors will be expecting their next joint endeavor; Lord of Fire and Ice to be released by Sourcebooks August 2012.
Source
- Mason, Connie and Marlowe, Mia, Sins of the Highlander, Sourcebooks Inc., January 2012, ISBN: 978-1-4022-6182-4
Jessica Hastings - Jessica Hastings is a published author/poet, professional reviewer, and avid reader. Schooled in journalism and creative writing, she ...
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