Birdie: family secrets and an unsolved mystery

Birdie by Kate Frantz is a story of family secrets and an unsolved mystery. When her mother dies, Birdie North discovers a mysterious stack of letters from her grandmother. A grandmother she’s never met and didn’t know her mother was in communication with. Curious about the family her mother left behind in Scotland, Birdie decides to travel to her mother’s birthplace and uncover the truth of these letters. When she meets Theo Hambry, an English stranger, who has a letter of his own from her mother! They reluctantly work together to discover the mystery of these letters. Little do they know that they are linked more than they know and they are about to uncover another mystery with a dangerous individual who will do anything to keep them silent. 

I was intrigued by the premise of Birdie. The story was interesting and the mystery was engaging. However, it moved much too slow. I didn’t care for Birdie. She acted childish at times and flew off the handle way too often. Early in the story, Birdie gets sympathy from a nurse who cared for her mother. When this individual expresses how much she was going to miss her mother, Birdie bristles as if she is the only one who gets to miss her mother. She does have growth by the end of the story. The one character I enjoyed was Theo, a young man, who struggles with his father’s disappearance and finds solace in his faith. Overall, I enjoyed Birdie. The mystery was engaging with quite a few twists. 

Birdie is available in paperback and eBook

The Bookshop of Second Chances: when a new life starts in the most unexpected places

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser is the story of a woman’s desperate determination to find a new direction in her life. Nothing is going well for Thea Mottram. she was let go from her job with no notice and then, her husband of nearly twenty years has decided to leave her for one of her closest friends. It is an understatement to say that Thea has been left bewildered and completely lost. A surprise letter which informs her that her great uncle has passed away and left her his home and his worldly possessions, including an extensive antique book collection. She heads to the Scottish coast and immediately falls in love with the quaint cottage and the nearby village of Baldochrie, where the locals are warm, quirky, and inviting. The only person who she doesn’t quite win over is the local bookshop owner, Edward Maltravers. His gruff attitude tests Thea’s patience and they are soon engaged in a battle of wills. Thea soon finds the bickering with Edward thrilling and exciting, she begins to find a courage and direction she has been missing. Will she ever leave the Scottish village? 

From the opening chapter to the final pages, I fell in love with Thea and Edward. Their bickering made me laugh and smile. I eagerly read as I waited to see if they would finally acknowledge their sexual tension and act on it. Do they? You’ll have to read it to find out. It is a great book about second chances at life and love even when you think you are beyond the need or desire. It was funny and while the language may be a bit crude for some, it reminded me of British television. One of my favorite parts is when Thea explains how she found out that her husband was cheating on her. It was definitely an “oh my!” moment. I especially loved the descriptions about the bookshop and the various books on the shelves. There were moments when Edward and Thea talked about books, some I was familiar with and others I wasn’t. I was intrigued enough to make a list to look up when I finished. Overall, The Bookshop of Second Chances is a great book with relatable characters filled with humor and drama. I highly recommend The Bookshop of Second Chances. 

The Bookshop of Second Chances will be available on May 4, 2021 in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

The Handfasters: a fast paced and enjoyable romance

 The Handfasters by Helen Susan Swift is the first book in the Lowland Romance series. The story opens as an old woman is writing her story for her descendants. The truth behind her life, her marriage, and their family. In 1811, Alison Lamont has been sent to her aunt in Edinburgh with the goal to find a suitable husband. After a disastrous night at a high society ball, Alison finds herself in the company of Willie Kemp, a local eccentric who spends his day tinkering with strange machines. Alison is immediately drawn to Willie but soon meets with a dilemma as her aunt wants her to marry a titled man. In her desperation, she runs to Willie for help. Willie has a plan; will Alison go along with it to escape a marriage trap? Is she walking into a worse situation?

The Handfasters is a fast paced and enjoyable story of romance, society and following your heart. I enjoyed all the characters even Alison’s annoying and obnoxious cousin, Louise. Alison had a mix of the typical of damsel in distress until the situation called for her own strength and courage. As the story progressed, I had a feeling there was more to Willie than he let on and when it is revealed, it is a great “I knew it!” moment. I also enjoyed Ms Swift’s descriptions of Edinburgh and differences between the ancient side of town and the newer, more modern side. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy enjoyable romance set in the beautiful country of Scotland, I recommend The Handfasters.

 

The Handfasters

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Rescued by a Highlander: a standard romance novel but very enjoyable

Rescued by a Highlander by Keira Montclair is the first book in the Clan Grant series. A romance story set in the Highlands of Scotland in the 1200s. Madeline “Maddie” MacDonald is at the mercy of her cruel stepbrother, Kenneth. He is forcing her to marry his friend and ally, Niles Comming. Comming is an equally cruel man and Maddie knows she would not survive married to him. One day, Laird Alexander “Alex” Grant visits the castle and it is the time to set her free. Maddie’s faithful servants, Mac and Alice, pleads with Alex to rescue her from the clutches of these evil men. Alex isn’t sure why, but he is drawn to Maddie and feels the need to rescue her especially after witnessing the treatment she receives at the hands of her stepbrother. When he brings her back to his keep, he’s still drawn to her but doesn’t understand why she pushes him away. Will Maddie be able to tell Alex the truth? Will she open herself to someone who truly loves her? Can he keep from safe from her evil stepbrother?

Rescued by a Highlander is a typical romance novel with the hero recusing the damsel in distress who discovers she is stronger than he thought. However, it was extremely enjoyable. I held my breath at the cruelty Maddie experienced. I cheered when Alex rescues her. I laughed at the banter between Alex and his siblings. And my heart melted as the two fell in love. I enjoyed every word of this book and even though it was a fast read, I look forward to future books in this series. If you are a fan of romance novels, I highly recommend Rescued by a Highlander.

Rescued by a Highlander

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Highland Sisters: a Edwardian Era love story

Highland Sister by Anne Douglas is the story of Rosa Malcolm whose life is turned upside down after her sister, Lorne, runs away with another man on her wedding day. Left with the aftermath, Rosa soon begins a friendship with Daniel MacNeil, Lorne’s jilted fiancé. Their relationship soon turns into more as they are married and begin their lives together in Edinburgh. As they settle into their routines. Their happiness was shattered with times of mourning, surprise encounters and threats of war.

Highland Sisters is a title that is misleading as the main focus is on Rosa and not both sisters. I kept expecting to see some of the story from Lorne’s point of view, where did she run off to, etc. But no, Rosa is the main character and its her life the story follows. I also was a bit confused about the timeline. The story opens in April 1910 and more than halfway into the story and the author reveals that its only been a year. A year? It doesn’t seem possible. Then from 1911 to 1914 and the start of the Great War. A couple of chapters later, the war’s over. The book had 71 chapters in three parts and while the chapters were short, I feel this is way too many chapters. There were some chapters where absolutely nothing happens that adds to the story or the plot. I cannot recommend Highland Sisters.

Highland Sisters

will be available February 1, 2018

in hardcover and eBook

Mary, Queen of Scots: tragic hero or guilty as charged?

Today in history, nine month old Mary Stuart (also spelt Stewart) would be crowned Queen of Scotland at Stirling Castle in 1543. She would become known as Mary, Queen of Scots. She became queen at 6 days old when her father, King James, died in December 1542. She was also the great-niece of King Henry VIII of England, as her paternal grandmother of Margaret Tudor. This made her cousin to Queen Elizabeth I and a claim to the English crown. The House of Stuart gained the throne by marriage of Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce to Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland. She would be a tragic victim in the political games of the 16^th century as many would see her as the only legitimate claim to the English and Scottish crowns.

Mary was born on the 8^th or 9^th of December at Linlithgow, Scotland. She was said to be born prematurely and was the only legitimate child to survive King James. Scotland would be ruled by regents until Mary became of age. She was first betrothed to King Henry VIII’s son, Edward, in order to untie Scotland and England. This fell through as the pro-Catholic, pro-France agenda rose to power in the Scottish regency. For her safety, Mary would grow up in her mother’s native France in King Henry II’s court. Marriage agreement would be made for Mary and King Henry II’s son, Francis. Mary was said to be vivacious, beautiful and clever. She was the favorite with everyone and was an accomplished student. She would be fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Latin and Greek. She was tall woman at 5 feet 11 inches. She and Francis II would be married in 1558 and would remain so until his death in December 1560.

Mary would return to Scotland in 1561 where she married her first cousin, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley in 1565. They would have one son, James, on June 19, 1566. The marriage was strained after Darnley demanded a crown equal to Mary’s and he would rule in the event of her death. She refused. Darnley would later be murdered in February 1567 when his residence was destroyed by an explosion and he was would found in the garden. Mary was rumored to have had a hand in Darnley’s murder but there was no proof. She would marry James Hepburn, 4^th Earl of Bothwell in 1567, who was rumored to be the man to actually kill Darnley. Her marriage to Bothwell would be unpopular and she would be forced to abdicate her crown in favor of her one-year old son, James.

Mary would raise an army in order to fight James Stewart, 1^st Earl of Moray, for her throne. She had expected her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I to support her. Instead, she would be taken to Bolton Castle where she begin a series of house arrests. Evidence, known as the Casket Letters, would serve as proof of Mary’s involvement in Darnley’s murder. Eight letters, love sonnets and two marriage contracts portrayed the conspiracy. Many biographers and historians believe the letters were complete forgeries or were pieces of other letters to create incriminating passages. The letters, according to historians, were poorly written for someone of Mary’s education. On August 11, 1586, she would be arrested as her letters were confiscated and revealed a plot to assassinate Elizabeth, Mary would be convicted on October 25 and sentenced to death. However, Elizabeth would be hesitate to order her execution as killing a queen would set a dangerous precedent and she feared retaliation from Mary’s son, James. February 1, 1587, her death warrant would be signed and she would be beheaded on February 8, 1587 at the age of 44.

Mary’s son would become King James VI of Scotland and James I of England. He would inherit the throne in 1603 upon the death of Elizabeth I. James had his mother reinterred in Westminster Abbey opposite Elizabeth’s tomb. Mary would be the tragic figure who could not cope with the demands placed on her. She would be a pawn in the hands of scheming men. There is no concrete proof that she was guilty of anything she was accused of. One theory is Bothwell killed Darnley in order to marry her and did so without Mary’s knowledge. She remains a popular image of a heroic victim.

Great new titles in the "If you were me and lived in..." series: Scotland and Hungary

We are visited again by the wonderful series, “If you were me and lived in…” Today, I am reviewing two books featuring the countries: Scotland, a country on my bucket list to visit, and Hungary, a country with an interesting history.

First, Scotland is the northern third of Great Britain and has about 790 islands in the North Sea. The capital is Edinburgh and it is famous for its university of medicine, law, science and engineering. The book covers common names in the country as well as what children might call their mom and dad. We learn that the unicorn is Scotland’s official animal because it represents grace, purity, healing and happiness. Any book about Scotland would not be complete without learning about Loch Ness and its famous monster, Nessie. We also learn about some of the favorite dishes of Scotland, like porridge, tattie scones (potato muffins), cullen shink (a soup with haddock, potatoes, and onions) and of course, haggis. Children will learn about golf and how it was first played in 1457 in Scotland and the famous Highland Games with its traditional dress, events and music.

Second, children can learn about Hungary, a landlocked country in Central Europe. The capital of Budapest is actually three cities separated by the Danube River. Buda and Obud on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. Children learn about places to visit in Hungary like The Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and the Caves of Aggtelek filled with stalagmites, Readers will also learn about the famous dishes of Hungary such as goulash and menygyleves. Saint Stephen is celebrated in Hungarian as a hero as he was the first king of Hungary, crowned in 1001, he united the people. Children will learn that the famous Rubik’s Cube was invented in Hungary by Professor Erno Rubik in 1974.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. These books are great educational tools for any children’s library. It presents the information in a way that engages the children without giving any information that they wouldn’t be interested in. I highly recommend all the titles in the “If you were me and lived in…” series.

If you were me and lived in Scotland

And

If you were me and lived in Hungary

Are available on Amazon in paperback for $9.99