George MacDonald is the master when it comes to communicating the beauty and power of Nature. He has a deep appreciation for the transcendant meaning and purpose which God infuses into Nature by His very character which is ever-present Love. And because man is made in God's image, he is able to experience in the deepest way possible the all-present Love of God. A God who is always seeking to sympathize with and redeem the men and women He created.

This is the story of an orhan who cannot speak who flees the city and manages to find friendship and love in the midst of a simple country family. In the end his life leads him back to the city and to places he never could have imagined.

If you are interested in finding out what life is all about and where true happiness lies this story is an exellent guide-book.

A young boy with no advantages, as this world counts them, in seeking goodness, went on to discover that doing right, as God counts right, is the best reward. A wonderful book.

We read this aloud to our family and ALL loved it. We think the author is the best ever. Most of his books are Scottish and C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolken both claimed him as their mentor! GET IT ! :)

When I read this book I was always looking forward to reading what was going to happen next. I didn't enjoy the plot so much about dogs and there bloodlines. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Nice job

Have only recently discovered this author and I think he is marvelous! Loved the dog theme. At last a writer like Dick Francis but with a dog theme instead of horses! Keep up the good work. Can hardly wait for the next book! Recommended for all dog lovers and readers of Dick Francis books.

Scottish kennel owner, John Cunningham, his spouse Beth, and their new neighbor Ben Garnet go hunting together. However, John's enjoyment turns to anger when he realizes that the unprincipled Ben has set up a mating between his canine and John's champion dog. Later, the two men argue in public over the pedigree of the puppies as John refuses to sign the papers acknowledging the valuable bloodlines. However, the world is just starting to turn ugly for John. Ben is found half-dead on a roadside near John's house. Everyone knows John's animosity towards the victim and concludes that he is the culprit. Before the police accuse him of attempted murder and to regain his tarnished reputation, John begins his own investigation even if it means confronting a brutal individual.

BLOODLINES is a great Scottish who-done-it that showcases the immense talent of author Gerald Hammond. Like the other stories in this fabulous series, the story line is brisk and the mystery remains mysterious until the end. The characters are all wonderfully developed, especially the feuding canine owners. BLOODLINES is a top pedigree of a novel that brings Scotland to life.

Harriet Klausner

A tidy mystery unfolds as heroine Catriona, a gypsy performer, meets a wealth of possible suspects and tries to determine who done it. Hayden MacGowan, a.k.a. the Hawk, is effective as the young King James' loyal guard, hero and would-be-foil to Cat. She digs him, but can't tell him what's up. He grooves on her, but deems her too young and vibrant for a world worn highlander such as himself.

Written in an easy and impeccably confident style, HIGHLAND HAWK successfully interweaves the romance, the external plot, and the relationships between Cat, Hawk and the twelve-year-old king. Cat is especially delightful, comfortable with her exotic allure, and fun to watch whether she's flying through the air or snooping in guests' rooms looking for clues. Hawk may be too fatherly a hero for some, but his years give him a laid back rather than gung-ho attitude. He suits Cat, though, much to his dismay.

Ms. Greiman balances exposition, dialogue and backstory effortlessly throughout, a key to maintaining the forward momentum of the plot. The many characters are introduced at a pace that enables us to keep track, and each has a distinct personality. Both hero and heroine share equally in the outcome, an essential element in a satisfying romance.

Humor, intelligence and warm relationship between Cat and Hawk, make this a must read, not only for sixteen century Scotland or Highlander aficionados, but all lovers of historical romance.

This was a wonderfully fabulous book. Catriona, the heroine, was fascinating and charming. King James was adorable. The other characters, several from Ms. Greiman's previous books, were, as always, delightful. But it was Haydan the Hawk himself who was irresistible. What a guy. They don't make 'em like that anymore. I can't wait for April when Greiman's next book comes out.

I love all of them just wish it was not so hard to find the ones that are out of print. Makes me wish that I could go back to that time.

It was nice to read a book where the hero isn't the biggest and baddest man in the world nor is the heroine the prettiest woman that had ever walked the earth. Eric, the hero, is trying to regain his birth right, and meets, beds, and marries (in that order and during a short period of time) Bethia. She comes from a family that any good social worker or family therapist would love to work with. She also is being hunted by a madman for thwarting his plan to seize a castle. It was also fun to see characters from Ms. Howell's other books, though you will enjoy this book without reading the previous two.

Romance at it's best! A quick and highly enjoyable read!

Everytime Ms.Howell's books come out I rush to my store to get the newest copy. I know that I am spending my money on a book that I'll be pleased with.Too many times I have been upset with the quality of the books that I read. Ms.Howell writes the kind that once you start you can't put it down.This is one of my "keepers".

Highland Hopes, the first book of the Blue Ridge Legacy series, reads more like Catherine Marshall's classic, "Christy".

The prologue's modern setting makes it clear that you are about to hear the story of a life. That life begins as a mother's ends in childbirth. Parker's pages turn quickly from the deathbed to full-blooded life. There's fast-paced action as mountain moonshiners face off with government revenuers, gambling exacts a heavy toll on an already impoverished family, and World War II patriotism pulls young men from the Carolina hills to the blood soaked battlefields of Europe. The romantic soul will wrench as hearts are broken and lifelong unions are made. The author relates the story in the third person, but often changes the character through whose eye's he views the events occurring. Parker proves equally adept at voicing the innermost thoughts of both his male and female characters.

Highland Hopes takes you through Abigail Porter's childhood years, years that she learns to love her Blue Springs Mountain home, and years that she learns to love her father, even though she feels distinctly unrequited in her affection. She dreams of learning to read, that she might know all about the big wide world of Asheville and beyond. Her young desires grow into a yearning to leave the mountain and better herself, but there is always a tangible pull toward the hills of her birth. The first twenty-nine years of Abby's life take the reader quickly and poignantly from the new dawn of the 20th century in the ageless Blue Ridge Mountains to a definable turning point at the age of twenty-nine, when she finally feels her father's love.

The pages of this copy of Highland Hopes are indelibly marked with coffee and tear stains -- a sure reminder of long late night reads and the powerful emotions that this tale evoked. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the second book in the Blue Ridge Legacy, where Granny Abby will unfold more of her beautiful Blue Ridge memories.

--- reviewed by Lori for Christian Bookshelf

Great book! Highland Hopes will draw you in to each character and will make you feel as though you are there with them. I am looking forward to reading the sequel to this book.

I have enjoyed every novel I've read that Gary Parker has written. This was no exception. Great story line. Each character truly had his/her own personality and it was easy to feel like you were inside Abby's head sometimes. I highly recommend it.

This is the first time in years that I've read a Harlequin romance novel. Boy have thing changed. I remember them being very typical with no sex. This novel not only had a great story but was also steamy. Reading this book makes me want to rethink my notion that Harlequin books are too childish. This book was better than some of the regular romance novels where the sex was tbe only thing they had going for them.

I'm not usually fond of the "misunderstanding" plot line - you know the kind, where there is some type of misunderstanding in the first chapter of the book. The couple then spends the next 8 chapters not explaining what really happened. They finally explain in Chapter 9 and everyone is happy by Chapter 10.

The misunderstanding in this book is a little more complex. The hero is deaf and her father fails to mention that to her. Immediately on the heals of the wedding, they are forced to flea her father's home because an angry, jealous cousin attacks the keep.

When Robert realizes Mairi doesn't know he's deaf, it's already too late. He wants the marriage to work, but his honor won't let her make the final commitment to him (consumation) until she knows the truth. But he wants to wait until he's home to tell her the truh. He is equally afraid of her pity and her scorn. He feels that by showing her how he has kept his keep and has the respect of his people will prove to her that he will be a good provider.

Without the marriage consummated, she can still back out of the marriage contract. His honor demands nothing less.

This story line worked because Robert had very real reasons for keeping his secret. He wanted her told. In fact, it was a stipulation to the marriage contract in the first place. That the misunderstanding occured was not his fault and it was something he wanted to rectify very badly.

I liked how the author dealt with a deaf hero. Especially a deaf hero in an unusual time period - Medieval Scotland. She mention a few of the signs he learned and created over the years. She even mentions how he managed to survive without his hearing and became a knight.

I liked how his honor was important to him. I liked how Mairi took the news, dealt with it in a clear headed fashion. She was a strong heroine, full of courage and passion.

This was a very good book - I highly recommend.

The Highland air was heavy with revenge... and Mairi MacInnes wanted to breathe deeply of it. Until an arranged marriage with Robert MacBain, an enigmatic lowland lord, whisked her away to a life of adventure, passion- and unspoken love. * Generous of spirit. Mighty in battle. Indeed, though he lived in a world of silence, Robert MacBain had gifts any would envy. Yet the Baron of Baincroft lacked true love in his life- until he met and champoined Mairi MacInnes, his tempestuous chosen bride. But would she ever hear and heed the loving whispers of his heart?

Beware: The author has not indicated the quality of markings within these trails. On my wife's and my first outing we chose an EASY trail. The 'trail' was no more than single track, overgrown, and after 2 miles we were lost. We finally hitchhiked back to the start along 4 miles of highway (thank God we found that --- there had been evidence of bears!). Although trail maintenance is not the author's responsibility, the book may lead the uninitiated to believe it's a "walk in the park".

Anyone who has even the most basic understanding of the woods and of hiking will find this book a fine companion for a hike in NJ. The author has a nicely literary style (pretty rare for this genre), and gives equal time discussing geology, flora, fauna, and history. There are a number of new and interesting hikes, not just the "same old" ones that are so commonly written up. The maps are also very good. Scherer also has a lot of interesting insights on ecological matters. All in all, it's a book that should become a standard for New Jersey outdoor lovers.

From one nature lover to another: I've done a few hikes in this book and I plan to do more, these are the best hikes ever. The layout of the book is superb, and the descriptions of the hikes as well as the trail markings, are accurate and easy to follow. I had no trouble finding my way along the trails, even late in the day. This book really does guide you to the best hikes in NJ. I recommend the Terrace Pond hike, its a 10!

Having been sent to Edinburgh to be presented to society in hopes of finding a husband the very wealthy heiress Riona McKinsey has been maneuvered into a most compromising position by a calculating fortune hunter. Using Riona's love for her family as a weapon to threaten scandal and ruin upon her she grudgingly agrees to a betrothal and marriage with the odious greedy suitor.

Her mother, Susanna, had sent a plea to her friend Fergus MacRae to see if he could help her figure a way out of the mess Riona had fallen into. Fergus couldn't come but sent his nephew James MacRae as his emissary. Once Susanna, saw James she concocted a scheme to have him spend time at her estate half hoping that an attraction would happen between Riona and James. Naturally, as they try to ignore the attraction - James being honorable realizing that she was betrothed and Riona having committed herself to a betrothal and trying to honor her agreement to save her family from scandal, the inevitable happens and they fall in love.

I have to say that I've read all of Karen Ranney's novels to date and have been most satisfied up until now. Her prose of course, is outstanding and you get all warm and fuzzy as these two fall in love - James being the more poetically sensitive of the MacRae brothers, but the plot really does not make sense. Once the mother had agreed to her daughters sacrifice betrothal what on earth did she hope to accomplish by maneuvering her daughter and James into a lustful encounter? But more importantly, knowing what a toad her betrothed was for manipulating her into a compromising position, and Riona being portrayed as an independent and resourceful daughter - what difference did it make which scandal would be worse - the Riona breaking off a forced betrothal with a man she despised - or running off to Gretna Green with a man who was her love and kindred spirit? Never mind that Riona was supposedly doing it all for her sweet sister so that the sister could marry the man she was in love with. Why didn't the sister see how miserable Riona was being forced into marrying someone she did not love? The secondary plot of someone trying to kill James was not of primary importance to the plot and was dealt with rather haphazardly and used, I believe, as a vehicle solely to put James and Riona in a compromising position.

I am sorry to say that the third book of Highland Lords series just did not live up to my expectations of a Karen Ranney novel especially after having read everything else she has written plus the first two books of the series that had much more excitement and sensuality to them. She did manage to pull off the ending so I did not rate this so much by the weakness of the plot as I did by her exquisite prose - Rating a 3 would have been too low but with no 1/2 points in this rating system I am giving it a 4*.

Could James be any more perfect? I fell in love with him just looking at his character in the picture on the back cover! He even keeps a journal of his feelings...what more can a woman want?

Although I would have liked Riona to be a little less dutiful, when the time came, the woman came through and gave it up for James...in a field...and bugs or itchy grass never entered my mind while reading that!

"Irresistible" must be Gaelic for "James."

James is so good-looking that he is irresistible to others, but he hardly notices the other women except for Riona. She is engaged to another when they fall in love, so there is an element of sorrow throughout the book -- but that is Karen Ranney for you! I have read nearly every one of her books -- she is very good and this book was just as hard to put down as her others. There are 2 delightful sideline romances in it, too. I look forward to the other 2 installments in this series.

My father was born in Sutherland, and I have been there several times, and still have relatives there. The book moved me emotionally,probably because of my direct connection to the area and the people.The author portrays those times very realistically,especially the betrayal by some of the clan chiefs.One might almost make an analogy between what happened in the highlands of Scotland to what occurred in North America with the Native Indians.The only differance is that it would appear the Native Indians are going to make someone pay.

Well researched, lucid review of the highland clearances, with vivid descriptive examples of conflict and black-house burning.

Anyone who believes that the "ethnic cleansing" we are witnessing today in Yugoslavia is something new, should read this gripping history.

This is the sequel to "Highland Lady" which i really enjoyed. In this book we get Anne's story. She is the bastard daughter of Robert the Bruce sent to live with Elen and Munro from the first book. The hero of this tale is Munro's bastard son. He didn't know he even had a son until Tor shows up after his mother dies. She made Tor promise to go to his father and he feels he must do just that to honor her. He is half viking and holds a big grudge against his Scot father. Munro honestly never knew about him and it makes for a good story to see them become a family. Anne is a very straight forward young woman, she takes after Elen, and she wants Tor. He is also highly attracked to her but they beleive they can't be together for several reasons. This book has humor and tendersness and passion in it that make it a wonderful story. I loved the fact that the author brought us up to date on what Elen and Munro had done with thier lives and it was nice to see that they still cared as deeply for each other as ever.

I also liked the secondary characters of Tor's brothers and would like to read a book about Finn in the future.

Colleen Faulkner never disappoints a reader! Highland Lord is a great book. I didn't want it to end. It made me cry and laugh, and I thought the unusual romance plot was wonderful. Faulkner's characters leap off the pages. I'm ready to buy a ticket to Scotland this minutes. Those who enjoy a well-crafted historical with a strong heroine and tasteful sensuality will love this story.

A Faithful Faulkner Reader

Fans of Colleen Faulkner's HIGHLAND LADY will easily recall the heroine's vicious sister Rosalyn and her plot to destroy those around her. Rosalyn had arranged her own kidnapping with the aid of Lord Munro Rancoff's younger brother, manipulating him to her will. At the conclusion of the novel, Monro's brother died and Rosalyn had been shipped off to a nunnery to live out her existence. Young Anne, the illegitimate daughter of King Robert the Bruce, had also arrived to wait for the time she's old enough for her father to marry her to an appropriate alliance.

HIGHLAND LORD begins eight years later when the bastard son of Munro arrives demanding acknowledgement. The son of a Norsewoman, Tor Henneson prepares to fight, to argue, and to overwhelm his father with his rage and resentment for the man he believes to have abandoned himself and his mother. Rather than questioning his son's claims, Munro immediately ascertains the truth of his son's words and accepts him as his son. Tor demands coin so that he might return to his mother's lands. Munro promises a rightful share of his wealth when Tor proves himself worthy to a Forret.

In the weeks that follow, Tor finds himself torn between his old heritage and this new one. He also finds himself quickly falling under the spell of the beautiful Anne. But Viking half-breeds aren't ordinarily allowed to marry daughters of kings, legitimate or not. But dark trechery once more brews in the highlands, threatening to lay waste to its lands and people in a bitter plot of revenge.

A richly textured novel, HIGHLAND LORD blends the strengths and the power of HIGHLAND LADY with a new generation. While strongly influenced by her guardians, Anne has her own independent ways. She doesn't wear the man's garb that Elen favors, yet she speaks her mind and maintains her independence admirably. Tor's initial anger and resentment mellows into a powerful yet loving character that will delight romance lovers. His newfound loyalties, his sense of responsibility toward his younger brothers, and his growing love and respect for his new family lends him a fascinating depth. Yet Tor also falls into the typical male approach to love, not recognizing a woman's desire for romantic displays of affection. After all, Vikings rule their women, and Viking women would never disagree with their mates.

The secondary plot will delight fans with the struggles of comparing a long-term relationship with the impetuous powers of a new love. Elen is still a fierce warrior woman who cares little for clean floors, yet is tempered by her passionate nature, wearing men's clothes and loving her husband deeply. She struggles with the changes that eight years make in a marriage, missing the passion of those first loving days; she struggles with the conflicts of duty and love that drain one's energy before going to bed at night. Her husband reveals the weaknesses many men fall into when in a comfortable relationship, neglecting to remind the woman of his heart that she is still the center of his world. Yet together, Elen and Monro give the novel a solid foundation for the fiery desires and independent thinking of young Anne and Tor. A wonderfully told tale of memorable characters, HIGHLAND LORD comes very highly recommended.