I'll admit that as a big fan of Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series I'm drawn to Scottish based romance. I bought the collection knowing nothing of anyone but Jude Deveraux, but if this is any example of their work I'll be hitting the search button after this review is finished. The book of 5 novellas was a wonderful escape from home and work.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS sneaks a ghost story into a sassy romance between 2 people who upon first glance couldn't be more wrong for each other.-- Tyler Stevens is convinced Joel Kingsley is completely wrong for her young cousin. Krissy is terribly infatuated with her older boss and despite Tyler's efforts to convince her otherwise, the girl thinks she's in love. Going to Scotland was Krissy's idea. If Tyler took her cousins place on the business trip she could keep an eye on Mr Kingsley for her while she recouperates from her terrible cold. What Tyler didn't count on was that "Old Mr. Kingsley" wouldn't be that old...in fact he was rather appealing. Having them thrown together to solve a centuries old mystery (complete with ghosts) only complicates an already tricky situation.

FALL FROM GRACE's humor really got to me. I felt so silly laughing out loud in the breakroom at work, but then that's what I needed the breakroom for....a break.---Grace McNish was fiercly protective of her clan after years of their being subjected to the McNab's theiving and raiding. When one of the McNab sons falls into her hands she and her rag-tag band of highland "merry-men" think they have it made. Ransom. One problem. He's not who they think he is.

COLD FEET who could resist a cowboy from Texas in the first place. This story had all of the things I love humor, romance and a bit of the supernatural.--Rand Jenkins is lost on the Scottish moors. He's supposed to be guiding his friends bride to the ancestral home, but as a Texan he's a fish out of water. Rand stumbles upon the cottage of a friendly local woman who takes them in out of the cold. She claims she's a witch and when strange things start happening to Rand he's convinced she has put a spell on him....and she has in more ways than one.

THE MATCHMAKER has modern business owner Kathleen MacKenzie fending off the efforts of the local matchmaker Harriet. She doesn't need a husband and even if she did she could find him all on her own. For example, the handsome American who stops by every morning for coffee and a scone. Harriet will not be thwarted. A little coaxing and (of course) a little magic will throw the hesitant couple into the past where they are not only fighting their feelings for each other they are fighting for their lives in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.

THE CHRISTMAS CAPTIVE was read at the perfect time of the year...well Christmas of course. Mairi is on the run from her fiance. Niall is more than happy to keep her hidden after discovering the young runaway on his families lands cowering inside a hollowed out tree. She's full of secrets and a mysterious past that the logical physicain refuses to beleive. When her fiance comes looking for her, the Scottish lord has to deal with a murderous enemy when he admits that his soul mate will be staying right where she is... with him.

These 5 tales weave a pattern of magic, history and romance that really reel you in. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs to "get away". The shorter novellas let you finish one when you might not have the time to read a longer book. It's perfect for someone who really does need a vacation and a little romance but just doesn't have the time.

These five novellas take readers on a journey to the Scottish Highlands - those who are not already in love with the heather-covered hills and strong Highlanders will certainly be when they finish this book. I am not usually a huge fan of anthologies but this book has changed my mind. These are great reads for the busy woman who doesn't have time to sit and read an entire book in an evening.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

by Jude Deveraux

Contemporary Romance

New York attorney Tyler Stevens has always looked after her young cousin Kristin Beaumont. When Kristin becomes ill and is unable to accompany her boss, tycoon businessman Joel Kingsley on a trip to Scotland, Tyler takes her place. There she helps solve a murder mystery hundreds of years old and finds the love that has eluded her all her life. While a few inaccuracies and improbabilities near the beginning of the novella might take the more discerning reader out of the story, this is a pleasant tale which should please devoted Deveraux fans. Those who are looking for her to return to her earlier brilliance will be disappointed. Despite the fact Deveraux's name on the cover will probably make this book a bestseller, her story is the weakest of the five.

FALL FROM GRACE

by Jill Barnett

(rewrite of "Saving Grace" from 1993's HIGHLAND FLING Anthology) Historical Romance (1600s)

When the branch of the tree Grace McNish is sitting in breaks landing her right on top of who she believes to be a dastardly McNab - sworn enemy of the McNish Clan - Grace believes it to be an act of God and hatches a plan to hold the unsuspecting (and unconscious) Highlander for ransom. Jill Barnett delights readers with her trademark humor in this novella set around the historic feud between the McNab and McNish clans. There's truly a laugh a minute in this charming tale complete with a female bagpiper who's partially deaf. I just love Barnett's heroines - strong but a bit awkward, smart and caring. Those of you who remember this story from the Highland Fling anthology should be aware this story is a COMPLETE rewrite. Although the basic plot is the same, many, many things are different. Warning: Don't read this in public unless you want to be victim of strange looks - you'll be laughing out loud for sure! There's rarely a better reading experience than a story by Jill Barnett.

COLD FEET

by Geralyn Dawson

Historical Romance (1886)

Texan Rand Jenkins travels to Scotland to deliver Sarah Ross to her husband, the Marquess of Weston, and becomes the "Pied Piper of Pussycats" after stopping at the cottage of Annie Munro to ask for directions. Is Annie really a witch or just the local herbalist? One really wonders - even Annie who appears to have cast a spell over Rand as well. Annie doesn't know why the cats are attracted to Rand and he is getting mighty irritated. Of course, it doesn't help matters when he finds he's allergic to them. Geralyn Dawson gives readers yet another Texan meets Highlander story to savor as she did with Simmer All Night and Sizzle All Day (the main characters of which make appearances in this novella). This is yet another winner from Ms. Dawson with a nice twist at the end.

THE MATCHMAKER

by Pam Binder

Time Travel Romance (Present Day to 1500s)

The contribution of talented newcomer Pam Binder (The Inscription, The Quest) has Edinburgh baker Kathleen Mackenzie and American computer whiz Duncan MacGreggor thrown back in time right into the middle of one of the more shocking events of Scottish history - the murder of Mary Queen of Scots' friend Riccio carried out at the direction of her husband, Lord Darnley. This is a not-too-often used concept as both hero and heroine and thrown back into time and together use their skills to adapt to the time period while there as well as to figure out how to return to the present. There's some nail-biting moments here as they try. I particularly enjoyed this story as I had spent time in Edinburgh and toured the Palace of Holyroodhouse last year. The historical details are well executed and the plot and characters so well done I was sorry it wasn't a complete book. And the sexual tension - ooh la la! This is such a wonderful story that I am quite certain readers who discover Pam Binder via this novella will be search for her other two books - and will look forward to her next The Enchantment in the summer of 2001. Simply outstanding!

THE CHRISTMAS CAPTIVE

by Patricia Cabot

Historical Romance (1827)

Cabot is the only author in this anthology whose books I hadn't read before. "Mairi" flees the estate where she's lived for the past ten years after the death of her parents as the ward of Alistair MacLean, Lord Sutherland. After caring for her, he has now become her fiancé as well. Apparently she has reasons not to wed him and escapes to the estate of the Duke of Camden only to discover the Duke as died and his eldest son Euan has taken over. Visiting his brother is Niall, recently having graduated from studies to become a physician. When Niall discovers "Mairi" has an injury needing immediate attention, he comes to her aid. The sparks soon fly but Niall does not know who Mairi really is and she isn't giving out any detailed information. While Ms. Cabot seems fond of run-on sentences (one leaving me out of breath as it went on for an entire paragraph) and left the secrets unrevealed for longer than was desirable for a novella, her storytelling and characterization were strong enough for me to look forward to her book Lady of Skye in 2001. The main ingredients are there and she needs just a bit more polish.

Reviewed by Maudeen Wachsmith for Romancing the Celtic Soul

A Season in the Highlands" is one of the best compilations that I have ever read. Jude Deveraux tells the wildly romantic story of Tyler Stevens, a women who is too afraid to love, and Joel Kingsley, a man who has given up finding true love. When Tyler goes to Scotland to cover at work for her young cousin she and Joel clash and help a pair of seemingly hopeless Scottish lovers. I hated to see this story end. It was told in the best Deveraux tradition, with love and laughter.

Jill Barnetts' story "Fall From Grace" about a highland lass and her captive 'chieftain' was a revamped re-release and was the weak link in this compilation as far as I am concerned. It was however, a decent story just not as good as the others in the book.

"Cold Feet" by Geralyn Dawson has a Texan escort an estranged noblewoman back to Scotland and while there they fall for a mesmerizing hereditary witch. This was a great story with a great hero and heroine but there was a back-story about the noblewoman who the Texan took home that was not told. Very annoying, but a good story overall.

In Pam Binders' "Matchmaker" A matchmaker throws a Scottish tea shop owner and her handsome American software mogul back in time to Queen Mary's Court. There they learn about the true worth of love vs. work. It was a great story and I would have loved it if it were longer.

In "The Christmas Captive" Patricia Cabot links a runaway maiden and her doctor lord in a tale that frees the maiden from a "curse" and a hateful guardian.

This compilation is worth the time to read and the money to buy. It is a great showcase for several fantastic authors.

The book does an excellent job of interweaving the stories of ancient Scotland with a modern day story. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book, but was stunned when the last part became hard-hitting Christian propaganda. Sharing a Christian message is one thing, but slamming the reader with a self-righteous tone as well as ignorantly referring to druidism as a satanic practice is too much. I felt betrayed when the previously enjoyable book took a severe right turn. Having said that, would I go on to read the second book in the series? Probably. The story itself was engrossing, but next time I'll be better prepared.

On the historical novel scale, this one is pretty good for its information although it is no Michener in its historical accuracy. It is somewhat disconcerting to read detailed stories of ancient people who are completely made up, but the spirit of the ancient Celts who settled present day Scotland permeates the novel. Another fault is the perspective that all Druid practices were evil and satanic which smacks of fundamental Christian prejudice and intolerance, when in fact, the Roman Catholic Church was successful in such places by incorporating the good in pagan religions with Christian beliefs.
The modern story of a North England MP entranced with his Scottish roots is well done even though the theft of the Stone of Scone by Irish Druids is a bit far fetched and barely resolved thematically. Characterization is strong and empathy is developed for the characters.
There is much beautiful description of the Scottish landscape, especially in the historic chapters which flip from various ancient periods in non-chronological order; however, at least a third is repetitious and should have been left out. Despite the negative comments, the book as a whole gives a good if not totally historical account of Scotland's beginnings and what causes the modern Scot to have such fierce pride in his heritage.

This book was a rich taspitry of history told through the eyes of a troubled young man searching for self and where he fit in whole picture. I was hesitant to read this book knowing it came from a Christian publisher but the story premise was too compelling to pass up. I was mesmerized at the different albiet fictional accounts of the history of the Celts across history. I couldn't put it down, the top layer story was what held the whole concept together inviting the reader to quickly return to see what had happened next. The only draw back I had with the story was the heavy hand,at times, to make the Druids the bad guys implying now anyone who practises this is somehow evil. I am not sure why I expected something different from the author and his choice of publisher on this element, but all and all it didn't take much away from the story and I eagerly await the next installment in this uniquely plotted saga. I sure am glad to see that there are still publishers willing to publish the saga historicals of the past. This book is not to be missed by any serious readers who are looking for richly detailed Celtic stories. Jody Allen, Charter Member of RIO- Reviewers International Organization

The eighteenth book in the Hamish Macbeth series was not so much a mystery but a compilation of several little mysteries in the daily routine of Hamish Macbeth. It was a good book for light reading as Hamish is very likeable character.

While Hamish solves these little mysteries, such as the husband batterer and the nursing home scandal, but his attention keeps getting drawn back to the village of Stoyre where strange happenings are occurring to the townpeople. Is this village truly haunted, or is it something else more sinister? It is up to Hamish, but not so much as to draw attention to his heroics - because then he might get promoted.

Hamish wants to stay in Lochdubh with his dog, Lugs. He definitely does not want to be promoted in any way.

How he does solve the mystery of Stoyre, and how he gets non-promoted makes for a delightful book for all Hamish MacBeth. A great light read!

Fans of Hamish Macbeth will rejoice! Hamish is back, slightly perturbed by stories that his adored Priscilla will be marrying someone else. He knows they're unsuitable -- but he misses her.

Tall, red-headed Hamish continues to attract women, however, and the local reporter Elspeth has been showing some interest. With her help, he digs into a series of cases that only loosely relate to one another.

A nearby village seems caught up in a sinister spell. A lovely young wife seems to be abused. Residents check into a local nursing home and some seem to check out awfully fast. And villagers report some mysterious action along the jagged coastline.

Hamish loves a mystery but this time his skill may get him the reward he doesn't want: a promotion to a big-city police force, where he'll be lost in the crowd.

Nearly every character in the series -- as well as the reviewers -- call Hamish unambitious, but I think he's a man who's got everything he wants, and he knows it. And on some level, he seems to know he's not destined for marriage (thankfully -- the series would never be the same) and takes comfort in his beloved dog, Lugs.

It's easy to dismiss M.C. Beaton's books as light -- and they are -- but she's a solid writer. She creates characters in a sentence or two and even gives them some depth. Her characters have self-defeating flaws as well as heroic virtues. Her books are small but you get a real sense of people and place -- the result of tight, careful writing. On page 233, we learn how Hamish acquired Lugs -- in 3 sentences. Some writers would need 3 pages.

Let's hope we see a few dozen more volumes from this prolific and gifted author.

This is the nineteenth (not eighteenth, you must include A Highland Christmas) in a series of mysteries featuring the detective work of small town, Highland Scottish detective Hamish Macbeth, P.C. In this book, Hamish must work overtime to avoid a promotion out of his beloved Lochdubh. But, that is not all of his problems. During a recent visit to the tiny village of Storye, he finds that the people there are acting quite strange, as if some sort of religious mania has gripped them. When the situation there turns dangerous and then deadly, Hamish knows he must get to the bottom of whatever it is that is going on.

This is another homerun for M.C. Beaton (pseudonym of Marion Chesney)! This story is every bit as good (excellent) as the other Hamish books, and makes for some gripping reading. Somehow, the author succeeds in making the Hamish Macbeth stories swing effortlessly between lighthearted humor to deadly mystery, all without losing the seeming reality of the story.

The characters in this story are likable and interesting, the story is gripping and entertaining, and the mystery quite fascinating. I think that this is a great book, one that you should consider buying!

I did notice Highland Dream is a Wink & a Kiss novel and that's pretty much the reason I picked it up and while it does have its funny moments, they didn't come frequently enough to keep the heroine from getting on my last nerve. All of the male characters in the book were wonderful, even Red Hugh! I adore Griffin and would probably read a book about him if Ms Mallory decided to write one. Jamie has the patience of a saint. I would have slapped Jix six times over, or maybe given her a spanking. I seem to recall Jamie thinking she deserved one at some point and I wish he'd gone and done it. It would have given me some major satisfaction.

The first half of the book was quite entertaining, but I found myself slogging through the book in the latter half due to my loathing of Jix. That's not what I really look for in a fun read. I think there would have been enough external conflict to keep things interesting without throwing in Jix's massive insecurities, lies and downright stupidity.

I'm giving the review three stars despite the heroine's flaws because the hero is a great guy and the writing is quite good so I don't find myself unwilling to give Ms Mallory another go.

I'm glad I didn't take the other reviewer's word for it and read Highland Dream myself. What a wonderful read! I couldn't wait for the next chapter to learn what would happen next! If you are looking for a wild ride full of laughs, love, and adventure pick up this book. Highland Dream is a fun romantic comedy, and the characters are all well rounded and loveable. Sure there's a little fluff, but isn't that why we read in the first place? If all you want is straight, boring, realism then turn on the evening news and forget this great adventure; but if you want to be swept away through time in a side-splitting farce then do yourself a favor and read Highland Dream.

Tess Mallory proves once again she is a master storyteller with a funny, madcap, adventure romance that will keep you reading until the very end. When Jix Ferguson has a dream that makes her believe her best friend is making a terrible mistake marrying, Jix kidnaps her friend and takes her to the Highlands of Scotland. Jix believes her friend should marry Jamie MacGregory, the man in her dream. When an ancestral sword takes Jix, Jamie and her friend into the past, they soon discover that nothing is simple about time travel, Highland politics, or love.

Jix is a heroine you'll cheer for and the hero Jamie truly deserves the proverbial title of "to die for."

Highland Dream is a book you shouldn't miss! Denise A. Agnew, EPPIE Award Winning Author of LOVE FROM THE ASHES

M. C. Beaton delivers a Christmas tale worthy of Dickens in this delightful departure from the Death of A series. Ever hassled by headquarters, always tormented by a villager or two, plagued by petty crimes, Hamish MacBeth manages to create a Highland Christmas celebration you will never forget. This slim volume contains more Christmas magic than a huge department store, all of it delivered with delightfully understated Highland humor, and (a gift from the author?) decorated with some marvelous illustrations. Looking for a perfect Christmas gift? Put this first on your list, it will suit all ages (and particularly a pet lover). And no need to wait for Christmas - the cool, fresh Highland air and Hamish's gentle spirit were even able to blow away the heat and humidity of June in Dallas. Highly recommended!

Note: The Reader is finally permitted a glimpse of this author. And the mischievous twinkle is right there, just as I knew it would be.

I was enchanted by this charming Christmas tale. As always in the Hamish McBeth series, the primary focus of this novella was not the mystery, but a visit to the Scottish Highlands. After following the series since the first book, I felt that I was vising old friends-- this time at Christmas. Although the focus was not on the mystery, this aspect was still credible, with Hamish using his Highland intuition to recover a town's stolen Christmas lights. The book's short length made it a quick read for the busy holiday season. Highland Christmas had a fairy tale feeling and happy ending. Hamish plays Santa to a lonely little girl and an old folks home, foils Blair's attempt to get him in trouble, and gets a new friend. There are laugh-out-loud moments in this touching, feel-good story for the holidays.

This is the sixteenth in a series of mysteries featuring the detective work of small town, Highland Scottish detective Hamish Macbeth, P.C. It's Christmas time, but there is no rest for Hamish Macbeth. When a mean old woman from outside of town insists that her cat was stolen, Hamish begins to investigate. And then, he begins to wonder why the woman is so mean and lives a fearful and solitary life behind locked doors. A second mystery materializes when the Christmas decorations for a neighboring town are stolen. For Hamish this is a Christmas of finding things that were lost (sometimes a long time ago), and finding new friends.

My wife introduced me to Hamish Macbeth and made a fan of me. Although there are no murders, this is a great book, with an interesting storyline, setting and characters. (Sherlock Holmes stories rarely revolved around murders, as I recall.) I really enjoyed this book, and proudly proclaim it my favorite so far. If you are interested in a story set in modern Scotland, or just a good mystery, then I highly recommend this book to you.

I was looking for a book to keep my attention for an hour and found a book I could not put down. It is a greaty story, and the kind of book you keep around for a rainy day. This was my first Samantha James book, but certainly not my last.

I have read afew of Samantha James novels and this one is a keeper. I really enjoyed it very much, Cameron and Meredith were wonderfully matched and the book was very sensual read. Thanks for a great book and look forward to reading all of them.

The title did not entice me to buy this book, but the story did. This is my first Samantha James book, and I really enjoyed it. The story is fast-paced, and Meredith and Cameron are great characters to spend a cozy evening with.

I bought this book solely on the recommendation that this author wrote like Rosamund Pilcher. To be fair, I thought it highly unlikely that an author whose name was unknown to me could be compared to R. Pilcher, who I think to be incomparable. But I took hope in hand and purchased "Until the Spring." It's not a horrid book, but it's not anywhere near the caliber of writing that was promised. Her characters remain undeveloped and uninteresting to the end where her plot ends predictably leaving this reader relieved that it's finally over. Please recommend a book based on the author's true merits, not by comparing her writing to someone whose talents are in an entirely different class altogether.

Kate simply wasn't very likable. I assume she's supposed to be "fragile" and delicate. To me, she just seemed a meek little mouse with not much sense. She brings her London working wardrobe with her to wilds of a Scottish winter. Hello? It's cold in Scotland and Kate really should have known that.

Throughout the first part of the book, Kate is overwhelmed by the sheer size of everything. Which made me wonder - how tall was this woman? I barely hit 5' and I've never been intimidated by the size of a stove. Kate feels lost in the bed that she sleeps in and the author makes sure we know that she barely makes a dent in the covers. Again - what is she? A midget? My two year old makes a dent in my King size bed - so what, exactly was Kate's problem?

Aside from the issue of Kate's size and her feelings of being overwhelmed, I really didn't like Max much at all. He was doing his duty, taking care of the pregnant ex-girlfriend of a man he really didn't like. But, that was it. Max didn't seem to have any kind of emotional range.

Further on in the book, you "warm" to the characters. But not nearly enough, in my opinion.

And the other thing that kept me from enjoying any of this book was the simple fact that - it was incredibly, horribly edited. There were at least a dozen typos that I counted. Now, a few typos written in a free review of a book is one thing. But when you pay (money) for a book - it had better be well edited.

Keep your money, or borrow it from a friend.

Forgive me for using a well-worn cliche, but this story is like a tapestry, deep, rich, intricate, and satisfying. The heroine, Kate, has such a strong and interesting character, weak and timid though she appears in the beginning. Each person she encounters is equally interesting, and as the threads of each personality intertwine and blend, all against a truly breathtaking description of the Scottish highlands, the story becomes more wonderful. This is the first Raiff book I have read, and I can't wait to start the next.

I have now read two of Haywood Smith's book and have enjoyed both. This one is set in Scotland in the ninth century. The heroine is a stubborn, warrior trained woman named Bera. She is the youngest of 13 children, and the only girl. She lost her mother at age 14 so she has been raised by her loving if not over protective brothers. She can fight her way out of any situation but also has the skills of a weaver. Nine of her brothers have been taken hostage by a neighboring Scot and she must go to save them. The brothers that are left behind have decided her fate and have made a pledge that if anyone can save the nine that they may have Bera's hand in marriage. She doesn't like this idea but agrees with it.

The hero is Curran, a mysterious Dark Warrior who has decided to take the up the cause of freeing the nine and marrying Bera. He is at the castle where the nine are being held and secretly helping them. He soon finds out Bera's identity and requests her hand in exchange for his help, she agrees. Together they must struggle to free her brothers, find a spy and overcome both of thier pasts. It is a touching story with some very humors areas. I really enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this book. When 9 of her older brothers are captured by their local enemy (Lord Drust) our herione, Princess Bera, disguises herself as the mysteriously cloaked "Weaver," come to weave an elaborate,gloriously woven cloak for Drust's wife, Princess Dierdre. Meanwhile, Bera's other 3 brothers have offered a prize to whomever can rescue their brothers from Drust's clutches - the prize being Bera's hand in marriage. Bera is determined to rescue them herself rather than be forced into a marriage with any mercenary who takes up the challenge.

Meanwhile, back at Drust's castle, the notorious mercenary "The Dark Warrior"(aka Curran, our Hero) has been hired to train Drust's men. However, this Dark Warrior has a mission of his own - he plans to rescue the brothers and claim Bera as his prize. Born a slave, Curran's life goal has been to achieve a higher place in life. He almost immediately senses that the "Weaver" is not who she claims to be and sets out to find out her true identity. Bera has finally met her match in Curran and the two team up to rescue the brothers. Bera fights her feelings for Curran throughout the book - despite everything he does to help save her brothers, she still has a hard time trusting him due to abuses in her past and also his connection to Drust's wife, Princess Dierdre. Furthermore, things get complicated when Bera discovers that one of her brothers has fallen for Dierdre. Bera is unsure whether Dierdre is trustworthy or not, and she worries that Curran is secretly in league with her.

While I enjoyed the story very much, there were some parts that seemed contradictory (such as Drust's complete change in personality half-way through the book) and I also didn't quite feel as drawn into the developing relationship between Curran and Bera as I expected. There is a sexual attraction between them and a sort-of friendship, but I just didn't feel the heartstring tugging one expects to feel when reading a romance book. I also got rather tired of hearing Bera's thought about how "lowly born" Curran was. I found the sex scenes to be rather explicit - some readers may find the wording to be quite vulgar in parts.

This is a wonderful story of love found in the most difficult times in the most unexpected way. A moving tale filled with desire, and unexpected turns in events. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will soon be reading many others by this author.

The author does give a good background on the Highlands in general in the early part of the book, but his focus is really on Lewis/Harris for the most part. This is a very personal popular history. There are good points and bad in that. The reader gets in-depth information about some cultural/local things that are probably not covered as well anywhere else (ie the Presbyterian factions vying for control of the souls of Northern Islanders). If these kinds of things do not stir you, you may be a little disappointed. I found some of this interesting. I was particularly moved by the story of the wreck of the Iolaire. I don't suppose it is a story that one would run across anywhere else.

As a good introduction to some of the larger issues, it serves well. The first part of the book is a good review of the various peoples and cultures that made up the Highlands. The crofting culture and the Clearances are treated well and the reader is pointed toward authors who can go into these subjects in greater depth ( ie James Hunter).

One very frustrating (for me) habit of the author is to quote other sources (Paul Johnson, John Prebble) without citing the work it is taken from either in the body of the text, in notes or even in the bibliography.

The author admits that he has "a strong bias towards traditional Highland Presbyterianism, and a corresponding disdain for rites Roman and Anglican." Those who wince at Catholics being called "Papists" and Catholicism generally ignored or disparaged, might do well to look elsewhere. The author does not mention, even in passing, the Penal Laws against Catholics, whereby practicing Catholicism became a treasonable offense (the first offense meant confiscation of all property, the second, banishment and the third, death) are not mentioned at all. This pogrom against Catholics in the 17th and 18th centuries is why Evangelicals in the 19th century could come in to fill a religious vacuum.

I recommend this book, but would urge that it not be the only work you read on the Highlands. John Prebble's books are great reading. I have thoroughly enjoyed his accounts of Glencoe and Culloden. I continue to look for an overview of the Highlands and Islands that is more scholarly and balanced.

This book covers over 1000 years of history in the Highlands region of Scotland. As is implied by the title, this is a people's history - there is no geological/natural history of the Highlands, except where the land has been used/altered by man. The first portions of the book are fascinating, detailing the early immigration to the west coast and islands of Scotland, the coming of missionaries, Vikings, the union of Scotland under one crown in Edinburgh, and, of course, the uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Unfortunately, I found myself losing interest in the latter half of the book, with its heavy focus on church squabbling. While undoubtedly of importance in understanding the "Highlands Problem," it could have been dealt with in a more expedient manner, without the enumeration of every schism that occurred.

The title is perhaps mileading. It is, in fact, a history of the people in the Highlands (and those in England, Norway, etc. that directly affected the Highlanders). Therefore, the book focusses on the people of this area of Scotland, while essentially ignoring the history of the people who immigrated there in the first place (from Ireland, Scandenavia, etc.), or the people that emigrated (to Canada, Australia, etc.) from the Highlands in later years. The author even points out that early in the 1900's, there were four times the number of Gaelic speakers in Nova Scotia than there were in the Highlands - surely some stories of these pioneers deserve treatment in the book titled "A History of the Gaels."

Finally, the maps are woefully inadequate. There are some political maps, but they do not include the locations of many of the towns mentioned in the narrative, and virtually none of the castles. Further, they are scattered throughout the book with no reference to them in the text, further adding to the difficulty in referencing them.

The strength of the book is certainly the readability. The first half is fantastic. The second half is only okay, as it seems to belabour certain issues to the point where the reader loses interest. It's certainly an adequate (and modern - published in 1997) entry for anyone interested in the history of the Highlands' peoples, with enough details to further educate those with a more intimate knowledge of the Highlands.

Thoroughly readable history of our people - but very little on the diaspora.

This book however does deal with contemporary Highland society, so if you're only interested in a sentimental look at the past, you can still enjoy the majority of this book

The little Scottish village of Lochdubh has been discovered. A beautiful and ambitious TV reporter by the name of Crystal French has decided to do a show about the village. The show, supposedly about village life, is really just going to focus on old scandals that certain people thought that they had lived down. The residents are angry and Constable Hamish Macbeth is also upset because he knows that many innocent people will suffer because of the nasty news reporter dragging up hurtful information.

A pretty new town resident, Elspeth Grant has taken more than an interest in Hamish, but he's still moping over his lost love, Priscilla. When a murder takes place, Constable Macbeth pulls himself together to track down the killer. As usual, the Strathbane police authorities advise Hamish to keep out of the murder investigation, but obsessed with his own theories, he stays in the middle of it all. When a second murder occurs, Hamish is committed to finding the killer.

These light, but charming Harmish Macbeth mysteries are always fun to read.

Death descends into the quiet highland village of Lochdubh once again when a muckraking t.v. presenter is found dead in her car just outside of town. It looks like a suicide but police constable Hamish Macbeth thinks differently and sets off to prove otherwise. Nothing comes easy in the highlands, though, and the more he digs into the crime, the more he discovers that many people had motive to murder....

This book is the quintessential Hamish Macbeth: sharp, witty, brooding, and oh-so-unlucky at love. Beaton offers up the most well-rounded Macbeth mystery ever, propelling her quirky (but nicely defined) characters along a briskly paced plot that's as warm as a wee dram o' whiskey.

In her latest Constable Hamish MacBeth tale, Death of a Celebrity, M.C.Beaton has outdone herself! Arguably the best yet of this cozy series, Beaton finally fulfills the potential of the series. In this book, Hamish, himself, has been fleshed-out - flaws-and-all, to the degree that on our next trip to Scotland, I expect to be able to spot his tall, red-haired form patrolling the streets of his cherished Lochdubh and the rugged Highlands, as well! Too, coming from a law enforcement heritage as I do, I recognize MacBeth's bucking of "the brass" as a behavior also resorted to by other bright, young talents who serve on police departments in the US, as well...As one who loves both the British "cozy" and the country of Scotland, itself, I have thoroughly enjoyed ALL of M.C.Beaton's books; THIS one is the very best!