If only one book on the subject of Scotland's clans and families were truly all encompassing, this book would in fact be the one to buy. But no one book can do the subject of Scotland's people justice. While this 'encycolpedia' does provide some very interesting and informative items, such as just what a clan encompasses, it does repeat many of the same errors on family associations that prior authors on the subject have made. One might think with the credentials of the authors that their research would have been much better. For example: On Campbell, the tartan shown is that of Campbell of Argyll, which is the incorrect tartan. The Campbell of Argyll tartan was designed specifically for use by one the Past Dukes of Argyll as his own 'personal tartan'. It is not to be worn by members of the clan. The Ancient Campbell tartan, also known as the Blackwatch tartan is the tartan which may be worn by all Campbells.

Additionally this book wants in explaining exactly what The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is - it is a private association of certain chiefs, and omits from its membership some "officially' recognized chiefs of Scottish clans. The book may give the uniformed reader the impression that the 'Council' somehow helps The Court of the Lord Lyon make determinations on who is or is not the Chief of a Clan or Head of a Family. There is a blurring of the facts here. The Court of the Lord Lyon is the only authority in Scotland who may ratify and confirm Chiefs. The Lord Lyon signature on papers known as Letter Patent and on the Matriculation document, amounts to the Queen's signature ratifying the Chief of a Clan or Family. Only Lyon's signature and Seal of Office on such official state documents makes a Chief a Chief. That there is an omission of certain Chiefs and their clans from the work is obvious.

The index of names and clan associations is also lacking. There are many Scottish surnames which have clan or family associations which are not to found within the pages of this work. Likewise there are Scottish surnames which have no clan associations at all, and some names which have no tartans associated with them whatever.

Much of the History and Heraldry contained in the book is well done, there is no denying this. The Heraldry in particular is one of the better features, and there is likely no other book on the market which shows the richness and brilliance of Scots Heraldry. The banners, standards and clan crests badges of the Members of the Standing Council are well done, but for the Armigerous clans and families at the rear of the book, their herldry, history and accuracy is very lacking indeed. In fact, some families or clans are not mentioned at all.

While this book is certainly NOT a Clan Bible, it makes a good companion for other such books. It is still a good source of reference, and a must have for anyone interested in Scotland's colorful past as well as learning about the presence of the clans as they exist today.

If this book was sold by weight it would still be a wonderful buy. It is a heavy volume and very high glass paper. Much care went into making this a collector's book. The Binding is sewing not glued, so the workmanship is not often seen in books these days.

Now to the inside...two pages are dedicated to most Clans, showing excellent colour pictures of the tartan. It also lists the Clan's arms, crest, motto. It give a better than average history of each Clan, which takes up the first 2/3s of the book. The later part takes up the Armigerous Clans, many of these are often left out of works in most Clan and Tartan reference works, so this is definitely a plus. In Appendix 1 they give you a good Chronology of dates of importance in Scottish History. For a timeline, it's better than most I have been in works similar to this. Appendix 2 gives Scottish Monarchs for Kenneth I to the Union of Parliaments in 1707. Appendix 3 is a very nice glossary of Heraldic Terms - was very impressed with this section. Appendix 4 for gives septs and names associated with various Clans. I have seen this in other works, and again, this one is much better. Appendix 5 will be of special interests to people tracing their family treat as his gives you information concerning tracing genealogy in Scotland. There is an Index, with excellent fonts, so easy to read.

All in all worthy, quick reference for the Clans of Scotland.

Scotland's history is a tapestry of heroes, legends, exploits and tragedies, woven on the weft of her Clans. Those wanting to see into this history, to learn about their Clan and being a clansman, or to understand Clan lore, Clan Law, Highland Display, and Scots Heraldry, should have a copy of this book.

The Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia covers Scottish history, Clanship, Tartans, Heraldry, and related matters in general. It then goes on to detail the specific history of each Clan and its leaders, to illustrate the official clan tartans and insignia, and to indicate which families and septs are associated with each clan. The histories and symbols of many prominent Scottish families are also included.

But with hundreds of books published on Clans and Tartans, and more coming out every year, why this one?

Because it is the best fact book on the subject. Written by the Secretary of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs and his Deputy, an Heraldic artist in the Court of the Lord Lyon (Scotland's Chief Herald) and at the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, this book provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on Scots Clans, Chiefs, Tartans, and Heraldic practices.

If you want a coffee table picture book, a novel for bedtime or a traveler's souvenir, I recommend something else.

If you want the authoritative source, this is the one to own.

What an interesting couple - he's an executioner; she's a refugee from the guillotine and revolutionary France.

Jack never intended to get involved with this woman or her problems but found himself speaking up for her when she is caught stealing a horse. Even worse, she is remanded to his custody for six months labor. Now he has to share his home and spend most everyday in her company. And this sentence also puts a crimp in Claudia's plans to find the father she never knew - a Scottish earl that may or may not know of her existence.

Claudia goes from pampered courtesan to working in a tavern. From fearing and loathing Jack and his profession to respecting and liking Jack the man. He surprises her in that he is actually very kind and gentle, an animal lover, a vegetarian and most unbelievably a virgin. He has vowed that he would never take a woman because of what happened to his mother - seduced and left to bear a child out of wedlock. But Claudia is quite a temptation for him. She's beautiful and resilient and he finds himself wanting her badly.

Though she had been the mistress of a guillotined French aristocrat for seven years, she knows little of love and tenderness - especially not from a man. But Jack's kind and gentle nature and handsome looks attract her as her former lover never did. They fall in love and then must face the villainous actions of Jack's half brother, his stepfather, not to mention Claudia's nefarious father. But love conquers all and Jack and Claudia are finally free to begin their lives anew.

A very sweet love story.

Hope Tarr brings to life and has you falling in love with the most unlikely hero and heroine in this electryfying yet enchanting story. MY LORD JACK draws you in and takes you on an unending, thrilling and sensual journey. You won't want to put this highly recommended book down.

favorite scene with claudia-
blackmailing her father for money, using the fact that he killed a man.

jack-
the final showdown with his brother.

together-
bringing her back from running away, confessions and making love.

Good tips for training and knowing what to expect. Good pictures. Not always written well, and some parts are a bit hard to follow.

As a breeder and exhibitor of this fine breed. I recomend this book to all perspective westie owners. What a better way to explain what a versital dog this little breed can be. From therapy dogs right on to working in the feild, Ms. Martin does a great job letting the informed buyer be aware of all the attributes this breed can bring to any home.

First time and old time owners alike will love this book. It gives a wonderful overview of the West Highland White Terrier. It includes good puppy selection and training tips as well as breed health care, grooming, and temperment information. We particularly like her coverage of the breed's versatile involvement in canine activities such as agility and tracking. It is also a good book for people who are trying to decide if a Westie is right for them. We recommend Ms. Martin's book to everyone who obtains a Westie from us.

Hamish is stationed in Strathbane, due to the downsizing of constabularies in the Highlands. He is unhappy with living in the city and with the attitude of his new partner. The residents of Lochdubh are unhappy with the situation also. A new woman in town suggests that they stage a series of fake crimes to get him back, it works. Mrs. Baird is something of a femme fatale, encased in a layer of fat. She is a former professional hussy and has amassed a fortune with her looks. She has taken in a niece recovering from cancer, and turned her into a secretary, unpaid of course. When she goes away to restore her looks, her niece is charged with typing up her filthy memoirs. The girl wants to learn how to drive and to get a proper job, but Mrs. Baird forbids it. Hamish teaches her to drive and she is feeling independent until her aunt returns home and announces that she is getting married again and cutting the niece out of her will. She is killed shortly thereafter and the niece and Mrs. Baird's four suitors are the main suspects.

This is a typical Hamish McBeth book. The mystery isn't difficult, but the characters and story line are alot of fun.

Once again, M.C. Beaton has produced a very entertaining mystery featuring Constable Hamish MacBeth, our favorite Highlands policeman. Rather short in length (again) but excellently plotted with lots of red herrings and amusing characters. Very enjoyable reading, highly recommended

Short and sweet and jam-packed with fun, DEATH OF A HUSSY is the fifth in the series of Hamish Macbeth mysteries. There are some really colorful characters here. Beaton is so good at creating characters with both good and bad sides. Even the "hussy" has some good points -- and the combination of characters can be pretty funny. Satisfying conclusion. Thoroughly enjoyable.

When a hunting party cancels their reservations to Tormel Castle Hotel, Priscilla takes a reservation from the Checkmate Marital Brokerage, much to her father's dismay. Maria Worth, who runs the agency, carefully made her plans to exclude her partner, Petra, a narcissistic glutton who alienates the paying clientele, using the agency as her own private dating service. Maria has carefully screened a few couples and hopes that the beautiful and remote highland setting will promote romance. Unfortunately, Petra finds them and brings along her beautiful and empty headed niece. Maria is afraid that all her plans will be upset. Petra grosses out all in the hotel including the chef, who bets the locals that he can make her eat anything including a dead cat(she does). Fortunately, the couples unite against Petra and her niece and pair off, not in the intended groups, but they are happy enough. One day Petra disappears and is found dead by the gravel quarry with an apple in her mouth. It is up to Hamish to solve the crime, and Priscilla's business.

This is a very funny mystery. The characters are slightly bizarre, but believable and their romantic twists and turns are pretty amusing. Hamish is at his lazy best, trying to keep his village safe, and himself from being promoted again.

Quirky, funny and fast moving, with a bit of revolting sense of humor on part of Petra's eatting habits, this is a good fast read, that will satisfy those who love mysteries, and those who enjoy a bit of a good humor now and then.
The only draw back is the amount of characters introduced. I had a bit of a hard time remembering who's who, but once I got into the story it all made sense.
I appreciated the fact that by the time the book ended and the guilty was revealed I wasn't saying "who's that?"

Great read, M.C Beaton fans must dive into this one.

"Death of a Glutton" is the eighth Hamish Macbeth mystery by M.C. Beaton set in the Scottish Highlands town of Lochdubh. An exclusive dating service, Checkmate, is having some of their members meet at the Tommel Castle Hotel which is owned by Colonel Halburton-Smythe, father of Priscilla, of whom Hamish is very fond. The dating service is owned by two women, Maria Worth and Peta Gore. Peta is a terrible glutton, eating everything in sight, and making people so mad that they think of ways to get rid of her. When she is found dead with an apple stuck in her mouth, it is up to Hamish to find the murderer. As usual, he upstages Inspector Blair from Strathbane. I am reading these novels in order, and I think that this is the best one to date. It is highly recommended.

It's Christmas, and Hamish is sick. The unlikable Jane Wetherby from the island of Eileencraig thinks someone's trying to kill her. She runs a health farm, where lots of interesting characters are staying, all of whom, of course, become suspects in what leads to murder. DEATH OF A SNOB may be the 4th in the Hamish Macbeth series -- I've lost count. It's coprighted 1991. The awkward relationship between Hamish and Priscilla contines. This is a real cozy in the old tradition, with a group brought together on an island. It's fun, short, and light, but also moody and dark, with some elements of a real "thriller" thrown in, along with some fun characters. Once again, Beaton has made the nasty one so nasty that I'd have wanted to kill that one myself!

"Death of a Snob" is the sixth Hamish Macbeth novel. Hamish is invited by Jane Wetherby to spend Christmas with her on the island of Eileencraig in the Herbrides. She believes that someone may be trying to kill her and wants Hamish to determine if someone is indeed trying to kill her. She has other guests at her health farm; her ex-husband, John, Harriet Shaw, a writer of cookbooks, Ian and Sheila Carpenter, and Diarmuid and Heather Todd. Heather Todd is a terrible snob and is not friendly with anyone including her husband. Heather is found dead in the curve of an overhanging rock at the beach. Hamish notices that she has a broken neck and a bad bruise on the side of it. The police think it is an accident, but Hamish is convinced that it is murder. With the help of Harriet Shaw, Hamish investigates. This is a good read and a very good addition to the series.

Hamish McBeth is at loose ends for the holidays. His parents are being visited by an aunt who hates him and Priscilla is too busy with her new hotel to have time for him. When a friend of hers thinks that someone is trying to kill her, she invites Hamish to her posh Health Spa for the holidays to protect her, only she isn't the guest who is in danger.

As usual the author has written a mystery that the reader can get completely absorbed in. The characters are quirky and the setting properly ominous. Another great read.

This book was just another Highland-romance, pretty American meets Scottish duke, type book. It wasn't really funny/interesting/sexy. By the time the pair gets into bed, you don't care anymore. The Duke has the worst mood swings, and "his" Juliet is just boring. If you're looking to just pass another 4 hours of your life- then this is the book. If you have more interesting things to do with your time and you want a good romance: pick up any of Eloisa James's books, they are all good.Enjoy!

This has to be one of the best romance books I've ever read. I absolutely loved Lachlan and Juliet. How sexy he was! And both were so appealing, so beautiful, smart, and very dedicated to Lachlan's daughters. And what a wonderful plot! One of the reasons I loved this book - there was always something intense happening ... in every chapter, every page, every paragraph, every sentence, every word!!
But having read TRUE HEART first, I couldn't help thinking of the heartache Lachlan and Juliet would come to endure in a few years with their daughter Virginia. That hardly seemed fair to these wonderful parents.
I will truly miss this wonderful author's work!

I loved this book as much as all the other A.L. books. I could not put this one down.

As someone with a personal interest and knowledge of the subject, and love of literature, I have to say that I was disappointed with the book. Seems as if Winerip could not decide whether this was a novel (the parts that were most enjoyable) or a journalist documentation of events. The writing style was erratic in other ways as well, which distracts the reader from the content. I applaud Winerip's dedication and sensitivity to his subject, especially his characters. I was able to identify with them and put myself in their shoes, a credit to the author. But this sense of involvement with the story was interrupted far too often by objective details, which may have been necessary to the story. Thus, I find it unfortunate that Winerip could not find a way to integrate the public and political events more fluidly into the narrative. Disturbing also was the absence of his own character, which was obvious by his references to "a visitor" and when the people in his story spoke although nobody else was mentioned as present. The plot leaps back and forth between time and characters,which immensely took away from the enjoyment of reading it, disrupting the flow of the story and leaving the reader confused and wondering. Books of this nature are very important, I believe, and although it is obvious Winerip made a valiant effort, I was disappointed with the result. I would reccommend this book only if all other examples of this subject matter have been exhausted.

This book tells us what really goes on inside group homes. It also tells us about the parochial neighbors who fight the placement of group homes in their neighborhoods because if irrational fears and ignorance.

The author lived in the group home at 9 Highland Road on Long Island, a wealthy community that did not want the house located there and disgraced themselves in the eyes of many readers by raising hell at public meetings.

The people living at this home did not destroy the community or devalue neighborhood homes. They also tested the patients of the staff. Winerip does a good job explaining the psychiatric problems experienced by each resident and how staff dealt with the daily travails of that environment. The staff are heroes for doing this work for low pay.

The scariest part of the story is Julie, a resident suffering great trauma from childhood horrors and has many personalities to cope with that trauma. One personality takes over the body and when another personality pops out it may not even know where Julie is or how she got there. Apparently, one personality had a social life in New York City doing God knows what. When another personality pops out "she" realizes that the prior personality knows these companions well. But the second personality finds herself trying to converse with people who think they know her, but she doesn't know them. Most of the second half of the book deals with things like this. Scary stuff.

I have worked with people who suffer with mental illness for the past 11 years on Long Island. The past nine in community residences (one was mentioned in this book). Michael Winerip has done an excellent job of portraying what it is like to live and work in a community residence. Not only is it a daily battle for the residents, the staff do battle/advocate on the residents' behalf constantly with the government, OMH, clinicians, community, and family members. I applaud him for this book. It is full of life and crucial information for the general public and professionals. Anyone that has the slightest tie to the mental health system (which is probably more people than would admit it) I urge to read this book! It has many pages that are filled with valuable information. Don't be discouraged by the size of this book. I read it in 4 1/2 days and I am a full time program supervisor at a community residence in suffolk county, go to school, am on-call 24 hrs. a day and believe it or not I have a social life. For those working in the mental health field, I found this book rejuvinating. At a time when I was feeling "burnt out" it gave me strength and reminded me why I have spent so many years working with this gifted population. My residents have taught me many valuable things, and I believe that Michael expresses this in the book. I haven't read such a fulfilling book in many years!

This is my first Karen Ranney book. I looked forward to it and assumed that I would enjoy it and many of her other books in the future. I will try Ranney again and I still hope that she is an author I can depend on for a good read. But When the Laird Returns had just too many overused, trying, romance plot lines to abide with much patience.

Alisdair MacRae has arrived, for the first time, in Scotland as an adult. His family had fled their former Highland estate prior to his birth. Alisdair wants to see his birthright, Gilmuir castle with it's surrounding lands, and falls in love with it. The castle had been partially destroyed when his family had been forced to flee Scotland but Alisdair finds that a large portion of it has been systematically dismantled. Although the MacRaes no longer occupied their former Scotland home, the land and castle remains still belong to Alisdair. In addition, Alisdair finds sheep grazing on his land and orders the shepherd and his sheep off his land. He begins looking for the man who is apparently using his land as his own and finds the dreaded villain in this book, Magnus Drummond. Magnus has claimed the lands as his own and has apparently obtained legal ownership. Alisdair is a wealthy successful ship builder and decides not to fight Magnus and agrees to pay him an unbelievable sum for his own birthright. But Magnus has a further provision for Alisdair's purchase of this property. Alisdair must also wed Magnus's daughter, Iseabal.

Iseabal is a free spirited woman who lives in the shadow of constant fear of her father. Her times of running free for a day across the Scottish highlands must be kept from her father. Although she doesn't escape her father's oppressive treatment often, she lives to relish the few times she is able to wander among the beautiful highlands around her. Her father sees her as nothing special and believes her to be totally biddable. When Alisdair realizes whom he will be marrying to obtain his birthright (he had seen her earlier in the castle ruins of Gilmuir), he considers her to be somewhat of an empty being - certainly no one he would be attracted to. Iseabal accepts her marriage sensibly. Once she leaves the island with Alisdair, he informs her that he will obtain an annulment of their marriage once he reaches England. Of course, he will support her in some manner. He refuses to bed her - nothing will come between him and his determination to have the marriage annulled. He doesn't really care about the future he is forcing upon Iseabal or rather he doesn't really think about the ramifications upon her life his determined annulment will cause.

During the voyage to England, Alisdair begins to see beautiful qualities in his unwanted wife. Iseabal, in return, sees in Alisdair a man she could be happy with. Their relationship tenderly begins to evolve into something more than a forced marriage. Alisdair stays committed to the idea of the annulment but finds it harder and harder to find his reasons for it.

Alisdair is a nicely written hero with a capacity to love before the end of the book (we often don't get to see this in romance writing until the end of the book). He has all those hero like masculine attractions we want to see in a male lead. We discover he is a very considerate and understanding man. Iseabal eventually convinces us, as the readers, that she has a desirable personality and strength of character. Their relationship has some great moments but then the last half of the book falls into some sort of hole. I never regained my interest in the happenings once I passed the mid-point.

Magnus is a horrible villain - so awful that you cringe thinking about all of the despicable things he will do before the book ends. He is just too mean. Alisdair remains consistently likable and loyal throughout the story. Iseabal, however, sinks into some pretty ridiculous behavior that makes no sense during the last half of the book. I won't attempt to explain her convoluted thinking because I don't think we, as readers, can understand it.

The last third of the book found me skimming page after page as THE BIG MISUNDERSTANDING plays itself out. The book became predictable, hellish, and boring the closer it approached the end. Even the love scenes were boring in the good parts of the book. There were pages and pages of description of these sensual scenes that were so artistically yet vaguely described, that you totally lost track of when he had even kissed her. The sensual scenes rate about a 3.0 to a 3.5 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines).

This is not a book I will keep to read again. It had some great possibilities but got lost in subplots and secondary characters and THE BIG MISUNDERSTANDING. There was some great interaction between the leads that was highly enjoyable during the first half of the book. I was so disappointed in the last half of the book because the first half had been extremely promising,

In the second of the Highland Lords series, Ranney again focuses on the relationship between two lovers in the next generation of MacRaes.

Although Alisdair and Iseabal are thrown together as part of a vicious plot to control the land, they grow to know and love each other because of their shared commitment to the MacRae legacy.

So many times, when a book ends, the reader is left to speculate about what happens next. With Book Two, we are moved forward 30 years. We are able to learn what happened to Ian and Leitis after they left Scotland in Book One, and we are also able to look into the next generation and discover how the parents' legacy is handled with equal care by their oldest son.

Book 2 of the Highland Lords takes us to the next generation of MacRae's and you will find it to be just as compelling as the first.

Sailing from his home in Nova Scotia, Alisdair MacRae, captain of the Fortitude and descendant of proud Scottish lairds, has sailed into the Loch below the ruins of Gilmuir once the stately home of clan MacRae. Alisdair's objective was to reclaim his birthright but the very odious Magnus Drummond has claimed the Gilmuir lands and will sell them back to the MacRae. Not only was he asking for a small fortune but he would also have the MacRae wed his daughter Iseabal. Not wanting a wife, but knowing this to be the only way to reclaim the land - Alisdair agrees thinking to annul the marriage as soon as possible.

Iseabal had lived a life in fear of the very cruel man she called father, being dutiful was her only way to avoid pain. Earlier, that day, Alisdair, not knowing who she was, had rescued her after she had fallen into a pit at the ruins of Gilmuir, therefore she was surprised to find that she would be married to this very tall and handsome stranger, Alisdair MacRae..

In the beginning Alisdair is portrayed as honorable - in that he cares for Iseabal's injuries, and her comfort - yet he doesn't - in the beginning - try to discover much about the very stoic and complex person that is his wife. He is quite kind to her, treating her injuries and she came to trust him and actually looked forward to performing her wifely duties only to discover, accidentally, that Alisdair would be and annulling their marriage. Iseabal, had grown up never able to voice her feelings in a household devoid of warmth, love and human kindness, but she had come to care for him so realizing that he would be repudiating her she hid her hurt behind the wall of silence she was so adept at keeping.

I loved the intense way this amazing love story comes together for these two people as once again, the author gives us interesting multi-dimensional characters, with strengths and flaws that made them all too human. Iseabal raised in fear and abuse with so much anger, so much pride and not enough trust. Alisdair was raised with love and honor - not seeking to change his life with a woman he had not sought but then finding that she was the woman he had always expected. This was a very moving story with fabulous sensual imagery, good historic background, very fast paced and with enough edge of your seat excitement to keep you interested.

You can always expect superb prose from this author who has yet to disappoint me.

I do wish that someone had said that this author writes in "Scottish" dialect (and I use the word Scottish lightly indeed!) You'll know what I mean if you've ever visited Scotland -no one really babbles on the way they do in this book. And am I the only reader who finds it very hard work to bother with reading dialect?

BUT over and above all that why on earth were the heroine and her cousin so small?? Tiny in fact! All that looking up into the faces of giant men and snuggling into their beards and suchlike -YUK! I always imagine these little women have sharp, ferrity features and tinny, squeaky voices to match their tiny frames!

I want to read about grown up women not veritable children - an impression that has the power to turn me right off the book - After a while I skipped the och's and ayes and read the end.

It's gone to the church sale now!

Ms Howell quickly captures your attention with her descriptions of the characters, their humorous interactions, and the pace of the book. Cameron (the hero) captures your heart with his strong but wounded persona. Avery (the heroine) and her sister Gilly leave you cheering as they determine what buttons to push within their dark knight and his companions. Watch for some entertaining and interesting dynamics between some of the secondary characters.

I loved this book. The heroine has heart. She's bold, honest and even though she is small, she has her wits. The hero admires and is even a little astonished at her abilities. I enjoy a book that doesn't make all women out to be some tissue snivelling weaklings. I read it 3 times, and laughed each time.