Thursday 23 February 2012

Review - Highland Storms by Christina Courtenay

When I was invited to review Highland Storms, I did say that it wasn’t my first choice of story.  I’ve never really been able to get into historical novels (so sorry to all the historical novel writers out there!) but I was assured that this would book would change my opinion.  It most certainly did.  I loved it and couldn’t keep away from it.
Hurt and bruised by the lady he loved, Brice Kinross is struggling to get over the fact that his woman has married his brother.  He has lost both of them and needs a fresh start.  When his father tells him that he is actually Laird of a struggling Scottish estate that he remembers well as a child, he sets off on his journey to stake his claim.  He first visits under the disguise of someone needing a room for the night, and is treated appallingly.  When the locals find out who he actually is, there are mixed feelings towards him and he has some building of bridges to do before people warm to him. 
When housekeeper Marsaili, becomes an ally to him, he discovers that she is being pestered by the man who manages the estate, and whilst trying to protect her, he cannot believe that his feelings for her are deepening.  Marsaili is stunned by the strong emotions that she has developing towards him, yet neither tells the other how they feel.  
The attraction between Brice and Marsaili in this book is quite electrifying.  The descriptions of this run down but picturesque estate, along with the hidden passageways and secret doors, conjures up delightfully eye-catching and dramatic scenes in the beautiful landscape of the Scottish Highlands.  I could almost feel, smell and touch the heather!  My imagination ran away with me, and I could see the whole book unfold in glorious technicolour!
Christina is a writer who uses emotions and humour, romance and adventure to blend together in a story which has a strong plot and is an absolute pleasure to read.  And you know I’m a sucker for a happy ending!
As a child, through to adulthood, Christina has always adored fairy tales and all “happy ever after” stories.  Born in England, she grew up in Sweden and at the age of 16, she and her family moved to Japan, a country she loved so much that she set her first book in the Far East and her homeland.  Christina loves reading and writing particularly historical novels, along with history, archaeology and genealogy.  She likes rock music, particularly when played really loud!  She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Historical Novel Society.  She currently lives in London with her husband, two children and three dogs, but will soon be moving to the country.   Highland Storms is her third novel. 
You can find out more about Christina by checking out the following links.
You can buy Highland Storms via Amazon by clicking here

4 comments:

Christina Courtenay said...

Thank you so much for this lovely review, Kim, I'm really glad you enjoyed Highland Storms!

Sue Fortin said...

I was exactly the same as you Kim and it was Christina who changed my opinion. Really enjoyed Trade Winds and loved Highland Storms.

Pukkapad said...

I was just the same - never been into historical fiction! Christina turned that upside down with this fantastic book! x

Kim The Book Worm said...

Thanks so much for your comments ladies. I'm so looking forward to reading more of Christina's work.
xxx