The Bridegroom Wore Plaid
By Grace Burrowes
Publisher:
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date:
December 4, 2012
Ian MacGregor, Earl of Balfour, has definite ideas about
what he wants in a wife—a practical, loyal, kind woman with a sense of humor
and a lusty nature, preferably a fellow Scot. But as a man with a keen sense of
honor, he recognizes that his title imposes a responsibility that encompasses not
only his immediate family but also all those of his blood, his clan who have
been ravaged by economic depression and forced evictions. Ian accepts that the woman who becomes his
countess must have only a single quality, a hefty dowry. The land and the clan
must have a healthy infusion of cash if they are to survive, and exchanging Balfour’s
title for the wealth a well-dowered, English bride will bring seems to be the
only means of acquiring those funds. Eugenia Daniels, the oldest daughter of
Willard Daniels, Baron of Altsax and Gribbony, is a likely candidate to become
Countess of Balfour.
Altsax, impressed with the Balfour estate’s proximity to the
Queen’s beloved Balmoral, is paying dearly for the privilege of his family’s
being the “guests” of the earl. He is also determined to see Eugenia married to
Balfour. Genie Daniels, however, does not share her father’s enthusiasm for the
match. Augusta Merrick, the poor relation who has accompanied the Daniels
family to Scotland, finds unexpected pleasure in her surroundings and in the
lively MacGregor family. Initially willing to aid Ian in his courtship of the
disinterested Genie, Augusta soon finds herself falling for Ian. He returns her
feelings, but love won’t provide the resources he needs to meet his
responsibilities. A happy ending for everyone seems impossible. It takes a
threat to Augusta’s life, the revelation of villainy, and Augusta’s own
determination to win over all the odds.
Burrowes creates wonderful families. The MacGregors are as
vibrant and interesting as the Windhams, and the setting in Victorian Scotland
adds even more interest. The author gives her readers three secondary romances,
each one sweet and satisfying. The cast of characters is large, and some may
find that all the matches between members of these two families stretch credulity.
But Burrowes excels at creating irresistible characters. Ian and Augusta are
likeable, sympathetic characters with clear strengths that include impressive integrity.
I especially appreciated Augusta’s growth and her refusal to be daunted by
circumstances.
The MacGregors won’t replace the Windhams as my favorite
Burrowes family, but they are a wonderful addition to the work of this prolific
author. I look forward to the stories of two more Scottish earls with
connections to the MacGregor clan. The next one, Once upon a Tartan, is scheduled for release in August 2013. I’ve
added it to my TBB calendar.
No comments:
Post a Comment