Blood
On The Tartan is Scottish historical romance set during the mid
19th century during the Highland Clearances. Chris Holmes puts the
history back into historical romance in a manner that heightens the
romance. The reader is easily drawn into the scene and characters
through this author's depiction of the historical world.
Catherine Ross remembers her childhood the Scottish clearances of
Glencalvie all too well. When mass evictions appear eminent,
threatening to empty the glens of her people to make way for sheep,
Catherine rallies her people and becomes the center of resistance.
Constable Ian MacGregor is sworn to uphold the law and he takes his
oath and his honor seriously. Torn between his love for Catherine and
his job, Ian must decide. Can their love survive? Can they survive the
approaching battle?
Chris Holmes stands out as a historical romance writer in his creation
of characters. Catherine is defiant yet a certain calm steadfastness
emerges in the midst of her defiance. Ian is a man of honor, torn in
his loyalties, yet both tender and intelligent. He knows how to stand
up for his love and work behind the scenes. Catherine and Ian's love
develops gradually, ever increasing in depth as the two characters
discover their love not only through their physical attraction but also
through their actions towards one another. The secondary characters add
intrigue, emotional and historical authenticity. The time and place
setting is dramatic, the romance riveting, though not overplayed,
giving a richness and depth to this read that will appeal to romance
and historical fiction readers.
I adore this Scottish historical romance! Blood On The Tartan has more
history than some historical romances --- but never dry history in this
book! Readers will find themselves completely immersed in the scene,
the history and the characters. Chris Holmes creates a
multi-dimensional theme of justice in his depiction of all the nuances
and forces at work from the laird down to the land tenants. This
intricate historical detail emanates from the story itself, heightening
the suspense and the reader's understanding of the history in a vivid
manner as if it were current and present. The extra historical detail
just makes their life stories more memorable and lasting because the
emotions were grounded in events.
The ending is quite special and bridges links with Catherine's mother's
story as well as opening up this romance to an expansive view of
Scottish history and ancestry. Blood
On The Tartan is a must read for romance and historical fiction
lovers of Scottish heritage.
Publisher: Highland Press (October 2007)
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Merrimon Book Reviews
