Heart In The Highlands By Heidi Kimball

Heart in the Highlands

by Heidi Kimball

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc

ISBN: 978-1524418823

I was part of Heidi's launch team. She is a new-to-me author and after seeing what such a gorgeous cover this was I had a feeling the inside would be just as lovely. She sent me the book for review.

Summary:

An arranged marriage was never what Callum Darrington, future Duke of Edinbane, imagined for himself. But with the well-being of his uncle’s family hanging in the balance, Callum strikes a bargain with his father and reluctantly agrees to tie himself to a stranger. The reality of the lovely Lady Katherine is more than he could have hoped for, and their wedding heralds a bright new future for the couple—until Callum discovers his father deliberately deceived him. Callum lashes out, setting in motion heartbreak not even he could have foreseen.

Four years later, Callum is ready to piece together the marriage he so carelessly destroyed. But their years apart have hardened Kate: she is not the naive and trusting young woman she once was, and she has no intention of allowing Callum a foothold in her life or her heart. Despite her coldness, Callum works to regain her trust and rebuild their marriage, not realizing Kate harbors a secret that could change everything—and this time, there is much more at stake than just her heart.

My Review:

Do you ever want to read a book simply because of the cover? That's why I wanted to be on the launch team for Heidi Kimball. I figure if someone has that gorgeous of a cover and it's set in Scotland, it's gotta be good, right?

Well, it was!

I don't know that I've ever disliked a character on the first page before as much as I did the father of one of the main characters! Callum's father was a despicable man and you learn that the moment you crack the book open.

And then the heart fluttering meeting of Callum and Katherine. MAYBE they can make this work... but that horrible father deceives him and Callum can't take it so he leaves. Without his bride. For four years! My heart broke for Katherine and I was so mad at Callum!

The rest of the story was rather bittersweet. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I cared about the characters and my hope for reconciliation. I could feel Kate's anger and Callum's anguish through the story.

I enjoyed the Scottish accent in the story and it lent to the setting! It was overdone or obnoxious which I was thankful for. I could also sense the physical setting with the weather. I can understand why they were always seemed to have plaid around!

As for the romance in the story, grab your fans because it's there and it'll make your heart pitter patter. Thankfully this is clean fiction so nothing inappropriate. Of course, it's helpful when the couple is married for those cute moments to happen. Their flirting right after the marriage was really adorable.

There's not a faith element to the story and I never saw any reconciliation between Callum and his father. I was bummed about that, but I know not every relationship can be restored. There are secrets that come to light throughout the story and it all helps bring everything full circle. Hurt can do a lot to a person and we see that in action through the characters in the story. Forgiveness also goes a long way as well.

About the Author:

At a young age Heidi perfected the art of hiding out so she could read instead of doing chores. One husband and four children later, not much has changed. She has an abiding love for peanut butter M&Ms, all things fall, and any book that can make her forget she is supposed to be keeping her children alive. 

Heidi currently lives just north of Boston, in a charming old town in southern New Hampshire.