New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell brings the proud heart of Scotland to life in her magnificent novels. Now the seven MacEnroy brothers are about to take America by storm . . . Off the New England coast, courageous Mehitabel Ampleford wields a rifle to protect her home from a brutish band of men who are after her land. She will not be intimidated, but their attacks are growing … their attacks are growing fiercer, and just as their latest confrontation threatens violence, a bold stranger appears out of the ocean mists to send the raiders packing.
Geordie MacEnroy has seen the ravages of war in his mountain town—and in the injuries suffered by his youngest brother; now, his restless soul is calling him to find sanctuary by the sea. His long journey to the beautiful coastline of his adopted homeland feels like a new beginning as lovely Mehitabel, so wise and self-sufficient, offers blessed hope for healing his brother’s wounds. Geordie envisions a beautiful life with her as his bride, but a woman who has fought so fearlessly for her home may not willingly surrender all for his love . . .
“This will be a hit with fans of historical and Scottish romances.”
—Booklist on The Scotsman Who Saved Me
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Geordie goes in search of the ocean and finds a family. Belle is a disciplined and determined young lady. This is a classic Hannah Howell love story where things move slowly and sweetly. The characters are people you will fall in love with. Abel and Morgan are brilliant children who keeps the adults on their toes. They are resilient and enterprising characters who are building love and family. Coupled with the animals this story has all the ingredients that make a delightful read.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Geordie MacEnroy yearns to see the ocean and sets out with his brother Robbie and James, a family friend who is heading home to Maine. Geordie isn’t sure Robbie is up to the trip, he was beaten badly and has yet to fully recover, but he insisted on joining Geordie, so they are taking their time traveling.
On one leg of their journey they step in when they see a woman with a young girl being harassed and learn that the widow is heading back to Boston, they befriend her and her daughter Morgan and then part ways in Boston. Where they spend a few days resting and sightseeing before heading out on the last leg of their journey.
Mehitabel “Belle” Ampleford has another run in with her neighbor Charles Bennet, but this time he seems more agitated and not only has he brought several men with him, he also has a gun. She tries to defuse the tension, but he seems bent on violence, she is not sure what she is going to do when three strangers arrive and effectively send Bennet on his way. Belle rents rooms and is happy to accommodate the men and notices Robbie in particular might need some nursing.
I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as the previous books in the series, it was for the lack of a better word – dull. Geordie and Belle are both likeable, smart, interesting characters, but there is nothing keeping them apart and there is no drama moving the story along, anytime something came up it was rectified quickly and relatively easily. I also felt that the romance seemed to come out of nowhere and they progressed quickly to lovers again without any tension or obstacles. Everything just moved slowly and worked out perfectly, even when Morgan reappears later in the book, the events leading to that were treated like it was no big deal and glossed over. It was just strange, and the story felt a bit choppy and disjointed. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never did. I was not unhappy with the book, just underwhelmed. But if you are looking for sweet, uncomplicated story that is easy to read and easy to put down and pick up later – this is the book for you. It is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone with no problem.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Always an excellent story by this author no matter what the setting is.
The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away (Seven Brides/Seven Scotsmen Book 3) by Hannah Howell
I’m a big fan of Hannah Howell’s novels and I have read over 20 of her novels and enjoyed them. Unfortunately, this book isn’t anything like her signature writings. This is a review I did not enjoy writing.
The Scottish MacEnroy family came to America because their landlord turned them out deciding he could make more money with sheep rather than with tenets. After the Civil War some of the 7 brothers were starting to settle but, Geordie had a growing desire drawing him to see the ocean again. So, he and his brother who was wounded by a severe beating and incorrectly set bones in the war went with him along with a family friend who was returning to his family home on the coast. We meet the heroine, Mehitabel or Bella for short, a quarter of the book in, when a neighbor and his minions come to harass her because he wants her land. Geordie sees several men with guns against one woman and her gun and decides to intervene on her behalf.
The story from page one is painstakingly slow and drawn out with little happening to keep your attention nor to encourage a reader to continue on for something exciting to come. The men are from Scotland but they sound and behave as if they were native born cowboys in the American west. There’s nothing Scottish left but their accents on occasion and the romance was sedate and lacking of any transferable emotion to tie me to the couple. Sadly, I can not recommend this read, however, I haven’t given up on other and future novels by Ms. Howell.
Enjoyable read.
When Georgie gets the urge to see the ocean again, him along with a friend and his brother set out East together. When they arrive we meet Belle, her and Geordie seemed to be made for each other. This book was pretty good overall but here’s the bad part, I wish I had read the first books in this series, at times I felt a little lost. Also at times the book seemed to just drag on and on but then pick up later. Overall I enjoyed it.
This book was only so-so. I love this author, but I think she just phoned this one in. This was more novella than novel as far as pacing and plot go. Continuity with previous 2 books in the series was problematic (secondary characters the Powell brothers were Jones brothers in the previous book, and Reid was Abbie’s brother, but was referred to as Emily’s on pg 9). I was more invested in Robbie’s story, and he’s the hero’s youngest brother!! Not worth $7.99, wait and see if it goes on sale – wish I had….
Highly entertaining, sexy, engaging and emotionally thrilling romantic adventure filled with intriguing charters, witty banter and undeniable passion… was an exciting read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed every twist and turn.
The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away by Hannah Howell is book 3 in the Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen. This is the story of s Mehitabel “Belle”Ampleford and Geordie MacEnroy. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Belle has been fighting to keep her land because the neighboring people wish her to sell…but she won’t do it. While fighting another battle with them Geordie appears out of nowhere to help her. Geordie and his younger brother Robbie have been off fighting the Civil War. Now Robbie is injured and both are tired when they strike a deal with Belle to protect her land if she helps to heal Robbie. But the more that Geordie and Belle work together for their deal the more they both start thinking of something more.
Enjoyed their story.
This is the third book in the series, and though it can be read as a stand-alone, the experience will be richer if the first two books are read first. It opens as Geordie debates with himself about whether to give in to his urge to see the Atlantic Ocean again. It has been years since the family emigrated from Scotland, but Geordie remembers the peace he felt watching the waves. However, he hesitates about leaving his family behind. When a family friend stops by on his way home to Maine, Geordie decides to tag along with James since there is safety in numbers. Youngest brother Robbie also wants to come, looking for a way to test himself after the horrific injuries he received in the previous book.
One of the things I like best about the MacEnroy family is their support of each other. Oldest brother Iain is protective of them all but also understands that each must find their own path. I love the honest conversations about dreams and expectations, and the knowledge that home will always be there. As Geordie, Robbie, and James head off on their journey, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the sights along the way. The effects of the Civil War are still evident in the people and places, something that makes an impression on Geordie. I liked the way that Geordie and James watched out for Robbie without babying him, respecting that he knows what he’s capable of. There was a bit of excitement on one leg of the journey as the men came to the rescue of a woman and her child. I liked Geordie’s calm handling of the matter, and especially enjoyed the “awkward stumble” gambit. Their good deed plays a part later in the book. When they reach the end of the train journey, they ride in the direction of James’s home, and along the way discover a woman being threatened by an obnoxious neighbor.
Mehitabel, or Belle, faces off with a neighbor who wants her land and becomes increasingly threatening in his attempts to get it. She has no intention of giving in, as the property is part of a long-standing family trust. When three strangers arrive in time to assist her in sending the bullies packing, she is more than happy to rent them rooms. Belle is a woman of many talents – healer, baker, clam-digger, innkeeper. She is feisty and independent, but also warm, loving, and loyal to her family.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Belle and Geordie. When Robbie is injured, Belle’s healing skills are needed. Taking care of him brings Geordie and Belle closer together. I liked the time they spent together talking about their lives and their families. The sparks between them built into a passion they were quick to give in to. It also left each of them wondering where it would lead. Belle’s life and family are there by the ocean, and Geordie’s is rooted in the Ozarks. An added complication arrives in the form an orphaned little girl. I loved how Geordie and Belle are able to talk about their options and possibilities. The visit to his family was an eye-opener for Belle, and I enjoyed seeing her reactions. I had to laugh a little at the way she and Geordie were ganged up on, but it was all with good intentions. Geordie was especially adorable in the way that he would get flustered when he tried to explain his feelings to Belle. There was a fun bit at the end as he tried to figure out a way to make her see an essential bit of information. The epilogue was a terrific look at the immediate future and the added chaos of visitors.
I also enjoyed following the trials of dealing with her obnoxious neighbor. Bennet was bound and determined to get her land and willing to do anything to succeed. I liked the ways that she stood up to him and countered his moves. It was interesting to see the way that the land was protected. There were some unexpected twists, such as when her aunt was booted from her home by a greedy brother and sister-in-law. Assistance came from an unexpected source and came with an added benefit. The problem with Bennet came to a satisfactory end thanks to the sheriff and his loss of patience with Bennet’s antics.
Of the secondary characters, my favorites were Aunt Mary and the two children, Abel and Morgan. Mary is a mature woman with a practical attitude and a dry sense of humor. She also doesn’t suffer fools gladly, and the issue with her brother and the house frustrates her. Abel and Morgan were both adorable and mischievous. I liked the way that Morgan and Geordie connected on the train journey and the impression that he made on the little girl. I ached for what she went through and cheered at her resilience. Her reactions to Abel were funny. Abel was a piece of work himself. I loved his energy and his obvious love for his sister. It was fun to see his interactions with Geordie and Robbie, but the real winner was when he was faced with Morgan. The scene with the frog was a riot.
The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away is a heartwarming story with endearing characters. It had an engaging, character driven storyline. The vivid descriptions of the different places make it easy to visualize and helps pull you into the story and keeps you turning the pages. I would definitely recommend this wonderful book and any other books that this talented author writes.
My favorite book in this series. I feel an instant attraction to Geordie’s wanderlust to visit the ocean for peace and tranquility. This is a beautiful slow burn romance. Geordie and his family have captured my heart in this series and I am sure it will continue with the remaining brothers. Geordie and Belle are such a wonderful couple.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away is the third book in Hannah Howell’s Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen series. Can it stand alone? A bit, but I recommend reading the first two installments before this one. I didn’t, and I feel I missed a lot of major storylines and family dynamics. This is one huge family, and you may have trouble figuring out who belongs to whom.
Geordie MacEnroy is one of seven brothers who moved to the U.S. when they were displaced from their tenant farm in Scotland. They now live in the Ozarks, dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War. Geordie, feeling restless, decides he wants to see the ocean again, so he and younger brother Robbie – who received crippling injuries in a previous book – head to the east coast with relative James aboard the railway. When they reach their destination and look for a place to stay, they see the beautiful Belle Ampleford confronting a neighbor who wants her property. After helping her out they rent rooms from Belle, who luckily for Robbie was taught healing by her father. They quickly become friends with Belle and her young brother, especially Geordie…
This book started off very slowly and didn’t pick up speed until a quarter of the way into the story. The romance between Geordie and Belle was…pleasant. I really didn’t feel any passion between the two. I enjoyed the relationships between Belle and her aunt, and Geordie and Robbie. There was some suspense and tension with her horrible neighbor, plus a bit of a story regarding a little girl they met on the train. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the first two. However, the MacEnroys are a lovely family and I look forward to spending more time with them.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Off the New England coast, courageous Mehitabel Ampleford wields a rifle to protect her home from a brutish band of men who are after her land, just as their latest confrontation threatens violence, a bold stranger appears out of the ocean mists to send the raiders packing.
Geordie MacEnroy has seen the ravages of war in his mountain town—and in the injuries suffered by his youngest brother Robbie; now, his restless soul is calling him to find sanctuary by the sea. His long journey to the beautiful coastline of his adopted homeland feels like a new beginning as lovely Mehitabel, so wise and self-sufficient, offers blessed hope for healing his brother’s wounds.
This is the third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own there are references to other characters from earlier books so it could take a little while to realise who everyone is. I thoroughly enjoyed the book once I reached a quarter of the way through, as up to that point the pace was slow. However bear with it as things do hot up. I’m loving the MacEnroy siblings’ stories also Scots in America is a different setting & makes an enjoyable change. I really liked Geordie & Mehitabel & the road to their HEA but it’s Robbie who steals my heart & I eagerly await his story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
With the Civil War finally at an end, Scottish immigrant to the U.S. Geordie MacEnroy decides to ease his wanderlust and a craving to see the ocean by indulging in a trip to Maine with his brother, Robbie. He finds a seaside haven at the home of the lovely Mehitabel Ampleford when he helps her chase off an increasingly violent group of men after her land. Belle skillfully treats injuries Robbie sustained as a result of the war and which never healed and Geordie begins to grow more and more attracted to her. But Geordie’s life and family is in Missouri and after fighting so hard for her home and land, Belle is unlikely to leave it behind, even for love.
I try to be very lenient and understanding in reviews and to never leave a book unfinished, especially knowing how difficult the writing process is, but this one was a struggle. I skimmed quite a bit of it after awhile, looking for improvement, and found none. To be fair, this is the third book in a series and I haven’t read the fist two, so I expected some confusion with regard to the characters, but even new characters didn’t make much sense to me because the storyline and writing was so all over the place and made little sense at times. I’ve read this author before and while those stories weren’t all time favorites or anything, they were enjoyable reads. It’s almost as if this one wasn’t even written by the same person. Even if it hadn’t been so disjointed, the pacing was slow and rather tedious, with numerous scenes that didn’t really fit and did little to advance the story. There was a distinct lack of dialogue and even interaction between the hero and heroine; it is simply stated that there is an attraction between them and bam, several pages later they’re in bed. It took a quarter of the book before the heroine even appeared on the page.
Beyond all that, the writing itself also threw me because of the distinct lack of pronouns. I’m not sure why this choice was made but it was so prevalent it must have been intentional. This may not bother anyone else, but reading things like “Should be able to do it myself soon.” or “Heavy decision to make.” (this last in reference to whether or not to keep an old pan), annoyed me. Yes, the subject is clear enough, but this is a pet peeve of mine and just made conversations between characters seem even more disjointed and the characters flat. It was also hard to keep track of what was going on because some scenes mentioned it being morning, then afternoon, then morning again in the same scene. It seemed like there was a lot of filler to add not much substance. There were other storylines brought together sporadically that also served to add some confusion and make the story feel convoluted, but there was just so much potential here it makes me sad to write such a review.
To be fair, I read an ARC, so some of this may be much better in the final published version, but I think there are too many issues with the plot itself to be wholly resolved. It’s not up to Ms. Howell’s usual standards.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A handsome Scotsman who dries dishes….oh be still my heart!! lol This was such a lovely read and although I did find the start a bit long and slow, it soon picked up and had my full attention.
I loved Geordie and Belle’s characters, as well as all the secondary characters. I’ve always loved a strong heroine who can take care of herself and Belle certainly is that. As for Geordie, he’s such a strong and caring man and he stole my heart at the way he cared for his younger brother. The story takes place in an era when trains were new, as were showers, and I just found it so fascinating.
Now I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!! I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Geordie MacEnroy is one of the seven brothers who emigrated to the Ozarks from Scotland. Two of the brothers are married and they are busy building their lives and collecting orphan children and making their own. Geordie has a yearning to see the ocean so he sets off to see the Atlantic with his younger brother Robbie who’s recovering from being beaten and crippled by Rebel soldiers. Their friend James is returning home to Maine so they tag along. This is the set up for this edition of the American Highland family. This story is calm and sort of falls into place as Geordie finds someone to share his life with and Robbie is healed of his crippling pain. I found it a quick and peaceful story of searching and finding purpose.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
More MacEnroys, please! Unlike some of Hannah Howell’s other series, this one is set in 1860’s America and not Scotland. However, there be Scots! The MacEnvoys are quite the family of very talented Scots who have made a living in the Ozarks. The need to see the East coast ocean hits Geordie, a need that will change his life and that of his younger brother, Robbie. Unlike other of the author’s books, this one is not filled with end to end danger, intrigue, and action. However, it is a wonderful commentary on the growth of this country in the post Civil war era. As Geordie, Robbie, and their friend, James travel the train to Boston and beyond, the reader can feel the growing pains of the nation as well as unfortunate fem we of so many young men in the war. As James continues on to his home I Maine, Geordie and Robbie find a place to stay by the ocean. Mehitabel (Belle) Ampleford runs what now would be called a bed and breakfast, with most of her staying customers coming in the summer. Belle is a woman of many talents, one as a doctor or sorts having learned healing from her now deceased father. The attraction between Belle and Geordie is almost instantaneous. Being from very different parts of the country, can they make a life together? Will the villain, Bennet get his way and the Ampleford’s property? What happens to Robbie that is life changing? I love these characters, they are genuinely decent, hard working people. There are more brother so I expect more books in the series. More MacEnroys, yeah!
I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is my first book of the series but I didn’t have too much problem understanding what was going on. I probably would have a better understanding of who certain people in his family are but I don’t feel it’s necessary to read the first two books to understand this story.
This story starts off slowly with Geordie MacEnroy deciding if he wants to make the trip to see the ocean. He is doubting his choices of going because he doesn’t want to leave his brothers and their families. He changes his mind when an old friend, James, stops by on his way home to Maine and decides to travel back with him. Once by the sea (about 25% in) he meets Mehitabel “Belle” Ampleford who is being harassed by a neighbor to sell her lands. She refuses. Geordie and Robbie decides to stay at her B&B while they are at the sea.
I really liked Belle. She was smart, snarky, and stood up for herself. Belle and Geordie were a sweet and cute couple. I loved how flustered he would get when talking about his feelings. This was a wonderful, slow building romance. I will probably try to read the next one when it comes out, hopefully it will be Robbie’s story.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
Gordie MacEnroy came from Scotland with his family to find a new life in America. Along the way other people became a part of their group and establish a fortress in the Ozarks. It’s several years after The War Between the States and Gordie wants to see the ocean, but not on a ship. Traveling by train and wagon with his handicapped younger brother and a friend from the war, they make it to the ocean not far from Boston. Their first encounter is with Mehitabel Ampleford holding off her pesky neighbor. A total surprise from Hannah Howell, this is pretty low-key as far as conflict. A not so slow romance with passion and the eventual bonding of more families.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.