I love The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman and found it to be one of the most satisfying historical romances I've read recently... and it is certainly listed among my favorites of all time! The Return of Black Douglas takes us back 500 years to the Scottish Highlands in 1515, to a time when men were heroes, and it required strength to survive. Add in a quirky ghost who comes and goes as he pleases and talks in riddles, two modern day women (twins) thrown back in time, one stubborn (and handsome) clan chief determined not to marry, and you've got quite a wonderful story.
"Ye canna have everything ye want, and ye doona want everything ye get. And yet there is balance of life." (The ghost of Black Douglas is speaking to Isobella, page 251, ARC Edition)
Most of the story takes place in 1515, with some reference to modern day technology and medicines, but what really impressed me was how real the Scotland of old seemed as Elaine Coffman told the story of Alysandir and Isobella. It is a ruggedly beautiful time, that had a different and very strict code of honor.
Elaine Coffman has written a story full of adventure, passion, rugged landscapes and warm-hearted characters. It is the perfect story for anyone who enjoys historical romance, the Scottish Highlands, and time-travel.
And the great news is that it looks like Elaine Coffman is working on Elisabeth's (Isobella's twin sister who is a doctor) story, which is scheduled to be available April of 2012!!! I'm so glad we will get to revisit these characters again!
by Elaine Coffman
Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 1, 2011) ~ 448 pages
Fiction / Historical Romance
Edition Reviewed: ARC - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
About the Book: (From the publisher)
He’ll help a woman in need, no matter where she came from…
Alysandir Mackinnon rules his clan with a fair but iron fist. He has no time for softness or, as he sees it, weakness. But when he encounters a bewitching young beauty who may or may not be a dangerous spy, but is surely in mortal danger, he’s compelled to help…
She’s always wondered if she was born in the wrong time…
Thrown back in time to the tumultuous, dangerous Scottish Highlands of the sixteenth century, Isobella Douglas has a lot to learn about her ancestors, herself, and her place in the world. Especially when she encounters a Highland laird who puts modern men to shame…
Each one has secrets to keep, until they begin to strike a chord in each other’s hearts that’s never been touched before…
About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Since the release of her first book in 1988, New York Times Bestselling author Elaine Coffman has helped define the historical romance genre. Elaine has received numerous awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, Best Western Historical Romance of the Year and the Maggie Award. She is the author of twenty historical romance novels (Lord of the Black Isle is my 21st book), one suspense novel and four novellas’. She resides in Austin, Texas.
*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)
1 Comments:
If it's among your favorites of all time, I'm gonna have to put this on my list of books to read. Thanks for the review!
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