Rating: 
Summary: Good Scotish Read
Review: This book is a good blend of modern stories and historical fiction. "A Season in the Highlands" delivered exactly what I want from a romance anthology, charming characters in unusual situations, and lots of happy endings.
Rating:
Summary: I only wish all the stories were full length books !
Review: This compilation was a joy to read. My only sadness was that each one of the tales was not a full length book. I was especially sad to finish Jude Devereux's story---I wanted MORE ! However, all of the stories, while different from eachother, paint a wonderful portrait of Scotland. I can't imagine anyone reading this book and not wanting to jump on a plane. Since we can't all rush off and book flights on British Air, reading "A Season In The Highlands" is the next best thing. You *will* enjoy it !
Rating: 
Summary: Jill Barnett outshines them all...
Review: This is a five story anthology by various authors all taking place in the Scottish Highlands. Some stories are much better than others. I will note a separate rating of each below, but the average of all five ended up being 3 stars, hence my overall score of the book. In the first story, "Unfinished Business", by Jude Deveraux, Tyler Stevens agrees to fill in at work for her niece Krissy when she takes ill. Temporarily stepping into Krissy's secretarial position leads Tyler to travel to Scotland with Krissy's boss, Joel Kingsley. While in Scotland, Tyler and Joel unwittingly stumble into a ghostly murder mystery that piques their curiosity. Investigating together may lead them to find more than the answer to an old mystery. This story was pretty good, but not what I would consider excellent. It was a worthwhile read and deserves a rating of three stars. The second story, "Fall From Grace", by Jill Barnett was the hands down winner of this lot. This was my very first Jill Barnett read, and since discovering her here, I've now read nearly all her work. The clans McNish and McNab have been at war for some time. Grace McNish and her band of merry misfits mistakenly ambush and capture the wrong man. Colin Campbell, Earl of Argyll, was on a diplomatic journey investigating the McNab/McNish clan war when Grace "captured" him. After catching a glimpse of the wild Scottish beauty, he decided to remain in her custody to be near her, and gather information for his investigation. This wonderful story is full of humor. From one clan member who is half deaf and misunderstands even simple instructions, to another who can't hit the side of a barn with the bow and arrow. I laughed out loud too many times to count. This story also contains the steamiest love scene of the entire book. After everything I've read by Ms. Barnett, this is still a favorite. Definitely a five star read. "Cold Feet", penned by Geralyn Dawson, is the next entry. Texas cowboy, Rand Jenkins, gets lost in the snow-covered moors en route to a castle in the Highlands. Stopping off at a cottage for directions, he meets Annie Munro, a healer who is considered a witch by the locals. Rand ends up spending more time with the lovely Annie than he had planned. For some unknown reason, every cat in the surrounding area is attracted to Rand who subsequently develops an allergic reaction. Using her knowledge of herbs and potions, Annie attempts to ease his suffering. While Rand is fending off felines and trying to get rid of his itching, he begins to get an itch for Annie. This was my least favorite story. It just seemed too unrealistic and didn't hold my attention. I would give this one two stars. "The Matchmaker" by Pam Binder is story number four. Kathleen MacKenzie owns a bakery in the Scottish town of Edinburgh. When American businessman Duncan MacGreggor leaves his wallet at her establishment, Kathleen sets out to return it. Catching up to him in the elevator of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, she hands him the wallet. Magically they are catapulted back in time to the sixteenth century where Mary, Queen of Scots still inhabited the castle. Now, together they must find their way back to their own time. I wasn't greatly impressed with this novella either. It seemed a little too far-fetched to be believable. I would rate it two stars as well. Last, but not least, is "The Christmas Captive" by Patricia Cabot. Lady Mairi has fled her guardian's home to escape his rule, and his intent to marry her. Physician, Niall Donnegal, whose brother is the new Duke of Camden, finds Mairi who was injured during her flight. Not knowing she is related to his dreaded enemy, he takes her to his home to recuperate. Their relationship quickly grows. But they must deal with the curse she believes is real, and her guardian's wrath, in order to remain together. This story was quite enjoyable and an above average read. It earns a rating of four stars from me. At the time I read this book, Jude Deveraux was the only author familiar to me. Her story here was better than the full-length novel I had already read. Overall, three of the stories were worth reading - Jude Deveraux, Jill Barnett, and Patricia Cabot. I would say three out of five would make this collection worth picking up. And with each entry being approximately 100 pages, no one story takes long to read.
Rating:
Summary: Excellant anthology by great authors
Review: This is a wonderful book by some of romance's top authors! I highly recommend them all but the best story was the one by Jude Deveraux. Her writing really takes you there, you feel like you are in Scotland!! She does an exceptional job. Just to advise you, don"t be fooled like I was, I assumed these were Christmas themed (by the title) but they have nothing to do with Christmas. This book was well worth the price. If you like Jude Deveraux, I also recommend her newest book Temptation. Another winner. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did!
Rating:
Summary: Siuperior anthology
Review: This is an entertaining short story collection that celebrates A SEASON IN THE HIGHLANDS. "The Christmas Captive" by Patricia Cabot. In 1827, Niall, his brother, nephews and nieces search for a Christmas tree. Instead they find a frightened yet brave woman Mairi. Niall vows to protect her, but her fiancé, the odious Alistair, will murder him before stepping aside. "The Matchmaker" by Pam Binder. Harriet the matchmaker sees the visiting American Duncan as perfect for coffee shop owner Kathleen. She gives Kathleen a jewel, which transports her and Duncan from the age of cell phones to Queen Mary's court. Will that give the duo enough time to cement a relationship? "Cold Feet" by Geralyn Dawson. In 1886 Texas, Rand is lost in the Highlands when he stops at the cottage of local healer and alleged witch Annie. Rand and Annie are very attracted to one another, but he has a problem with cats following him everywhere he goes. Did Annie use her powers to send the felines after Rand so he had to spend time with her seeking the cure? "Fall From Grace" by Jill Barnett. Grace thinks she has captured a member of the McNabs who can be used as ransom to help her starving clan before the isle's lord, Colin Campbell arrives for a visit. However, her prisoner looks nothing like a McNab and she finds her heart falling for him just as he admires her too. Who is this wandering captive if he is not a McNab? The Jude Deveraux story was not available for review. However, the other four tales are all quite intriguing and entertaining as they bring the Christmas spirit of the Scottish Highlands to the reader. Harriet Klausner
| 
