Series: Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen (Book 3)
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 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 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.
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