Linda Tyler

I was drawn to The Laird's Secret for two reasons. The first was that I find it hard to resist books set in Scotland and the second is that I love the promise of a good love story.

The book is set in 1953. The war is a recent memory, one that Alex MacDonald, the Laird of Craiglogie, recalls all too well. Christina Camble is visiting her friend in Scotland following the end of what turned out to be a difficult relationship. When the two meet they find themselves attracted to each other, but the path to true love might just be a rocky one.

There was so much I enjoyed about this book. The setting of course, as the author describes the landscape, from the countryside to the bright lights of Edinburgh so well. I could imagine Craiglogie House, Alex's family home, with its formal dining room, cosy sitting room, staff corridors and the like. I also really liked the way the story focused very much around Alex's farming and Christina's photography and the way each became more interested in the other's pursuits. There were some really lovely descriptions of both which allowed me to immerse myself in the lives of the characters.

Talking of the characters, I did sometimes feel a little frustrated with Christina who seemed to always think the worst, but she's also a really lovely person. I thought Alex was quite the swoon worthy hero, the local lord of the manor who couldn't be a nicer person (once he got over his awkwardness with Christina, that is) and might just happen to have some rippling biceps and muscular thighs!

The Laird's Secret is a charming and gentle romance, set in a gorgeous location. I felt like I was transported to 1950s Aberdeenshire, to a simpler rural way of life. I loved it.… (mais)