Review: Very Enjoyable - Filled in the Missing Parts to "The Bridegroom Wore Plaid"
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 26, 2014
Mary Fran and Matthew were introduced to us in "The Bridegroom Wore Plaid" wherein Matthew and his family were the guests of the MacGregor family at their home in Scotland.  Mary Fran is a widow and has a sweet little daughter named Fiona (Fee).  Mary Fran's family - the MacGregors - take in guests at their home in Scotland, the family seat of the earldom, because they need the extra money in order to keep their family and clan solvent.Although Matthew has accompanied his family to the MacGregor home for the purpose of acquainting one of his sisters with Ian MacGregor, current earl and clan chief, in the hopes that a betrothal will be forthcoming, Matthew unexpectedly finds a romantic interest in the lovely Mary Fran who is responsible for overseeing the MacGregor home.  Mary Fran has a "less than happy" past, having been severely compromised by her former husband and thereby drawn into a marriage she didn't want.  However, sweet little Fiona is the result so Mary Fran plugs bravely along, accepting her role as chatelaine and the beloved sister at the home of her four huge, handsome, Scottish brothers.Matthew is also lonely, a widower, and has apparently left a military career with a major blemish on his record.  This part is a mystery because he comes across as being a very honorable man, so the reader wonders exactly what could have caused this blemish.  The fact that Queen Victoria and her Prince Consort, Albert, live nearby at Balmoral serves to add to the storyline and in fact, to the mysterious past of Matthew.Although this book is a novella, there are enough pages to develop this sweet story which was a "behind the scenes" romance in "the Bridegroom Wore Plaid."  It was nice to get the details of this romance - a great read for one of my favorite times of the day - those couple of hours of quiet time before dropping off to sleep.