Review: Bagpipes and Bullshot - A book to curl up with.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 17, 2011
Bagpipes & BullshotIf you are so impressed by the important but unobtrusive detail of the story, you find yourself assuming the author has experience of the subject she is writing about, you know you are settling into a good book.  Janice Horton has clearly done her research, all kudos to her.So, to the story: The impressive, but rundown, Buchanan Estate needs a large injection of cash.  Laird Innes Buchanan therefore seems duty-bound to marry into the wealthy neighbouring McKenzie family.  Indeed, as far as his intended, the beautiful but manipulative Davina McKenzie is concerned, Innes is hers, bar the actual ceremony, which she immediately sets about arranging.  Small problem, Innes doesn't love her.  His younger brother does.  Deciding not to go through with the marriage, Innes embarks on a mission to save the estate by other means.  To this end, he enlists the help of Texan cattle expert, Orley McKenna, to help him breed a hardy new herd of cattle, which might eventually generate enough income to sustain them.  Innes, though, admires Orley for more than her brains and sassiness.  He's fallen for her, big time, and Orley's heart belongs to Innes.The course of true love never did run smooth though.  Not only does Orley have to contend with disapproving Lady Buchannan's haughty frostiness, local gossip, and the unforgiving climate of the Scottish Highlands, she also has to survive the vengeful plotting of a woman scorned: Davina, who still believes herself to be engaged to Innes, and whom Innes has neglected to mention.All the elements for a terrific story, then.  Throw some humorous escapades into the plot and some beautifully descriptive writing around the geography - and you have a hugely satisfying read.  Loved it!