Highland Storms
Like Diana Gabaldon, Courtenay brings the Highlands, following the Battle of Culloden, to life. Readers will almost smell the heather and feel Brice's emotional pain, and they will be swept up by the atmosphere and held captive by the quick pace and tense moments. Courtenay's gift for untangling threads, so that good will triumph, is what makes this a winner. 4 1/2 stars!Set in 1754,Highland Storms< /> is the sequel toTrade Winds. While not awash with historical detail, the plot of the story itself, along with descriptions of the people and surrounding countryside, are captivating. Add treachery and romance to the mix, and you find yourself with a well written, fast-paced, enjoyable read.Shortlisted for Historical Romantic Novel by the Romantic Novelists' Association's Awards 2012Author Courtenay’s investment in Highland history pays off big time. Brice’s reclaiming Rosyth as its laird, especially as he is a stranger and potential adversary to the clansmen, illuminates a dark and struggling period in Scottish history, as well as provides evidence for the emotions and reaction Brice’s return elicits. Good historical romances allow readers to romp around and experience bygone days, allow you to sympathize and relate to the characters via past events and often gives a budding relationship that extra oomph of tension. Great historical fiction builds on all of those things while grounding each and every character’s motivations in the long past events. For the record, Courtenay’s Highland Storms is a great historical romance.This sequel toTrade Windsis passionate and engaging, with some amazingly evocative descriptions of the rugged Highlands. A great winter read.A fabulous setting - Scotland - coupled with some vivid characters that provide romance and heartache in equal measure.  As with many of the books published by Choc Lit, this one is a real treat.