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Reviews for Blood on the
Tartan
by Chris Holmes
Sensuality Rating: Sweet
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Honor and greed collide in BLOOD ON THE TARTAN, as determined
individuals clash over the principals in which they believe.
This fascinating tale is cleverly told in colorful detail, where a
historical event occurring in the Highlands of Scotland comes alive
in a riveting style. Talented author Chris Holmes adeptly
interweaves fact with fiction to create a memorable romance filled
with unforgettable characters.
After having been displaced years earlier when she was a young girl
because their land was wanted to raise sheep, Catherine Ross now has
a home where she is able to keep up with its rent to the landowner
and support herself from profits off the land. Her family was
evicted from their farm when her prior landlord said he wanted to
improve the area by making the farmers leave and then leasing the
land for sheep to graze. Though her family moved away to Canada to
live, Catherine stayed in her beloved country, vowing to not ever be
forced from her home located in the quiet village of Greenyards.
However, fate once again intervenes in her peaceful life, as her
landlord lets his desire for more profits have him wanting the
farmland of his leaseholders for sheep to use. Although the
authorities hope the evictions will take place without any type of
resistance, Catherine and her fellow villagers will not just stand
by and let their homes be taken from them again during the Highland
Clearances of 1854. Also having a say in the current conflict is Ian
MacGregor, the local constable whose feelings for Catherine are
beginning to turn towards an intense attraction, one which she also
feels. When a confrontation between authorities and the villagers
arises, lines are drawn and decisions will be made affecting the
futures of these fearlessly proud Highlanders.
In his fictional books, Chris Holmes takes a situation based on fact
and then generates an enthralling story based around this reality.
BLOOD ON THE TARTAN is a story created around real people and the
events which shaped Scotland as well as the other countries where
they fled after being evicted. Just knowing many of the
well-depicted incidents actually happened makes this story even more
mesmerizing. From the opening scene, the lives of these characters
will capture the imagination of readers, as daily home life,
carefree moments plus desired hopes and shattered dreams are
skillfully described. Seeing how each person reacted to the
significant events surrounding their lives is compellingly conveyed
by Mr. Holmes, as their emotions surface and inner feelings are
spoken. The romantic aspects of the story are touchingly portrayed
as complex decisions must be made, ones affecting not only
themselves but also many others in the area. With the growing love
between Ian and Catherine being tested time and again, their
personal stories are poignantly moving. The circumstances of what
took place in the village of Greenyards during the Highland
Clearances are effectively told by Mr. Holmes, making me proud to
have descended from these honorable people. Whether the reader wants
an emotive romance or an accurately told historical fiction, BLOOD
ON THE TARTAN is a rewarding read.
Amelia Richard -
www.Singletitles.com
Scottish history and romance alive!
Blood On The Tartan is Scottish
historical romance set during the mid19th century during the
Highland Clearances. Chris Holmes puts the history back into
historical romance in a manner that heightens the romance. The
reader is easily drawn into the scene and characters through this
author's depiction of the historical world.
Catherine Ross remembers her childhood
the Scottish clearances of Glencalvie all too well. When mass
evictions appear eminent, threatening to empty the glens of her
people to make way for sheep, Catherine rallies her people and
becomes the center of resistance. Constable Ian MacGregor is sworn
to uphold the law and he takes his oath and his honor seriously.
Torn between his love for Catherine and his job, Ian must decide.
Can their love survive? Can they survive the approaching battle?
Chris Holmes stands out as a historical romance writer in his
creation of characters. Catherine is defiant yet a certain calm
steadfastness emerges in the midst of her defiance. Ian is a man of
honor, torn in his loyalties, yet both tender and intelligent. He
knows how to standup for his love and work behind the scenes.
Catherine and Ian's love develops gradually, ever increasing in
depth as the two characters discover their love not only through
their physical attraction but also through their actions towards one
another. The secondary characters add intrigue, emotional and
historical authenticity. The time and place setting is dramatic, the
romance riveting, though not overplayed, giving a richness and depth
to this read that will appeal to romance and historical fiction
readers.
I adore this Scottish historical
romance! Blood On The Tartan has more history than some historical
romances --- but never dry history in this book! Readers will find
themselves completely immersed in the scene, the history and the
characters. Chris Holmes creates a multi-dimensional theme of
justice in his depiction of all the nuances and forces at work from
the laird down to the land tenants. This intricate historical detail
emanates from the story itself, heightening the suspense and the
reader's understanding of the history in a vivid manner as if it
were current and present. The extra historical detail just makes
their life stories more memorable and lasting because the emotions
were grounded in events.
The ending is quite special and bridges
links with Catherine's mother's story as well as opening up this
romance to an expansive view of Scottish history and ancestry. Blood
On The Tartan is a must read for romance and historical fiction
lovers of Scottish heritage.
~ Merri, Merrimon Book Reviews
http://www.merrimonbookreviews.com
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