Member Reviews

Highly entertaining, sexy, engaging and emotionally thrilling romantic adventure filled with intriguing charters, witty banter and undeniable passion... was an exciting read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed every twist and turn.

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I received this book via Net Galley and have agreed to leave an honest opinion.

This is the third book in the series about the MacEnroy brothers but can easily be read as a standalone story.

Geordie, along with his 6 brothers came across the ocean from Scotland in hopes of starting a new life. They have settled, some started families and even businesses. Geordie is restless though and wants to see the ocean again. When his friend James comes through on his way home to Maine, Geordie and his younger brother Robbie decide to go with him.

Mehitabel, aka Belle, has her land by the ocean and works hard to maintain the home. She is a nurse, rents out rooms and even sells clams to make ends meet. Geordie, Robbie and James plan on stopping for a day or 2 to let Robbie rest( he suffers from injuries he suffered during a savage beating) and come across Belle brandishing a rifle against a neighbor, Charles Bennett, who wants her land. He wants to scare her but she is tough and doesn't scare easily.

This is how Geordie and Belle meet. Geordie loves being by the ocean and so does Robbie. Geordie and Belle spend a lot of time together and get to know one another. In the meantime, Robbie has fallen down some stairs and re-broken the leg that was initially injured which gives Belle the opportunity to correctly set his leg in hopes of alleviating the pain he has.

Belle and Geordie eventually start a relationship and I loved the way he treats her, with respect and like she isn't property. He knows soon that he always wants to be with her and asks her to go meet his family, so they can decide where they will live.

I have read MANY of Ms. Howell's books and am a fan. I do like that she doesn't push the sex act in your face, detail by detail. I don't mind normally but I know some do.

I look forward to the next MacEnroy book!

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The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away by Hannah Howell is book 3 in the Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen. This is the story of s Mehitabel "Belle"Ampleford and Geordie MacEnroy. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Belle has been fighting to keep her land because the neighboring people wish her to sell...but she won't do it. While fighting another battle with them Geordie appears out of nowhere to help her. Geordie and his younger brother Robbie have been off fighting the Civil War. Now Robbie is injured and both are tired when they strike a deal with Belle to protect her land if she helps to heal Robbie. But the more that Geordie and Belle work together for their deal the more they both start thinking of something more.
Enjoyed their story.

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This is book three in the Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen series. To really enjoy it, reading books one and two in the series will round out the story. This book is Geordie’s story. He is feeling restless and has a real draw to see the Atlantic Ocean, but he does not understand why. He and his brother Robbie go to the east coast and rent rooms from Belle. His journey allows him to meet Bella and the romance between Geordie and Belle is slow and comfortable. He seems to find his purpose and allows him to get the treatment his brother needs. In this story, there are a lot of side stories, details and relationship interactions that make it a bit hard to follow at times and did not add much to the story other than to make it longer than it needed to be. The pace is slow but steady. It was an enjoyable story, but not as intriguing as Hannah Howell’s books usually are to me.
I was given an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

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This is the first book I've read by this author. I have heard great things about her and was excited to read this story. Unfortunately, I had a tough time with this book. I'm not sure if it was difficult for me to read because I hadn't read the first 2 books in the series or if it was just this story. I hate to say this, however, I almost quit reading it several times. I am glad that I stuck with it though, because almost halfway through the book the story did pick up for me. I enjoyed the interactions between Belle and Geordie as well as the secondary characters. It wasn't a waste of time to read, however, it was a little underwhelming. I will read other books by this author and I hope that the next book is more interesting than this book.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Geordie MacEnroy is one of the seven brothers who emigrated to the Ozarks from Scotland. Two of the brothers are married and they are busy building their lives and collecting orphan children and making their own. Geordie has a yearning to see the ocean so he sets off to see the Atlantic with his younger brother Robbie who's recovering from being beaten and crippled by Rebel soldiers. Their friend James is returning home to Maine so they tag along. This is the set up for this edition of the American Highland family. This story is calm and sort of falls into place as Geordie finds someone to share his life with and Robbie is healed of his crippling pain. I found it a quick and peaceful story of searching and finding purpose.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This is the third book in the series, and though it can be read as a stand-alone, the experience will be richer if the first two books are read first. It opens as Geordie debates with himself about whether to give in to his urge to see the Atlantic Ocean again. It has been years since the family emigrated from Scotland, but Geordie remembers the peace he felt watching the waves. However, he hesitates about leaving his family behind. When a family friend stops by on his way home to Maine, Geordie decides to tag along with James since there is safety in numbers. Youngest brother Robbie also wants to come, looking for a way to test himself after the horrific injuries he received in the previous book.

One of the things I like best about the MacEnroy family is their support of each other. Oldest brother Iain is protective of them all but also understands that each must find their own path. I love the honest conversations about dreams and expectations, and the knowledge that home will always be there. As Geordie, Robbie, and James head off on their journey, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the sights along the way. The effects of the Civil War are still evident in the people and places, something that makes an impression on Geordie. I liked the way that Geordie and James watched out for Robbie without babying him, respecting that he knows what he's capable of. There was a bit of excitement on one leg of the journey as the men came to the rescue of a woman and her child. I liked Geordie's calm handling of the matter, and especially enjoyed the "awkward stumble" gambit. Their good deed plays a part later in the book. When they reach the end of the train journey, they ride in the direction of James's home, and along the way discover a woman being threatened by an obnoxious neighbor.

Mehitabel, or Belle, faces off with a neighbor who wants her land and becomes increasingly threatening in his attempts to get it. She has no intention of giving in, as the property is part of a long-standing family trust. When three strangers arrive in time to assist her in sending the bullies packing, she is more than happy to rent them rooms. Belle is a woman of many talents - healer, baker, clam-digger, innkeeper. She is feisty and independent, but also warm, loving, and loyal to her family.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Belle and Geordie. When Robbie is injured, Belle's healing skills are needed. Taking care of him brings Geordie and Belle closer together. I liked the time they spent together talking about their lives and their families. The sparks between them built into a passion they were quick to give in to. It also left each of them wondering where it would lead. Belle's life and family are there by the ocean, and Geordie's is rooted in the Ozarks. An added complication arrives in the form an orphaned little girl. I loved how Geordie and Belle are able to talk about their options and possibilities. The visit to his family was an eye-opener for Belle, and I enjoyed seeing her reactions. I had to laugh a little at the way she and Geordie were ganged up on, but it was all with good intentions. Geordie was especially adorable in the way that he would get flustered when he tried to explain his feelings to Belle. There was a fun bit at the end as he tried to figure out a way to make her see an essential bit of information. The epilogue was a terrific look at the immediate future and the added chaos of visitors.

I also enjoyed following the trials of dealing with her obnoxious neighbor. Bennet was bound and determined to get her land and willing to do anything to succeed. I liked the ways that she stood up to him and countered his moves. It was interesting to see the way that the land was protected. There were some unexpected twists, such as when her aunt was booted from her home by a greedy brother and sister-in-law. Assistance came from an unexpected source and came with an added benefit. The problem with Bennet came to a satisfactory end thanks to the sheriff and his loss of patience with Bennet's antics.

Of the secondary characters, my favorites were Aunt Mary and the two children, Abel and Morgan. Mary is a mature woman with a practical attitude and a dry sense of humor. She also doesn't suffer fools gladly, and the issue with her brother and the house frustrates her. Abel and Morgan were both adorable and mischievous. I liked the way that Morgan and Geordie connected on the train journey and the impression that he made on the little girl. I ached for what she went through and cheered at her resilience. Her reactions to Abel were funny. Abel was a piece of work himself. I loved his energy and his obvious love for his sister. It was fun to see his interactions with Geordie and Robbie, but the real winner was when he was faced with Morgan. The scene with the frog was a riot.

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I think I have read almost everything this author has written and really enjoyed her books tremendously. This one takes a different turn set in America after the civil war 1860's. Just to imagine all of the immigrants coming to America to start a new life and that included some from Scotland! The MacEnroy brother's so far have been sigh worthy and this one is about Geordie, his younger brother Robbie and a friend who travel to get to the sea. They encounter Mehitabel Ampleford (love that name!) who is trying to hold off a neighbor who is determined to buy her land. She is set up a life for herself with a place for people to stay while visitng the sea. Belle can really do a little of everything.
Geordie and his brother decide to stay and he and Belle build a slow attraction. I mean who could not be attracted to this Scot?
An enjoyable story that frames a lot of what was going on during these times when it was still hard to be a woman at times and independent. Looking forward to readng Robbie's story and the rest of the brother's tales

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I'm sorry to say that I really didn't like this book. I'm a big fan of Hannah Howell, but this seemed to not be written by her. The first 1/4th of the book is so boring, that I have a hard time wanting to read the rest. The author was describing such mundane things, like what the characters were eating. It had nothing to do with the story! I still tried my best to finish reading, but by the time I met Mahitabel, I was struggling. There's not enough backstory with her, and I found myself not caring if they were together or not. I ended up giving up on the story, and I've only done that once before out of the hundreds of books I've read. Maybe my opinion would have changed had I finished it, but I just couldn't stay interested enough. So disappointed.

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Geordie MacEnroy came to the U.S. from Scotland, along with his family. When the Noble kicked them off the Tenants farm. They had nowhere to go so they came here. There was no life for them in New York so they headed West. They ended in the Ozarks and made a little fort for the family. It was just during the Civil War and people were afraid. Geordie wanted to see the Sea again. So, he along with his younger brother and a friend headed to the East Coast. There he met Mehitabel, there were some men standing at her door and one demanding and blaming her. He said her goats were eating his fence. but how could they be, they were at her Aunt's. Actually, this guy wanted her land. He used every chance he got to harass her. The three men rescued her from this man, at least for a short time. Geordie and Belle met along with Robbie and James.
The story started so slow and the heroine was not introduced till almost the middle of the book. I found it very interesting and the writing was good. I enjoyed the way he was so excited about seeing and being in the ocean.
The way she was with her family, to see the caring was so nice. I thought the descriptions of the countryside great.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

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This is the 3rd book in this series, it can be read as a stand-alone, however for best enjoyment I would recommend reading in order. Geordie and Robbie need some time by the ocean after dealing with the affects of the Civil War on their farm and family in the Ozarks. Belle’s neighbor is trying to get her to sell her land but she isn’t interested and is willing to put up a fight. When Geordie and Robbie rent rooms from her sparks begin to fly between her and Geordie. The help keep her lands safe as she helps heal Robbie. I really liked this historical read. Plenty of drama, great characters and the romance is sweet with great chemistry. A good read.

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Geordie MacEnroy is one of seven brothers lived on a tenant farm in Scotland moved to the U.S and their now dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War. Geordie has seen the ravages of war in his mountain town and decides to go traveling by train wagon with his handicapped younger brother and a friend from the war to see the ocean. While looking for rooms to stay they see the beautiful Belle Ampleford confronting a neighbor who wants her property. After helping her out by scaring the men away who want her property. They rent rooms from Belle. Belle and Geordie are instantly attracted to one another, they grow closer and a sweet love develops between them. A sweet romance story with a few twist. An excellent story and one I voluntarily read and reviewed

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This is the third book in the series and I haven't read any of the previous books. The book started out slow but speed up towards the middle. It would have been better if I had read the previous books I think. The characters were great but the pace and writing seemed to jump around.

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This is my fair and honest review in exchange for this ARC. I have such respect for authors. They put so much time and thought into their work and so it bothers me when a book just doesn't grab me. I am sorry to say that this one was one that didn't.

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The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away starts and proceeds very slowly until we meet Belle, about a quarter of the way into the story. Belle is a strong and self-reliant woman who cares for her younger brother and for the property that she inherited. Additionally, she has a doctor’s skills at healing that she learned from her father and she treats illnesses and injuries in her community.

Geordie’s personality, on the other hand, comes across as rather bland. His constant talk of longing to see the ocean becomes too repetitive. It’s hard to see what Belle sees in him. There is no romantic build-up between Belle and Geordie, no real passion, yet suddenly they are in bed together.

Unlike the previous books in this series, The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away didn’t sweep me away. The storyline plods along with no real tension or excitement. I kept waiting for the characters to face danger or some crisis, but it never happens. The story just ends with everyone happy and content. Overall, I was underwhelmed; this is not what I’ve come to expect from this author.

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A handsome Scotsman who dries dishes....oh be still my heart!! lol This was such a lovely read and although I did find the start a bit long and slow, it soon picked up and had my full attention.

I loved Geordie and Belle's characters, as well as all the secondary characters. I've always loved a strong heroine who can take care of herself and Belle certainly is that. As for Geordie, he's such a strong and caring man and he stole my heart at the way he cared for his younger brother. The story takes place in an era when trains were new, as were showers, and I just found it so fascinating.

Now I can't wait to read the rest of the series!! I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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Hannah Howell was the first author I ever had the pleasure of reading way back when, and was the first author to introduce me to the wonders of the Scottish Highlands and the brawn warriors who were loyal and protective, this is a fabulous story, I couldn't put it down.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

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Well, unfortunately this one just didn't work for me. I should have DNFed this one but I have a special place in my heart for anything dealing with the Scots! This story just didn't work for me, I found it very slow, boring, and well just not very exciting.

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Geordie goes in search of the ocean and finds a family. Belle is a disciplined and determined young lady. This is a classic Hannah Howell love story where things move slowly and sweetly. The characters are people you will fall in love with. Abel and Morgan are brilliant children who keeps the adults on their toes. They are resilient and enterprising characters who are building love and family. Coupled with the animals this story has all the ingredients that make a delightful read.

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My favorite book in this series. I feel an instant attraction to Geordie’s wanderlust to visit the ocean for peace and tranquility. This is a beautiful slow burn romance. Geordie and his family have captured my heart in this series and I am sure it will continue with the remaining brothers. Geordie and Belle are such a wonderful couple.

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