KILGANNON is a story of the same Highlander family in ON A HIGHLAND SHORE, but ten generations later--in 1712. Mary Lowell was a pampered debutante, swept up in London's society of parties and entertainment, but saw no suitors that appealed. It was expected she'd marry the Campbell but she wasn't very excited about it. Then Alex MacGannon, the Earl of Kilgannon, shows up one evening wearing a kilt and Mary is intrigued, captivated. They called him a barbarian, a Scottish chief of clan MacGannon who sailed the seas in his ships. But Mary finds the Scottish lord polished and with a wonderful sense of humor. Alex knows what he wants and he wants Mary Lowell for his wife, to live with him and his two young sons in castle Kilgannon. As the Highlands are torn by rebellion, Mary is drawn into the conflict as another man competes for her love.
Alex is every bit the man his ancestor, Gannon, was and I could not help falling in love with him as he pursued the English heroine, a strong woman of substance who would leave her own land for his. He is winsome, intelligent and persistent. And Givens captures his Highlander voice perfectly. Her writing is wonderfully descriptive and the feelings between the two characters develop subtly and believably. You are drawn into their world without realizing it. I should add that she is one of the few romance authors who wrote in first person and did it so well.
If you loved ON A HIGHLAND SHORE, you will love this one, too. The sequel, THE WILD ROSE OF KILGANNON, continues story of Alex and Mary as they face England's wrath together. When you can't stop reading, you know you've found a keeper. The two books comprise a rich tale of the 18th century you will want to re-read! Givens is a superb storyteller.
I love both these books. It's so sad that she passed away.
ReplyDeleteYes, Givens' unexpected death was a great loss for the world of historical romance. She gave us six wonderful novels--all keepers--and a legacy of love we will long remember.
Delete