Graham’s first Macpherson historical novel takes readers to the wild Scottish Highlands and introduces them to Wylie Macpherson, a widowed sailor with two sons. After 25 years in exile for his participation in the Jacobite rising of 1745, he returns home from America, bringing his sons and a pardon purchased with family money. His father has offered to care for the boys, freeing Wylie to return to the sea, but he dies before Wylie and his sons arrive, leaving Wylie with an unwanted title and a mortgaged estate. Wylie ends up getting help from a tough, smart local woman, Anna Macrae, while he plans to fix his home, sell it, and set off again, perhaps eventually starting his life over in America. However, he and Anna begin to develop a romance, and for the first time he considers putting down roots.

Graham skillfully develops Wylie and Anna as multilayered characters with little in common, but also carefully traces the blossoming attraction that leads them to gravitate to each other despite their differences: “Wylie Macpherson—the same lad who’d once filled the daydreams of every lassie from lochs Laggan to Insch—had thought twice of her, the dowdy and willful Anna Macrae? Fancy that.” The characters are likable, and readers will especially appreciate that Wylie has a good relationship with his sons.

The narrative successfully places readers in the Highlands in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising, allowing the rich dialogue to carry most of the action and plot. Outstanding research brings the historical elements to the forefront throughout the novel. Wylie tries to tell himself that the past is dead, but Graham adeptly brings it to life. With two nuanced protagonists and a strong foundation laid for sequels, this eloquent mix of historical fiction and romance will appeal to fans of both genres.

Takeaway: This rich novel of love, money, and family ties in 1770 Scotland will sweep away fans of Highlands romance.

Great for fans of Julie Garwood’s Lairds’ Fiancées series, Donna Grant, Hannah Howell.

Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: A+
Marketing copy: A-