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Blood On the Tartan [MultiFormat]
eBook by Chris Holmes
eBook Category: Historical Fiction/Romance
eBook Description: A Woman Fighting a Cause...Catherine Ross rallies her neighbors to openly resist the mass evictions, which empty the glens of her people and replace them with sheep. On the Other Side of the Law...Constable Ian Macgregor, sworn to uphold the law, finds duty conflicts with love. There's only one woman for him--Catherine. However, he is torn by that love and his sense of honor. The Coming Storm...Ian must decide: to protect his beloved or to obey his orders. Will Catherine's truest love become her greatest adversary, or will they both perish in the coming conflict--the Highland Clearances?
eBook Publisher: Highland Press/Excaliber, Published: 2007, 2007
Fictionwise Release Date: October 2009
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"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. 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. 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. 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. Whether the reader wants an emotive romance or an accurately told historical fiction, BLOOD ON THE TARTAN is a rewarding read."--Amelia Richard, Singletitles
"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. Chris Holmes stands out as a historical romance writer in his creation of characters. 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. Blood On the Tartan is a must read for romance and historical fiction lovers of Scottish heritage."--Merri,Merrimon Book Reviews "Blood on the Tartan" follows Catherine Ross, who organizes a resistance against her country's oppressors; but not all of the people tossing her countrymen from their homes are doing it with joy. 'Blood on the Tartan' is a well written historical romance, highly recommended for community library historical fiction and romance collections."Midwest Book Review "Against overwhelming odds, Catherine Ross fights for the land and heritage of common villagers in Chris Holmes' page turning historical romance, BLOOD ON THE TARTAN. An incredible read from the first to last page."--John Hamilton Lewis, Author "A blood hot, historical tale from the Scottish Highlands, where the l9th Century Industrial Revolution is ravaging the clans. Village after village is gutted by the greed of capitalists who evict the local populations, divesting them of homes, land and honor. Until they advance on Greenyards ... BLOOD ON THE TARTAN is the powerful tale of a little known ugly time in Scotland, where raw, fighting Scottish spirit gathers itself to challenge injustice. In Catherine Ross and Ian Macgregor the reader is treated to a rare romance and love triumphant as they fight for Scottish honor."--Robert Middlemiss, Author
In Ardgay, Ian kept close to his desk, his ear to the wind, trying to learn when the posse would be coming and what its size and makeup would be. A constable friend from Culrain told him he'd been ordered to stand by for 'rough duty.'
"Soon," he'd told Catherine as they stood in her doorway. He'd ridden hard to Greenyards with the news. "They'll be here within a couple of days. That's all I've been able to find out. They mean business this time," he warned.
She clenched her jaw. "So do we."
"They'll be after the village leaders. Like you and your uncle."
"We'll be ready."
He made one last plea. "Come away with me now. There's still time. You and Finn can stay at my apartment until we find you other lodgings."
She hesitated. There it was again, that siren call of safety and comfort. But it was getting easier to ignore. She knew her duty.
"I canna do it. I've got to see this thing through. If we stop them here, we can strike a blow for crofter's rights that will ring all the way across Scotland. The high and mighty in Edinburgh and London will have to pay attention to us. Don't ye see, if we just stand fast, we could end the clearances once and for all."
"Och, lassie, you're a stubborn one. I'm defeated as much by your logic as your determination." He smiled and put his arm around her, leaning his forehead against hers. "I'll do what I can to help. But promise me this, find a safe place for Finn. Don't bring him along. It'll be no place for children."
She agreed.
"And tell that hot-headed Macdonald lad to leave his old revolver at home. They won't know it's not loaded. It could get him killed."
She kissed him on the cheek. "When this is over, ye said there would be time for us."
"Aye," he answered. "There will be, lass. I promise." He exhaled slowly, praying he could keep that vow.
Doubt wrapped itself around him like a shroud. Time held its breath.
He finally pushed her out to arm's length. Tears etched her cheeks. He caught one on his fingertip.
"We'll find a place to be together. Maybe not in your world. And probably not in mine. But we'll make one of our own."
She sobbed and grabbed at him like a drowning sailor clutching a floating spar.
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