"Delightful debut book"

Highland Wishes is a first time historical romance by a new writer Leanne Burroughs. As with all first writers, you see the small things she will learn to polish in time. However, what hits the reader immediately is her true love for the romance of the period. As a Scot and someone who has dealt with the history of the country a big chunk of my life, it takes a lot to impress me. Burroughs does. First off she knows who Andrew de Moray is - big points for that, lass! Burroughs has written a wonderful Scottish Medieval full of heart and adventure.

It's set in the period just before the rising of William Wallace. Her tale uses the Scottish struggle for independence against Edward Longshanks, Edward I of England. Grant Drummond vows revenge against the English man who killed his father, and in the quest for vengeance, he kidnaps Victoria Blackstone to use against her father. Little does he know, Victoria has long born the hatred and indifferences of Blackstone.

Victoria is a gentle woman, long hurt by her father's coldness, promised in marriage to a disgusting man. Despite her fear what her father will do, she is determined not to be another of the poor women who have wedded her betrothed, only to die an early death. She has suffered, often harshly under her father's tyrannical control; she is determined this will not be repeated in a husband. As she plots her escape, she little knows that fate is conspiring to play a role in her life.

Grant is a dashing hero, though he definitely is an alpha warrior, willing to do what he must. Naturally, Grant and Victoria get off to a rough beginning, but slowly he breaks through Victoria's reserve. Burroughs, writes in prose that touches the reader, makes them feel as they watch the struggles of this couple. Soon, the captor turns into protector, as Grant vows Victoria's father will never harm her again.

Burroughs has done a thorough job researching the book in an effort to tell a story that is strong and memorable. She shows promise of being a very delightful writer of this genre. Her next book The Highlander is in the works, so I am sure everyone will be looking forward to another heartfelt saga from this wonderful writer.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted November 29, 2004

Summary

With the Scottish War for Independence raging against England, a young laird heads to the Scottish/English border to avenge his father's brutal death. After he kidnaps his enemy's daughter, he takes her to their two countries in the Scottish Highlands, where they wage their own battle as strife intensifies between the two warring countries. Highland Wishes is the story of two people whose future seems doomed by insurmountable differences. With hatred running rampant between their two countries, can they possibly vanquish former fears, torments, and sorrows, or bring each other to an awareness of self-assurance, happiness, and joy?