"A heart-warming romance"

In 1775, Nova Scotia ship builder and sea captain Alisdair MacRae learns that Magnus Drummond absconded with his ancestral lands in Scotland when no MacRae claimed the property. Though he had no plans to even see the estate, Alisdair decides to reclaim what is his heritage. To regain the MacRae estate, Alisdair must buy it back from Magnus, but the stipulation includes marrying the laird's daughter Iseabal.

Alisdair does not want a wife, but accepts the terms. Iseabal sees Alisdair as her hero enabling her to escape from her abusive father. She knows he plans to dump her in London by annulling their vows, but instead of folding she campaigns to earn his love and more important his trust. As Alisdair and Iseabal fall in love, her father pulls one more dastardly deed that leaves the couple wondering can they entrust their soul with the person whom has their heart?

Fans of Scottish historical romances will enjoy the passion of the lead characters set in a richly textured eighteenth century Scotland. Iseabal is a wonderful protagonist while Alisdair is a reluctant hero in every sense of the word though he cares intensely about Iseabal's plight. The story line is typical of the sub-genre except that the historical depth enables the key duo to turn the pages into a compassionate reading experience. As with the first book of the Highland Lords ONE MAN'S LOVE, WHEN THE LAIRD RETURNS showcases Karen Ranney's ability to hook her fans into deeply feeling responsibility for what happens to her characters.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted April 2, 2002

Summary

A stranger to his ancestral Scottish lands, the dashing nobleman came to the Highlands to reclaim his birthright -- only to find something more wondrous and unexpected awaiting him: his bride! A Marriage He Never Wanted: Though a descendant of pround Scottish lairds, Alisdair MacRae had never seen his ancestral Highland estate -- nor imagined that he'd have to marry to reclaim it! But the unscrupulous neighboring laird Magnus Drummond has assumed control of the property- and he will relinquish it only for a King's ransom...and a groom for his daughter Iseabal! Alisdair never thought to give up the unfettered life he loves -- not even for a bride with the faace of an angel and the sensuous grace that would inflame the desire of any male. A Passion They Never Dreamed Is Iseabal to be a bride without benefit of a courtship? Though she yearns for a love match, the determined lass will gladly bind herself to Alisdair if he offers her an escape from her father's cruelty. This proud, surprisingly tender stranger awakens a new fire inside her, releasing a spirit as brave and adventurous as his own. Alisdair feels the heat also, but can Iseabal win his trust as well as his passion -- ensuring that both their dreams come true...now that the laird has returned?