When the Laird Returns

March 18, 2002
Through scrupulous historical detail and fluid prose, Ranney brings 18th-century Scotland to life in a vivid story that engages the reader from start to finish. Following One Man's Love, the story of Alec Landers and Leitis McRae, the second entry in Ranney's Highland Lords series charts the exploits of their eldest son, shipbuilder Alisdair McRae. When Alisdair returns from Nova Scotia to claim his family's lands, he discovers that they are now owned by Magnus Drummond, a cruel, avaricious man who will only sell the land if the deal includes marriage to his strong-willed daughter, Iseabal. Alisdair complies, believing he will be able to annul the marriage later, but he soon realizes that the task may be easier said than done. While sailing toward London to deal with his unexpected inheritance, Alisdair finds himself increasingly intrigued by Iseabal's silent strength and unusual hobby—she carves stone figurines. After accepting his inheritance, Alisdair finally accepts his wife and is married to her in truth, but before they can enjoy their future together, they must overcome Magnus, who is determined to reclaim the land he sold even if it means killing Alisdair. A well-plotted, dramatic Highland romance, Ranney's latest adds little to this well-trod genre, but readers will still savor her full-bodied characters and smooth prose.