"England and Scotland Unite!"

  Victoria Blackstone is about to be married to Lord Bothington, a notoriously brute to women.  The year is 1296 and such treatment is automatically bypassed when political and financial benefits accrue through such arranged marriages.  But what does one do with an independent-minded woman like Victoria who is refusing to cooperate and whose beloved grandmother's protection cannot help her here?  Indeed Lord Blackstone treats his own mother brutally, so little hope hearkens there.

  Unbeknownst to the Blackstones, Grant Drummond is about to avenge the death of his father, as well as numerous others slaughtered by Blackstone on the orders of King Edward.  Grant is raging with revenge and attacks, afterward kidnapping Victoria.   While initially she fears being raped by him, he scorns the notion that he would soil his family's Scottish bloodline with her English children and is frustrated later with his increasing attraction to her and she to him.  Both of their lives are about to change as they wed and must adjust to their passion and overcome their painful distrust fashioned from years of historical animosity.

  Misunderstandings frequently fraught their relationship such as the secrets Grant hides and will not tell her, which causes tremendous and unnecessary sorrow.  More than one character is living with a history of being unwanted, and this novel goes a long way to depicting the healing that can occur, at the same time that Grant is joining William Wallace in the fight for Scottish freedom.  Irony indeed that laces the history of England and Scotland.

Very nicely done, Leanne Burroughs!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on June 26, 2004
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Wonderful Medieval Debut Novel

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, memorable.  She shows promise of being a very delightful writer of this genre.  Her next book Her Highland Rogue is in the works, so I am sure everyone will be looking forward to another heartfelt saga from this wonderful writer.

DeborahAnne MacGillivray
The Best Reviews
10/31/04

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Highland Wishes is every reader's dream of the perfect story!  Author Leanne Burroughs has penned a majestic tale filled with romance, history and adventure.

Set against the background of the Scottish War for Independence against England, a young laird avenges his father's brutal death and kidnaps his enemy's daughter.  He takes her back to his castle in the Scottish Highlands, where they both learn a lot about love, forgiveness, and trust.

Wonderfully written, with vibrant characters, this story is a masterpiece of historical fiction.  Readers will be impressed with the amount of research the author has done.  She has creatively mixed actual people with fictitious ones, thereby allowing the reader to enter into this momentous period of history.  The anguish and adventure of this war becomes very real, as it provides the reasoning behind the characters' words and actions.

This reviewer especially enjoyed the Scottish words and phrases, which will cause readers to "hear" this Gaelic lilt in their minds.  The stubbornness and superstitions of these people are told with a touch of humor and wonder.

It was a brilliant stroke to bring together a Scotsman and an Englishwoman during this time of war.  Readers will come to a fuller understanding of their differences, and hope they can be overcome through love.  Grant Drummond is the epitome of a hero, while the plight of Victoria Blackstone will tenderly touch readers' hearts.

It's this reviewer's opinion that the author truly enjoys writing and pleasing her audience.  Readers will sincerely appreciate the creative touches in this book.  At the start of each chapter, there is a quote from a famous writer or leader, which provides the essence of that part of the story.  Each quote seemed to have been chosen with care, and is an additional treasure to the story.

Readers will also be delighted to learn that a sequel, The Highlander, is planned.

Highland Wishes will fulfill the reading desires of all lovers of historical fiction!

- Joyce Handzo, In The Library Reviews

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Victoria Blackstone is determined not to follow in the footsteps of her betrothed's previous wives.  Having suffered abuse at the hands of her father, she doesn't intend to suffer at the hands of her husband too.  She plots to escape her fate knowing if caught, she would be punished severely.  Grant Drummond wants revenge. He was told that his father was murdered by Victoria's father and has come to avenge him.  Grant captures Victoria not knowing who she is and takes her Scotland.  What will happen when Grant finds out who she is?  Can Victoria survive in Scotland?  All these questions will be answered by the end of the book.

Victoria is an amazing girl.  Her spirit still remains strong even with the punishments meted out by her unloving and uncaring father.  She is resilient but protective of her heart and body.  Grant is a wonderful hero who is capable of extreme patience.  A warrior on the outside, but he has a heart of gold.  Although they get off to a rough start, Grant becomes her protector, lover and savior.  He is able to break through her shell.  It was extremely touching to watch him reassure her that he won't turn into her father.  After so many years of cruel treatment, it takes a very long time before Victoria feels secure in her new home and her role as wife.  These two characters are the focal point of the book and their love story drives the plotline.  They are ably assisted by the many secondary characters who appear within the pages.  The backdrop of Scotland and her inhabitants appear throughout this book and the author imparts her knowledge to the reader.

This story feels like an honest portrayal.  The violence and hatred between the Scots and English is vivid.  The reader can feel the deep emotions simmering below the surface.  The author has shown throughout this book the depth of research she must have done.  The author uses apt descriptions of people, places and language to pull the reader into the story.  Ultimately, it is the characters that keep the reader turning the pages.  Highland Wishes is a great Scottish historical romance with memorable characters.  This is the first book this reader has read by this author and I hope it won't be the last.  We look forward to Ms. Burrough's next book, the sequel to Highland Wishes.

Susan, Fallen Angel Reviews

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ISBN: 097462490X

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