Myra Munro is devastated beyond words when her twin, Jaime, is killed in the service of the King. Her parents, strong in their grief, urge her to do honour to her brother’s memory and nurse his best friend Ewan back to health. Ewan has not only lost his best friend but needs time and space while recovering from his injuries. Suffering himself, he understands that Myra is numbed with grief, but in the long road back to health, Jaime’s twin Myra is the one bright light in his world. He cannot deny his feelings for her. But Ewan has a secret: a sacred trust. While dying on the battlefield, Jaime gave Ewan a Christmas gift he has been carrying with him to give to his beloved twin sister. But before Ewan can find the right time to speak with her about it, they find themselves in mortal danger…
In dark, wintry Lochdubh, Christmas Cheer is about as welcome as a flat tyre on a deserted road. The Calvinist element in town has always resisted what they view as secular frivolity, so for most of the townsfolk there'll be no carols, feasting, gifts - or even whisky on Christmas Day! And for PC Hamish Macbeth there's no holiday from crime - he finds himself hunting for a missing cat belonging to a lonely spinster. Curt and unfriendly, the woman is convinced her pet has been stolen but once behind her heavily-bolted door, Hamish can spot her true problem - she lives in fear, though of who or what he cannot guess. Then someone steals a Christmas tree and lights from the nearby village of Cnothan. So it is up to Hamish to sort all these problems out - and he had better do it quickly, for the church bells will soon peal on the eve of Christmas. This one-off standalone story is a special Christmas treat for all fans of Hamish Macbeth and can be read at any point in the ongoing series. Also features the first UK publication of a Hamish Macbeth short story, Knock, Knock, You're Dead! Praise for the Hamish Macbeth series: 'First rate ... deft social comedy and wonderfully realized atmosphere.' Booklist 'It's always a treat to return to Lochdubh.' New York Times 'Readers will enjoy the quirks and unique qualities of the cast ... Beaton catches the beauty of the area's natural geography and succinctly describes its distinct flavour.' Library Journal 'Befuddled, earnest and utterly endearing, Hamish makes his triumphs sweetly satisfying.' Publishers Weekly
The Mackenzies gather for a clan Christmas and Hogmanay in Scotland. In the chaos of preparations for the celebration--the first of Hart and Eleanor's married life--one of Ian's Ming bowls gets broken, and the family scrambles to save the day. Daniel busily runs a betting ring for everything from the hour Eleanor's baby will arrive, to whether Mac's former-pugilist valet can win a boxing match, to who will be the first of the many guests to be caught under the mistletoe. Ian begins a new obsession, and Beth fears that the loss of one of his precious bowls has made him withdraw once more into his private world. Revisit the Mackenzies in this heartwarming Christmas tale. Book 4.5 of the New York Times bestselling Mackenzies series.
Bestselling author Glenys Nellist tells a Christmas tale of generosity and kindness. It was going to be the best Christmas ever because Little Mole had found the perfect gift for Mama: the biggest, most beautiful mushroom he had ever seen. But on his way home, Little Mole encounters other woodland friends in need. Though it pains him to do so, Little Mole shares pieces of his mushroom with each friend he meets until there's not much left. Disappointed and anxious about what this means for Christmas, Little Mole wraps what's left of the mushroom. He fears Christmas is ruined, but ultimately, Little Mole discovers that his gift was bigger than he ever imagined. Little Mole's Christmas Gift is a companion to Nellist's spring-themed picture book, Little Mole Finds Hope.
In his warm, conversational style, James W. Moore helps readers reclaim the true meaning of Christmas by centering their thoughts on the greatest gift of all--God's gift of love in Jesus Christ. Moore reminds readers that the best Christmas gifts of all are freely given to them by God for them to pass on to others--the gifts of love, peace, joy, faith, forgiveness, kindness, time, appreciation and encouragement. Drawing upon the story of the first Christmas and heartwarming stories from our own time, Moore instills in readers that sharing God's love with others is what Christmas is all about.
"A great read! The story moves right along..." Enjoy five fast-paced, engrossing stories about Highlanders and their brides. Book 1 The Highlander's Last-Minute Bride Jane MacKay has little choice: if she does not agree to wed lecherous old Laird Sutherland, her terrified younger sister Heather will be handed over to him in her stead. Jane cannot allow that to happen. With a heavy heart, she journeys to the Sutherland Keep to marry a man whose infamy has spread far and wide—a man who has already buried two wives. Book 2 The Highlander's High-Stakes Bride Gareth and Brodie Hay, brothers born just a twelvemonth apart, are famous for their carousing in the local tavern and love of gambling. When their mother becomes seriously ill, their father insists that one of them must take a wife to help out. Neither wants to give up his free and easy lifestyle—so they decide to let a throw of the dice determine the loser. But the bride is not at all impressed! Book 3 The Highlander's Substitute Bride Crissa and Owena Macleod, auburn-haired identical twins, have always been close. But after a tragedy, Crissa thinks she may never recover from losing both her husband and her darling child. She spends her days quietly in the Maclean Keep—until one day her twin, Owena, comes to her begging for help. Will Crissa take Owena’s place in an arranged marriage, so Owena can marry the one she truly loves? Book 4 The Highlander's Reckless Bride Owena Macleod, daughter of Laird Iain Macleod and twin sister to Crissa, has always yearned for an adventurous life. She falls in love with a brave and dashing King’s Spy, and is distraught when her father arranges her betrothal to Laird Kenrik Maclean. She pleads with her twin Crissa to take her place in the nuptials, and Owena takes her name and slips away… but life will not be kind to her…. Book 5 The Highlander's Rescued Bride Anice Gordon has been a sore trial to her parents from the day she was born. Headstrong, impulsive and forever in trouble, she is a lass who seems to attract disaster. Robert Ogilvy, her brother Donal's best friend, grew up having to rescue Anice from one mishap after another. He is fond of Anice, but when her father announces that the two shall be betrothed, Robert is dismayed.…
This compilation of favorite Christmas carving projects from "Woodcarving Illustrated" includes 36 projects ranging from ornaments to decorations and gifts.
Welcome To My World 'Tis the season to be jolly--but Boston antiques dealer Claire MacGregor isn't looking forward to a solo Christmas, or cocoa for one, or trimming the tree by herself. But company's coming. Claire is fooling around with an old puzzle box and when it opens. . .a gorgeous, studly laird appears. Thumbs down: Sir Cameron MacLeod is centuries old. Thumbs up: he doesn't look it. And Cameron is tall, dark, and lusty--very lusty. Come Away To Mine Who is this lovely lass? And where is he? Before awakening in the 21st century in Claire's bedroom, the last thing Sir Cameron MacLeod remembers was readying for war with a rival clan. Despite her strange clothes and odd ways, Claire is bonny and brave. He's about to find out that love is a many-splendored thing indeed. . . "An absolutely delightful, delicious romp!" --Romantic Times on A Thief In A Kilt Award-winning author Sandy Blair was raised in a small New England town and graduated from Northeastern University, Boston. Winner of Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart, the 2004 National Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance and a 2005 RITA finalist, Sandy fell in love with Scotland's history, people, and beautiful, diverse landscapes on the first of her many visits. She currently resides in Texas with her husband and children.
Sparks fly between an L.A. career woman and a former Army Ranger in this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance from the USA Today bestselling queen of small-town love stories. Welcome to Highland Falls, a small town where love is always in the air. In just a few months Abby Everhart has gone from being a top LA media influencer to an unemployed divorcée living out of her car. So inheriting her great-aunt's homestead comes at the perfect time. Abby heads to Highland Falls, North Carolina, to spruce up Honeysuckle Farm before putting it on the market for some much-needed cash. But instead of finding a charming getaway, she discovers a serious fixer-upper, complete with a leaky roof, overgrown yard, and a reclusive -- albeit sexy -- man living on the property. Ex-Delta Force soldier Hunter MacKenzie has faced war and loss, but nothing has quite prepared him for an outgoing redhead who's determined to turn his life upside down. Hunter doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially a city girl who plans to sell the only place he's ever felt at home. But the sparks between them are undeniable. Spending time with Abby is easy. Convincing her to stay for good is another matter entirely.
Hamish is a Highland cow and VERY hairy. He hates having baths and NEVER cuts his hair. Why should he when his shaggy coat is the perfect place to keep his favourite sweet - toffees! But one day his friends get fed up with the increasingly smelly Hamish, and they hatch a plan that involves a hairdresser and, yes, toffees! An exuberant story with bold, bright illustrations from a very talented artist.