Bagpipes & Bullshot [Kindle Edition]

Bagpipes & BullshotIf you are so impressed by the important but unobtrusive detail of the story, you find yourself assuming the author has experience of the subject she is writing about, you know you are settling into a good book. Janice Horton has clearly done her research, all kudos to her.

So, to the story: The impressive, but rundown, Buchanan Estate needs a large injection of cash. Laird Innes Buchanan therefore seems duty-bound to marry into the wealthy neighbouring McKenzie family. Indeed, as far as his intended, the beautiful but manipulative Davina McKenzie is concerned, Innes is hers, bar the actual ceremony, which she immediately sets about arranging. Small problem, Innes doesn't love her. His younger brother does. Deciding not to go through with the marriage, Innes embarks on a mission to save the estate by other means. To this end, he enlists the help of Texan cattle expert, Orley McKenna, to help him breed a hardy new herd of cattle, which might eventually generate enough income to sustain them. Innes, though, admires Orley for more than her brains and sassiness. He's fallen for her, big time, and Orley's heart belongs to Innes.

The course of true love never did run smooth though. Not only does Orley have to contend with disapproving Lady Buchannan's haughty frostiness, local gossip, and the unforgiving climate of the Scottish Highlands, she also has to survive the vengeful plotting of a woman scorned: Davina, who still believes herself to be engaged to Innes, and whom Innes has neglected to mention.

All the elements for a terrific story, then. Throw some humorous escapades into the plot and some beautifully descriptive writing around the geography - and you have a hugely satisfying read. Loved it!

From the pheasant shoot where 'the sky rained birds' to the wonderful 'Bullshot' whiskey with Worcestershire sauce, it's a taste of Scotland. Add in Orley - a Texan gal mesmerised by Laird Innes..... and what you have is a fun read with characters who leave you hoping for that happy ending. With waspish Davina intent on .. well, murder.... and Fergus, Innes brother, starry eyed and hoping Davina will love him instead of his brother.... how will it all turn out? My lips are sealed, but every step of the way you will find yourself caught up in the wonderful story as author Janice builds up to her finale!

When handsome Scottish Laird Innes Buchanan meets beautiful Texan cowgirl Orley McKenna and brings her over to his impoverished estate in Scotland, it's for more than her expertise with cattle. But before their romance can properly begin, Orley has to contend with a run-down country mansion, a frosty Lady of the manor, and a vengeful ex-girlfriend who puts Lady Macbeth to the shade.

Bagpipes and Bullshot is a wonderful romp of a novel with many laugh-out-loud moments from an author who knows how to entertain the reader. With a hero and heroine to fall in love with, and a cast of `larger than life' characters, Janice Horton has cleverly caught some of the unique differences between two cultures. The Dumfries and Galloway setting is brought vividly to life in the beautifully descriptive writing. Although this is a humorous novel, there is real background knowledge of the farming and cattle breeding concerns which lends authenticity to the story.

Highly recommended!