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A Laird for All Time #1
A Laird for all Time
After ten long years of education and residency, Dr. Emmy MacKenzie decides that it's time for a much-deserved vacation. But when traveling the British Isles, a twist of fate at the gates of the ancient castle of Duart hurls Emmy more than a hundred years into the past and into the arms of a magnificent Highlander who thinks she is his long-lost wife, Heather MacLean. The ten years since his new bride abandoned him on his wedding day have brought Connor MacLean, earl of Strathclyde, nothing but misery and bitterness, but that is nothing compared to the anger he feels when she shows up on the tenth anniversary of that day. Determined to punish her for the humiliations she dealt him, he is shocked when his wife insists that she is not his wife at all. Though he tries to cling to his anger, Connor cannot deny the attraction he feels for his mysterious wife, and soon he finds himself wanting nothing more than to take her in his arms and make her his. When the truth of Heather MacLean's disappearance comes to light, more than just Connor's life could be destroyed. Choices will have to be made. Forgiveness begged. Second chances taken not just for the people of Duart but for Emmy herself.
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2011
197 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Angeline Fortin
42 books280 followersAngeline Fortin is an award-winning author of historical and time-travel romance, offering readers fun, sexy, and often touching tales of love across time.
With a degree in U.S. History from UNLV and experience as a historical interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, she brings authenticity and rich historical detail to every page. Her passion for the past—particularly the charm of Victorian London and the mystique of Edinburgh—shines through in her vividly crafted settings.
A former military wife, Angeline has lived coast to coast and everywhere in between, having visited 49 of the 50 U.S. states (Alaska, you’re next!). Her overseas travels—especially to beloved destinations like Scotland and England—provide endless inspiration for the time-travel adventures and heartfelt romances she crafts.
A native Minnesotan, Angeline currently resides in Rochester, Minnesota, with her husband and three beloved dogs: active Aussies, Blue and Pippi—who are extremely smart but have no idea what personal space is—and her sweet senior rescue mutt, Oliver. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her lost in a good book or film, tackling home design projects, or cheering for her beloved Minnesota Vikings with the endless faith that they will win the Superbowl… someday.
Above all, she loves what she does every single day: telling unforgettable stories.
Follow her adventures on social media—she’s just about everywhere!
With a degree in U.S. History from UNLV and experience as a historical interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, she brings authenticity and rich historical detail to every page. Her passion for the past—particularly the charm of Victorian London and the mystique of Edinburgh—shines through in her vividly crafted settings.
A former military wife, Angeline has lived coast to coast and everywhere in between, having visited 49 of the 50 U.S. states (Alaska, you’re next!). Her overseas travels—especially to beloved destinations like Scotland and England—provide endless inspiration for the time-travel adventures and heartfelt romances she crafts.
A native Minnesotan, Angeline currently resides in Rochester, Minnesota, with her husband and three beloved dogs: active Aussies, Blue and Pippi—who are extremely smart but have no idea what personal space is—and her sweet senior rescue mutt, Oliver. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her lost in a good book or film, tackling home design projects, or cheering for her beloved Minnesota Vikings with the endless faith that they will win the Superbowl… someday.
Above all, she loves what she does every single day: telling unforgettable stories.
Follow her adventures on social media—she’s just about everywhere!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
December 20, 2014
I managed to read through chapter 14 before I had enough. So I really tried because there is a story here. It's just badly written. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. Instead, I was bored.
Fortin "tells" the story instead of showing (which accounts for the lack of emotional connection for me). She does a poor job of head hopping (no proper setup before switching POV). She has paragraphs of boring (though probably well researched) descriptions and historical information, harping on and on about the restorations to the castle. Aside from the physical attraction between the H/H, the emotional content is just plain lacking. She overuses the !!! Author intrusion abounds. I kept getting bumped out of the prose by jolting, crude and out-of-character dialogue.
Emmy is supposed to be an almost 30 year old OB/GYN from 2010 but she talks like a cocktail waitress. Her bedside manner is horrible to nonexistent. And for someone who has had no time for vacations, sleep or a private life for the last seven years - due to her residency work schedule - she knows way too much about the content of daytime TV, as well as other POP culture references, which I can't imagine a resident doctor would have time for.
Connor, the hero is flat, stereotypical and gloomy - for no good reason. He thinks Emmy is his long lost wife, whom he did not love or even like, a woman who left him on his wedding night ten years prior. He had the marriage annulled. But his ego was badly damaged by her running away, he became a bitter man who hasn't known happiness since she left. He spent years searching the world to find her.
Really? A woman he didn't love and who didn't love him, whom he met the day he got married. An alpha male would have said good riddance and had the unconsummated marriage annulled. But ten years later, Conner is still grieving for the loss and can't let the past go and forgive.
After fourteen chapters, the story has yet to progress. No one has learned anything or changed much at all. There's no explanation for how she was transported back in time, no villain, and nothing interesting has happened. Sorry Fortin, this wasn't ready for publication yet.
Fortin "tells" the story instead of showing (which accounts for the lack of emotional connection for me). She does a poor job of head hopping (no proper setup before switching POV). She has paragraphs of boring (though probably well researched) descriptions and historical information, harping on and on about the restorations to the castle. Aside from the physical attraction between the H/H, the emotional content is just plain lacking. She overuses the !!! Author intrusion abounds. I kept getting bumped out of the prose by jolting, crude and out-of-character dialogue.
Emmy is supposed to be an almost 30 year old OB/GYN from 2010 but she talks like a cocktail waitress. Her bedside manner is horrible to nonexistent. And for someone who has had no time for vacations, sleep or a private life for the last seven years - due to her residency work schedule - she knows way too much about the content of daytime TV, as well as other POP culture references, which I can't imagine a resident doctor would have time for.
Connor, the hero is flat, stereotypical and gloomy - for no good reason. He thinks Emmy is his long lost wife, whom he did not love or even like, a woman who left him on his wedding night ten years prior. He had the marriage annulled. But his ego was badly damaged by her running away, he became a bitter man who hasn't known happiness since she left. He spent years searching the world to find her.
Really? A woman he didn't love and who didn't love him, whom he met the day he got married. An alpha male would have said good riddance and had the unconsummated marriage annulled. But ten years later, Conner is still grieving for the loss and can't let the past go and forgive.
After fourteen chapters, the story has yet to progress. No one has learned anything or changed much at all. There's no explanation for how she was transported back in time, no villain, and nothing interesting has happened. Sorry Fortin, this wasn't ready for publication yet.
July 19, 2018
3.25 stars
November 4, 2012
Okay, so what can I say I really liked this book a great deal. Dr.Emmy MacKenzie vacations to Scotland alone between her internship and starting a new position at a women's Ob/Gyn office. Emmy takes a shuttle bus to the castle Duarts on the Island of Mull; she turns out to be the only tourist on the Shuttle and winds up talking to he driver Donnell quite a bit; upon reaching the castle she makes a statement that life must of been so much simpler during the time the castle was refurbished , she getsa sudden feeling of vertigo and finds herself in front of the Castle alone with Large highlander riding up to her looking angry and shouting in gaelic , what is a girl to do but faint.
1895- and the big angry handsome highlander is Conner MacLean who believes her to be his runaway wife from 10 years ago!
This sets up th Story line for a budding romance, discovery of old secrets kept and second chances not only for Conner an Emmy but for Conner 's bother Ian and his wife Dorcas! Emmy,s skills as a doctor help to endeare her to the MacLean family and the people of clan MacLean.
I enjoyed the humor of the language difference no only between the American verses Scottish but the time difference made for some intresting exchanges and as always for me live to see how an author works out having a strong independent women from the future trying to live and love in a time of when the man of the house is dominant and controlling!
1895- and the big angry handsome highlander is Conner MacLean who believes her to be his runaway wife from 10 years ago!
This sets up th Story line for a budding romance, discovery of old secrets kept and second chances not only for Conner an Emmy but for Conner 's bother Ian and his wife Dorcas! Emmy,s skills as a doctor help to endeare her to the MacLean family and the people of clan MacLean.
I enjoyed the humor of the language difference no only between the American verses Scottish but the time difference made for some intresting exchanges and as always for me live to see how an author works out having a strong independent women from the future trying to live and love in a time of when the man of the house is dominant and controlling!
July 23, 2022
Re-Read July 2022 still 5 amazing stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First read May 2021
Loved this story!
It’s no secret I love time travel stories that feature Scotland! This story was full of everything I enjoy! The story of Conner & Emmy will be added to my list of “Best Books” and I highly recommend it! This story has all the best parts of a classic romance and leaves you with a satisfying ending. 5 Stars - I highly recommend you give Laird MacClean’s story a try!!!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First read May 2021
Loved this story!
It’s no secret I love time travel stories that feature Scotland! This story was full of everything I enjoy! The story of Conner & Emmy will be added to my list of “Best Books” and I highly recommend it! This story has all the best parts of a classic romance and leaves you with a satisfying ending. 5 Stars - I highly recommend you give Laird MacClean’s story a try!!!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 22, 2012
I see that a lot of reviewers found this book slow. But I really enjoyed it. In fact I was pretty pleasantly surprised. I only paid .99 for it so I wasn't expecting much. There were some editing issues, with words that were left out of sentences in a couple of places but that didn't bother me so much. Like I said, I was really surprised because it was a such a cheap book. I thought it was a fun read. I love the time travel highlander books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
"Oh, you poor dear.. you don't remember, do you? It's me, Dorcas, your sister."
Disarmed by the unusual name, Emmy snorted in surprise. "Really? You're kidding, right? Dorcas?" Emmy couldn't contain her amusement and chuckled out loud drawing puzzled stares from the room's occupants.
"Listen, Dorc... Dorc... I'm sorry, I can't say it. Is there something else I can call you?" Emmy shook her head again with a snort of laughter. "Just can't do it with a straight face."
~ Dorcas and Emmy - I love this quote so much because I think that would be my reaction too if someone told me their name was Dorcas. I always laughed when they said it in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and I laughed when I read it here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
"Oh, you poor dear.. you don't remember, do you? It's me, Dorcas, your sister."
Disarmed by the unusual name, Emmy snorted in surprise. "Really? You're kidding, right? Dorcas?" Emmy couldn't contain her amusement and chuckled out loud drawing puzzled stares from the room's occupants.
"Listen, Dorc... Dorc... I'm sorry, I can't say it. Is there something else I can call you?" Emmy shook her head again with a snort of laughter. "Just can't do it with a straight face."
~ Dorcas and Emmy - I love this quote so much because I think that would be my reaction too if someone told me their name was Dorcas. I always laughed when they said it in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and I laughed when I read it here.
September 5, 2015
LOVED IT!!
I am Happily Surprised at how much I loved A Laird for All Time. This is my first Angeline Fortin book but it won't be my last.
While on vacation in the British Isles Dr. Emmy MacKenzie is catapulted a 100yrs back in time to the late Victoria Era. While on a tour of Duart Castle she commented to her tour guide and driver about how life was so much easier a 100yrs prior then now the year 2010. Well she soon finds out this is not true. Donell sends her back in time and she arrives on the 10th year wedding anniversary of Connor MacLeans and Heather MacLean. Emmy looks identical to Heather who had gone missing on her wedding night. Connor is the Laird of Duart and the Earl of Stratclyde, so his missing wife of 10yrs has now returned and she is much changed. He will make her pay for humiliating him. After all the Prince of Wales had attended there wedding.
The story and the characters are very well developed. I felt like I was in a movie instead of a book. The Historical Period is accurate. The Romance and growing love between Connor and Emmy is sensual and believable. They made a marvelous couple. The supporting characters were well developed too and all the back stories were done well. The mystery of the missing Heather well be apparent. However, there are a few twist and turns with that and the end of the story is a complete an unforeseen scenario. It was a very good ending.
I Highly Recommend A Laird for All Time. You won't be disappointed in this book!! Well Done
I am Happily Surprised at how much I loved A Laird for All Time. This is my first Angeline Fortin book but it won't be my last.
While on vacation in the British Isles Dr. Emmy MacKenzie is catapulted a 100yrs back in time to the late Victoria Era. While on a tour of Duart Castle she commented to her tour guide and driver about how life was so much easier a 100yrs prior then now the year 2010. Well she soon finds out this is not true. Donell sends her back in time and she arrives on the 10th year wedding anniversary of Connor MacLeans and Heather MacLean. Emmy looks identical to Heather who had gone missing on her wedding night. Connor is the Laird of Duart and the Earl of Stratclyde, so his missing wife of 10yrs has now returned and she is much changed. He will make her pay for humiliating him. After all the Prince of Wales had attended there wedding.
The story and the characters are very well developed. I felt like I was in a movie instead of a book. The Historical Period is accurate. The Romance and growing love between Connor and Emmy is sensual and believable. They made a marvelous couple. The supporting characters were well developed too and all the back stories were done well. The mystery of the missing Heather well be apparent. However, there are a few twist and turns with that and the end of the story is a complete an unforeseen scenario. It was a very good ending.
I Highly Recommend A Laird for All Time. You won't be disappointed in this book!! Well Done
October 10, 2018
DNF @60%
I have pushed and pushed through to this point but I am so bored. I have struggled with the protagonist, Emmy throughout who doesn’t seem to feel the need to change her language, attitude etc to fit in even a modicum with the 1800s. It was worth a try but unsuccessful. Good narration.
I have pushed and pushed through to this point but I am so bored. I have struggled with the protagonist, Emmy throughout who doesn’t seem to feel the need to change her language, attitude etc to fit in even a modicum with the 1800s. It was worth a try but unsuccessful. Good narration.
April 16, 2018
This was so much better than I thought it was going to. The characters were fantastic.
I hope the next one is just as good.
I hope the next one is just as good.
December 15, 2017
I loved this book. There was so much that went on but with all the twist and turns in the story it was a well written time travel romance. I want a Connor all my own :)
June 14, 2020
Normally Historical isn’t my favorite genre but I do love a time travel romance. Emmy is the time traveler and for the most part I think she handled it and herself with grace. I would have freaked out.
The fact that she fell in love with Connor but also his family it was a sweet romance. When she went back to her time. I swore out loud lol
All was not lost. It is a great lesson for sure. Very glad I gave this book a chance and the narrator does a great job with not only the accents but the male voices. I very much enjoyed.
The fact that she fell in love with Connor but also his family it was a sweet romance. When she went back to her time. I swore out loud lol
All was not lost. It is a great lesson for sure. Very glad I gave this book a chance and the narrator does a great job with not only the accents but the male voices. I very much enjoyed.
July 29, 2016
Emmy MacKenzie has just finished a decade of training to be a doctor and decides to go on holiday before she starts her new job. She tours around England, on her own, and spends her last few days in the Scottish Highlands. She travels to the ancient castle of Duart for the day and finds herself transported back to the time of the castle’s laird and restorer, someone she’d just be reading about in her guidebook. The laird, Connor MacLean, mistakes Emmy for his bride, the one who ran away on their wedding night and hasn’t been seen in the decade since. He doesn’t understand why she would choose to reappear on their tenth wedding anniversary, only to deny her identity. He also can’t comprehend why she is so different from the woman he knew all those years ago. Until she figures out how she can get home, Emmy decides to play the part of his wife so that she has somewhere to stay, and ends up discovering that there might be something worth staying for, if only Connor can let go of the pain his wife caused him and see Emmy for who she really is.
Connor and Emmy were both great protagonists for the story. Emmy was strong and independent, but there was an underlying sadness about her that was tangible on the pages. This sadness seemed to stem from her loneliness – she was travelling alone, after having spent nearly a decade of her life focusing on studies rather than her social life. This sadness gave her something in common with Connor and made for a strong basis for their connection. Her struggles between her two time zones were shown to exist in terms of her relationship with Connor, but I thought that more of a struggle with the amenities of the time might have made her time-jumping feel a bit more real for the reader.
Connor, as a leading man in the story, was everything you’d expect from a romance novel hero; strong, defiant, stubborn and undoubtedly vulnerable. His relationship with Emmy was, at the start, based on the fact that he thought she had run out on him 10 years ago. That pain, stemming from male pride, was the centre of everything that Connor had become and how he behaved. Watching him struggle to let that way of life go for something better was a great part of the plot. I found his understanding of the truth to be a little unplausible, he barely reacted to what he was being told, which most people would not do. Other than that, he was a character that I’d enjoy reading again.
The plot itself was fairly well written and I was pleasantly surprised by a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. I’m one of those people that likes to guess at where a story is going as I’m reading so it’s always nice to come across an element of the plot that I hadn’t accounted for – it piques my interest and wills me to carry on reading. I was initially worried about whether or not I would be open to the time travelling involved in the plot, but as I read through I found that it didn’t have a negative effect on the story and was actually very well handled in the context of the rest of the story; it wasn’t overplayed and didn’t become the main focus of the story.
All in all, this was a nice easy read of decent length with strong characters and a good plot.
Connor and Emmy were both great protagonists for the story. Emmy was strong and independent, but there was an underlying sadness about her that was tangible on the pages. This sadness seemed to stem from her loneliness – she was travelling alone, after having spent nearly a decade of her life focusing on studies rather than her social life. This sadness gave her something in common with Connor and made for a strong basis for their connection. Her struggles between her two time zones were shown to exist in terms of her relationship with Connor, but I thought that more of a struggle with the amenities of the time might have made her time-jumping feel a bit more real for the reader.
Connor, as a leading man in the story, was everything you’d expect from a romance novel hero; strong, defiant, stubborn and undoubtedly vulnerable. His relationship with Emmy was, at the start, based on the fact that he thought she had run out on him 10 years ago. That pain, stemming from male pride, was the centre of everything that Connor had become and how he behaved. Watching him struggle to let that way of life go for something better was a great part of the plot. I found his understanding of the truth to be a little unplausible, he barely reacted to what he was being told, which most people would not do. Other than that, he was a character that I’d enjoy reading again.
The plot itself was fairly well written and I was pleasantly surprised by a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. I’m one of those people that likes to guess at where a story is going as I’m reading so it’s always nice to come across an element of the plot that I hadn’t accounted for – it piques my interest and wills me to carry on reading. I was initially worried about whether or not I would be open to the time travelling involved in the plot, but as I read through I found that it didn’t have a negative effect on the story and was actually very well handled in the context of the rest of the story; it wasn’t overplayed and didn’t become the main focus of the story.
All in all, this was a nice easy read of decent length with strong characters and a good plot.
August 26, 2014
This wasn't terribly done. The writing wasn't redundant or all that cliched, there wasn't an overabundance of purple prose, and the premise was somewhat interesting. The plot twists were pretty good, too, all things considered, and the usual time travel angst was absent.
There wasn't, however, a whole lot of immersion. There was a lack of feeling that came through in the writing, an almost clinical approach to storytelling. Some authors are capable of crafting characters who feel real to the reader, and atmospheres that convey the requisite feelings required for readers to really get lost in the story. Those of you who've enjoyed some truly well-written, emotionally jarring tales will understand what I'm talking about. This book lacks that depth, so reading it is, alas, not very fulfilling. There were also some technical issues. The POV shifts were abrupt and confusing, and the story dragged quite a bit. I won't denigrate it further, Fortin shows some promise, but she's not an author I'll continue reading.
March 30, 2019
I loved the story of William Wallace from this perspective.
November 18, 2012
Emmy takes a long needed vacation. When Emmy and her driver arrive at Duart Castle, Emmy talks about how simple the life was back then and how she would love it and more. The driver ask if she really thinks that and the next thing she knows she is back in time in the wrong place at the right time. The Laird, Connor MacLean see Emmy at the gates and think she is his long lost wife Heather coming back to him. As things heat up and anger starts to take place wild things start to happen for the two. Will Emmy want to go back to her future life or stay with Connor in the past?
A lovely read I did not want to see come to an end. I enjoyed seeing both characters try and find a way to work this situation out. It took Connor a while to see that Emmy was not Heather as much as they were a like. The support characters were well defined as well and brought some humor to the storyline.
The book is a page turner for any reader as you do not want the story to end. The author does a great job with the characters and the descriptions. There were some issues with needing more proofreading but not as bad as I have seen and certainly not bad enough to take away from the story.
A cute read.
A lovely read I did not want to see come to an end. I enjoyed seeing both characters try and find a way to work this situation out. It took Connor a while to see that Emmy was not Heather as much as they were a like. The support characters were well defined as well and brought some humor to the storyline.
The book is a page turner for any reader as you do not want the story to end. The author does a great job with the characters and the descriptions. There were some issues with needing more proofreading but not as bad as I have seen and certainly not bad enough to take away from the story.
A cute read.
March 16, 2013
Previously I've read one other Highland novel where elements of science fiction came into play. I did not think I would read another such work but I must admit that "A Laird for All Time" handled the paradox of time travel quite well. The author Angeline Fortin just didn't try to explain it. Some times it is better that way because it ends up detracting from the characters. The characters in "A Laird for All Time" are well developed and the author manages to build up the suspense without being too long winded and drawn out.
November 12, 2011
Although this manuscript suffered a bit from exclamation point-itis, I liked it enough to read it in one sitting. The characters were believable and loveable. The sex scenes could have used a little work. I also think I would have enjoyed it more without the epilogue. Still, I liked it enough to put this author's other works on my to-read list.
October 26, 2021
love it
March 31, 2012
Unfortunately, I agree with several other reviewers here at Goodreads. The book's premise has promise, but the story and the characters just don't live up to that promise. I can overlook the formatting and typos and other ebook issues - heaven knows that too many publishers race to ebook format without giving the book a good once-over after it's in that format. But I can't overlook taking what should be a really good novel and making it only so-so.
I've never read a "highlander" romance novel set in Victorian times, so I can't speak from any historical perspective, but.... even the past Duart and its inhabitants seem to be too modern for Victorian times. And the Heroine, a 28-year old American OB/GYN from Maryland, seems too over-the top. She's brash, and her modern phrases seem to be too crass for a woman who's worked her way through university and medical school. Granted, being a doctor doesn't make her prim and proper, but still. Knowing what time she's gone back to, you'd think she'd at least attempt to avoid crude and startling statements. I don't quibble with her frank attitudes towards sex and child bearing; I quibble with her constant grating speech.
The "mystery" of what happened to the laird's wife, Heather, isn't much of a mystery - it's obvious early on. What isn't obvious is why, as one reviewer here put it, such an Alpha Male wouldn't just push the whole incident in the past, let it go, and move on. Why would this man, even a prideful man, hold on so hard to a hurt caused by a woman he'd met the day before their wedding? If the two had been closer or if he'd always been in love with her from afar, it might be more understandable. But Connor seems to be overly sentimental and broody about something that's very inconsequential. Which means the underlying reason for our Heroine's return to the past is moot. Shame.
I'd love to give this book a higher rating, because, as I've said, there is something charming about it. And I enjoyed the twist on the time travel, putting us into an era where the 'past' characters could live through much of the early 20th century to witness events that the 'modern' time traveler knows about. I got a good chuckle out of the family's eventual investments in Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Google.
But overall, the story didn't do it for me.
I've never read a "highlander" romance novel set in Victorian times, so I can't speak from any historical perspective, but.... even the past Duart and its inhabitants seem to be too modern for Victorian times. And the Heroine, a 28-year old American OB/GYN from Maryland, seems too over-the top. She's brash, and her modern phrases seem to be too crass for a woman who's worked her way through university and medical school. Granted, being a doctor doesn't make her prim and proper, but still. Knowing what time she's gone back to, you'd think she'd at least attempt to avoid crude and startling statements. I don't quibble with her frank attitudes towards sex and child bearing; I quibble with her constant grating speech.
The "mystery" of what happened to the laird's wife, Heather, isn't much of a mystery - it's obvious early on. What isn't obvious is why, as one reviewer here put it, such an Alpha Male wouldn't just push the whole incident in the past, let it go, and move on. Why would this man, even a prideful man, hold on so hard to a hurt caused by a woman he'd met the day before their wedding? If the two had been closer or if he'd always been in love with her from afar, it might be more understandable. But Connor seems to be overly sentimental and broody about something that's very inconsequential. Which means the underlying reason for our Heroine's return to the past is moot. Shame.
I'd love to give this book a higher rating, because, as I've said, there is something charming about it. And I enjoyed the twist on the time travel, putting us into an era where the 'past' characters could live through much of the early 20th century to witness events that the 'modern' time traveler knows about. I got a good chuckle out of the family's eventual investments in Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Google.
But overall, the story didn't do it for me.
May 13, 2018
I kept listening to this book since I needed a fluffy read. I never cared for the main character, who just annoyed the hell out of me, which was sad since she is presented as an actual independent woman, which is not common in romance. The rest of her just grated on my nerves. The rest of this wasn't that bad though, and it was interesting to find the time period set to the Victorian era. The author's social viewpoints seem to bleed out of the main character, but I worked past that. Then I got to the tail end of it and HOLY SHIT the victim blaming and lack of regard for her plight in order to maintain the ego of the fragile male lead. I recognize most romances are going to be problematic, but usually in the sense of all the women are tiny, the men huge, and instalust/love. Not in the sense of forced marriage and victim blaming.
November 20, 2013
This book is about Dr. Emmy MacKenzie, an obgyn, who finds herself hurled back into time and comes into contact with Connor MacLean who swears that Emmy is his long, lost wife Heather. The author did a great job of transporting the reader back in time, where men wear kilts and woman are slowly coming into a greater role in society. I normally have issues with historical books as one of my majors in colleges was history and I hate when inaccuracies abound. A lot of times historicals end up feeling like modern characters with dialogue in historical garb. I end up wanting to punch something and cannot finish the books. But this author really was able to bring the past to life in a believable and accurate way. I found myself enjoying the past she brought to life on the pages for the readers.
The main characters had a great interaction between the two. I loved how the plot unfolded, there are plenty of twists and turns that leave the reader anxious to see how everything comes to fruition. I really loved that the plot wasn't a normal cookie cutter time traveling book. It had a creative spin that really was enjoyable and I had a difficult time putting the book down. This is the first book I've read from this author and I hope to read many more. I had such a great time getting to see how Emmy's and Connor's love story played out and to see how they came to discover the heart does not know the bounds of time or place. It is always great to see a strong woman character who can appreciate a hot guy in a kilt but also stand her own ground as well. This is truly a 'magical' book for time traveling and historical readers.
The main characters had a great interaction between the two. I loved how the plot unfolded, there are plenty of twists and turns that leave the reader anxious to see how everything comes to fruition. I really loved that the plot wasn't a normal cookie cutter time traveling book. It had a creative spin that really was enjoyable and I had a difficult time putting the book down. This is the first book I've read from this author and I hope to read many more. I had such a great time getting to see how Emmy's and Connor's love story played out and to see how they came to discover the heart does not know the bounds of time or place. It is always great to see a strong woman character who can appreciate a hot guy in a kilt but also stand her own ground as well. This is truly a 'magical' book for time traveling and historical readers.
March 8, 2020
OMFG ! Why the F did I complete this novel especially after reading time traveling in Kristin Ashley’s novel and beautiful historical novels by Julie garwood. This novel was a complete shitshow. It lacked everything and made no sense. It lacked authenticity, common sense, reality , connections etc. You have to read it understand my frustration.
This book made time travel look like a piece of cake.
H sees h passport with color photo and isn’t suspicious.
Everyone agrees h’s behavior is different but it’s ok since she is from America. Seriously WTAF. it’s not like America is another planet to be that ahead of time and she uses 21st century’s slangs for crying out loud.
In the beginning h is afraid that they might think her as a witch and kill her plus her has no money so she thinks it’s better to pretend she from 1800s but never once does she tries to blend in with them and act like she belonged in their period.
MCs watch movies and songs like no biggie. What if others found out?
She carries many of the latest technology equipments when she returns and that’s complete fine and no one blinks an eye. How could people not get weirded out by such thing and raise suspicion especially in church which was mighty powerful at that time.
Isn’t she playing with the balance of past and future. Things Which took years in making could be made and replicated easily if anyone ever stole one of her gadgets.
There was no great reunion., just a prologue.
C no sense at all .
This book made time travel look like a piece of cake.
H sees h passport with color photo and isn’t suspicious.
Everyone agrees h’s behavior is different but it’s ok since she is from America. Seriously WTAF. it’s not like America is another planet to be that ahead of time and she uses 21st century’s slangs for crying out loud.
In the beginning h is afraid that they might think her as a witch and kill her plus her has no money so she thinks it’s better to pretend she from 1800s but never once does she tries to blend in with them and act like she belonged in their period.
MCs watch movies and songs like no biggie. What if others found out?
She carries many of the latest technology equipments when she returns and that’s complete fine and no one blinks an eye. How could people not get weirded out by such thing and raise suspicion especially in church which was mighty powerful at that time.
Isn’t she playing with the balance of past and future. Things Which took years in making could be made and replicated easily if anyone ever stole one of her gadgets.
There was no great reunion., just a prologue.
C no sense at all .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2012
I picked this book up back in October as an ebook deal on Amazon. I am always willing to drop a buck or two for an interesting story from an author I haven't heard of. I very much enjoyed this book.
The basics, Dr. Emmy MacKenzie travels to Scotland prior to taking her first job after finishing her residency. Upon her arrival to view a castle in Mull, she wishes to see what it would have looked like when it was rebuilt around the turn of the century, thinking those times were simpler. Her wish comes true as she is whisked back in time and accused of being the Laird, Conner MacLean, long lost wife Heather.
Emmy sets out to convince Conner that she is not Heather and to help him move past the hurt and anger he held at his wife's leaving him. In addition, she helps him to heal the wounds his 10 years of anger has caused with the rest of his family.
This is one of the few time travel stories where part of the story involves the curiosity by some of the main characters regarding the future.
There is a twist in this story that was unexpected and Emmy has to come to accept what she truly wants, without regret, to reach her HEA.
October 24, 2015
I'm really enjoying the story but I am getting a bit frustrated that Emmy is not hiding some of her modern knowledge, but hides the fact that she is from the future as if her toting around an iPhone with earbuds isn't gonna rouse suspicion.
2hrs left......
oh oh oh i have an idea of what Dori's secret is so now i'm just sitting through the last 1.5hrs to see if i'm right.
back to the story....
Yup I guessed it but I loved Emmy's "solution". I was hoping the reunion was a bit more detailed. It was more of an after thought and left me a little unsatisfied.
A few reviewers complained about Emmy's personality not being what the expected from a doctor. I totally offer each of you one of my famous side-eyes. Emmy was smart, competent, straightforward, honest, fun and sassy. Why can't doctors have those qualities?
Story 3.25 rounded to a 4 for the sheer enjoyment of the story. Yes I'm still happy my last two stories haven't traumatized me. Lol.
Narrator 4 I like Kristen porter.
2hrs left......
oh oh oh i have an idea of what Dori's secret is so now i'm just sitting through the last 1.5hrs to see if i'm right.
back to the story....
Yup I guessed it but I loved Emmy's "solution". I was hoping the reunion was a bit more detailed. It was more of an after thought and left me a little unsatisfied.
A few reviewers complained about Emmy's personality not being what the expected from a doctor. I totally offer each of you one of my famous side-eyes. Emmy was smart, competent, straightforward, honest, fun and sassy. Why can't doctors have those qualities?
Story 3.25 rounded to a 4 for the sheer enjoyment of the story. Yes I'm still happy my last two stories haven't traumatized me. Lol.
Narrator 4 I like Kristen porter.
August 4, 2012
In my quest for silly little highlander romance books, I stumbled upon this one. On a business trip where the internet is SLOW, so I'll be brief:
What I liked best: the female protag. She was actually fairly well done. I liked that she was smart, accomplished, had a smart mouth, etc.
What I liked least: the time of the book. This one was set much later than the other highlander books I've read: late 1800s. In a way, it was nice to see a few more modern conveniences. But it's hard to explain... it was too close to have that "untamed highlander" feel to it, lol.
What annoyed me: the ending. There's a scene where there's a nasty little time travel paradox that the author flubbed pretty hard. Worse, there was no need for her to do it.
I may give another of this author's books a shot. But I definitely want something set a few hundred years prior to this one.
What I liked best: the female protag. She was actually fairly well done. I liked that she was smart, accomplished, had a smart mouth, etc.
What I liked least: the time of the book. This one was set much later than the other highlander books I've read: late 1800s. In a way, it was nice to see a few more modern conveniences. But it's hard to explain... it was too close to have that "untamed highlander" feel to it, lol.
What annoyed me: the ending. There's a scene where there's a nasty little time travel paradox that the author flubbed pretty hard. Worse, there was no need for her to do it.
I may give another of this author's books a shot. But I definitely want something set a few hundred years prior to this one.
May 11, 2020
The first 80% of this book is terrible & the last 20% is good. I absolutely could not get behind the heroine (a doctor) acting like a teen for the majority of the book. Her words and actions were absolutely juvenile and ridiculous. I couldn’t stand her as a heroine. The hero, while better, wasn’t great either. He spent the first half of the book in denial and the second half acting like a loon in love. Add to that the whole love at first sight thing.... totally unbelievable... more so in this book than others I’ve read. And finally the unbelievable idea that this girl has a twin in the past totally unrelated to her. What?!? I just couldn’t follow the story, it was so convoluted and not well written either. It’s too bad because I just finished a different book by this author which was SO much better, so I was expecting more here. Go figure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2013
I loved this book!
Emmie is visiting the Uk on a ten day vacation after finishing all her requirements for becoming a doctor. On her last day on vacation she is to visit a medieval castle. Her tour guide/bus driver is her only company , as it is the last day the castle is open to the public . She makes the random statement about " simpler times" and how easy life was back then. She has a moment of vertigo , and is now in the 18oo's. She encounters Conner , the laird who believes Emmie is his long lost wife Heather..........
If you like time travel, scottish/scotland , highlander themes you will love this book. This book had many twist I did not expect , redemption , second chances... I shed several tears toward the end. A must read.
Emmie is visiting the Uk on a ten day vacation after finishing all her requirements for becoming a doctor. On her last day on vacation she is to visit a medieval castle. Her tour guide/bus driver is her only company , as it is the last day the castle is open to the public . She makes the random statement about " simpler times" and how easy life was back then. She has a moment of vertigo , and is now in the 18oo's. She encounters Conner , the laird who believes Emmie is his long lost wife Heather..........
If you like time travel, scottish/scotland , highlander themes you will love this book. This book had many twist I did not expect , redemption , second chances... I shed several tears toward the end. A must read.
September 25, 2014
Excellent and entertaining.
I am not one to summarize a book in my reviews, and will not start now. However I must heap high praise on Angeline Fortin's book A LAIRD FOR ALL TIME. It a well written book with a clever twist on the time travel theme....second chances and heart's deepest desires. it is very possible that we don't know our heart's deepest desire, until we loose it, nor do we understand second chances until we are in a position to grant them. Connor and Emmy must find it in themselves to do both, despite their life circumstances, and in the process find that which they need the most.....each other, no matter the cost.
I am not one to summarize a book in my reviews, and will not start now. However I must heap high praise on Angeline Fortin's book A LAIRD FOR ALL TIME. It a well written book with a clever twist on the time travel theme....second chances and heart's deepest desires. it is very possible that we don't know our heart's deepest desire, until we loose it, nor do we understand second chances until we are in a position to grant them. Connor and Emmy must find it in themselves to do both, despite their life circumstances, and in the process find that which they need the most.....each other, no matter the cost.
October 31, 2014
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
I love Scottish historical romance and time travel romance. When I bought this book, I expected more of the usual delightful stories as I've enjoyed in the past. I was mistaken- but in a good way. This story is very different. It's uniqueness makes it an absolutely FANTASTIC read! The characters will steal your heart and the plot is so well done, you may stay up till 5:00 in the morning reading as I did just to stay with it to the wonderful end. Twists and turns and the future versus the past layer throughout the story so that it is impossible too put down. GET THIS BOOK!
I love Scottish historical romance and time travel romance. When I bought this book, I expected more of the usual delightful stories as I've enjoyed in the past. I was mistaken- but in a good way. This story is very different. It's uniqueness makes it an absolutely FANTASTIC read! The characters will steal your heart and the plot is so well done, you may stay up till 5:00 in the morning reading as I did just to stay with it to the wonderful end. Twists and turns and the future versus the past layer throughout the story so that it is impossible too put down. GET THIS BOOK!
October 17, 2012
Emmy goes on a vacation to Scotland and goes on a tour. She is there on the last day of the tourist season and happens to be the only one on the tour. She goes to visit a huge magnificent castle. While standing before the castle a man approaches her on a horse and she faints. When she wakes up, she is in the year 1895 and the Laird of the castles claims she is his long lost wife. I enjoyed the story, but hated what a know-it-all Emmy was. She had an inappropriate temper, threatening those who could help her. She was bossy and rude, too. I wished she had more of a soft feminine side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2011
Quite a few editing errors and the story seemed inconsistent, but what really turned me off is that the heroine is a doctor but makes the comment early on that (and I'm paraphrasing) "thank God she didn't specialize in mental illness". This just seemed a crass and ugly statement to hear from a doctor, and as a parent of a mentally challenged child, I'm making a note to avoid this author in the future. It wasn't cute or funny no matter how you want to play it.
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