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Strangers at the Altar
The secrets behind the wedding veil
For penniless widow Ainsley McBrayne, marriage is the only solution. She's vulnerable yet fiercely independent, so shackling herself to another man seems horrifying! Until handsome stranger Innes Drummond tempts Ainsley to become his temporary wife.
Once married, Ainsley hardly recognizes the rugged Highlander Innes transforms into! He sets her long-dormant pulse racing, and she's soon craving the enticing delights of their marriage bed. She has until Hogmanay to show Innes that their fake marriage could be for real…
For penniless widow Ainsley McBrayne, marriage is the only solution. She's vulnerable yet fiercely independent, so shackling herself to another man seems horrifying! Until handsome stranger Innes Drummond tempts Ainsley to become his temporary wife.
Once married, Ainsley hardly recognizes the rugged Highlander Innes transforms into! He sets her long-dormant pulse racing, and she's soon craving the enticing delights of their marriage bed. She has until Hogmanay to show Innes that their fake marriage could be for real…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Marguerite Kaye
242 books337 followersMarguerite Kaye is a prolific historical romance author hailing from Argyll’s West Coast. She is a voracious consumer of books, Scotland’s world-class larder, and the occasional cocktail.
Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
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Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
Join her on Instagram
Follow her on TikTok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 26, 2016
I've given this an A- at AAR, so 4.5 stars
I’m a sucker for a good marriage-of-convenience story, and this one is very good indeed: In fact, Strangers at the Altar is one of the best historicals I read in 2014. The book features a pair of very likeable protagonists who come across as two ordinary people trying to deal with events which have caused profound changes in their lives.
Ainsley McBrayne has been left practically destitute after the death of her profligate husband. She is at her solicitor’s office, making a last-ditch attempt to see if there is any legal means to break the terms of her late father’s will and gain access to the trust fund he created for her in order to stop her husband getting his hands on her money. She is told in no uncertain terms that there is nothing she can do, and she leaves, frustrated, angry, and wondering how on earth she is going to support herself.
Innes Drummond, who has just emerged from a similarly frustrating session with his solicitor, overhears Ainsley’s dramatic exit and muses that he and the door-slamming fury have something in common. Encountering Ainsley on the front steps of the office building, Innes is even more convinced of their being, in a sense, kindred spirits, and invites Ainsley to join him for a drink. Over a dram, Ainsley learns that Innes’ situation bears a passing similarlty to hers in that he, too, is beset by difficulties rooted in his father’s will. But unlike her, his problem is related to an inheritance he doesn’t really want rather than to one he desperately needs.
Innes left his Highland home fourteen years previously in order to pursue a career as an engineer - in opposition to his father’s wishes. He is now a wealthy and successful man, but his father’s will stipulates that in order for him to inherit his former home and lands he must be married and reside there for at least a year after he receives the bequest. Innes doesn’t feel any particular desire to set up as the Laird of a remote highland estate, but he does feel a responsibility to the tenants and crofters who make their living from the land, whose lives will be severely affected if he does not at least return to inspect the place and make some decisions regarding its future.
Ainsley finds herself opening up to this attractive stranger about the difficulties she is in due to the way her father tied up her inheritance. Her marriage to a spendthrift who continually undermined her self-esteem has left Ainsley more than a little emotionally bruised, and now she has regained her independence, she is determined not to relinquish it. The problem, though, is how she is to support herself without the money she can’t touch for another decade or so.
Then Innes has a “lightbulb moment” and proposes they get married as a way out of their difficulties. She doesn’t want a husband and he doesn’t want a wife – but as this will be a marriage of convenience, that won’t be an issue, as neither of them would be going into it with romantic expectations. Innes will settle all Ainsley’s debts and provide her with an income, and by marrying him, she will give him the breathing space he needs in order to properly assess his situation.
Normally, I might just be rolling my eyes at such a huge contrivance at this point – but I wasn’t. It’s a tribute to Marguerite Kaye’s skill in crafting her story, and in having presented two such strongly-written characters – even at such an early stage in the book – that the proposal seems perfectly plausible. It also helps that the chemistry between Innes and Ainsley is already palpable. Their conversation has a natural feel to it and is laced with humour and the sort of mutual understanding that some authors can’t create in three hundred pages, let alone thirty!
The newlyweds repair to the Highlands, and here, Ms Kaye’s obvious love for the sights and sounds of Scotland shines through in her vivid descriptions of the stunning landscapes and the local traditions. The couple’s gradual assimilation into the community and their deepening regard for the land and its customs beautifully mirrors their growing love for each other, as Innes finds himself rediscovering his love for the land of his birth while Ainsley is completely captivated by the beauty of her new surroundings.
There’s a storyline running in tandem with the development of the romance about Ainsley’s alter-ego as an Agony Aunt by the name of Madame Hera. She is able to make a little money by writing a column for a ladies’ magazine in which she dispenses advice to the (mostly) unhappy women who write in. At the beginning of the book, Ainsley has no doubt that she is well-placed to answer the questions she receives, but as, with Innes’ help, she begins to regain her confidence, she also gains perspective and allows herself to realise that there are two sides to every story. Ainsley really grows as a character and is instrumental in helping Innes to do the same so that he can lay to rest the ghosts of the past and look to the future.
One of the best things about the book is the way the protagonists are willing to actually talk to each other, even though sometimes it’s difficult for them. Innes, especially, finds it very difficult to open up about certain aspects of his life and his past because of the intense guilt he still feels over actions he believes have rendered him undeserving of love. And Ainsley, whose late husband completely shut her out of any discussion about his mounting debts or anything else in his life, is more than a little angered when she realises that Innes is trying to do the same thing. Once again, however, their openness with each other goes a long way towards smoothing their way, and what is forged is a marriage based on the right things – mutual understanding, trust, compassion and an almost combustible physical attraction.
Strangers at the Altar is a very enjoyable and satisfying read. The central relationship is exceptionally well written and developed, and the love scenes are sensual and steamy without being overly explicit. If you enjoy character driven romances in which the hero and heroine are willing to share their troubles and work together towards reaching their HEA, then you need look no farther than this.
I’m a sucker for a good marriage-of-convenience story, and this one is very good indeed: In fact, Strangers at the Altar is one of the best historicals I read in 2014. The book features a pair of very likeable protagonists who come across as two ordinary people trying to deal with events which have caused profound changes in their lives.
Ainsley McBrayne has been left practically destitute after the death of her profligate husband. She is at her solicitor’s office, making a last-ditch attempt to see if there is any legal means to break the terms of her late father’s will and gain access to the trust fund he created for her in order to stop her husband getting his hands on her money. She is told in no uncertain terms that there is nothing she can do, and she leaves, frustrated, angry, and wondering how on earth she is going to support herself.
Innes Drummond, who has just emerged from a similarly frustrating session with his solicitor, overhears Ainsley’s dramatic exit and muses that he and the door-slamming fury have something in common. Encountering Ainsley on the front steps of the office building, Innes is even more convinced of their being, in a sense, kindred spirits, and invites Ainsley to join him for a drink. Over a dram, Ainsley learns that Innes’ situation bears a passing similarlty to hers in that he, too, is beset by difficulties rooted in his father’s will. But unlike her, his problem is related to an inheritance he doesn’t really want rather than to one he desperately needs.
Innes left his Highland home fourteen years previously in order to pursue a career as an engineer - in opposition to his father’s wishes. He is now a wealthy and successful man, but his father’s will stipulates that in order for him to inherit his former home and lands he must be married and reside there for at least a year after he receives the bequest. Innes doesn’t feel any particular desire to set up as the Laird of a remote highland estate, but he does feel a responsibility to the tenants and crofters who make their living from the land, whose lives will be severely affected if he does not at least return to inspect the place and make some decisions regarding its future.
Ainsley finds herself opening up to this attractive stranger about the difficulties she is in due to the way her father tied up her inheritance. Her marriage to a spendthrift who continually undermined her self-esteem has left Ainsley more than a little emotionally bruised, and now she has regained her independence, she is determined not to relinquish it. The problem, though, is how she is to support herself without the money she can’t touch for another decade or so.
Then Innes has a “lightbulb moment” and proposes they get married as a way out of their difficulties. She doesn’t want a husband and he doesn’t want a wife – but as this will be a marriage of convenience, that won’t be an issue, as neither of them would be going into it with romantic expectations. Innes will settle all Ainsley’s debts and provide her with an income, and by marrying him, she will give him the breathing space he needs in order to properly assess his situation.
Normally, I might just be rolling my eyes at such a huge contrivance at this point – but I wasn’t. It’s a tribute to Marguerite Kaye’s skill in crafting her story, and in having presented two such strongly-written characters – even at such an early stage in the book – that the proposal seems perfectly plausible. It also helps that the chemistry between Innes and Ainsley is already palpable. Their conversation has a natural feel to it and is laced with humour and the sort of mutual understanding that some authors can’t create in three hundred pages, let alone thirty!
The newlyweds repair to the Highlands, and here, Ms Kaye’s obvious love for the sights and sounds of Scotland shines through in her vivid descriptions of the stunning landscapes and the local traditions. The couple’s gradual assimilation into the community and their deepening regard for the land and its customs beautifully mirrors their growing love for each other, as Innes finds himself rediscovering his love for the land of his birth while Ainsley is completely captivated by the beauty of her new surroundings.
There’s a storyline running in tandem with the development of the romance about Ainsley’s alter-ego as an Agony Aunt by the name of Madame Hera. She is able to make a little money by writing a column for a ladies’ magazine in which she dispenses advice to the (mostly) unhappy women who write in. At the beginning of the book, Ainsley has no doubt that she is well-placed to answer the questions she receives, but as, with Innes’ help, she begins to regain her confidence, she also gains perspective and allows herself to realise that there are two sides to every story. Ainsley really grows as a character and is instrumental in helping Innes to do the same so that he can lay to rest the ghosts of the past and look to the future.
One of the best things about the book is the way the protagonists are willing to actually talk to each other, even though sometimes it’s difficult for them. Innes, especially, finds it very difficult to open up about certain aspects of his life and his past because of the intense guilt he still feels over actions he believes have rendered him undeserving of love. And Ainsley, whose late husband completely shut her out of any discussion about his mounting debts or anything else in his life, is more than a little angered when she realises that Innes is trying to do the same thing. Once again, however, their openness with each other goes a long way towards smoothing their way, and what is forged is a marriage based on the right things – mutual understanding, trust, compassion and an almost combustible physical attraction.
Strangers at the Altar is a very enjoyable and satisfying read. The central relationship is exceptionally well written and developed, and the love scenes are sensual and steamy without being overly explicit. If you enjoy character driven romances in which the hero and heroine are willing to share their troubles and work together towards reaching their HEA, then you need look no farther than this.
December 2, 2014
This is only the second book I have read by Marguerite Kaye but she is already on my must-read list of authors. She writes with such emotional depth and her characters are so finely drawn that I couldn’t help but be captivated by this ‘marriage of convenience’ story.
Fourteen years ago, to escape his father’s iron rule, Innes Drummond left his home in Scotland, to forge a life of his own in England. He is now a successful engineer but, when his father dies, Innes discovers that the only way he can take control of the family lands from the trust set up by his father is to marry – an institution he abhors. But fate intervenes when he meets a young woman in the solicitor’s office who may be the perfect candidate for his bride.
Ainsley McBrayne’s late husband was weak and a spendthrift and constantly undermined her self-esteem and made her feel inadequate sexually. Now she has gained her independence, Ainsley has no desire to be under anyone else’s control ever again. But with all her husband’s debts to clear and her entire inheritance now in a trust for her first child, things are looking pretty dire. However, the gentleman she meets in the solicitor’s office may have the perfect answer to all her problems…a temporary marriage of convenience.
“…we are of one mind on another thing, which is our determination to make our own way in life. If you let me pay your debts, I can give the freedom to do that, and you’ll be freeing me to make up my own mind on what to do – or not – about my inheritance.”
What seems most improbable – two complete strangers meeting by chance and agreeing to such an arrangement – seems totally believable to me because of Ms Kaye’s ability to create an immediate chemistry between Innes and Ainsley through their dialogue.
Ghosts of the past still haunt Innes and all his feelings of guilt and inadequacy come to the fore again when he returns to Strone Bridge. He believes that, after what happened all those years ago, he doesn’t deserve to find love or happiness. He has to put the past to rest and Ainsley is instrumental in bringing this about. It is satisfying to see Innes slowly accept his responsibilities as laird and come to care for the land and the people.
Innes helps to restore Ainsley’s self-esteem and self-confidence and shows her that she is a desirable woman. I enjoyed seeing her challenge Innes for not seeking her opinions when making decisions. I liked the idea of Ainsley having a secret existence as “agony aunt” Madame Hera (Ms Kaye’s research confirms that agony aunts existed as far back as the 17th century), something her husband knew nothing about and couldn’t control. It gave her an element of freedom. I love this analogy in one of her letters.
"I applaud your wish to explore new territory, as you call it. No matter how enthralling a favourite wee-thumbed book might be, no matter how satisfying the conclusion, it is human nature to wish to read other volumes, provided you are prepared to find some of them less – shall we say enthralling.”
It’s obvious from their first meeting that there’s a definite spark between them and I like that, as mature adults, they are not afraid to explore their physical attraction. I think that the temptation for two people who are attracted to each other and living so closely together would find it difficult not to succumb to their physical desires. The love scenes are vivid, sensual and passionate but never overly explicit.
There was a hint of a possible romance between Ainsley’s friend, Felicity Blair and Innes’s friend, Eoin Ferguson and I’m wondering if they will get their own story.
I love Ms Kaye’s style of writing and here are some of my favourite quotes.
Directly across, the Isle of Arran lay like a sleeping lion, a bank of low. Pinkish cloud that looked more like mist sitting behind it and giving it a mysterious air. In front of them stretched a crescent beach, the sand turning from golden at the water’s edge to silver where the high dune covered in rough grass formed the border.
It was like one of those seventh waves, building from the swell, scooping up memories and guilt and remorse, hurtling them at him with an implacable force.
“Debauchery and chastity belts – who’d have thought that conversation over breakfast cups could be so interesting.”
“I assume that you and Mr Drummond have not been ships that passed in the night.”
Ainsley flushed. “Well I know now that palpitations are not necessarily the prelude to a fainting attack.”
Ms Kaye delivers a captivating and emotionally satisfying love story which I can definitely recommend.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
My sincere thanks to Marguerite Kaye who provided me with a copy of her book in return for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
Fourteen years ago, to escape his father’s iron rule, Innes Drummond left his home in Scotland, to forge a life of his own in England. He is now a successful engineer but, when his father dies, Innes discovers that the only way he can take control of the family lands from the trust set up by his father is to marry – an institution he abhors. But fate intervenes when he meets a young woman in the solicitor’s office who may be the perfect candidate for his bride.
Ainsley McBrayne’s late husband was weak and a spendthrift and constantly undermined her self-esteem and made her feel inadequate sexually. Now she has gained her independence, Ainsley has no desire to be under anyone else’s control ever again. But with all her husband’s debts to clear and her entire inheritance now in a trust for her first child, things are looking pretty dire. However, the gentleman she meets in the solicitor’s office may have the perfect answer to all her problems…a temporary marriage of convenience.
“…we are of one mind on another thing, which is our determination to make our own way in life. If you let me pay your debts, I can give the freedom to do that, and you’ll be freeing me to make up my own mind on what to do – or not – about my inheritance.”
What seems most improbable – two complete strangers meeting by chance and agreeing to such an arrangement – seems totally believable to me because of Ms Kaye’s ability to create an immediate chemistry between Innes and Ainsley through their dialogue.
Ghosts of the past still haunt Innes and all his feelings of guilt and inadequacy come to the fore again when he returns to Strone Bridge. He believes that, after what happened all those years ago, he doesn’t deserve to find love or happiness. He has to put the past to rest and Ainsley is instrumental in bringing this about. It is satisfying to see Innes slowly accept his responsibilities as laird and come to care for the land and the people.
Innes helps to restore Ainsley’s self-esteem and self-confidence and shows her that she is a desirable woman. I enjoyed seeing her challenge Innes for not seeking her opinions when making decisions. I liked the idea of Ainsley having a secret existence as “agony aunt” Madame Hera (Ms Kaye’s research confirms that agony aunts existed as far back as the 17th century), something her husband knew nothing about and couldn’t control. It gave her an element of freedom. I love this analogy in one of her letters.
"I applaud your wish to explore new territory, as you call it. No matter how enthralling a favourite wee-thumbed book might be, no matter how satisfying the conclusion, it is human nature to wish to read other volumes, provided you are prepared to find some of them less – shall we say enthralling.”
It’s obvious from their first meeting that there’s a definite spark between them and I like that, as mature adults, they are not afraid to explore their physical attraction. I think that the temptation for two people who are attracted to each other and living so closely together would find it difficult not to succumb to their physical desires. The love scenes are vivid, sensual and passionate but never overly explicit.
There was a hint of a possible romance between Ainsley’s friend, Felicity Blair and Innes’s friend, Eoin Ferguson and I’m wondering if they will get their own story.
I love Ms Kaye’s style of writing and here are some of my favourite quotes.
Directly across, the Isle of Arran lay like a sleeping lion, a bank of low. Pinkish cloud that looked more like mist sitting behind it and giving it a mysterious air. In front of them stretched a crescent beach, the sand turning from golden at the water’s edge to silver where the high dune covered in rough grass formed the border.
It was like one of those seventh waves, building from the swell, scooping up memories and guilt and remorse, hurtling them at him with an implacable force.
“Debauchery and chastity belts – who’d have thought that conversation over breakfast cups could be so interesting.”
“I assume that you and Mr Drummond have not been ships that passed in the night.”
Ainsley flushed. “Well I know now that palpitations are not necessarily the prelude to a fainting attack.”
Ms Kaye delivers a captivating and emotionally satisfying love story which I can definitely recommend.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
My sincere thanks to Marguerite Kaye who provided me with a copy of her book in return for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
January 3, 2015
I had trouble getting into this book. I should have loved it. I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience theme, I love tortured/angsty characters, and it's set in Scotland. But I had trouble connecting to the characters. Even in spite of the major angst the hero and heroine were feeling, I felt like I was viewing them through a thick glass instead of being plopped right there in the action.
I'm not saying that Kaye isn't a good writer. That's evidently true. I like how honest and authentic she is about women's issues and what it was like being a wife in the 19th century. In that sense, I did feel for Ainsley. I can imagine how difficult it must have been in her marriage, seeing her husband drive them into economic ruin and having her needs unmet and feeling like she was disgusting to her husband.
I guess my disconnect was that I didn't quite believe in the romance between Ainsley and Innes. Innes never won me over and I never formed an emotional connection to him. I think he was really cruel in some ways to Ainsley, even knowing how bad her first marriage had been. I felt the grovel at the end could have been more authentic. I don't know that I would have taken him back so easily after the way he ended things.
So sadly, I have to give this one three stars. I hope I that I enjoy her other books more, because I do see some promise in her descriptive writing, authentic heroines, and sensual romance.
I'm not saying that Kaye isn't a good writer. That's evidently true. I like how honest and authentic she is about women's issues and what it was like being a wife in the 19th century. In that sense, I did feel for Ainsley. I can imagine how difficult it must have been in her marriage, seeing her husband drive them into economic ruin and having her needs unmet and feeling like she was disgusting to her husband.
I guess my disconnect was that I didn't quite believe in the romance between Ainsley and Innes. Innes never won me over and I never formed an emotional connection to him. I think he was really cruel in some ways to Ainsley, even knowing how bad her first marriage had been. I felt the grovel at the end could have been more authentic. I don't know that I would have taken him back so easily after the way he ended things.
So sadly, I have to give this one three stars. I hope I that I enjoy her other books more, because I do see some promise in her descriptive writing, authentic heroines, and sensual romance.
December 26, 2021
What better way to glide into Christmas than with a romantic marriage of convenience story? This one doesn't take place entirely at Christmas, but it does take us through to Hogmanay(New Year). The book opens in the summer of 1840, with two strangers both getting bad news at a lawyer's office. Ainsley McBrayne, a recent widow has been left deeply in debt by her spendthrift husband. Her father left some money, but it's tied up in trust for her first child or until Ainsley reaches age 40 - and Ainsley is childless so far.
Innes Drummond has come down from the Highlands to learn that his legacy is also not quite as expected. After leaving home and making his fortune as an engineer, the death of his father means responsibilities to his father's holdings - and a will that requires he marry and live at the family's remote Highland estate for at least a year.
Innes proposes marriage to Ainsley. As a way to escape her perilous situation, the deal has its appeal, so they marry and set off for the Highlands. From there, I found myself greatly liking this story. The leads have an instant rapport, and as they spend their days together taking stock of the rundown estate and its needs, this deepens to friendship and attraction. Naturally, they agreed to marriage in name only (isn't that always how it goes with MOC stories?), but we, the readers know better.
The author does a convincing job of building the romance between them and bring the leads together. However, she also throws in moments that remind Ainsley and Innes that they were basically strangers when they married, and still have a lot to learn. There's Ainsley's secret stint as an agony aunt for a magazine, and Innes has quite a bit of history to process with regard to his brother's death, his tyrannical father, and the various feelings his reluctant homecoming brings. As you can see, they have no shortage of things to work through.
However, work through it they do. Both Innes and Ainsley are strong characters, and I liked them. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the setting. The author clearly knows and loves the place where this book is set, and one can feel that while reading.
So, why only 4 stars? Well, there is a suicide which takes place off page and which is mentioned throughout the story. Some of the discussion of it just rubbed me the wrong way and so, while I enjoyed the book, I couldn't wholeheartedly love it.
Innes Drummond has come down from the Highlands to learn that his legacy is also not quite as expected. After leaving home and making his fortune as an engineer, the death of his father means responsibilities to his father's holdings - and a will that requires he marry and live at the family's remote Highland estate for at least a year.
Innes proposes marriage to Ainsley. As a way to escape her perilous situation, the deal has its appeal, so they marry and set off for the Highlands. From there, I found myself greatly liking this story. The leads have an instant rapport, and as they spend their days together taking stock of the rundown estate and its needs, this deepens to friendship and attraction. Naturally, they agreed to marriage in name only (isn't that always how it goes with MOC stories?), but we, the readers know better.
The author does a convincing job of building the romance between them and bring the leads together. However, she also throws in moments that remind Ainsley and Innes that they were basically strangers when they married, and still have a lot to learn. There's Ainsley's secret stint as an agony aunt for a magazine, and Innes has quite a bit of history to process with regard to his brother's death, his tyrannical father, and the various feelings his reluctant homecoming brings. As you can see, they have no shortage of things to work through.
However, work through it they do. Both Innes and Ainsley are strong characters, and I liked them. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the setting. The author clearly knows and loves the place where this book is set, and one can feel that while reading.
So, why only 4 stars? Well, there is a suicide which takes place off page and which is mentioned throughout the story. Some of the discussion of it just rubbed me the wrong way and so, while I enjoyed the book, I couldn't wholeheartedly love it.
April 23, 2015
If you like good Marriage of Convenience story, don’t miss this one. 1840 Scotland. A chance meeting in the lawyers office brought two very different people together: impoverished widow Ainsley McBrayne and a wealthy engineer Innes Drummond. As it turned out, they were both victims of their fathers’ trusts. Her father intention was to protect her from gamester husband; his father’s reason was to call him to the hill. Unlike her situation, his father will could be broken only by a very particular way- marriage. And here laid a solution to their respective problems. They would get married, he would pay off her debts and she would move to his castle to help him sort his unwanted inheritance. They would still be very independent people who respect each other’s points of view without falling in love. Or, that what they thought would happen. The strength of the story lay with its characters. They are very sympathetic, mature, and have a great chemistry. There are no annoying misunderstandings. The only criticism I would have is the dialog feels little bit too modern for me.
December 28, 2023
Man, something about the way Marguerite Kaye writes gives me all the feels. Reading her books is comparable to Mary Balogh, but also a totally different experience. Hard to explain, but lovely to read. I highly recommend her to MB fans. MOC plot, but you do need to suspend reality for it to work, but why not? It's so much fun!
Ainsley was such a refreshing character! MK did a good job of making her a woman at the end of her rope, but still enduring and strong. Nothing worse than a spineless woman waiting to be rescued. She had been through the ringer, but we get to watch her grow and come to terms with her misfortunate AND hold herself accountable for her part in a disastrous marriage. No one is perfect and MK reminds us of how we all play a role.
Innes…oh Innes. What a dream. No, really. Such a lovely man. An incredibly kind character that had some serious demons wreaking havoc on his soul, but Ainsley forced him to deal with it, forced him to push through all his hurt. It was lovely reading about these two damaged souls healing one another. It was also super refreshing to read about them actually communicating with one another!
Again, highly recommend it if you like pure romance, minimal drama and a HEA.
Ainsley was such a refreshing character! MK did a good job of making her a woman at the end of her rope, but still enduring and strong. Nothing worse than a spineless woman waiting to be rescued. She had been through the ringer, but we get to watch her grow and come to terms with her misfortunate AND hold herself accountable for her part in a disastrous marriage. No one is perfect and MK reminds us of how we all play a role.
Innes…oh Innes. What a dream. No, really. Such a lovely man. An incredibly kind character that had some serious demons wreaking havoc on his soul, but Ainsley forced him to deal with it, forced him to push through all his hurt. It was lovely reading about these two damaged souls healing one another. It was also super refreshing to read about them actually communicating with one another!
Again, highly recommend it if you like pure romance, minimal drama and a HEA.
November 23, 2014
Strangers at the Altar...a kind of upside down story, starting literally with two strangers marrying and after a voyage of discovery and healing, finding love. Why wouldn't an attractive widow and a gorgeous man, meet entirely by chance, simply by being in the right place at the right time? Too much of a coincidence? It may seem so, but Marguerite Kaye with her unique story telling talent pulls it off in a completely plausible way.
Innes Drummond and Ainsley McBrayne meet under circumstances which could be devastating to both of them. Each have been tied up in knots by their respective Father's, neither wants nor needs marriage, but within a couple of hours they have made a pact to do just that, a marriage which will be mutually beneficial to each, and in the meantime these two strangers will help each other (although they do not know it at the time) to, in Innes' case lose the self loathing he believes he must bear for the rest of his life and in Ainsley's, to find the self respect and self esteem lost during her disastrous, loveless and passionless marriage. It's not too onerous a task, for there is an immediate liking, respect and yes a simmering passion, kept under wraps for the first half of the story but there are a few delicious kisses along the journey to give them a taste of what is to come. They have decided on a period of 6 months to help each other overcome their respective problems, little do they know how each will feel at the end of this period, can they simply return to life as it was?
In 19th century Scotland, Ainsley has a secret life, she is an Agony Aunt, her pen name being Madame Hera...an appropriate name given that Hera was the Greek Goddess of Marriage, Women and Birth. Ainsley has always felt herself to be well qualified to answer the sad letters she receives from desperate women from all walks of life, she quickly realises after confiding in Innes and during some of her interaction with him, that there is generally two sides to every story, she can only learn and become a true Agony Aunt. Sceptics may question the existence of Agony Aunts in this period, but they did exist and Ms. Kaye's own careful research discovered some sad as well as amusing anecdotes from the time: "I fear I will not understand the peculiar effect the combination of rain, a good-looking young man and a very small umbrella can have on a woman's willpower. What should I do? Drookit Miss". The young lady was lamenting the loss of, not only her virtue, but also the loss of her umbrella, given to her by another young man who she fears might notice its loss!
In her past life, one of the obstacles which played a part in the breakdown of her marriage, was her husband's reluctance to share and discuss spiralling debt, albeit incurred by himself, Ainsley realises that she is in part at least, guilty, by not being interactive and asking the appropriate questions. As her self respect and esteem returns, with the help of Innes, she becomes more confident and annoyed that he will not allow HER into HIS life fully, to help him to his goal, as they had originally agreed. Ainsley's bringing this about, is the saving, eventually, of Innes.
Marguerite Kaye describes this stunning part of The Highlands with the eyes of a native, it is evident she knows every sand dune and blade of grass, we are fortunate indeed to be able to see through her eyes, her beloved homeland. I felt part of it, could feel Ainsley's slowly emerging love for it and Innes' acceptance of his responsibilities, to the inhabitants and the tenants of his lands but also to his ancestors which he had long since denied.
Again Marguerite Kaye has crafted a poignant, beautiful but fascinating and intriguing story, sensual and loving, her unique talent shines through. There are two very interesting secondary characters, both are important to Ainsley and Innes, it would be lovely to see their story develop and also to know what Ms. Kaye could have in store for Ainsley and Innes. I know what I'd like to see!...5 very well deserved stars...loved it!
I received an advance copy of Strangers at the Altar for an honest review.
Innes Drummond and Ainsley McBrayne meet under circumstances which could be devastating to both of them. Each have been tied up in knots by their respective Father's, neither wants nor needs marriage, but within a couple of hours they have made a pact to do just that, a marriage which will be mutually beneficial to each, and in the meantime these two strangers will help each other (although they do not know it at the time) to, in Innes' case lose the self loathing he believes he must bear for the rest of his life and in Ainsley's, to find the self respect and self esteem lost during her disastrous, loveless and passionless marriage. It's not too onerous a task, for there is an immediate liking, respect and yes a simmering passion, kept under wraps for the first half of the story but there are a few delicious kisses along the journey to give them a taste of what is to come. They have decided on a period of 6 months to help each other overcome their respective problems, little do they know how each will feel at the end of this period, can they simply return to life as it was?
In 19th century Scotland, Ainsley has a secret life, she is an Agony Aunt, her pen name being Madame Hera...an appropriate name given that Hera was the Greek Goddess of Marriage, Women and Birth. Ainsley has always felt herself to be well qualified to answer the sad letters she receives from desperate women from all walks of life, she quickly realises after confiding in Innes and during some of her interaction with him, that there is generally two sides to every story, she can only learn and become a true Agony Aunt. Sceptics may question the existence of Agony Aunts in this period, but they did exist and Ms. Kaye's own careful research discovered some sad as well as amusing anecdotes from the time: "I fear I will not understand the peculiar effect the combination of rain, a good-looking young man and a very small umbrella can have on a woman's willpower. What should I do? Drookit Miss". The young lady was lamenting the loss of, not only her virtue, but also the loss of her umbrella, given to her by another young man who she fears might notice its loss!
In her past life, one of the obstacles which played a part in the breakdown of her marriage, was her husband's reluctance to share and discuss spiralling debt, albeit incurred by himself, Ainsley realises that she is in part at least, guilty, by not being interactive and asking the appropriate questions. As her self respect and esteem returns, with the help of Innes, she becomes more confident and annoyed that he will not allow HER into HIS life fully, to help him to his goal, as they had originally agreed. Ainsley's bringing this about, is the saving, eventually, of Innes.
Marguerite Kaye describes this stunning part of The Highlands with the eyes of a native, it is evident she knows every sand dune and blade of grass, we are fortunate indeed to be able to see through her eyes, her beloved homeland. I felt part of it, could feel Ainsley's slowly emerging love for it and Innes' acceptance of his responsibilities, to the inhabitants and the tenants of his lands but also to his ancestors which he had long since denied.
Again Marguerite Kaye has crafted a poignant, beautiful but fascinating and intriguing story, sensual and loving, her unique talent shines through. There are two very interesting secondary characters, both are important to Ainsley and Innes, it would be lovely to see their story develop and also to know what Ms. Kaye could have in store for Ainsley and Innes. I know what I'd like to see!...5 very well deserved stars...loved it!
I received an advance copy of Strangers at the Altar for an honest review.
October 8, 2015
Good marriage of convenience story. Ainsley and Innes meet after each of them has had an unsatisfactory meeting with their solicitors. Ainsley is a widow who finds herself penniless after the death of her wastrel husband. She has an inheritance from her father, but to protect it from the husband it was tied up in a trust for Ainsley's first child or until she turns forty. Though she has tried, there is no way to break the trust, leaving her with nothing to live on. Innes is a self made man who left his home fourteen years earlier to make his own way in the world. He left tragedy and a controlling father behind. Now his father has died, and Innes is required to return to his home and marry in order to claim his inheritance.
Neither Ainsley nor Innes wants to marry. Her experience with marriage has left her with no desire to put herself in a man's power again, and Innes has sworn off the institution himself. While commiserating with each other over their problems, Innes comes up with an idea that would help them both. They should enter into a temporary marriage of convenience. He will pay off her husband's debts and pay her for her assistance in deciding what to do with his property. Innes will get the wife he needs to claim his inheritance, and an objective opinion when it comes to the property.
I loved the cool and practical way that they worked out their plan for their marriage. Each made their expectations clear, so there were no surprises. But neither expected the attraction that flared between them. Ainsley had never experienced anything like it, and decided that she wanted to find out more. I loved her reasons, and how she and Innes worked out the change in their relationship. Both were still determined to stick to their plans, and that the physical side of their relationship would not change anything.
Ainsley is an independent woman with strong opinions that is finally coming to trust herself. Her first husband had been emotionally abusive and left her with a low opinion of herself. Innes's obvious respect and liking for her go a long way toward restoring her confidence. She gets to the point where she is able to ask for and get a deeper involvement in Innes's life and problems.
Innes had stayed away from his home for so long due to events that happened before he left. His treatment by his father had left him resentful and determined to make his own way. Then there were the circumstances of his brother's death, which have left him riddled with guilt. Those feelings have led him to think that he does not deserve happiness in his life, and he refuses to allow himself to fall in love.
I loved seeing the respect and friendship Innes and Ainsley have for each other grow into love, even as they try to resist it. I liked the way that Ainsley tried to show Innes that no matter what happened in the past, he has a chance to make the future a good one. I really liked the way that her unique way of looking at things helped Innes get past the traditional ways of doing things, ways that didn't work anymore, and got him looking at new methods. As she realized her feelings for him, she really wanted to help him break out of the hold the past had on him. I hurt for her as she accepted that she couldn't do it, and made her decisions for her own future.
I admit I wanted to shake Innes a few times, as he seemed to wallow in his guilt and misery. For a modern man, who is an engineer with a great reputation, all his efforts seemed to be stuck in a past he doesn't appear to be willing to break free of. He had better success in his attempts to help Ainsley overcome her insecurities. I loved his patience and humor as he introduced her to passion, and how open he was with her there. His frequent efforts to push her away when she got too close emotionally were frustrating. He almost lost it all before he realized what was really important. I loved what he said to Ainsley at the end, and how he was finally able to believe in a happy future for both of them.
Another part of the book I enjoyed was Ainsley's role as a kind of Victorian "Dear Abby". I loved the letters that were included in the story, and the way that Ainsley's answers changed as her life changed. It was especially fun to see the way that she involved Innes, too. I liked her editor friend Felicity. She has an interesting life of her own, and I'd like to see more of it. Innes's friend Eoin seems to have an interest there, and I'd love to see them have their own story.
Neither Ainsley nor Innes wants to marry. Her experience with marriage has left her with no desire to put herself in a man's power again, and Innes has sworn off the institution himself. While commiserating with each other over their problems, Innes comes up with an idea that would help them both. They should enter into a temporary marriage of convenience. He will pay off her husband's debts and pay her for her assistance in deciding what to do with his property. Innes will get the wife he needs to claim his inheritance, and an objective opinion when it comes to the property.
I loved the cool and practical way that they worked out their plan for their marriage. Each made their expectations clear, so there were no surprises. But neither expected the attraction that flared between them. Ainsley had never experienced anything like it, and decided that she wanted to find out more. I loved her reasons, and how she and Innes worked out the change in their relationship. Both were still determined to stick to their plans, and that the physical side of their relationship would not change anything.
Ainsley is an independent woman with strong opinions that is finally coming to trust herself. Her first husband had been emotionally abusive and left her with a low opinion of herself. Innes's obvious respect and liking for her go a long way toward restoring her confidence. She gets to the point where she is able to ask for and get a deeper involvement in Innes's life and problems.
Innes had stayed away from his home for so long due to events that happened before he left. His treatment by his father had left him resentful and determined to make his own way. Then there were the circumstances of his brother's death, which have left him riddled with guilt. Those feelings have led him to think that he does not deserve happiness in his life, and he refuses to allow himself to fall in love.
I loved seeing the respect and friendship Innes and Ainsley have for each other grow into love, even as they try to resist it. I liked the way that Ainsley tried to show Innes that no matter what happened in the past, he has a chance to make the future a good one. I really liked the way that her unique way of looking at things helped Innes get past the traditional ways of doing things, ways that didn't work anymore, and got him looking at new methods. As she realized her feelings for him, she really wanted to help him break out of the hold the past had on him. I hurt for her as she accepted that she couldn't do it, and made her decisions for her own future.
I admit I wanted to shake Innes a few times, as he seemed to wallow in his guilt and misery. For a modern man, who is an engineer with a great reputation, all his efforts seemed to be stuck in a past he doesn't appear to be willing to break free of. He had better success in his attempts to help Ainsley overcome her insecurities. I loved his patience and humor as he introduced her to passion, and how open he was with her there. His frequent efforts to push her away when she got too close emotionally were frustrating. He almost lost it all before he realized what was really important. I loved what he said to Ainsley at the end, and how he was finally able to believe in a happy future for both of them.
Another part of the book I enjoyed was Ainsley's role as a kind of Victorian "Dear Abby". I loved the letters that were included in the story, and the way that Ainsley's answers changed as her life changed. It was especially fun to see the way that she involved Innes, too. I liked her editor friend Felicity. She has an interesting life of her own, and I'd like to see more of it. Innes's friend Eoin seems to have an interest there, and I'd love to see them have their own story.
October 8, 2014
How could this have happened to her? Left without a penny to her name, Ainsley McBrayne is devastated when she finds she cannot access the inheritance until she is forty or has a child. Now, since she has been left a widow with a great amount of debt from her now deceased husband, Ainsley know not what to do. She only is sure she never wants to marry again and be under any man's thumb, for she was treated rather poorly in her marriage
When she bumps into a very handsome man by the name of Innes Drummond, who admits to hearing her conversation with her solicitor, she is angry, but open to his invitation to talk. Once they each tell a bit of each other's stories, Innes convinces Ainsley that a marriage between the two of them would solve many of their issues. Ainsley at first is aghast when Innes brings up marriage, but he does a very good job of convincing her that it only for each other's benefit and it will be only temporary.
Innes Drummond is now the heir to an estate he never wanted, but when his brother dies leaving him to be next in line to be Laird, he has a hard time accepting his lot. Innes and his father never saw eye to eye about anything. The man was more than difficult and made many people's lives miserable. Innes chooses the leave and build a life for himself outside his family estate. But things change and responsibility comes to light, and Innes needs to go back to the ancestral home and make amends to the people he has left in a lurch since his father died.
Innes pays off all the debt Ainsley's deceased husband leaves her and whisks her away to his estate, which is in a poor state and needs work. Innes introduces his wife to his people and they inevitably begin to heal many of the wounds left when both his brother and father passed away. Innes and Ainsley also succumb to the spark of attraction that they felt in the city and which had been enhanced by their surroundings in the Scottish Highlands. Their marriage ultimately becomes a passionate love affair in danger of combustion since they both have expressed their dislike of matrimony and openly agreed to end the relationship with the coming of the New Year, but sometimes what we say out loud is in no way what we feel, and herein lies many of the obstacles in STRANGERS AT THE ALTAR by Marguerite Kaye.
What a fabulous story by Marguerite Kaye. It is in fact the first book I have read by this author and I have added her to my must read list. This story is about renewal and coming to terms with the past and more importantly, letting the past go. Innes and Ainsley are so clouded by their pasts that they aren't able to see they are perfect for one another until it is too late. At first Ainsley is weak and with self esteem, but Innes helps her build that self esteem to a level she never thought could be attained. A really lovely story that I highly recommend.
~KIMBERLY~
When she bumps into a very handsome man by the name of Innes Drummond, who admits to hearing her conversation with her solicitor, she is angry, but open to his invitation to talk. Once they each tell a bit of each other's stories, Innes convinces Ainsley that a marriage between the two of them would solve many of their issues. Ainsley at first is aghast when Innes brings up marriage, but he does a very good job of convincing her that it only for each other's benefit and it will be only temporary.
Innes Drummond is now the heir to an estate he never wanted, but when his brother dies leaving him to be next in line to be Laird, he has a hard time accepting his lot. Innes and his father never saw eye to eye about anything. The man was more than difficult and made many people's lives miserable. Innes chooses the leave and build a life for himself outside his family estate. But things change and responsibility comes to light, and Innes needs to go back to the ancestral home and make amends to the people he has left in a lurch since his father died.
Innes pays off all the debt Ainsley's deceased husband leaves her and whisks her away to his estate, which is in a poor state and needs work. Innes introduces his wife to his people and they inevitably begin to heal many of the wounds left when both his brother and father passed away. Innes and Ainsley also succumb to the spark of attraction that they felt in the city and which had been enhanced by their surroundings in the Scottish Highlands. Their marriage ultimately becomes a passionate love affair in danger of combustion since they both have expressed their dislike of matrimony and openly agreed to end the relationship with the coming of the New Year, but sometimes what we say out loud is in no way what we feel, and herein lies many of the obstacles in STRANGERS AT THE ALTAR by Marguerite Kaye.
What a fabulous story by Marguerite Kaye. It is in fact the first book I have read by this author and I have added her to my must read list. This story is about renewal and coming to terms with the past and more importantly, letting the past go. Innes and Ainsley are so clouded by their pasts that they aren't able to see they are perfect for one another until it is too late. At first Ainsley is weak and with self esteem, but Innes helps her build that self esteem to a level she never thought could be attained. A really lovely story that I highly recommend.
~KIMBERLY~
June 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. Well Harlequin M&B I do often love your newest historical covers but this felt rather Christmassy considering the story is not. Also a little on the side of tourist Scotland. That aside I have never been left disappointed by Marguerite Kaye's stories and this is no exception.
The hero and heroine of this one as the title suggests are strangers at the start of the book and each for their own fairly desperate reasons agree to a marriage of convenience. Ainsley and Innes can do each other a great service by saving Innes's family home from a trust and giving Ainsley a home and some financial security after her late, unlamented husband lost everything they had.
The book starts in the city (Edinburgh) in 1840 so if you are looking for a Regency novel it's outside of that time. It doesn't stay long in the city however as our couple hastily marry and move to Innes's country home (castle) of Strone Bridge, Argyll somewhere as a self made man (do like that in a hero) he hasn't been for many years.
Ainsley is by no means passive in all of this she has her security to gain if only for a while in a marriage in name only but not only that she has been making money by writing for a ladies magazine as advice columnist Madame Hera. Love that name, and love the letters - they did make me chuckle.
The magic of Strone Bridge works with this hastily matched couple so that as Innes tries to decide on what to do with the family home that in the middle of the nineteenth century is not really fit for modern purpose he also struggles with his dark past. Ainsley and Innes grow closer as they work to unite this community that has been long left by Innes's family but is this real?
I enjoyed the idea of Ainsley having a profession and attempting to offer marriage and relationship advice to women who in this period had very little information to go on and places that could help. Innes proved to be a surprise whom I was expecting to be a slightly more rough around the edges character was surprisingly good at being a 'lord of the manor' at least in his care for the people. He was also remarkably calm about Ainsley's work! Her closeness and passions shared with Innes enable her to enrich her responses as an agony aunt even if they do complicate her life and the deal she made. Innes needs to be honest with her and with the people of Strone Bridge before they can continue a life together. To this end there are also some sensual scenes.
I also was intrigued by Ainsley's friend Felicity Blair, who is living what we might refer to as a very modern life with a job and a lover retaining her independence. What has she been up to with Eoin I wonder...
This is a more serene novel from Marguerite Kaye than I have read of late perhaps in part due to a rural location and a more mature hero and heroine. This is not criticism but difference to me and is always refreshing.
The hero and heroine of this one as the title suggests are strangers at the start of the book and each for their own fairly desperate reasons agree to a marriage of convenience. Ainsley and Innes can do each other a great service by saving Innes's family home from a trust and giving Ainsley a home and some financial security after her late, unlamented husband lost everything they had.
The book starts in the city (Edinburgh) in 1840 so if you are looking for a Regency novel it's outside of that time. It doesn't stay long in the city however as our couple hastily marry and move to Innes's country home (castle) of Strone Bridge, Argyll somewhere as a self made man (do like that in a hero) he hasn't been for many years.
Ainsley is by no means passive in all of this she has her security to gain if only for a while in a marriage in name only but not only that she has been making money by writing for a ladies magazine as advice columnist Madame Hera. Love that name, and love the letters - they did make me chuckle.
The magic of Strone Bridge works with this hastily matched couple so that as Innes tries to decide on what to do with the family home that in the middle of the nineteenth century is not really fit for modern purpose he also struggles with his dark past. Ainsley and Innes grow closer as they work to unite this community that has been long left by Innes's family but is this real?
I enjoyed the idea of Ainsley having a profession and attempting to offer marriage and relationship advice to women who in this period had very little information to go on and places that could help. Innes proved to be a surprise whom I was expecting to be a slightly more rough around the edges character was surprisingly good at being a 'lord of the manor' at least in his care for the people. He was also remarkably calm about Ainsley's work! Her closeness and passions shared with Innes enable her to enrich her responses as an agony aunt even if they do complicate her life and the deal she made. Innes needs to be honest with her and with the people of Strone Bridge before they can continue a life together. To this end there are also some sensual scenes.
I also was intrigued by Ainsley's friend Felicity Blair, who is living what we might refer to as a very modern life with a job and a lover retaining her independence. What has she been up to with Eoin I wonder...
This is a more serene novel from Marguerite Kaye than I have read of late perhaps in part due to a rural location and a more mature hero and heroine. This is not criticism but difference to me and is always refreshing.
December 19, 2014
Edinburgh - June 1840
Mrs. Ainsley McBrayne, a widow in her late 20s, has just learned from her attorney that her late husband had gotten into deep debt for which she is now responsible. After she angrily leaves the attorney’s office, she accidentally bumps into Innes Drummond. Realizing she is upset, he invites her to sit in a cafe with him and talk.
Innes Drummond, is an engineer in his mid 30s who has been left heir to a castle and vast estate called The Strone Bridge Estate. In order for him to gain his inheritance, he must be married.
After their chat and sharing their problems, they agree to a marriage of convenience for one year. At the end of that time, Innes will have gained access to his inheritance, obtained the money to pay off Ainsley's debts, and they will be free to go their separate ways. Simple, right? Well, not if you fall in love with each other. But back to the story.
Ainsley is an unfulfilled woman who never felt she was truly loved by her late husband. Innes is a man plagued by many demons and consumed with guilt that he has become the heir when it was his brother, Malcolm, who loved Strone Bridge and had been groomed to one day be the laird. Innes had not been back to the estate for many years and found that it needed a lot of work to keep it up. Ainsley is immediately enthralled with the place and sees so much potential for it in the future.
Innes and Ainsley find an attraction to one another that they had not anticipated in the beginning. But where can this lead if they are to stick to their original agreement? Can Ainsley help Innes to face his demons and open up to her about them? Can Innes help her regain her self-esteem and realize that she truly is a desirable woman?
A very good story with two very strong characters experiencing substantial emotions. Come learn about their pasts and see if they may truly find a future together.
Once again, Marguerite Kaye has proven her incredible talent of slowly exposing the souls of her characters that gives readers deep insight into their lives. She shows their damage, how they were hurt, and how it can be healed.
Mrs. Ainsley McBrayne, a widow in her late 20s, has just learned from her attorney that her late husband had gotten into deep debt for which she is now responsible. After she angrily leaves the attorney’s office, she accidentally bumps into Innes Drummond. Realizing she is upset, he invites her to sit in a cafe with him and talk.
Innes Drummond, is an engineer in his mid 30s who has been left heir to a castle and vast estate called The Strone Bridge Estate. In order for him to gain his inheritance, he must be married.
After their chat and sharing their problems, they agree to a marriage of convenience for one year. At the end of that time, Innes will have gained access to his inheritance, obtained the money to pay off Ainsley's debts, and they will be free to go their separate ways. Simple, right? Well, not if you fall in love with each other. But back to the story.
Ainsley is an unfulfilled woman who never felt she was truly loved by her late husband. Innes is a man plagued by many demons and consumed with guilt that he has become the heir when it was his brother, Malcolm, who loved Strone Bridge and had been groomed to one day be the laird. Innes had not been back to the estate for many years and found that it needed a lot of work to keep it up. Ainsley is immediately enthralled with the place and sees so much potential for it in the future.
Innes and Ainsley find an attraction to one another that they had not anticipated in the beginning. But where can this lead if they are to stick to their original agreement? Can Ainsley help Innes to face his demons and open up to her about them? Can Innes help her regain her self-esteem and realize that she truly is a desirable woman?
A very good story with two very strong characters experiencing substantial emotions. Come learn about their pasts and see if they may truly find a future together.
Once again, Marguerite Kaye has proven her incredible talent of slowly exposing the souls of her characters that gives readers deep insight into their lives. She shows their damage, how they were hurt, and how it can be healed.
Read
October 2, 2014Last time I read an Harlequin Historical without reading several reviews first. This line of books allows everything from sweet to explicit and there is no way of knowing what is inside until you read it or read someone else's reviews.
This cover looks fairly tame but this story is anything but...
This was recently released on netgalley and the cover looked cute. Summary and cover both seemed fairly mild so I checked goodreads and there was a review up that said.
"A sweet romance about two people who didn't want a true marriage, but fell for each other anyway..."
So here is the difference between myself and that reviewer. I tend to associate "sweet" with "clean". Not so in this case. I skipped multiple pages of this book.
So why did I keep reading? Because this author is a great writer and she hooked me from the first chapter. I was quite a ways in before the bedroom scenes played out and I wanted to find out how this story ended. Underlying all the content there was a sweet story of two miserably lonely people who just need someone worth loving.
I'd love to see Harlequin add a "heat index" to this line of books. I know I'll never go wrong with their Heartwarming line and I know not to pick up a Cosmo Red Hot Read, Nocturne or Blaze title because those are definitely not for me. But their lines that range from sweet to explicit can be frustrating because you don't know what lies between the pages and sometimes when I take a gamble I lose.
Rating: I'm struggling on how to rate this one. It was well written but there was so much content...so I'm skipping the stars on this one so you can decide if this is the type of book for you or not based on what I wrote.
Content: mild language and lots of sexual content
Source: Netgalley
This cover looks fairly tame but this story is anything but...
This was recently released on netgalley and the cover looked cute. Summary and cover both seemed fairly mild so I checked goodreads and there was a review up that said.
"A sweet romance about two people who didn't want a true marriage, but fell for each other anyway..."
So here is the difference between myself and that reviewer. I tend to associate "sweet" with "clean". Not so in this case. I skipped multiple pages of this book.
So why did I keep reading? Because this author is a great writer and she hooked me from the first chapter. I was quite a ways in before the bedroom scenes played out and I wanted to find out how this story ended. Underlying all the content there was a sweet story of two miserably lonely people who just need someone worth loving.
I'd love to see Harlequin add a "heat index" to this line of books. I know I'll never go wrong with their Heartwarming line and I know not to pick up a Cosmo Red Hot Read, Nocturne or Blaze title because those are definitely not for me. But their lines that range from sweet to explicit can be frustrating because you don't know what lies between the pages and sometimes when I take a gamble I lose.
Rating: I'm struggling on how to rate this one. It was well written but there was so much content...so I'm skipping the stars on this one so you can decide if this is the type of book for you or not based on what I wrote.
Content: mild language and lots of sexual content
Source: Netgalley
Read
November 18, 2014Originally posted
HERE
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This is an interesting take on the early Victorian period, set in Scotland. It isn’t, however, your usual Highland romance, but rather showing how life in the likes of Edinburgh wasn’t all that different to life in London at the time, and that Lowlanders travelling to the Highlands definitely experienced culture shock.
I liked the more mature characters and their sensible approach to a marriage of convenience. I also liked that they both had troubled pasts, but they weren’t “tortured” the way too many historical romance characters tend to be.
While I have actually spent Hogmanay in Scotland, I can’t speak about the authenticity of the research, but it seemed like the author knows her stuff, and the note at the beginning makes me believe she got it right. It probably helps she lives in Scotland!
Something I found confusing was that this was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but hero and heroine were already kissing before they married, and were discussing – ahem – intimate things from the outset. I would have preferred it took them longer to realise they wanted a real marriage, because as it was they promised one thing and then immediately did the opposite.
This was an easy read. It’s not necessarily my favourite book of the year, but I thought the author had some good ideas.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
This is an interesting take on the early Victorian period, set in Scotland. It isn’t, however, your usual Highland romance, but rather showing how life in the likes of Edinburgh wasn’t all that different to life in London at the time, and that Lowlanders travelling to the Highlands definitely experienced culture shock.
I liked the more mature characters and their sensible approach to a marriage of convenience. I also liked that they both had troubled pasts, but they weren’t “tortured” the way too many historical romance characters tend to be.
While I have actually spent Hogmanay in Scotland, I can’t speak about the authenticity of the research, but it seemed like the author knows her stuff, and the note at the beginning makes me believe she got it right. It probably helps she lives in Scotland!
Something I found confusing was that this was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but hero and heroine were already kissing before they married, and were discussing – ahem – intimate things from the outset. I would have preferred it took them longer to realise they wanted a real marriage, because as it was they promised one thing and then immediately did the opposite.
This was an easy read. It’s not necessarily my favourite book of the year, but I thought the author had some good ideas.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
January 16, 2016
Strangers at the Altar by Marguerite Kaye
Ainsley McBrayne was just struck the last blow by her father’s lawyers, he had changed his will and she couldn’t get a penny of it. Her late husband not only left her feeling unloved and penniless, but also in debt. She really is destitute. And no way would she ever be beholding to another man. Ever.
Innes Drummond cannot believe what he just heard from his father’s lawyer. His father had reached out from the grave to control him. He would not allow that. The thought of it had him so angry. No wife, no lands. Didn’t matter to him, or did it?
When Innes leaves and runs into Ainsley, he offers her a drink. They find out that perhaps they can help each other win the battle of their fathers wills by a marriage of convenience. Too bad the ghosts of the pasts make sure to steal any chance of happiness from them. Great story and you may want to have the tissue box handy.
**Sexual content
**Received through NetGalley for honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Ainsley McBrayne was just struck the last blow by her father’s lawyers, he had changed his will and she couldn’t get a penny of it. Her late husband not only left her feeling unloved and penniless, but also in debt. She really is destitute. And no way would she ever be beholding to another man. Ever.
Innes Drummond cannot believe what he just heard from his father’s lawyer. His father had reached out from the grave to control him. He would not allow that. The thought of it had him so angry. No wife, no lands. Didn’t matter to him, or did it?
When Innes leaves and runs into Ainsley, he offers her a drink. They find out that perhaps they can help each other win the battle of their fathers wills by a marriage of convenience. Too bad the ghosts of the pasts make sure to steal any chance of happiness from them. Great story and you may want to have the tissue box handy.
**Sexual content
**Received through NetGalley for honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
April 21, 2016
This was a nice historical marriage of convenience plot. I really liked the characters and the growth they made over the course of the book. Innes was so frustrating towards the end but I loved Ainsley for standing up for herself and doing the right thing. This book had some great grovel in the end and it was a great romance.
March 4, 2015
A lovely early Victorian/Scottish story. A very enjoyable & pleasant read.
Easy to read.
Easy to read.
February 26, 2022
J’ai lu union de convenance dans les Highlands.
J’ai cru que ça allait être un coup de cœur et jusqu’à la moitié du roman c’était bien parti pour MAIS non au final… et je vous explique pourquoi.
Tout d’abord, l’écriture est somptueuse. Sincèrement je me suis délectée de chaque mot, chaque phrase. Un vrai bonheur de ce point de vue.
Les dialogues sont excellents !!!! Les échanges entre Innes (le héros) et Ainsley (l’héroïne) sont savoureux. Il y a un humour surtout chez Innes que j’ai adoré !
D’ailleurs Innes est mon personnage préféré de toute cette histoire.
L’idée de base est une rencontre fortuite entre Ainsley (jeune veuve) et Innes devenu laird bien malgré lui et héritier d’un domaine dans les highlands et en discutant ils ont l’idée de se marier car cela servirait leurs intérêts à tous les deux. Et Ainsley va faire grâce à Innes des découvertes sur les relations intimes qu’elle n’avait jamais connues avec son défunt mari. Je vous laisse découvrir 😛
Les scènes sensuelles sont superbement écrites !
Et là vous vous dites mais elle a l’air d’avoir tout aimé elle dit n’importe quoi 🤣 j’y viens !
Une fois passé la moitié du livre, il y a des lourdeurs, des « je vais faire tourner le lecteur autour du pot » qui ont ralenti mon rythme de lecture.
Et surtout Ainsley devient une espèce d’enquiquineuse 😤 elle m’a agacée ! Alors qu’Innes avait besoin d’un câlin !!!!
Autre point qui m’a dérangée sans que cela soient des anachronismes, j’avais l’impression d’être en 1920 et non fin 1800. Des idées me paraissaient trop « modernes » pour l’époque, mais n’étant pas spécialiste je ne vais pas m’étendre et mettre ça sur le compte d’un simple ressenti de lectrice.
Et la fin : mais quelle déception pour moi !!!! J’espérais quelque chose et l’auteure ne m’a pas donné cette satisfaction donc je me sens frustrée et franchement à cet instant ça me bloque pour choisir une nouvelle lecture !
Très très dommage 😔 mais c’est très très bien écrit !
Il est dans l’abonnement Kindle s’il vous tente 😉
J’ai cru que ça allait être un coup de cœur et jusqu’à la moitié du roman c’était bien parti pour MAIS non au final… et je vous explique pourquoi.
Tout d’abord, l’écriture est somptueuse. Sincèrement je me suis délectée de chaque mot, chaque phrase. Un vrai bonheur de ce point de vue.
Les dialogues sont excellents !!!! Les échanges entre Innes (le héros) et Ainsley (l’héroïne) sont savoureux. Il y a un humour surtout chez Innes que j’ai adoré !
D’ailleurs Innes est mon personnage préféré de toute cette histoire.
L’idée de base est une rencontre fortuite entre Ainsley (jeune veuve) et Innes devenu laird bien malgré lui et héritier d’un domaine dans les highlands et en discutant ils ont l’idée de se marier car cela servirait leurs intérêts à tous les deux. Et Ainsley va faire grâce à Innes des découvertes sur les relations intimes qu’elle n’avait jamais connues avec son défunt mari. Je vous laisse découvrir 😛
Les scènes sensuelles sont superbement écrites !
Et là vous vous dites mais elle a l’air d’avoir tout aimé elle dit n’importe quoi 🤣 j’y viens !
Une fois passé la moitié du livre, il y a des lourdeurs, des « je vais faire tourner le lecteur autour du pot » qui ont ralenti mon rythme de lecture.
Et surtout Ainsley devient une espèce d’enquiquineuse 😤 elle m’a agacée ! Alors qu’Innes avait besoin d’un câlin !!!!
Autre point qui m’a dérangée sans que cela soient des anachronismes, j’avais l’impression d’être en 1920 et non fin 1800. Des idées me paraissaient trop « modernes » pour l’époque, mais n’étant pas spécialiste je ne vais pas m’étendre et mettre ça sur le compte d’un simple ressenti de lectrice.
Et la fin : mais quelle déception pour moi !!!! J’espérais quelque chose et l’auteure ne m’a pas donné cette satisfaction donc je me sens frustrée et franchement à cet instant ça me bloque pour choisir une nouvelle lecture !
Très très dommage 😔 mais c’est très très bien écrit !
Il est dans l’abonnement Kindle s’il vous tente 😉
December 27, 2018
3.25 Per essere la storia d'amore che nasce dopo un matrimonio di convenienza con l'unica variante di essere ambientato tra Edimburgo e campagne scozzesi del 1840 lo trovato un romanzo storico romantico molto valido. Non il più originale o il più bello ma comunque una bella lettura sotto il periodo natalizio già di suo pieno di ozio e leggerezza. Ho apprezzato l'intento di parlare del ruolo della donna nel rapporto coniugale o per meglio dire il suo non ruolo. Un bel "addobbo natalizio" utile a letto per dare ma non ricevere, utile per dare una maggiore ricchezza a una casa o a un uomo ma nulla più . La protagonista cresce molto durante il libro arrivando alla consapevolezza che anche se la sua opinione non conta vale la pena esprimerla. Ho apprezzato il quadro che ci viene fatto delle donne impaurite di chiedere cose al marito per paura di essere considerate peccaminose, donne che arr8vano al matrimonio assolutamente ignoranti di tutto quello che è un matrimonio. Il rapporto che si viene a creare nel romanzo poi è molto interessante basato sul rispetto reciproco e sul sostegno ma anche sul amore.
October 7, 2017
A gentle, rolling story about a couple who marry for mutual benefit. The trouble for me is that it had no real antagonist to provide conflict and tension, and therefore no real excitement. Being a person who prefers a plot with pistols at dawn, so to speak, I found this story a little tame for my liking. It is well written and you will not go wrong by reading it but for me it was not a page turner.
August 8, 2017
Rilettura. Davvero piacevole questo romanzo, condito di dettagli storici della Scozia dell’epoca. È il racconto di un laird che deve tornare alla tenuta da poco ereditata per non perderla e di una vedova borghese che deve trovare un marito per pagare i debiti del defunto consorte, pena l’indigenza. Si sposano con l’intenzione di non amarsi, anche se l’attrazione fisica è evidente, per risolvere i loro problemi. Il loro è un rapporto di coppia insolito, contrassegnato dall’amicizia e dalla parità. Chiaramente i sentimenti sbocciano poco alla volta e risolti i problemi del passato di lui tutto finisce bene.
January 20, 2023
this was just a perfectly average story with a good enough hero and heroine but i loved the scottish setting
August 19, 2023
Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️
May 23, 2016
"Yeah, I've been searchin'
A-a searchin'
Oh, yeah, searchin' every which a-way
Yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah, searchin'
I'm searchin'
Searchin' every which a-way
Yeah, yeah"
Yes, I've been searchin' for something to read. My bright idea was to turn to other top rated reviews. I found numerous top rated reviews at AAR, however I read historicals so I had to whittle my list down, then I had to shrink it down even further to the ones I hadn't already read. This left me with a grand total of two books - woo-hoo. The first of my two books was Strangers at the Altar by Marguerite Kaye, written in 2014. This was my first Marguerite Kaye book and it turned out to be pretty enjoyable. I may read more of her books, although I have to say that I find some of the titles in her library to be a little silly, if not downright irritating. But that's life in Romanceland.
Strangers at the Altar was/is a marriage-of-convenience story - nothing better than a good story about a contracted marriage - especially in Romanceland. This one was about Ainsley McBrayne, a widow who has been left without any funds by her worthless husband. She’s at her solicitor’s office trying to break the trust. She has exploded into a wonderful conniption-fit when we are first introduced to her. Who should be in the next room with troubles of his own? Innes Drummond – our hero. After listening to her rant, he comes up with a plan. He follows her when she storms out of the office.
His plan. Since he has to marry to get his inheritance, he thinks that a marriage with no strings attached would be a simply mar-ve-lous idea. It doesn’t take too much arm-bending for Ainsley to agree. They both need money, neither one of them want any romance, they think their marriage-of-convenience will just be the cat’s meow. What a deluded couple.
I liked this couple. Right from the beginning they know where they stand with each other. It doesn't take too long before they are great partners. They talk to each other, they are very open with each other, and even Ainsley's secret (of course she has a secret) isn't a secret for very long. In fact when Innes finds out that Ainsley is an advice columnist he helps her. Even though Ainsley is a widow, her knowledge of some aspects of married life are a little bit innocent. Can you say Missionary? Innes helps her expand her knowledge. These scenes between Ainsley are not only funny but very sensual.
The tension in this story is not created by an outside force, but from the fact that neither Ainsley or Innis want to be in love. It's quite a struggle. Innis puts up more of a struggle than Ainsley - he is a little bit more closed than Ainsley. He doesn't always ask for help when he needs to. He's just a wee bit stubborn. For the most part, Ms. Kaye has created a nice balancing act between the antagonists and their struggle not fall in love. I loved the relationship which developed between the two.
Names. The names Ainsley and Innes gave me a headache. Tooooo many I,S and N's for me.
The secondary characters were also a joy. I especially liked Ainsley's friend Felicity and was hoping there may have been a sequel with Felicity as the heroine, but I couldn't find any. I'm hoping Ms. Kaye makes room for Felicity in her writing schedule. I think Felicity would be a challenging character for a full length novel. She's not a typical heroine.
Was this a perfect novel? No. I had a bit of an issue with Innes being stubborn just a little toooooo long. Yes, I realize he didn't want to fall in love, but he could have admitted his love just a little sooner. I also think his grovel needed to be just a tiny bit longer. Other than that I thought this book was a pretty good read and though I'm not giving it as high a rating as the one at AAR, I think this is one that isn't to be missed. I had a smile on my face when I finished.
A-a searchin'
Oh, yeah, searchin' every which a-way
Yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah, searchin'
I'm searchin'
Searchin' every which a-way
Yeah, yeah"
Yes, I've been searchin' for something to read. My bright idea was to turn to other top rated reviews. I found numerous top rated reviews at AAR, however I read historicals so I had to whittle my list down, then I had to shrink it down even further to the ones I hadn't already read. This left me with a grand total of two books - woo-hoo. The first of my two books was Strangers at the Altar by Marguerite Kaye, written in 2014. This was my first Marguerite Kaye book and it turned out to be pretty enjoyable. I may read more of her books, although I have to say that I find some of the titles in her library to be a little silly, if not downright irritating. But that's life in Romanceland.
Strangers at the Altar was/is a marriage-of-convenience story - nothing better than a good story about a contracted marriage - especially in Romanceland. This one was about Ainsley McBrayne, a widow who has been left without any funds by her worthless husband. She’s at her solicitor’s office trying to break the trust. She has exploded into a wonderful conniption-fit when we are first introduced to her. Who should be in the next room with troubles of his own? Innes Drummond – our hero. After listening to her rant, he comes up with a plan. He follows her when she storms out of the office.
His plan. Since he has to marry to get his inheritance, he thinks that a marriage with no strings attached would be a simply mar-ve-lous idea. It doesn’t take too much arm-bending for Ainsley to agree. They both need money, neither one of them want any romance, they think their marriage-of-convenience will just be the cat’s meow. What a deluded couple.
I liked this couple. Right from the beginning they know where they stand with each other. It doesn't take too long before they are great partners. They talk to each other, they are very open with each other, and even Ainsley's secret (of course she has a secret) isn't a secret for very long. In fact when Innes finds out that Ainsley is an advice columnist he helps her. Even though Ainsley is a widow, her knowledge of some aspects of married life are a little bit innocent. Can you say Missionary? Innes helps her expand her knowledge. These scenes between Ainsley are not only funny but very sensual.
The tension in this story is not created by an outside force, but from the fact that neither Ainsley or Innis want to be in love. It's quite a struggle. Innis puts up more of a struggle than Ainsley - he is a little bit more closed than Ainsley. He doesn't always ask for help when he needs to. He's just a wee bit stubborn. For the most part, Ms. Kaye has created a nice balancing act between the antagonists and their struggle not fall in love. I loved the relationship which developed between the two.
Names. The names Ainsley and Innes gave me a headache. Tooooo many I,S and N's for me.
The secondary characters were also a joy. I especially liked Ainsley's friend Felicity and was hoping there may have been a sequel with Felicity as the heroine, but I couldn't find any. I'm hoping Ms. Kaye makes room for Felicity in her writing schedule. I think Felicity would be a challenging character for a full length novel. She's not a typical heroine.
Was this a perfect novel? No. I had a bit of an issue with Innes being stubborn just a little toooooo long. Yes, I realize he didn't want to fall in love, but he could have admitted his love just a little sooner. I also think his grovel needed to be just a tiny bit longer. Other than that I thought this book was a pretty good read and though I'm not giving it as high a rating as the one at AAR, I think this is one that isn't to be missed. I had a smile on my face when I finished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2014
A sweet romance about two people who didn't want a true marriage, but fell for each other anyway, Strangers at the Altar was a lovely read. It was an enjoyable romance and I liked it.
Ainsley was a great heroine. She had some interesting growth throughout the book. During her first marriage, she was timid and afraid to express an opinion that she knew her husband wouldn't listen to anyway. At the start of the book, she was done with bowing to another's wishes and she showed that she could be strong-willed. But, as the book went on, she struggled with falling back into old habits, even though she knew that Innes would listen to her advice if she chose to give it. But, she got better at asserting herself and ended up as a stronger character. I thought she was lovely and I liked her.
Innes was wonderful as well. He was sweet and a fair-minded man. When it came to both his wife and his tenants, he wasn't too proud to listen to advice and really tried to do what was best for his estate. He was great and I liked him as well.
The romance was good. Ainsley and Innes were smitten with each other from when they first met, but neither of them could admit it. As their feelings grew deeper, they still couldn't admit it to each other, until they both finally realized that they were just making themselves miserable by not accepting their feelings. They were great together, the kind of couple that made each other better. I thought they were a lovely couple.
I had 2 main issues with the book that knocked it down a peg. 1) Though I did think that Ainsley and Innes were a good couple, their stubbornness was a little frustrating. Particularly with how they kept going on about how their marriage wasn't real. It was totally legal and all they had to do was decide to make it a full marriage and it would have been so. It just seemed like the used that as an excuse to hide their feelings, which was rather annoying. 2) The whole reveal of what happened to make Innes think he didn't deserve happiness was properly dramatic. However, I never got to actually see the resolution of it. I wanted to see Innes face his past fully. Without it, I felt underwhelmed because this whole drama was revealed but the resolution for it was just a few pages long. Other than that, though, I liked the rest of the book.
The plot moved quickly and I was engaged the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
Strangers at the Altar was a lovely historical romance that I really liked. Romance lovers, this is a book worth check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Ainsley was a great heroine. She had some interesting growth throughout the book. During her first marriage, she was timid and afraid to express an opinion that she knew her husband wouldn't listen to anyway. At the start of the book, she was done with bowing to another's wishes and she showed that she could be strong-willed. But, as the book went on, she struggled with falling back into old habits, even though she knew that Innes would listen to her advice if she chose to give it. But, she got better at asserting herself and ended up as a stronger character. I thought she was lovely and I liked her.
Innes was wonderful as well. He was sweet and a fair-minded man. When it came to both his wife and his tenants, he wasn't too proud to listen to advice and really tried to do what was best for his estate. He was great and I liked him as well.
The romance was good. Ainsley and Innes were smitten with each other from when they first met, but neither of them could admit it. As their feelings grew deeper, they still couldn't admit it to each other, until they both finally realized that they were just making themselves miserable by not accepting their feelings. They were great together, the kind of couple that made each other better. I thought they were a lovely couple.
I had 2 main issues with the book that knocked it down a peg. 1) Though I did think that Ainsley and Innes were a good couple, their stubbornness was a little frustrating. Particularly with how they kept going on about how their marriage wasn't real. It was totally legal and all they had to do was decide to make it a full marriage and it would have been so. It just seemed like the used that as an excuse to hide their feelings, which was rather annoying. 2) The whole reveal of what happened to make Innes think he didn't deserve happiness was properly dramatic. However, I never got to actually see the resolution of it. I wanted to see Innes face his past fully. Without it, I felt underwhelmed because this whole drama was revealed but the resolution for it was just a few pages long. Other than that, though, I liked the rest of the book.
The plot moved quickly and I was engaged the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
Strangers at the Altar was a lovely historical romance that I really liked. Romance lovers, this is a book worth check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 30, 2014
With all the privilege women enjoy today, it is hard to believe how far we've come when we look back not very long ago. There were once upon a time when our voice was discourage, working independently was frowned upon, and everything we own were managed by men. Strangers at the altar is one of those stories. Well, part of it. It made me realise how fortunate we are as a modern day woman.
The story began at the lawyers office. Recently widowed and penniless Ainsley McBrayne just made yet another attempt to break the unique terms and conditions of her father's trust, and failed. She met Innes Drummond, who had the equally complicated will left by his own father. Seeing she was in need of freeing herself from the debt her deceased husband had left her, and he needed a wife to fit the conditions of his father's will, Innes offered a solution to resolve their problem - a marriage of convenience. They returned to the hometown Innes born and grew up in until 14 years ago and found themselves facing hurdles from all front, as well as different traditions to get used to. As they dealt with each and every one of the problems they encountered, they also learned to deal with each other-virtual strangers at the altar. In time, their attraction grew. As the once barren and abandoned farm began to thrive, so was their love.
I found myself compared their journey to the society I know. Born and raised in Asia, there was once every marriage was like that. Some of them did not even meet their other half until the wedding night. It was rather unthought of to the 21st century, but as their marriage somehow last a log longer than most of ours today, one could not help but wonder perhaps there were something we missed. I also found myself to be drawn to the path Ainsley had taken, from the timid and naive young lady, who did not hold herself in any particular high regard, to an outspoken and confident woman who was not afraid to make her ideas known. It was nothing short of remarkable considered the society she was in. My favorite part of the story was when she was gone and Innes finally started to go through the plans she had drawn out for him, his astonishingly was so evident, even I could sense it from the pages. I really spoke volumes how far she'd come and it touched the more scene in turn ( not that thing weren't good. They were brilliant on their own.)
Strangers at the Altars is a book of many dimensions It not only covered the tradition love story. We have grown to adore. It also give us some insights on how women lived in those dimes. It is definitely something I recommend to the others. Five stars.
The story began at the lawyers office. Recently widowed and penniless Ainsley McBrayne just made yet another attempt to break the unique terms and conditions of her father's trust, and failed. She met Innes Drummond, who had the equally complicated will left by his own father. Seeing she was in need of freeing herself from the debt her deceased husband had left her, and he needed a wife to fit the conditions of his father's will, Innes offered a solution to resolve their problem - a marriage of convenience. They returned to the hometown Innes born and grew up in until 14 years ago and found themselves facing hurdles from all front, as well as different traditions to get used to. As they dealt with each and every one of the problems they encountered, they also learned to deal with each other-virtual strangers at the altar. In time, their attraction grew. As the once barren and abandoned farm began to thrive, so was their love.
I found myself compared their journey to the society I know. Born and raised in Asia, there was once every marriage was like that. Some of them did not even meet their other half until the wedding night. It was rather unthought of to the 21st century, but as their marriage somehow last a log longer than most of ours today, one could not help but wonder perhaps there were something we missed. I also found myself to be drawn to the path Ainsley had taken, from the timid and naive young lady, who did not hold herself in any particular high regard, to an outspoken and confident woman who was not afraid to make her ideas known. It was nothing short of remarkable considered the society she was in. My favorite part of the story was when she was gone and Innes finally started to go through the plans she had drawn out for him, his astonishingly was so evident, even I could sense it from the pages. I really spoke volumes how far she'd come and it touched the more scene in turn ( not that thing weren't good. They were brilliant on their own.)
Strangers at the Altars is a book of many dimensions It not only covered the tradition love story. We have grown to adore. It also give us some insights on how women lived in those dimes. It is definitely something I recommend to the others. Five stars.
October 17, 2014
I received this book from the author to review and was happy to give it the rating I did.
After the death of her wastrel husband, Ainsley McBrayne discovers that she's left penniless not only by his will but also by the inheritance that she thought she would receive from her late father. Determined to never marry again, the last thing Ainsley ever wants to do is to actually contemplate that state so soon. However, on the way out of her attorney's office, only to collide with Innes Drummond who has just had a similar interview with his lawyer. Since he had overheard her rather loud commentary on what she thought of her circumstances before slamming the door on the way out, Innes offered to buy Ainsley a dram while they both cooled off. After exchanging tales of woe, Innes offers a solution; since neither wants to be married but, since both need money and he'll come into money with a wife, why don't they marry, a marriage of convenience, of course! Quickly agreed on, quickly done and they are on their way to the Highlands and Innes' long neglected estate. There, no one knows Innes since he had been gone so long and he was forced to earn the respect of his tenants all over again while trying to restore the estate. Meanwhile, Ainsley was left at loose ends until she made friends with the servants and found a way to help the estate prosper herself. Through it all, each of them had to deal with their own ghosts and in the process they discover a love they didn't think it was possible to feel for each other.
There were many surprises and twists in this story but the author made them work seamlessly together. On top of that, she gives the reader a glimpse of the Scottish countryside that she is so proud of. The story was a treasure to read!
After the death of her wastrel husband, Ainsley McBrayne discovers that she's left penniless not only by his will but also by the inheritance that she thought she would receive from her late father. Determined to never marry again, the last thing Ainsley ever wants to do is to actually contemplate that state so soon. However, on the way out of her attorney's office, only to collide with Innes Drummond who has just had a similar interview with his lawyer. Since he had overheard her rather loud commentary on what she thought of her circumstances before slamming the door on the way out, Innes offered to buy Ainsley a dram while they both cooled off. After exchanging tales of woe, Innes offers a solution; since neither wants to be married but, since both need money and he'll come into money with a wife, why don't they marry, a marriage of convenience, of course! Quickly agreed on, quickly done and they are on their way to the Highlands and Innes' long neglected estate. There, no one knows Innes since he had been gone so long and he was forced to earn the respect of his tenants all over again while trying to restore the estate. Meanwhile, Ainsley was left at loose ends until she made friends with the servants and found a way to help the estate prosper herself. Through it all, each of them had to deal with their own ghosts and in the process they discover a love they didn't think it was possible to feel for each other.
There were many surprises and twists in this story but the author made them work seamlessly together. On top of that, she gives the reader a glimpse of the Scottish countryside that she is so proud of. The story was a treasure to read!
November 24, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Ainsley and Innes, their marriage of convenience and the relationship that blossoms from it. The story was well paced and flowed nicely, and took me on an emotional journey – sometimes I laughed, a couple of times, I cried. Most of all, I cared.
Ainsley’s reasons for entering the pact with Innes were very strong, though I was less sympathetic to Innes’ reasoning. His father’s will put the family lands in trust unless and until Innes married. But Innes didn’t need the wealth from these lands, he had no desire to inherit or even return to them for longer than was necessary. It left me with the impression he was doing it for pride, revenge, greed or spite. I’d have preferred a more positive motivation. But hey, it got the story going.
The only other thing that jarred was Malcolm’s reasons for doing what he did. Throughout the story, we get to see Malcolm as a vibrant, joy-filled young man with a zest for life and strong sense of his destiny and duty. That he should act as he did, without prior warning and for such a reason seemed out of character to me.
But these were minor quibbles in a satisfying story that I didn’t want to put down. Dare we hope for Eion and Felicity’s story next? Perhaps even Mhairi? And Robert?
Ainsley’s reasons for entering the pact with Innes were very strong, though I was less sympathetic to Innes’ reasoning. His father’s will put the family lands in trust unless and until Innes married. But Innes didn’t need the wealth from these lands, he had no desire to inherit or even return to them for longer than was necessary. It left me with the impression he was doing it for pride, revenge, greed or spite. I’d have preferred a more positive motivation. But hey, it got the story going.
The only other thing that jarred was Malcolm’s reasons for doing what he did. Throughout the story, we get to see Malcolm as a vibrant, joy-filled young man with a zest for life and strong sense of his destiny and duty. That he should act as he did, without prior warning and for such a reason seemed out of character to me.
But these were minor quibbles in a satisfying story that I didn’t want to put down. Dare we hope for Eion and Felicity’s story next? Perhaps even Mhairi? And Robert?
March 27, 2021
XIXème siècle.
Ainsley a perdu son mari. Elle se retrouve criblée de dettes et apprend dans la foulée que son père a placé son héritage en fidéicommis: en résumé, elle ne touchera ce dernier qu'à ses quarante ans à défaut d'avoir des enfants.
C'est dans ce contexte qu'elle fait la connaissance d'Innes Drummond, qui vient quant à lui d'hériter d'un domaine dans les Highlands.
Sur une impulsion, il lui fait une offre fort alléchante: l'épouser et l'accompagner à Strone Bridge, en échange, il lui apportera un soutien financier.
Innes se comporte en gentleman et il est fort attirant mais Ainsley n'a pas l'intention de céder facilement, d'autant qu'il y a des non-dits entre eux et qu'ils se connaissent à peine...
Une jolie histoire qui se lit très agréablement.
J'ai beaucoup aimé l'alchimie entre les deux personnages, leur histoire atypique et plutôt moderne.
Innes est vraiment charmant et Ainsley bien décidée à ne pas subir sa vie.
C'est un roman assez court mais qui remplit bien son rôle.
Le lecteur découvre un domaine prometteur où les fantômes du passé ne manqueront pas de s'inviter...
A découvrir!
LIEN VERS MA CHRONIQUE: http://parfumsdelivres.blogspot.com/2...
Ainsley a perdu son mari. Elle se retrouve criblée de dettes et apprend dans la foulée que son père a placé son héritage en fidéicommis: en résumé, elle ne touchera ce dernier qu'à ses quarante ans à défaut d'avoir des enfants.
C'est dans ce contexte qu'elle fait la connaissance d'Innes Drummond, qui vient quant à lui d'hériter d'un domaine dans les Highlands.
Sur une impulsion, il lui fait une offre fort alléchante: l'épouser et l'accompagner à Strone Bridge, en échange, il lui apportera un soutien financier.
Innes se comporte en gentleman et il est fort attirant mais Ainsley n'a pas l'intention de céder facilement, d'autant qu'il y a des non-dits entre eux et qu'ils se connaissent à peine...
Une jolie histoire qui se lit très agréablement.
J'ai beaucoup aimé l'alchimie entre les deux personnages, leur histoire atypique et plutôt moderne.
Innes est vraiment charmant et Ainsley bien décidée à ne pas subir sa vie.
C'est un roman assez court mais qui remplit bien son rôle.
Le lecteur découvre un domaine prometteur où les fantômes du passé ne manqueront pas de s'inviter...
A découvrir!
LIEN VERS MA CHRONIQUE: http://parfumsdelivres.blogspot.com/2...
December 20, 2014
STRANGERS AT THE ALTAR, is a lovely Harlequin historical by Marguerite Kaye featuring two lovelorn characters who marry for convenience in Edinburgh in 1840. The story's setting then immediately moves to the author's native Argyll, Scotland for most of the rest of the tale. It is the story of Innes Drummond, an English widow, and Ainsley McBrayne, a Scottish laird, who have experienced what I could only describe as serendipity - by meeting entirely by chance at the offices of their attorneys.
Ainsley McBrayne has been left deep in debt by her deceased husband. After her marriage, she has vowed to never be beholden to another man.
Innes Drummond must marry to keep his family's home. No wife, no lands. He's a successful man without his family's property. Does he want the properties enough to take a wife?
Could their marriage of necessity become a tale of true love or will ghosts from the past deprive these two of true happiness?
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 Solid Wine Glasses!
Ainsley McBrayne has been left deep in debt by her deceased husband. After her marriage, she has vowed to never be beholden to another man.
Innes Drummond must marry to keep his family's home. No wife, no lands. He's a successful man without his family's property. Does he want the properties enough to take a wife?
Could their marriage of necessity become a tale of true love or will ghosts from the past deprive these two of true happiness?
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 Solid Wine Glasses!
November 26, 2014
I know when I buy a Marguerite Kaye historical romance I am in for a treat. No more so than with Ainsley and Innes' romance. Interspersed with unique snippets from an advice column.
Set in Scotland during the early years of Queen Victoria's reign, when the industrial revolution in its infancy, it is a delight from start to a very reluctant finish. With the hero and heroine taking me on a journey I loved from start to finish.
For me personally, this ticks all my boxes. This had me smiling, in tears, laughing and at the very end sad that the story had finished. Rather like haggis neeps and tatties, plenty of spice, hearty and full of good things, leaving me as the reader eminently satisfied.
I particularly loved the setting in the Highlands of Scotland, including the Isle of Bute, which brought back memories as I was lucky enough to holiday there. Marguerite has researched the area well, as reading this I felt transported back there and could smell the salty tinge carried in the air.
Set in Scotland during the early years of Queen Victoria's reign, when the industrial revolution in its infancy, it is a delight from start to a very reluctant finish. With the hero and heroine taking me on a journey I loved from start to finish.
For me personally, this ticks all my boxes. This had me smiling, in tears, laughing and at the very end sad that the story had finished. Rather like haggis neeps and tatties, plenty of spice, hearty and full of good things, leaving me as the reader eminently satisfied.
I particularly loved the setting in the Highlands of Scotland, including the Isle of Bute, which brought back memories as I was lucky enough to holiday there. Marguerite has researched the area well, as reading this I felt transported back there and could smell the salty tinge carried in the air.
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