A Laird For The Governess: Book 1 (Lairds of the Isles)

*Meanwhile in Mrs Gray’s employment agency waiting room…**whispers* Shh!Come in and sit down quickly. I don’t want Mrs G to catch us! Adventure awaits with her next placement – it’s a given.I will say something about all this time-hopping though… the stays are chuffing uncomfortable to say the least *fidgets*.*sighs*Anyway, back to ALftG, to quote our Belle, “I have just finished the most wonderful story.”Lydia and Alasdair’s left me feeling like a puddle of goo at the end. A real will they/won’t they story full of emotion, trust issues, a smidgen of suspense and a fair bit of angst. All set against the beautiful backdrop of Ardmore in the Outer Hebrides during the early 1800’s.Hired to school the Laird’s daughter, Lydia quickly wins over the hearts of those she comes in contact with including her new charge, Mairead. Everyone that is apart from Mr Grumpy aka Alasdair (the Laird himself)… well, at first anyway.Honestly, just sit down and prepare to be swept away by an enchanting tale that will tug on the old heartstrings and have you fervently wishing for a field of shirtless, kilt-wearing shinty players for your own viewing pleasure *snorts*.Whaaa? Ah! The eternal question of the missing half-star… Well, that is for me being a tad butthurt. There, I said it! *crosses arms* CT broke me with a certain event, and I am holding that half-star to ransom as I need a HEA for a certain much loved secondary character.*door opens*Yasss! *rubs hands* I have to go now. A new adventure awaits. Whatever you do, don’t let Mrs Gray catch you loitering.I’ll tell you one thing… no matter which one of Mrs Gray’s ladies you decide to follow their stories will have you hooked.Until next time.

I really enjoyed this story and the development of the romance between the two main characters. I especially loved the relationship between Lydia and Mairead, which I think was beautifully described and very believable. The attention to detail both in the setting and in the historical background was perfect and very satisfying. I would thoroughly recommend this story to all romance lovers.

This is the best yet of Catherine Tinley’s books. Unfailingly good at presenting depth of emotion, characterisation and the pathos of her chosen setting, this one is just gorgeous. I couldn’t put it down, and was so sad when I finished! Beautifully rendered descriptions of a remote Hebridean island too. I went there myself as a child; its haunting beauty is depicted by Ms Tinley very well and without being overly wordy. Such a lovely discussion of relationships between children and the adults who care for them! Loved it and can’t wait for the next one in the series. Brava!

I really enjoyed reading this book, I did not want to put it down. The setting, the customs of a clan all develop into a facinating story line. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Here is a leading laird I could really fall for!Perfect setting, lovely story. Love the detail and history that was evident here along with the delightful love story. Can’t wait for the next instalment in this series!