by Jean Oram
His father scowled at him, his eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Aye, ye wouldn't want someone smart and pretty. Ye've clearly chosen far more wisely in the past."
Iain shook his head with a smile. "Good night to ye, Da."
With thoughts of highland treasure and pretty librarians bouncing around his head, Iain headed off to the library with Duncan lazily trailing behind him. With two levels of books, a catwalk for ease of use, a comfortable sofa and a large stone fireplace, this room was easily Iain's favorite.
Duncan sat in front of the fireplace, and looked at him in question.
"No, Duncan. I'm not building a fire this late at night."
Duncan responded with a noise that sounded like a cross between a yawn and yelp, followed by a cock of his head as his sad brown eyes attempted to guilt Iain into doing his bidding.
Iain ignored him and wandered to the shelf where they kept the oldest books.
Duncan barked, and then barked again, the noise deafening when backed by the lungs tucked in that massive chest.
"Seriously, dog?"
He got a rapid thwapping of tail in response. Fully aware the pup would keep bugging him until a fire was lit, Iain quickly got one going with the knowledge he too would enjoy it. The nights were cold this far north, even if it was only October.
With the dog content, Iain wandered back to the bookshelf housing dozens of books dating back ages and generations. It had been years since he last went through them, and though they were in decent shape, he tried not to handle them too often. When he'd gone through them in the past it wasn't with an eye for finding anything in particular. Now, however, he'd take another look, keeping a keen eye out for any clues that might give up their mystery.
It would likely lead nowhere, but Cat had his curiosity going, and if he was stuck with her snooping around, then he might as well make the most of it. The stories he'd heard regarding the bejeweled necklace had never mentioned his family. So why did she think his clan had been somehow involved? He supposed it could be true—or was she looking for something else.
His ancestors had been loyal Jacobites. Then again, nearly every highland clan had supported the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie and had wanted him to take back the throne. She had found something—but what? And could the information be trusted? Could she be trusted?
Time would tell.
End of preview. The Highlander's Hope is now available for FREE on most online booksellers.
Table of Contents
Champagne and Lemon Drops
Copyright Notice
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
End Note From the Author
Book 2 Bonus Sneak Peek: Whiskey and Gumdrops
Cali MacKay's The Highlander's Hope Sample
About the Author, Dedication
A note from the author, Jean Oram
I hope you enjoyed my first novel, Champagne and Lemon Drops. If you'd like to read more about the characters in this series, sign up for my mailing list to get email updates straight to your inbox (as well as other goodies like giveaways and more!). ( That's at: www.jeanoram.com/signup ) And for a complete list of my books please visit my website and blog: www.jeanoram.com.
Do you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hi? Connect with me:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeanoram
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeanOramAuthor
Website & blog: www.jeanoram.com
Email: [email protected]
I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading,
Jean
Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse on the Canadian prairie. She didn't realize she wanted to write until one day she sat down, giggling, and declared, "I'm going to write a novel!" And she did. But this isn't it. That one was kind of a disaster because she didn't even know how long a novel should be, but she learned a lot and had fun. You can learn more about Jean and her hobbies—besides writing and chasing her two kids and five pets around the house and the great outdoors—on her website: www.jeanoram.com.
Dedication
To my family. Your support and encouragement and understanding has always been awesome. Thank you.
To my critique partners who went above and beyond, never stopped believing, shared so many encouraging notes, and never told me I was crazy. At least, not out loud.
***
Lastly, I'd love to hear what you thought of Champagne and Lemon Drops. Drop a few lines about this book on your favorite online retailer's site, your blog, Facebook, Twitter, family and friends, or anywhere! You can also email me at [email protected]. Your feedback is always appreciated.
Thanks for reading,
Jean
P.S. If you review books on your blog, check out jeanoram.com where you can find cover images, book links, etc.
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