Three years ago, I read the Highland Ballad series.  The fourth book was recently released, so I thought it was high time to reread the series.  The first in the series, The Hostage of Glenorchy, introduces Abby and Iain and their Highland adventures in the most enthusiastic fashion. 

“Scotland 1556

After overhearing a plot to kill Mary Queen of Scots, Abby Gordon is sent from Paris to the Laird of Glenorchy’s home at Kilchurn Castle for safety. Disguised as a boy, she becomes a lute player among the household musicians. She encounters the laird’s hostage, the attractive Iain MacGregor, a pawn in the laird’s struggle for power in Scotland’s turbulent politics. But is Iain a hostage to fortune, or is he playing his own dangerous game? As Abby’s feelings intensify for this Glenorchy hostage, she is caught in the web of intrigue that permeates the household and is drawn deeper and deeper into danger.

With spice, wit and action-packed plotting, Kristin Gleeson’s Highland Ballad Series is as compelling as Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels. “

My view of the book

Given that I am reading the books for the second time – I enjoyed them the first time.  This time though, I’m finding all the little nuances I didn’t see before.  Rereading them is a far more pleasurable experience.  I remember enough of the story to say “oh, yeah” repeatedly.  

Abby is a hot-headed protagonist who plays both the part of the noble warrior and damsel in distress equally as well. While the feminist in me doesn’t align well with the damsel in distress story, Abby has her fair share of gall and quickly gives the men in the story a run for their money.  Iain is every bit the charming suitor who attracts danger from every angle.

Kristin’s writing is beautiful.  Descriptive and authentic, it’s little work for the imagination to follow the story.  The love story that develops is big-screen worthy, and it’s told so beautifully.  

I would recommend any of Kristin’s books to anyone who loves a little historical romance.  

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