Ramblings From This Chick: A Historical Christmas Event with Lori Ann Bailey

Monday, December 9, 2019

A Historical Christmas Event with Lori Ann Bailey

Lori Ann Bailey is a best-selling author and winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award and Holt Medallion for Best First Book and Best Historical. Lori writes hunky highland heroes and strong-willed independent lasses finding their perfect matches in the Highlands of historic Scotland. She is active in Romance Writers of America, having served on committees on the national and local levels, and is a contributor to the bi-weekly podcast, History, Books and Wine. When not writing or reading, Lori enjoys time with her real-life hero and four kids or spending time walking or drinking wine with her friends.

In the third book in my Highland Pride series, Highland Salvation, Finlay is born out of wedlock because his father is an earl and already promised to another when he meets the Scottish lass who steals his heart. Through the correspondence they kept with each other over the years, Finlay’s wife, Blair, follows along with the tragic tale of how they were forced apart. I’m so happy that they have gotten their chance at a Happily Ever After, even if they had to wait for it. Merry Christmas, Dwight, Catriona, and everyone else who celebrates.

Christmas at the Cameron Cottage
Near Kentillie Castle
December 25, 1645

Dwight Quinton had been alive for over half a century. In that time, he’d had three sons, a profitable earldom, and a strong friendship with King Charles of England. Despite all these achievements he’d never been able to hold onto what he desired most.

Last week, he’d forfeited his title to his second son.

And today… his first son, Finlay Cameron, stood beside him as he was becoming the man he’d always wanted to be. Although Christmas was banned in Scotland and not officially observed by the English Parliament due to the adoption of the Directory of Public Worship, this day would always be one to remember. He was receiving the best gift a man could ever hope for.

Finlay’s mother, the love of his life, Catriona Cameron, had agreed to become his wife.

“How do I look?” Dwight asked his son as he paced Finlay’s small cottage, the place they’d chosen for an intimate ceremony.

“Like a man in love.” Finlay laughed.

Blair, Finlay’s wife had decorated their cottage with greenery, candles, and a kissing bough that had been hung from the ceiling. And although he’d spent his whole life in palatial homes, this was perfect. It was magical.

A knock sounded at the door and he froze as Finlay strode across the room to pull in the solid wooden plank.

Father Fergus stood in the doorway and for a brief moment he feared Catriona had changed her mind. Then the man entered and she came into view. Catriona had the same hazel eyes and dark brown hair that she’d given their son. Although a few gray wisps had appeared, she was still as lovely as the first day he’d seen her, possibly even more so with her rosy cheeks and the fall of white snow that dusted her crown and eyelashes.

She smiled and his heart nearly burst with the emotions he’d kept buried all these years. As she entered, he walked over and took her hand in his and it was as if their time apart vanished.

“You are the loveliest woman in all of Scotland and England combined,” he said as he drew her fingers to his lips.

“Thank ye.”

And just like that, he was lost in her eyes. Her voice wrapped its way around his soul as it always had.

“Let’s begin. I’ve a feast to get to.” The priest laughed.

Before he could blink, Father Fergus was pronouncing them husband and wife.

She leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Thank ye for never giving up on me.”

“You are the only woman who has ever been in my heart. I feel as if I’m finally complete,” he returned.

Then they kissed and all the pain of the past eased because they had the future and they had each other. It was a very Merry Christmas indeed.

Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of an English earl and a Scottish mother, weds stunning, outgoing Blair Macnab to ensure her clan’s loyalty to King Charles. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a wife, but he suspects she may be plotting his murder.

Always considered to be nothing more than a pretty face, Blair Macnab yearns to prove her worth. She refuses to be used as a pawn for political gain, but when confronted by a blackmailer, her only option is to marry the brawny Finlay Cameron.

In Finlay’s arms, she feels safe for the first time ever. Until she learns that her blackmailer is hot on her trail and her secrets could soon be exposed…

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