Source: Publisher
Description: Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.
But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.
Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.
Genre: Fiction
Why I Picked This Book: I have really enjoyed a number of this author's books so how could I resist that cover?
My Impression: The book starts off with a private train car journey which is something I didn't know I wanted and the journey ends at a crumbling (literally in some areas) Scottish castle. Oh and all through it there's a book hunt for a valuable book in a hoard of books. And this all takes place during the Christmas season. What's not to love?
Mirren is just coming off the high of last Christmas's book hunt and is feeling a bit sad and alone - especially since she was ghosted by someone she thought was a potential love interested, Theo Palliser. I did like that Theo's reasons for ghosting made sense and I could definitely see his side of things. The bookish element was really fun and I loved the imagery of the castle. While I wouldn't say this was slow paced, it did take me a bit to really connect with the characters and the story so I didn't immediately have the warm cozy for the first quarter or so of the book.
This was a fun read with a fantastic setting. I really enjoyed the read though it did make me appreciate my centrally heated non-crumbling house even if it isn't a castle in Scotland full of books.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would! While not all of this author's books work for me when they do I really love them.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you're looking for a cozy read this is a fun choice.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? If you're looking for a cozy read this is a fun choice.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I think I'd enjoy this but it's too soon for Christmas books for me.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I've noticed this one the other day and thought it would be a good one to read later this year. Yes, as Anne says, maybe a little early for Xmas reads. There are a lot of them being published right now. Will keep it on my list for a few weeks from now.
ReplyDeleteI think I have this on hold at the library when they get it. Or I might listen to the audio. It's a good omen for me that you liked it.
ReplyDelete