Lady Len and the Mysterious Mac

A light hearted historical romance novel set in the days of Scottish clans, making a pleasant change from the sea of Bridgerton inspired regency books currently dominating this market

This is so good. The title and cover tell us how tongue in cheek it is, but it's not cartoony. This is a nicely paced insight into the 18th century world of the clans and the importance of the laird, and of succession. Ellen (Len) is small and frail, so constantly underestimated by her family. She's reluctantly being married to Silas Mackenzie, the son of the Laird, in order to unite the clans. Silas is a giant, and is both terrified and enchanted by Len. They are both underestimated by the clans, and by themselves.

There are wonderful side characters including the Laird himself, and some mystery as well. The nod to the importance of literacy is gold, and the letters are swoony. There's a tiny third act breakup, which makes sense to the plot.

Can they make it work? How will he fit in? So much fun!

And thank you to NetGalley and Eridani Press for the ARC.

Love breaks through!

Petite Ellen Macintosh is to be handfasted to Silas MacKenzie. All Ellen wanted was was to enter a nunnery. Now she’s was standing outside the betrothal ceremony having fled from Silas MacKenzie’s side. Si is a veritable giant of a man, but that’s not why Ellen has run.
Ellen has lost her voice for many years. She mutters under her breath but no-one pays any attention to her. Now she’s standing outside the handfasting ceremony. Marriage will follow in a few hours.
The last thing Silas wants is to be married but his father’s insisting on it, and on naming him as his heir. Silas is to take the clan’s oath of allegiance a short time after. As no-one has chased after his tiny wee bride-to-be, after a long time, he does it himself. And when he gazes into her clear sapphire blue eyes, he knows he’ll protect her forever.
Another charming and touching story with a number of moving parts that add comedy, concern, and danger. Ellen moves from being dismissed by all to a determined force, and Si discovers there’s more to his father’s illness than old age.
Ellen and Si! Each have serious doubts about their abilities, more negative than anything else. Each would rather be somewhere else, until they discover that they complete each other! Sigh! The letter writing antics add that extra touch!
Read in one sitting and immensely enjoyed!

A Victory Editing ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Another first for me, Rose Prendeville is an author I will look for again. Although this is the second book in this series, I found it unnecessary to have read the first. The characters from there feature in Lady Len and the mysterious Mack so we do learn of the connections between the two stories. Silas has come home from his studies in Aberdeen at the behest of his father, who believes he is dying and want Silas to be chosen as the new laird of the clan. He also wants Si to marry, Ellen is the chosen bride, quiet, sickly and full of self doubt. The journey the pair make negotiating their various insecurities is quite enchanting. I loved the side characters too, this book is an easy read but also well written. There are lessons that each of them learn and ends very satisfactorily. For a refreshing and sometimes humorous read I recommend this series and thank Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book.

This heartwarming Scottish romance will satisfy even the most hard-core "Outlander" fans. I loved it!