Review of Bride of Lochbarr, an historical romance set in medieval Scotland by Margaret Moore
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Synopsis
Marianne’s brother has demanded that she live with him on his new lands in Scotland while he arranges a marriage for her with an old, senile, but rich Scotsman. While she’s working on an escape, the son of a local chieftain interferes and “rescues” her.
This ruins her reputation in the eyes of her fellow Normans and Marianne demands that Adair marry her. He reluctantly complies, and their marriage gets off to a rocky start. Whispers about Adair’s behaviour and suitability as future leader of the clan eventually force his father to step-in and get the relationship back on track.
They don’t get to spend much time being happy together before his father dies. Adair’s rise to leadership is marred by an overthrow planned by his brother and cousin.
Review
Bride of Lochbarr was a good book. I would recommend it for anyone who likes romances set in Scotland or the middle ages. It uses a standard romance formula with several twists that make it unique, such as the damsel-in-destress turning the hero away.
Marianne and Adair were so perfect for each other. They had an initial misunderstanding but once they sorted it out, I think their relationship was stronger for it. They try better to communicate with each other and once they spend more time together, they really come to like and trust one another. By the end, they are able to work through issues together, not just issues between them but also issues with the clan.
I enjoyed the clashes between the Scots and Normans/English, and the differences in culture. The Scots are clearly resentful of the Normans, and the Normans don’t like anything to do with the Scots’ way of life.
“It’s uisge beatha – the water of life. We Scots make it, and it’s better than wine.”
She curled her lip at that fulsome praise for the horrific beverage.
“I should have guessed you wouldn’t appreciate that, either,” he muttered as he went back to his task.
“Your drink is terrible, and anyone who appreciates good wine would think so, too.”
I liked how Marianne didn’t let her prejudices against Scots get in the way of endearing herself to the clan. She sees that for good or for bad, she is stuck in Scotland and there is nothing to be gained by acting superior and disdainful.
The baddies of the story are varied and generally well explained. Cormag is just plain evil and I hold no qualms about hating him; I was pleased when he died. Lachlann was an unlikely baddie, but he wasn’t really bad, just weak. Nicholas is bad at the beginning but turns good by the end.
The ending felt a little cut short. It was leading up to a huge showdown between Adair and Lachlann, maybe a battle. Instead, the rebels surrender. The tension was released a wee bit quickly, leaving me feeling mildly dissatisfied.
Conclusion
Have you read Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
