Treasured (Secrets of the Loch Book 1)

This is a very entertaining historical romance set in the Scottish Highlands. This is not usually my favorite kind of romance but this is a bit different than the usual. An Englishman wins a Highland castle? Estate? And travels to inspect it, planning to sell it. Romance and some pretty good suspense follow, all in all a very satisfying tale.

When Isobel's younger brother loses their ancestral home in a game of cards to Jack Kensington, she finds herself in a tough situation. She can either find a relative willing to take her and her aging aunt in or figure something else out. Not only that but she is worried about what will happen to the crofters who work her land and what will happen to them if Jack sells her home. So she arranges a marriage with Jack on her own terms.Isobel does the only thing that she can realistically do in her situation to protect her family and the people who look to her for support. I really admired her loyalty and determination to see her family and their crofters safe. Jack mainly just wants the marriage for the prestige of being married to an old family and the doors it will help to open for him, at least at first. It didn't hurt that they were both attracted to each other to begin with either.Jack and Isobel's romance progresses so naturally, nothing feels rushed or hurried, well besides the arranged marriage anyway. I delighted in them falling in love, and of course knew they were long before they did. The story was very interesting too, with a fantastic mixture of romance, intrigue and mystery. The mystery unfolded seamlessly throughout the book and I'll admit I didn't know who was causing all of the trouble until the very end.I was so excited to see that the second book in the series, Pleasured, features Meg (Isobel's best friend and local midwife). I really enjoyed her character, she was fiery and independent, and I have a few ideas as to where her story will lead. Can't wait to find out if I'm right!Overall, I really enjoyed Treasured! It was a delightful historical romance, with all of the historical details that I love and a sweet romance. If you're looking for a really good read, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one!***I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.***

I did enjoy this book. I really liked Jack - Isobel, not quite as much. But she did become more likable as the story progressed. She was not a shrew or anything - I just found her a bit tedious.I liked the mystery aspect of the story - but honestly got a bit confused about who was who - the deceased characters were all either cousins or parents of living characters - who were also cousins or aunts/uncles. It was just confusing - but not impossible to follow. And while I am talking about confusing aspects of the story - who was Dolly??I think this was a good start to the series and I look forward to finding out what happened to the treasure!!

Candace Camp has been one of my favorites for 20 years or more. This is a good example of why I am a loyal reader: the characters, the setting, the emotions and the plot are all well done. A gambler wins a Scottish estate on a bet, and goes to see what he was won, planning to immediately sell it. He is amazed to find an attractive young woman (sister of the loser), and her mentally declining mother living in the manor house, which he had assumed was deserted. Set against the beginnings of the clearances, when Scottish estates, many owned by Englishmen, viciously cleared out their tenant farmers and turned to more profitable sheep raising. Ms. Camp is truly a writer of historical romance: she actually gets history into her stories!

It's not often that I write a review, but having been a faithful Candace Camp fan, I felt like I just had to in this case. The pace of this book was just so slow. I absolutely had no problem putting it down, where as in the past I've always read her books within a day or two. This book took me a week. The overall plot of the story is what drew me in, but the way it was carried out just felt so disjointed. The dramatic sections felt rushed and hastily put together. The ending was very anticlimactic as well. I thought to myself, "That's it? All that build up and that's it?". Candace is a great author, but her recent works haven't engaged me as much as her past books. If you're a Candace Camp fan, by all means read it, however, if not I would pass.

Once again Candace Camp has written an excellent story. Imagine your home being gambled away right out from under you. The two main characters were believable as well as likeable. I had a problem with the brother though. The story was well written and there is something about Scottish variants to the Regency theme that adds some spice. A little brogue . . .I highly recommend to those fans of Candace Camp and this genre. The mystery in the story was good as well, and I didn't figure out the who in who done it until it was obvious and only one chapter to go . . .So read it and enjoy.

I like Candance Camp's historical romances. This one was set in Scotland and deals with the sad fate of women, who were entirely dependent on fathers, brothers, or husbands who if irresponsible, wreck financial and emotional havoc when they lose their homes or estates at the gambling table. As with many romances, the ending is predictable, but how will the author take us there? ...with interesting characters (sometimes you want to shake them), a solid storyline, and good writing.

I so looked forward to her books coming out, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed in this one. I had to keep checking to see if I had the correct author. I usually have trouble putting her books down until they are completed, but not this one.

Rather depressing story but end was good

This is one of my favorite authors. I was pleased with the delivery.

Great read.

ok item well received and in time

The picture on the front cover was the most excitement this book had. I found the book dragged, the plot was weak and this was not a romance but I would consider it a mystery. Not what I was louoking for.