Customer Reviews

Emerald Embrace

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a huge fan of Heather Graham (here using her pen name Shannon Drake) and really enjoyed this romance though I have rated others of hers 5 stars (see my reviews). This story takes place in mid 19th century Scotland where Martise St James travels from Virginia just after the Civil War to Castle Creeghan in the Scottish Highlands where her best friend, Lady Mary Creeghan, has died mysteriously. She seeks the truth of her friend's death and she seeks the emerald that she knows Mary held that will allow Martise to save her beloved home in Virginia. She is captivated by the handsome Lord Creeghan, a man of dark secrets, who repeatedly warns her that she must leave. She discovers many other strange doings about the castle and its crypts below ground that frighten her. But she is committed to staying no matter the risk to her person, her life or her heart. Graham/Drake draws you into the life of the castle, its mysterious past and the times as only she can do. I really only dropped it a half star as the action was not as continuous or as breathtaking as some of her other stories. I did not like the cartoon illustrations as I thought them silly; they made the hero look ordinary and the heroine look very young, all of which were inconsistent with Graham's excellent portrayals. You will enjoy this one and if you're a Graham fan, you will not be disappointed.

I absolutely LOVED this Gothic romance novel.It had it all suspense, drama, action and above all a good old fashioned Victorian romance.Bruce the "brooding" Laird of Creeghan and the Martisse St. James, the "mysterious" American lass who falls in love with him despite her intial misgivings.I have always been a huge fan of Shannon Drake A.K.A Heather Graham and have a lot of her books.I also recommend Bride of the Wind and For the King's Pleasure?( two of my favorites from her).I really liked the illustrations by Yevgeniya Yerestskaya.....some of them were quite interesting *blush*.I hope the author continues the Creeghan family saga with the stories of Ian and Conar.Happy reading.

I absolutly loved this book. It's that simple. Graham keeps you guessing and just when you think you've figured it out your unsure again. You feel a connection with the characters and in your head start saying "oh no!" at the low points and rooting for your favorite through this compelling plot.

** NO Spoilers**

Shannon Drake has captured my heart once again with this wonderful tale of secrets and sexuality. Lord Creeghan gave Martise St. James no reason to trust him, yet threw out the suspenseful story she lays her life and her heart in his hands. This a dramatic roller coaster that you wont want to stop until the last page.

In 1865, upon learning of the death of her friend Mary, Lady Creeghan, Martise St. James travels from war torn Virginia to Scotland on a mission. She plans to investigate Mary's death and search for the St. James emerald that she sent to her late friend for safekeeping while the Civil War had marauders from both sides stealing from civilians.

To obtain entrance to Castle Creeghan in the Highlands, she informs the widower Lord Bruce Creeghan that she is Mary's sister. Although she believes her host killed his wife, Martise finds she desires him. As she investigates the castle's secrets, Martise learns that most inside the keep believe murder occurred and the laird is the suspect. Although they fall in love in between arguments, he vows never again will someone he cares for be a victim while she fears being victim number two.

With engaging illustrations by Yevgeniya Yeretskaya that enhance the strong gothic plot, fans will enjoy this entertaining historical romantic suspense. The lead couple is a terrific pairing of a brave amateur sleuth and the prime suspect as she tries serendipitously to investigate the murder and the missing emerald while he tries to keep her safe. With a strong support cast, readers will relish this solid Victorian era romantic whodunit romance.

Harriet Klausner

From back of book: Martise St. James journeyed to the brooding Scottish castle to uncover the secret of her friends untimely death.

Lord Bruce Creeghan was her late friends husband, a man whose stormy eyes aroused Martise darkest suspicions and-wildest desires.

Surrounded by Whispers and fear-and temptation-Martise tried to unlock the mysteries of the ancient castle., Silence the rumers of murder and locate a missing emerald. But the Lord's magnetic presence demanded her surrender. Her body melting in the mans powerful arms she longed to destroy the shadow of her doubts ...and flames of Reckless passion.

But Who really was Lord Creeghan? Could their love be the greatest peril of all? EMERALD EMBRACE!!!!!