It's not part of the lore I've heard (or remember, at least) but it could very well be a family tradition

Yeah, publishers really smeared the Highlands theme all over romance for way too long. But I'm doing the industrial revolution and the city, and there's so MUCH wonderful amazing history there, it's hard to know where to start. Maybe I can start a Victorian Scotland rush. ;)

I would have loved the opportunity to talk with him! I bet he knew more than the little bit I skimmed up!

I pretty much burned out on medieval Scotland long ago. And Ian was all about character more than setting. I LOVE that book.

now, if only I can remember the article is here for when I need the info again!

Aye, and those were violent days. ;) But one must wonder how wee those knives were

Oh perfect, Sue! Not sure what time it is in England right now, but I'll message Nicola to let her know.

thanks for the recs! I'm not much on suspense and I think you've nailed one of the reasons. I'll have to take a look at this one. And speaking as someone who has attempted to mix mystery and romance...it's pretty tough keeping two strong story lines balanced. The book needs to be twice as big. ;)

so cool, thank you! Yes, BVC is an undiscovered gem, and it's been a privilege working with these truly marvelous authors.

Wow, these are all new to me--and that's not easy to do! I'll have to go on a hunt, thank you! And if you enjoyed Marie Brennan, you might want to take a look at Book View Cafe, where she hangs out: http://bookviewcafe.com/bookstore/bvc-author/marie-brennan/

I read on an app on my e-reader and don't seem to have the dictionary choice, but I have Websters bookmarked and can always mosey over there. ;)

Wow, you've hit on some of my favorite authors! I recommend your reading taste.

I know why writers can't read their own writing--because we have every word memorized in our own heads and skim lines looking for different flaws, like how a word or clause impacts the emotion of a scene. I'm currently editing an author/editor who knows grammar and spelling inside and out, but once she's in the flow, the most egregious errors simply slip past her. So we really rely on our editors to catch the small stuff--and it's hard to find editors sometimes with the kind of experience we have. And even then--usage changes, sigh.

Summertime is apparently a reader's bliss! I hear ya on digital. A lot of books can be read digitally, and I really prefer my little gadget to hauling a big book around. But it's impossible to tell which books I'd be better off reading in paper. I'm turning more and more to my library lately. It's impossible to keep up a reading habit at today's prices!

Hi, Binnie! That's quite an impressive reading list. The problem with grammar these days is that it's changing as fast as technology, as is spelling, which makes me really crazy!

I'm glad some Wench recommendations are helping your reading pile!

hmmm, inventions... I may have to check this out, thank you!

Oh, I know Teresa! I'll have to look this one up, thank you!

I used to love Gregory back in the day. Don't know if I want to read about those poor queens again. ;) And MJP doesn't waste time drooling over sex, which I love!

Now that I'm in SoCal and have a little more experience with LA, I should try Connelly again, thanks for reminding me of him! And OMG, Marjorie Farrell is a blast from the past. I wish she'd kept writing. We've lost too many intelligent writers who loved writing Regency history. And I think Anne and Mary can probably give you a nice slice of history with your heart-swooning romance!

you can almost hear the surf in the music! Of course, I almost didn't get back here after that. ;)

The Caribbean has some gorgeous tropical islands. I loved St Lucia. Does your Kindle work in sun? I had to buy the kind that does, not that I remember what it's called.

Ohhhhh, that's right! I need to see if that one made my cross-country move and re-read. Or if she brought it out in ebook. Thanks for the memory!