Gwen’s review of Highland Wolf by Hannah Howell
Historical romance published 2 Jan 08 by Zebra Books (Kensington)

Here’s the book blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell returns to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands with the unforgettable Murray clan and the stunning Annora MacKay who cannot resist the desire an alluring stranger offers…

Annora MacKay senses a disturbing evil in Dunncraig Keep, the estate acquired by her cousin, a cruel and ruthless man. Only her affection for the tiny girl he claims is his daughter stops her from fleeing. Then a mysterious woodcarver arrives at the castle, and she cannot stop thinking—or longing—for him…

James Drummond, once a laird now an outcast, wants what was stolen from him—his good name, his lands, and his child. His disguise for getting into Dunncraig is step one of his plan, but the enticing raven-haired woman who cares for his daughter is an unwelcome surprise. For he has come seeking justice, not love…

Read an excerpt.

I’ll try to get my grubby mitts on an excerpt for posting to the blog at a later date.  You can find one in the back of her July 07 reprint of Only For You, if you simply cannot wait.  Found it.  I wrote this review a couple of months ago and some of the bits weren’t available then.

This is another entry into Howell’s Murray Family books – books that are all loosely connected through a large Highlands family. 

Now you know I love Hannah Howell’s historicals like a fat kid loves cake (TM Karen Scott), but I still think this cover looks like the guy is about to perform his own bris or appendectomy.  And, fair warning, the author’s site plays music (note to authors:  sites that play music automatically are painful to visit – not work friendly and if someone hates the music, then what do you do).

I like to read historicals, but I’m not a dyed-in-the-wool fan like my blog compatriots Sybil and Lawson.  I’d much rather read a paranormal, a contemporary, or romantic suspense.  A historical has to be “real” and have authentic characters for me to enjoy them – that’s tough to write well when none of us have lived the period.  Oh, and not a Victorian era novel – for some reason I just can’t seem to enjoy those.  Luckily for me, though, Howell never fails to deliver real, authentic characters.

Annora and James are two very likable characters – they’re honest with each other and themselves.  The secondary characters are interesting and multi-dimensional.  The villains are evil and sufficiently venal to add drama.  As with most Murray Family books, there is a hint of paranormal in this novel, adding a bit of spice.  The Scottish Highlands setting is rich without becoming a distraction to the reason we’re here – the romance.

The romance between James and Annora has a very satisfying life.  It develops naturally and becomes something quite beautiful.  I was a little disappointed that James had very little thought for deflowering Annora without a voiced commitment to her.  Given the time period, however, this was probably not as big a “thing” as I took it for.  One of the things I truly like about Howell’s writing style is a naturally developing commitment and love between her main characters.

Another thing I like about her style is how Howell wraps up a story.  No hanging tendrils, no wondering if they stay together.  She spends time at the end of most of her novels telling us “what happens next.”  You see the characters happy, having children, getting on with living.  A truly satisfying end to a very good story.

This is a recommended read.  While I think it may not be Howell’s best, it is excellent nonetheless.

Grade: B+

Howell’s next entry in the Murray Family saga is Tormand’s story, Highland Fire.  I couldn’t find a release date (guessing mid-2008), but Releasing 3 Jun 08 and there is an excerpt in the back of Highland Wolf.