Hello, and welcome back! Things are a little hectic in my house this month, and, from the look of it, won't be slowing down till about mid-October. Good thing I've been reading ahead, and have several of the October titles read and ready to share with you in the next weeks. I hope all of you are finding a little reading time with all the back-to-school activities and the normal day-to-day things that crop up.

This week's books are set in Scotland and Ireland, a boon for those fond of Celtic romances or settings. Something about the Isles lends itself well to romance novels. Maybe it's the accents. Maybe it's the brawny men in kilts. Who knows, but count me among the fans.

First up is Juliana Garnett's Laird (Jove), with Englishwoman Judith Lindsay kidnapped along with her young ward by the Campbell clan in a deadly skirmish. Robert Campbell didn't take part in the kidnapping of the child for the Earl of Argyll, but now that his brothers are dead, he must go on, taking up where they left off, though he's unwilling. But the lovely Judith has no intention of giving in to the demands made of her, and Rob finds himself impressed by her, and falling... I love the setting (it's Scotland, how could I not?), enjoyed this couple. Of Cupid's five arrows, this one's earned four.

Next we travel to Ireland, and Linda O'Brien's Ballyrourke (Jove Irish Eyes). Katherine Rourke is delighted to have inherited the Irish Ballyrourke Estate--it means she'll be able to sell it and build an orphanage in her hometown of Chicago. Colin MacCormack, however, believes the estate should be his family's, and he'll do what he can to convince Katherine of that, never figuring on falling for her. Toss in a greedy uncle who may be a murderer, some fae folk, and you have the makings of a lively story. I'm giving this one three and a half arrows.

Finally we have Always a Lady by Rebecca Hagan Lee (Jove), the second in her trilogy of "Heirs." This time out, Kit Ramsey has inherited a title in Ireland. Mariah Shaughnessy is the lovely baker in the town of Inismorn, and she's been waiting a long time for Kit to come back. This pair has quite a road ahead of them, with secret mistresses of George Ramsey and spurned suitors along the way, and it's going to take a lot of work to make Mariah over into a proper lady. I liked this one, but I didn't love it--it's not a keeper for me. It's earned three arrows.

Don't forget to join in our discussions at the forum, including our book club discussion each month. We're rearranging our chat schedule, so let us know which of our choices works best for you.

Until next week, happy reading!