The World of the MacGregors....

For years now I have had Nora Roberts' MacGregor Series on my shelf. Each year I have said I will finally read them..... And haven't. Yesterday I finally found the order the books are supposed to be read in so I decided to start them.  I figure I can get through all 9 stories in the series this week before moving on to Andrea Cremer's novels.
Book Info:
Book 1 - Rebellion by Nora Roberts. Originally published by Harlequin in 1988
Book 2 - In From the Cold by Nora Roberts. Originally published as part of a Christmas
               Anthology by Harlequin in 1990

The series begins with Rebellion. Scotland is on the eve of the battle of Culloden. Any History buff (or Gabaldon fan) can understand the significance of this time. Scotland is gearing up for the rebellion and war with Serena MacGregor's family right in the middle of it. Due to traumatic experiences in her youth, Serena has a valid hate for all things English. Fate brings the English Jacobite named Brigham into Serena's life and the story goes from there.

I am not the biggest fan of Nora's earlier novels. Though this one was pretty good. Dealing with this era is difficult for any writer because the turmoil can be so intense. I am impressed that Nora allows a beloved character to die in battle. Too many authors only kill of the minor characters or the ones that the reader is supposed to hate. Nora on the other hand, not only kills a major character but it is a character that everyone loves.
The other trouble I have with these novels is that I am an avid Diana Gabaldon fan. I know Nora came first as Gabaldon's Outlander wasn't published until 1991, but my love has to side with Jaime and Claire. While Nora weaves a wonderful story, Gabaldon's Jaime and Claire will always have my heart.

The second novel is a short story about the Christmas after the Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773). Here we see that most of the MacGregor clan have crossed the Atlantic and settled in the New World.

As warriors, the MacGregors leap to defend their new homeland from the evil British once again.  Here we get the story of Ian, the nephew of Serena and Brigham. He loses his heart to the beautiful Irish widow Alanna Flynn. Alanna has already lost her older brother, her mother, and her husband to the new world and is looking for a man who will be content to stay home by the fire. Ian of course has aligned himself with the Sons of Liberty and is already working for the new rebellion.
This was a cute short story. I think my main issue was that many of the story lines were not fleshed out as much as they needed to be. While still enjoyable, you could tell that this was condensed for the anthology.
There was only 1 moment where I was unable to suspend my disbelief. Brigham barges into the birthing room while Alanna is delivering her son to share some important news from England. While I understood the purpose of the scene for the book, I couldn't wrap my head around the supposed reasoning of the man. Who can't wait to share news - even amazing news- until after the woman is done giving birth! I mean really.

Now on to book 3 in the series.