The Hiring Fair

Laura Strickland

Aug 2016 · The Wild Rose Press Inc

About this ebook

Brutally dispossessed during the Highland Clearances, Tam Sutherland comes to the hiring fair at Oban, Scotland hoping to find a job for the season. But his maimed right hand, inflicted by the same cruel factor responsible for his parents’ deaths, means he’s one of few men available when the beautiful woman makes her surprising announcement: she’s looking not for a hand but a husband, not just for the season but forever. Annie MacCallum is under threat from a brutal factor also, back at her home farm—one who preys on unmarried women. If she’s to protect all those who rely on her, including her beloved animals, she must have a husband, if only in name. Secretly glad when the attractive Tam takes up her proposition, she doesn’t realize she’s dragging him into a situation that will trigger old demons. Nor does she expect to give him her heart.

Ratings and reviews

The Hiring Fair by Laura Strictland is a captivating and mesmerizing Scottish Romance set in 1810 Oban, Scotland during a time of the Highland Clearances. (Help Wanted Series). The characters are flawed, but engaging and captivating. The storyline is unique, intriguing and utterly fascinating. A twist on the usual male looking for a wife. This one is a woman looking for a husband who will be a handiman, only. In "The Hiring Fair", Annie MacCallum, a healer, with a special, but dangerous "gift", goes on Market Day seeking a husband. Enter, Tam Sutherland, a misplaced Highlander of the Clearances, who has suffered the brutality of the Clearances, where his hand was severely damaged and gnarled. Tam is hired to be her husband, but only as her handiman, Anna's not seeking a husband in the true sense of the word, but they are quickly married. However,things definitely change between them, when hearts get involved. Ned Randleigh, the evil factor, acting on behalf of the Laird, or so it's believed. The Laird who is every sick and in Edinburgh, unaware of what's happening in his absence. Anna is being plagued by the vicious Ned, who takes advantage of the unmarried women of the village with brutality and cruelty. Which, is why Anna seeks a husband, hoping to dissuade Ned's advances. Ned Randleigh, the evil factor, acting on behalf of the Laird, or so it's believed. Ned is determined to have Anna at all cost. If he can't have her in his bed, he is willing to destroy those she holds dearest, including having her declared a"witch", to have her in his bed and under his control. Will he kill her new husband, and destroy all she holds dear? Or can he be stopped before he destroys Tam, Anna and a way of life? Fast paced, complex, emotionally charged, with brutality, sacrifice, vengeance, passion, a menagerie of wounded souls, both humans and animals, and the magic of faith, trust and love. Many twists and turns takes the reader on an emotional thrill ride, throughout. I was in tears, and my angst for these Highlanders was intense, I could not imagine what these women, especially, went though. Your heart will bleed for them, the horrors they faced, as well as their familes, the angst they must have faced, all due to the evils of one man, Ned, the factor. "The Hiring Fair" is an awesome read! I enjoy Ms. Strictland's stories, but, have to said, this was one of her best yet, to me. But, then I enjoy Highland stories, the magic of love and trust. Tissues needed! All I can say is WOW! Powerful storytelling, Ms. Markland! This was not your everyday, Scottish Romance. Fans of Scottish Romance with a twist, the Highland Clearances, myths, and the magic of faith, are sure to enjoy "The Hiring Fair". What a unique and mesmerizing tale! Strongly recommended! Received for an honest review. However, all opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions. Rating: 4.5 Heat rating: Mild Reviewed by: AprilR

About the author

Born and raised in Western New York, Laura Strickland has been an avid reader and writer since childhood. Embracing her mother's heritage, she pursued a lifelong interest in Celtic lore, legend and music, all reflected in her writing. She has made pilgrimages to both Newfoundland and Scotland in the company of her daughter, but is usually happiest at home not far from Lake Ontario, with her husband and her "fur" child, a rescue dog. She practices gratitude every day.