Early Book Review: Once Upon a Plaid (Spirit of the Highlands) by Mia Marlowe

Once Upon a Plaid is the latest book in the Spirit of the Highland series by Mia Marlowe. It is currently scheduled for release on October 7 2014.  Katherine Douglas is considered fortunate. Her husband, Laird William Douglas is broad-shouldered, gentle-handed, everything a lass could dream. However, after four years of marriage, Katherine still knows little of what goes on in his heart and she has yet to bear him an heir. Her pain and desire to set her husband free so he can have his heir has her at her childhood home. But William won't let his wife slip away without a fight. Before long, he's at her father's threshold himself, witness to the rumbles of discontent in Glengarry, the bright joy of Yuletide at a family hearth, and the hidden needs of his own beloved.

Once Upon a Plaid deals with issues most romance novels ignore, the ever after that has troubles of its own. Katherine and William were promised to each other as children, and have found love together even if they do not really communicate well. However, after a still born babe and several miscarriages, some of which Katherine has kept to herself, there are barriers and pain between them that need to be breached. It is the lack of communication and shielded emotion that is the root of all the strife between them. I liked that both characters are strong, intelligent, and thinking about the welfare of the other more so than themselves.  the addition of clan strife adds another layer of tension and excitement to the story, as does the trials of Katherine's sister, but the true heart of the story is about sharing pain and coming together. There is some faith involved, but not so much that it will push away those that do not enjoy religious fiction. It is more a part of the character's and their lives than a plot point. 

I enjoyed that Once Upon a Plaid dealt with some very tough issues, and I felt for the characters throughout the story. i will say that since it began with the couple well into their married life I did feel like I missed something important when I first began the book. It was still a solid read, and may be a very hard read for those that have had trouble conceiving or carrying children to term. The main suggestion I would offer to make the book feel more complete is to offer a preface with a wedding night or childhood day when their love for each other showed.