After their father's death, Honora and her young sisters, Beatrix and Rosemary, find themselves in the care of their uncle, a self-important duke that sees the girls as stepping-stones to greater connections.  Since Honora is of marriageable age, her uncle begins presenting her with eligible (and worthy from his point of view) suitors.  But, the young and romantic Honora doesn't want to marry for political gain--she has her heart set on true love--or at least a husband approximately her own age.  So, Honora is carted off to the capital for a season of balls and parties.  Surely, her uncle reasons, he can find her a good match in Edinburgh.  As luck would have it, Honora catches the eye of an Earl--quite the match according to her uncle.  However, the headstrong Honora storms out of the party and straight into the arms of Brec McCloud, Lord of Clan McCloud.  Honora and Brec fall head over heels, and Honora's uncle, not the man to deny the path of true love as long as it involves clan lordship, agrees to the young Scotsman's suit. 

Alas, Honora and Brec's romance is cut short when Honora's little sister, Beatrix, receives a proposal.  The Duke, for reasons of propriety, demands that Honora marry before her younger sister.  Therefore, Honora and Brec are hustled to the altar and the pair heads for Brec's mysterious home on the Isle of Myst.  Just what awaits the naive Lowland girl on an Island of Highlanders?  Has Honora really found her true love--or is love only just in fairy tales?  You'll have to read SPEAK OF LOVE to see! 

This is a great historical romance filled with love, laughs, and intrigue.  Very much a "coming of age" story, Honora starts the tale as a rather spoiled and very naive girl who quickly discovers that the world is much larger than she had ever imagined.  When Honora arrives in her new husband's domain, she finds that she can no longer lead the life of a sheltered debutante.  She is now the lady of the manor with all the political and diplomatic responsibilities that job entails.  Although she has a (really) rocky start, Honora rises to the occasion.  Her interactions with her husband, as well as the Islanders, are filled with witty and whimsy.  Honora and Brec's romance is interesting and certainly full of angst as Honora quickly finds that love and especially marriage isn't always the stuff of happy-ever-afters.  Very well written and historically researched, SPEAK OF LOVE will be a real treat for romance readers--especially those interested in Scotland.  If you are a fan of Diane Gabaldon, then you must read this book!  Good work, Ms. Madl!