Honor and greed collide in BLOOD ON THE TARTAN, as determined individuals clash over the principals in which they believe.
This fascinating tale is cleverly told in colorful detail, where a historical event occurring in the Highlands of Scotland comes alive in a riveting style. Talented author Chris Holmes adeptly interweaves fact with fiction to create a memorable romance filled with unforgettable characters.
After having been displaced years earlier when she was a young girl because their land was wanted to raise sheep, Catherine Ross now has a home where she is able to keep up with its rent to the landowner and support herself from profits off the land. Her family was evicted from their farm when her prior landlord said he wanted to improve the area by making the farmers leave and then leasing the land for sheep to graze. Though her family moved away to Canada to live, Catherine stayed in her beloved country, vowing to not ever be forced from her home located in the quiet village of Greenyards.
However, fate once again intervenes in her peaceful life, as her landlord lets his desire for more profits have him wanting the farmland of his leaseholders for sheep to use. Although the authorities hope the evictions will take place without any type of resistance, Catherine and her fellow villagers will not just stand by and let their homes be taken from them again during the Highland Clearances of 1854. Also having a say in the current conflict is Ian MacGregor, the local constable whose feelings for Catherine are beginning to turn towards an intense attraction, one which she also feels. When a confrontation between authorities and the villagers arises, lines are drawn and decisions will be made affecting the futures of these fearlessly proud Highlanders.
In his fictional books, Chris Holmes takes a situation based on fact and then generates an enthralling story based around this reality. BLOOD ON THE TARTAN is a story created around real people and the events which shaped Scotland as well as the other countries where they fled after being evicted. Just knowing many of the well-depicted incidents actually happened makes this story even more mesmerizing. From the opening scene, the lives of these characters will capture the imagination of readers, as daily home life, carefree moments plus desired hopes and shattered dreams are skillfully described. Seeing how each person reacted to the significant events surrounding their lives is compellingly conveyed by Mr. Holmes, as their emotions surface and inner feelings are spoken. The romantic aspects of the story are touchingly portrayed as complex decisions must be made, ones affecting not only themselves but also many others in the area. With the growing love between Ian and Catherine being tested time and again, their personal stories are poignantly moving. The circumstances of what took place in the village of Greenyards during the Highland Clearances are effectively told by Mr. Holmes, making me proud to have descended from these honorable people. Whether the reader wants an emotive romance or an accurately told historical fiction, BLOOD ON THE TARTAN is a rewarding read.
Amelia Richard - Singletitles.com 

Scottish history and romance alive!
Blood On The Tartan is Scottish historical romance set during the mid19th century during the Highland Clearances. Chris Holmes puts the history back into historical romance in a manner that heightens the romance. The reader is easily drawn into the scene and characters through this author's depiction of the historical world.
Catherine Ross remembers her childhood the Scottish clearances of Glencalvie all too well. When mass evictions appear eminent, threatening to empty the glens of her people to make way for sheep, Catherine rallies her people and becomes the center of resistance. Constable Ian MacGregor is sworn to uphold the law and he takes his oath and his honor seriously. Torn between his love for Catherine and his job, Ian must decide. Can their love survive? Can they survive the approaching battle? Chris Holmes stands out as a historical romance writer in his creation of characters. Catherine is defiant yet a certain calm steadfastness emerges in the midst of her defiance. Ian is a man of honor, torn in his loyalties, yet both tender and intelligent. He knows how to standup for his love and work behind the scenes. Catherine and Ian's love develops gradually, ever increasing in depth as the two characters discover their love not only through their physical attraction but also through their actions towards one another. The secondary characters add intrigue, emotional and historical authenticity. The time and place setting is dramatic, the romance riveting, though not overplayed, giving a richness and depth to this read that will appeal to romance and historical fiction readers.
I adore this Scottish historical romance! Blood On The Tartan has more history than some historical romances --- but never dry history in this book! Readers will find themselves completely immersed in the scene, the history and the characters. Chris Holmes creates a multi-dimensional theme of justice in his depiction of all the nuances and forces at work from the laird down to the land tenants. This intricate historical detail emanates from the story itself, heightening the suspense and the reader's understanding of the history in a vivid manner as if it were current and present. The extra historical detail just makes their life stories more memorable and lasting because the emotions were grounded in events.
The ending is quite special and bridges links with Catherine's mother's story as well as opening up this romance to an expansive view of Scottish history and ancestry. Blood On The Tartan is a must read for romance and historical fiction lovers of Scottish heritage.
~ Merri, Merrimon Book Reviews