Temptation

New York, 1909. Temperance O'Neil is 29 and devoted to her work with single mothers on the city's streets. Her new stepfather, Angus McCairn, controls her large inheritance, and he demands that she give up that work and move into his house in Edinburgh.

Temperance goes to Scotland intending to make Angus miserable. He then offers a deal: she will pose as housekeeper to his nephew, James, while quietly finding him a wife. If she manages the match, she may go home to New York.

James McCairn is Laird of Clan McCairn, a huge, rough-mannered man who cares only about farming. His stables are spotless and his horses are groomed to a shine, and he gives his sheep personal attention. Meanwhile pigeons roost in the kitchens and chickens wander the bedrooms.

Temperance wants her passage back and is willing to pay nearly any price for it. As she tries to teach James about love, the price may turn out to be her own heart. This is a historical romance with a comic edge, set in a house in need of a firm hand.