Reviews for Stealing Sophie

Gabriel's debut is a fun and feisty story, complete with a rousing and unforgettable cast of characters, an exhilarating pace and plenty of passion. It's such fun to see a "braw" man like Connor taken down a peg or two by the delightful Sophie. You'll be captivated by this sure-to-win-your-heart tale." 

 --Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Bookclub

In STEALING SOPHIE, Sarah Gabriel weaves legend and lore into an enthralling tale that will hold readers spellbound from the first page to the last....I highly recommend STEALING SOPHIE! A marvelous debut, it's a well wrought, tender, enchanting tale of two lonely people who find love when they least expect it, with characters you will remember long after the last page is turned. Don't miss this wonderful book!

"...When Sophie learns that her husband married the wrong woman, she decides to drive him crazy with kindness as her clan’s fairy cup says “Love makes its own magic”, figuring a vinegar thug like her husband will toss out her sweetness. Instead she soon has his clan doing her bidding as everyone is enthralled with her and Connor is thankful for his error. However, the clan feud remains volatile threatening to destroy the growing love between the outlaw and the abducted. STEALING SOPHIE is a solid one part amusing and one part action-adventure Scottish historical romance starring a bewildered lead male whose toughness is overwhelmed by the pleasantness of his feisty fairy-like lass. The story line concentrates on the changing relationship between the lead duet as Sophie takes charge through honey, but occurs in a background where the clans are battling one another. Readers will welcome newcomer Sarah Gabriel into the sub-genre clan for providing a fun historical."     

--- Harriet Klausner on www.allreaders.com  (five stars)

"Historical Romances has a new voice. A voice you will want to put on your TBB list each time she has a new release. Sarah Gabriel’s foray into writing is a most delightful romp through the Highlands of Scotland and filled with mistaken identities, a very quick marriage and bedding, a little suspense, a little magic and lots of interesting characters... STEALING SOPHIE was a delightful read, a definite keeper and, I hope, won’t be the last we see from Ms. Gabriel.  She’s woven the perfect story for the region and the time in history, 1728.  Her characterizations are very well done, the dialogue often amusing and sad.  The love that begins to develop between Connor and Sophie is heartwarming.  The secondary characterizations are well thought-out and, hopefully, will appear in future books.  I highly recommended read."

--Claudia McRay, www.romancejunkies.com

Sophie MacCarran watches in shock when her bodyguards fall into the river as the bridge collapses. A Highlander brigand abducts her in the confusion. Racing off into the night with the outlaw, Sophie learns of his intention to wed her at her brother's insistence. Sophie has recently returned from a Belgian convent to honor her father's promise and wed a man she despises. To prevent that marriage, Sophie agrees to wed the Highlander.

Connor MacPherson, once the rightful heir and son of a viscount, now is regarded as an outlaw laird whose father died in a hangman's noose for his Jacobite beliefs. He roams the Highlands stealing cattle and sabotaging the English. At times, Connor fantasizes about living a peaceful life as a farmer with a family, but reality leaves him homeless and alone. Upon promising a friend to steal his sister, Connor's life takes a dramatic turn.

After the vows and bedding, Connor discovers he married the wrong sister. Feisty Sophie might be charmed by the handsome man, but she leads him on a merry chase. Invoking her fairy magic, Sophie tries to find love and happiness with this compelling and charismatic man.

STEALING SOPHIE will appeal to readers who are looking for a lighthearted, tender romance. Ms. Gabriel creates an entertaining tale with strong characters and adds a dash of fairy lore.                        

-- The Best Reviews (thebestreviews.com) 

                       reviewed by Suan Wilson
                        Posted January 14, 2005