Ellen McArthur appearance acts as an effective camouflage for her. Petite and a red headed beauty she catches the eye of many of suitor. She is not in the market for a suitor since she has been betrothed to a long time dear friend and this union has been duly approved and sanctioned by her grandfather. But tensions and border wars run rampant in Scotland in it's ongoing and seemingly never ending battle with English to remain independent. And unfortunately Ellen is caught in the middle of this unrest by a fellow Scot who would have her as his wife so to be in control of her valued lands and he will do nothing short of murder to have her. But he is not prepared for the defenses Ellen has been carefully taught by her grandfather. Her grandfather was a wise man who knew that a woman in their world must be able to protect herself and she is never without her weapon. Upon attaining her freedom from this unwanted suitor she escapes to the courts of the Scottish king who makes her a member of his household and develops a keen affection for this sassy, bright and very intuitive albeit small lass. In order to further protect her he makes a deal with a border lord Duncan Armstrong. While under Armstrong's protection Ellen becomes an intricate part of his life and upon returning to the king it is decided that Ellen and Duncan should wed. This is not the hardship it appears to be since a very real attraction has been developing between them and once recognized their union becomes a lusty and passionate one. The only regret Duncan has is that he had hoped to marry for love. Now his dream is that the affection he feels for Ellen, which is quickly developing into a great love, should be returned by his wee lass.

Beatrice Small writes of a time in history rife with life altering events most out of the control of the inhabitants of Scotland and its borders. The survival depends on erecting huge stone walls around each stronghold to protect the lord, his family and their people and this wall can only be built with the approval of the king. Vying for the king's respect becomes a way of life and the means of survival. This is a story of two people whose very life depends on the sometimes considered whim of the king. Inner strength is as necessary as brawn and Small has created some very feisty and intelligent characters. Life is hard but with love it would seem feasible. In THE BORDER LORD'S BRIDE the reader is rooting hard for love to conquer all.