When Caroline's brother tries to make her choose between two men she doesn't love to be her husband, she runs away to Scotland. Caroline becomes a governess to three Scottish girls hoping her brother will never think to look for her in the highlands.

Alec has just been informed his father has died, and he is now the new laird of Glenorne. He needs to marry a woman with a large fortune to help rebuild his home, but he can't stop thinking about his sisters' governess. It doesn't take long for Alec to realize someone is trying to kill him, and he'll need Caroline's help to save his family and his life.

Ghosts, romance, mistaken identities, and life threatening excitement combine for an animated storyline in Lecia Cornwall's ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER. At first Alec seems dishonorable, but as the story continues, readers will realize Alec will do anything for his family and for the people of Glenorne. Caroline is brave and strong -willed, but in the end she wants the same as Alec, to find happiness. The secondary characters in ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER are lively and surprisingly well - rounded. Caroline's family is especially humorous, and Cornwall's dialogue between family members is superb making me laugh out loud.

The details are lush and make the highlands come alive. Cornwall adds a great plot twist, which keeps the excitement going, and the ending is surprising and joyful. Cornwall brings summer romance to life, and readers will find magic in ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER anytime of the year.