I Saw Three Ships by PAMELA GRIFFIN: Rachel is upset after her childhood love returns to manage the family shipbuilding business in Scotland. Malcolm has changed; he’s so secretive. And why did he leave abruptly, years ago, without saying good-bye? Malcolm hoped by bringing Rachel to Farthay House as a companion to his mother they could renew their relationship and he could admit the truth. Will chaos follow his confession, or will love sail into two stubborn hearts this Christmastide?

A Right, Proper Christmas by JILL STENGL: Charlotte Colburn’s rector father takes a half-frozen vagrant into their home for Christmas. While regaining his strength, Dan Jackson falls in love with Charlotte, but God has called him to preach Christ’s salvation to the poor. He cannot offer marriage to a lady Can Dan reconcile God’s calling with his own pride? And will Charlotte ever see beyond Dan’s rough exterior and learn to value his godly character?

I picked this book up at a used bookstore because, well, why not? There seems to be a love affair with Scottish settings right now, so I thought I’d give this a go.

I Saw Three Ships takes some getting used to as the dialogue is written to show a thick accent, but once I got used to it, it was fun to read. A bit predictable, and I would have enjoyed some deeper character development, but a cute story. A Right, Proper Christmas pulled me in a little deeper and held my attention more easily. But I’m also a sucker for more-than-meets-the-eye characters, so I enjoyed seeing how Dan and Charlotte grew to understand and love each other.

Overall, sweet, easy reads.