This was a quick and fun read, and I read it when I was sick and needed something not too complicated or long. It was a 3.5 for me but rounding it down as it just did not come up to a four star for me. It is the story of a young chambermaid in some past century – some time after Robin Hood because he is mentioned in the past tense. Faris is being pursued by the heir of the household where she is working, and his intentions are anything but honorable. A neighboring Lady expresses any interest in her and offers her a place in her home if she ever wants to come. That very night Faris sneaks out with her small bag of belongings and sets out to walk the five miles to the neighboring castle. On the way she meets up with the legendary Highwayman of Tanglewood. Imagine young chambermaid alone in a meadow with masked man dressed all in black riding a big black horse. Yes, the stuff of fairy tales and legends, and this is just what this story is. Faris in all of her inexperience and youth allows him to steal a kiss and of course is in love forever.It is an entire year before she sees the Highwayman again. During that year she becomes best friends with the daughter of the house and loves the life she has there. Both she and her best friend talk and fantasize about the Highwayman, but Faris never reveals that she has met him. Her dear friend is engaged and tells Faris that she likes to pretend that her fiancé is the Highwayman and sometimes she thinks it might be true. When the son and heir of the house comes back from being away for two years he adds a great deal to the story.I won’t tell the story here other than to say it is light and fun, rather predictable but then again not. Faris is torn between thinking “her” Highwayman is her friend’s fiancé or if he is the very handsome head of the Stables who is unmarried and appears interested in her. I changed my thoughts on this several times until the reveal.Cute story although sometimes I tired of Faris and her total innocence. There is a lot of kissing in this story (nothing more) and I also wish the author could have thought of a few more ways to describe a kiss. The word “moist” just got a little tiresome and not real appealing. This story it totally clean and a very light romance that takes place in a historical time setting. Maybe a bit cheesy but still kept my interest, probably because I was curious as to who exactly the Highwayman was. It ended well. Jan 30, 2014Just finished reading this again and I love the Highwayman every bit as much as before if not more so. Don't care if it's cliche, predictable or whatever, this is my go-to happy romantic read. I love the ending when Faris discovers the truth, things she's lost everything only to realize she's won everything. And the part when he doesn't want her to leave his side no matter what... Yeah. That part. :) Definitely my favorite of all the Marcia books I've read. ******************Yep, the dreamy perfect love stories? I read 'em! Marcia is a great author of the lighthearted, happily-ever-after, clean romance story. These aren't the highest caliber of writing/plot but I don't really care! These are the kind of book that make me want to make out with my husband so he doesn't mind at all when I read them. If I have one con about many of Marcia's books it would be that she seems to overuse the word giggle. The heroine is always giggling it seems. The stories aren't always the most realistic, but that's not the point of her writing. She's writing to give us a story where we happily sigh when we close the book. She accomplishes that goal. I've had the true pleasure to meet Marcia several times, most notably at the home of a good friend of mine and in helping some fancy dinner/book signings she held at the American West Heritage Center. She is an amazing, upbeat, friendly person. I enjoyed her books before, but I will continue to read them because I'm a fan of Marcia herself. :)This particular book is my most favorite I've read so far. I LOVE the story in this! The hovering question of the identity of the Highwayman who Faris has fallen in love with is such fun! And really we kind of hope it's a certain person, but it really could be anyone of three people. In the end Ferris finds out in a most unexpected way. What warms my heart the most is at the end when the Highwayman, now revealed, wants Faris to stay right by him despite what's happening. I really love that part.
Do You like book The Highwayman Of Tanglewood (2008)?
I think this one ranks right up there w/Visions of Ransom Lake! Loved it!!! Such a fun read!
—Jack
A really fun read. A bit repetitive in the descriptions. But, very clean and romantic!
—Bobo
