Likable lead characters, an entertaining cast of secondary ones, and an intriguing setting are the main attractions in the first book in JoAnn Ross’s new Stewart Sisters trilogy.

Less effective for me, however, was the central theme of a missing broach, long an object of dissention between the families of the hero and heroine, and the deus ex machina that brings them together. Even more distracting were the occasional chapters that seemed almost haphazardly thrown in to document the contentious history of the broach.

Though heroine Lily Stewart believes that documentary filmmaker Ian MacKenzie has come to the Great Smoky Resort of Stewart’s Folly to evaluate the possibilities of centering his next project around the area’s Highland Games, his real reason is actually far more complicated. According to the grandfather from whom he has long been estranged, Lily stole the Broach of Lorn – a much-prized piece dating back to Robert the Bruce – from MacDougal custody. Both the MacDougals (Ian’s family on the maternal side) and the Stewarts claim they are the rightful owners of the broach and it has periodically changed custody (usually by less than legal methods) between the two families for centuries.

Lily and her family, of course, have no idea of Ian’s true identity or real purpose. And, since the famous filmmaker’s focus on their Highland Games could be the shot in the arm the North Carolina resort town desperately needs, he’s welcomed with open arms. Lily, however, isn’t quite so certain of his motives since Ian’s films are usually based on far darker subjects. Still, Ian is a major babe and Lilly (like any woman) can’t help noticing.

Reluctantly drawn into doing his grandfather’s will, Ian is surprised to find himself liking the town, the castle the Stewart family has turned into a resort hotel, and, of course, the Stewarts themselves – especially art gallery owner Lily. But, since the broach disappeared shortly after Lily’s most recent buying trip to Scotland, his grandfather is convinced that she is the guilty party behind the broach’s disappearance. And with such secrets between them, the path to love is anything but smooth.

Of course, it’s a given that a book must have a central conflict, but this one just seemed a bit far-fetched and… well, annoying. Familial feuds are a familiar subject of romance novels, but Grandpa needed a knock or two on the head, not a grandson kowtowing to his ridiculous demands. And, since the rest of the story is a down-to-earth one peopled by real and intriguing characters, it all just seemed silly and a bit out of place. Feuds perpetuated by men (it’s always men, isn’t it?) always seem unlikely to me and, as often as not, when confronted with one in a book I find myself wanting to scream: “Hey, guys, get over it!”

But the characterizations here are wonderful. Lily sees herself as the non-artistic member of a talented family, but she’s actually far from that. Bright, a master at understanding and dealing with just about any kind of person, and a loyal sister to her two talented siblings, she’s a heroine with whom I never once grew frustrated (a rare occurrence, these days, believe me). As for Ian, I wanted him. Bad. A sexy and talented Scotsman so famous he’s been featured on A&E television’s Biography, he is a hero to die for.

Happily enough, the rest of the Stewart family and the denizens of the town themselves are almost as interesting as our two lead characters. I loved Lily’s aunt (the author of a successful series of Highland-set novels involving time travel – sound familiar?), her grandmother, and even her famous artist father. (The latter needed a kick or two in the pants, however, and fortunately, he does get it.) The appearances by Lily’s two sisters – the subjects of the next two entries in the series – also portends well for the quality of the coming books.

I haven’t read Ross before though I’d heard many good things about her, and Out of the Mist more than lived up to my expectations. And if the story’s central conflict didn’t quite work, there’s more than enough here to make up for the failing.