Evelyn Anthony’s CLANDARA – Enthralling Story of Star-crossed Love Amidst the Jacobite Uprising of 1745

Set in 1745, in the time of feuds between the clans and the Scottish support for Bonnie Prince Charlie, this is the story of Katherine Fraser who falls in love with the eldest son of her family’s enemy—the Macdonalds. James MacDonald had a horrible reputation of cattle stealing, killing and debauchery when he met the lovely, flame-haired Katherine Fraser. For love of her, he changed. Neither family wanted the marriage but agreed to a betrothal when they could see the two were determined.

 

Then came Charles Stuart and the call to arms all over Scotland. Having lost all in the earlier rising in 1715, Katherine’s family declined to go. Their enemies, the Macdonalds, were in the forefront of the clans supporting the prince. In one horrible act, James tears asunder the love that bound him to Katherine and sealed forever the enmity between his clan and hers.

 

This is a poignant love story very well told. Anthony vividly portrays the emotions of the Scots at the time of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, and her description of the English slaughter of the Scots on Culloden Moor was brilliant and detailed. She shows you why King George’s son the Duke of Cumberland deserved his title “the Butcher.” By the time you get to the battle, you are so invested in the characters and the clans, your heart is racing.

 

The romance is an unusual one as James and Katherine are separated for much of the story, yet ever in each other’s thoughts. I loved them both but Katherine really shined as a woman trying to do the right thing under dismal circumstances. The ending is a bit like jumping off a cliff and I found I wanted more of the two of them.

 

If you like well-researched, detailed history in your historical romance, and you can’t get enough of Scotland’s past, then you will love this one. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

Paula Quinn’s LAIRD OF THE MIST: From Enemies to Lovers in the Highlands

This may be my favorite by author Paula Quinn. And one of my favorite heroes can be found in Laird of the Mist, a worthy Highland romance and a great first in the MacGregor series. It introduces us to a fierce and proud clan, the MacGregors, who historically were officially denounced but eventually regained their position among the clans. Those MacGregor men who kept pride in their heritage and kept their name alive would be stronger than most and worthy of a woman's love.

 

Set in 17^th century Scotland, the story begins as Kate Campbell, a feisty heroine, who is good with a sword, rushes into fight alongside her clan when attacked by their enemies, the MacGregors. Ironically, her life is saved by Callum MacGregor, the man they call “the Devil”, when he sweeps her onto his stallion. From there two enemies become lovers.

 

I loved the authenticity of this tale and the character development and the way Quinn built the attraction and love between Callum and Kate, who would otherwise be enemies. Quinn brings the Highlands to life.

 

I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend it.

 

The MacGregors:

 

Laird of the Mist (Callum MacGregor and Kate Campbell) 

A Highlander Never Surrenders (Graham Grant and Claire Stuart)

 

The Children of the Mist (connected to and follows the MacGregors):

 

Ravished by a Highlander (Robert MacGregor and Davina Montgomery)

Seduced by a Highlander (Tristan MacGregor and Isobel Fergusson)

Tamed by a Highlander (Mairi MacGregor, Connor Grant) - reviewed in today's blog

Conquered by a Highlander (Colin MacGregor and Gillian Dearly)

A Highlander for Christmas

 

Jayne Castel’s THE LASS HE LEFT BEHIND – A Sensual Scottish Romance Set in the Hebrides in the 14th Century

October is medieval romance month and I’m starting with one set in Scotland on the Isle of Mull. This is book one in the Rogues of Mull trilogy. It’s the story of Loch Maclean and Mairi Macquarie who were lovers at one time. When Loch, the eldest son of the Maclean chief, went off to fight with Robert the Bruce, he left Mairi behind, without a backward glance, breaking her heart.

 

He returns a decade later to find his father, the chief, dead and Mairi still single but angry at his betrayal. He shrugs and goes on about his business, assuming his role as the new chief. After all, he has treacherous MacKinnons and their raids and cattle thieving to deal with. But he continues to see Mairi, who runs the local inn, and can’t get their past lovemaking out of his mind. One night, she gives in and takes him to her bed. But in the morning she regrets it.

 

As for Loch, he will have to face the consequences of his actions and the ache in his heart from the loss of Mairi. There are several graphic love scenes in this well-written story and a fair amount of angst. The characters who will be the leads in books 2 and 3 are introduced in this first tale, adding dimension to the trilogy. I liked the atmospheric background as Mull is a beautiful isle and Duart Castle, the home of the Macleans, a clan monument. The tension between the rival clans will keep you guessing as they are not resolved in this first story.

 

 

Bertrice Small’s THE BORDER LORD AND THE LADY – Captivating and Unique!

Once I got past the realization that Bertrice Small historical romances are very different than others, the things that at first distracted (long narratives, repeated scenes told through different characters’ eyes, and “head hopping” from one character’s perspective to another in rapid succession) became a rich background for a captivating story. Then, too, one has to love the historical part of historical romance as Small gives you a lot of what was going on at the time, including the food they ate. Finally, her stories do not all have one hero and one heroine who live happily ever after. The Border Lord and the Lady is just such a book. Oh, there is a happy ending, don't get me wrong, but it won’t be what you expect. Nevertheless, it is very realistic for the time (15th century) and the place (the border between Scotland and England). And it's a wonderful story.

Lady Cicely Bowen was the much loved daughter of her widowed father, the Earl of Leighton. But when he remarries, his new wife is so jealous that the earl has to send Cicely away to foster at court to ensure her safety. There, living in Queen Joan’s household, she becomes a lady and the best friend of the king's cousin, Lady Joan Beaufort. When her cousin marries the young James Stewart, King of Scots, Cicely follows her to Scotland. There Cicely expects to have her choice of husbands, as promised by her father and agreed to by King James. But one of the border lords, Ian Douglas, laird of Glengorm, is smitten with her and decides she is the only one for him. Tired of fighting her other suitors for access to her, he engages in a bit of bride stealing, practically a tradition in Scotland.

To say this is the love story of Cicely and Ian is only part of the story. This tale goes on for several years and much happens in the lives of all those in Scotland who are a part of Cicely's life. I won’t spoil it for you but I will say I was a bit shocked when certain events happened. But I did recognize it as reality and got over it very quickly as the story continued to intrigue me. I highly recommend this one.

Also, I recommend reading Small’s Betrayed with or before this romance. It is the story of Fiona Hay, introduced in The Border Lord and The Lady, and it’s a worthy read.

The Border Chronicles series:

A Dangerous Love
The Border Lord's Bride
The Captive Heart
The Border Lord and the Lady
The Border Vixen
Bond of Passion

Nora Roberts’ REBELLION – Superb Storytelling of the Rising of 1745 and a Love That Would Not be Denied – A Keeper!

It begins in 1735 when Serena MacGregor’s home in the Highlands is invaded by British dragoons and her mother is raped by their leader who wants to shame a Highland’s chief’s wife. And that night hatred for the English was born in Serena. Ten years later, in 1745, her brother Coll brings home his friend, Brigham Langston, whose mother might have been a MacDonald but he is English.

 

Serena means to hate Brigham but ends up falling in love. Brigham wants the fiery tempered lass and means to have her. But there is a matter of the Jacobite Rising of 1745 that will interfere. I loved these two characters.

 

It’s a time of rebellion in the Highlands as the Scots, sick of English oppression, long for their Bonnie Prince Charlie, their “king across the waters” to return and reclaim his throne. The Germans may reign in England but the Scots want their true king restored.

 

When I read about the Battle of Culloden that took place in 1746 and see the images that represent that fateful day, I am always deeply saddened. Not just for the battle that was lost or the thousands of Scots slain, but for the cruelty of England inflicted thereafter on a generation of Highlanders. The English destroyed a way of life.

 

Roberts brings this time in Scotland’s history to life with superb storytelling, wonderful characters and brilliant dialog. Rich in historical detail and passion-filled love, this is a keeper. I fell in love with Brigham whose heart beat to the Highlands though he was an English lord. And I cheered on Serena as she finally decided to claim the man her own heart could not deny.

 

First published in 1988, this is the story of the historical roots for Roberts’ contemporary MacGregor series. I am so sorry she gave us only two historical romance novels before moving on to other genres as her historicals are very, very good.

 

Tarah Scott’s CLAIMED – Good Story set in the Highlands

Set somewhere in the Highlands in 1291, this is the story of Rhoslyn, a widowed countess, ordered by King Edward to marry Sir Talbot St. Claire (for her lands) and by her grandfather to marry Jacobus Auenel, Lord Melrose (to protect said lands). One was English and one was a Scot. Rhoslyn doesn’t wish to marry either of them.

 

Rhoslyn’s grandfather collects her from the convent where she has been mourning her dead husband to be delivered to Lord Melrose, but for some undisclosed reason the abbess colludes with Sir Talbot, enabling him to capture Rhoslyn on the road.

 

This is a well-written story and while I loved the history and the historical figures (King Edward tries to dominate Scotland and the Scots resist), there were a lot of characters, some better described than others.

 

There is much sparring between Rhoslyn and Talbot and the dialog quite good. The chase scene at the beginning was very exciting. I especially liked the part where the heroine stabbed the arrogant Sir Talbot, who by the way never seemed to do anything wrong, lose any battle or be defeated in any contest. But he was a great lover, so I guess we can excuse his being good at everything.

 

I would have liked to see more detailed descriptions of the characters. Some were just names and I had no idea what they looked like. And two things seemed a bit abrupt: Rhoslyn’s sudden love for Talbot; and the ending which left many questions.

Meagan McKinney’s MY WICKED ENCHANTRESS – Scottish Heroine, Alpha Male Hero and a Superb Love Story!

Another great page-turner from McKinney. Set in 18^th century Scotland, New Orleans and Georgia, it tells the story of Kayleigh Kerr, who was raised in Mhor Castle near Inverness until the day tragedy struck and her life of affluent nobility was taken away. Escaping to America and the slums of New Orleans, she dresses in rags. To survive, she becomes a cutpurse named “Kestral.” Her only dream is of returning to Scotland and having revenge on her evil cousin Straught who took her life from her.

 

When Kayleigh tries to steal from the darkly handsome St. Bride Ferringer, who has just arrived on a ship from France, she finds a man to be reckoned with. St. Bride is really the Duke of Lansdowne in disguise, secretly plotting his own revenge, not coincidentally against the same cousin who has followed Kayleigh to America.

 

I love a heroine who is beaten down by life but never gives in and holds her head high as she sticks to her principles and her virtue, even if the whole world assumes she’s a whore. And who doesn’t love a hero who recognizes a diamond in the rough…or rather, a diamond sullied by misfortune? The wild and beautiful Kayleigh becomes St. Bride’s obsession and his constant distraction. Love the names and the emotions McKinney gives her characters.

 

This is suspenseful storytelling at its best; and I recommend it.

 

Elizabeth Stuart’s HEARTSTORM – A Keeper of a Love Story set in Scotland!

 

Set in late 17th century Scotland during the reign of King James II, it tells the story of Anne Randall, the beautiful daughter of Robert Randall, the evil earl of Glenkennon and representative of King James’ government in Scotland. Randall has come to the Highlands to subdue the clans, and particularly Sir Francis MacLean, laird of the MacLeans. When Randall uses treachery to imprison friends of the MacLean, the Scottish laird captures Randall's daughter to hold her for exchange of the prisoners.

 

Anne was on her way from England to join her father upon the death of her mother, who was a MacDonnell, allies of the MacLeans. But Francis sweeps Anne away to his home, Camereigh Castle, on the coast of Western Scotland, where they find themselves drawn to each other and Anne experiences the joy of a warm family.

This is superb historical romance and storytelling at its best. Stuart captivates from the first page as she weaves an intriguing tale of love and treachery in the Highlands. The rich historic details show considerable research. The dialog draws you in and the characters are well drawn. The hero is drool-worthy.

 

I promise, it will keep you turning pages.

As far as I can tell, Stuart only wrote five books before setting aside her writing career to raise a family. But those she has given us are worth holding dear.

 

Here they are:

Reckless Angel (1988, under the pen name Elizabeth Awbrey)
Heartstorm (1989)
Where Love Dwells (1990)
Without Honor (1994)
Bride of the Lion (1995)

Brit Darby’s DAVY’S LAST RIDE – A Worthy Tale of Love in the Scottish Borderlands in the 17th century

May is Scottish month on Historical Romance Review and I’m starting with a favorite author, or rather a writing team, Patricia McAllister and Fela Dawson Scott, otherwise known as “Brit Darby.” This is a fascinating, well-told story that has everything I like in a romance: historical detail, exciting scenes well-described and a worthy hero and heroine.

 

Set in the Scottish Marches (that area between Scotland and England that experienced cattle reeving and cross-border raids, it begins in 1604 as young Davena is being married to her childhood sweetheart, Adair Eliott. Hand-fasted a year earlier, they were finally sealing their vows. As they are celebrating, a band of brigands sweeps in to kill many, including Adair.

 

Eight years later, Davena (now “Davy”) is the mother of a 7-year-old daughter Fiomuala and she and Adair’s brothers have turned outlaw, preying on the rich English lords and living for revenge. Oh yes, and Adair, now a ghost, is ever with Davy keeping her out of trouble.

 

Major Tevish McBride, the fencing master of Prince Henry Stuart, is sent north to capture the outlaw Davy Eliott, never knowing the outlaw he seeks is a woman. Never anticipating he will be so attracted to her. Tev has mixed feelings about going to the border as it was the place of his birth—the place he’d fled as a boy. Unbeknownst to his comrades in arms, Tev is the second son of Sir Simon Fenwick, a man Tev hates as he does his half brother, Barclay, Baron Blackmuir.

 

This is a story with many twists and turns and a plot that will keep you turning pages. Darby brings to life the borderlands and the negative feelings the Scots had for the British. Some real historic figures make cameo appearances, including King James himself.

 

It’s a great read and highly recommended.

Virginia Henley’s TEMPTED - Captivating Story of Scottish Love in the Borderlands—a keeper!

This is a classic story from a great author. In a complex, lusty tale of feuding Scottish clans during the time of James IV of Scotland and Henry VIII of England, Henley serves up a story that will grab you from the first page and will not let you go. I loved it. Henley has the ability to capture not only the time period, but also the culture of the borderlands between Scotland and England and the difficult but wonderful relationship between two stubborn, courageous people. I highly recommend this one.

Set in Scotland in 1512, this is the story of clans Douglas, Hamilton and Kennedy. Beautiful Valentina Kennedy, the oldest of the Kennedy daughters, was known as Flaming Tina for her glorious red-gold hair and her feisty temper. She was raised with her sister and brothers in Castle Doon in Ayr on the Southwest coast of Scotland where her father ruled as the Lord of Galloway. Tina despaired the lot of women that prevented them from enjoying male pursuits, and she frequently joined her brothers in their activities.

 

When Tina turns 17, her father insists she say yes to one of her many suitors. Tina thinks to marry the Hamilton heir but is happy when a gypsy tells her there will be no wedding for her this year. In a surprising turn of events, she is handfasted to her enemy, the powerful Black Ram Douglas, who she considers a brute of a man. Tina intends to have her revenge.

Henley develops some wonderful characters, including the ghosts of two star-crossed lovers from the past (another Kennedy and Douglas pairing), who constantly entertain. She paints vivid word pictures of the food, clothing and castles that draw you in and help you experience the times--and she does it all very well. In a fitting climax to the story, she superbly describes the battle between the English and Scots at Flodden where Scotland experienced a terrible defeat.

The second in the 2-book Clan Kennedy Saga is The Border Hostage and I recommend it, too!

 

Evelyn Anthony’s CLANDARA – Enthralling Story of Star-crossed Love Amidst the Jacobite Uprising of 1745

 

Set in 1745, in the time of feuds between the clans and the Scottish support for Bonnie Prince Charlie, this is the story of Katherine Fraser who falls in love with the eldest son of her family’s enemy—the MacDonalds. James MacDonald had a horrible reputation of cattle stealing, killing and debauchery when he met the lovely, flame-haired Katherine Fraser. For love of her, he changed. Neither family wanted the marriage but agreed to a betrothal when they could see the pair was determined.

 

Then came Charles Stuart and the call to arms all over Scotland. Having lost all in the earlier rising in 1715, Katherine’s family declined to go. Their enemies, the MacDonalds, were in the forefront of the clans supporting the prince. In one horrible act, James tears asunder the love that bound him to Katherine and sealed forever the enmity between his clan and hers.

 

This is a poignant love story very well told. Anthony vividly portrays the emotions of the Scots at the time of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 and her description of the English slaughter of the Scots on Culloden Moor was brilliant and detailed. She shows you why King George’s son the Duke of Cumberland earned his title “Butcher.” By the time you get to the battle, you are so invested in the characters and the clans, your heart is racing.

 

The romance is an unusual one as James and Katherine are separated for much of the story, yet ever in each other’s mind. I loved them both but Katherine really shined as a woman trying to do the right thing under dismal circumstances. The ending is a bit like jumping off a cliff and I found I wanted more of the two of them.

 

If you like well-researched, detailed history in your historical romance, and you can’t get enough of Scotland’s past, then you will love this one. Highly recommended.

 

Kathleen Givens’ THE WILD ROSE OF KILGANNON – A Wonderful, Exciting Story of Clan Kilgannon, a keeper!

 

April is Classics month when I dive into my Keeper shelf and dust off those I intend to re-read. This is certainly one of those. I love how Givens writes. I just get lost in her tales and her characters. I have two tests for a 5 star romance: (1) can I put it down? and (2) will I read it again? This book passes both tests. For those considering buying it, make sure you also buy Kilgannon first. The two books form two parts to one story--and you will want both.

 

This novel tells of Mary Lowell, an English aristocrat, and the Highland chief Alex MacGannon, who claims her as his bride. I loved Mary...what a heroine! She is independent and smart and does what she thinks is right no matter the cost. When news comes of the capture of her beloved Alex, Mary vows to rescue him. As a defiant Alex is tried in London as a traitor, though all he did was to give his life to save his men, Mary unleashes her own campaign on London society to win justice for him. I loved Alex, Lord Kilgannon, too. He is all Scot, all man, very romantic, and loves his woman fiercely. He fights with the best of them, leads men well and keeps his humor no matter the peril.

 

You might want to read these two books first: On A Highland Shore and Rivals for the Crown. They involve the same family/clan but are set generations earlier (13th century). It helped having the earlier story to understand where Clan Kilgannon came from, though it is not essential to enjoying The Wild Rose of Kilgannon, which is based in the 1700s.

 

Here’s the description of book 1, Kilgannon:

 

Alex MacGannon, Earl of Kilgannon, strode into the ballroom and commanded her heart. They called him a barbarian, a rough-hewn Scot—chieftain of Clan MacGannon. They said no woman could hold him, as he set sail on the high seas. But Alex returned to claim Mary Lowell as his own, to carry her off to Scotland to his magnificent ancestral castle, Kilgannon.

 

I have all of Kathleen Givens’ books. All are set in Scotland (except for the scenes in London). She is simply the best...a standard for all others.

 

Kathleen Givens’ The Wild Rose of Kilgannon – A Wonderful, Exciting Story of Clan Kilgannon, a keeper!

 

I love how Givens writes. I have two tests for a 5 star romance: (1) can I put it down? and (2) will I read it again? This book passes both tests. Could not put it down and I will read it again.

 

For those considering buying it, make sure you also buy Kilgannon. The two books are the two parts to the same story--and you will want both. I just get lost in her tales and her characters, in this novel, Mary Lowell, an English aristocrat, and the Scottish chief Alex MacGannon, who claims her as his bride. I loved Mary...what a heroine! She is independent and smart and does what she thinks is right no matter the cost. When news comes of the capture of her beloved Alex, Mary vows to rescue him. As a defiant Alex is tried in London as a traitor, though all he did was to give his life to save his men, Mary unleashes her own campaign on London society to win justice for her man. I loved her man, Alex, Lord Kilgannon. He is all Scot, all man, very romantic, loves his woman fiercely. He fights with the best of them, leads men well and keeps his humor no matter the peril.

 

I suggest you read these two books before: On Highland Shore and Rivals for the Crown. They involve the same family/clan but are set generations earlier (13th century). It helped having the earlier story to understand where Clan Kilgannon came from, though it is not essential to enjoying this one based in the 1700s. And then read Kilgannon, book 1 in the Kilgannon duology. Here’s the description:

 

Alex MacGannon, Earl of Kilgannon, strode into the ballroom and commanded her heart. They called him a barbarian, a rough-hewn Scot—chidftain of clan MacGannon. They said no woman could hold him, as he set sail on the high seas. But Alex returned to claim Mary Lowell as his own, to carry her off to Scotland, to his magnificent ancestral castle, Kilgannon.

 

I have all of Kathleen Givens’ books. She is simply the best...a standard for all others.

 

Paula Quinn’s TEMPEST HEART – Good Story of a Highland Assassin and a Protected Lass!

Set in 1349, this is the story of Tristan MacPherson, a Highlander who is skilled at killing for money. He never misses his target and is, thus, feared by all. With the plague that he does not fear comes a lass near death he saves. And Lady Rose Callanach will change his life.

When her mother died in an intentionally set fire, Rose’s father shuts her away where guards protect her. Until, years later, her father allows her to go with her uncle to spend the winter with her cousin. It is on that trip she contracts the plague.

 

Quinn adds humor to an otherwise somber story and the dialog between Rose and Tristan is endearing. For much of the book, it’s just those two traveling together but it’s a rich banquet of banter as they fall in love. How could you not love Tristan? A killer who is honorable and humble. And the scenes of Tristan’s doing his killing business are very well described. There’s a twist in the end you will not expect. Very well done!

 

Hearts of the Highlands Series:

Heart of Ashes
Heart of Shadows
Heart of Stone
Lion Heart
Tempest Heart

 

Jennifer Roberson’s LADY OF THE GLEN – Superb Storytelling and a Keeper—a Highland Love that Survives the Massacre of Glencoe!

 

Roberson's Lady of the Glen has everything I love in a Scottish historical romance: an epic love story, a noble hero, a strong heroine, real history (the massacre of Glencoe), attention to detail and enough suspense and drama to keep me turning pages. And a wonderful hero and heroine. Even the music of the Highlands is included. I could hear the pipes and their mournful sound as Roberson described them. This is a classic and on my Top 10 list.

 

The story begins in 1682 when Catriona (“Cat”) Campbell first encounters Alasdair (“Dair”) Og MacDonald. She is an awkward, uncomely girl raised like one of her brothers by her drunken father, but Dair pays her a compliment when no one else does, telling her that she has “bonnie eyes…all bluey-green and bright. The sort of eyes a Highlander likes to come home to.” How could Cat ever forget him after that? Not even though he is one of the dreaded MacDonalds, the enemies of clan Campbell, could she fail to harbor a tenderness for him.

 

Much happens in this intricately woven tale that spans a decade. It’s the time when King James was exiled to France and William and Mary ruled England. The Scots battle each other as much as the English. Grey John Campbell, Earl of Breadalbane seeks to be the power behind the throne and he thinks it is William who will sit on that throne. He exerts his influence to unite the clans, pretending to support King Jamie, while planning on serving the Highland clans on a silver platter to William. The clans don’t trust him but the lairds have little choice, seeing the English Ft. William erected as a symbol of the English dominance.

 

Famous battles like Killiecrankie are vividly described as Dair fights with the MacDonalds of Glencoe and the Stewarts of Appin. Both the MacDonalds and the Campbells kill each other’s young men caught reeving cattle. Dair saves Cat from harm, and she saves his life. All this while another woman shares Dair’s bed. Then Cat’s father agrees to wed her to the Earl of Breadalbane’s son, Duncan Campbell in exchange for money to pay his many debts.

 

Perhaps the most intense moment is the Massacre of Glencoe when the treachery of the Campbells joins with English, including the king, to murder nearly the entire clan of the Glencoe MacDonalds without provocation. Still remembered to this day, the massacre of Glencoe was a great perfidy on the part of the Campbells and England. A very sad chapter in Scotland’s history. As Roberson says of Glencoe, “’Tis a glen of sorrows, an empty place of blood and broken stone, of charred timber and burial cairns.”

 

I did not want to put this one down. Based on considerable research, the author truly captured the heart of the Highlands. The characters she vividly portrays bring to life one of the most incredible periods of Scotland’s history.

 

Dorothy Dunnett’s KING HEREAFTER – A Wonderful Portrayal of MacBeth, King of Scots, His Times and the Woman He Loved

 After having read Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles (which I highly recommend), I couldn’t wait to read this book before moving on to her House of Niccolo series. She is such a good storyteller, and there are many twists and turns and insightful dips into history. (You have to love history, however, and tolerate some vague references, as there are many names and many historical figures.)

 

Thanks to Shakespeare, the historical MacBeth, King of Scots has been much maligned as a bad actor. From my research for my novel The Refuge, set in 11^th century Scotland, I knew Shakespeare got it wrong. In King Hereafter, Dorothy Dunnett brings us into the wild, half-pagan country of Scotland in those early days.

 

MacBeth begins as an ungainly young Earl Thorfinn with a lowering brow and a taste for intrigue. He calls himself Thorfinn but his Christian name is MacBeth. (Dunnett equates the historical MacBeth with Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Earl of Orkney, whose sons, Paul and Erlend ruled jointly for many years after their father’s death.)

 

Dunnett shows us MacBeth’s transformation from an angry, fatherless boy who refuses to accept his meager share of Orkney to an accomplished warrior and diplomat who wisely joins with King Canute and Queen Emma to become a respected leader of men.

 

His wife, Groa (who is made the same woman as the historical Ingibiorg Finnsdottir, wife of Earl Thorfin of Orkney), is a wonderful character who you will come to love. With the people of Alba and Groa behind him, Thorfinn becomes King of Scots. His heart is still in Orkney but he has a new concern for Alba, even going to Rome to see the Pope about clerics for Alba.

 

This is very much a love story, a romance even though rich in history. The ending is bittersweet and very well done. I felt rather melancholy after reading the last page.

 

If you would like to experience the court of King Malcolm III, the King of Scots who followed MacBeth, consider my novel, The Refuge, winner of the Illumination Gold Medal Award.

 

 

 

Nora Roberts’ IN FROM THE COLD - Brilliant Story of a Scot and an Irish Lass on the eve of the American Revolution… A Keeper!

 Set at the outset of the American Revolution, beginning in December 1773, this is the story of Ian MacGregor, who was wounded by a British soldier after participating in the Boston Tea Party. Ian fled to the wilderness of Massachusetts where he ended up in the barn of the Murphys and in the care of the young Irish widow, Alanna Murphy Flynn.

Alana is immediately attracted to the red-haired rebel but she fears his talk of revolution, not just for herself but for her brothers. Ian has fallen in love with Alana and means to have her as his wife. But he’ll need his aunt in Virginia to help him.

Brilliant descriptions and beautifully developed characters bring this story and the MacGregors to life. Revolution is coming to America and while Alanna would resist, Ian knows America must fight for her freedom. Roberts adroitly weaves the conflicting emotions of the time into a love story between two strong-willed people.

It’s a well told, fast-paced novella and so good one could only hope for more. The first story in the MacGregor series is Rebellion and I highly recommend it. However, all of the others that follow In From the Cold are, sadly, contemporaries. Would that Roberts would have continued writing historicals as it would have been fascinating to see her tell the history of America along with the MacGregor love stories. She did historicals so well.

Elizabeth Stuart’s HEARTSTORM – A Keeper of a Love Story set in Scotland!

Set in late 17th century Scotland during the reign of King James II, it tells the story of Anne Randall, the beautiful daughter of Robert Randall, the evil earl of Glenkennon and representative of King James’ government in Scotland. Randall has come to the Highlands to subdue the clans, and particularly Sir Francis MacLean, laird of the MacLeans. When Randall uses treachery to imprison friends of the MacLean, the Scottish laird captures Randall's daughter to hold her for exchange of the prisoners.

 

Anne was on her way from England to join her father upon the death of her mother, who was a MacDonnell, allies of the MacLeans. But Francis sweeps Anne away to his home, Camereigh Castle, on the coast of Western Scotland, where they find themselves drawn to each other and Anne experiences the joy of a warm family.

This is superb historical romance and storytelling at its best. Stuart captivates from the first page as she weaves an intriguing tale of love and treachery in the Highlands. The rich historic details show considerable research. The dialog draws you in and the characters are well drawn. The hero is drool-worthy.

 

I promise, it will keep you turning pages.

As far as I can tell, Stuart only wrote five books before setting aside her writing career to raise a family. But those she has given us are worth holding dear.

 

Here they are:

Reckless Angel (1988, under the pen name Elizabeth Awbrey)
Heartstorm (1989)
Where Love Dwells (1990)
Without Honor (1994)
Bride of the Lion (1995)

 

Christine Dorsey’s THE RENEGADE –Post Culloden Love Story Between a Scottish Warrior and an English Lady

This first book in the trilogy was originally published as The Renegade and the Rose.

 

It tells of Keegan MacLeod whose father summoned him home to stand with his three brothers at Culloden in the hopes of restoring a Stuart to the throne. But the battle of Culloden was lost from the beginning and Keegan’s brothers are killed. Sheltering his wounded father, Keegan hands over his sword when British officer Foxworth Morgan assures him that his father will be spared. But, instead, his father is tortured and killed and Keegan is jailed and sentenced to hang. Keegan uses his time in goal to nurture his hatred of the Englishman who denied him and his father a warrior’s death.

With the help of his French valet, Keegan escapes from prison, and decides to take hostage Lady Zoe Morgan, the sister of Foxworth Morgan. Zoe has lived the life of an invalid since a childhood illness, convinced by her nurse she is weak and frail. She is shocked when the Scot takes her hostage and leaves word for her brother to come for her in Scotland.

As they begin their arduous journey north, it appears to Keegan that despite her constant haranguing about her ill health (and, yes, that was annoying), the girl he has taken hostage is quite braw. So much so, she is able to escape Keegan, but then falls into the hands of a notorious smuggler who takes Keegan captive as well, hoping for a large ransom for both the girl and the Scot when he delivers them to the English in Scotland.

 

Well written and cleverly done, Dorsey was able to make me believe Keegan could fall in love with an Englishwoman even after he lost his family to the cruel English at Culloden. And she also made me feel Keegan’s pain at losing the castle that had been the seat of the MacLeods for centuries. Zoe is a woman who changes much once she is free from those who would coddle her, thriving on the adventures she and Keegan have. She encourages the Scot to look to the future and not to the past.

 

I found the story of Keegan and his clan moving and thought Dorsey did an excellent job of portraying it. I would read the rest in the series (especially the Irish one that comes next!). I recommend this one.

The trilogy:

 

The Renegade (First published as The Renegade And The Rose)

The Rebel (First published as The Rebel and the Lily)

The Rogue (First published as The Rogue and the Heather)