What do you think?
Rate this book
Scottish Crown #1
Circle of Honor
Author Carol Umberger combines her love of history, romance, and God in a quartet of powerful stories set in 14th-century Scotland during the reign of Robert the Bruce, Scotland's great hero king.
292 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2002
26 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Carol Umberger
7 books51 followersCAROL UMBERGER won the 2001 Golden Heart Award from the Romance Writers of America for her manuscript of Circle of Honor in the Best Short Historical category. A twelve-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Carol has been married to Tom Schwendtner for twenty years and has two sons. She resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 12, 2025
5⭐️
Ahhhhh!!!! Looooved this and immediately jumping into book 2!
14th century Scotland.
Gwenyth is captured under a false identity by her family’s enemy. Now, though their families have been enemies for years, both she and her new husband Adam, have found themselves bound to each other in marriage neither of them wants.
She has turned away from the God she holds accountable for not only her father’s death, but also being forced to marry the heir of the man who killed her father. Will the steadfast faith of her reluctant husband soften her hardened heart?
What a romantic conclusion!!!
Content warning: rape and lots of content touched by it.
The narrator has a very strong Scottish accent. I loved it
Ahhhhh!!!! Looooved this and immediately jumping into book 2!
14th century Scotland.
Gwenyth is captured under a false identity by her family’s enemy. Now, though their families have been enemies for years, both she and her new husband Adam, have found themselves bound to each other in marriage neither of them wants.
She has turned away from the God she holds accountable for not only her father’s death, but also being forced to marry the heir of the man who killed her father. Will the steadfast faith of her reluctant husband soften her hardened heart?
What a romantic conclusion!!!
Content warning: rape and lots of content touched by it.
The narrator has a very strong Scottish accent. I loved it
March 16, 2013
Okay, so... I'm moving to Scotland to get a laird as a husband. It's decided. I literally could not put this book down. It was just too good. Adam is by far my favorite hero in all the novels I've read. Such an honorable gentleman. Gosh, I'm so cheesy. I can't help it though. I really just don't know what else to say. GAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
June 16, 2014
The only thing that this series is any good as are Romance novels as Historical fiction they fail on almost every account, and I would strongly advise readers against ‘learning’ their history from them, or basing their knowledge of the period upon them.
The storylines seemed formulaic, repetitive and predictable- hurting man/woman with issues falls for good looking girl/guy (usually also with issues) who they can’t stand at first, and end up falling hopelessly in love as is the change in political affiliations of the protagonists at least one of whom always begins on England’s side but ‘sees the light’ before the end of the book, realises how evil the English are, but righteous the cause of Scotland is and switches sides.
The villains are almost always one-dimensional, and have to go around doing really bad things like rape, murder, or killing children for the audience to realise how bad they are- yet their actions very often have little or no motivation- they just do what they do because they’re bad.
In this novel the ‘hurting woman’ is Gwyneth Comyn, a relative of the John Comyn was murdered by none other than Robert Bruce in a church (the official line that Comyn was an evil traitor and puppet of England who betrayed and provoked Bruce is followed of course). She is separated from her family and her betrothed after the murder, and forced to live incognito, gets raped by the bad guy whom she wrongly identifies as the hero Adam MacIntosh. He is a close friend of Robert Bruce and of course does not realize the true identity of the woman the law requires him to marry.
To cut a long story short, Adam and Gywneth must overcome lots of obstacles and difficulties before the course of their love can run smoothly, the bad guy does lots of nasty things and keeps trying to kill the hero, Gwyn gets persuaded to change sides by her cousin and the War with England begins in earnest.
Historically speaking, there are serious problems with the series. Principally I think this stemmed from a failure to grasp the complexities of medieval power politics, the root causes of the respective conflicts between Bruce and Comyn, Scotland and England, and gross the over-simplification of history.
I believe conflicts and events such as those depicted in these novels cannot really be whittled down to a simple matter of ‘goodies’ versus ‘baddies’ or righteous downtrodden Scots (or ‘Celts’) struggling against the malignant evil of the brutal English imperialists without a certain degree of distortion.
Hence, the need to have the characters ‘support the right’ and change sides from Scotland to England because they realise how evil one side is
results in characters being depicted as having switched their allegiance to Bruce when they did not do so in reality.
These include the Comyns who were not reconciled to Bruce as the novel claims, and in reality son of John Comyn was killed fighting on the English side at Bannockburn.
Or actions which might really have been motivated by self-interest or political expediency are presented as having been wrought in the patriotic cause of freedom.
Probably the worst (but most inevitable) historical inaccuracy was the way in which the English were claimed to have caused the war in Scotland and been behind the strife between Comyn and Bruce. Yet in reality Bruce and Comyn had rival claims to the Scottish throne, a circumstance which was almost bound to bring them into conflict, when the death of the old King and his heir had already resulted in much political unrest before England came into the picture.
Finally, I seriously wonder whether the depiction of Scots and English characters was based on any personal first- hand acquaintance with persons of these nationalities, as most seemed to be stereotyped.
The English characters all seemed to speak with ridiculous high class accents (like in Braveheart and other Hollywood movies). Most of the Scottish men wear kilts (several centuries too early), speak with exaggerated versions of Lowland accents (or Gaelic) but the French that was spoken by both the English and Scottish aristocracy of the period is almost entirely absent.
Perhaps the accents were intended to make the different nationalities more readily identifiable to an American audience, but I’m not wholly convinced this was the case, and I for one just find that sort of thing unrealistic and annoying.
Overall, this series is one to avoid if you are looking for a well-researched, historically accurate and realistic fictionalised account of this period in Scottish history, or even a half-decent historical novel.
The storylines seemed formulaic, repetitive and predictable- hurting man/woman with issues falls for good looking girl/guy (usually also with issues) who they can’t stand at first, and end up falling hopelessly in love as is the change in political affiliations of the protagonists at least one of whom always begins on England’s side but ‘sees the light’ before the end of the book, realises how evil the English are, but righteous the cause of Scotland is and switches sides.
The villains are almost always one-dimensional, and have to go around doing really bad things like rape, murder, or killing children for the audience to realise how bad they are- yet their actions very often have little or no motivation- they just do what they do because they’re bad.
In this novel the ‘hurting woman’ is Gwyneth Comyn, a relative of the John Comyn was murdered by none other than Robert Bruce in a church (the official line that Comyn was an evil traitor and puppet of England who betrayed and provoked Bruce is followed of course). She is separated from her family and her betrothed after the murder, and forced to live incognito, gets raped by the bad guy whom she wrongly identifies as the hero Adam MacIntosh. He is a close friend of Robert Bruce and of course does not realize the true identity of the woman the law requires him to marry.
To cut a long story short, Adam and Gywneth must overcome lots of obstacles and difficulties before the course of their love can run smoothly, the bad guy does lots of nasty things and keeps trying to kill the hero, Gwyn gets persuaded to change sides by her cousin and the War with England begins in earnest.
Historically speaking, there are serious problems with the series. Principally I think this stemmed from a failure to grasp the complexities of medieval power politics, the root causes of the respective conflicts between Bruce and Comyn, Scotland and England, and gross the over-simplification of history.
I believe conflicts and events such as those depicted in these novels cannot really be whittled down to a simple matter of ‘goodies’ versus ‘baddies’ or righteous downtrodden Scots (or ‘Celts’) struggling against the malignant evil of the brutal English imperialists without a certain degree of distortion.
Hence, the need to have the characters ‘support the right’ and change sides from Scotland to England because they realise how evil one side is
results in characters being depicted as having switched their allegiance to Bruce when they did not do so in reality.
These include the Comyns who were not reconciled to Bruce as the novel claims, and in reality son of John Comyn was killed fighting on the English side at Bannockburn.
Or actions which might really have been motivated by self-interest or political expediency are presented as having been wrought in the patriotic cause of freedom.
Probably the worst (but most inevitable) historical inaccuracy was the way in which the English were claimed to have caused the war in Scotland and been behind the strife between Comyn and Bruce. Yet in reality Bruce and Comyn had rival claims to the Scottish throne, a circumstance which was almost bound to bring them into conflict, when the death of the old King and his heir had already resulted in much political unrest before England came into the picture.
Finally, I seriously wonder whether the depiction of Scots and English characters was based on any personal first- hand acquaintance with persons of these nationalities, as most seemed to be stereotyped.
The English characters all seemed to speak with ridiculous high class accents (like in Braveheart and other Hollywood movies). Most of the Scottish men wear kilts (several centuries too early), speak with exaggerated versions of Lowland accents (or Gaelic) but the French that was spoken by both the English and Scottish aristocracy of the period is almost entirely absent.
Perhaps the accents were intended to make the different nationalities more readily identifiable to an American audience, but I’m not wholly convinced this was the case, and I for one just find that sort of thing unrealistic and annoying.
Overall, this series is one to avoid if you are looking for a well-researched, historically accurate and realistic fictionalised account of this period in Scottish history, or even a half-decent historical novel.
June 10, 2021
This is a book I've had on my TBR for awhile and I finally read it... But it wasn't add wonderful add I was hoping since so much of it was about rape and I understand that they happens and happened a lot during war however it was a lot.
December 27, 2013
Adam is loyal to Robert the Bruce. Gwenyth is promised in marriage to Edward Balliol, Bruce's fiercest enemy.
But life takes a dark turn when Adam is wounded, almost to death, during an ambush and when Gwenyth is forced to flee her home after her father's murder at the hands of the Bruce. Separated from Daron, her cousin and protector, she pretends to be a serving girl. But she's landed in the clutches of the lecherous Leod, an ambitious and violent highlander who will stop at nothing to become chief of Clan Chattan. The one person standing in his way is Adam.
When Leod's plan to accuse Adam of rape - and thus destroy him - seriously misfires, Gwenyth finds herself handfasted for a year and a day. She's in the camp of the enemy and in several kinds of serious trouble. She can't tell anyone she's not really a servant, though everyone guesses. She can't tell anyone plans are afoot to make her the future queen of Scotland. She can't tell anyone the real reason why she's so desperate for her cousin to be found so she can go to England. And she definitely can't tell Adam she's falling in love with him.
Many historical inaccuracies but great light romance with a Christian flavour.
But life takes a dark turn when Adam is wounded, almost to death, during an ambush and when Gwenyth is forced to flee her home after her father's murder at the hands of the Bruce. Separated from Daron, her cousin and protector, she pretends to be a serving girl. But she's landed in the clutches of the lecherous Leod, an ambitious and violent highlander who will stop at nothing to become chief of Clan Chattan. The one person standing in his way is Adam.
When Leod's plan to accuse Adam of rape - and thus destroy him - seriously misfires, Gwenyth finds herself handfasted for a year and a day. She's in the camp of the enemy and in several kinds of serious trouble. She can't tell anyone she's not really a servant, though everyone guesses. She can't tell anyone plans are afoot to make her the future queen of Scotland. She can't tell anyone the real reason why she's so desperate for her cousin to be found so she can go to England. And she definitely can't tell Adam she's falling in love with him.
Many historical inaccuracies but great light romance with a Christian flavour.
March 1, 2010
The outcome is rather predictable, but intricate plotting and a cast of interesting supporting characters render an enjoyable read. While readers of Bodie Thoene or Lynn Austin will find the spiritual content of this Christian romance fiction to be a bit light, the ideas and their impact upon hearts and events is included, though they seemed to lack the power of other writers.
Umberger brings to light a period of time - medieval Scotland - with a complicated and rich history. I thought the historical events, as well as cultures and customs were well represented. The characters think and act in accord with the culture of their time, as opposed to lesser works where essentially modern people have been cast into medieval events.
In addition, any author that includes notes about where fact ends and fiction begins should be praised. Not only has Umberger clarified her plot points, she goes a step further and provides non-fiction resources for further reading.
I had to find this book via interlibrary loan, and I think others will agree it is worth the effort. An excellent beginning. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. 3 1/2 stars.
Umberger brings to light a period of time - medieval Scotland - with a complicated and rich history. I thought the historical events, as well as cultures and customs were well represented. The characters think and act in accord with the culture of their time, as opposed to lesser works where essentially modern people have been cast into medieval events.
In addition, any author that includes notes about where fact ends and fiction begins should be praised. Not only has Umberger clarified her plot points, she goes a step further and provides non-fiction resources for further reading.
I had to find this book via interlibrary loan, and I think others will agree it is worth the effort. An excellent beginning. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. 3 1/2 stars.
September 11, 2020
Friends, if you enjoy the medieval time period, Scotsman heroes, &/or marriage of convenience stories, you need to read this book. I’m not sure why, but the book description online is so lacking! This story is definitely for an adult audience as physical intimacy after sexual assault is a recurring topic of the book. After being violated (it’s not a spoiler, I promise), Gwenyth must make a decision- wrongly accuse Adam, heir to her enemy clan, & have him sent to death? Or marry him in order to save him from his evil cousin who wants to claim the lairdship? The romance in this novel is very sweet; Adam is so patient, gentle, & understanding with Gwenyth as she learns to trust again after trauma & let go of her hatred for her enemy clan.
The themes of forgiveness & following God’s will is well woven throughout the book. The writing seems like that of a seasoned writer, not a debut novel. I hadn’t read this book in 10+ years & quickly remembered why I enjoyed it so much the first time as a teenager. I’m eager to reread the rest of the series & SO wish this author had written more books.
The themes of forgiveness & following God’s will is well woven throughout the book. The writing seems like that of a seasoned writer, not a debut novel. I hadn’t read this book in 10+ years & quickly remembered why I enjoyed it so much the first time as a teenager. I’m eager to reread the rest of the series & SO wish this author had written more books.
March 22, 2016
I'm not sure I understand some reviewers strong objections to the perspective in these books, but let me make it clear - these stories are written from the side of the Scots during the time of Robert the Bruce. If you want a balanced analysis of events, don't look for that here. Instead you'll find a romantic tale just a wee bit reminiscent of Sir Walter Scott.
This story was enjoyable but not great. I read it because I needed a book written by a writer whose name started with "U". lol But that's why I join challenges, to try new books and writers. I expect I'll eventually read all the books in this series since I love historical fiction and this is a different setting from most. As Christian fiction I didn't find anything to object to, but it wasn't exactly profound either. Just decent, clean romance.
This story was enjoyable but not great. I read it because I needed a book written by a writer whose name started with "U". lol But that's why I join challenges, to try new books and writers. I expect I'll eventually read all the books in this series since I love historical fiction and this is a different setting from most. As Christian fiction I didn't find anything to object to, but it wasn't exactly profound either. Just decent, clean romance.
January 22, 2013
Oooh, this was a wonderful series. I am Scotish/Irish and of course love to read stories in these areas and about redheads (since I am also a redhead. I actually picked this series up because of their covers and the awesome edges of the pages. And I am glad I did.
It is the stpry of a family from Scotland and is filled
with castles, positions, clans, farmers.....fighting..love and hate. They are wonderfully written..and I hate reading a review that tells you exactly what happens..so I won't do that. In my opinion you will really enjoy the whole series if you like historical fiction...especially in Scotland.
It is the stpry of a family from Scotland and is filled
with castles, positions, clans, farmers.....fighting..love and hate. They are wonderfully written..and I hate reading a review that tells you exactly what happens..so I won't do that. In my opinion you will really enjoy the whole series if you like historical fiction...especially in Scotland.
April 3, 2008
I really enjoyed this whole series of books (4 books in all. Its been awhile since I read them and I haven't had a chance to reread them because someone borrowed them from me. I do remember that each book looks at a different character and their role in Scotland's fight for independence. The characters do overlap some so you do get to hear about them in the next books too which is nice. I have been disappointed that the author hasn't really put out any other books since these because these were really good.
June 19, 2011
The story was good, but the continued fundamentalist Christian references were off putting to me. The characters were Catholic, and at that time in history all Catholic masses were in Latin. If the author had have set her story later in history when Scotland became more protestant, then the Gospel references would have wrung more true.
January 15, 2023
This was actually one of the first more adult books I read, back when I was about 14 or 15. It was one of my favorites. Adam was one of my favorite male leads in any book, because he was gentle and sweet. He was so emotionally mature, and the two characters spoke to each other very respectfully.
I just reread this to see if maybe I liked it because I was so young, but it is still great.
I just reread this to see if maybe I liked it because I was so young, but it is still great.
June 13, 2009
A little "churchy" for a medieval story but not soo much that it ruined the story. Great fast read.
November 28, 2023
I was going to gift this book for Christmas to my best friend who loves Scotland. I thought I'd check it out myself first -- I didn't expect it to be *good* necessarily, and it didn't need to be. I wanted a cheesy, silly novel about some special girl falling in love with a ridiculously handsome Scotsman. Bad but in a fun way.
However, while I didn't enjoy it at all, I am glad I picked it up because it was all about how she was assaulted and the trauma from that. Not a fun time after all.
I won't be gifting it. That being said it was a very easy read, took me all of a couple hours. The writing was simple and repetitive. I'm sure the historical inaccuracies abound, but that wouldn't bother me as long as we get a good story. Unfortunately we don't.
Buuuut it's a little unfair of me to say that since I hardly ever enjoy these sorts of novels. Not my cup of tea at all. This particular one drew me because of the sword on the cover, looool. As if there would be any real battle scenes -- there are a few but they are written with no change of pace so I had to read it back to realise what was happening!
Anyway. Another day I remember why Christian Romances are not it for me. My mum would probably enjoy it though.
However, while I didn't enjoy it at all, I am glad I picked it up because it was all about how she was assaulted and the trauma from that. Not a fun time after all.
I won't be gifting it. That being said it was a very easy read, took me all of a couple hours. The writing was simple and repetitive. I'm sure the historical inaccuracies abound, but that wouldn't bother me as long as we get a good story. Unfortunately we don't.
Buuuut it's a little unfair of me to say that since I hardly ever enjoy these sorts of novels. Not my cup of tea at all. This particular one drew me because of the sword on the cover, looool. As if there would be any real battle scenes -- there are a few but they are written with no change of pace so I had to read it back to realise what was happening!
Anyway. Another day I remember why Christian Romances are not it for me. My mum would probably enjoy it though.
September 8, 2024
"'Victory always belongs to those who do God's will. No matter how difficult the situation, you must trust God.'"
Coming from Scottish heritage, I'm quite biased about this book. I loved it! And whoever tells me they didn't hear bagpipes while reading this book or see the beautiful highlands in their mind's eye needs to go back and reread it. Circle of Honor by Carol Umberger started off quite fast paced in my opinion and I was quickly invested in Gwenyth's wellbeing. My heart broke at the trauma she went through and tears were shed when she thought God had abandoned her. My heart also might have melted at how patient, gentle, and kind Adam was with her. A story about healing, overcoming bitterness, and trusting God in all circumstances, this book was an amazing read.
Note that this book deals with sexual assault.
Coming from Scottish heritage, I'm quite biased about this book. I loved it! And whoever tells me they didn't hear bagpipes while reading this book or see the beautiful highlands in their mind's eye needs to go back and reread it. Circle of Honor by Carol Umberger started off quite fast paced in my opinion and I was quickly invested in Gwenyth's wellbeing. My heart broke at the trauma she went through and tears were shed when she thought God had abandoned her. My heart also might have melted at how patient, gentle, and kind Adam was with her. A story about healing, overcoming bitterness, and trusting God in all circumstances, this book was an amazing read.
Note that this book deals with sexual assault.
June 27, 2025
Book was ok. I'm not sure how realistic the story-line is. If I was Bruce, I would have handled this much, much differently.
I enjoyed the Hero, but not so much the Heroine. I don't understand what he saw in her and I didn't understand their growing love as there wasn't much dialog between the two.
Also - I thought the overemphasis on what our Heroine experienced was a bit too much. I get it was traumatic, but to reread it over and over was odd. The couple had very limited interaction and that issue was forefront each and every time. Then, to have to read it in their individual thoughts was just too much.
I enjoyed the Hero, but not so much the Heroine. I don't understand what he saw in her and I didn't understand their growing love as there wasn't much dialog between the two.
Also - I thought the overemphasis on what our Heroine experienced was a bit too much. I get it was traumatic, but to reread it over and over was odd. The couple had very limited interaction and that issue was forefront each and every time. Then, to have to read it in their individual thoughts was just too much.
September 25, 2020
I wanted this to be amazing, but it was just ok. That's not to say it wasn't entertaining, because it was, but the characters and their romance felt underdeveloped. I have had all four in the series on my shelf for years (passed on by a friend), and I'll probably try the second one before I give up. I applaud the author for trying to write a "closed door" romance, which calls for more skill, but this one just fell a little flat for me.
October 7, 2017
Very Enjoyable
Circle of Honor is a mixture of easy reading and historical fiction. There are just enough characters to make it interesting but not overwhelming. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Circle of Honor is a mixture of easy reading and historical fiction. There are just enough characters to make it interesting but not overwhelming. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
November 26, 2018
This book really drew me in. I stayed up late to finish it and even read during the day which is unusual for me. AND I didn’t read the ending of the book ahead of time! I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 6, 2021
Healing Love
This is my second read of this story. I read it the first time many years go and loved it then, as now. Gwyneth learns to love after a horrible crime against her. Adam becomes Laird of the Clans. Their love will heal both of them. Wonderful, faith filled romance.
This is my second read of this story. I read it the first time many years go and loved it then, as now. Gwyneth learns to love after a horrible crime against her. Adam becomes Laird of the Clans. Their love will heal both of them. Wonderful, faith filled romance.
January 10, 2025
PB*
“Tis not the first creature I’ve brought home for you to heal.”
p. 53
“If you have life, you have all you need to begin again.”
p. 128
“Your lips are blue, my lady. Me thinks we should sit in the sun and dry out.”
p. 148
“Aye, ‘death is no particular’ who it takes away.”
p. 245
“Tis not the first creature I’ve brought home for you to heal.”
p. 53
“If you have life, you have all you need to begin again.”
p. 128
“Your lips are blue, my lady. Me thinks we should sit in the sun and dry out.”
p. 148
“Aye, ‘death is no particular’ who it takes away.”
p. 245
October 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book - just enough intrigue to keep you reading on.
September 13, 2018
Interesting
January 4, 2019
Very good....historically accurate and a book you get lost in.
February 25, 2019
3.5/5 stars
March 14, 2021
I loved it and had a hard time putting it down 😊❤ I read it without any historical truth in mind, just as is. And it's dreamy to me lol Thanks for my new favorite book Carol!
June 10, 2021
I liked that a Scottish romance had Bible scripture included. I will be looking for more from this author.
December 14, 2021
A little dull but ultimately a good ending! Love that she is a Christian and chose to write about this time period!!! A very heartwarming story!
November 30, 2022
I've read this book and its series several times and it gets better and better. Medieval Scotland, the fight for freedom and faith, makes a great story. Highly recommended!
June 5, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews