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Scottish Clans #1
The Heather Moon
When the Scottish king falls suddenly ill, William Scott enlists the aid of a beautiful gypsy, Tamsin Armstrong, and finds himself torn between loyalty to his country and his love for Tamsin as they seek to stop a plot to kidnap the infant Princess Mary
340 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
45 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Susan King
64 books110 followersSusan King, née Longhi, is a multi-published, bestselling, award-winning author and a former art history lecturer. She holds a B.A. in art and an M.A. and most of a Ph.D. in art history, with postgraduate work in medieval studies. Her books are widely praised for historical detail and a lyrical writing style, and she has won multiple honors and awards for her novels written as Susan King, Sarah Gabriel, and Susan Fraser King. Susan visits Scotland as often as possible for research and relaxation, and lives in Maryland with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 16, 2022
En realidad 3'5 Estrellitas, pero le subo a 4 porque los capítulos finales han sido fabulosos.
No es lo primero que leo de Susan King, y en su momento me dio muy buena impresión. Después topé con éste ejemplar en una librería de segunda mano y al ver que era el primero de una serie, no me lo pensé.
"Sellado por el destino" es el primer libro de la trilogía Clanes Escoceses. El libro ocurre en la frontera entre Escocia e Inglaterra, entre luchas de poder por el territorio y el ganado de los señores en un lado y otro de la frontera.
Tamsin Armstrong es la hija de uno de esos poderosos jefes ladrones de ganado, y de una hermosa gitana itinerante que murió al darle a luz. Tamsin pertenece a dos mundos y a ninguno, hasta los seis años se crió con sus abuelos gitanos, pero nunca fue aceptada debido a una deformidad con que nació en una mano. Después, su padre se la llevó para criarla como una dama escocesa y cuando creciera, desposarla con el hijo de su mejor amigo.
William Scott es el hijo de otro jefe ladrón de ganado, y mejor amigo del padre de Tamsin. Pero éste no corrió tanta suerte, y cuando William tenía trece años su padre fue ajusticiado y a él se lo llevaron a la corte escocesa para criarlo con el joven rey Jacobo V.
Años después, Tamsin y William se encuentran en extrañas circunstancias. Él juega a dos bandas como espía de los escoceses y a ella y su padre los ha apresado su vecino inglés por robo de ganado. Sólo los dejará libres si le ayudan con un complot, y el papel de William será clave. Éste sólo accederá si saca a Tamsin de la mazmorra y se la lleva a su castillo durante quince días.
Pero Tamsin es un alma libre y no duda en escapar para llegar al campamento de sus abuelos. Una serie de circunstancias, hará que Tamsin y William vuelvan a encontrarse y ésta vez él la convencerá de que venga con él de buena voluntad como su invitada.
Desde el principio es obvia la atracción que existe entre los protagonistas y está muy bien llevada. William se encuentra en una serie de aprietos y Tamsin le será de gran ayuda. Todo esto aderezado, mientras entre Inglaterra y Escocia se urde un complot para secuestrar a la pequeña reina María Estuardo, una niña de ocho meses.
Admito que la primera mitad del libro me costó algo y no me hacía mucho a la historia. Pero a partir de la segunda parte, cuando Tamsin empieza a ser aceptada por un mundo que jamás creyó que la aceptaría, empezó a gustarme mucho, sobre todo su relación con Helen, la hermana menor de William, y que espero que tenga historia propia.
Como he dicho, los capítulos finales son rápidos y emocionantes y la autora ha sabido tenerme enganchada hasta el final del libro. El romance me ha gustado, pero he echado un poquito de menos algo más de amor, pues he visto más atracción que amor entre ellos.
Aún así, el libro me ha dejado con ganas de más y estoy segura de que continuaré la trilogía.
No es lo primero que leo de Susan King, y en su momento me dio muy buena impresión. Después topé con éste ejemplar en una librería de segunda mano y al ver que era el primero de una serie, no me lo pensé.
"Sellado por el destino" es el primer libro de la trilogía Clanes Escoceses. El libro ocurre en la frontera entre Escocia e Inglaterra, entre luchas de poder por el territorio y el ganado de los señores en un lado y otro de la frontera.
Tamsin Armstrong es la hija de uno de esos poderosos jefes ladrones de ganado, y de una hermosa gitana itinerante que murió al darle a luz. Tamsin pertenece a dos mundos y a ninguno, hasta los seis años se crió con sus abuelos gitanos, pero nunca fue aceptada debido a una deformidad con que nació en una mano. Después, su padre se la llevó para criarla como una dama escocesa y cuando creciera, desposarla con el hijo de su mejor amigo.
William Scott es el hijo de otro jefe ladrón de ganado, y mejor amigo del padre de Tamsin. Pero éste no corrió tanta suerte, y cuando William tenía trece años su padre fue ajusticiado y a él se lo llevaron a la corte escocesa para criarlo con el joven rey Jacobo V.
Años después, Tamsin y William se encuentran en extrañas circunstancias. Él juega a dos bandas como espía de los escoceses y a ella y su padre los ha apresado su vecino inglés por robo de ganado. Sólo los dejará libres si le ayudan con un complot, y el papel de William será clave. Éste sólo accederá si saca a Tamsin de la mazmorra y se la lleva a su castillo durante quince días.
Pero Tamsin es un alma libre y no duda en escapar para llegar al campamento de sus abuelos. Una serie de circunstancias, hará que Tamsin y William vuelvan a encontrarse y ésta vez él la convencerá de que venga con él de buena voluntad como su invitada.
Desde el principio es obvia la atracción que existe entre los protagonistas y está muy bien llevada. William se encuentra en una serie de aprietos y Tamsin le será de gran ayuda. Todo esto aderezado, mientras entre Inglaterra y Escocia se urde un complot para secuestrar a la pequeña reina María Estuardo, una niña de ocho meses.
Admito que la primera mitad del libro me costó algo y no me hacía mucho a la historia. Pero a partir de la segunda parte, cuando Tamsin empieza a ser aceptada por un mundo que jamás creyó que la aceptaría, empezó a gustarme mucho, sobre todo su relación con Helen, la hermana menor de William, y que espero que tenga historia propia.
Como he dicho, los capítulos finales son rápidos y emocionantes y la autora ha sabido tenerme enganchada hasta el final del libro. El romance me ha gustado, pero he echado un poquito de menos algo más de amor, pues he visto más atracción que amor entre ellos.
Aún así, el libro me ha dejado con ganas de más y estoy segura de que continuaré la trilogía.
May 10, 2021
A dramatic Border romantic adventure, I found this novel fast-moving and exciting. Tamsin Armstrong grew up with one foot in the roving Gypsey world and the other in Scotland with her wild and boisterous father. Her upbringing is unconventional and without restraint, and yet her father ensures she receives a good education. William Scott has lived most of his life as a captive but has been groomed and educated in court circles, where he gained his own reputation. Caught in an act of reiving, Archie Armstrong and Tamsin are threatened with hanging if they don't give in to the demands of their British captor, but William undertakes to keep Tamsin as a hostage until Archie fulfills Musgrave's requirements. I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Tamsin and William, one that takes both of them out of their comfort zone. I found the background information on the gypsies interesting and often wondered how their name originated. Despite plots within plots, this novel comes to a successful and happy conclusion. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review
September 22, 2020
Es entretenido, no mucho más. Todo lo que elogié en Lady Miracle acá como que me faltó.
No es una explosión de argumento la verdad, al principio amaga con espías y problemas de coronas, pero queda en segundo plano. Está mayormente centrada en la relación de los protagonistas, cosa que esta autora siempre escribe lindo.
Los diálogos van y vienen... a veces son muy repetitivos y se alargan las conversaciones, no se si para mostrar que los personajes son tercos ¿quizás?.
Sobre los protagonistas, William me gustó, es el que más historia tiene en comparación. Tamsin es medio genérica y casi no está desarrollada más allá de ser medio gitana y de su trauma por tener una mano atípica, pero si se toma como una novelita romántica con poco contexto histórico va bien.
No es una explosión de argumento la verdad, al principio amaga con espías y problemas de coronas, pero queda en segundo plano. Está mayormente centrada en la relación de los protagonistas, cosa que esta autora siempre escribe lindo.
Los diálogos van y vienen... a veces son muy repetitivos y se alargan las conversaciones, no se si para mostrar que los personajes son tercos ¿quizás?.
Sobre los protagonistas, William me gustó, es el que más historia tiene en comparación. Tamsin es medio genérica y casi no está desarrollada más allá de ser medio gitana y de su trauma por tener una mano atípica, pero si se toma como una novelita romántica con poco contexto histórico va bien.
March 6, 2018
Decent story, though it dragged in the middle. I liked the historical explanation at the end.
August 23, 2022
A bit dry and dragging in some parts and I am sorry to say this did not make much of an impact with me. Still this author is truly a storyteller for I really found the concept of kidnapping the infant Queen Mary from her mother and blaming the Gypsies for the crime... a masterful as well as a historical and traditional scheme... given that previous English kings have been doing the same for centuries to ensure that the recalcitrant highborn powerful parents do not misbehave... and so their children become wards (read prisoners as leverage and insurance) of the English court. But then in this case, there were also those who had different agendas and still employing the same nefarious plot during that Timeline.
April 29, 2021
Secrets, Passion and Fated Love
Sixteen century Scotland and England were brutal times. Between political intrigue, feuds, superstitions and reiving, lives were often cut short and loves were often lost. Such is the backdrop of this well written story by Susan King.
As the stars of The Heather Moon, William and Tamsin are well matched. They each suffer from emotional scars and they each have trust issues. Still, they are both honorable, loyal and passionate. Not only are their individual personalities well developed, but even the supporting characters are interesting and unique.
As with other books by this author, the lead characters spend a lot of time in their heads. However, there is enough dialogue and action to keep most readers from skimming. Also, the story leans heavily on history, which makes it all the more believable. Lastly, the ending wraps up the story nicely, and the epilogue is sweet and satisfying.
Content 411: This book contains both mild swearing and mild intimacy.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Sixteen century Scotland and England were brutal times. Between political intrigue, feuds, superstitions and reiving, lives were often cut short and loves were often lost. Such is the backdrop of this well written story by Susan King.
As the stars of The Heather Moon, William and Tamsin are well matched. They each suffer from emotional scars and they each have trust issues. Still, they are both honorable, loyal and passionate. Not only are their individual personalities well developed, but even the supporting characters are interesting and unique.
As with other books by this author, the lead characters spend a lot of time in their heads. However, there is enough dialogue and action to keep most readers from skimming. Also, the story leans heavily on history, which makes it all the more believable. Lastly, the ending wraps up the story nicely, and the epilogue is sweet and satisfying.
Content 411: This book contains both mild swearing and mild intimacy.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
May 13, 2021
Tamsin Armstrong is the daughter of a Scottish Laird. Her mother was Gypsy so she was seen as different because she was not fully Scottish. Her father took her out on raids and one night they were caught by another couple of Scottish Laird’s. One was William Scott the son of Tamsin’s father’s best friend who had been sent to the English when his father was hanged. The other Laird has some evil plans and has brought everyone else into it whether they want to or not. Their lives were put into danger and they had to navigate how to get what they wanted without being evil. And in the process they have to navigate their feelings for one another.
I liked this book. It was a quick read for me because I could not put it down. I read this book as a standalone book. The story line was entertaining. I enjoyed both of the main characters. The different cultures were interesting to read about.
I got this book for free to review from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
I liked this book. It was a quick read for me because I could not put it down. I read this book as a standalone book. The story line was entertaining. I enjoyed both of the main characters. The different cultures were interesting to read about.
I got this book for free to review from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
May 10, 2021
William Scott, Laird of Rookhope castle. He is strikingly handsome and gallant. He is sent away to journey with King James V of Scotland. Always loyal to the king and country, to his family, and especially his 5 year old daughter, Katherine.
He meets Tamsin Armstrong, daughter of Archie Armstrong. Both accused and sent to the dungeon for stealing horses. William's father and Archie, were best friends, since William was a young boy.
Archie only wants to see Tamsin married. She is half-gypsy,
head strong, and a determined young woman. A promise was made long ago between their fathers, that Tamsin and William were to marry.
Betrayal, kidnapping, and a plot to overthrow the Scottish Queen, Mary. Her cast of characters are layered with flaws, complexity, and driven to captivate the reader 's attention.
I received this book from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
He meets Tamsin Armstrong, daughter of Archie Armstrong. Both accused and sent to the dungeon for stealing horses. William's father and Archie, were best friends, since William was a young boy.
Archie only wants to see Tamsin married. She is half-gypsy,
head strong, and a determined young woman. A promise was made long ago between their fathers, that Tamsin and William were to marry.
Betrayal, kidnapping, and a plot to overthrow the Scottish Queen, Mary. Her cast of characters are layered with flaws, complexity, and driven to captivate the reader 's attention.
I received this book from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
May 28, 2021
Another Great Romance by Susan King, it had all the usual themes of Scottish reviers,Clan rivarly.
Heartbreak, intrigues and folly.
The ever widening mistrust between Scotland and England.
But this book , had great twists and turns , I especially loved the Gypsies and their culture, weaved into the story line,like a beautiful web.
It brought the story to life , vividly recounting the vibrant dances costumes, fortune telling et al.
The Royal intrigues and Scottish loyalties,were so magnificently intervoven.
The Gradual love between the Dashing Handsome Rogue of Rookhope ,and the Dark Dusky Beauty of the Gypsy with Emerald eyes, keeps the reader enthralled till the epic climax ,that has you holding your breath till the end.
I think I liked this book best of all.
This was a free Ebook given to me by EbookDiscovery, I write this honest review voluntarily,
And highly recommend this book.
To readers who love a heroic Romance.
Heartbreak, intrigues and folly.
The ever widening mistrust between Scotland and England.
But this book , had great twists and turns , I especially loved the Gypsies and their culture, weaved into the story line,like a beautiful web.
It brought the story to life , vividly recounting the vibrant dances costumes, fortune telling et al.
The Royal intrigues and Scottish loyalties,were so magnificently intervoven.
The Gradual love between the Dashing Handsome Rogue of Rookhope ,and the Dark Dusky Beauty of the Gypsy with Emerald eyes, keeps the reader enthralled till the epic climax ,that has you holding your breath till the end.
I think I liked this book best of all.
This was a free Ebook given to me by EbookDiscovery, I write this honest review voluntarily,
And highly recommend this book.
To readers who love a heroic Romance.
April 20, 2021
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I have read very few books were a Gypsy is a main character. And I can say, it did not disappoint. of the few books I have read, a pink gypsies as a in exotic, way out there characters. But I appreciate that this book not only focuses on the gypsy characters, but also their culture and way of life.
I enjoyed the action and romance, along with the Gypsy culture and the unique characters.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I have read very few books were a Gypsy is a main character. And I can say, it did not disappoint. of the few books I have read, a pink gypsies as a in exotic, way out there characters. But I appreciate that this book not only focuses on the gypsy characters, but also their culture and way of life.
I enjoyed the action and romance, along with the Gypsy culture and the unique characters.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
May 11, 2021
Was it fate?
A Scottish adventure that was a joy to read that had just the right amount of drama for this reader. Tamsin was awesome with Scottish roots with a gypsy heart I really enjoyed this character. William Scott the other main character was interesting but it did take me some time to warm up to the character. I did find the story interesting and well written. This is a book I would recommend. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
A Scottish adventure that was a joy to read that had just the right amount of drama for this reader. Tamsin was awesome with Scottish roots with a gypsy heart I really enjoyed this character. William Scott the other main character was interesting but it did take me some time to warm up to the character. I did find the story interesting and well written. This is a book I would recommend. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
February 20, 2018
Another Good Read
Story of young love and fate. A young gypsy girl meets a young laird with a daughter and a secret. Maybe not so secret as ballads had been sung about William and his daughter’s mother. Both father’s had been great friends and wanted to have their daughter and son wed at the right time. Must read to get the whole story. You will definitely enjoy. I gave this book a 4 star rate as it is written well. Great story line and the author continues to draw you in.
Story of young love and fate. A young gypsy girl meets a young laird with a daughter and a secret. Maybe not so secret as ballads had been sung about William and his daughter’s mother. Both father’s had been great friends and wanted to have their daughter and son wed at the right time. Must read to get the whole story. You will definitely enjoy. I gave this book a 4 star rate as it is written well. Great story line and the author continues to draw you in.
May 11, 2021
I really enjoyed all the different facets of this story. The background leading into this story really sets the stage for things to happen between Tasmin and Will. With political upheaval of the times blended with personal challenges of several characters, it was hard to put the book down. Enjoyable right to the HEA epilogue where expanded family and family connections made me smile.
I received a free copy of this book from eBook Discovery and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from eBook Discovery and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
April 26, 2021
This is a great, well-written read. It gives you an insight into historical Scotland and gypsies. It also shows great compassion and acceptance of this with what the majority of us would call disabilities. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
May 13, 2021
This book is an enjoyable and interesting read, though a little bit slow in the beginning it gradually picked up to a wonderful and nice ending. I like the way Tamsin and William's relationship developed and how she was able to overcome her low self esteem and finally find true love. "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
May 12, 2021
The Heather Moon is a gorgeous Scottish period romance with an entertaining plot and interesting, likable characters.
Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book.
Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book.
March 7, 2018
Enjoyed!
I have read and Enjoyed all three books in this border Rogues series! I plan to read more by Susan King.
I have read and Enjoyed all three books in this border Rogues series! I plan to read more by Susan King.
November 27, 2020
Good read!
June 13, 2015
A swashbuckler with complex hero and dauntless heroine.
This one's on my keeper shelf, but I think it's been 2-3 years since I read it, more fool me. Susan King and her blog partner, another favorite author, Loretta Chase, call themselves history geeks. But don't think you're going to be bored with the pageantry.
King has a real gift for bringing historical characters, events and settings vividly alive through the perspectives of her protagonists.
This hero and heroine are especially fine and fascinating. I often get bored with the feisty heroine trope, but this heroine has a touching vulnerability beneath the bravado, and doesn't throw her weight around just because she can.
And the hero? Yum! Strong, subtle, resolute and cunning at a time in the Scottish Borderlands when cunning was a crucial survival skill.
This one's on my keeper shelf, but I think it's been 2-3 years since I read it, more fool me. Susan King and her blog partner, another favorite author, Loretta Chase, call themselves history geeks. But don't think you're going to be bored with the pageantry.
King has a real gift for bringing historical characters, events and settings vividly alive through the perspectives of her protagonists.
This hero and heroine are especially fine and fascinating. I often get bored with the feisty heroine trope, but this heroine has a touching vulnerability beneath the bravado, and doesn't throw her weight around just because she can.
And the hero? Yum! Strong, subtle, resolute and cunning at a time in the Scottish Borderlands when cunning was a crucial survival skill.
October 22, 2016
RETO ESCOCIA: S de Sellado por el destino (2/7)
Como tener ambientación escocesa la tiene, que no me haya comprado es otra cosa. Me pareció aburrido más que nada, hay todo un complot político detrás que se menciona al principio y parece que quiere enfocarse más en eso que en el romance pero termina dejado atrás y luego parece que quiere centrar la atención en el romance pero tampoco llega a tanto y ...se hace largo.
Tenía una idea interesante que no me llegó a conquistar para nada.
Como tener ambientación escocesa la tiene, que no me haya comprado es otra cosa. Me pareció aburrido más que nada, hay todo un complot político detrás que se menciona al principio y parece que quiere enfocarse más en eso que en el romance pero termina dejado atrás y luego parece que quiere centrar la atención en el romance pero tampoco llega a tanto y ...se hace largo.
Tenía una idea interesante que no me llegó a conquistar para nada.
Read
June 29, 2012Almost bought this today at Goodwill, as I apparently lost or sold the copy I had when I was younger. But I set it back on the shelf and picked up Sins of a Duke instead, which turned out to be a dumb move, because I already owned Sins of a Duke, and should have got this one, The Heather Moon instead. Dammit!
Want to read
August 31, 2009have
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews