A Flame for the Fire

by Nigel Tranter

It was the beauty of his sister, Janet, that brought David Kennedy of Carrick to the attention of Scotland's romantic and personable monarch, James IV. But whatever its cause, the association was to prove highly beneficial to Scotland in the troubled years ahead.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland

356 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from the viewpoint of David Kennedy, whose sister becomes the mistress of James IV. Their father is John, 2nd Lord Kennedy and he's been trying to marry his daughter Janet, to Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, both men had fought against James III at Sauchieburn. John Lord, Kennedy is a rather difficult individual so David is building a castle for himself at Cassillis and Janet has been advising him on design features. Janet is less then thrilled to be considered as a bride for the Red Douglas. When his sister becomes James IV's mistress and David raises Carrick men to deal with the defection of the Earl of Angus, James IV makes him Bailie of Carrick. Three lairdships were bestowed on him and he made his brother, Alexander, steward of Leswalt which got him out from under their father's roof, their younger brothers happy to visit for awhile. Alexander also took over escorting convoys of goods from Whithorn to Carlisle which put a stop to a potential trade war between Whithorn and Wigtown. There would be other promotions and a family for David Kennedy before Flodden .

[Laurie Benner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent historical