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Highland Collection #1
Jamie MacLeod: Highland Lass
Jamie MacLeod: Pondering the mystery of her father's death, watching the emotional pain of another's rejection, stretching for the elusive dreams that led her on, discovering the chance for love--all of this is JAMIE MACLEOD.
349 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
54 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books611 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 9, 2022
Ooh, this was really good! Lately, (well, since yesterday actually) I've been a little apprehensive about *some* books set in Scotland, but this one did not disappoint! Watching/reading Jamie grow up into a mature young lady was super neat and inspired me as well, in my faith as well as my journey in adulthood. If you're looking for a fun read that follows this sweet bonnie lass as she navigates the strangeness of life, definitely give this book a shot!
April 19, 2019
A wonderful coming-of-age story, infused with excellent Christian morals!
While reading this tale, I have so enjoyed watching Jamie grow from a shabby little shepherd girl into a fine young lady. Her growth is seen in her personality, her spiritual discipline, and her beautiful nurturing soul.
From humble beginnings and a family that keeps dwindling in size, Jamie has only but the Lord to trust, and so she heads out into the world like a brave highland lass.
It is a delight to go on the journey with Jamie MacLeod. And I don't care if the book was written in the late 1980s -- it written very well. You'll get a quick lesson in the Scotch dialect of the English language too, maybe even learn a few new words. I just loved reading about the beautiful Scottish scenery and the mountain Jamie grew up on... and I'll be thrilled to get my hands on the sequel.
Content level: 2 (mild). One chapter about a man trying to take advantage of a young lady, but it doesn't go very far.
Language: 1 instance of a foul word (to be honest I was surprised to see it in a Bethany House book).
Minimum age to enjoy: 16 to Adult.
Five stars.
"She never tired of hearing the words from her grandfather's book in his thick brogue. Since she had never heard the sayings from God's Word in any other way, she had no reason to believe that God himself, as well as Moses and all the prophets, did not speak with a thoroughly highland tongue."
While reading this tale, I have so enjoyed watching Jamie grow from a shabby little shepherd girl into a fine young lady. Her growth is seen in her personality, her spiritual discipline, and her beautiful nurturing soul.
From humble beginnings and a family that keeps dwindling in size, Jamie has only but the Lord to trust, and so she heads out into the world like a brave highland lass.
It is a delight to go on the journey with Jamie MacLeod. And I don't care if the book was written in the late 1980s -- it written very well. You'll get a quick lesson in the Scotch dialect of the English language too, maybe even learn a few new words. I just loved reading about the beautiful Scottish scenery and the mountain Jamie grew up on... and I'll be thrilled to get my hands on the sequel.
Content level: 2 (mild). One chapter about a man trying to take advantage of a young lady, but it doesn't go very far.
Language: 1 instance of a foul word (to be honest I was surprised to see it in a Bethany House book).
Minimum age to enjoy: 16 to Adult.
Five stars.
"She never tired of hearing the words from her grandfather's book in his thick brogue. Since she had never heard the sayings from God's Word in any other way, she had no reason to believe that God himself, as well as Moses and all the prophets, did not speak with a thoroughly highland tongue."
January 4, 2014
It becomes more clearer all the time about the Scottish blood flowing through my veins! I so loved the scenery, the lifestyle, the family ways in this story. Michael Phillips w J Pella incredibly reveal characters that come to life so vividly. A tender little lass who loses her mother, then her father, and upon almost reaching adulthood, loses her grandfather who finishes raising her. He teaches her about the Lord and simple life, but like her father, she has a streak to wander that worried him. She finds herself in some situations that might have turned dangerous except that God provides escape through people He has placed in the way. A wonderful read that brings out the nurturing in the reader...enjoy!
May 27, 2016
A dream come true
This is a story about an impossible dream of a father down on his luck. A dream for his only daughter to become a lady like his beloved wife who has died. Set in an age and culture that strictly adheres to "class" distinction, this beautiful child cannot possibly climb from shepherdess to an acceptable lady in society. But with God all things are possible. God's truth and purpose prevail!
This is a story about an impossible dream of a father down on his luck. A dream for his only daughter to become a lady like his beloved wife who has died. Set in an age and culture that strictly adheres to "class" distinction, this beautiful child cannot possibly climb from shepherdess to an acceptable lady in society. But with God all things are possible. God's truth and purpose prevail!
May 25, 2016
Good book
The situation was hard to follow but it all worked out in the end. Look forward to reading the book's
Will follow in other series.
The situation was hard to follow but it all worked out in the end. Look forward to reading the book's
Will follow in other series.
May 30, 2016
Great read
Purity of heart and such sweet results. If on!y life imitated art (: congrats to the authors for a fun read
Purity of heart and such sweet results. If on!y life imitated art (: congrats to the authors for a fun read
July 27, 2018
Its a very slow book,i got so bored many times,am even shocked i was able to finish it. Its an Inspiring story though
February 1, 2025
Setting: The mountains of Scotland, from the tenant land of the Laird of Aviemere to the shepherd's mountain of Donachie, to the port city of Aberdeen, to the Aviemere estate itself. The story begins in the 1860s and stretches about 13 years, to Jamie's blossoming adulthood from her seven years of age; much of the narrative takes place as Jamie is transitioning from girlhood to womanhood.
The oppression of lords upon their Scottish tenants is referenced; the classic representation of a lonesome sheepherder on top of a mountain, faithfully told. The old Scottish dialect is heavy, and long passages of scripture are difficult to follow.
The Aviemere estate is well described, although certain aspects of the life are passed over in favor of the speedy development of the characters. Aberdeen is likewise well established as a unique setting, but only as a background, where certain characters are found.
Characters: A neat little package of a cast of characters can be summarized: Jamie, the heroine; her father and grandfather, literally her only family members (how convenient); the evil but mysterious Graystone antagonist; the well-meaning but troubled oppressed tenant couple; Romantic Hero Option #1, Robbie Taggart, and the "competition" Sadie, who gives Jamie a job; Romantic Hero Option #2, Edward Graystone, and the Lady competition Candace Montrose; and a handful of Aviemere supporting characters, including a little boy. They all pretty much fit the classic tropes--so, yes, they have distinct personalities, just not very deep ones. Jamie's day-to-day actions and attitude don't totally reflect her upbringing and early life, and her responses are mainly pat.
Plot: Fairly meandering, focusing mainly on spiritual growth. There is a mystery involved--which, since it is introduced at the very beginning and isn't solved until almost the very end, is kind of prominent--but it's all but forgotten throughout the middle scenes. There is death, dying, injustice, and romantic heartbreak involved. Each individual plotline is very interesting and enjoyable in its own right, but since there are a lot of aspects contributing to Jamie's growth, many important scenes feel rushed, without having enough development preceding them.
Faith Content: Very heavily, portraying an admirable growing in faith, not without pitfalls and the occasional youthful faithlessness, but always pointing toward God's love and faithfulness. Psalm 121 is a central passage, which is one of my favorites. A character comes to Christ, and his spiritual change is readily and drastically shown, although the character isn't immediately freed from the struggle of the flesh. The true nature of a lady is described in godly terms, and sin, represented as thirst for revenge, is definitively conquered.
The oppression of lords upon their Scottish tenants is referenced; the classic representation of a lonesome sheepherder on top of a mountain, faithfully told. The old Scottish dialect is heavy, and long passages of scripture are difficult to follow.
The Aviemere estate is well described, although certain aspects of the life are passed over in favor of the speedy development of the characters. Aberdeen is likewise well established as a unique setting, but only as a background, where certain characters are found.
Characters: A neat little package of a cast of characters can be summarized: Jamie, the heroine; her father and grandfather, literally her only family members (how convenient); the evil but mysterious Graystone antagonist; the well-meaning but troubled oppressed tenant couple; Romantic Hero Option #1, Robbie Taggart, and the "competition" Sadie, who gives Jamie a job; Romantic Hero Option #2, Edward Graystone, and the Lady competition Candace Montrose; and a handful of Aviemere supporting characters, including a little boy. They all pretty much fit the classic tropes--so, yes, they have distinct personalities, just not very deep ones. Jamie's day-to-day actions and attitude don't totally reflect her upbringing and early life, and her responses are mainly pat.
Plot: Fairly meandering, focusing mainly on spiritual growth. There is a mystery involved--which, since it is introduced at the very beginning and isn't solved until almost the very end, is kind of prominent--but it's all but forgotten throughout the middle scenes. There is death, dying, injustice, and romantic heartbreak involved. Each individual plotline is very interesting and enjoyable in its own right, but since there are a lot of aspects contributing to Jamie's growth, many important scenes feel rushed, without having enough development preceding them.
Faith Content: Very heavily, portraying an admirable growing in faith, not without pitfalls and the occasional youthful faithlessness, but always pointing toward God's love and faithfulness. Psalm 121 is a central passage, which is one of my favorites. A character comes to Christ, and his spiritual change is readily and drastically shown, although the character isn't immediately freed from the struggle of the flesh. The true nature of a lady is described in godly terms, and sin, represented as thirst for revenge, is definitively conquered.
December 27, 2021
I really struggle with novels that try to intertwine a ‘Christian’ message!! Unless it’s done really well, it can easily come across as cheesy and forced…
Jamie MacLeod was no exception!
The theme kept coming out through this story that if we pray to God it’ll all turn out ok! I’m sorry, but the true Christian life is a battle and not everyone’s story ends up the way they hoped or dreamed despite their many many prayers.
So from that regard - I found this to be a shallow and predictable story. The story itself is very much a Jane Eyre type story many similarities.
Jamie MacLeod was no exception!
The theme kept coming out through this story that if we pray to God it’ll all turn out ok! I’m sorry, but the true Christian life is a battle and not everyone’s story ends up the way they hoped or dreamed despite their many many prayers.
So from that regard - I found this to be a shallow and predictable story. The story itself is very much a Jane Eyre type story many similarities.
June 16, 2019
A historical romance fiction
This story is interesting and enlightening. It demonstrates how love of things doesn't make people happy. Being a loving person and finding someone to truly love and that loves you in return and seeking God's love and guidance for your life, that's what God intended and is the true source of happiness.
This story is interesting and enlightening. It demonstrates how love of things doesn't make people happy. Being a loving person and finding someone to truly love and that loves you in return and seeking God's love and guidance for your life, that's what God intended and is the true source of happiness.
February 2, 2024
After her father's and grandfather's death, Jamie moves on to make a life for herself. She travels back to her homeland to find out more.
February 15, 2024
A favorite!
June 9, 2024
I enjoy a clean historical fiction book with a Christian spiritual challenge. Judith Pella and Michael Phillips always deliver.
July 25, 2025
I read this years ago and loved it. Michael Phillips is one of those rare authors who not only tells a story but builds character in those he is writing about and, in doing so, in the reader. I liked it less this time around (it was decades ago) but still appreciated it. Phillips is one of my favorite authors.
February 13, 2020
Will come back to this book another time to really review it
August 3, 2019
Oh my days. I read this book ages ago as a teenager and I don't remember anything really, just that I had begun to outgrow the genre of Christian romance novels and didn't really enjoy this read.
September 16, 2012
Loved this book!
April 9, 2017
I love Scotland…I love anything that has to do with Scotland. I think I'm most proud of my Scottish lineage than anything else, so this book is a favorite of mine. I read it before a few years ago but now that I'm older I understand it better and I have a deeper love for the characters. I love the settings (even just the word 'Highlands' is wonderful!) the way they talk, the characters. Lord Greystone is a favorite, I've always loved dark depressed lords with a shady past. And Robbie! I love his cockiness and love for the sea. These writers captured this story very well and made it into a fantastic book. Aye, and ae'll be raedin' this book many more taimes doon the years!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews