The Highland Bride's Choice

Campbell Sisters #1

by Amanda Forester

First in an exciting new trilogy of short stories set in medieval Scotland, bridging Amanda Forester's medieval and Regency series. Three Campbell sisters find true love with the ancestors of the three heroes featured in the author's hot new Regency romances.

In this first installment, the clan has gathered for May Day festivities, and Laird Campbell is trying to arrange marriages for his younger sisters. Practical Elyne Campbell is pleased to marry whomever her brother has chosen for her. Unfortunately, she is more attracted to Tavish Grant, the cousin of her intended, than the prospective groom himself. When she is caught outside the castle gates during a siege and is forced to spend time hiding with Grant, the attraction grows beyond all hope of practicality.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Scotland, Novella, Medieval

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Amanda Forester holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in theology. As a psychologist, she has worked as a clinical researcher and a university instructor (what they call you when they don’t want to give you tenure). None of which has anything to do with writing romance novels. After trying for many years to stop the internal storylines floating around her head, she finally gave up and wrote one down. Now when she is caught daydreaming and talking to herself she can just say, “I’m plotting a scene for my next novel,” which sounds so much better than, “I’m hallucinating and responding to internal stimuli.”

Amanda lives in the Pacific Northwest with her officer and a gentleman husband and their two remarkably active, naturally brilliant children. They share their home with two fiendishly destructive cats and one lazy dog.

The Highlander’s Series represents Amanda's first venture into writing historical fiction, so she would greatly enjoy hearing from readers.

Reviews

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a first time read by new author Amanda Forester. "The Highland Bride's Choice" (Campbell Sisters, #1) is a delightful and nice novella.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reread: 6/1/21
Sweet but too short

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2020)! 🎁

[BJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good plot but I couldn't get into the story because of the brogue. My personal trigger, so the book might be great but I couldn't go on.

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, light, and lovely. Highland Bride's Choice was a wonderful historical romance novella. It was an absolutely lovely read.

Elyne was a good heroine. For the most part, I found her likable. She was loyal and determined to do her duty to her clan. My issue with her, though, was that she played victim to a situation of her own making. No one forced her to get engaged to the laird. Her brother even told her that he would break the engagement if she didn't want it. But, she decided to sign the papers. Then, she complained about her engagement, basically from the moment she finished signing her name and especially when she fell in love with Tavish. It was a little irritating. But, regardless, I liked her.

Tavish was a total sweetheart. He was just adorable. He was lighthearted, sweet, and just wonderful. I adored him. I thought he was perfect.

The romance was mostly sweet. I thought Elyne and Tavish were lovely together. There was a hint of spice, but that wasn't the focus of their relationship. I really liked this couple.

The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.

Highland Bride's Choice was a wonderful historical romance novella. I really enjoyed reading this lovely book. Lovers of romance, if you want a quick, light, sweet read, then this is a book you'll want to check out.

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Emilia Redington · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Mary - Buried Under Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Forester’s new trilogy features the Campbell sisters, whose brother is the hero in The Highlander’s Heart, as they each fall in love on a special May Day celebration.

Elyne Campbell is betrothed to Grigor Grant, laird of the Grant clan. Unlike her romantically inclined sister, Effie, Elyne believes in sensibility and doing her duty before love, which she believes to be a nuisance. She is thankful to her brother for arranging a suitable match, one that will allow her to be chatelaine of her own keep. However, in spite of the confidence she exudes to her family, she is unsure of her betrothed’s character, and even more of her future. Thus, when she meets a charming and pleasant Grant clansman at a clan gathering, she feels happy knowing her future husband will be such a kind person…except he is the wrong Grant.

Tavish Grant is cousin to Grigor Grant, laird of their clan. Unlike Grigor, Tavish had grown up with a loving and supportive family and with no expectations, allowing him to become a man of cheerful disposition and an adventurous spirit, good-hearted and humorous. He is intrigued by Elyne Campbell’s intelligence and determination, yet he knows she will never be his. But when they are unwittingly forced to take refuge in an abandoned castle during a siege, might romance blossom between them?

A sweet and chaste story, Highland Bride’s Choice is a light-hearted novella with sincerity and an enchanting set of protagonists. The journey for Elyne’s falling in love was believable and sweet; she not only found a friend in Tavish who enjoys her company, but also a partner who appreciates her constancy and sensitivity. Tavish was a free-spirited adventurer with a thirst for knowledge and travel, yet the more time he spends with Elyne, the more he wants to settle down with her. He had never experienced love, as travel had always been more enjoyable in his life, so it is exactly that he had fallen in love with Elyne after so short a period which makes this novella slightly unbelievable, albeit very romantic. In some ways, at the core of this romance is the theme of opposites attract, as Elyne who had always been the dutiful man, worrying about her clan, hating the English for their claim on Scotland, is matched with Tavish who lives as he pleases and cares not for politics, but for living a good life. In other ways, it is clear how this romance developed, because Elyne needed a caring and dependent man who can take away her burdens, and Tavish needed someone sensible and practical to tone down his vagabond spirit. In the end, these two make a perfect couple amidst the peace and war of medieval Scotland.

Of note is that Tavish is the ancestor of William Grant, hero in Forester’s A Wedding in Springtime. Her next novel, Midsummer Bride, is to feature the Regency descendant of the Effie’s love, so I’m highly anticipating both reads!

*Review copy from the publisher via Netgalley

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottish medieval romances are a comfy pleasure for me so when a book challenge prompt require a ‘Highland’ romance, I gleefully scrolled through my dusty Kindle shelves to pull down one by a new to me author I’ve been meaning to try.

The Highland Bride’s Choice begins a novella trilogy about the three Campbell sisters who were first introduced in their older brother’s story, Highlander’s Heart book two of the Highlander series. The Campbell Sisters trilogy is also tied to another of the author’s series because the Campbells are ancestors of the main characters in the Regency era Marriage Mart series. Even with the connections to other, earlier series, I had no trouble jumping into The Highland Bride’s Choice.

Elyne and her two sisters are about to be presented by their brother, the Laird of Clan Campbell to men from other powerful Highlander clans for marriage. Elyne is open to the idea of an arranged marriage while her other sisters want nothing to do with it. But, she soon starts to have a change of mind and heart when she meets a cousin of her potential husband and then the no-nonsense grumpy potential husband.

Just when Elyne begins to have doubts, a little adventure takes her along with the charming cousin, Tavish Grant into forced proximity where they must survive a dangerous situation. More and more the pair are miserable that Elyne is to marry Grigor, but what can they do with the marriage articles signed?

The Highland Bride’s Choice was just what I look for in a standalone novella. The author took the abbreviated page count and showed a developed world, cast of characters, romance, and even a suspenseful situation. There is a blend of light and serious tones. The conflict for the romance pair built nicely first with early attraction and then reinforced when they are stuck in the abandoned Keep, hiding from a nearby English army, and unsure what can be done with their newfound love right after Elyse is pledged to someone else.

I enjoyed this one and want to get the other sister’s stories as well as try out the novel-length books in the connected series after sampling Amanda Forester’s writing. Definitely for Highlander romance fans who like something lighter, but paired with a good conflict.



My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on 7.24.25

[Heather English · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book the twists will keep you involved and rooting for the couples. I have really started to enjoy the Scottish Romance novels lately and this is a good one.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so the only reason why I read 2 novellas was cos I had only read 1 book! 1 book and it was already Sunday. One big in 6 days made me shaky, lol.

This one was a fast one where the brother sends for bridegrooms and Elyne is all, fine, I can marry, who needs love anyway. Haha, oh you girl, yes she meets her intended and he is so meh, but dang his cousin is fine.

The love happens fast, they do not have many days on them to fall in love so it's fast and sudden. And then they live happily ever after.

Short and nice

[Nelshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divertida, pero corta, me hubiera gustado que fuera un libro más largo daba para más, me gusto la interacción de los personajes y me saco una sonrisa en cada capitulo...

[Andria Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really in the mood for highlander romance but this just didn't do it for me.
2.5 ⭐. This is a "me thing" not an author thing.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elyse Campbell is to marry Grigor Grant, a large Highland Warrior who want his home run with precision. She goes for a ride to clear her head and she sees Tavish Grant riding where he shouldn't be based on a warning she had been given about the English. She tries to warn him and it's too late for them to return to the castle as the English are between them. They take cover in an abandoned castle on the premises and help the few remaining people living there. It is a happy ever after, but with some angst in between. Need to read if you want to know what happens.

[Jack Vasen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to start paying attention. With ebooks, it is easy not to notice it is a novella.

I guess this story is fine for what is a very short book. Even so, it all seemed too tongue-in-cheek to me. Several of the events seemed ludicrous. The characters were shallow and even some like Grigor were just stupid.

Don't waste money on it.

No mature themes.

[Cheryl Gaulin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tavis and Elyne would have been very unhappy without each other!

Good little story about two people who would have been very unhappy without each other! She was supposed to marry his coup but fell in love with someone else.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love My Bethrotheds Cousin

Elyne is bethrothed to Grigor Grant, her brother's choice for her husband and she accepts it. But mistakenly going to the wrong room she meets Travis Grant, and sparks fly instantly. Now she is having second thoughts. So read and see who she picks.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estuvo bonito y bastante entretenido para ser tan cortito!!

[BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Downloaded this as a freebie but it didn't invite me to download the other book(s). It was too 'messy' for my liking. I even skimmed through parts of it and thought 'yeah, yeah...'

[Evelyn Derenzy]

Fun!

A lovely story filled with scripture of God's faith for mankind. Love arrives quickly for the main characters which finalized two marriages.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shorty

It was a quick fun story to read in a couple of spare hours. I always love the Scottish adventures.

[Ruby Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy reading

I enjoyed reading this book. I am sure you will too. Read to find out who Elyne chooses to wed. A nice sweet medieval romance. Thanks!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read. But, again with the kilts and plaids; which didn't become a thing until much later than the 1300s.

[Donna Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Love bites

A great short novella about how we find true love when not looking for it. Can’t wait to read more about the characters in this book in others in this series.

[Laurie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, quick story. Good characters and tension.

[Mujde Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, enjoyable read. <3

[Amy Alvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog

Elyne Campbell is doing her duty by marrying the man her brother has picked for her, the laird of the Grant family. She doesn't believe in romantic love and is willing to do what she must for the family.

When trying to help a needy guest, she comes across Tavish Grant. Thinking that this is her soon to be betrothed, she is pleasantly surprised by him. She soon learns that Tavish is the cousin of her betrothed. Unfortunately, she finds herself thinking much more Tavish than her own soon to be husband.

While out riding one morning, she spots Tavish riding out much further than he should due to the English being in the area. She follows him to warn him to be careful and to stay closer to the keep. Tavish is out in search of an abandoned keep that heard about. He insists that Elyne goes back and says he will go back with her.

She doesn't want him to miss his exploring, so she decides to go with him. While there they spot a large army of English soldiers and have to find a way to warn Elyne's family while they stay safe themselves. As they spend time together, Elyne is drawn more and more to Tavish even though she knows he is forbidden. Will their attraction for each other win out or will Elyne end up marrying Tavish's cousin?

This was a very quick read (less than an hour). Even though the story only takes place over a couple of days, you still feel the build up of the romance. Elyne and Tavish worked very well together to thwart the English and you could see that would be the way that there life would be. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the trilogy!

Thanks go to NetGalley and Sourcebook for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gokce G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet novella. As the term suggests, it was short and yet to the point. Laird Campbell is trying to marry off his sisters one by one, and the first one to go is Elyne Campbell, the practical sister. She's happy to do her duty and marry the man her brother chooses for her, and yet when the groom's party arrives, she realizes she's more attracted to her intended's cousin, Tavish Grant, than the groom himself. Somewhere along the story, the two get stranded in an abandoned cottage, and that seems to be the cherry on top in their complicated situation.

Despite this story being short, I easily bought into the romance of the hero and the heroine. Perhaps the setting of the cottage and the fact that they couldn't leave the place for a while and had to spend the night with each other has affected my judgment, but with limited on page time, a confined space and a short time, the author still managed to convince me of their feelings. Elyne and Tavish were both likable characters, I especially liked Tavish taking life a little on the lighter side. He was funny, and even though Elyne was instantly smitten, it seemed to me like it took him a tiny bit more to realize she was a woman, and not his cousin's intended. I liked that.

Since this was a novella, and a somewhat introduction to the author's Regency series, there wasn't much plot to go on with, except for the period's required battle between the English and the Highlanders. A fact, I admit, -the lack of plot that is- that didn't bother me in the least, with the funny dialogue and the easy banter between the characters.

A sweet romance that's a nice start to a series of novellas about three sisters. I'm now curious as to how the remaining sisters will do, and how their descendants will fare in their Regency stories.

[The Window Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Amanda Forester is doing something very unique in her new Highlander novella series. With her previous trilogy set in medieval Scotland and her newest series in Regency times, Ms. Forester is bridging the gap by showing readers the ancestors of her new heroes and heroines and the love stories that started dynasties. Having recently read and enjoyed A Wedding in Springtime this novella was a wonderful bonus to that story.

Elyne Campbell understands her duty to her brother the laird and the entire Campbell clan. With her brother having to hold lands not only in Scotland but in the enemy territory of the English, a marriage into another strong clan will sure up the alliances that will keep both families strong. David Campbell has arraigned marriages for both of his younger sisters, with Elyne’s hand promised to the laird of the Grant family. Elyne doesn’t protest the match, unlike her sister Effie, believing that romantic notions of love aren’t necessary in a match.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m actually reading this novella series out of order, but in this case it wasn’t an issue. In this short story, we read about Elyne Campbell and her sense of duty to marry the man her brother has arranged for her. Elyne is willing to do what is responsible, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t desire her betrothed’s cousin instead, the handsome and charming Tavish Grant. When a ride out into the forest to find some peace ends up with Elyne and Tavish stuck in an abandoned castle to hide from the approaching English, they are forced to work together… and to also try to deny their growing attraction for each other.

THBC is a short, enjoyable read in the Campbell Sisters series. Tavish and Elyne were extremely likable, and the reader can’t help but root for the two of them to be able to be together – especially when we come to know what her intended husband is really like (bleh!). The romance is sweet and a HEA obvious but welcomed. Amanda Forester has written several highlander books and other regency novels, and I feel like I will happily be working my way through them.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE HIGHLAND BRIDE'S CHOICE by Amanda Forester is a quick Medieval Scotland Historical Romance set in 1300's Scottish- English border. #1 in the "Campbell Sister's" trilogy about Highlanders and their lady loves. Practical,youngest Campbell sister, Elyne Campbell, will do as she is told and marry Grigor Grant, laird of the Grant clan,unfortunately, she is attracted to his cousin, Tavish. Tavish Grant, meanwhile, is intrigued and attracted to Elyne's generous disposition and determination. When they are unexpectedly trapped outside the castle gates, by English soldiers, they soon become more than attracted to each other. A sweet,tender Highland romance. Which will Elyne choose,her duty or her true love? A quick, fast paced story of love and duty. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More