The Winter Stone

by Tanya Anne Crosby, Glynnis Campbell, Laurin Wittig

One legend, Three Enchanting Novellas

Three best-selling, award-winning, authors, three heart-felt stories, the splendor of Scotland, and a legend passed down through generations. These are the romantic tales of the Winter Stone...

In Once Upon a Highland Legend, a Guardians of the Stone novella, by Tanya Anne Crosby, Annie McPherson has gone through her entire life a bit lost. She's about to find herself misplaced in time as well, where she must take her place as a guardian and find a way to restore the faith of a powerful chieftain. Will she win his heart as well?

In MacAlister's Hope, a Kilmartin Glen novella, by Laurin Wittig, Kieron MacAlister has always loved Fia MacLachlan, a wee fey lass he met years ago who, with her sweet smile and surprising insight, changed his life. When he comes face-to-face with the beautiful woman she's grown into, can he convince her to change her life, too?

In The Outcast, a Scottish Lasses novella, by Glynnis Campbell, Lachlan Mar, a disfigured and broken Scots warrior, doesn't believe anything can mend the wounds of war until Alisoune Hay, a brilliant and beautiful young lass, stumbles into his cottage and his life, healing his hurt and his heart with the most magical power of all--love.

One legend, three enchanting novellas from three beloved authors.

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

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.

Reviews

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I have been reading all three of these authors Tanya Anne Crosby, Laurin Wittig and Glynnis Campbell for over twenty years as they are so a few of my favorite and have been for a very long time. Also their books are always on my keeper shelves as their books I find "are always absolutely spectacular!

I have been waiting for this set of three novellas to be released since Febuary when I first heard of this special set of three novellas in one book. For me this was a rare special treat to have all three of my favorite authors in the same book and The Winter Stone is truly amazing as I just knew it would be! It's a guarantee to be a wonderful read with these three talents who are the top of my favorite author list!

I loved the connection of the Winter Stone and the elder guardians of the stone which was made from the icy tears from The Mother of Winter eons ago after the last Pict King was betrayed died by one he loved. The magical elder named Biera in each story's of different century is on a quest looking for its current keeper that c in each century which seems to change destinies. Find out if the power of the stone will actually find the one that carries the keepers blood of the dark haired green eyed keeper of The Winter Stone.

The first enchanting novella is "Once Upon a Highland Legend" by Tanya Anne Crosby which is a fabulous time travel story. The main characters in this story is about Annie Ross a lonely American girl who like her beloved father was obsessed with rocks and their origins as the scientist in her as when she comes across very special rocks that is given to her by a local keeper in Scotland that changes colors. Of course the scientist in her wanted to figure out how it exactly works, her obsession had been to find the real Stone of Destiny what she doesn't expect is to fall asleep in 2014 and wake up in The Cairngorns, 878 and the first man she meets Callum Mac Finn is a leader of a clan in charge of protesting the Stone of Destiny and from there this woman's destiny does seem to spiral out of control. As she keeps trying to figure to get back to her time even though she has fallen in love with this man she know she doesn't belong in this time. Will she break this Picts heart and return or maybe she is home after all. You will have to read to find out as it an amazing story yet really sweet and wonderful story. I adored this story!

This is the second enchanting novella which is called "MacAllister's Hope" by Laurin Wittig was absolutely wonderful and for those of you like me who have read Laurin's book The Devil of Kilmartin this is a must read! As this is the story of orphan wee Fia who The Devil and Elena took under the wing and made the daughter of their hears. Fia is all grown up and is brought to The MacAlister Clan to help heal the chief but she doesn't realize the boy that she helped all those years ago Kieron is one of the lead warriors of this clan. This is their story without giving anything much away but it was so sweet and tender of course with some mischief thrown in. It's also about a lass wih doesn't have all faith and abilities in herself and how this man helps her find her confidence and self esteem as she had helped him with as a boy many years before and changed his destiny as well as The Winter Stone. I loved this story it was absolutely beautiful and wonderful!

This is the third and last enchanting novella is this book called "Outcast" by Glynnis Campbell it's about two lonely people one fleeing for her life as being extremely intelligent and outspoken with new scientific ideas she is accused of being a witch and the entire town want to burn her at the stake! Lachlan Mar a handicapped soldier who has been feeling sorry for himself and living in self pity and drinking until he passed out for the past three months. Yet this cheerful intelligent women Alisoune Hay barges in on Lachlan's self pity and pitiful life and changes everything with the help of a deerhound dog named Campbelll and The Winter Stone destinys are changed forever. This story really pulled at my heartstrings but some parts are pretty hilarious too. I also love stories that have animals in them and plus made me giggle beside and I had to laugh at the dogs name, well look who wrote this story. I loved cried and laughed at this story which to me equals a great story. Loved it!

I enjoyed all three stories in The Winter Stone and I loved how it shows up in each story along with the elder guardian of the stone whose job is to find the keeper of the stones and claims destiny's will change. I highly recommend reading The Winter Stone as it was a pure joy for me and I had so much fun reading each story as I couldn't put this book until I was done as I read it in a day. All three are amazing authors and to put three of my favorite authors in one book was such a special rare treat for me and I think anyone who reads The Winter Stone will find it a joy to read as it was just as well as being magical and I absolutely loved it! ~B

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and fantastic read. I could not stop reading this book at all. Good thing I had the day off from work. Lachlan is a flawed hero and I was rooting for his acceptance of his condition. He was willing to help a stranger based on a witch's proclamation. The positive and progressive attitude of Alisoune was refreshing in a story. A woman who was almost obsessed with science and had the know all to build things made me smile. This is a book that I recommend to others to read. I look forward to more of this series. Thank you, Glynnis.

[MaryD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three novellas with the Winter Stone as the unifying item. I'd read the first one "Once Upon a Highland Legend" not too long ago, but I loved it. "MacAllister's Hope" is the second one & continues the saga of the Winter Stone, as Fia learns that love is as strong as medicine. "The Outcast" is my favorite of the three. I loved Alisoune's character and her brilliant mind. Lachlan's situation tore at my heart, but Campbell was my favorite character of all He's Lachlan's dog.

[Voirrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually three short stories linked by the Winter Stone of the title. All set in Scotland, in different periods of history, all simple but enjoyable romances.

I have to admit I wasn't sure of the authenticity of the Pictish one - but then, as they left so little of their civilisation behind I don't suppose anyone could be sure what was authentic!

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stories, three authors, three really fascinating reads. I love the idea of taking a set object, in this case a magical stone and letting three different people each come up with a story about it. Lots of fun. I loved each one.. and now I have some new authors to keep up with!

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written stories by 3 incredible authors!!! Loved all the stories, I couldn't put the book down it was intriguing starting off in modern day then to end in the 800's, then 1300's and finally 1500's with 3 very different strong, intelligent women!! You will love this book!!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Once Upon A Highland Legend" by Tanya Anne Crosby
4.5 stars
Annie can see what few can see in the keek stane or scrying stone: "Truth, lies, and the destinies of men." When she is taken back in time by the stone, she meets Callum who, for unexplained reasons, can also see the colors of the stone when no one else can. Depending on the color you can tell if someone is lying or telling the truth. In the end, Annie was brought to Callum because it was their destiny.
Annie is a feisty, modern woman that is taken back to a time that she has been dreaming about; the time when the Destiny Stone was stolen from England and brought back to Scotland with a fake left in its place. A deep seeded feeling, turned proven fact by her time travel, she has been dying to prove to the scholastic community. In the end she decides, 'Screw 'em. I'm surrounded by and living in history! I think I'll stay.'

I liked the time travel element this story has; a modern woman going way back in time (first century). This was a good introduction to the properties of the stone. It glows pink if the person holding it is speaking or thinking a truth and turns a dark murky reddish brown if something is false. Now I'm wondering what else it can do.

"MacAlister's Hope" by Laurin Wittig
5 stars
Fia was adopted by the MacLachlans when her mother died in child birth and has been learning the ways of a healing herbalist, helping her new family in any way she can ever since. Fia met Kieron when they were both young and unknowingly changed his life by giving him some invaluable advice: Be yourself and play to your strengths instead of comparing yourself to others. Your strengths and weaknesses are not better or worse than another's, just different. When they meet again years later, the connection is still there and grows stronger.
Kieron is the keeper of the Winter Stone and he uses its power to test people's honesty. He gives it to Fia when he realizes she can see the colors of the stone and that by holding the stone over one in need while rattling off possible remedies, it glows brightly when the correct remedy is said.

I love Laurin Wittig's stories. There's always an element of redemption and the relationships she creates between her characters are ones that develop slowly, which means they are the ones most worth fighting for.
The powers of the Winter Stone expand a little bit when they figure out what green (well being/life) and blue (happiness) mean. I'm liking this stone. Seems to come in handy often.

"The Outcast" by Glynnis Campbell
3.5 stars (Only because of the ending)
Lachlan, a broken soldier, lives alone outside of town just barely getting through each day. He lost his leg and his four younger brothers in the last war and is feeling the pain of the "Why?"..."Why didn't I die with them? Why did I lose a leg and still live?" Survivors remorse keeps him from truly living his life. One blustery winter day, Biera (the old witch/stone keeper in each story) comes to his door looking for the next Winter Stone keeper and is confused when she sees him because he isn't who she was looking for even though she knows she's in the right place. She give him the stone anyway to give to the rightful keeper she describes as "the one with dark hair and bright green eyes."
Lachlan unexpectedly meets said rightful keeper when she bursts through his door and into his bed begging him to keep her safe from those chasing her. Feeling compelled to respect her wish, he covers for her when those in pursuit arrive at his door.

I absolutely loved Alisoune! A bespectacled, understated beauty, she is a force to be reckoned with, with an independent personality and an unquenchable curiosity for life. She tries to repay Lachlan for his generosity by making little changes to improve his life. The handle on the wall is simple yet brilliant. I also really liked the development of their relationship while they're essentially stuck in his house during a snow storm. Saying that, a couple things really fell short for me. First, the role of the Winter Stone really wasn't there; it basically sat on his mantle the whole time. And second, the ending was so abrupt! He goes charging in to save her from the fire and....the epilogue?!? I think the epilogue should have been cut in order to tell exactly how he saves her from the fire. It is the climax of the story after all.


Overall, I really liked all three stories. I liked that they all included Biera, the old witch who delivers the stone to each of the keepers. She literally is over 1,000 years old! The properties of the Winter Stone were about the same, but how they were used was different in each story. There's a little bit of history, a little bit of fantasy, and a lot of romance.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of three novellas based around a Scottish legend of the winter stone. The first one, "Once Upon a Highland Legend", written by Tanya Anne Crosby, starts in present day Scotland when Annie Ross acquires an unusual stone that changes color in her hands. At first the shopkeeper insists it isn't for sale, but then agrees to let Annie have it after observing what happens when she is holding it. As a Scottish historian, Annie embarked on a hike looking for the Stone of Destiny, described in many legends. When she stops to rest, she awakens to find she has been transported back in time to the same place in 878. Of course she is met with suspicion from the clansmen of the time who are undergoing some trials of their own. The winter stone is an aid to her, and ultimately Annie must decide if she wants to remain in the past or return to the present.

The second novella, MacAlister's Hope, written by Laurin Wittig, moves ahead to The Highlands in 1321, where the winter stone is now in the possession of Kieron MacAlister. He has used the powers of the stone to gain himself a trusted position, as advisor to the son of the clan's chief. When the chief becomes ill, they travel to get help from a well known healer in another clan. The healer is unable to travel due to her pregnancy, but sends her foster daughter Fia Maclachlan instead. Fia has been training under Elena, but knows she does not have the special healing power of her mentor. Kieron recognizes her from when he met her as a child, and set him on the right track. She has always held a special place in his heart, so he must try to convince her to become his wife - intrigue and betrayal are involved.

The third novella, "The Outcast" by Glynnis Campbell, is my favorite. This novella moves ahead to Keirfield, Scotland in 1542, a time when the Catholic church is at war with anyone who is trying to advance the spread of scientific theories. It opens with an old crone knocking on the door of Lachlan Mar's small cottage. Biera was in the other two stories as well and has served as Guardian of the Winter Stone, passing it from Keeper to Keeper throughout the ages. When Lachlan Mar opens the door and sees the old woman, she mutters something about being the wrong one after noting the color of his hair and eyes. She asks if anyone else lives in the home, and refuses Lachlan's offer to come in out of the cold snowstorm, but insists on leaving the stone with him to find its way to the rightful person. She says it will change his destiny. Enter Alisoune Hay not long after, being chased by the town priest and accused of witchcraft. She makes it to Lachlan's home just in time, and he reluctantly provides a refuge for this unfortunate woman who is a spectacle saleperson, having been trained by her father in the latest scientific advancements in his trade. Lachlan was injured in a recent Scottish war, losing his leg, as well as his four brothers. He is an outcast by choice because of grief and the way the villagers treat him. This unlikely pair soon find they have a connection, but can they overcome obstacles to their happiness?

I found these legends entertaining and informative, as they present aspects of Scottish life in several time periods. There are surprises in each story.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars!!!

These are three stories set around the Winter Stone which was given by the Mother of Winter to the Guardians of the Old Ways so that through it's light all truths will be known.

*ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND LEGEND by Tanya Anne Crosby

Present day and The Cairngorms, 878

Annie meets an old woman in a store who has given her an old stone said to bring the holder of the stone to their fate. She hikes off into the mountains and finds herself coming awake, after evidently nodding off, to find herself smack dab in another time. Callum comes upon her and takes her hostage until he can find out what she knows about the Stone of Scone. Will she stay or try to return to her own time? Tanya never fails to bring warmth to my heart with her writing. Her characters always leave me wishing I were there with them along the way. Follow Annie, Callum, and Biera as they find their truths in the stone with it's many colors.

*MACALISTER'S HOPE by Lauren Wittig

Scottish Highlands, 1321

Fia is asked to go with Kieron to help heal his Laird. She feels she knows him but just can't place where. Kieron lost his heart to her when they were young and she showed him kindness. He is determined to make her his. With the small stone he holds dear, that just may happen. There are circumstances along the way that rear their heads threatening to keep these two apart but love really does conquer all. I also fell hard for Symon and will be purchasing his and Elena's story - THE DEVIL OF KILMARTIN.

*THE OUTCAST by Glynnis Campbell

Scotland, 1542

Biera, Guardian of the Winter Stone, appears at Lachlan's door confused at what she finds. A one legged man that doesn't resemble who she thought to find. She leaves the stone in his keeping having him promise to take the Winter Stone to it's rightful keeper then she just up and disappears. The next morning he is awoke by someone jumping in his bed and burrowing beneath the covers. He finds Alisoune who has been running from the townsfolk because they labeled her witch and want to burn her. This is a story of guilt and pain, hope, and the discovery of love. Glynnis has a way with her writing that leaves you gut laughing at her characters. I love when an author can pull that out of me.

I'm so glad that these wonderful authors got together and wrote these stories around the Winter Stone. Scotland is full of magick and for those that believe it pulls at ones soul.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars!!!

These are three stories set around the Winter Stone which was given by the Mother of Winter to the Guardians of the Old Ways so that through it's light all truths will be known.

*ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND LEGEND by Tanya Anne Crosby

Present day and The Cairngorms, 878

Annie meets an old woman in a store who has given her an old stone said to bring the holder of the stone to their fate. She hikes off into the mountains and finds herself coming awake, after evidently nodding off, to find herself smack dab in another time. Callum comes upon her and takes her hostage until he can find out what she knows about the Stone of Scone. Will she stay or try to return to her own time? Tanya never fails to bring warmth to my heart with her writing. Her characters always leave me wishing I were there with them along the way. Follow Annie, Callum, and Biera as they find their truths in the stone with it's many colors.

*MACALISTER'S HOPE by Lauren Wittig

Scottish Highlands, 1321

Fia is asked to go with Kieron to help heal his Laird. She feels she knows him but just can't place where. Kieron lost his heart to her when they were young and she showed him kindness. He is determined to make her his. With the small stone he holds dear, that just may happen. There are circumstances along the way that rear their heads threatening to keep these two apart but love really does conquer all. I also fell hard for Symon and will be purchasing his and Elena's story - THE DEVIL OF KILMARTIN.

*THE OUTCAST by Glynnis Campbell

Scotland, 1542

Biera, Guardian of the Winter Stone, appears at Lachlan's door confused at what she finds. A one legged man that doesn't resemble who she thought to find. She leaves the stone in his keeping having him promise to take the Winter Stone to it's rightful keeper then she just up and disappears. The next morning he is awoke by someone jumping in his bed and burrowing beneath the covers. He finds Alisoune who has been running from the townsfolk because they labeled her witch and want to burn her. This is a story of guilt and pain, hope, and the discovery of love. Glynnis has a way with her writing that leaves you gut laughing at her characters. I love when an author can pull that out of me.

I'm so glad that these wonderful authors got together and wrote these stories around the Winter Stone. Scotland is full of magick and for those that believe it pulls at ones soul.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite out of the three.

Tanya Anne Crosby's novella Once Upon a Highland Legend is a time travel romance that ties into her Guardians of the Stone series. It is a good story. Well paced and very satisfying for a novella. Callum is such a great hero and Annie is a lass lost in time. Together they steam up the highlands :)

OK, I lied, Lauren Wittig's MacAlister's Hope was my favorite :). I loved, loved, loved this story. Fia is all grown up and finally gets a story of her own. I adored Kieron. He is so in love with Fia. It is a sweet tale of true love. It was also nice seeing Elena and Symon again

The Outcast by Glynnis Campbell was also a wonderful story. A bit darker than the first two but no less enjoyable. I like seeing heroes that are not physically perfect - it is more realistic!

I especially enjoyed how the winter stone was incorporated into each story. It was a fun, sexy entertaining collection and I would highly recommend it.

[Sandra Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book and I recommend it! based on Scottish folk lore, three novellas written by three wonderful Historical Romance authors. Each story holds a thread of the lore, but focuses on a different ere in time and set of characters.
It is a fun, interesting and sweet set of stories. My interest is piqued for more Scottish lore and tales.
all Romances are not equal, Historical romance takes you to times and places that historical base and the research done is sound. In these stories not all of the heroes and heroines are perfect and unmatchable, they are flawed and human, and lovable as well as endearing.
Read a set of lovely stories based on folklore and learn a bit of history as well.

[Debbie McCreary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of 3 stories, 3 different authors and 1 thread through each story. Each story is a stand alone, yet might read about people from the series the author wrote. But you are not left behind in any plot, just the appearance of persons, like an old friend. With the talents of Tanya, Glynnis and Laurin, all in one book is beyond a great book. Each story is excellently written. An idea, in this case, The Winter Stone, each author has written different stories about the same stone. I love books like this. I long anticipated this book’s released and was not disappointed. It is nice to read a book that are wonderful stories and a little of mystic to them.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually like time travel, but this was gorgeously done, with elegant character development (even for characters with very little elegance!), and wonderful scene-setting. The descriptions of the world were so intense, I could nearly feel myself in the stories.
This is a set of three novellas, all linked by "the winter stone" and the old woman who delivers it to its next person. The stone itself has more characters than one might imagine stashed in it, and although it is not always visible, it seems to control nearly every move in every story.
One of the things I really liked about these stories is that all of the heroines are strong in their own right.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone of Love

This was a book containing three very sweet happily ever after stories. They each touched a person(s) lives in very unique ways. The "Winter Stone" was given to special people an old crone felt that it was destined for and would leave it in there care. Each had a different set of circumstances and the stone was weaved into the restoration of their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think most readers would too.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally, when I read multiples of a set of book try to give review on each. This time though the theme is continuing and can be stand alone books. First book was a time travel back in Scottish history. What if the Stone in Edinburgh castle is not the historic one thought necessary by kings of Scotland. What if the real stone is passed on though time to a "keeper"? Good books on Scottish history.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of stories from three different authors and one central theme. The Winter Stone is an ancient relic with magical properties. The magic in this stone brings people together, whether they like it nor not, so they can fulfill their destiny. I enjoyed all three stories. Each was unique and beguiling. I recommend any of the stories to warm your heart - regardless of the season!

[Aretha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

frist off the outcast was my favorite, this was lovely and entertaining to have one subject with 3 different stories. I look forward to reading from this group of ladies again.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stories, one legend

Three separate love stories revolving around the legend of the Winter Stone. Three different authors. Three honorable heroes; three unique heroines. Enchanting read.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes you believe in magic again!

Wonderful stories all very well written around the story of the Winter Stone. Each with its own magic and romance, each transporting you to a different time and place. I enjoyed reliving these times and the healing, loving magic of the stone.

[Jeene Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

One special stone, three different stories

It is always interesting to read themed collections to see how the authors present the theme. I had read Tanya and Glynnis previously. A good trip back to Highlander romance. Just what I was looking for.

[Phil Ellenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mega story

A great group of three highland romances. Each told in a different historical era. In my reading it also told a more subtle mega story of human evolution of the religious \science dichotomy.

[Rose Wubker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Magical Getaway

I loved these three stories of love and magic. All three stories are centered around a magical stone bot in different centuries. If you are looking for light reading to "getaway" for awhile, this book is for you.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 amazing stories told about the legendary 'winter stone'. Each written by a different author, and each book equally as fascinating, exciting, and beautiful to read. I definitely recommend them!

[Kbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all 3 stories but my favorite was the third one.
Maybe because of the broken hero who finally comes out of his broken shell, oh and of the dog.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like it!

Like it!

Would love more stories about the with her stone! Would love to see where it goes through time and what happens to Beira too!

[Raeline Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book,i like how the three authors used one object and wrote all three stories about it,would like to see more stories like this.

[Deliasue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read novellas but I liked these that are written about same people but by different authors, I certainly will read more novellas in the future. Enjoyed these.

[Deliasue · Rating 5 out of 5]

McAlister's Hope was #3 in this series, it was really good too.

[Joy Umogbai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanted

Quite the stories....enchanting from start to finish. I enjoyed all three novella immensely (smiley).
Will recommend it to all romantic.