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Silver Flame
No one captures the windswept romance of the Scottish Highlands like New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell. In this dazzling novel a beautiful young woman fights to regain her birthright--and to resist the rugged knight who ignites her deepest desire.
For six years Sine Catriona Brodie has clung to a vow of vengeance. A pickpocket and street performer by trade Sine bides her time until she can defeat her treacherous kinsmen. Nothing will sway her from her path not even Gamel Logan--a tall lean knight whose hungry gaze and heated embrace stir a longing that is both delicious and distracting.
From his first glimpse of her at a roadside camp Gamel knows that Sine with violet eyes and hair like silken moonlight is the soul mate he has sought. Yet Sine insists she belongs to another man though her eager response to his seduction belies her every word. Gamel pledges to help Sine win back her lands from a cunning enemy but the greater battle will be convincing her to conquer her past and trust in his enduring love. . .
Includes an excerpt of Hannah Howell's upcoming Highland romance Highland Fire!
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
82 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,644 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 29, 2013
At twelve years old, silver-haired Sine Catriona and her two bastard half-brothers escape their family's keep, where Sine's silver-haired mother and stepfather are plotting to kill them. Like they already killed Sine's grandmother, father, and mistress (the boys' mother). They stumble, hungry and tired, into the camp of Farthing Magnus, a conjurer and thief with a heart of gold.
He lets them hang out with him, and teaches them the tricks of his trade
Content to hide in plain sight for now, Sine vows to keep looking until she finds someone with the power to help her avenge her family.
Fast forward six years (+/-). Gamel Logan and his brothers are headed for a fair (where they hope to find a little "companionship"), when they happen on a campsite populated by Farthing, Sine, and the two young boys. Sine has become an astonishingly beautiful woman, but Farthing, having more or less raised her from a seedling, sees her as his little sister. Even so, he takes one look at the way Gamel stares at her and claims he's Sine's jealous hubby.
It doesn't matter to Gamel. Honor, fidelity, hell, willingness, don't matter one bit. His lust is out of control, and nothing is going to keep him from bedding Sine (well, except murder—he can control himself if it comes to that). He watches, waits, looking for a weakness, until he sees her stealing, and threatens to tell the authorities. This would get Sine, Farthing, and two small boys branded at the least, more likely they'd face amputation of their hands. Unless she sleeps with him. Nice guy. But if he shows her a good time, it's not really rape, right?
When he realizes she's a virgin he tells her she's his for keeps. She agrees just to shut him up, but nothing and no one can keep her from fulfilling her old vow. Gamel, being a bastard, has no army to command. He can't help her, he can only slow her down.
In the dark of night, Sine slips out, and Farthing and the kids are waiting in the wagon. After rolling on for a day or so, they stumble onto Farthing's father. Seems Farthing's da lost all his legit sons and wants to make Farthing his heir. Suddenly Farthing is a baron in waiting. And now he can command an army, so he can help Sine.
Meanwhile, they agree to travel on with Farthing's father, who was going to visit a friend. He hoped to make a match for Margot, Farthing's young cousin, with this friend's bastard (but well-subsidized) son.
Yup. The keep belongs to Gamel's family. Lots of fireworks—and that's BEFORE Sine's mother and stepda drop in on the way to somewhere else.
It's a decent story (if occasionally illogical and way too dependent on coincidence)—lots of danger and a couple secondary characters I really wish Howell had followed up with. Anyway, with the "war" between Sine and her mummy, you don't have to dwell much (until towards the end) on the silliness that is the obstacle to the romance.
Three point five stars.
He lets them hang out with him, and teaches them the tricks of his trade
Content to hide in plain sight for now, Sine vows to keep looking until she finds someone with the power to help her avenge her family.
Fast forward six years (+/-). Gamel Logan and his brothers are headed for a fair (where they hope to find a little "companionship"), when they happen on a campsite populated by Farthing, Sine, and the two young boys. Sine has become an astonishingly beautiful woman, but Farthing, having more or less raised her from a seedling, sees her as his little sister. Even so, he takes one look at the way Gamel stares at her and claims he's Sine's jealous hubby.
It doesn't matter to Gamel. Honor, fidelity, hell, willingness, don't matter one bit. His lust is out of control, and nothing is going to keep him from bedding Sine (well, except murder—he can control himself if it comes to that). He watches, waits, looking for a weakness, until he sees her stealing, and threatens to tell the authorities. This would get Sine, Farthing, and two small boys branded at the least, more likely they'd face amputation of their hands. Unless she sleeps with him. Nice guy. But if he shows her a good time, it's not really rape, right?
When he realizes she's a virgin he tells her she's his for keeps. She agrees just to shut him up, but nothing and no one can keep her from fulfilling her old vow. Gamel, being a bastard, has no army to command. He can't help her, he can only slow her down.
In the dark of night, Sine slips out, and Farthing and the kids are waiting in the wagon. After rolling on for a day or so, they stumble onto Farthing's father. Seems Farthing's da lost all his legit sons and wants to make Farthing his heir. Suddenly Farthing is a baron in waiting. And now he can command an army, so he can help Sine.
Meanwhile, they agree to travel on with Farthing's father, who was going to visit a friend. He hoped to make a match for Margot, Farthing's young cousin, with this friend's bastard (but well-subsidized) son.
Yup. The keep belongs to Gamel's family. Lots of fireworks—and that's BEFORE Sine's mother and stepda drop in on the way to somewhere else.
It's a decent story (if occasionally illogical and way too dependent on coincidence)—lots of danger and a couple secondary characters I really wish Howell had followed up with. Anyway, with the "war" between Sine and her mummy, you don't have to dwell much (until towards the end) on the silliness that is the obstacle to the romance.
Three point five stars.
November 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this historical romance and it was one that I was able to quickly read through in less than a day. I felt that this was a very different story! You often read about stories involving the 'evil stepmother' but not often the evil biological mother. Especially in historical romance.
This story had enough action and suspense to keep me hanging on and I loved the relationship between Sine and Gamel.
I was actually surprised with how extensively the writing was altered to suit with the Scottish setting, but I quickly got used to it and enjoyed how immersive it was for the reading experience. I think it really did enhance a character's personality.
This was a fun read. Along with the action and romance, there was also humour which I really enjoyed.
This story had enough action and suspense to keep me hanging on and I loved the relationship between Sine and Gamel.
I was actually surprised with how extensively the writing was altered to suit with the Scottish setting, but I quickly got used to it and enjoyed how immersive it was for the reading experience. I think it really did enhance a character's personality.
This was a fun read. Along with the action and romance, there was also humour which I really enjoyed.
October 2, 2022
This one was interesting in the beginning but I think between 50-75% in it got slow for me. The plot was also a nice refresher despite you have Sine's mother who is basically a murderer but also wants to kill her own daughter and step sons. I liked the bickering between Farthing and Gambel, that was really fun especially at Gambels home. Although I wished this one had an epilogue.
April 9, 2019
What a wonderful story. Mom started reading it and could not put it down. The book was like a mix of a Disney movie and bodice ripper. The villain was deliously villainous. The best wicked stepmother I have seen in a long time. The hero and heroine are just as wonderful they have some amazing butter and sweet moments. The have an amazing chemistry. Don’t even get us stared on the family and friends. Their relationship with them and our main characters kept each page a juice as the next. I also how the love triangle remains a respectable love triangle and did not turn into everyone loving everyone. I also like how the to men where able to work together when needed. If you have not this book yet than you must!
March 5, 2018
I couldn't finish it. This book holds some stupid antiquated ideas about how men can control themselves. Gamel literally conned her into sleeping with it and afterwards, says "I almost resorted to rape." I wanted to shout out THAT IS RAPE! Then when he tells people about it, they respond with "I did some stupid things when I was young too." I don't care if it's steamy, if the plot seems to get better, I can't support a romance that has that beginning. It's not ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2009
it is about a woman driven by a vow of vengence against the people who have stolen her home and lands, and is saved from becoming a cold bitter woman by the love of a brave knight who has sworn to protect and love her at any cost
September 7, 2022
Well after reading a few medieval historicals i think i don't like them that much because the men are pigs and they treat women like shit. In this one the hero blackmails the girl so he can sleep with her even though he thinks that she is married (she told him that she is). Then he goes to his father and he tells him all about the blackmail and he has the AUDACITY to say "But don't worry father at least i didn't force her so it wasn't rape". I kid you not those were the exact words! THEN the girl's best friend sleeps with her mother even though he knows that the mother is evil and has murdered a bunch of people and even tried to kill her own daughter (his best friend!). And his reasoning was that he wanted to get information out of her? Like i said the men are pigs!
Overall the plot was very meh....
Overall the plot was very meh....
February 19, 2025
There have only ever been a few books I’ve read that have actually made me feel ill.
The start really seemed hopeful with some fun dynamics and interesting plot points, however as soon as the love interest is introduced into the narrative it gradually gets more disgusting.
When done tastefully I really don’t mind a heroine that requires a bit of tempting or a convincing argument but where this book is concerned, it was honestly just a rapey entitled vibe from the get go.
I would rather recommend reading Colleen Hoover Wattpad fanfiction than ever suggest this book to another human being.
The start really seemed hopeful with some fun dynamics and interesting plot points, however as soon as the love interest is introduced into the narrative it gradually gets more disgusting.
When done tastefully I really don’t mind a heroine that requires a bit of tempting or a convincing argument but where this book is concerned, it was honestly just a rapey entitled vibe from the get go.
I would rather recommend reading Colleen Hoover Wattpad fanfiction than ever suggest this book to another human being.
August 31, 2022
Sine Catriona Brodie escaped her murderous mother at the age of twelve with her 3 year old twin half brothers. She has been waiting for a chance to make her mother pay for her fathers murder. Along the way she works with Farthing Magnus who takes the small family in and teaches them to survive as pickpockets and street performers. She also meets Gamel Logan who blackmails her into becoming his willing lover.
January 5, 2018
I'm only giving this complicated story 2.5 stars because although there is a happy ending, I wanted the comeuppance.
August 9, 2020
Nice but slow
September 19, 2022
3.5. The hero was a super turn-off, but this had a great cast of supporting characters and a fun/intense plot-line.
February 25, 2017
Typical medieval romance nevertheless an interesting read in that secondary characters are lovable.Farthing is a gem and hence Gamel pales in comparison. The story has been developed with lots of coincidental happenings like every single meeting of principal characters seem to be a coincidence.
May 21, 2020
Silver Flame by Hannah Howell
2-1/2*
1368 Scotland
Sine Catriona ("Sheena Katreena") Brodie was cursed with a murderous mother. At the age of 12, Sine discovered that it was her mother, Arabel, who killed her father and his new love, and she overheard plans that Sine and her 3yo stepbrothers would be next. Sine, along with her young brothers, escaped into the night and survived in the woods until they came across a 22yo man, Farthing Magnusson, at his fire. They begged him for food and the use of his fire for the night. After he heard Sine's story, he agreed to take them on and provide protection for them. He became like a brother or father figure to the three children, and for the next six years, he raised them to be survivors, using his skill as a conjurer to attract an audience's attention, while the remaining three wandered through the crowd plying their trade as pickpockets.
This worked well for them until they came across Gamel Logan, who was immediately drawn to Sine Catriona and wanted her, even though he incorrectly assumed she was already married to Farthing. He caught them in the act of stealing from a crowd at a fair, and used this knowledge to coerce them into allowing Gamel to have one night with Sine. Of course, that wasn't enough time, and he insinuated himself into their lives and into Sine's heart. His offer of his family's resources and men to help deal with Sine's malevolent mother and restore Sine's inheritance, as well as his protection of the boys, encourages Sine to agree to marry him. It takes a lot of back-and-forth and real moments of dire circumstances brought on by encounters with Sine's mother, to finally bring the two of them together with complete honesty.
There wasn't anything terrible about this book. The reason I gave it a lower rating was that the plot just felt overused. I knew from the very beginning of the book how it was going to play out, no surprises, and I was reading just waiting for it to end.
2-1/2*
1368 Scotland
Sine Catriona ("Sheena Katreena") Brodie was cursed with a murderous mother. At the age of 12, Sine discovered that it was her mother, Arabel, who killed her father and his new love, and she overheard plans that Sine and her 3yo stepbrothers would be next. Sine, along with her young brothers, escaped into the night and survived in the woods until they came across a 22yo man, Farthing Magnusson, at his fire. They begged him for food and the use of his fire for the night. After he heard Sine's story, he agreed to take them on and provide protection for them. He became like a brother or father figure to the three children, and for the next six years, he raised them to be survivors, using his skill as a conjurer to attract an audience's attention, while the remaining three wandered through the crowd plying their trade as pickpockets.
This worked well for them until they came across Gamel Logan, who was immediately drawn to Sine Catriona and wanted her, even though he incorrectly assumed she was already married to Farthing. He caught them in the act of stealing from a crowd at a fair, and used this knowledge to coerce them into allowing Gamel to have one night with Sine. Of course, that wasn't enough time, and he insinuated himself into their lives and into Sine's heart. His offer of his family's resources and men to help deal with Sine's malevolent mother and restore Sine's inheritance, as well as his protection of the boys, encourages Sine to agree to marry him. It takes a lot of back-and-forth and real moments of dire circumstances brought on by encounters with Sine's mother, to finally bring the two of them together with complete honesty.
There wasn't anything terrible about this book. The reason I gave it a lower rating was that the plot just felt overused. I knew from the very beginning of the book how it was going to play out, no surprises, and I was reading just waiting for it to end.
January 15, 2011
Emphasis on the Lords and Ladies in Scottish castles and (not emphasis on Scottish "clans'). Children that escape for their young lives and a man that teaches them how to survive. Obsession over a woman that a man would dare to attempt to take her from her own (husband?). Two men (one a knight) (one an heir) the fight over a woman. Another man willing to trade allegiance for the right and for the love of another woman. The Protectors and the Protected. Stolen property and stolen wealth.
There is adventure, romance and action. Some humor. Fulfills a woman's dream to be obsessed over and to be loved.
Gave the book 4 stars because even with the romance, there appeared to be a repetition of intimate acts; pretty much the same mannerisms described over and over again. The author is tasteful and respectful of such acts however does not leave very much to the imagination in other words, ("I get it already").
There is adventure, romance and action. Some humor. Fulfills a woman's dream to be obsessed over and to be loved.
Gave the book 4 stars because even with the romance, there appeared to be a repetition of intimate acts; pretty much the same mannerisms described over and over again. The author is tasteful and respectful of such acts however does not leave very much to the imagination in other words, ("I get it already").
November 15, 2011
This book as all the stereotypical pieces to an historical romance... knights, bastards, beautiful women who have been wronged, rivals, etc. I liked the character of Sine Catriona who has had to make her way in the world protecting herself and her half brothers. She has learned some amazing skills as a pickpocket but finds herself in a bad situation when she is caught red handed by the man who cannot seem to get enough of her.[return][return]The beginning part of this book was interesting and kept me going. However, it could have ended 100 pages sooner and i would have been just as happy. The last 100 pages were about her challenging her mother and fighting for what she inherited from her deceased father. It was repetitive, slow moving and not very believable.
June 25, 2008
This story enthralled me from the very first page. As a romance, the tale unfolded seaminglessly from one page to the next.
Gamel, the hero, is a strong character with devastatingly good looks with a tiny flaw... jealousy.
Sine Catriona, the heroine, is a determined woman on a mission. She is young and beautiful and very strong in her heart.
When these two meet for the first time you can feel the sparks between them and you will instantly know that it is going to be great.
What more can I say? Hannah Howell has given us another fine story of Scotland and our distant past and the future in dreams... Grab a copy of this one romance lovers! You won't be sorry.
Gamel, the hero, is a strong character with devastatingly good looks with a tiny flaw... jealousy.
Sine Catriona, the heroine, is a determined woman on a mission. She is young and beautiful and very strong in her heart.
When these two meet for the first time you can feel the sparks between them and you will instantly know that it is going to be great.
What more can I say? Hannah Howell has given us another fine story of Scotland and our distant past and the future in dreams... Grab a copy of this one romance lovers! You won't be sorry.
August 28, 2011
This book took forEVer to get through. It really dragged on, and there was a ton of repetitive thoughts and dialogue. The hero was kind of a jerk who tricked the heroine into being a whore, and despite some steamy scenes, it was a downhill read. There were some parts that were really intriguing, but they were surrounded by so many pages of nothing that I didn't really care when they happened.
January 16, 2013
Steamy romance between Sine Catriona and Gamel. At 12 years of age, Sine takes her three year old half-brothers and flees from her family's keep and runs for their lives.
At 18, Sine still has not found a knight to help her get the family's holdings back from her step-mother and her step-mother's husband. Gamel catches her stealing from the people watching the magic show that Farthing and the twins are putting on.
At 18, Sine still has not found a knight to help her get the family's holdings back from her step-mother and her step-mother's husband. Gamel catches her stealing from the people watching the magic show that Farthing and the twins are putting on.
April 2, 2009
I really really liked this book, but I have a hard time with all the ye's and ken's and nay's. I understand that the writers write that way to give you more of an idea that they are in old times, but it just bugs me. That is why I gave it 4 stars.
June 24, 2008
Another wonderful, fun read by this author.
September 17, 2015
I don't get many surprises from Hannah Howell but I still enjoy her writing.
March 5, 2016
wonderful Scottish romance -- lots of falling in love, kidnapping, battles, more love, foolishness and more. Great read if you love Scottish romances -- if not, not.
October 13, 2009
I enjoyed this. Revenge, crushing opponent, boy gets girl equals a fun read.
January 17, 2015
As far as books go... i enjoyed the plot but i just could not warm up to Gamel. The whole book i just disliked him. I liked farthing way more
September 19, 2013
really enjoyed
October 13, 2013
3.75 STARS
December 23, 2013
Although I have enjoyed Howell's many works, I truly enjoyed this one and quickly got drawn into the story. I enjoyed the humor and the characters; and would def recommend to other readers.
January 22, 2014
picked this book for a reading challenge because it had the word silver in it. i hadn't read a historical scottish novel in a while so i enjoyed it but it wasnt anything extraordinary.
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August 16, 2016exeptional
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews