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Like the Down of a Thistle
What would you risk for love? Anna Cumnock has more than her fair share of problems. Since the death of her husband eight months ago, she's had to singlehandedly manage her croft and care for her seven-year-old daughter, Florie. When a freak accident nearly kills her daughter and decimates her livestock, Anna finds herself unable to meet the season's wool quota, and if she can't find a way to solve the problem, she'll lose her home. The Highland Clearances are affecting all the clans in the 1740s, and the tacksman has to be paid. Help unexpectedly comes in the form of Katherine Scarth, the new young wife of Anna's drunken and abusive neighbour, Ailig. When the men of the clan go off to battle, Katherine persuades the reluctant Anna that between the two of them, they can increase productivity by combining their crofts and working together. The two women join forces, and as they work the land and overcome obstacles, a bond forms between them. Anna slowly recovers from her grief and finds in Katherine a love she has never known and can barely understand. Against the odds, the women perservere, but when the men unexpectedly return from battle, they face a new danger; one that could tear them apart forever. In a place and a time where men had all the power, and women were little more than chattel, it is up to Anna to find a way to save the life of the person she loves, even if it costs her the croft. Because how could one woman possibly save both? Excitement and HEA guaranteed :)
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
41 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Swan
17 books63 followersHey! I'm Sarah Swan and I write lesbian romance novels (both historical and contemporary,) which focus on strong characters who often have to overcome challenging obstacles.
I love stories which have little twists and intriguing plots, but HEAs are always guaranteed in my novels.
A little about my life; I have no pets, but I do have three children who keep me very busy when I'm not writing. I was born in South Shields, UK, but I currently live in the Channel Islands.
You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @sarahswanauthor
I love stories which have little twists and intriguing plots, but HEAs are always guaranteed in my novels.
A little about my life; I have no pets, but I do have three children who keep me very busy when I'm not writing. I was born in South Shields, UK, but I currently live in the Channel Islands.
You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @sarahswanauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 9, 2021
This was SO good. Ignore the Summer’s Eve commercial book cover. Behind it is a superbly written, gritty, and nail biting historical f/f romance that’s set in the 1700s of Scotland. I was really blown away by this tale since it’s Kindle Unlimited and a debut author. But, besides that, it’s a solidly written story that, if it was released by one of the bigger lesfic publishers, would get tons of positive attention.
Anna, a widow and single mother, and Katherine, the young new bride to the town drunk, are croft neighbors who form a friendship, then a romantic connection as they toil the lands. What makes this story so good are the plausibility, the characters, the setting, and the ratcheted tension that builds through the book.
Make no mistake this isn’t a carefree and light read. Anna and Katherine have increasingly difficult and separate challenges to endure and overcome that left me wondering how in the world would they get out of their predicaments? What really put me on the edge of my seat is that they’re dealing with foes that are not only despicable, loathsome people but those people are smart. The discrimination and hardships they face are accurate and formidable, not caricatures or melodrama.
I read something once that said if you want to make your hero strong then make the villain stronger. Sarah Swan, the author, achieved this with great skill. Seeing Anna and Katherine be resourceful, clever, and strong was so rewarding.
These ladies communicate with each other, do not have the dreaded breakup trope, and join forces together to overcome adversity.
So many women loving women readers wish more books had the conflict come from outside the relationship rather than from within. Well, here’s a perfect example of the former.
Do know that though this is a women loving women book there are many dark moments that involve violence and/or sexual violence so proceed with caution if that’s a trigger. I thought it was depicted in a realistic, non gratuitous way that was enough to drive the story but still can be intense. It’s also not strictly f/f due to the setting but the romance aspect is.
Hang on to your seats despite all the drama and know there is a happily ever after for the read. There are a lot of sweet and lovely moments but it’s also a nail biter til the end.
Loved this. 4.5 stars
P.S. The author offers a very light and sweet epilogue chapter that fast forwards into the future some if you need a little more fluff to pad out the story on her personal site. You can get it by signing up for her newsletter and she has a link at the back of the book.
Anna, a widow and single mother, and Katherine, the young new bride to the town drunk, are croft neighbors who form a friendship, then a romantic connection as they toil the lands. What makes this story so good are the plausibility, the characters, the setting, and the ratcheted tension that builds through the book.
Make no mistake this isn’t a carefree and light read. Anna and Katherine have increasingly difficult and separate challenges to endure and overcome that left me wondering how in the world would they get out of their predicaments? What really put me on the edge of my seat is that they’re dealing with foes that are not only despicable, loathsome people but those people are smart. The discrimination and hardships they face are accurate and formidable, not caricatures or melodrama.
I read something once that said if you want to make your hero strong then make the villain stronger. Sarah Swan, the author, achieved this with great skill. Seeing Anna and Katherine be resourceful, clever, and strong was so rewarding.
These ladies communicate with each other, do not have the dreaded breakup trope, and join forces together to overcome adversity.
So many women loving women readers wish more books had the conflict come from outside the relationship rather than from within. Well, here’s a perfect example of the former.
Do know that though this is a women loving women book there are many dark moments that involve violence and/or sexual violence so proceed with caution if that’s a trigger. I thought it was depicted in a realistic, non gratuitous way that was enough to drive the story but still can be intense. It’s also not strictly f/f due to the setting but the romance aspect is.
Hang on to your seats despite all the drama and know there is a happily ever after for the read. There are a lot of sweet and lovely moments but it’s also a nail biter til the end.
Loved this. 4.5 stars
P.S. The author offers a very light and sweet epilogue chapter that fast forwards into the future some if you need a little more fluff to pad out the story on her personal site. You can get it by signing up for her newsletter and she has a link at the back of the book.
May 1, 2021
Just wanted to give a brief shout out to this little gem buried in ho-hum KU land. You couldn't tell by the cover, and I wasn't expecting much more than a sweet, simple love story in a token historical setting. Boy, was I surprised. It is surprisingly gritty and dark. Bleak even in parts. But totally riveting with lots of action/tension/drama and chock-full of twists till the end.
There's lots to like about the book. Characters you can fall in love with, slow burn romance, great pacing, lots of tension, suspense and best of all, an unpredictable plot. A fair warning though, some scenes of violence can be triggering but they're easy to skip over.
I haven't written a review in like 2 years because of work and RL, but this book deserved a special mention because its an indie from a unknown author, has a cover too pretty for its own good, but most of all, because i simply couldn't put it down.
4.5 stars
There's lots to like about the book. Characters you can fall in love with, slow burn romance, great pacing, lots of tension, suspense and best of all, an unpredictable plot. A fair warning though, some scenes of violence can be triggering but they're easy to skip over.
I haven't written a review in like 2 years because of work and RL, but this book deserved a special mention because its an indie from a unknown author, has a cover too pretty for its own good, but most of all, because i simply couldn't put it down.
4.5 stars
June 10, 2021
4 ⭐ - holy moly! Talk about DRAMA.
Wow, guys. I really enjoyed this story, but it was a tense read. This book could easily be a movie with the amount to stuff happening.
There are two super horrible men in this book. I despised both of them One of the MC's is married to one of them, so be prepared to read about abuse.
If you are like me, you will be on the edge of your seat about that the hell is gonna happen next through most of the book. The story kept me guessing on how it would all end up getting resolved which was nice, and fucking nerve-wracking, at the same time. :)
You will 100% want to get your hands on the bonus chapter, just to get some additional snuggles/comfort that everything worked out for our heroines in the end.
I am looking forward to book two.
Wow, guys. I really enjoyed this story, but it was a tense read. This book could easily be a movie with the amount to stuff happening.
There are two super horrible men in this book. I despised both of them One of the MC's is married to one of them, so be prepared to read about abuse.
If you are like me, you will be on the edge of your seat about that the hell is gonna happen next through most of the book. The story kept me guessing on how it would all end up getting resolved which was nice, and fucking nerve-wracking, at the same time. :)
You will 100% want to get your hands on the bonus chapter, just to get some additional snuggles/comfort that everything worked out for our heroines in the end.
I am looking forward to book two.
dnf
August 6, 2023DNF @ 10%
Something just wasn't clicking for me with this, and I can't really pinpoint why. Maybe because there wasn't a "dinna fash" or a "ye ken" anywhere in the 30- or 40-something pages I managed to read over the last three days. (Diana Gabaldon and Avery Cockburn trained me to expect phonetic Scottish broque, lol.) Or maybe because the MC wasn't making much sense to me. Her husband died, but she refused help from anyone because she didn't want to owe anyone favors, when I would think that helping and being helped in return would be the expected exchange of labor in a clan community. I did like the finer details it went into in how crofts were organized and all, but it wasn't enough to keep me going. Then the other MC is in a domestic violence situation, and a reviewer has a trigger warning for rape, and that ended it for me. I have no interest in reading about either of those situations.
Something just wasn't clicking for me with this, and I can't really pinpoint why. Maybe because there wasn't a "dinna fash" or a "ye ken" anywhere in the 30- or 40-something pages I managed to read over the last three days. (Diana Gabaldon and Avery Cockburn trained me to expect phonetic Scottish broque, lol.) Or maybe because the MC wasn't making much sense to me. Her husband died, but she refused help from anyone because she didn't want to owe anyone favors, when I would think that helping and being helped in return would be the expected exchange of labor in a clan community. I did like the finer details it went into in how crofts were organized and all, but it wasn't enough to keep me going. Then the other MC is in a domestic violence situation, and a reviewer has a trigger warning for rape, and that ended it for me. I have no interest in reading about either of those situations.
September 14, 2021
“Ailig wouldn’t let me mark the grave, so the thistles are my reminder.”
This was pretty okay! I got to indulge my love of Scottish historical romances for a bit. And I think this was the fist f/f highlander romance that I've read? I used to read a bunch of m/f highlander romance as a teen, and this took me back. And I especially loved that we got a different perspective in this. Our main characters, Anna (a widowed mother of one) and Katherine (new wife to an abusive husband) are both crofters, and we spent a lot of time with the specifics of their lives, taking care of their land and their animals, and we heard about the raiding and warring tangentially. And I really enjoyed that! I really love when historical stories make me feel immersed, and I really like interesting minutiae like that: taking care of the sheep, planting crops, trying to meet quotas.
I enjoyed the characters a lot; their story was super emotional and upsetting but engaging enough. I really liked Anna; stubborn, prickly women are my catnip, and even though her stubbornness got her into a lot of bad situations, I loved that she never backed down just because she was a woman, or just because these horrible men were looking down at her. Katherine endures a lot, and I really liked her sweetness and her insistence on helping Anna in every way she should. They were grumpy/sunshine in a lot of ways, and I really liked it.
Unfortunately, while I did like the characters, I found the romance to be pretty lacklustre. There just wasn't enough of it? Even when they spent a lot of time together, I didn't feel the connection or chemistry. And there just wasn't that feeling that I love and expect from queer historical romances, you know? Anna especially just sorta came to terms with having feelings for a woman really quickly. They didn't rush into a relationship by any means, but it wasn't very well paced, imo. Their first kiss just felt so anticlimactic. IDK. I wanted to fall in love with their love, but didn't. It felt like the plot (which was sometimes angsty and bleak in appropriate ways) overwhelmed the characters.
The writing was fine, but I didn't particularly love it. A lot of modern expressions and phrases that messed with believability and immersion. Some mistakes and typos, but I'm a lot more forgiving of those in indie books. I'm always really glad to see new authors writing historical f/f romance, and I think if this had been about 50 pages longer and more focused on character interaction and cultivating the romance, I'd have liked it a lot more. But I'd still give this author another try in the future.
Content warnings: .
August 8, 2022
Highly recommend
This was a really well done historical romance. I read most of it in one sitting. The conflict was at times intense, and I wasn’t sure how the characters were going to come out of it all with a happy ending, but the author delivered. I look forward to reading more of Swan’s work.
This was a really well done historical romance. I read most of it in one sitting. The conflict was at times intense, and I wasn’t sure how the characters were going to come out of it all with a happy ending, but the author delivered. I look forward to reading more of Swan’s work.
April 16, 2021
Like the Down of a Thistle is an incredible story of love, friendship, family and survival. It is raw, gritty and passionately told. It captures the essence of the time and place quite splendidly. Considering that it is Sarah Swan’s first book, it is truly impressive. It is wonderfully told and elegantly written. Full of rich detail and gripping action, this is a must read for any historical fiction lover.
The main characters Katherine and Anna are compelling and brave women who capture the hearts of the readers. Their strong and determined personalities are beyond appealing; readers want them to succeed and find love. Their road to happiness is hard fought, bumpy and not without angst, but it is so worth the happily ever they achieve in the end.
Swan is a fantastic storyteller. She puts readers right there. They experience the emotion and frustration of Katherine and Anna so extraordinarily well. Her magnificent use of language and word building is remarkable. It enhances the story so beautifully. This is a luxuriously written and meticulously crafted piece of fiction, for sure.
Final remarks…
Like the Down of a Thistle is a real page-turner. It is well-written and phenomenally told. Filled to the brim with so much grit and action, this is one historical romance not to be missed. I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-told
Original storyline
Fantastic characters
Gritty, descriptive storytelling
The main characters Katherine and Anna are compelling and brave women who capture the hearts of the readers. Their strong and determined personalities are beyond appealing; readers want them to succeed and find love. Their road to happiness is hard fought, bumpy and not without angst, but it is so worth the happily ever they achieve in the end.
Swan is a fantastic storyteller. She puts readers right there. They experience the emotion and frustration of Katherine and Anna so extraordinarily well. Her magnificent use of language and word building is remarkable. It enhances the story so beautifully. This is a luxuriously written and meticulously crafted piece of fiction, for sure.
Final remarks…
Like the Down of a Thistle is a real page-turner. It is well-written and phenomenally told. Filled to the brim with so much grit and action, this is one historical romance not to be missed. I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-told
Original storyline
Fantastic characters
Gritty, descriptive storytelling
December 29, 2024
"Like the Down of a Thistle" is an incredibly captivating tale featuring two of the most resilient protagonists I've encountered in quite some time. The portrayal of women's struggles during this difficult historical period is so authentic that some parts can be quite challenging to read. However, this doesn't make the narrative feel burdensome. The weight of the story is beautifully offset by the warmth and kindness shared between Anna, Katherine, and Anna’s daughter, Florie. I was so absorbed in this story that I simply couldn't put it down. The dialogue and vivid descriptions truly encapsulate the heart of the story.
Katherine and Anna are truly remarkable women, showcasing immense strength and resilience. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Katherine’s determination and optimistic perspective enable her to remain compassionate and selfless. Meanwhile, Anna’s spirited nature and impulsiveness are balanced by her drive to succeed for her daughter. Both of these women have a unique and cherished place in my heart. This is a story that will linger with me for a long time.
Katherine and Anna are truly remarkable women, showcasing immense strength and resilience. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Katherine’s determination and optimistic perspective enable her to remain compassionate and selfless. Meanwhile, Anna’s spirited nature and impulsiveness are balanced by her drive to succeed for her daughter. Both of these women have a unique and cherished place in my heart. This is a story that will linger with me for a long time.
June 23, 2022
Emotional Story
I enjoyed the story very much. I love it when good wins out over evil. Thank God I live in a time and place where as a women I am not some man’s property. I love the period pieces and this one reminded how well off I am.
Great story and characters. I loved the writing and will read more by this author.
I enjoyed the story very much. I love it when good wins out over evil. Thank God I live in a time and place where as a women I am not some man’s property. I love the period pieces and this one reminded how well off I am.
Great story and characters. I loved the writing and will read more by this author.
December 19, 2022
This is a peculiar story because it takes place in the Middle Ages, more or less, the kind that the Outlander series deals with both in time and in a Scottish rural setting. The author has kept the setting true to how it could have been then, but instead, the language and personality of the protagonists seems too current. Although I really wish it had been like that then, but it is not very credible with what we know of those times.
In the course of the story there is a lot of cruelty and desperate situations for the one who reads them, also for the protagonists of course, but things were like that. Nonetheless, the story is well developed and exciting, and it certainly keeps you interested from beginning to end. It has been a good read altogether.
In the course of the story there is a lot of cruelty and desperate situations for the one who reads them, also for the protagonists of course, but things were like that. Nonetheless, the story is well developed and exciting, and it certainly keeps you interested from beginning to end. It has been a good read altogether.
April 16, 2021
Another Side to Historic Highland Life, But...
I read a lot of Scottish historical romance, and the subgenre usually focuses on a laird, his sons, or other men of power, or in contrast, men who are on the wrong side of the law. Rarely do we ever see what it is like for just a simple crofter. This book is even more unusual in that the crofters featured are women, one widowed and one married. The book not only shows the harshness of Highland life at the time but how incredibly hard it was for women who were unprotected by men, either through a husband's death or a husband gone off to battle. While I loved the story that was so much about friendship, resilience, caring, and love, I was so distracted by this author's utter lack of knowledge about grammar, punctuation, and usage. She threw in random commas between subject and verb—a big no-no—as well as between a verb and its adverb, yet she missed the crucial commas required between two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (as well as others). As a longtime editor and proofreader, I found this book hard to read because of all these grammar issues. This could have been easily avoided if the author had just chosen to use a professional copyeditor or proofreader, learned some rules of grammar and punctuation (Blue Book of Grammar recommended, online or book), or even used grammar checking software. Really, authors need to show respect for the reader by creating books with few grammatical flaws. For some of us, it really detracts from the enjoyment of books. I did receive an ARC copy of the book, but these errors persist in the published edition.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I read a lot of Scottish historical romance, and the subgenre usually focuses on a laird, his sons, or other men of power, or in contrast, men who are on the wrong side of the law. Rarely do we ever see what it is like for just a simple crofter. This book is even more unusual in that the crofters featured are women, one widowed and one married. The book not only shows the harshness of Highland life at the time but how incredibly hard it was for women who were unprotected by men, either through a husband's death or a husband gone off to battle. While I loved the story that was so much about friendship, resilience, caring, and love, I was so distracted by this author's utter lack of knowledge about grammar, punctuation, and usage. She threw in random commas between subject and verb—a big no-no—as well as between a verb and its adverb, yet she missed the crucial commas required between two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (as well as others). As a longtime editor and proofreader, I found this book hard to read because of all these grammar issues. This could have been easily avoided if the author had just chosen to use a professional copyeditor or proofreader, learned some rules of grammar and punctuation (Blue Book of Grammar recommended, online or book), or even used grammar checking software. Really, authors need to show respect for the reader by creating books with few grammatical flaws. For some of us, it really detracts from the enjoyment of books. I did receive an ARC copy of the book, but these errors persist in the published edition.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
July 30, 2021
A very engaging romance
I have a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing so I tend to be harsh and analytical in my reviews. Let me start by saying that I couldn't put this book down. I was reading a couple pages at a time at work when I could sneak them in, and reading multiple chapter stretches in the evenings.
There were a few technical flaws (a couple dozen misspelled words, some minor grammar errors, etc). There was some pacing issues with how the romance unfolded particularly in the first half of the book and I would have liked to see more time put on the building of love, rather than the overcoming of obstacles once established. My third and last complaint is that the primary antagonist sometimes felt a little 2-dimensional and maybe some more complexity would have done him well.
That being said, the story felt very full and realistic with well defined and deep supporting characters. I'm not a historian, but the story's details truly sucked you into the setting and felt as the the author had done firm research on the period. While some of the scenes lacked tension, other scenes more than made up for it. And I was thoroughly impressed with the writers ability to plant seeds throughout throughout story that came back in important ways.
All-in-all a VERY solid read and I would highly recommend to anyone even mildly interested in historical lesbian romance. I'm preparing to dive straight into book 2 as soon as this review is finished...
I have a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing so I tend to be harsh and analytical in my reviews. Let me start by saying that I couldn't put this book down. I was reading a couple pages at a time at work when I could sneak them in, and reading multiple chapter stretches in the evenings.
There were a few technical flaws (a couple dozen misspelled words, some minor grammar errors, etc). There was some pacing issues with how the romance unfolded particularly in the first half of the book and I would have liked to see more time put on the building of love, rather than the overcoming of obstacles once established. My third and last complaint is that the primary antagonist sometimes felt a little 2-dimensional and maybe some more complexity would have done him well.
That being said, the story felt very full and realistic with well defined and deep supporting characters. I'm not a historian, but the story's details truly sucked you into the setting and felt as the the author had done firm research on the period. While some of the scenes lacked tension, other scenes more than made up for it. And I was thoroughly impressed with the writers ability to plant seeds throughout throughout story that came back in important ways.
All-in-all a VERY solid read and I would highly recommend to anyone even mildly interested in historical lesbian romance. I'm preparing to dive straight into book 2 as soon as this review is finished...
November 23, 2021
In a time when women were less than a workhorse, two women find a comfort in each other
Kathrine and Anna live in the Highland as part of a very large clan. Life is hard for both woman l. Anna's husband was killed in a hunting accident. Katherine's husband is a cruel drunkard. They forge a bond working the land and caring for animals while trying to meet the demands of clan life.
This is a moving historical journey that shows the harshness of life on the Highlands. Men control all of life and their goodness if you are lucky .or extreme cruelty is what women endure.
The deep love the main characters share come from a trust so beautiful. They learn to help each other and find ways to bring true life to their lives. While story speakers to a harsh living it is told in a captivating and heart strong way. I enjoyed the vivid details of the land, the life and love woven so brilliantly. Thank you Sarah Swan for a magnificent read.
Kathrine and Anna live in the Highland as part of a very large clan. Life is hard for both woman l. Anna's husband was killed in a hunting accident. Katherine's husband is a cruel drunkard. They forge a bond working the land and caring for animals while trying to meet the demands of clan life.
This is a moving historical journey that shows the harshness of life on the Highlands. Men control all of life and their goodness if you are lucky .or extreme cruelty is what women endure.
The deep love the main characters share come from a trust so beautiful. They learn to help each other and find ways to bring true life to their lives. While story speakers to a harsh living it is told in a captivating and heart strong way. I enjoyed the vivid details of the land, the life and love woven so brilliantly. Thank you Sarah Swan for a magnificent read.
May 27, 2021
Great read
Reading this story was difficult in areas because it covered the fact women were owned by their husbands, could be beaten, killed, and no justice. If your husband died you were considered to incapable of running your affairs.
The women, Anna and Katherine form a friendship because Katherine will not give up trying to help Anna keep her croft (farm) and see the good side of things. Katherine is a half full glass of person rather than a half empty glass. After Katherine's problem becomes apparent Anna returns the favor and becomes not only a loyal friend but lover of Katherine.
This is not only a good historical novel but a lovely slow development of deep selfless love at a time their wasn't a name for this type of love.
Reading this story was difficult in areas because it covered the fact women were owned by their husbands, could be beaten, killed, and no justice. If your husband died you were considered to incapable of running your affairs.
The women, Anna and Katherine form a friendship because Katherine will not give up trying to help Anna keep her croft (farm) and see the good side of things. Katherine is a half full glass of person rather than a half empty glass. After Katherine's problem becomes apparent Anna returns the favor and becomes not only a loyal friend but lover of Katherine.
This is not only a good historical novel but a lovely slow development of deep selfless love at a time their wasn't a name for this type of love.
July 4, 2022
I’ll keep it short, I wanted a book that took me on an emotional journey, all this book did is make me feel sick. The premise of the blurb had great potential of a good drama and conflict with a little bit of hope, but that didn’t happen, or I wasn’t motivated to finish it. The antagonists seemed unrealistic to me. The cruelty and sexual violence was just too much, even if not described in detail, leaving it to the imagination was worse mostly because of how the author has set up the antagonists. The chemistry between the M.C seems rushed and out of character to me. I support new writers and wish them well, but this book was not for me.
March 23, 2021
A nicely paced debut slow burn romance from Ms. Swan featuring Anna (her daughter Florie) and Katherine. The depictions of a grim emotion filled life easily tugged me along with the highland setting, injustice, angst and romance well written. Secondary characters especially brutish Ailig and Frang added to the drama with Faolan and Ualan somewhat tempering the overall plot - I found myself immersed and rooting for a HEA.
I look forward in anticipation to more from Ms. Swan and highly recommend with 5 stars.
I look forward in anticipation to more from Ms. Swan and highly recommend with 5 stars.
April 2, 2021
I loved the chemistry between the two MC. This novel is very interesting because it's not just a romance novel, the story was really great even outside of the romance, which is pretty rare in the lesfic world.
The two MC are very "lovable" and that's almost impossible not to get attached to both of them. And there's also a lot of suspens and I never get bored reading it.
To sum up: I totally recommend it, and I'll definitely read Sarah Swan next book!
The two MC are very "lovable" and that's almost impossible not to get attached to both of them. And there's also a lot of suspens and I never get bored reading it.
To sum up: I totally recommend it, and I'll definitely read Sarah Swan next book!
June 8, 2021
A most interesting F/F historical romance. Life is quite hard and rather primitive for the Scottish crofters working the land during the 1700s. It is even more difficult for the women. This is the story of Anna and Katherine, whose dire circumstances cause them to join forces to survive. One is a widow and the other's husband is off to war. Attraction leads to love, and their lives become even more intertwined. XOXOXOs to the author, Sarah Swan, for creating this wonderful tale:)
Currently reading
March 3, 2022What a great book. I wrote another review for the second book inthe series. This one I liked way more than the second one, which is extremely dark. There is sexual and physical violence against women in this one as well, but it was a (just a tad) little more tolerable (to read) for me than the other book.
The setting seems genuine and dialogue could have been from the era, who knows. Loved the storyline. Overall a great read. A great surprise from a debut author.
Great work.
The setting seems genuine and dialogue could have been from the era, who knows. Loved the storyline. Overall a great read. A great surprise from a debut author.
Great work.
March 29, 2021
Well written
And somewhat engaging . The historical facts about the highlands are flawed. The names of characters are also so unlikely that I thought it may have been set in Wales. I'm slightly offended by the lack of understanding of the culture. but no doubt the English hat so what they will .
And somewhat engaging . The historical facts about the highlands are flawed. The names of characters are also so unlikely that I thought it may have been set in Wales. I'm slightly offended by the lack of understanding of the culture. but no doubt the English hat so what they will .
April 2, 2021
This was a difficult book to read; not because it was bad - it was excellent, it's the content. It deals with spousal abuse and the after effects. If you are looking for a very well written novel the gives realisme to what women's lives were like back then, this is the book for you. Excellent work and I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 19, 2021
Fabulous Book
This was one of those books that you read the blurb and you think it's free free so I'll give it a try,boy was I glad I did. It's a beautifully written rollercoaster of a love story set in Scotland you can almost smell the heather and feel the wind and rain lashing down and how two very different women cope on their own. One a shy widow and the other married to brute of a man away fighting in the clan wars, Well worth 5*
This was one of those books that you read the blurb and you think it's free free so I'll give it a try,boy was I glad I did. It's a beautifully written rollercoaster of a love story set in Scotland you can almost smell the heather and feel the wind and rain lashing down and how two very different women cope on their own. One a shy widow and the other married to brute of a man away fighting in the clan wars, Well worth 5*
September 2, 2023
I am so glad I found this little gem. I absolutely adored this book. If you are one for ff historical fiction this should be on your must read. I was hooked right from the beginning, perhaps because I found it airily relatable, and read most of it in one sitting. I had a hard time putting it down, well worth a sleep deprived night.
March 20, 2021
This is a fantastic tale of a woman and her daughter and their neighbor all trying to prove themselves in a mans world and their fight to survive and you will love it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2021
I really liked this book. The main characters were both likable and strong women. The storyline and drama wasn’t predictable at all. The historical elements added to the story. I liked the ending a lot.
July 14, 2021
Wow must read
Wow amazing storyline I loved the main characters their journey through all the twists and turns were exceptional writing I couldn't put it down definitely a must read congratulations
Wow amazing storyline I loved the main characters their journey through all the twists and turns were exceptional writing I couldn't put it down definitely a must read congratulations
April 7, 2022
wow
Sarah Swan has just been added to my lists of favorite authors. This book although hard to read in part due to content is filled with strength and truth about the trying times. But it also shows resilience and love prevailing. I look forward to her other novels.
Sarah Swan has just been added to my lists of favorite authors. This book although hard to read in part due to content is filled with strength and truth about the trying times. But it also shows resilience and love prevailing. I look forward to her other novels.
March 28, 2021
A well written story about a hard time in history for women who weren't expected to survive without a man. I felt the weather through the story and the bonding of the main characters.
May 2, 2021
This was such a charming story, set in the Scottish highlands. It was enchanting, well written, and I loved the main characters of Anna and Katherine. I hope we get a sequel eventually.
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