To Bewitch A Highlander

Isle Of Mull #1

by Lily Baldwin, Joseph Marquette (Editor)

She will protect her identity with her very life if necessary. Who will protect her from herself?

Shoney's lightning speed with a bow captures Ronan by surprise, and their chance meeting ends with him lying unconscious at the bottom of a ravine.

When he awakens, he cannot rid his mind of her startling beauty, her valor, or the secret fear he glimpsed in her steel eyes. He vows to find her, but as the mysteries of her identity unfold, his courage and heart are tested as never before.

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

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2013

About the author

"Lily Baldwin weaves thrilling tales in a beautiful, lyrical style, captivating readers from the first word to the last contented sigh." - Ceci Giltenan, Bestselling author

"Lily Baldwin...paints a beautiful literary picture with strong characters and an intriguing storyline." - Kathryn Le Veque, USA Today Bestselling author

"You know a book is great when you can feel the characters pain, their fears and their happiness...Lily Baldwin's books do that!" - Amazon Reviewer


Award-winning Historical Romance author Lily Baldwin loves writing, Scotland, her wonderful husband and beautiful young daughter--though not necessarily in that order. She has a BA in anthropology from the University of New Hampshire, and an MA in International Studies from Birmingham University in the UK. She daydreams constantly, and gets her best story ideas while running; she is even training for a half-marathon. She also finds inspiration in Nature, a quality revealed through the powerful description and drama in her books. Currently TO BEWITCH A HIGHLANDER, HIGHLAND THUNDER, and TO LOVE A WARRIOR (Books 1, 2 & 3 of the Isle of Mull series) are available. HIGHLAND SHADOWS, Beautiful Darkness Series, Book 1 is a Paranormal Highland Romance. Lily is hoping to release book 2 in the Beautiful Darkness Series in Spring 2016. A JEWEL IN THE VAULTS, an award-winning novella, will soon be available in audio! Most recently, Lily has released JACK: A Scottish Outlaw with the promise of many more Scottish Outlaws to come.

She lives in New England with her cherished husband and daughter.

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of this story slow. It did get better for the remainder of the story.

[Allie Cresswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical romance is set in the middle ages on the craggy Isle of Mull. Events surround a real event in history – the battle between Alexander III and king Haakon of Norway for control of the Western Isles – but the politics and indeed much of the cultural referencing of the setting and the era are outside its scope; it is much more romance than history.
At the centre of the novel is the burgeoning relationship between Shoney and Ronan. Shoney is the last in a long line of healing women, a legitimate descendant of the defunct royal Pictish line and the lone remaining adherent on the island to the old religion. These three factors render her effectively outcast from the community and in no way suitable as a wife for Ronan, the heir to the Chiefdom. But their compatibility is also compromised by their understanding of the role and abilities of women; Ronan is used to subservient females who need his protection and special care. Shoney is feisty, independent and opinionated, trained to defend herself if necessary and unwilling to compromise her beliefs and heritage for the sake of pragmatism or, for that matter, for Ronan. This central dichotomy made for interesting narrative tension; in terms of determination, intellect, education and strength of character these two were evenly matched. I was convinced by the characterisation and felt torn between Ronan’s practical desire for compromise and Shoney’s fierce desire to be true to herself.

Unfortunately, however, this conflict is undermined by the almost ridiculously unequal nature of their physicality. Shoney is portrayed as petite to the point of being almost pocket-sized – certainly, in comparison to Ronan, who is as broad, burly and as lavishly muscled as a champion body-builder. At times it felt like Thumbelina meets the Incredible Hulk, which was a shame because it dented the much more interesting, because equal, clash between them. A woman may be expert with a bow, articulate in argument and learned in lore, but if she can be picked up like a child and carried off against her will, these qualities become irrelevant.

The sex, on the other hand, is great. Ms Baldwin orchestrates the physical skirmishes really well – from attraction, to flirtation, a touch of rough-housing, gallant attempts at self-control given up for numerous joyous and enthusiastic couplings.

The language of the novel is accessible, the style designed to keep the plot moving fluidly. Some evocative but not extensive descriptions rendered the setting just sufficiently. There was tension, however, between the medieval Scottish idiom (‘tis, oft,) and the entirely modern turns of phrase which sometimes crept in. The over-use of ‘likely’ began to irk after a while (why not ‘maybe’, ‘perhaps,’ ‘probably,’?) as did the repeatedly incorrect arrangement of punctuation at the end of direct speech.

The combination of a woman whose independence and intelligence is unusual for her era with a man whose mind is not quite dominated by his machismo is a tried and tested recipe for combative romance. This book is a cousin to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series; although lacking in the impeccable historical detailing and the time shift dimension its central relationship has a similar appeal. There are shades, too, of Ayla and Jondalar in Jean Auel’s Earth’s Children opus. Though much less weighty than either of those, this novel scratches a similar itch.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The main characters are compelling both as individuals and as a couple. Shoney, the beautiful 'Witch of Dervaig', has a fierce independence that's very contemporary, but her spirituality roots her in the novel's time and place (early medieval Scotland). Ronan, the son of the clan leader, is torn between his sense of duty and his love for Shoney, and this sense of duty is given real complexity and urgency through the real historical clan rivalries and battles with which he's concerned. I loved the depiction of friendships between men and between women, which makes the battle scenes so poignant... you really feel for the community as a whole and not just the lead characters throughout the book. There's just enough historical detail to make the story very real, but not so much that the plot (and characters) suffers. This is, after all, a romance novel, and an intelligent one at that, but the love story is at the heart of this novel. With this in mind, the sex scenes are passionate and erotic, as opposed to explicit.
The plot moves along at a very good pace, and I found myself reading well after my bedtime as I kept trying to read 'just one more chapter'! I ended up buying the paperback after reading the kindle version, as I wanted to keep this one to read and read again. What a treat!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/15/2020)! 🎁

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENRE:

SETTING: 13th century Scotland

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTERS: With steel gray eyes and golden hair she has been taught to keep her beauty concealed. Hers is a life of solitude. A worshiper at the stones, she continues to celebrate the gods of the land, sea, and sky.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: He will be the future Laird. Deep brown eyes. Wide shoulders. Square jaw. He is both fearful, persistent, patient to a fault. Possessive should be his middle name.

SYNOPSIS: She lives to keep the memory of her people, the Picts, alive and against the invaders of her land. He continues to look for the beauty that continuously hides from him. Though he fears the Witch of Dervaig as do all of his people, he continues to pursue the woman with golden hair. The past is introduced to the present by a future chieftain. Their common enemy are the Norse.

SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: Great YA and Adult Fantasy romance. No sexual explicitness

WHAT I LIKED: I have gotten more in this book from the many historical references than I have from many fiction romance books.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Issues having to do with going to the village leaned towards slow.


I give this book (5) stars because a great Scottish like fairy tale. The Epilogue is killing me so much that I have to move on to the next book.

[Amanda Critchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, was recommended it by a friend who has never failed to pass on great reads, and she was true to form. The atmosphere Lily Baldwin creates in this novel is superb, I was drawn in from the start. The main Characters Shoney and Ronan come from different worlds socially and yet each have a fierce sense of their identities and responsibilities. Shoney is a character who could come from any period in history, her bravery and loyalty shine through, but her struggles with her feelings are timeless. Ronan is a warrior, unashamedly male. Just the kind of leading man I like! His frustrations and passions bring him alive, and the pull of his duty versus love dilemma is explored cleverly. The supporting characters add depth and create a community I felt drawn in to, with Aidan (Ronan's best friend) adding humour and poignancy. This is a historical romance novel where the history comes naturally. Lily Baldwin's writing ensured the characters made me really root for them. Passions run high in this book, in love and in war. I am intrigued by the lead hinting at the next instalment, looking forward to reading more of the Clan MacKinnon.

[Bozana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved it and TRULY enjoyed it. Some scenes did make me cry with sorrow and other times, with laughter. However, I do agree to some criticism but not all.

I did wish to know in the Epilogue if Shoney gave birth to a boy or a girl and how many kids did they eventually have... as it showed the couple in middle age. However, it did leave me VERY intrigued to what will elude to the next book in this series and I'm REALLY looking forward to reading it...

I just hope the author takes on some of the constructive criticisms but not all.

[Suzan Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best debut novels I've read in a very long time. The story is beautifully written - Lily draws you right in to the story and doesn't let go until the last word of the book. The characters are well developed, lovable, and not your typical hero and heroine types. Refreshing read!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Place of Story-Isle of Mull, Scotland
Shoney has lived in a secret place protecting her identity by pretending to be a witch. She is a smart, beautiful and clever woman who is self-sufficient and convinced that she need no one else in her life. Real history at this time is the fight for control of this island by Scotland and King Haakon of Norway.
Shoney is a healer. She is also a Pict. Ronan is the heir to the chieftainship of the clan. They are as different as night and day and meet by chance when Shoney shoots her bow and Ronan ends up in a ravine. Somehow he cannot forget the beautiful woman with a bow and finally he sets out to find her. When he does he is entranced by her beauty, her wit and her bravery. However he knows that she is not the right person for the heir to the clan. But in spite of this he still continues to visit her in her little “Witch” hut in the forest.
Eventually things come to a head. Battles are fought and Shoney’s heritage is revealed.
My only objection was I am getting tired of huge bulky Highlanders with tiny little women. I have my doubts that this type of woman would have had it easy back then and do not feel it is realistic. Other than that, it was a good read and I liked it.

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book and when I began reading it I realized I had read this book before. The cover had been changed so I thought I was buying a different book.

That aside, I loved this book. A woman who claims she's more healer than witch lives on the outskirts of a village alone after her mother's death. She meets a highlander and is very reluctant to trust anyone because of the stories her mother had told her over and over. Will she step outside that comfort zone and not only trust a stranger but enter his world to learn the warmth and pleasures of a family atmosphere. Great read!

I think this book also holds a secret meaning: Never judge anyone from appearance or by the opinion/rumors of others. You never know what gem you will discover.

Loved this book and would recommend it highly.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book,its very well written. Shoney is smart, beautiful, and is hard headed and stubborn. she knows who she is and is very proud of it. Ronan is sexy, powerful,stubborn and is accustom to people doing as he says especially women. when they meet thats it they cant stop thinking about each other. there are problems that come up that keep them apart but in the end they find a way to be together.

what i really like and that had me shaking my head was all of the promises Ronan kept making and braking. i wanted to kick him myself. Shoney i think has a harder time than Ronan she has to change the person she is(or who she feels she is) to be with him.

[Constance Dinsmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!!

Shoney & Ronan. Two people with totally different backgrounds find love under amazing circumstances. Shoney raised to carry on the pictish bloodline, and carry on the mantel of a witch that has been passed on for generations.... Alone, until Ronan stumbles upon her hunting, and won't rest until he finds her again. Will past prejudice force them apart? Or will true love conquer again?

I highly recommend this book to my fellow historical fiction lovers!! Highland setting what could be better?!

[Macaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new author, a very pleasant surprise. We feel a wide range of emotion, laugh, cry, but there is also anger, anguish, surprise and love, obviously.
My favorite scene: very brave, very impressive Highland warriors panicking in the witch's hut. Hilarious.
And I've learned a lot about medieval Scotland, very interesting history, which is smoothly instilled in the story.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and would easily feel free to recommend it to others. I like the Lily Baldwin writes and pulls you into the story! It seems to me that there is much time and research put into each book, it's setting and its characters. Her audio books I have bought and listened to as well have been outstanding!

[Memorable Reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

It started off strong, though the dialogue was probably the weakest part. Then, at around chapter 11, it felt as if the author got impatient and threw away the motivation behind Shoney, the main female protagonist (she went from distrusting the Gaels to suddenly begging to visit them?) and the story became very predictable and tired. Not my cup of tea.

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this book! A great heroine to read about!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.25 Stars

I went into this book with high expectations—it has over +1000 ratings, and is written by a best-selling author—and was met with mediocrity. Don’t get me wrong, mediocrity isn’t a bad thing—mind blowing books are hard to come by, and as such, I will gladly read and enjoy average books any day of the week—it's just that high expectations leave room for disappointment when left unmet, which was the case with To Bewitch a Highlander.

Title: To Bewitch a Highlander
(Isle of Mull #1)
POV(s): Dual—Third Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Historical Romance, Medieval-Era
Triggers: N/A
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Forbidden-Love
❖ Healer-Heroine
❖ Heroine-Secret-Identity
❖ Highlander-Hero
❖ Isolated-Heroine
❖ Laird-Hero
❖ Outcast-Heroine
❖ Scotland-1263
❖ Seer-Heroine

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book recently, it was FREE and the first book in the Isle of Mull Series by Lily Baldwin. This is the first book I've read by this author, her writing style drew me into this wonderful story set on one the Scottish Islands, Mull.
The heroine lives a life a solitude, following the ways of her people and duty bound to the memory of her mother and ancestors before her. The hero, heir to Laird McKinnon and duty to his father and clan, all will depend upon him. Fate decrees their paths cross and there begins a story of blossoming love and inner emotional turmoil, as the pair feel guilt for different reasons but so desperately want nothing more than to be themselves and be together. I loved how the story unfolded, the secondary character (the heroes best friend) had me laughing and I hope he has his own story. Along with the romance I also learnt a little of the history of the times and a bloody battle the Scots fought against the Norse King.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend this author and particularly this book.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I wanted to give this more than 2 stars and at first I was going to let the one or two grammar errors go and enjoy the book for what it was. But then the mistakes constantly happened. Then the inconsistency of scenes came such as when Una had her child and the child was labeled a “she”, followed by “he” afterward.

Then came the rape scene, or basically a rape scene. The grammar and spelling errors threw me off at first but when Ronan basically molested/raped Shoney to garner a promise from her to stay in the village? I was entire put off. I would have stopped reading from that moment on but I wanted to add to my good reads challenge so I persevered through it.

This author needs an editor. There’s no way all of those grammar mistakes, missing words where words are needed, and inconsistent scenes would have gone through to a publisher if a decent and proper editor looked this over. I only give this a two star rating because the story plot was okay, but it’s more of a 1.5 rating.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Shoney takes Rowan on the chase of his life. She confuses him and the truth of her will have his whole village in an uproar. Shoney has kept the legend of the Witch of Dervaig alive through generations like her mother and grandmother before her. She dresses in a hag's outfit and keeps her face hidden from the world, until that fateful day when she is hunting a stag and Rowan sees her. The author keeps up chase, until Rowan learns what she is. This book held my interest until the very end. Sometimes we have to keep a little mystery and magic in our relationship, and the author does this well in this book.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the history

Shoney is trying to keep her Pictish ways from dying out in a world where Christianity and superstition have taken over. In order to live in peace, she has to disguise herself as the Witch of Dervaig which keeps people to frightened to go anywhere near her.

It's a lonely life until she meets Ronan MacKinnon, the future chieftain of his clan.

Together, they try to find a way to be together but are finding it to be impossible.

I liked the historic accuracy of this book on the Hebrides. I've always been fascinated with Western Scotland and its history.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to Paul Woodson as he told the story. His changes in voice were wide ranged and helped me keep the characters separate. The story itself was good, and I loved both Shoney and Ronan. They are so different in most aspects but also complement each other. With visions, deaths, illnesses, and biases, there are some darker moments. Love helps conquer these and bring light to a couple, clan, and family. I recommend this story and will be looking to read the rest of the series.

I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendships

I had to stop reading this book for several days because I was so tired of reading about the constant drama - being selfish in love and lying to each other. I understand the strong emotions of love, but disregarding the words and concerns of the person you love is not true love.

I loved the setting, the lore, the friendships, etc. in the end, the book was worth the read and I’d enjoy reading more about the characters in future books.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first book in the series! There is a lot of laughter, a lot of learning to love, learning acceptance, and a brief and violent battle. Ronan has no idea that Shoney disguises herself as a witch and when he first starts to figure it out his fear is hilarious! I really enjoyed this first book! Loved the ending and nice to know they were living many years happy and in love. Only wish we learned about any children of theirs.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The hero is a sore disappointment.
He is selfish and doesn't try to ease the heroine's fear or make her comfortable. No he leaves her with little choice.
Shoney, is an innocent and is hurt multiple times by the hero and yet she soothes and convinces herself and not the hero.
This is really a sad truth in real lives, so we 'd expect better from our story heroes..
Otherwise.. a good story, well written.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Lily Baldwin takes you into the deep past in" To Bewitch a Highlander. " This book will have you laughing out loud at some of the things Ronon or Shoney say and do and then crying like your heart is breaking. A beautiful and bewitching story.

[Janet Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable historical romance

A good holiday read with a little touches throughout on historical facts and a good descriptive battle scene. Interesting link to the old Pict culture

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book bewitched me...

Shoney's and Ronan's meet cute was so great! But, this storyline was so much more. And their romance was so deep. But history also played a part. Can Shoney acclimate herself to this world, can Ronan's clan accept her? A great read!

[Sherelyn Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practically read straight through!

Enjoyed this story ..the bantering between Shoney and Ronan was delightful and Aidan added just the right amount of frivolity to dire situations. I am anxious to continue this series. Thank you for an exciting read.

[Diane Laughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

woman gives up all for a man

Ending never in doubt and a bit tiresome. Not particularly original with a thin plot but has requisite happy ending - husband & motherhood accompanied by a loss of independence.