Of Fate and Fortune

by Erinn Maxwell

A lost treasure.

A centuries-old secret.

Two love stories bound by fate.

When Heather Mackenzie Campbell begins following the clues her late mother left behind, she and her swoony handyman boyfriend, Flynn Duncan, are pulled into Scotland's greatest historical mystery: the disappearance of the Jacobite gold.

What begins as a search for answers quickly becomes something far more dangerous. Because someone else is hunting the gold, and they'll stop at nothing to claim it.

With Flynn at her side, Heather follows a trail of riddles, relics, and long-buried truths across the Highlands. But the deeper they dig into the past, the more another story begins to emerge; one hidden within the legend itself.

In 1746, as Scotland reels in the aftermath of a failed rebellion, two fugitives carry a secret across the Highlands: Jacobite courier, Harris Mackenzie, and the fiercely loyal Fiona Cameron. Bound by danger, duty, and a growing devotion neither of them expected, their choices will echo through time.

And centuries later, Heather begins to realize the legend of the Jacobite gold was never just about treasure.

It was about sacrifice.

About love.

And a legacy that was always meant to lead someone home.

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

Erinn Maxwell writes sweeping love stories rooted in heritage, history, and the kind of feminine strength that echoes across generations. A lifelong romantic with deep Celtic roots, she blends emotional depth with adventure, mystery, and a touch of wild magic.

Her debut novel, Of Heather and Thistle, began as a love letter to Scotland and quickly grew into a universe of legacy, hidden treasure, and fierce women reclaiming their stories. She is currently expanding the series with Of Fate and Fortune and the historical prequel Of Rebels and Ruin, while also writing The Golden Legacy, an Irish family saga inspired by her own ancestors.

When Erinn isn’t writing, she’s chasing her two daughters, baking something cozy, or dreaming up ways to visit the British Isles “for research.”

She lives in California with her husband, two little girls, and far too many books.

Reviews

[Stress Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

🕵🏼‍♀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💜Of Fate and Fortune ARC Review💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🕵🏼‍♀️

Book 2 of Glenoran, can be read as a standalone.

Available May 1, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.75 rounded up)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 2.5 feels more accurate for spice level

"He wasn’t promising to fix it. Just to stay."

“And what if the truth hurts worse than not knowin’?”

📓 Of Fate and Fortune is story that lives at the intersection of romance, historical mystery, and personal reckoning - but make it spicy. It's less about high stakes action and more about emotional excavation—of the past, of identity, and of the quiet ways history shapes the present. Of Fate and Fortune's strength lies in it's layered storytelling, though it occasionally trades momentum for atmosphere.

📗 Heather and Flynn follow her late mother's clues across Scotland, only to uncover a centuries-old mystery tier to lost Jacobite gold, a dangerous treasure hunt, and a parallel love story from 1746 whose sacrifice ripples into the present. What begins as a search for answers quickly becomes a race against those who would kill for the past, and a journey toward love, legacy, and home.

🫵🏽 Of Fate and Fortune is for readers who:

• love romantic, emotionally rich stories
• enjoy dual timelines
• love a blend of romance, mystery, and adventure
• love books set in Scotland
• appreciate historical intrigue
• enjoy stories about family legacy, grief, and healing woven with love

✨ If you love sweeping, atmospheric romances with a touch of history and danger, where last and present collide, I think you'll love this. If you enjoy Outlander, but want less violence and trauma, read this.

📓 The plot follows two intertwined threads. One takes place in current day Scotland and is rooted in uncovering a long buried family mystery, a legacy, tied to Jacobites. The other is a historical that takes place in 1847 Scotland that slowly reveals the truth behind that mysterious legacy.

I love the gradual reveal and uncovering clues piece by piece. Time, research, and attention to detail were put in by the author, Erinn, as well as Heather (FMC). They travel to various places in Scotland and I love how it expanded the story and world. The structure leans more on emotional connections than sharp twists, and I appreciate that. There's a slight bit of danger, more of a sense of urgency, that works quite well for the story. I loved the dual timelines - they create quite a satisfying sense of inevitability because the past and present feel like they're being pulled toward one another. The treasure and mystery elements added a compelling throughline. I love that the stakes are often emotional ones, rather than physical danger.

And that epilogue!!!

📗 Themes, Metaphors, & Deeper Meaning

🕰️ The Persistence of History
The novel explores how history is never truly past. It lingers in landscapes, in family stories, and in unanswered questions.

💗 Love Across Time
Here, romance isn't just about two people. It's about how love echoes, repeats, and reshapes itself across generations.

🧬 Identity & Inheritance
Heather's journey is as much internal as external. What do we inherit (genetically)? What do we choose to carry forward?

🗝️ Truth vs Myth
Of Fate and Fortune interrogates the idea that history is often romanticized, especially in settings like Scotland. What's real? What's been softened or distorted over time?

OFAF is rich with quiet, recurring metaphors.
🖼️ Landscape as Memory: The Scottish setting functions almost like an archive. Hills, derelict buildings, ruins, and rugged coastlines holding emotional and historical residue.

🪎 Treasure as Truth: The physical search mirrors an internal one; what's being "found" isn't just material, but emotional clarity and self-understanding.

🌕 Echoes and Cycles: Relationships and choices mirror across timelines, suggesting that people are often caught in patterns - until they consciously break them.

On a deeper level, Of Fate and Fortune suggests that 'understanding the past isn't about solving it—it's about making peace with it.'

✍🏼 Erinn's prose is lush, descriptive, and atmospheric. There's a strong emphasis on sensory detail, emotional interiority, and setting as mood. Scotland feels vivid and immersive - Erinn does an excellent job at beautifully capturing and describing the setting. I love that emotional beats are given time to breathe.

With character-driven dialogue that reads smoothly and naturally, with brief moments of levity and top tier spicy talk - the dialogue is great. I appreciate dialogue being used to reveal emotional subtext, build relationships gradually and organically, and ground the more reflective passages. It feels authentic and intimate, fitting the characters and story.

⏳ This is a book that asks for patience and rewards it with emotional payoff. It's worth it, so worth it, though.

✨ It started off just a bit slow. I wasn't quite fully seated immediately. Intentionally slow burn to prioritize emotional unfolding over plot urgency, I was a bit impatient to get to the reward. 😅 After a few chapters, though, I was booked. I was in tears somewhere between 50-75%.

🐴 The Jacobite aspect adds political tension, romanticized history, and a sense of cultural depth. I love that the intrigue is more of the subtle side. I love that it's more about uncovering truths than escaping danger and that it focuses on the personal impact of historical events, not just the events themselves.

The mystery works well as a framework for emotional discovery.

👥 The characters and well developed, flawed, dimensional, and have depth. They growth feels organic and introspective. I appreciate that growth isn't shown as linear and occurs in small, believable shifts rather than quick, dramatic transformations.

💜 The slow burn romance between Heather and Flynn started in Of Heather and Thistle (book 1) and continues to build organically. Their emotional connection gains more depth and emotional grounding.

The second timeline couple, Harris and Fiona, is a gutpunch of a bittersweet slow burn.

🌶️ If you're a fan of "good girl," I think you'll love this. I love that the spice shows their emotional connection and intimacy and elevates the story, without being a main plotline. It feels earned and is well timed and placed.

📚 If you liked: Outlander (Diana Gabaldon), The Winter Sea (Susanna Kearsley), The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah), The Rose Code (Kate Quinn), A River Enchanted (Rebecca Ross), The Lost Apothecary (Sarah Parker), The Empress of Salt and Fortune (Nghi Vo), Seven Days in June (Tia Williams), The Vanished Birds (Simon Jimenez), or Honey Girl (Morgan Rogers), then I think you'd enjoy this.

Thank you @erinn Maxwell @wild thistle publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erinn Maxwell’s Of Fate and Fortune completely derailed my plans for a chill, responsible evening and replaced them with emotional chaos, historical obsession, and a full-blown “should I just move to Scotland?” identity crisis.
Published by Wild Thistle Publishing—huge thank you to the author for the gifted ARC.

This isn’t just a continuation of Heather’s story—it’s a deep, soul-level excavation of grief, inheritance, and the kind of secrets that cling to a place like fog. Heather returns to Glenoran House expecting closure, something neat and contained. What she gets instead is a tangled web of her mother’s unfinished research, whispers of a long-lost Jacobite fortune, and a past that refuses to stay quiet. And I’m telling you right now… I felt every single step of that unraveling.

The dual timeline is where this book really flexes. Moving between present-day Heather and Flynn and the 18th-century story of Harris Mackenzie and Fiona Cameron could’ve been overwhelming—but instead, it felt like slipping between two heartbeats. Both timelines carry weight, tension, and this aching sense of inevitability, and watching them slowly mirror each other? Quietly devastating in the best way.

Heather is one of those characters who doesn’t need to shout to be strong. She’s steady, determined, and willing to face truths that would send most people running. There’s a quiet bravery in her that made me root for her harder with every chapter. And Flynn… listen, Flynn Duncan is that rare kind of book man who doesn’t need grand gestures to prove his worth. He’s patient, grounded, deeply supportive, and the emotional safe place Heather didn’t even realize she needed. Their relationship adds this soft, steady warmth that balances out the tension and mystery, and those quieter moments between them? Absolute perfection.

And then there’s the atmosphere—because wow. The Jacobite history, the threads of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the legend of hidden gold… it all weaves together into something that feels immersive without ever feeling heavy. I didn’t feel like I was reading about Scotland—I felt like I was standing in it, breathing it in, listening to the echoes of stories that never really ended. The way the past and present blur together creates this haunting sense that history isn’t gone—it’s just waiting to be uncovered.

“Some stories are inherited. Others must be unearthed.”

That line hit me straight in the chest and then just… stayed there. Because that’s exactly what this book does—it reminds you that the past isn’t just something we learn about. It’s something we carry, whether we want to or not.

If you’re someone who loves historical fiction that leans into emotion, romance that feels genuine and earned, and mysteries that unfold slowly with purpose and depth, this is absolutely your kind of read. Especially if you’re drawn to stories about family legacy, strong women, and the idea that love—whether romantic or ancestral—can echo across generations.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you ever read a book that made you feel like you were living two lives at once—one in the present, and one somewhere deep in the past? And be honest… would you follow the truth if it meant unraveling everything you thought you knew?

#OfFateAndFortune #ErinnMaxwell #HistoricalFiction #ScottishHighlands #HistoricalRomance #DualTimeline #BookReview #ARCReview #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #CozyReads #WomenInFiction #MustReadBooks #ReadersOfInstagram

[Cheyenne Oleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t just tell a story—it unfolded like a memory you didn’t know you carried. Lush, emotional, and quietly powerful, Of Fate and Fortune is the kind of read that settles into your bones and stays there.

Following Heather and Flynn as they trace the threads her mother left behind, the story becomes so much more than a mystery. What begins as a search for answers slowly transforms into something deeper—an exploration of legacy, identity, and the invisible ties that bind past and present together. And it does this so beautifully.

The dual timeline is where this book truly shines. The present-day journey is rich with emotion, discovery, and a steady undercurrent of tension, but the historical thread? Absolutely unforgettable. Harris and Fiona’s story is tender, heartbreaking, and filled with a quiet kind of love that echoes across generations. Watching how their choices ripple forward into Heather’s world was nothing short of masterful.

Heather is such a grounded and compelling heroine. Her strength isn’t loud—it’s steady, determined, and deeply human. And Flynn… Flynn is the kind of character who proves that love doesn’t have to be grand to be powerful. His support, patience, and unwavering presence added so much warmth to the story, balancing out the heavier emotional themes perfectly.

And the setting—Scotland feels alive in these pages. The landscapes don’t just exist as a backdrop; they hold the story. Every ruin, every stretch of land, every whisper of history feels intentional, like the setting itself is part of the narrative.

The pacing leans into a slower, more atmospheric build, but it absolutely pays off. This is a story that takes its time, allowing emotions to fully develop and connections to deepen—and the result is incredibly rewarding.

At its core, this isn’t just about a hidden treasure or a historical mystery. It’s about understanding where you come from, making peace with what came before, and choosing what to carry forward.

If you love dual timelines, emotionally rich storytelling, historical intrigue, and romances that feel genuine and earned, this is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wild Thistle Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Of Fate and Fortune by Erinn Maxwell (Book 2 in The Glenoran Series)
Pub Date: 1 May 2026
There’s something incredibly special about a story that weaves together past and present so seamlessly—and Of Fate and Fortune absolutely delivers on that magic ✨
Even as the second book in the series, this works beautifully as a standalone. I never felt lost, and instead was immediately drawn into Heather’s journey as she follows the trail her mother left behind. What starts as a treasure hunt quickly becomes something far deeper, richer, and more emotional than I expected.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the story alternates between two timelines—and honestly, I loved both equally. Heather and Flynn’s modern-day search is full of tension, mystery, and just the right amount of danger, while the 1746 storyline completely stole my heart 💔
Harris and Fiona’s story is full of sacrifice, loyalty, and a quiet, powerful love that lingers long after you’ve finished reading. The way their choices ripple into the present timeline was beautifully done and added so much emotional depth.
The Jacobite history was fascinating without ever feeling overwhelming, and it really grounded the story in something meaningful. But what stood out most to me was the theme running through it all—this wasn’t just about lost gold. It was about legacy, love, and the idea that some stories are meant to be found.
✨ What I loved:
Dual timeline done perfectly
Emotional, slow-burn romance (in both timelines!)
Rich historical detail without info-dumping
A mystery that kept me hooked throughout
💭 Final thoughts:
This book is immersive, romantic, and full of heart. If you love historical fiction blended with mystery and a touch of danger, this is one you don’t want to miss.
⭐️ Rating: 4.5–5 stars

[Maya Wildgoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an atmospheric read- and there is no place that's more atmospheric to me than Scotland. It was an absolute pleasure to read Erinn Maxwell's second book (I liked Book 1 a lot, too!) - it wove an amazing second timeline in and taught me some things in the process!

The modern storyline picks up where Book 1, Of Heather and Thistle, leaves off- Heather and Flynn are an established item and we get to see them explore what that relationship looks like as it grows. They find themselves at the center of some deep family secrets of Heather's- it tests both of them in unique ways. As we learn more about what she's chasing, we get a story of Fiona and Harris in the 18th century, both rebels running from the persecution of the Jacobites (if you've read or watched Outlander, you'll be familiar with this time and political set up). I adored this window to the past- their partnership and story were heartwrenching in the best way possible!

You don't have to ask me twice to go to Scotland, but having been to some of the places both couples go was magical and just makes me want to go back to them- Erinn clearly did her research. Also, it is not an easy feat to accent Scottish dialogue but she did it SO brilliantly- it read as the perfect Scottish brogue, at least in my mind!

I can't wait to read more from Erinn <3

Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book for reviewing purposes! All opinions are my own.

[Kristi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal second book, and it completely pulled me in from start to finish. I especially loved the rich Jacobite history woven throughout, particularly the elements surrounding the gold and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It added such depth and intrigue while making the story feel immersive and meaningful.

The way the story moves between present day and the past was beautifully done. Watching her uncover her mother’s research and piece together her family’s legacy kept me hooked. And the way we’re given glimpses into the past alongside that felt so vivid, almost like experiencing it firsthand without ever losing that sense of discovery.

It truly made me feel like I was exploring Scotland right alongside her, which only made me want to visit even more.

The writing was captivating and flowed so effortlessly that I genuinely couldn’t put it down until the very end.

If you love historical fiction, especially set in the Scottish Highlands, this series is absolutely worth picking up. And if you’re here for a touch of romance, the continued story between Flynn and Heather adds just the right amount of heart, especially in those lighter moments when they get to simply enjoy being together.

[shut.up.mamas.reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given. This is the sequel to Of Heather and Thistle. You absolutely do not need to read the first book in order to enjoy this book. Of Fate and Fortune is an enchanting romance told in dual timelines. This book reminded me of the way romance novels used to be told. I found that the author was able to seamlessly intertwine the modern Heather and Flynn with the post-Cullodan timeframe Fiona and Harris. I love the attention to details both the past and the present and the use of Gaelic dialogue. She does a brilliant job of describing Scotland really immersing the reader. She also adds plenty of history into the story to give the plot more context. Perfect for those that enjoy historical fiction with emotional spicy romance. The modern timeline has an action packed mystery for lost secret Jacobite gold. The past timeline reveals how secrets and stories of the past chase those in the future. I love how the stories interlaced and the clues left behind lead to a family legacy. “If the thistle endures, follow it home. “ I don’t want to spoil anything but it was a magical romantic read. If you enjoy Outlander, then this is another one you should add to your TBR.

[Emmy Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my—this story had me from the start. Set against the backdrop of Scotland (now firmly on my travel bucket list), it weaves together love, mystery, and intrigue—basically all my favorite elements in one novel.
The prologue immediately pulls you in, and the dual timelines are handled beautifully. I found myself especially drawn to the chapters set in 1747 with Harris and Fiona. The Jacobite cause is such a fascinating and deeply rooted part of Scottish history, and the mystery surrounding Bonnie Prince Charlie’s gold adds a compelling layer to the narrative. In the present-day timeline, Heather and Flynn’s quest to unravel the mystery keeps the momentum strong, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
There were moments where I felt genuine fear, followed by real elation—Erinn Maxwell truly knows how to tap into a reader’s emotions and sense of hope. And if I didn’t already want to visit Scotland before, this book absolutely sealed it.
4.5 stars
And that teaser chapter at the end… wow. I’m officially hooked.

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you thought you’d seen the last of Heather Campbell and Flynn Duncan in "Of Heather and Thistle", you’re very much mistaken!

Here we have two stories, told across the present, decades ago and even hundreds of years back.

We retrace the story of a couple mistreated by their fellow citizens and the Crown of the time, who condemned a man acting in good faith, right up to their descendants trying to piece together fragments of a puzzle dating back almost three centuries.

Heather, of course, isn’t giving up on uncovering the legacy left by her mother, who had come to Scotland for a number of reasons, one of which was a hidden secret that has given rise to myths and legends so powerful that every greedy soul is willing to ‘sacrifice’ a pawn just to get their hands on that likely prize!

Towards the end, I found myself in tears. Yes, I shed a few tears – but they were meaningful ones – as I discovered the full historical journey taken by Heather’s ancestors, and how their actions had influenced her life and that of her mother, for better or for worse...

Can't wait to read other works from this author, and I can only suggest you this: READ THESE STORIES, THEY'RE WORTHY!

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I am generally obsessed with all things Scotland. Its my ultimate bucket list trip, my family loves attending local highland games, my first tattoo was a Celtic know... so naturally when I saw the opportunity to read Of Fate and Fortune, I absolutely jumped on it. And yall, I am SO glad I did.

This is Erinn Maxwell's second novel and sequel to Of Heather and Thistle. First of all, this book hooked me from the very beginning and had me eager to follow both the adventure and the romances that were blossoming both in present and past.

I love that Erinn features such strong women. Heather refuses to be scared off her mission when things get tough and that resilience speaks to me. And don't even get me started on Flynn, a man who knows what he wants but is patient and oh so sweet!

I loved feeling like I was touring Scotland while I read - something I dream of doing in real life. Thanks Erinn for letting me live part of a dream, even if it was for just a few hours.

[Erinn Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author here: This book was written with a lot of heart, a lot of late nights, and an unhealthy obsession with Scottish history… this story means everything to me. I hope it gives you a place to escape for a little while. 💗

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful second book! The dual timeline historical fiction aspect really made this story deep. I enjoyed all the characters and Erinn's writing really draws you in and immerses you!