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Lily’s well-honed sense for trouble tells her no healer is safe in London while gangs roam the city looking for witches to burn. In the dead of night, she escapes on a northbound ship, intending to return after Christmas celebrations calm the city’s witch fever. But when Lily lands in the wilds of Scotland, her skills for surviving in the city can’t save her.
Roderick MacDonald is on a secret mission for his chieftain when he finds a lass near death on a barren hillside and is forced to take her with him. Though this mysterious Sassenach may have The Gift his clan needs—and he burns with passion for her—he’s determined to resist the enchantment she weaves on his scarred heart.
When love blooms amidst the harsh winter beauty of the Highlands, will these two obstinate souls from different worlds accept the Yuletide gift?
Roderick MacDonald is on a secret mission for his chieftain when he finds a lass near death on a barren hillside and is forced to take her with him. Though this mysterious Sassenach may have The Gift his clan needs—and he burns with passion for her—he’s determined to resist the enchantment she weaves on his scarred heart.
When love blooms amidst the harsh winter beauty of the Highlands, will these two obstinate souls from different worlds accept the Yuletide gift?
Audible Audio
First published December 17, 2014
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About the author
Margaret Mallory
24 books1,070 followersMargaret Mallory, a recovering lawyer, is thrilled to be writing exciting tales with sword-wielding heroes rather than briefs and memos. Since abandoning the law for romance, she's become a USA Today bestselling author, and her Scottish and medieval romances have won numerous honors, including National Readers' Choice Awards, RT Book Reviews' Best Scotland-Set Historical Romance, and a RITA© nomination.
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 2, 2020
Nice novella and comfy read. Narration by Derek Perkins on point.
December 26, 2014
Read this review on Got Fiction? book blog
4.5
This was just what I needed tonight. A Highlander, a sassy Sassenach, and a guaranteed happy ending.
This novella starts out in London, where our heroine Lily is hightailing it out of town. There's a witch hunt brewing, and as a healer, the last thing she needs is rumors to point them her direction.
Taking what she can, she locks her shop, knowing it will probably be looted and destroyed if she ever makes it back, and she heads north to hopefully stay with a friend of hers.
She stowed away on a ship and ended up too far north. Scotland to be precise. And wandering around the countryside in the winter wasn't her brightest idea.
After being sent on an errand for his laird, Roderick MacDonald is happy to be heading back to the Highlands. His grandmother, the clan healer and seer, had warned Roderick that he would be bringing back the clan's next healer on this trip, and since she was getting older, they really needed her. And sure enough, he stumbles upon a very unconscious Lily, dressed as a lad. I love that he figured her out right off the bat, and I love that he took her under his wing.
He was traveling with Douglas men, and he wanted to protect her from them. At the first chance he got, he convinced them to head home, and he talked Lily into coming home to live with his grandmother. (Lily told him she wanted to learn from a healer, and he assumed she had a vision of his grandmother).
I liked this story a lot. It has a feisty, stubborn heroine, a protective and thoughtful hero, and a lot of passion. There's even an Easter Egg at the end (the hidden inside references to other series kind of Easter Egg, not the actual eggs) I see what you did there, Margaret Mallory. So for anyone in the mood for a short and satisfying Highlander novella, this is the perfect story for you.
***Review copy courtesy of the author
4.5
This was just what I needed tonight. A Highlander, a sassy Sassenach, and a guaranteed happy ending.
This novella starts out in London, where our heroine Lily is hightailing it out of town. There's a witch hunt brewing, and as a healer, the last thing she needs is rumors to point them her direction.
Taking what she can, she locks her shop, knowing it will probably be looted and destroyed if she ever makes it back, and she heads north to hopefully stay with a friend of hers.
She stowed away on a ship and ended up too far north. Scotland to be precise. And wandering around the countryside in the winter wasn't her brightest idea.
After being sent on an errand for his laird, Roderick MacDonald is happy to be heading back to the Highlands. His grandmother, the clan healer and seer, had warned Roderick that he would be bringing back the clan's next healer on this trip, and since she was getting older, they really needed her. And sure enough, he stumbles upon a very unconscious Lily, dressed as a lad. I love that he figured her out right off the bat, and I love that he took her under his wing.
He was traveling with Douglas men, and he wanted to protect her from them. At the first chance he got, he convinced them to head home, and he talked Lily into coming home to live with his grandmother. (Lily told him she wanted to learn from a healer, and he assumed she had a vision of his grandmother).
I liked this story a lot. It has a feisty, stubborn heroine, a protective and thoughtful hero, and a lot of passion. There's even an Easter Egg at the end (the hidden inside references to other series kind of Easter Egg, not the actual eggs) I see what you did there, Margaret Mallory. So for anyone in the mood for a short and satisfying Highlander novella, this is the perfect story for you.
***Review copy courtesy of the author
March 11, 2018
This novella acts more as a prequel to the series, rather then as an ending. It takes place before the sear in the books was born and bridges all of Ms. Mallory's series together. I liked the characters and I wish the story was longer so we could see more of London and of the seat of the Lord of the Islands.
August 30, 2016
This story was a bit slow and uneventful. It could have been so much more but wasn't really going anywhere for me.
August 28, 2021
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wonderful: 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Eu adorei esse eBook, primeiro ele é curtinho e uma leitura rápida, segundo têm magia no meio, e eu amo esse fato,, adoro o desconhecido...
Lily e Roderick MacDonald 😍😍 eles são destinados a ficar juntos... E com a ajudinha da avó de Roderick, ele é enviado em uma missão, que trás para a vida dele sua futura esposa.. Lily foge de Londres por causa da caça as bruxas e o destino a leva para Highlands (terras altas), e lá ela conhece Roderick, que com suas atitudes rouba seu coração, mas por medo ela quase o perde... Mas sempre que duas pessoas se amam e estão destinados a ficar juntos o destino dá seu jeitinho.. E aqui não é diferente... 🤭🥰
Happy reading, and until the next reading.. 😘😘
Wonderful: 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Eu adorei esse eBook, primeiro ele é curtinho e uma leitura rápida, segundo têm magia no meio, e eu amo esse fato,, adoro o desconhecido...
Lily e Roderick MacDonald 😍😍 eles são destinados a ficar juntos... E com a ajudinha da avó de Roderick, ele é enviado em uma missão, que trás para a vida dele sua futura esposa.. Lily foge de Londres por causa da caça as bruxas e o destino a leva para Highlands (terras altas), e lá ela conhece Roderick, que com suas atitudes rouba seu coração, mas por medo ela quase o perde... Mas sempre que duas pessoas se amam e estão destinados a ficar juntos o destino dá seu jeitinho.. E aqui não é diferente... 🤭🥰
Happy reading, and until the next reading.. 😘😘
December 19, 2017
I would recommend this book if you're looking for a fun, romantic read. I like the characters: Roderick and Lilly and Roderick's grandmother. A quick, Sunday afternoon HEA.
September 13, 2021
I loved this entire series❣ I read the books back to back like a starving person. If you like highlanders, romance, & suspense, you'll enjoy this series 😊
August 12, 2021
Perfect choice for our TBR Challenge for August, plus it reminds me why I have so many Margaret Mallory books on my shelves. Full review coming to TheZestQuest.com next week and reposted here.
March 13, 2016
Good book. Lily is a trained healer living in London when a bout of witch fever strikes the city. Her instincts tell her that it would be a good idea to get out of town for awhile so she dresses as a boy and stows away on a northbound ship, intending to visit a friend. Unfortunately, she is discovered and thrown off the ship near Edinburgh, far from where she intended to go. She sets off on foot, unaware of just how unprepared she is.
Roderick is on his way back home after a mission for his chief when he stumbles across Lily. There's no way he can just leave her, so he takes her along with him. Once he discovers that she's a healer, he wonders if she is the woman his grandmother predicted he would find. Knowing that the clan is in need of a healer, he's determined to convince her to return with him.
I loved the contrast between Lily and Roderick. She is a city woman who has never been outside London. She is determined to return and rebuild her business once the danger has passed. Roderick is a highlander who finds cities too crowded and noisy for his tastes and prefers his home in the Highlands. Neither expected the flare of attraction between them, but past hurts have them reluctant to trust each other.
While Roderick succeeds in convincing Lily to come home, he hasn't told her the whole truth behind his invitation. Discovering the truth adds to her stubborn determination to leave, but outside interference delays her departure. Roderick's grandmother lends a hand in giving them a chance to get to know each other and learn to trust. The ending was exciting and perfect for this couple.
Roderick is on his way back home after a mission for his chief when he stumbles across Lily. There's no way he can just leave her, so he takes her along with him. Once he discovers that she's a healer, he wonders if she is the woman his grandmother predicted he would find. Knowing that the clan is in need of a healer, he's determined to convince her to return with him.
I loved the contrast between Lily and Roderick. She is a city woman who has never been outside London. She is determined to return and rebuild her business once the danger has passed. Roderick is a highlander who finds cities too crowded and noisy for his tastes and prefers his home in the Highlands. Neither expected the flare of attraction between them, but past hurts have them reluctant to trust each other.
While Roderick succeeds in convincing Lily to come home, he hasn't told her the whole truth behind his invitation. Discovering the truth adds to her stubborn determination to leave, but outside interference delays her departure. Roderick's grandmother lends a hand in giving them a chance to get to know each other and learn to trust. The ending was exciting and perfect for this couple.
December 20, 2019
This short novella popped up in several of my newsletters and I was looking for something seasonal to listen to. I've been in something of a reading/listening slump and not even my "old standbys" have managed to fire my imagination. I like a good Highlander as much as most romance readers and I've enjoyed the books I've read by Margaret. Since this one was "free" with my Audible Escape subscription, I downloaded it. The story is sweet, Roderick almost too good to be true (in true Highland Hero fashion) and Lily is spunky and independent--almost too much so. But without her attitude, there'd be no story. Misunderstandings are at the heart of this story but being a romance, we know there's a HEA at the end. It was fun "fodder" for listening as I zipped about on errands and tasts that didn't require my full attention. It's a standalone, so a reader can dive right in and enjoy.
February 27, 2018
This was a very short book, just a little over 100 pages. It tells the story of Tearlag's parents, the old seer in this series. I loved this series and this was a nice little ending. Apparently it has ties to some of her other series as well but I haven't read them yet. But I definitely intend to.
July 17, 2017
i received a free copy free dis is my voluntary & honest review.
The Gift is a short ,quick & very sweet read...its a story with a difference...it shows d bias of society in Regency Era against d Healers...
the author has really defined d selfishness of society how healers can be subjucated to injustice with mob mentality by proving dem
witches even though dey ve not harmed anyone only helped d people in overcoming there ailing...
the story is about such a healer Lily who has to to run , leave behind everything of her life's hardwork...also about Roderick A Scottish handsome warrior who rescues Lily from exhaustion and hunger,
the author Margaret has developed d story around dis 2 charactrers very nicely...she has captured beauty of Scotland ...Lily's escape from witch hunting gangs by conocting a disguise using baggy men's clothing....Lily is shown to be independent ...strong minded...Roderick is on a mission to
deliver a message to the Lord of the Isles..Lily & Roderick meet & thereafter d story proceeds...
The plot woven around there love is freshning...heart warming , captivating ....i fell in love with d characters ....a very worthable read ...i would strongly recommend dis book... Keep it up Margaret & give us more good books
The Gift is a short ,quick & very sweet read...its a story with a difference...it shows d bias of society in Regency Era against d Healers...
the author has really defined d selfishness of society how healers can be subjucated to injustice with mob mentality by proving dem
witches even though dey ve not harmed anyone only helped d people in overcoming there ailing...
the story is about such a healer Lily who has to to run , leave behind everything of her life's hardwork...also about Roderick A Scottish handsome warrior who rescues Lily from exhaustion and hunger,
the author Margaret has developed d story around dis 2 charactrers very nicely...she has captured beauty of Scotland ...Lily's escape from witch hunting gangs by conocting a disguise using baggy men's clothing....Lily is shown to be independent ...strong minded...Roderick is on a mission to
deliver a message to the Lord of the Isles..Lily & Roderick meet & thereafter d story proceeds...
The plot woven around there love is freshning...heart warming , captivating ....i fell in love with d characters ....a very worthable read ...i would strongly recommend dis book... Keep it up Margaret & give us more good books
April 21, 2018
Lily's well-honed sense of trouble tells her that it is time to leave London, while gangs roam the city looking for witches to burn. She is a healer, not a witch. She will return to Lonon after the Christmas celebrations, a chance for the city to calm the witch fever. However, Lily lands in the wilds of Scotland, her skills for surviving in the city can't save her. Highland warrior Rodrick MacDonald is on a secret mission for his chieftain when he finds a lass near death on a barren hillside and is forced to take her with him. This mysterious Sasscnach may have the Gift his clan needs-and he burns with a passion for Lily that he has never ever known. When love blooms amidst the harsh winter beauty of the Highlands, will these two obstinate souls from different worlds accept the Yuletide Gift?
December 19, 2019
Cute, short, stand-alone, Scottish highlander romance novel with Christmas ish theme. I enjoyed listening to this story about Lily and Rodrick and equally likes their characters. It does give me an Outlander ish vibe with part of the finding a wife plot line and being a little supernatural but nothing modern in it. It wasn’t as Christmasy as I would have liked but it was short and sweet so that was a win. Would recommend if you’re in the mood for a Scottish Highlander Romance!
December 5, 2017
This is a nice read.
As it is a novella the attraction and romance move fast, but not unbelievably so. I liked both Roderick and Lily, although at one time during the story I thought everyone, including Roderick, was being very unfair towards how Lily is feeling. But this being a novella there's not a lot of room to work with storywise, so I decided to not hold it against Roderick too long.
The ending was a bit rushed in my opinion. I'd have loved another more intimate scene between hero and heroine before being ushered to the Happily Ever After epilogue.
Overall this is an enjoyable novella though, and I think I'll investigate what other books Mallory has written.
As it is a novella the attraction and romance move fast, but not unbelievably so. I liked both Roderick and Lily, although at one time during the story I thought everyone, including Roderick, was being very unfair towards how Lily is feeling. But this being a novella there's not a lot of room to work with storywise, so I decided to not hold it against Roderick too long.
The ending was a bit rushed in my opinion. I'd have loved another more intimate scene between hero and heroine before being ushered to the Happily Ever After epilogue.
Overall this is an enjoyable novella though, and I think I'll investigate what other books Mallory has written.
December 8, 2015
A Fun and Enchanting Scottish Christmastide Romance!
“I may not survive," Roderick said, resting his hand on the small of her back, "if I wait any longer to kiss you.”
THE GIFT: A HIGHLAND NOVELLA was an fun and enchanting Scottish Christmastide romance. Even though it's short in length, it was not rushed in the least and felt like a full story. I was mesmerized from the start and the narrator's performance was nothing short of swoon-worthy. I can attest that the book works very well as a standalone.
This tale precedes The Return of the Highlander series by seventy two years and introduces the parents of famous seer Teàrlag, a key character in the author's Return of the Highlanders' series. This was the story of Highlander Roderick MacDonald and English witch Lily.
Both primary characters were wonderful. Their dialogue was sweet, stormy and often humorous. There was a conflict and an intriguing magical element to the tale which held my attention through-out. As the story opens, witches are in danger in England and Lily, a strong and independent woman, is in the process of bravely leaving the only home she has known for the wilds of Scotland. However, when she arrives there, dressed as a lad, she's woefully unprepared for what faces her.
Roderick is on his way home after successfully completing a mission that his chieftain had assigned to him, when he comes upon a lad obviously near frozen to death in the snow. He rescues the lad, but quickly discovers that the lad is not as he seems.
“Good God, the lad is a lass!”
His grandmother had told him to keep his eyes out for a lass with "the gift." Could this be the lass his clan needs?
This was the first time I've listened to Derek Perkins. Oh my! He delivered a well-paced, professional performance enunciating a wonderful Scottish brogue. I could listen to him all day and remain infatuated. He seemingly effortlessly differentiated between the characters, so I always knew who was speaking. I would not hesitate to pick up another book that he has narrated. Indeed, I plan to seek other books he's voiced. This rendering had me adding additional workouts so I could hear more. As I neared the end, I noticed that I had thirty minutes left and I just couldn't leave it. I sat in my garage, closed my eyes and just listened. His performance was perfection as I hung on each word.
This is the first book I've ever read by Margaret Mallory, but it will not be the last as I plan to pick up the rest of the series soon. You should know that this novella includes a wondrous epilogue that provides a truly perfect ending. It certainly left me with a huge smile. I know this fantastic prequel has certainly whetted my appetite to listen to more of this series and certainly more by this narrator. I highly recommend THE GIFT: A HIGHLAND NOVELLA to anyone who enjoys historical Scottish romances with an entrancing fantasy element.
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
5 Wine Glasses!
“I may not survive," Roderick said, resting his hand on the small of her back, "if I wait any longer to kiss you.”
THE GIFT: A HIGHLAND NOVELLA was an fun and enchanting Scottish Christmastide romance. Even though it's short in length, it was not rushed in the least and felt like a full story. I was mesmerized from the start and the narrator's performance was nothing short of swoon-worthy. I can attest that the book works very well as a standalone.
This tale precedes The Return of the Highlander series by seventy two years and introduces the parents of famous seer Teàrlag, a key character in the author's Return of the Highlanders' series. This was the story of Highlander Roderick MacDonald and English witch Lily.
Both primary characters were wonderful. Their dialogue was sweet, stormy and often humorous. There was a conflict and an intriguing magical element to the tale which held my attention through-out. As the story opens, witches are in danger in England and Lily, a strong and independent woman, is in the process of bravely leaving the only home she has known for the wilds of Scotland. However, when she arrives there, dressed as a lad, she's woefully unprepared for what faces her.
Roderick is on his way home after successfully completing a mission that his chieftain had assigned to him, when he comes upon a lad obviously near frozen to death in the snow. He rescues the lad, but quickly discovers that the lad is not as he seems.
“Good God, the lad is a lass!”
His grandmother had told him to keep his eyes out for a lass with "the gift." Could this be the lass his clan needs?
This was the first time I've listened to Derek Perkins. Oh my! He delivered a well-paced, professional performance enunciating a wonderful Scottish brogue. I could listen to him all day and remain infatuated. He seemingly effortlessly differentiated between the characters, so I always knew who was speaking. I would not hesitate to pick up another book that he has narrated. Indeed, I plan to seek other books he's voiced. This rendering had me adding additional workouts so I could hear more. As I neared the end, I noticed that I had thirty minutes left and I just couldn't leave it. I sat in my garage, closed my eyes and just listened. His performance was perfection as I hung on each word.
This is the first book I've ever read by Margaret Mallory, but it will not be the last as I plan to pick up the rest of the series soon. You should know that this novella includes a wondrous epilogue that provides a truly perfect ending. It certainly left me with a huge smile. I know this fantastic prequel has certainly whetted my appetite to listen to more of this series and certainly more by this narrator. I highly recommend THE GIFT: A HIGHLAND NOVELLA to anyone who enjoys historical Scottish romances with an entrancing fantasy element.
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
5 Wine Glasses!
February 9, 2016
A quick read to help me unwind after the work day. Romance is predictable,but I liked the characters.
November 7, 2017
This is my first book/novella by Margaret Mallory and it was just okay. It was nothing but a love story and Lily did kind of get on my nerves with her wishy-washy attitude. And when she told Roderick for the second time that she was going back to London, after he told her he loved her and wanted her as his wife, I was soooo glad that Roderick turned around and walked away from her. If you ask me, that doesn’t happen near enough in romance novels. I get tired of men acting like idiots over women and wish they’d leave until the woman came to their senses or they could talk it out. Especially when he tells her of his feelings. But that’s the way authors write the heroines, which is not always a good thing. I know a LOT of you just love that groveling you think men are supposed to do but that’s not for me. That’s the same as a woman being TSTL, in my opinion. It’s stupid on his part and doesn’t make him appear manly at all.
Yeah, Lily came around and did some serious thinking, while she hung from a cliff and called to Roderick to come and save her. Now, that was TSTL, taking off at a run on a rainy night, alone on an island. Anyway, Rodrick came back and saved her and in the epilogue they had 4 kids.
There was explicit sex in this story but not much desire except just before they did it so I skimmed through those pages.
As to the narration: Derek Perkins is just okay for me. His women’s voices aren’t that great and he only reads with some emotion but not enough.
June 8, 2022
I love Derek Perkins as a narrator and stumbled on this sweet book.
This is another author that is new to me and I find novellas are a good way to find out if you like the style of writing of an author. I liked this story and will definitely read more!
Lily has a shop in London where she works as a healer. When she feels it is no longer safe to trade with gangs roaming the city looking for witches to burn, she escapes to Scotland dressed as a boy with the intention of joining up with a friend.
She fails to realise how large Scotland is and is on the point of dying when Roderick MacDonald comes across her.
Roderick' grandmother is the healer for the clan and foresees that he will meet the person with the "sight" who will be able to take over the position from her.
This is the story of whether Lily is the person foretold and if Roderick can persuade her to visit his clan for confirmation.
I wanted to smack Lily a couple of times for being so obstinate but I loved Roderick and the grandmother. This was enjoyable and the ending a complete surprise.
This is another author that is new to me and I find novellas are a good way to find out if you like the style of writing of an author. I liked this story and will definitely read more!
Lily has a shop in London where she works as a healer. When she feels it is no longer safe to trade with gangs roaming the city looking for witches to burn, she escapes to Scotland dressed as a boy with the intention of joining up with a friend.
She fails to realise how large Scotland is and is on the point of dying when Roderick MacDonald comes across her.
Roderick' grandmother is the healer for the clan and foresees that he will meet the person with the "sight" who will be able to take over the position from her.
This is the story of whether Lily is the person foretold and if Roderick can persuade her to visit his clan for confirmation.
I wanted to smack Lily a couple of times for being so obstinate but I loved Roderick and the grandmother. This was enjoyable and the ending a complete surprise.
March 28, 2016
Margaret Mallory is one of my most favorite authors in Scottish historical romance which is my favorite genre to read and if you follow my reviews or blog celticbarb,blogspot.com its no secret. This is actually my second time reading this phenomenal book as I have been read Ms. Mallory's books since Knight of Desire her debut book I believe in 2009. The Gift is a novella but reads more like a full book as its a little less then 120 pages long and it absolutely a magnificent read! It is no wonder this superb book won "National Readers Choice Award" and "National Excellence in Romance Award" as it is beautifully written and is both breathtaking, and heartwarming. I love how Miss Mallory always well researches the timeline and weaves true factual history and historical figures in her historical fiction romance tales. In this book I especially loved how it characters connects to previous books. It is sort of like Prequel to the series"The Return tof The Highlanders" readers might remember the old seer Tearlag, who has not even been born yet as this book starts is 67 years prior. Old Tearlag has a special connections to a few of her relatives in this story including her great grandmother whom she was named after. Lily, the heroine in "The Gift" this book was a child character in "Knight of Passion" book 3 in the finale of "All the Kings Men" trilogy. I absolutely love connecting the dots with character from previous books, though this is a stand alone book it is not part of any series. If you haven't read any of these books that fine too, but for readers who have it just makes that much more extra special and fun to read.
London and Scotland 1441
Witch fever had entered London like a frenzy and London was burning innocent women who were just healers and most know better than to attempt dark magic or black arts even merchants who sold any merchandise for healing mo matter how small were getting executed. This all because the Duchess of Gloucester has tried to commit murder with black magic so her husband could be King! So healer Lily knew time was of the essence and she had to get out of dodge and escape before a mob came to her door to claim her life! She steals some lads clothes from a local baker and s stowaway on a ship but is caught and dropped of in the wilds of Scotland and she is o freezing and starving when she meets Roderick MacDonald.
Roderick MaxDonald hates the English more then anything else and he also swear he will never marry again when after his first wife abandons him. His aging grandmother who has raised him is the aging seer of Clan MacDonald of Skye is on special mission by his Cheiftain, the Lord of the Isles to deliver a special message to the Douglas Chieftain but was worse his aging grandmother had advised to chieftain to send her warrior grandson Roderick. Roderick is shocked by this but it has more to do wit having the site. She want a powerful seer to join the clan for she knows she can't live forever and wants Roderick. In a peculiar way she gives him the impression he will meet this lass on the journey. He does meet a lass though one of boys clothes Roderick had been hurt before and Lily had had a tragic upbringing so they both have trust issues ore so Lilly as she has had a terrorizing experience with a man and even her own family treated her brutally why her little shop in London and is dertermine to return to her little shop on London after the Christmas season anhad been her safe heaven jwcing been living in isolation she is starting to realize things she missed out on at age twenty two.
The attraction in instant and and the passion is steamy with these two who are dead set against marriage and entanglements but after neither is forthcoming open and honest about their past nor the present which causes a major rift and separation and his Chieftain command a life changing choice of both of them. Tow people who never wanted a commitment due to both having bruised hearts! Roderick has already had his heart broken once will he be have it be broken? Lily who mistrusts the world and when she finally opens her heart she finds out Roderick has been been a master at manipulating her as she sees it. Lily feels he has been using and deceiving her just to satisfy his Chieftain and his grandmother and to honor their requests. Lily now wants to return to London as soon as possible feeling this large bite of betrayal and heartbreak from the one person she had trusted and opened her heart to in many years, Will people ever stop disappointing her and will Roderick be abandoned once again by another woman he loves again?
Talk about miscommunication this couple has it by leaps and bounds! How will it ever be resolved? You must read this page turner to find out how this fascinating story u guarantee you won't be able to put it down, this is my second time reading it with I only do with book that are golden! I can't praise this two time award winning riveting book The Gift by the major talented Margaret Mallory! Highly recommend as it is a story you don't want to miss with all the elements readers of Scottish historical fiction love: riveting adventure, lovable characters that glide of the pages and into your heart, fabulous dialogue, gorgeous descriptive Scottish setting, factual history weaved in a unique and extraordinary fictional story, quick paced plots with so many twists and turns that will make you both breathless and gasping for air!
In case you could tell o absolutely and I unequivocally loved The Gift by Margaret Mallory and can't wait for her next book release which I alway love from start to finish!
Other Books by Margaret Mallory
All the Kings Men Trilogy
1. Knight of Desire
2. Knight of Pleasure
3. Knight of Passion* Lily as a child in this book
The Return of the Highlanders Series
1. The Guardian
2. The Sinner
3.The Warrior
4. The Chieftain
4.5 The Gift
The Douglas Legacy
1. Claimed By A Laird
2. Claimed By The Highland - TBA
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December 26, 2017
This was a very good holiday read, and it's a standalone novella so you don't need to backtrack.
The characters were from different novels but I didn't recognize them so I just focused on the story. It had an exciting twist and it involves journeys, misunderstandings, and celebrations.
I felt the attraction between Lily and Roderick, but because of Lily's history with men, specially with those of her family, it's not a wonder why she has trust issues. While Roderick's intentions were good, the way he lured/invited Lily to the Isle of Islay was a bit misleading.
After the conflict, we later find out who the seer really is (didn't see this coming) and why Lily is meant to be there.
The characters were from different novels but I didn't recognize them so I just focused on the story. It had an exciting twist and it involves journeys, misunderstandings, and celebrations.
I felt the attraction between Lily and Roderick, but because of Lily's history with men, specially with those of her family, it's not a wonder why she has trust issues. While Roderick's intentions were good, the way he lured/invited Lily to the Isle of Islay was a bit misleading.
After the conflict, we later find out who the seer really is (didn't see this coming) and why Lily is meant to be there.
April 14, 2018
Because this is a novella and not a full-length book I was surprised the author stretched out the relationship angst between the couple. That meant so many pages had to be used to keep the story complete. I felt that Lily overreacted especially since her inner dialogue was clear that she fancied the hero so it was face-saving stubbornness that lead to her "freaking" out about being told to marry him by Alexander.
The writing is solid, though.
The writing is solid, though.
July 25, 2019
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks for this title.
She fled London's persecution of possible witches. She end up on a highland hillside lost and exhausted.
His grandmother convinced his Laird to send him into the Lowlands, on a mission for the Clan.
He found and protected her, and over time.. well that's a good story, best told by an excellent author and gifted narrator. I can only recommend you read or listened to the audiobook for yourself.
She fled London's persecution of possible witches. She end up on a highland hillside lost and exhausted.
His grandmother convinced his Laird to send him into the Lowlands, on a mission for the Clan.
He found and protected her, and over time.. well that's a good story, best told by an excellent author and gifted narrator. I can only recommend you read or listened to the audiobook for yourself.
July 26, 2021
Short and sweet
Roderick and Lily are a sweet couple. He is a Highlander sent on a mission to deliver a message. She is English and leave London to escape witch hunters. Roderick finds Lily slumped on a path dressed as a lad and saves her. His grandmother is a seeker and has a vision that she is the one for Roderick. The events that happen next make for a sweet, romantic, frustrating, and engaging story.
Roderick and Lily are a sweet couple. He is a Highlander sent on a mission to deliver a message. She is English and leave London to escape witch hunters. Roderick finds Lily slumped on a path dressed as a lad and saves her. His grandmother is a seeker and has a vision that she is the one for Roderick. The events that happen next make for a sweet, romantic, frustrating, and engaging story.
December 29, 2020
The gift
Many people have that sixth sense that tells them to not do something that they are going to do. Usually they act with caution when this occurs. The clans all needed healers and
elevated those that healed and listened when word of caution came from one who was known to be accurate in their 'seeings' or feelings. Many people today probably have this sense but have not explored or tested it to its fullest.
Many people have that sixth sense that tells them to not do something that they are going to do. Usually they act with caution when this occurs. The clans all needed healers and
elevated those that healed and listened when word of caution came from one who was known to be accurate in their 'seeings' or feelings. Many people today probably have this sense but have not explored or tested it to its fullest.
June 8, 2023
They got together too fast
Can a main character be aware she’s pretty? Please?
Besides that it’s cozy, you don’t get much about her being a healer besides you’re told she’s a healer.
I’d love for a prologue of the healer joining the men to war, showing her with a bigger purpose helping people who do see her as family. Kids are fine too I guess but it’s a novella so
Can a main character be aware she’s pretty? Please?
Besides that it’s cozy, you don’t get much about her being a healer besides you’re told she’s a healer.
I’d love for a prologue of the healer joining the men to war, showing her with a bigger purpose helping people who do see her as family. Kids are fine too I guess but it’s a novella so
July 9, 2018
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read July 8 2018
3hrs 18min
Narrator: Derek Perkins does a god job.
I know this was a novella but I thought it would be related to the clan from the series not in the older members ie: ancesters.
AUDIOBOOK: Read July 8 2018
3hrs 18min
Narrator: Derek Perkins does a god job.
I know this was a novella but I thought it would be related to the clan from the series not in the older members ie: ancesters.
July 16, 2018
audible romance. Highlander finds a lass dressed as a boy in the lowlands. He helps her and brings her home to sky. She is a healer. They marry and have children. Their daughter has the sight, like the husbands grandmother.
August 27, 2019
This novella started out as a stand-alone when it was published in 2014, though the author includes characters who appear other series. A sweet story that highlights the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands and makes me long for a return visit.
July 5, 2020
I feel like novellas are books I get into right before they end and then I feel like they are too short. I enjoyed the male character but I felt like the story was moving at a nice pace and then too quickly at the end. Overall I enjoyed the storyline I just wish there was a bit more of it.
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