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With Dreams Only of You
Isle of the Blessed
BONUS Albert & Laurin's Story. "Trust is the most important thing between husband and wife. If you cannot trust your husband with your heart, your life, or your love, nothing else matters … only give the sword to your husband if you can trust him with all these things." As a child, Josephine MacAdams had dutifully memorized her mother’s —words even if she didn’t quite understand what they meant. For years, Josephine kept the secrets handed down through generations of DeReyne women. Now that her betrothed of more than four years has finally come for her, she must decide if he is not only worthy of her heart, but also of the ancient sword. Will Graeme MacAulay prove worthy or will Josephine have to keep the sword hidden for another generation? But that is not her only worry. She loves her sister-of the-heart, Laurin, who cannot escape the horrors of her past. Illegitimate, abandoned by her mother, and sorely abused by her laird, Laurin’s only hope of ever being free lies in the hands of a man she has just met – Albert MacAulay. Never one to loosen his purse strings, much to the surprise of all who know him, he pays for her freedom. But what will he expect in return?
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2015
163 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Suzan Tisdale
88 books663 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. All but one of her children have left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. And she doesn’t own a single pair of yoga pants, much to the shock and horror of her fellow authors. She prefers to write in her pajamas.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 27, 2019
This was a pure guilty pleasure read for me and I throughly enjoyed it! I’ve been reading spooky books all month and needed a little breather and this story was just what I needed. I always enjoy historical romance more than regular romance, I just love the settings and the legends that come with historical romance.
September 4, 2022
You are treated to Isle of the Blessed which is about Joie and Graeme and then a second bonus story on Albert and Laurin. The first story Isle of the Blessed was a novella in a anthology called With Dreams of Only You. I enjoyed the added bonus when you purchased Isle of the Blessed. I loved Albert and Laurin, more than Joie and Graeme.
I liked Graeme when he was younger and met up with Joie 3 times. He was kind and seemed to understand her. Then he goes off to study and his parents betrothed him to Joie years later and he's more than upset. He returns on orders from his father and is awful to her. He acted liked a spoiled child and not an adult. Did he try and figure out the reason for this, no.
As the story progresses he finally has a talk with his parents and realize not all is as it seems and has an about face on how he treated her - finally!
If you are a fan of Kathryn Le Veque stories this is loosely based on her story of the Theodosia Sword. Suzan Tisdale takes it from there and it is a good and entertaining story. This is a clean story, some romance, HEA and no cheating.
Albert and Laurin story was my favorite. This is not part of the anthology When Dreams of Only You.
Laurin has been raped and abused for years by 3 men. This is told after the fact so nothing described as far as sexual. How she responds is what you would expect. She is fearful of any man who comes near her.
Albert is so kind and patient with her. It takes Albert's mother to explain what happened to her when she was younger that Laurin changes.
Clean story, violence, romantic, HEA, no cheating and it touched my heart how it all unfolds with this couple.
I would recommend this story and author. (ljb)
I liked Graeme when he was younger and met up with Joie 3 times. He was kind and seemed to understand her. Then he goes off to study and his parents betrothed him to Joie years later and he's more than upset. He returns on orders from his father and is awful to her. He acted liked a spoiled child and not an adult. Did he try and figure out the reason for this, no.
As the story progresses he finally has a talk with his parents and realize not all is as it seems and has an about face on how he treated her - finally!
If you are a fan of Kathryn Le Veque stories this is loosely based on her story of the Theodosia Sword. Suzan Tisdale takes it from there and it is a good and entertaining story. This is a clean story, some romance, HEA and no cheating.
Albert and Laurin story was my favorite. This is not part of the anthology When Dreams of Only You.
Laurin has been raped and abused for years by 3 men. This is told after the fact so nothing described as far as sexual. How she responds is what you would expect. She is fearful of any man who comes near her.
Albert is so kind and patient with her. It takes Albert's mother to explain what happened to her when she was younger that Laurin changes.
Clean story, violence, romantic, HEA, no cheating and it touched my heart how it all unfolds with this couple.
I would recommend this story and author. (ljb)
June 23, 2016
ISLE OF THE BLESSED is a tale of two young women who have both been savagely broken and defiled. Sadly it was one of the young women's own family member who was the leader of the shameful and brutal deeds. It is one of these young women who inherits a special sword, The Gladius, which has an ancient, mysterious history
This story begins with one lonely 8 year old girl (Josephine MacAdams known as Joie to her loved ones) who was on the run from her brother, when a young man, Graeme MacAulay who, while visiting with his father, watches as she hides from her brother's punishment for an offense which was actually a blessing in disguise. Over the years Graeme and his father return to visit and each time it is to find a similar happening. Being a young man himself, Graeme notices the brother/sister conflict but attributes it to typical sibling behavior. After many years, Graeme receives a letter from his father which informs him that he is now betrothed and is ordered to marry by a specific date. The bride is none other than little Josephine.
The second, interwoven story is about a lovely young woman, Laurin, whom Joie calls her "sister not by blood but by heart" and she has her own love story neatly laced throughout the pages of Joie's. Their lives, abuses, healing and loves are masterfully entwined together starting very close to the beginning of the actual story.
The first handful of pages lays the groundwork on the legend of the sword but is swiftly told and then moves on to the real story. This is a heartbreaking story at first which quickly turns into a sweet love story. You will not be disappointed with this brilliantly written novel. I highly recommend.
This story begins with one lonely 8 year old girl (Josephine MacAdams known as Joie to her loved ones) who was on the run from her brother, when a young man, Graeme MacAulay who, while visiting with his father, watches as she hides from her brother's punishment for an offense which was actually a blessing in disguise. Over the years Graeme and his father return to visit and each time it is to find a similar happening. Being a young man himself, Graeme notices the brother/sister conflict but attributes it to typical sibling behavior. After many years, Graeme receives a letter from his father which informs him that he is now betrothed and is ordered to marry by a specific date. The bride is none other than little Josephine.
The second, interwoven story is about a lovely young woman, Laurin, whom Joie calls her "sister not by blood but by heart" and she has her own love story neatly laced throughout the pages of Joie's. Their lives, abuses, healing and loves are masterfully entwined together starting very close to the beginning of the actual story.
The first handful of pages lays the groundwork on the legend of the sword but is swiftly told and then moves on to the real story. This is a heartbreaking story at first which quickly turns into a sweet love story. You will not be disappointed with this brilliantly written novel. I highly recommend.
December 9, 2015
When Josephine MacAdams was 9 years old, her sweet and gentle mother died from the wasting disease. She was left at the mercy of her cruel brother, Helmert, and her disinterested father, Delmer. Before she died, her mother left her with the Gladius: a sword that was passed down from mother to daughter. It was said to be cursed, and only given to a husband if he proved trust worthy, kind, and loved her. She had met Graeme MacAulay three times as she was growing up, hiding from her cruel brother, Helmert. When Delmer was going to betroth Josephine to an unacceptable man, Graeme's father talked him into a betrothal between Graeme and Josephine (or Joie, as she was known to those who loved her). Graeme was furious when he learned he would have no choice in a bride when he received the letter from his father. He waited until almost the last moment (before the 6th of June, when Joie would turn 19 years old, and the betrothal would be broken). Joie and her friend (sister of the heart), Laurin, were waiting for the MacAdams men to come save them from Helmert and his horrible and cruel friends. This story is about Joie and Graeme and Graeme's brother, Albert, and Laurin. There are lots of twists and turns in this story.
Suzan has outdone herself with this book. That is a difficult thing to say since she is an excellent writer, and has never written a bad story. Please get this book. You definitely won't be sorry. Enjoy!
Suzan has outdone herself with this book. That is a difficult thing to say since she is an excellent writer, and has never written a bad story. Please get this book. You definitely won't be sorry. Enjoy!
July 8, 2016
"Superb, romantic love stories!"
Overall
When I first saw this book, the cover just really appealed to my tastes and vision of what I would have expected the characters to look like. It's a beautiful cover, and the audio versions has the same lovely cover. I have a tendency to enjoy looking at the cover picture while I'm listening if I'm able to. Once I started listening to the book, I admit I had to drag out my box of tissues. Once I got past the initial laying the groundwork of the story, I was able to put away my tissues and enjoy the story. Actually, you really are getting two for the price of one since Albert as well as his brother had the chance to cross over the threshold of youth, and experience finding true love whether they planned to or not. There are many things I like about this book, but keeping the explicit descriptions of violence and sex really appealed to me. It was present, but written beautifully and not "in your face, graphic descriptions". Brad Wills does his usual excellent job as narrator, changing the voices to fit characters. I do believe that he would be able to make an ancient, old man sound sexy. He really brought Albert into the lime light where he became my favorite character. Mrs. Tisdale never disappoints with her excellent, appealing style of writing, and Brad Wills is always an excellent choice or narrator. I would easily recommend this book to my friends that like romance stories with a twist.
Overall
When I first saw this book, the cover just really appealed to my tastes and vision of what I would have expected the characters to look like. It's a beautiful cover, and the audio versions has the same lovely cover. I have a tendency to enjoy looking at the cover picture while I'm listening if I'm able to. Once I started listening to the book, I admit I had to drag out my box of tissues. Once I got past the initial laying the groundwork of the story, I was able to put away my tissues and enjoy the story. Actually, you really are getting two for the price of one since Albert as well as his brother had the chance to cross over the threshold of youth, and experience finding true love whether they planned to or not. There are many things I like about this book, but keeping the explicit descriptions of violence and sex really appealed to me. It was present, but written beautifully and not "in your face, graphic descriptions". Brad Wills does his usual excellent job as narrator, changing the voices to fit characters. I do believe that he would be able to make an ancient, old man sound sexy. He really brought Albert into the lime light where he became my favorite character. Mrs. Tisdale never disappoints with her excellent, appealing style of writing, and Brad Wills is always an excellent choice or narrator. I would easily recommend this book to my friends that like romance stories with a twist.
December 11, 2015
I'm standing and applauding!!!!!!!! What an awesome read. This book will take your breath away.
OUTSTANDING!!!! This book will remain one of my all-time favorite reads. My eyes couldn't move fast enough across the pages. This book will warm your heart! It's like a great Phoenix.... out of the ashes comes rebirth. A little girl loses her mother when she's 8 years old, her only friend is Lauren. Together they find strength to survive inside a house or horrors where they're tormented and beaten. In come the MacAulays, brave...strong...full of honor. The girls are saved from this wretched keep and taken to their new home on the Isle of Lewis. From there begins the new life, and as such happens in life.......... some bumps along the way. Inside this book are two romance stories. One surrounded by letters to each other and the other requiring patience to allow time to melt away her fears.
I loved this book when it appeared in the bundle, "With Dreams of Only You". This book finishes that story and tells a new tale of Lauren and Albert. I read this book in two days. I'm sad that it's over and I'm going to haunt this author until she turns this book into a series. It's that good!!
OUTSTANDING!!!! This book will remain one of my all-time favorite reads. My eyes couldn't move fast enough across the pages. This book will warm your heart! It's like a great Phoenix.... out of the ashes comes rebirth. A little girl loses her mother when she's 8 years old, her only friend is Lauren. Together they find strength to survive inside a house or horrors where they're tormented and beaten. In come the MacAulays, brave...strong...full of honor. The girls are saved from this wretched keep and taken to their new home on the Isle of Lewis. From there begins the new life, and as such happens in life.......... some bumps along the way. Inside this book are two romance stories. One surrounded by letters to each other and the other requiring patience to allow time to melt away her fears.
I loved this book when it appeared in the bundle, "With Dreams of Only You". This book finishes that story and tells a new tale of Lauren and Albert. I read this book in two days. I'm sad that it's over and I'm going to haunt this author until she turns this book into a series. It's that good!!
February 14, 2017
Isle of the Blessed is a novella from Suzan Tisdale. It's her contribution to Kathryn Le Veques flawless best-selling Theodosia Sword collection" With Dreams Only of You".
Isle of the Blessed follows the story of a young girl (Josephine) who is badly mistreated by her younger brother, after the death of her beloved mother. To save her life and keep a secret, a friend of the family arranges a marriage with his youngest son. Graeme MacAulay is away traveling the world and studying with monks when he receives word that he's become betrothed to the knobby kneed girl who he remembers with stringy brown hair. At this dismaying news, Graeme decides to ignore the letters Josephine sends him. He refuses to return home to the island until he absolutely must, his wedding date.
Throughout this story, our heroine has in her possession the infamous Theodosia Sword. She doesn't know how it came to be a family heirloom, only that her mother believed it to be cursed. With that being said, Josephine inherits the sword upon her mother's death. The curse can be broken, but only through true love.
Isle of the Blessed follows the story of a young girl (Josephine) who is badly mistreated by her younger brother, after the death of her beloved mother. To save her life and keep a secret, a friend of the family arranges a marriage with his youngest son. Graeme MacAulay is away traveling the world and studying with monks when he receives word that he's become betrothed to the knobby kneed girl who he remembers with stringy brown hair. At this dismaying news, Graeme decides to ignore the letters Josephine sends him. He refuses to return home to the island until he absolutely must, his wedding date.
Throughout this story, our heroine has in her possession the infamous Theodosia Sword. She doesn't know how it came to be a family heirloom, only that her mother believed it to be cursed. With that being said, Josephine inherits the sword upon her mother's death. The curse can be broken, but only through true love.
August 30, 2016
Captivating!
Though I first read this story in a multi author collection "With Dreams Only of You; The Legend of the Theodosia Sword" which I absolutely devoured In one sitting I am so happy I read this stand alone novel to learn about Lauren and Albert's story. Albert is the epitome of patience and love and putting the needs of the one you love ahead of your own. And Laurin overcame her abject terror of men to embrace true love ... sigh. Very well paced and loved the depth of character.
Though I first read this story in a multi author collection "With Dreams Only of You; The Legend of the Theodosia Sword" which I absolutely devoured In one sitting I am so happy I read this stand alone novel to learn about Lauren and Albert's story. Albert is the epitome of patience and love and putting the needs of the one you love ahead of your own. And Laurin overcame her abject terror of men to embrace true love ... sigh. Very well paced and loved the depth of character.
December 12, 2015
Loved this Novella. Suzan is such a great weaver of stories about Highlanders and Love. Graeme and Josephine early first encounter and funny and sweet. But when Graeme finds himself betrothed to Josephine, he thinks her beneath him as he thinks himself above others as he is a learned man. Throw in the legend of the ancient sword and the extra romance between Albert and Laurin and you have a great read. This book was a gift from a friend.
January 24, 2016
Enchanting
If only men today were this grand honest & loyal I can't tell you how many times since many divorce, Ive considered looking in Ireland or Scotland for a man. But, quit Franky, I've given up hope. They either want money or babies, neither of which I can give...I'm 46 & the dream of a long marriage has past... I pray my children have better luck!
If only men today were this grand honest & loyal I can't tell you how many times since many divorce, Ive considered looking in Ireland or Scotland for a man. But, quit Franky, I've given up hope. They either want money or babies, neither of which I can give...I'm 46 & the dream of a long marriage has past... I pray my children have better luck!
May 6, 2016
Ms. Tisdale wrings such emotion from beyond the page that at times it seems as if she stabs a dirk though one’s own heart as well as her characters’ in this vibrantly depicted Scottish tale of adversity, hope, strength, and love.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 11, 2016
I loved this book, there was so much heartbreak and love in equal measure, it literally made me cry a time or two. The stories between the characters were so great, I felt as though I were watching it play out in front of me, they story was that good. This was a first book by Mrs. Tisdale I have read and I can tell you it wouldn't be my last,she sure knows how to write a story.
March 5, 2016
Wonderful love story
I'm not a writer and it is hard to tell others how much I loved this story The strong men with patience and love for women who had lived a hard life. And an anceint sword that brings them together.
I'm not a writer and it is hard to tell others how much I loved this story The strong men with patience and love for women who had lived a hard life. And an anceint sword that brings them together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2015
Wonderful
Wonderful story with no less than 6 heroes and the heroines to make them their own! Love this book. Suzan Tisdale writes a wonderful story!! I recommend anything Ms. Tisdale writes and especially this one
Wonderful story with no less than 6 heroes and the heroines to make them their own! Love this book. Suzan Tisdale writes a wonderful story!! I recommend anything Ms. Tisdale writes and especially this one
July 18, 2016
Isle of the Blessed by Susan Tisdale was a interesting and fast read. There are two love stories Graeme and Josephine and Albert and Laurin. Their stories revolve around the Theodosia Sword. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more by Susan.
December 20, 2015
Tearful ending
I had read this in a bundle, but I had to read it again thinking the book was all about Josephine turns out one other character stole the story.
I had read this in a bundle, but I had to read it again thinking the book was all about Josephine turns out one other character stole the story.
August 28, 2016
Loved it
I really, really enjoyed this book. Susan Tisdale weaved a book that was a joy to read. I loved the main characters and disliked the 3 "eegits"!!
I really, really enjoyed this book. Susan Tisdale weaved a book that was a joy to read. I loved the main characters and disliked the 3 "eegits"!!
April 7, 2017
I love this author!!! Never have I had a book by her that took more than one day to read - although it is always a sad moment when I get to the last page!
August 1, 2017
Uncaged Book Reviews
This story is mesmerizing. I was hooked within a few pages. I could picture the world in my mind as I read along. The author gives you some danger, sadness, anger and happiness within these stories and brings you to a satisfying conclusion. Reviewed by Cyrene
4 1/2 Stars
This story is mesmerizing. I was hooked within a few pages. I could picture the world in my mind as I read along. The author gives you some danger, sadness, anger and happiness within these stories and brings you to a satisfying conclusion. Reviewed by Cyrene
4 1/2 Stars
January 18, 2016
This was a cute, clean (no sex scenes), decently short read with two sets of main characters. Graeme & Joie (Josephine), and Albert & Laurin. Graeme was sweet at first, then became a bit of a stubborn ass, then got sweet again. Joie was awesome. Poor Laurin was awesome, her fears understandable. And Albert was absolutely amazing, the way he was with Laurin from the get-go was heartwrenching and adorable. Graeme and Albert’s family was great. I would recommend. ♡ #Sword #Brooches #Swimming #Hiding #WorthTheWait #Rescue #Family
“He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Ye be a sight for sore eyes, lass,” he told her. “But we’ve no’ much time.”
He handed her up to Marcum, who placed her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her.
“Nay!” she pleaded, her mind dizzy with fear, relief, terror. “I want Albert!”
Marcum started to pat her hands comfortingly when he realized her wrists were bound. He removed his dirk and began to carefully cut away the leather straps.
“Where do ye hurt, lass?” he asked.
Laurin gave a rapid shake of her head. “Everywhere, but I do no’ think anythin’ is broken,” she told him through chattering teeth.
Making certain she’d not fall, he removed his cloak and draped it around her shoulders.
“Where is Albert?” she implored as she searched for him. “I want Albert!”
“Och, lass, Albert be a wee bit busy at the moment,” he explained. “He has a few men to kill.”
-Albert, Laurin, Marcum
“Perfectly content to live out the remainder of his days simply being her friend, he would be forever grateful if some day she might love him in return.”
-Albert' thoughts about Laurin
“Had he read that first letter, he imagined he would have come for her sooner. After reading the next, he would have been waiting outside the gates of her keep like a besotted fool and carried her off at the first hour possible. By the time he read her sixth letter, he was certain of it.”
-Graeme’s thoughts about Joie's letters
“I will no’ be tellin’ ye ‘I told ye so’, but I will be usin’ words to that effect.” Marcum said as he sat behind the table in his study. “I was right, aye?”
Graeme knew any attempt to deny that everyone else had been right would seem ludicrous. Instead, he paced around his father’s study, his mind sprinting from one thought to another.
“As was yer mum,” Marcum said as he poured himself a cup of fine whisky. “And yer brothers. They were right as well.”
Graeme stopped pacing long enough to glare at his father.
The man sat tall and proud in his chair, a look of deep satisfaction etched on his face.
“Are ye quite done?”
Marcum laughed, a deep, rumbling laugh that made his belly and shoulders shake. “Well, the cook, stable master, and blacksmith knew it as well.”
Graeme let out a long heavy breath. “Aye, everyone on God’s earth knew but me.”
“Aye, ye have the way of it, son.”
-Marcum & Graeme
“He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Ye be a sight for sore eyes, lass,” he told her. “But we’ve no’ much time.”
He handed her up to Marcum, who placed her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her.
“Nay!” she pleaded, her mind dizzy with fear, relief, terror. “I want Albert!”
Marcum started to pat her hands comfortingly when he realized her wrists were bound. He removed his dirk and began to carefully cut away the leather straps.
“Where do ye hurt, lass?” he asked.
Laurin gave a rapid shake of her head. “Everywhere, but I do no’ think anythin’ is broken,” she told him through chattering teeth.
Making certain she’d not fall, he removed his cloak and draped it around her shoulders.
“Where is Albert?” she implored as she searched for him. “I want Albert!”
“Och, lass, Albert be a wee bit busy at the moment,” he explained. “He has a few men to kill.”
-Albert, Laurin, Marcum
“Perfectly content to live out the remainder of his days simply being her friend, he would be forever grateful if some day she might love him in return.”
-Albert' thoughts about Laurin
“Had he read that first letter, he imagined he would have come for her sooner. After reading the next, he would have been waiting outside the gates of her keep like a besotted fool and carried her off at the first hour possible. By the time he read her sixth letter, he was certain of it.”
-Graeme’s thoughts about Joie's letters
“I will no’ be tellin’ ye ‘I told ye so’, but I will be usin’ words to that effect.” Marcum said as he sat behind the table in his study. “I was right, aye?”
Graeme knew any attempt to deny that everyone else had been right would seem ludicrous. Instead, he paced around his father’s study, his mind sprinting from one thought to another.
“As was yer mum,” Marcum said as he poured himself a cup of fine whisky. “And yer brothers. They were right as well.”
Graeme stopped pacing long enough to glare at his father.
The man sat tall and proud in his chair, a look of deep satisfaction etched on his face.
“Are ye quite done?”
Marcum laughed, a deep, rumbling laugh that made his belly and shoulders shake. “Well, the cook, stable master, and blacksmith knew it as well.”
Graeme let out a long heavy breath. “Aye, everyone on God’s earth knew but me.”
“Aye, ye have the way of it, son.”
-Marcum & Graeme
September 7, 2016
I have wanted to read this book for sometime now so when I was offered a review copy I jumped at it and am I ever glad I did. Josephine MacAdams has remembered her Mother’s word since she was a child never really understanding them, they where "Trust is the most important thing between husband and wife. If you cannot trust your husband with your heart, your life, or your love, nothing else matters … only give the sword to your husband if you can trust him with all these things." She has kept the secrets handed down through generations of DeReyne women after four years of betrothal Graeme MacAulay has come for her. Can she trust him ? Also in this story is Josephine’s sister-of the-heart, Laurin and Albert MacAulay’s story and what happens. I was gifted a copy for an honest review.
June 8, 2018
Josephine is betrothed to Graeme MacAulay. She has been waiting for him to come and claim her. He has been delaying the marriage as long as he can. He's angry that his family didn't give him a choice of who he could marry. He believes himself far superior to Josephine and has never bothered to read the letters she sent him over the years. Josephine holds a secret gift for her husband but only if she can trust him and his love for her. Before the marriage can take place she is whisked away from her home, by the MacAulays, in order to protect her and her friend Laurin from her worthless, drunken, abusive brother and his friends. It's a difficult way to start your marriage when your future husband doesn't want you and you are running for your life. A good read.
June 26, 2018
Josephine lives under a shadow of despair due to her abusive brother, but she has one way out—an arranged marriage to Graeme MacAulay. It’s the one hope that she clings to for years. When Graeme finally comes to retrieve her, it becomes clear that he’s not there of his own free will. His brothers have pushed him to do the right thing. Still, Josephine will take any avenue of escape, and in the process, she negotiates for her best friend Laurin to leave with her as well. This infuriates her brother and he soon seeks reparations. With great characters, high drama, and swoon-worthy romance, Ms. Tisdale sweeps you away to Scotland with her well-written tale. Don’t miss it!
May 17, 2016
This was a beautiful story of love and healing. Just a head's up...there are themes of abuse and rape. It was hard to read the abusive parts and imagine what the women had suffered, especially Laurin. However, I loved the MacAulay family and how warm, loving and welcoming they were to the girls. The plot was filled with action and suspense which kept me turning the pages. My only caveat was the lack of sexual explicitness. With all the abuse Laurin suffered, I was hoping to have a ring side seat to her sexual healing. That was totally glossed over and I felt cheated.
January 12, 2016
Great story
I really enjoyed this book. Such a great story. I would definitely recommend this book. You not only get the story of Graeme and Joie you get the story of Laurin and Albert.
I really enjoyed this book. Such a great story. I would definitely recommend this book. You not only get the story of Graeme and Joie you get the story of Laurin and Albert.
August 3, 2016
I received this book free in exchange for a review. This is a fascinating story about a young Scottish lady and a sword handed down from mother to daughter to give to her husband only if he meets certain conditions. There are more books to follow as the sword is passed along through the years.
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May 6, 20164.0
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 8, 2016
Two romances!
In an era where women are not valued, two women find love and devotion from honorable men. Nice clean romance without all the foul language and descriptive sex.
In an era where women are not valued, two women find love and devotion from honorable men. Nice clean romance without all the foul language and descriptive sex.
November 23, 2016
Great book
Not only a book of romance but a suspenseful one too. Couldn't wait to finish it. Stayed up very late to read.
Not only a book of romance but a suspenseful one too. Couldn't wait to finish it. Stayed up very late to read.
January 21, 2017
A nice story - read as part of the Theodosia Sword compilation. Well written and very engaging. A sweet romance with a HEA.
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