THE THIRD INSTALMENT IN THE GRIPPING SERIES THAT FOLLOWS THE EXCITING LIVES OF BETH AND ALEX MACGREGOR, THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. The year is 1744, and Prince Charles Edward Stuart is stranded in France, his hopes temporarily frustrated, as the planned French invasion to restore his father to the British throne has had to be abandoned. The prince, frustrated beyond endurance, makes an impulsive decision that will change not only the lives of the MacGregor family, but the history of Britain, forever. Meanwhile in London, Beth, bored to distraction by the inanity of society life, hatches a plot with her friend Caroline to free the timid Anne Maynard from the clutches of her domineering guardians. Once it is clear that the much hoped-for invasion has been postponed, Alex and Beth go to Scotland for a few weeks in order to introduce her to her new clan and family. She is both excited and nervous at the prospect, but nothing in even her wildest dreams can prepare her for the challenges she is about to face. An unexpected meeting whilst in Scotland has consequences that may prove disastrous for Beth and Alex. In London, events take an unexpected turn, as Beth’s good deed has repercussions that she could never have envisaged, proving that the past is not easily forgiven or forgotten. JOIN THE REBELLION OF BETH AND ALEX AND THEIR FIGHT FOR FREEDOM IN… THE JACOBITE CHRONICLES
Julia has been a voracious reader since childhood, using books to escape the miseries of a turbulent adolescence. After leaving university with a degree in English Language and Literature, she spent her twenties trying to be a sensible and responsible person, even going so far as to work for the Civil Service for six years. Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder. In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore! A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement. People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
Julia Branna’s third book in The Jacobite Chronicles series follows Alex and Beth MacGregor as they settle into the double life of their marriage. In London, they remain Sir Anthony Peters and Lady Elizabeth, while their true selves are known in Scotland as the MacGregor chieftan and his wife.
Enjoyed this one very much. If you loved Outlander you’ll love The Jacobite Chronicles. Similar vibe, a love story between a spirited & beautiful English girl & a handsome, intelligent Highlander Chieftan during the lead up to Culloden, but a totally different story & characters. Very well written. My favorite part: the characters! You can’t help but love the MacGregor Clan & their dynamic. Tons of charm & some rather swoonworthy Highlanders. What’s not to love?!
The Gathering Storm is the third book in this series, and while it’s got less excitement than the previous books and is a wee bit slower, we get the spend some time with Clan MacGregor in the highlands and I’m here for it. Rumors abound in England regarding Prince Charlie’s stay in France, while France and England do their thing and declare war on each other. Again. Beth is bored in London and decides to make her timid friend Anne her own little project, engineering a marriage with the help of Caroline (whom I love, but you’d probably need to read the side stories that are companions to the main 6 books). Then off to Scotland goes the entire Sir Anthony house. We meet some very special people, some long-assumably lost family members, and spend I think 3 months total away from London. Richard pops back in to make life hell for any woman within his reach. The Jacobite Rising is getting closer to starting, and we learn too late that a letter that should have made it to the bonny prince some months past about the chieftains not rising without France’s support, never made it. Beth and Sir Anthony go to Frederick's, Prince of Wales, house/mansion/estate twice for some fun, and Beth throws a knife at Lord Daniel when he talks smack about her momma and sinks it right into his shoulder, as planned. He of course doesn’t like it. Unfortunately, this will be a problem in the next book. Honestly, though I think it’s a solid read, this book is more filler than action. But as I’ve said all along, I love the series and wouldn’t dock a star for it. Not everything needs to be “go go go.”
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Reread completed 2/17/25
I don't think I did an updated review for book 2 but shits changed at work and it just didn't work out. I stand by that this one is more of a filler, passing time, waiting on BPC to land, but we get more down time with our people and it is still enjoyable. And introduces us to Prince Frederick, who will be important down the way a bit.
These books remain some of my most favorite, and every time I read them I feel like I've come home after a long trip.
Julia Brannan is doing a lot of heavy lifting to set up the rest of the series in The Gathering Storm and, as a result, it's not as strong as the first two. It feels like the calm before the storm, so the story can drag a bit, especially when compared to the tension and adventure of the last book.
The Gathering Storm is definitely enjoyable, although it does feature the reappearance of Richard, which makes for some cringy moments. Alex's exploits as Lord Anthony continue to be amusing, though there are moments when both Alex and I began to tire of the character.
With all that said, I'm excited to dive into the next book.
Another fantastic addition to this series! I love reading about Beth and Sir Anthony. Even though this book had just simple stories about their daily lives, I didn't get bored with it. The love story in this book is amazing and you can tell the two characters truly care for each other! I can't wait to dive into the next one.
This volume in the series is less interesting than the previous ones. It deals more with domestic concerns and relationship issues with friends and enemies. It is probably setting up future conflicts for the plot. The writing and character development are still good. I'm withholding judgement in hope the series resumes the excitement and suspense of the first two volumes.
Beth and Alex continue their clandestine tightrope act on behalf of Prince Charles and the Jacobite cause. Unfortunately, due to the need to explain events and introduce new characters, plus the general difficulties of a middle volume (set up rather than resolution), this was less compelling than the earlier books. But I will still be looking for the next one.
i think that i'm much more partial to the hanoverians than the average reader of a series called the jacobite chronicles, though that in no way mitigated any enjoyment i got from this book.
having not read any of the previous books in the series, i was confused a few times, especially towards the beginning, but brannan's 'the story so far' section made sure that i wasn't completely in the dark. i'm not rating the book because i don't have enough context to make a fair assessment of it, though brannan's range of compelling characters and successful efforts to orient the reader mean that i have a good opinion of it, as a whole.
there was clearly a lot of research put into this book. from frederick, prince of wales to the single frederick ii of prussia mention (the whole spectrum of fredericks!!!), i got a kick out of seeing a lot of my historical favorites. i found this book through brannan's blogposts about the former, and i absolutely loved her depiction of him. and little george and edward too! rounders at kew was an absolute delight and my favorite scene.
i'm very curious about what happens to the jacobite conspirators, all of whom i really liked with the exception of alex (who if i'm going to be completely honest, i preferred when he was being sir anthony). i remember brannan, in her blogpost, mentioning prince frederick's leniency towards flora macdonald, so maybe more of our (yes our ) favorite english prince in the future?
i have a lot of books i've already promised (to both myself and other people) that i'll get through first, but i'm looking forward to revisiting this series in the future! :)
It is now 1744 and Beth and Alex, in the guise of Elizabeth and Sir Anthony, are walking a dangerous tightrope, circulating among English society while surreptitiously gathering information to benefit those who are planning a Jacobite rebellion. A trip abroad has convinced Beth that Scotland is not only Alex's home, it is the home of her heart. It's the only place she has ever felt an easy sense of belonging. But that sense of belonging is threatened as the war drums beat louder with gathering support for the Jacobite cause. Can Prince Charles garner enough support from France to shore up his army of Scots and take on the English troops? Even with the clans that have pledged their support, without French forces the Jacobites will be seriously outnumbered. As distasteful as they find their role playing, Beth and Sir Anthony must maintain their charade a while longer in hopes of preventing a massacre.
"The Gathering Storm" is the third book in The Jacobite Chronicles by Julia Brannan. While it covers a great deal of necessary background it lacks the intensity of the first two in the series. That said, the historical detail is significant and necessary for the reader to understand the gravity of the political climate of this period and its adverse effect on the Scots, especially the highlanders. Brannan's portrayal of the period is obviously well researched and her characters are so well drawn that I feel like I know them personally. Even though not as compelling as books one and two, book three is still worth four stars.
I read The Gathering Storm, the third installment in the Jacobite Chronicles, earlier this year, and it became my first five-star book of 2025.
What more is there to say about this series?! Alex and Elizabeth’s epic love story easily holds its own alongside Claire and Jamie’s from Outlander and Tatiana and Alexander’s from The Bronze Horseman.
The historical setting is richly detailed and clearly well-researched, presented in a way that feels both engaging and authentic. The writing is so immersive, it makes you believe this story truly happened and is part of real history. Every character feels fully fleshed out, to the point where you either root for them or hate them. Personally, I can’t stand Beth’s brother, and I hope he gets what’s coming to him, though I have a feeling it won’t be any time soon.
This particular installment holds a special place in my heart for two reasons: a) we spend a significant amount of time in the Scottish Highlands with our protagonists, and b) we get to see much more of Beth and Sir Anthony in action.
The double-agent dynamic (which I suspect will be explored even more in the next book) adds a constant undercurrent of tension and excitement. Alex and Beth remain fiercely loyal to Bonnie Prince Charlie while pretending to serve the English crown. The book ends with the news that Prince Charles has landed in Scotland, ready to claim his throne.
I’m genuinely afraid of what’s coming for these characters I’ve grown to care about so deeply in the next one.
This third book in the saga takes the characters we have come to know or hate through challenging situations to be revealed at a deeper, richer level of what has molded and formed their moral choices. As humans in community, the influence of our moral authority defines our impact on relationships, communities and nations. As the storm gathers, we get a glimpse of what will carry these inspiring (or disappointing) personalities into the oncoming battle. It is critical to establish this foundation for the people on the pages to become realistic. We get a glimpse of the fierce loyalty and trust evident throughout historical Scotland that forms their fight for freedom. Brannan transports us into the complicated puzzle of politics, religion and society to bring clarity to the forces in play during the turmoils of countries fighting for rights and power. On to the next book in the series!
This series is historical romance at it's best! Even though I don't typically read individual books in a series until they are all available, I devoured each one so far in this series as soon as they came out. I just can't help it. Julia Brannan is a brilliant writer who is able to deliver historical accuracy with a back story of political intrigue, complex subterfuge, delicious romance, and adventure!
That duet narration is absolute perfection. Rosalyn and Will seamlessly transition between characters with flawless precision. I never had trouble knowing who the speaker was based on tone of voice, cadence of speech, and the widely varying accents. Just freaking awesome!! I definitely recommend this whole series.
I haven't found this series to be "enthralling" or "exciting" or any of the other adjectives used by the publishers to hawk it. I give the author credit for extensive research, & perseverance in writing. But I don't think I can finish this series. If you've read Outlander you know how the Rising, the 45, turns out. I've read the Outlander books thru 5-6 times because I love those characters. But I just don't care as much about Alex & Beth. Thankfully this author includes a summery of the previous books in the successive ones. I think I'll skip to the last book just to see how the author ties up the threads. I just can't plod thru 3 more.
If you are a fan of well researched historical fiction, Brannan produces a tale to be thoroughly enjoyed. My only reservation (and I admit it is nitpicking) is that, surprisingly for a transcriber and proofreader with a degree in English, Brannan could use some help. There is no such word in correct English as 'orientated'. The correct word is oriented. One example of several similar misspellings is 'realise' correctly spelled realiZe. Sorry but I have the same degrees as Brannan and it just seems she shouldn't allow so many errors
And.........I’m out. If you live for historical romance, this is a wonderful series. I just can’t take it anymore. I’d like to know how everyone fares, if Charles regains the throne etc. etc. but, the dialogue wears on me and the the historical “accuracy” brought into the twenty first century has become annoying. Possibly I’ll revisit the series, after I’ve read everything else in the library. Please don’t let me discourage you. It’s still a compelling read, just not for me....
I hate the cliffhangers that are in this series. I'm compelled to keep reading. This book is calm compared to the first two, I think the author used this book to set up the upcoming battle portion(s) and their aftermath. There's a feeling of dread over everything in this book--based on history, and this series IS based on history, we know everything is going to end badly for our hero and heroine. On to book 4...
this vast historical sage just gets more and more interesting!
As the time for revolution comes closer and becomes much more tangible, Alex and Beth run more and more difficult and complex operations to find out what the Hanoverian king was really planning as Prince Charles was in negotiations with the French for help restore King James to the throne. Alex, a master spy, just wanted to return to Scotland.
Nook 3 of the series provides a less romanticized look at normal life in the Eighteenth Century Scottish Highlands than novels usually provide. I appreciated the knowledge, also the obvious effort to be historically accurate about the Jacobite rising. The characterizations are improving with each book and he subplots becoming more interesting. I'm looking forward eagerly to the next book.
The true storm has not hit yet and the saga continues as Beth and her husband continue to support the Jacobite cause. Danger lurks in many corners as life goes on. They find themselves ordered to stay in the city even though they prefer to be with the clan and fighting beside the King.
Is a continuing part of the Jacobite Chronicle with well developed charaters and events driven by history and the strong personalities of the dual Idenity english/scotttish family members in England spying for "the king across the water". playing the roles of high society and mingling members of paliment and the current King in Londen .
I have enjoyed the characters in this series of books more than the story itself, although it is interesting at the least. Also I don’t mind the leisurely pace of the story as it gives me more time with the characters and is nice to not have the history of the books subject sped up just because it needs to fit in with however many pages the authority publisher thinks the book should be.
Love the flow of these books, nothing feels stale or boring, nothing is predictable nor is it overstretched. I'm falling more in love and hate with the characters and have lost sleep because I just can't put this down. So thankfully there is more to come and love how each book is the perfect length and pace
While it was enjoyable to journey to the Highlands, this series is still just “good” for me. I don’t foresee recommending it to anyone unless something blows my socks off in the rest of the series. It is not believable that secrets are still being kept by Beth (re Richard) and Alex (re his sponsor) this far into the tale.
Further along in both the Jacobite Chronicles and Alex & Beth's marriage, they are more comfortable in both. Much happens including them having a Scottish family wedding, with both the MacGregor and the MacDonald clans in Scotland. A lot of historical details.
Book three continues the story right where book two ends. This book also immerses Beth in her Scottish heritage and introduces her to her mother’s relatives. Unfortunately, she and her husband must return to London to take up their old life. I’m really loving this series, and I’m ready to start book four.
Sorry , but it is romantic fiction not historical fiction. The Jacobite rebellion is secondary. The book does not give justice to this period of history and the delicate brave heroine and the handsome brave hero with the perfect family is not believable.
I am really enjoying this series, even tho I do not dwell too long on specifics of details on the Jacobites. It was good to read in the epilogue that the author DID, in fact based some of the details of her story in actual facts & historical occurrences. The Scottish clan & their living routines are cool.