Fire and Sword

by S.J. White

In the wake of the Jacobite rebellion of 1691, King William III orders all Highland clans to swear an Oath of Allegiance. Some clans quickly comply while others stubbornly refuse. They will not be dictated to by a foreign Protestant king. When the deadline nears the Chief of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe thought it best to take the oath, but he left it to very the last day. His oath is not taken until January 6, 1692—six day late. Sir John Dalrymple, Master of Stair, manipulates the king into making an example of the rebellious Scots. He chose the MacDonalds of Glencoe and sent Argyle's Regiment of Light Foot led by Captain Robert Campbell. The MacDonalds are forced to offer Highland Hospitality to the troops. Captain Campbell is in truth, waiting for his orders. Lieutenants Francis Farquhar and Gilbert Kennedy are among the troops to arrive at Glencoe that snow February day. Francis and Gilbert were lifelong friends. Where Francis goes Gilbert follows. They are honest and honourable men. Maire MacDonald knows the moment she sees Francis Farquhar's ruggedly handsome face she has found the man she has been looking all her life. She goes out of her way get the man to notice her, but she doesn't have to for Francis is just as taken with her as she is with him. Her father, Angus MacDonald, hates Campbells and tries every which way to keep the two apart. It is too late. They are in love and wish to wed. Chief MacLain met Francis Farquhar at Fort William. He likes and trusts the man. When he sees the attraction between Francis and Maire he sets out to promote the match. He tries to keep Angus out of the way of true love. Eleven days after the soldier's arrival, Captain Robert Campbell receives his order of Fire and Sword. Everyone under seventy is to be killed especially MacIain and his two sons. He wants to refuse, but he can't. Too much and too many people depend on him. Both Francis and Gilbert are honorable men and fear what is coming and feel helpless to protect the people they have come to know and like, but they have a plan—a desperate plan. Can Francis protect the woman he loves? Can only a handful of men save the innocent people of this clan? Is King William to blame or someone else? Is Robert Campbell to blame or someone else? What happens in the aftermath of the Murder under Trust?

226 pages, Paperback

Published December 17, 2016

Reviews

[Diane Johnson]

Full disclosure. I am too close to this writer to rate this book without perceived bias. Sharon and I are in the same writer's group, so I am going to refrain from an actual star rating. I will share what I like about Sharon's writing, and that's the way that she draws her characters. There is an authentic sweetness to the good guy characters, The MacDonalds of Glencoe, and the main love interests Maire and Francis that should make romance readers feel warm and fuzzy inside. I'm officially not much of a romance novel reader, though so I would feel out of my league to critique that aspect of it.

The story itself is set during the historic Glencoe massacre in Scotland, and the settings, background, etc feel well researched and authentic. I'm reviewing this from having read several script versions prior to the novel version, and the novel so far has remained true to the script version. If you like historical romance, you might like this story.