Three best-selling, award-winning, authors, three heart-felt stories, the splendor of Scotland, and a legend passed down through generations. These are the romantic tales of The Summer Star...
MAIDEN FROM THE MIST by Tanya Anne Crosby A sequel novella for Guardians of the Stone.
Stricken blind by his grief, Caden MacSwein has sequestered himself like a beast in his castle by the sea. It is whispered he slew his own brother, and now is cursed by the Gods. When a maiden from Inverness arrives on his shores on the eve of the summer star, Caden convinces himself she alone holds the key to the return of his sight. But he must ken that his blindness comes from within... or he will never save the maiden from the mist from the danger that pursues her.
THE REIVER by Glynnis Campbell A prequel novella for Medieval Outlaws.
Raised by her abusive uncle, Cristy Moffat will do anything to impress her brawny cousins, including reiving the neighbor's cattle...until she steals the wrong cow and is caught in the act by the new laird. Brochan Macintosh has his hands full, repairing his tower house and raising his motherless twins. But when his plans to trade Cristy for his cattle go awry, he wonders if he wants to ransom her after all. Can he tame her wild ways and give her a family to love, and will Cristy be the one to heal his loneliness?
MACALPIN'S HEART by Laurin Wittig A prequel novella for Guardians of the Targe
Elspet MacAlpin needs a husband soon, but not just anyone will do. To protect the lore of the Guardians, her clan, and perhaps even Scotland, she must choose wisely...but she is determined to marry for love. When Kenneth MacGregor arrives at Dunlairig Castle on a quest to find his lost brother, he is drawn to the lively Elspet, but he will not allow himself to fall for her. His quest cannot be abandoned...and yet...Can duty be answered, as well as the destiny promised by the Summer Star?
If you loved The Winter Stone, you won't want to miss The Summer Star!
Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint. Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
As the Legend says this is no ordinary year. It was the year of the summer star and in my opinion this is no ordinary book. Join 3 award winning authors as they take you through 3 journeys of love that will keep you reading long into the night.
Maiden From the Mist By Tanya Anne Crosby This is Sorchas and Cadens story. Sorcha is searching for Una believing her to be at the faerie pools on the Isle of Skye and Caden is blind and has lost the will to live. As I read this story I actually felt like I was there in the year 1135 witnessing everything I read. Tanya Anne Crosby is an absolutely incredible author who will have you sitting on the edge of your seat throughout this amazing novella. To tell you the truth I was cheering out loud near the end while I was reading and if you are like me you won't want it to end.
The Reiver By Glynnis Campbell
It's 1211 and once again Brighde has a hand in this story. This is the story of Cristy who is a feisty cattle reiver and Brochan who is a widower with two young twin boys. Love is flourishing and abundant in this sweet love story that you won't want to miss. Glynnis Campbell is a very talented author with a special style that can only belong to her. Her novels speak to me and always end up leaving me with a warm feeling when I'm finished reading them.
McAlpin's Heart By Laurin Wittig
It's 1286 and the summer star passes over once every 75 years bringing transformation that begins with Kenneth and Elspet. Kenneth is searching for his brother and Elspet has a secret to keep. If they can overcome the odds they just might have a chance at love. Laurin Wittig is an award winning author who tells a good story and will keep you reading until the end just so you can feel as if you watched love bloom like a flower.
5 Stars - Maiden from the Mist - Tanya Anne Crosby - Captivating! Loved it!
Caden Mac Swein is the Chieftain of Dunnronaigh Keep. He has just had to endure two of the most horrific things in his life. He has exhiled himself in his own keep, while his people try to forge along without him. His clan has enemies who could destroy them all. He awakes one day in his chamber to a saucy wench making accusations at him.
Sorcha dun Scoti is very disillusioned with her family right now. She knows now her real birth father is the devil himself. She is on her own personal quest to seek answers to questions she has. She seeks passage to the Isle of Skye via ship and the next thing you know she wakes up disoriented in a room with an extremely large man.
An old crone has given information to the Captain of the guard of Dunnronaigh Castle of a lass who will help their Laird.
5 Stars - The Reiver - Glynnis Campbell - LOL Wonderful!! This one was a real treat for me. I am amazed how much this author can put into a small story. I rooted for these characters, but....the twins were amazing!
Brochan Macintosh has been widowed since his twin boys were born and he is making a new life for himself, his twins and two loyal servants. He has acquired a new property that needs repair and he has cattle. Well, five heads of cattle have gone missing and he is quite frustrated with that. He goes to an in/tavern to try learn anything he can about the cattle missing. There a woman speaks to him about rivers stealing cattle, stars, new beginnings and choices. He basically thinks she's off. He had not thought about reivers stealing from him. That evening, he waits and watches a star in the sky and also catches a Reiver who happens to be a Lassie.He has a plan on how to get his coos back.
Cristy lives with her make cousins and mean Uncle. She tags along with the boys who really don't want her with them So she says she will prove to them she is worthy to do so by stealing a coo along with them this evening. Well, things do not go as planned.
This is a lovely and funny story. I love the stories he would tell his twins. It was a very nice touch. The pluck of all the characters was amazing. I loved the whole story!
3.5 Stars - MacAlpin Heart - Lauren Wittig - Unfortunately, for me this story was just a simple plot that did not grab me. I wanted more development in the plot.
Kenneth MacGregor has gone in search of his younger brother who has been gone for almost two years. He gets to the MacAlpin's castle and finds out they know they know his brother. But everyone is mysterious about his whereabouts. They say they are respecting his wishes. The beautiful last of the keep tells them that if he wishes to see him he should just wait. He is not used to having to wait but in order to see his Wayward brother he will do so while trying not to be attracted to the Lord's daughter.
Elspet MacAlpin is the guardian of a mystical Relic, a Targe of the Highlands. She is a beautiful blonde haired blue-eyed Lass who is being pushed into marrying someone she does not wish to marry because she sees him as a brother instead. She is determined to pick her own husband but does not know when that will happen. She is intrigued with Kenneth McGregor who arrives at her keep in search of his brother Drostan. She recommends that he stay in order to see his brother again he just has to wait whenever he appears.
A freakish accident has left Caden MacSwein blind it is said that in the heat of battle he took his younger brothers head and is now being punished by the Gods. There's a prophecy and a destiny to be fulfilled before Caden MacSwein regains his sight. Scorcha knew that following the star would bring her closer to her destiny and after learning of the secret her family had kept from her she was angry with them, following the star seems like the right thing for her....maybe she's needed and wanted somewhere and the star is pulling her to her destiny. A short read but full of action, battle scenes are intense and in gripping detail. Characters are well written and interesting, the story keeps you entertained till the end . A wonderful sequel to the novella Guardians of the Stone .
The Reiver - Glynnis Campbell
Cristy Moffat is an orphan she's been in the care of her uncle ever since her parents died. No matter what she does she'll feel her uncles wrath. Wanting to prove herself to her cousins and make her uncle proud she's willing to steal the new neighbors cow. Nothing can go wrong until she's caught star gazing instead of cow thieving and is hostage to none other than the new Laird-Brochan Macintosh! Brochan Macintosh is a widower with two twin boys with the maintenance of his keep it took all his time to do all the repairs and to go after his missing cows was another problem to solve. His missing cows are not the only problem he has. A feisty cow thief instead of his cows. He will exchange her for his cattle but does he really want to let go of her when she makes him feel more alive than ever before? Wonderfully entertaining story short and sweet I loved Brochan he was a fair man who respected a person for themselves, even though Cristy had awful experiences living with her uncle she felt loved and wanted by Brochan and his sons. Loved the way it all came together.
MacAlpins Heart - Lauren Wittig
Elspet MacAlpin is the last of the Guardians she needs to find a husband to protect her clan, but she doesn't want to marry without love no man has captured her heart until she meets a handsome traveler in search of his brother. Their attraction is instant but can he be the one or will he leave when he finds his brother? Kenneth MacGregor has finally caught up to his brother but it's not his brother that occupies his mind, the beautiful Elspet has him thinking of a life with her and family. He can't think of himself he has a promise to fulfill, a promise he made to his mother. His brother has a family of his own a child and a wife and is happy. Can he finally have a chance at a family and love? Love and a destiny fulfilled by the Summer Star. A well written story full of love, a young boys promise to his mother finds not only love but also finds the man he's become. I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased review.
MAIDEN FROM THE MIST by Tanya Anne Crosby A sequel novella for Guardians of the Stone. Upon his return from the war, Caden MacSwein has locked himself away in his castle, blind and grieving for the loss of loved ones, nobody can tame his broken heart. Until a maiden arrives on the eve of the summer star, he's convinced she can help him regain his sight. But he has to realize he has the power, and his loss comes from himself, he can than save the maiden from the mist. This was my favourite story, I loved Caden.
THE REIVER by Glynnis Campbell A prequel novella for Medieval Outlaws. Cristy Moffat needs to impress so plans she to steals her neighbor cows, but unfortunately she's caught in the act. Brocham Macintosh is a busy man, he has repairs on his home and young twins to bring up on his own, and stolen cattle is something he doesn't have time for, so he decides to ransom Christy back for his cows. But intentions do not always work out as planned. Christy was a feisty character, I liked her a lot.
MACALPIN’S HEART by Laurin Wittig Elspet MacAlpin is looking for a husband, not just anymore though, no, he has to be a warrior from her clan, but she's also determined to only marry the man she loves. Kenneth MacGregor is on a quest to find his brother. He arrives at Dunlairig Castle and is drawn to beautiful Elspet and she to him, but he's not from the clan, and his quest is too important to abandon but his heart and soul is pulling him to Elspet, they are both in turmoil. Are they strong enough to do their duties or will they succumb to their passionate feelings. Kenneth and Elpet had such strong determination. A love story which has the reader hoping for a HEA.
If you read The WInter Stone, then you know that you're going to be in for a treat with The Summer Star. Once again Tanya Anne Crosby, Glynnis Campbell and Laurin Wittig have joined together to bring you three wonderfull novellas, all connected by the Summer Star.
Maiden of the Mist (Guardian of the Stone) The Reiver (The Medieval Outlaws) MacAlpin's Heart (Guardians of the Targe)
An exciting, can't put down read by three of my favourite authors
I received an advanced readers copy and I voluntarily leave my honest opinion
These three novellas are all connected to series from the authors and great place to start at the very beginning for each series of books!!! MAIDEN FROM THE MIST by Tanya Anne Crosby A sequel novella for Guardians of the Stone Caden MacSwein was blinded it’s said that in the heat of battle he took his younger brothers head and is now being punished by the Gods. When a maiden from Inverness arrives on his shores he’s convinces himself she alone holds the key to the return of his sight. He must learn from within or he will never save the maiden from the lurking dangers. THE REIVER by Glynnis Campbell A prequel novella for Medieval Outlaws. Cristy Moffat will do anything to impress her brawny cousins even steal cows from their neighbors, but she didn’t plan on was getting caught by the new, laird Brochan Macintosh. What a great catch for Brochan, he can now ransom her back to her clan and trade her for cattle. Cristy has been raised by an abusive uncle, but can Brochan show the ways of a real family and tame her wild ways too. MACALPIN'S HEART by Laurin Wittig A prequel novella for Guardians of the Targe. Elspet MacAlpin needs a husband soon to protect the lore of the Guardians, her clan and Scotland. Kenneth MacGregor is on a quest to find his lost brother and he stops at Dunlairig Castle. His quest cannot be abandoned especially when he’s is drawn to the lively Elspet. Can their duty be answered in each other and their destinies fulfilled too. This is my honest review after I voluntarily read the ARC copy from the publisher.
This collection was such a treat to read! Each novella is connected and tells a continuing story of the "Legends of Scotland". Each tell a complete story. "These are the romantic tales of The Summer Star"...one legend passed down through generations. Book 2 in the "Legends of Scotland", but can be read without reading book 1, "Winter Stone"
MAIDEN FROM THE MIST by Tanya Anne Crosby is a sequel novella for her highly anticipated, "Guardians of the Stone" series with an enjoyable cast of characters and a nicely woven plot. Captivating!!
THE REIVER by Glynnis Campbell is a prequel novella for "Medieval Outlaws" serues. The cast of characters are enjoyable to read. The plot interesting and unique, a female reiver, well done. Fantastic! !
MACALPIN'S HEART by Laurin Wittig is a prequel novella for her "Guardians of the Targe" series. Well written with great characters. Another interesting plot. Wonderful!
Overall impression.....definitely a 5 star! Each story is well written, masterfully executed and profoundly entertaining. All are steady paced. While quick reads, novellas, the authors manage to tell a full story without the reader feeling as though they've missed something. An absolute delight to read and highly recommended!
These three novellas are all connected to series from the authors. It was such a treat to visit with these series again, and so talented how the stories are connected in this book (by the summer star) Maiden from the Mist, nicely connects with the Guardians of the Stone series. Having read this series, I had a wonderful time connecting to the characters from the previous books. I would not consider this a stand alone story, and suggest you read the series. The Reiver is a prequel to the Medieval Outlaws, and as such is a good stand alone - although you are going to want to read the series, as the story draws you in to the time period as well as the characters. MacAlpin's Heart is also a wonderful prequel, and as such a stand alone. Here we see the beginnings of the Guardians of the Targe series, the heroines as "wee bairns". I often find novellas too short to tell a full story, but in the cases of these three, I felt I got to know the characters and the stories were complete. I highly recommend this book of three very wonderful stories.
First, I must say these were my very first books by these authors, so I read them as standalones.
I liked the first novella, both the way it was written and the story itself. Also, it had enough magic while not being about magic. It was obvious it was a part of a series, but that wasn't annoying like it can be soometimes. I'll keep this author in mind for the future reads.
The other two novellas disappointed me, which is why the rating is only 2 stars. The middle story about the reiver was too ordinary to be in this collection, there wasn't enough magic, and I didn't like the author's voice. On the plus side, it reads well as a standalone and the story is rather original.
The last novella was clearly apart of a series and the hints at larger events I knew nothing about were somewhat annoying. There was even too much magic, but most of it wasn't connected to the star. Also, the love between the two main characters went way too fast.
Every 75 years the Summer Star appears to change lives for the better. From a Laird who becomes blind after a traumatic battle and a Maiden that appears from a Mist; to a Laird widowed and raising 5 year old twins that captures a lass trying to reive his cattle; to a Guardian lass that has to choose a husband willing to give up even his last name, the Star transforms these lives. I was drawn into this journey from the first word until the very last one. Three great authors with three wonderful stories. Loved this book!!!
Three different stories all with the same thread running through each making them one. Each author has her own way with words and stories but they have made each story a part of one complete story. I truly enjoyed each story and the fact they felt a part of one story. I will and do recommend this trilogy to all who enjoy romance, stories of the Highlands and Ireland and wonderfully strong women.
Wonderful group of stories with a central theme. I loved how they tied it into p last books! I'm a big reader of all three of these authors so was very happy reading some also tales of old favorite characters! All were complete story I especially by themselves.. Good read!
This book contains three stories; the first is Maiden From The Mist by Tanya Anne Crosby, which I enjoyed tremendously. The second is The Reiver by Glynnis Campbell, is a sweet story. And the third is MacAlpin's Heart by Laurin Wittig, a new to me author. Her story was well written and an enjoyable read.
I loved this book and also the first one The Winter Stone. Any one who loves Romance, big strong guys, wise women and of course Scotland ! You got to read these books. Strong stories of family, and commitment. Both books have everything you want in a good book. You will want each story to not stop.
Tanya Ann Crosby has written a great story about the Summer Star that Sorcha is following. Sorcha found out some news that is hard to accept. The Star guides her to an island. She meets the laird, who is blind and needs her help. This is a great story to read!!
This book has 3 novella's in it. Each story was very good. Lots of action and fated mates, etc. I really enjoyed the Scottish tales. The first book, The Winter Stone, was also very good. Good easy read . Highly recommend.
The three stories are linked by a blazing comet that appears in the skies every 75 years and an ancient wise woman or seer who appears sometimes as an old crone Una/Biera and sometimes as a beautiful woman Brighde.
Maiden from the Mist by Tanya Anne Crosby 4* Setting - April 1136, Isle of Ronaigh, Scotland Caden Mac Swein has been unable to see since the tragic death of his brother; his captain Alec clings to hope given to him by an old crone, that a specific woman can give his chieftain back his sight and bring peace to their land. Sorcha dun Scoti is traumatized by the loss of her mentor and the lies of her family. She steals away from her clan determined on travelling to Skye and reuniting with Una, however along the way she is drugged and stranded on a remote island with no way of escape. As time goes by, she is less sure that she wants to leave the people of the Island and particularly their Chieftain. I enjoyed this story though I could have done with footnotes to explain some of the words/legends.
The Reiver by Glynnis Campbell 5* Setting - Summer 1211, Dumfries, Scotland Christy Moffat has lived with her unfeeling uncle and cousins since she the death of her parents. She will do anything to try and gain their approval, even if that is stealing (reiving) a neighbour's cattle. Brochan Macintosh is the new Laird of Macintosh, a widower with twin five year old sons and two faithful servants and a crumbling tower house. They meet when Brochan captures her trying to reive a cow, she fights to escape but he overpowers her and takes her back to his house where he decides he will ransom her in exchange for the five cows her cousins had previously taken. Whilst they are waiting for the ransom to take place both Brochan and his adorable twins find a place in her heart and she finds a home she hasn't had in years. Lovely story. Highly recommended.
MacAlpin's Heart by Lauren Wittig 4* Setting - 1286, Scottish Highlands Elspet is a Guardian and still unmarried at the age of twenty four. There has been no man she has been drawn to, until the day she meets gentle warrior Kenneth MacGregor who is searching for his missing brother. They both feel a pull towards each other but, Kenneth is a man of honour and cannot break the promise he made to his mother fourteen years previously. A lovely gentle romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this boxset from one of the authors. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.