Maiden From the Mist

Guardians of the Stone #4

by Tanya Anne Crosby

Sorcha dún Scoti has known her whole life she is different. Now, the future of her clan is in doubt, and Una, their beloved seer is gone. The youngest dún Scoti inherits Una's beloved keek stane--and with it, the gift of sight. Here, the truth of her birth and death are revealed. To save herself and her clan, Sorcha must flee the vale and travel to a remote Island in the Outer Hebrides, where she hopes to reunite with Una, but despite her gift of sight, the journey holds perils Sorcha cannot foresee...

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 washes up on his shores on the eve of the summer star, Caden convinces himself Sorcha holds the key to the return of his sight. But he must ken his blindness comes from within... or he cannot save the maid from the mist from the danger, which pursues her.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Audiobook

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[KatieV · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light on romance, but filled in some gaps from the previous books. Novella length

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Maiden from the Mist
By Tanya Anne Crosby

Series: Guardians of the Stone, Book #4

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook
Tartan Book Reviews - Owner and Administrator

Purple Tulip Book Reviews -Adminstrator

Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog - Blogger

Heat Rating - Mild

Overall Rating - 5 Stars/5 Kilts


Scotia, 1136
Dunrònai Keep

The hero of this story is Laird Caden Mac Swein. He was always proud of his great, great-grandsire halberd called the beast. It was a weapon made of thirty-three inches of iron and steel, six feet long and weighing two stone! That was until one fatal day, Beast accidentally took the life of his last living sibling, his brother, Thirteen year old-Wee Davy. Caden would've protected him with every inch of his life! He wasn't even supposed to be on the battlefield!

This totally destroyed Caden which instantly gave him conversion disorder also known as hysterical blindness. As there was no real reason for his blindness just his grieving and broken heart. Plus It was just the shock and consuming him with guilt. There was nothing he could do to save his baby brother. Seasoned warriors would of moved out of the Beasts way. Yet Wee Davy had no battle experience, he was supposed to be inside the keep to keep safe. Not proving himself to be a mon!

On top of everything, if Caden was killed, they would have Wee Davy, his heir to run the clan. It never happened he took his head though he never saw it drop. As at that very moment he went blind! Than after that he became blind and believing he was damned by the Gods! As the months went by Caden become a shell of the man he was. He let his keep go, no longer protecting or caring for his people and just living in self pity, with major guilt and grief. The one who cares is his Captain and best friend and first in command is mmAlec.

The Destiny Stone shatters, Sorcha Dún Scoti is heartbroken as Una healer, seer and wise magic woman of the clan is gone! She was the eldest protector of the Destiny Stone! This woman was like a mother to all the dún Scoti siblings. Yet for Sorcha she was the closest to her, as Una had raised her. In addition Sorcha seemed to have inherited some of her seer gifts as well. So the keek stone, gift of sight and grimoire which is book of spells and healing ingredients were left to Sorcha. The Stone, The dún Scoti clan, the last painted ones Pect tribe had been protecting the destiny Stone since the clan’s existence. Sorcha refused to believe her beloved Una is gone forever and is on a mission to find her! Plus her clan breaks her heart from secrets and lies. To find out your sire is the monster that raped and killed your mother! Plus she always felt something of a burden so she escapes the vale and finds her destiny in the mist.

Now she knows how to cover her tracks so she won't be found. The thing is not only her beloved dún Scotti members are searching for her, so is her sire who never knew of her existence until now. Sorcha is in danger as her evil sire will use and abuse her to get his wicked way. As long as it enhances his greed and lines his pockets with gold.

Alec gets a visit from an elderly woman telling him to expect Sorcha looking for passage. This beautiful lass will appear from the mist, she comes on the day the bright destiny star appeared,. This Star hasn't appeared since baby Jesus was born.

Of course Sorcha is thrilled that Alec gives her passage and when she appears out of the mist. Caden does not believe she can heal him. Though Sorcha is a woman he can't see with his eye, but starts to love with his heart. She gives his people hope from old stories and folklore. Than when Caden realizes his beloved Sorcha is in danger, for this maid from the mist can't be saved by a blind man! No matter how fearsome he might be or can he? For the first time is Sorcha's life she feels needed and accepted by this clan. Will her demon father take her away forever. Will he kill the man and clan she has started to love?How she wishes now she hadn't covered her tracks so well. So her dún Scoti family back at the Vale could rescue them. Will Caden be blind forever? Will he and his clan even survive on his remote island? Will the destiny star always stay so bright? You must read this exhilarating tale to find out the conclusion and finale of The Guardians of the Stone series!

The plotting is paced perfectly thought you wait with bated breath and anticipation not knowing what could possibly occur next! The settings are magnificent and the dialogues are totally brilliant. I devoured

Wow I always tear up when a series I have really enjoyed comes to an end. Yes I know-New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tanya Anne Crosby, has many more stories to be told. As I have been reading her Captivating and mesmerizing novels for 25 years!

I just have loved every book of the painted ones, the dún Scoti clan so much. I enjoyed the weaving of true Scottish history, Scottish lore and a fictional romantic adventure that warms your readers heart

Another mind blowing fast paced riveting romantic adventure! It is has all the elements historical romance readers love. Such as heartbreak, guilt, abduction, hysterical-blindness, Halleys comet, treachery paranormal, true history, folklore, mourning, mystery, suspense, betrayal, guilt, acceptance and love.



You can read as a stand alone book, but I highly recommend you read every book in this series. I plan on re-reading to revisit the painted ones again! Ms. Crosby has a God given talent, with a rare and unique gift of being an amazing story teller. I am so glad I discovered her books in July of 1992. As I have treasured each and every one! I totally devoured this book from start to finish! I highly recommend this book and every book in this series. I feel you will get a better understanding of the dún Scoti clan and see how each character connects.

I absolutely and unequivocally loved this book! I know readers will love Sorcha and Caden’s story! Happy Reading!


Guardians of the Stone Series
by Tanya Anne Crosby

1. Highland Fire - Aidan and Lileas (Lili) MacLaren

1.5 Once Upon a Highland Legend - Novella and originally part of The Winter Stone Analogy - Annie Ross & Callum Mac Finn

2. Highland Steel - Lael dún Scoti and Jamie Steorling (The Butcher)

3. Highland Storm - Keane dún Scoti and Lianae of Moray

4. Maiden from the Mist - Sorcha dún Scoti and Caden Mac Swein
* the Finale* comes out July 27th, 2017”


I received an advance reader's copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to review and blog. All words and ideas are my own.


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[Amy Jarecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting tale of love, loss, and redemption with a wee bit o' magic thrown in! You won't want to miss this charming historical novella!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0/5.0

Awww, love…what power it contains. The relationship between Sorcha and Caden is lovely, indeed.

Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maiden from the Mist - Tanya Anne Crosby

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. Wallowing in his grief Caden isn't the Laird he once was, his keep and land are in peril with only a few men remaining and his best friend Alec and Captain to defend his people. Just when hope is dying a wise frail looking woman by the name Biera with words of prophecy and a destiny appears vowing that the beautiful woman appearing from the mist and following the bright Star, will restore Caden to the feared warrior and Laird he once was. There's a prophecy and a destiny to be fulfilled before Caden MacSwein regains his sight.
Sorcha dún Scoti has always felt a little bit different, never had to doubt the love her family showed her.....until secrets were exposed and her world came crashing at her feet!
Sorcha 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.
Sorcha and Caden's destiny is entwined and their future looks bright but the threat to them is still in their midst will the prophecy be fulfilled before Caden regains his sight? Will the evil man that sired her take away the man who is her destiny?
What an awesome story, well written characters, full of action with intense and gripping detailed battle scenes! An electrifying page turner that you will not be able to put down!

I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion/review.

[L J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story- terrific series!

This is the last book in a series of highland romance novels about a sacred stone and it's importance to a people. In this tale, a young woman, Sorcha is upset with her family and leaves on her own in search of her mentor. She ends up meeting Caden, laird of a small rather impoverished clan on an island in the north. Now Caden has seen better days, back when he could see. He's blind, as a result of some mysterious ailment nothing has been able to solve. Caden has pretty much given up on life and he's just a miserable "pill" to everyone around him. But can Sorcha change Caden's path? The two begin to have feelings for each other, and some of them are more than a little warm!
But as the plot continues, there are a few things that may curtail their future happiness. Not to mention, there is a prophecy involving that future as well.
I absolutely loved this story! The author takes the reader to the island with descriptions that are clear and colorful enough that I could envision the field of flowers as they strode through it. The language and history in the telling made it fascinating and I couldn't put it down!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, in the highlands or otherwise, with a bit of history and a lot of hope.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel novella for Guardians of the Stone where Laird Caden Mac Swein has always been proud of his great, great-grandsire halberd called the “Beast” that is until in the heat of a battle the day the Beast claimed the life of his thirteen year old brother who did know how to move out the blades way. From that day forward he’s been blind, cursed by the gods.
Sorcha Dún Scoti is heartbroken as Una healer, seer and wise magic woman of the clan is gone. Sorcha decides to follow the fateful star to her friend and her destiny, but she gets kidnapped along the way.
After a maiden from Inverness arrives on his shores he’s convinces himself she alone holds the key to the return of his sight. She begins to suspect he’s seeing more than he realizes and decides to help the Laird regain his sight before she leaves. He becomes anxious for her safety knows must learn from within or he will never save the maiden from the lurking dangers. A captivating story and a truly great finish to the series. I loved it!!
I voluntarily read this eBook and this is my honest opinion and review.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maiden from the Mist (Guardians of the Stone Book 4) by Tanya Anne Crosby is without a doubt a riveting tale of Scottish lore, Scottish history and a romantic adventure for readers of Scottish Romance. While, book 4 for "Guardians of the Stone", it can be read as a stand alone. Has been such an interesting series, I hate to see it end.

The cast of characters are enjoyable, captivating and feel genuine. The plot has secrets, dangers, romance, passion and flows seamlessly and effortlessly. I enjoyed the twists and turns, the surprises and the conflict was enough to keep the reader enticed and turning pages. I was glued to this story from the first page and it held my heart captive through out the story. A definite most read and a true Scottish Romance treasure. I can hardly wait to see what Ms. Crosby has in store for her reader's next grand adventure. Mesmerizing! !


Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous ending to a wonderful series, even though I'm sad the Guardians of the Stone have finished, I couldn't of wished for a better ending than this. Sorcha, the youngest of the Dun Scoti, comes into her own, after finding Una gone and secrets about her birth come alight, she's angry with her family and that they hid things from her and so she sets out following a star to try and find her destiny.
On her travels she meets Alec, captain to the blind Laird Caden Mac Swein, and he offers her passage. When she meets Caden she tries to help him, but he doesn't know if she can, and then Caden finds out she's in danger, can he protect her, after all, he's blind.

Absolutely riveting, from the first page till the last. Tanya Anne Crosby weaves her magic once again.

I received an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave my own honest opinion

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tammy Nitschke Sokol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loooooved it!!!!!

I reread the previous books often, just because I love them, and now I will add this one to it. I loved it!!! You get the youngest daughter/sister, Sorcha and Calen's story. I loved every page, and wish there were more!!!! I can't wait for Tanya Anne Crosby's next book!!!!

[Barbara Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow the Star

I enjoy reading books by Tanya Anne Crosby! This last story of the GUARDIANS OF THE STONE is a great story. The two main characters are Sorcha who fled from her home when she finds out who her real father is. Then there is Caden who is fighting the MacLeod and in the midst of the battle he is getting ready to kill a man fighting his younger brother (who was supposed to be inside ), the man falls, Caden can not stop the momentum of the swing and kills his brother. The stress of the battle and the results Caden eyesight is gone.
There is so much more to this story that I think anyone who reads it will understand that the events that happened were meant to be.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of loss, forgiveness and love. Caden cannot forgive himself for an action inadvertently taken in the heat of battle. He becomes very embittered. Enter our magical heroine. Sorcha has a gift, but can't foresee that Una has manipulated her and others. On a quest, Sorcha is misdirected to the Isle maintained by Caden . Sorcha is very bold and not as malleable as Caden would like, but he still likes her. They form a tentative truce and a definite bond. Through the fight with her family, Caden realizes that the person he needs is by his side. A very enjoyable read and a great addition to this series.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

My only regret is I had pre ordered this before I realized it was in a collection of books I just read earlier this summer. A few more details but basically the same story. Wonderful read, but a duplicate if you've already went for the collection.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 (you won'r regret it)

[Amanda Lipscomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I *flippin* LOVE Tanya Anne Crosby and her books. Her lead boys are so deliciously broody and so deliciously Scottish that I cannot handle it. This book is taking us to the Western Isles of Scotland, to the Isle of Rona (I looked it up and it looks completely barren, but for the sake of history, let’s say it’s a medieval source of sexiness).

This story is the fourth in a series of stories about the dún Scoti family - the last of the Pechts and the Guardians of the Stone of Scone (or Stone of Destiny) that haunts Scottish lore. Sorcha dún Scoti has abandoned her family home in the vale, after finding out some traumatizing truths, to find her mentor Una. She doesn’t believe Una died when their mountain collapsed, burying their precious Stone and her secret grotto. Una is untold years of age with magic Sorcha doesn’t understand, but one thing she somehow knows is that Una lived. Sorcha inherits a special crystal from Una, called a keek stane - and in it she sees the truth of who her father was, which sends her running from her family, who had known the truth all along. When a comet appears in the sky, she takes it as a sign and follows where she thinks it is leading. With her trusty mare Lucy she sets off, alone, following her destiny to the Isle of Rona.

Caden MacSwein is a braw warrior and chief of his clan. When the opposing clan attacks, his only living brother, young Davy is accidentally killed. Caden is blinded in his grief and stalks about his castle in a terrible temper day-in-and-out, trying his best to get his clan to declare a more fit Laird than himself. When a mysterious old woman predicts Sorcha’s arrival to his most trusted man on the eve of Beltane, he assumes she is the answer to cure his blindness. When she meets Caden and gets to know him, Sorcha can see that his blindness is out of grief and not a physical ailment. As she draws him out of his shell and bad tempers, in the back of her mind, she is afraid her true father will try to seek her out and use her to his advantage. She also wonders if her brothers will try to find her - but will she want to leave with them after falling in love with the people of Rona and their handsome brooding Laird?

There are so many things to love about this story - the banter between Sorcha and Caden, the Beltane festival, and all the mention of the ancient Scottish gods. I love all of it - so now I can add The Western Isles to my list of places I need to see when I finally get to go to Scotland. The narrator of this story was sporting a Scottish accent - so all the Scottish gaelic words were pronounced, I’m assuming, correctly so that’s a cool element. If you don’t have an ear for dialects, I’d steer clear, but I watch a LOT of UK-produced things so that accent isn’t entirely foreign. Love the story and appreciate the authentic reading - so it’s a 4 star review for Tanya Anne Crosby’s Maiden from the Mist.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continued to have the saying 'Find your true North' in my head as I read Sorcha's story. She found her true North in Caden. This was a perfect way to wrap up the Guardian Series. Caden is suffering from blindness due to a tragic event and Sorcha is an apothecary and healer which would seem a simple fix, right? Yeah, there is much grumbling from Caden and much determination from Sorcha which gives us, the readers and lovers of this series, much laughter throughout the reading of this tale. As always with Tanya's stories, I was left with a full heart at the end. She remains an author who is an auto-buy for me sight unseen because I know I will be immersed in a story well told, historical or modern.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maiden from the Mist

Caden Mac Stein going to fight men coming onto his land when his little brother wanted to come along. Caden told him to stay and take care of the keep. During the war his brother showed up and in the way Caden killed him. Since Caden was suddenly blind. Meanwhile an old woman came to the keep to relay that a girl named Sorcha would be looking for her and the girl should be brought here that she could help Caden. So it happened. Sorcha’s family was looking for her to see that she was safe. Sorcha’s evil father found her and called Caden out to fight during their wedding. Caden fought while his eye sight came back and killed the evil man. Socha and Caden had a happy life with children.

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story to read Sorcha is a fascinating person to get to know in this book. For she was in the other stories, but the depth we see of Sorcha this story is great. I love watching the interaction between Sorcha and Caden. For he lost hope and she brought it back. I love the mixture of history and facts that Tanya adds to the story. It has a combination of mystery and action. Reading this you will find yourself drawn into the story and find it hard to put down. For the way its written, it draws you into the story and keeps you there. Its well written and worth reading. I really enjoy her stories for it gives you a place to escape. J

[Jas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book went pretty quickly compared to others in the series. Sorcha and Caden are cute, and I get the feeling this is a set up for the next series more than anything. I also wish there were other plot points that were better addressed. The line here and there about Kellen and Constance, or Cameron and Cailin was really unsatisfying when we’ve been hearing about these characters for multiple books. And Una especially, because it feels like some of the prophecies and tidbits she spoke about in the first book were just never addressed.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maiden from the Mist

A fitting ending to this series. Secrets left untold send Sorcha on the run but she soon realizes she has no place to go. She decides to follow the footsteps of a dead woman hoping the she is really alive. She finds herself in a far different place than could ever imagine.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed!

I am sad to see the end of this series! The hero's and heroines are realistic and enjoyable and interesting. Each are different and unique. It was well written. Tanya Ann Crosby has a way with words to keep you glued to the pages of the story. Makes you feel like you are right there living with the characters.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite parts of this book were Una, and our blind hero. Una has been the behind the scenes or secondary star of this entire series, so it was good to see what we did of her in this final book. Beyond that, I loved the growing relationship between Caden and Sorcha. Caden is hilarious to me, but he is also so sweet in the end. I loved Sorcha's quips and it was fun to see her independence.

[Sue Turkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Ms Tanya Anne Crosby has a hit on her hands. I have read a few of her books and have loved them all. This is my second in the series and I had no problems following the story...definitely a stand alone. Sorcha is the type of person we all want to be. I loved it and am sure you will too

[tammy walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've ever read!

Tanya brings suspense, laughter and love into this fantastic book. All her books are wonderful in this series but I loved this one the best. I just couldn't put it down. I love how each book is a member of the family and how the secrets are passed down through each generation. Her work is amazing, you won't be dissapointed.

[Sharin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I have read all four of these historical romances. My husband was laughing at me for checking out the historical facts. He said only I would do that. I love the fact that Tanya stuck close to the facts, only fudging on the star. Another awesome reading experience. As with the other three, I had a hard time putting it down!

[PETER GUERIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Magical Ride

A heartfelt Thank You to Ms. Crosby, this series touched me on a personal level, I felt as though I lived with every character, each page drawing the reader in from the 1st chapter to the the final turn of the last page !!!

[Patricia Nessell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable!

Really great book by a wonderful author.. I could not put this book down until it was finished. Characters were strong and loving as opposed to the evil of the enemies.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I truly enjoyed this final story in this series. Sorcha was always my favorite and I knew she would play the most important part in the Guardians of the Stone. Look forward to all the dughters stories.

[Beatrice Jacques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maiden from the mist

I had a feeling that Sorcha was going to play a grand role; i like the woman that she had become; but still it’s like something missing to make the story perfect. Why Una stayed hiding from Sorcha? Will there be a follow up on that?