A Highland Emerald

Highland Treasures #3

by Brenda B. Taylor

A Highland Emerald, a sweet romance, is the third book in the award-winning Highland Treasures series. It tells the story of Aine MacLean and William Munro, and is the prequel to A Highland Pearl.

Aine MacLean is forced into an arranged marriage with Sir William, Chief of Clan Munro, yet her heart belongs to a handsome young warrior in her father’s guard. She must leave Durant Castle, the home of her birth on the Isle of Mull, and travel across Scotland in a perilous journey to her husband’s home on Cromarty Firth. William agrees to a year and day of handfasting, giving Aine an opportunity to accept him and his clan. He promises her the protection of Clan Munro; however, Aine experiences kidnapping, pirates, and almost loses her life in the River Moriston. She doubts the sincerity of William’s promises and decides to return to Durant Castle when the handfasting ends. William determines to win Aine’s heart. Will the brave knight triumph in his fight for the bonnie lass?

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2017

About the author

Brenda B Taylor and her husband make their home in beautiful East Texas where they enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. Brenda earned three degrees: a BSE from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; a MEd from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas; and an EdD Texas A&M, College Station, Texas.

Brenda crafts stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people in her favorite place overlooking bird feeders, bird houses, and a variety of blooming trees and flowers. She sincerely thanks all who purchase and read her books. Her desire is that the message in each book will touch the heart of the reader as it did hers in the writing.

Reviews

[MarytheBookLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Opinion:

This was a bit of a pickle for me. I liked the premise of the book but not the execution of it. I found I only really liked William. He was true to his feelings the whole time. This starts off with Aine having to get married but not to the man that she claims she loves. Her father has her in an arranged marriage to someone she doesn't know. Now, I know that sounds horrible but that was what the times called for. So, that wasn't so bad. What was bad is the fact that Aine can't make up her mind and just her overall, I want him - I don't want him had me wanting to shake her silly. It was a bit much for me. What really made me mad was the fact that she fell in bed with William. What happened to this undying love for the other guy? Bad execution.

What I did like, William. In fact, I felt bad he got saddled with Aine. She should have been a better person instead of a spoiled brat. He seemed caring and honest and wanted to have her fall in love with him. That is why he struck up a bargain of a year and a day with her. To get her to fall for him. He didn't try to force her or trick her into it. He was honest. I cared about what happened to him as opposed to her. Overall, it wasn't a bad book just could have used a little more development with Aine. I also adore this cover. One of the best I have seen for a Historical Romance.

I give this book 3 of 5 stars!

Disclaimer: I received this book from Pump Up Your Book and the Author for an honest review. The gifting of this book in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. Thank you to them both.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really didn't like this heroine until almost the middle of this book. She was a whining, crying little brat even though she was 18 years old. I was tempted to stop reading this book but I had read A Highland Pearl and A Highland Ruby and this author was very good about developing her characters in those books so I continued on. I'm glad I did because gradually the hero won heroine,s love and she matured a lot. After all this, I would recommend this book. There were lots of disasters which led to an interesting read.

[Katelynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance between two characters with a LOT of heat between them. Aine is headstrong and immature but lovable, while William is passionate and knows what he wants. My only complaint with this novel is that the author does more telling than showing. While there were a few romantic moments that really swept me up (namely, the first time Aine spent the night with William), I think I would have had more of an emotional connection if there was less saying things like "I missed home" and more showing of Aine and William's emotions.

My favorite part of this book is that it seemed extremely historically accurate. I don't know a lot about the time period, but there were some awesome clothing and decor descriptions that really brought the scenes alive!

This is a clean, sweet romance, so though sexy scenes are alluded to, there are no details. :)

I received this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first time author for me, I loved it. Aine is young and in love with Ellic Garver. William is Chief of Clan Munro and Laird of Fardech Castle, it is an arranged Marriage, which she refuses.
The descriptions allow you to feel like you are in Scotland with it's lush and verdant landscape. The characters are marvelous and help draw you into the story. They seem so realistic with what they say, do and act. Aine is afraid and feels very alone and just wants her home and family. The plot is cohesive and gives a complete view of the bits and pieces that make up this tale. It moves well and smoothly and answers all your questions, at least it did mine. The author wrote an exceptional book, I feel lucky to have been given a chance to read it. I received this book at no charge from the publisher.

[Patricia Schuette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Laird travels across Scotland to meet and marry the girl he has contracted to marry. She doesn't wish to marry him as she loves one of her father's men. The story follows their trials and tribulations traveling to his castle. Great research!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning Scottish romance from Taylor. There's no fluff here. Taylor paints a picture of the real Scotland, and it makes my heart ache for a place I once called home. This is a must read.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching Highland Romance of an arranged marriage between a pampered youngest child and an older Warrior Laird from the opposite sides of Scotland. The young woman has an affection for a soldier for her father and does not want to forsake him for the arranged match. Kindly, the Laird gives in to a hand fasting rather than a marriage, trusting in his ability to change Aine’s mind during the year. As the long journey to his castle takes place, many hardships occur, allowing Aine to develop appreciation for William’s strength and goodness to begin to develop. Her love is not easily given to William. Eventually, her heart is won and they embark on a true marriage.
The book has a good storyline, with a spoiled, selfish young girl who has no appreciation of duty and responsibility. Even at the end of the story, she is untrained in the wifely duties of running a huge castle or even of bathing her husband after a battle. These things are finally learned, as she begins appreciating her new role in life. Throughout the story, William, her handfasted husband, is a tower of strength and goodness. His past life, before Aine, only becomes known at the end of the story, where we learn of the hardships he has already faced in life. The story kept my interest to the point I could not put it down until it was finished. This will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.