What do you think?
Rate this book
Highland Brides #3
The Saint
He has chosen a chaste life, but he's never been tempted like this...
Callum has two childhood a stone cross, and the wanton behaviour of his mother, memories that drive him to a take a vow of celibacy at the age of fourteen. Now twenty-four, Callum takes leave from his laird for a year to find the source of these memories and, hopefully, his origins. Weary of finding nothing but disappointment and sorrow at every Kirk and Spital he visits, and with his allotted time fast running out, Cal is compelled to escort a dying man's daughter south to Restenneth Priory. But he never expects the dark-haired woman's hope and determination to tempt him to recant his oath or to make him question everything he believes in.
At the tender age of six, Isla Beaton learned a hard lesson about never giving up despite the challenges and grief that might come her way. Now orphaned and alone at nineteen, she has discarded her girlhood dreams of a love-match in marriage, but neither will she accept the betrothal arrangement set up by her father years before. Instead, she must rely on Callum, a stranger her father sends to her door, to deliver her to the priory where she will dedicate the rest of her life to God. But as their destination draws closer, the time she spends with Callum and the one kiss they share has her wondering if maybe there is hope for the treasured dreams of a girl after all.
Callum has two childhood a stone cross, and the wanton behaviour of his mother, memories that drive him to a take a vow of celibacy at the age of fourteen. Now twenty-four, Callum takes leave from his laird for a year to find the source of these memories and, hopefully, his origins. Weary of finding nothing but disappointment and sorrow at every Kirk and Spital he visits, and with his allotted time fast running out, Cal is compelled to escort a dying man's daughter south to Restenneth Priory. But he never expects the dark-haired woman's hope and determination to tempt him to recant his oath or to make him question everything he believes in.
At the tender age of six, Isla Beaton learned a hard lesson about never giving up despite the challenges and grief that might come her way. Now orphaned and alone at nineteen, she has discarded her girlhood dreams of a love-match in marriage, but neither will she accept the betrothal arrangement set up by her father years before. Instead, she must rely on Callum, a stranger her father sends to her door, to deliver her to the priory where she will dedicate the rest of her life to God. But as their destination draws closer, the time she spends with Callum and the one kiss they share has her wondering if maybe there is hope for the treasured dreams of a girl after all.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2019
61 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Allison Butler
6 books86 followersAllison Butler is an author of Scottish historical romance. She spent her early years in country NSW building pretend castles with hay bales and leaping white posts with her army of two older sisters and a younger brother. Many years later, with her mother's influence, she discovered a passion for words and history, read her first historical romance and was inspired to write her own. She writes each morning and cares for the elderly in the afternoon. Her love of travel has given her the gift of many amazing sights but none more heart-stirring than the rugged beauty of Scotland. Allison lives in a small town in NSW, Australia, with her very own Scottish hero and a Jack Russell named Wallace. Their two beautiful daughters have left the nest and have begun their own adventures. Allison loves travelling, dancing like no-one's watching, taking photos and seeing the sights from the back of her husband's motorcycle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 26, 2019
This was a really sweet story! Isla and Cal were wonderful together and I loved the Scotland setting! Mungo the horse was great too!
January 20, 2019
Callum, the handsome, brawny Highlander here, is truly a saint, folks. In more ways than one. His word is his bond, with no exceptions. He lives his life serving others, whether that be by offering his sword to his Laird or his heart and hands helping the less fortunate. Even those others go way out of their way to avoid. He’s no skirt chaser either, my fellow romance book loving friends. He’s kept his hands and lips off the lasses his entire life. Isla is the first woman to tempt him to break his vow of celibacy.
Isla was verra much the sweet, innocent, damsel in distress. Sad circumstances seem to follow this lass around, though she still tries to find the good even in the darkness of life.
The synopsis is pretty much what you get here. If you find it appealing, you’ll likely enjoy this book verra much. The vast majority of the story line is this main couple traveling under perilous circumstance to a particular destination, where along the way they slowly but surely fall into love. Even then they both ultimately have to take a blind leap of faith to step forward to claim their future together.
It was slow paced, which somewhat dampened my overall enthusiasm. Loose ends regarding Callum’s life get resolved, which gave him some much needed peace and closure. However, I wasn’t particularly fond of the history of his parentage. An old grudge and lethal secret gets revealed that has slowly festered over time and set the stage for unintended consequences to be unleashed. A twist there does try to at least acknowledge and point the blame at its original source.
I feel almost guilty for not rating this book higher, because Callum was so noble and good. Isla so very sweet and endearing. They both were quite saintly and perfect for each other. Probably the pace and one aspect of the subplot of why they were on the run likely is what held me back from doing so.
Overall, I did enjoy seeing this main couple get their HEA. It would make a good Highlander Hallmark movie, if such a TV channel existed. Of course, the one steamy scene and bloody fight scenes would need to be edited. Either way, once again this author proves she can win me over with emotions rather than a lot of graphic smex scenes.
Title: The Saint, Series: Highland Brides (Book 3), Author: Allison Butler, Pages: 235, stand-alone but part of a series, virgin main couple, rather slow paced, not intimate until the end, bloody fight scenes, relationship angst, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, afraid to love hero, blind heroine. Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 1 - The Protector
Book 2 - The Rogue
Book 3 - The Saint
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Isla was verra much the sweet, innocent, damsel in distress. Sad circumstances seem to follow this lass around, though she still tries to find the good even in the darkness of life.
The synopsis is pretty much what you get here. If you find it appealing, you’ll likely enjoy this book verra much. The vast majority of the story line is this main couple traveling under perilous circumstance to a particular destination, where along the way they slowly but surely fall into love. Even then they both ultimately have to take a blind leap of faith to step forward to claim their future together.
It was slow paced, which somewhat dampened my overall enthusiasm. Loose ends regarding Callum’s life get resolved, which gave him some much needed peace and closure. However, I wasn’t particularly fond of the history of his parentage. An old grudge and lethal secret gets revealed that has slowly festered over time and set the stage for unintended consequences to be unleashed. A twist there does try to at least acknowledge and point the blame at its original source.
I feel almost guilty for not rating this book higher, because Callum was so noble and good. Isla so very sweet and endearing. They both were quite saintly and perfect for each other. Probably the pace and one aspect of the subplot of why they were on the run likely is what held me back from doing so.
Overall, I did enjoy seeing this main couple get their HEA. It would make a good Highlander Hallmark movie, if such a TV channel existed. Of course, the one steamy scene and bloody fight scenes would need to be edited. Either way, once again this author proves she can win me over with emotions rather than a lot of graphic smex scenes.
Title: The Saint, Series: Highland Brides (Book 3), Author: Allison Butler, Pages: 235, stand-alone but part of a series, virgin main couple, rather slow paced, not intimate until the end, bloody fight scenes, relationship angst, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, afraid to love hero, blind heroine. Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 1 - The Protector
Book 2 - The Rogue
Book 3 - The Saint
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
January 24, 2019
3 stars
Title: A good yet slow paced Highlander romance
Overall, I enjoyed this book, though it was a little frustrating to get through some parts where things slowed down and there was some unnecessary angst (a personal pet peeve of mine) between the main characters. Callum ("Cal") is the title character here as he has taken a vow of celibacy at the tender age of 14, and the reason is revealed to be because of his mother's "profession." He considers becoming a man of the cloth, but when he is trusted with a dying man's final request (for him to see his daughter Isla safely to her uncle), he feels obligated to fulfill he promise. As he journeys with Isla (who is also considering a life in the church and who has learned that blind women have little value), he feels things he has never felt for any woman before. The will they/won't they goes on from there.
For me, the book was a bit repetitive, and the romance was a pretty long slow burn. Some people like that in their romances, but I tend to prefer a little more action. There was a LOT of exposition (the vast majority of it accurate to the time, but I had a bit of a "yeah, yeah, I get it --- move on already!).. Also, as they are both virgins, the sex scene would have def been a lot more awkward (if ya know what I mean!)... But a worthwhile read in all that can easily be read as a standalone (I had not read the previous two books in the series).
Title: A good yet slow paced Highlander romance
Overall, I enjoyed this book, though it was a little frustrating to get through some parts where things slowed down and there was some unnecessary angst (a personal pet peeve of mine) between the main characters. Callum ("Cal") is the title character here as he has taken a vow of celibacy at the tender age of 14, and the reason is revealed to be because of his mother's "profession." He considers becoming a man of the cloth, but when he is trusted with a dying man's final request (for him to see his daughter Isla safely to her uncle), he feels obligated to fulfill he promise. As he journeys with Isla (who is also considering a life in the church and who has learned that blind women have little value), he feels things he has never felt for any woman before. The will they/won't they goes on from there.
For me, the book was a bit repetitive, and the romance was a pretty long slow burn. Some people like that in their romances, but I tend to prefer a little more action. There was a LOT of exposition (the vast majority of it accurate to the time, but I had a bit of a "yeah, yeah, I get it --- move on already!).. Also, as they are both virgins, the sex scene would have def been a lot more awkward (if ya know what I mean!)... But a worthwhile read in all that can easily be read as a standalone (I had not read the previous two books in the series).
May 12, 2020
I didn't read the first two books and I believe I won't after this book. It had everything I wanted. Nice protagonists with cute relationship, friar uncle (I never knew such character would be so great here), inner struggles of main characters, chaste relationship, great horse, a bit of repentance from side characters... I don't care. I loved it. 5 stars.
February 14, 2021
In an attempt to make up for the sins of his mother, Callum has lived a life of chastity and is considering devoting his life to the church, but he truly has no idea where he belongs or what will bring him peace. While he is working in a leper house he winds up inadvertently making a promise to a dying man to escort his daughter, Isla, to a priory in the south where her uncle is the abbot. Callum decides he will fulfill this duty and then give up on his search for the iron cross that is his only clue from his childhood memories that could help him piece together his origins. Upon his arrival at Isla's home, he finds he is not the only one who has come for her and the two find themselves on the run from Isla's betrothed. Callum is determined to keep to his chaste ways and be nothing like his mother, (who he remembers beckoned many men into her bed), but he feels immediately protective of Isla in a way that is more intense than his usual need to protect the defenseless. It's not long before Callum is wondering just what he's gotten himself into, nevertheless, he won't go back on his work to protect Isla. Callum is surprised to find that Isla stirs feelings of desire in him that he'd long been able to bury and tries to keep his distance from her as much as possible, beyond what is necessary to protect her. Remembering nothing of his mother but her loose ways and striving to not be like her and to make up for her behavior, Callum is ashamed of his inability to control his body's desirous reaction to Isla. Isla is headed for a life of devotion to God and Callum has set his course for a life of celibacy, never to have his own family, but that doesn't stop either one of them longing for the touch of the other. Soon both begin to question what the proper course for their lives really is and if perhaps they belong together instead.
This was an enjoyable read for me, if a bit of a slow burn. It does lag a bit in the latter-middle of the book, but powers through to a satisfying end that left me wanting to read the other two installments of this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
This was an enjoyable read for me, if a bit of a slow burn. It does lag a bit in the latter-middle of the book, but powers through to a satisfying end that left me wanting to read the other two installments of this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
March 29, 2019
This is the third book in a series, and it is the first one I have read, and I loved it, I didn’t feel that I had missed out on anything else but I now really need to read the first two stories, because MS Butler had bought the Scottish Highlands to life for me, a place I have always wanted to visit and she made me fall for Callum and Isla what a beautiful couple, this is a book that I enjoyed so much.
Callum is an orphan who has a couple of memories from his early childhood and at the age of twenty four decides that it is time to go in search of these memories and see what he can find out about his parents, he has been celibate because of memories of his mother and has a few decisions to think about. He ends up helping in a leper’s house and when a dying man asks him to escort his daughter to Restenneth Priory, Cal is determined to do so, but when he meets the lovely Isla his feelings are going to change this woman shows such strength and love.
Isla lost her mother when she was young and lived with her father in a small village, but by the time she was sixteen life had thrown some pretty tough challenges her way and she never has given up and when she is orphaned at nineteen her father has sent someone to escort her to the Priory and there will be a lot of challenges and trials along the way, and one of those is falling for this strong, caring and protective man.
Truly this is a story that I highly recommend, so very well written it bought to life, the characters and setting to make me feel that I was travelling through this road to find a true love and happiness. Cal finally found out about his family, and happily gave up his celibacy to marry the woman who held his heart and to see Isla grow even more with that courage and strength she possessed has left me smiling, thank you MS Butler, I did love this one.
Callum is an orphan who has a couple of memories from his early childhood and at the age of twenty four decides that it is time to go in search of these memories and see what he can find out about his parents, he has been celibate because of memories of his mother and has a few decisions to think about. He ends up helping in a leper’s house and when a dying man asks him to escort his daughter to Restenneth Priory, Cal is determined to do so, but when he meets the lovely Isla his feelings are going to change this woman shows such strength and love.
Isla lost her mother when she was young and lived with her father in a small village, but by the time she was sixteen life had thrown some pretty tough challenges her way and she never has given up and when she is orphaned at nineteen her father has sent someone to escort her to the Priory and there will be a lot of challenges and trials along the way, and one of those is falling for this strong, caring and protective man.
Truly this is a story that I highly recommend, so very well written it bought to life, the characters and setting to make me feel that I was travelling through this road to find a true love and happiness. Cal finally found out about his family, and happily gave up his celibacy to marry the woman who held his heart and to see Isla grow even more with that courage and strength she possessed has left me smiling, thank you MS Butler, I did love this one.
January 19, 2019
Memories from childhood can often affect our lives and that is the case with Callum. He only remembers his mother's loose behavior and a stone cross, before he was left as an orphan. He want to devote his life to the church. But at the age of twenty four he goes on a quest, with two of his friends that were orphans also, to discover from whence they came. Along the way Callum ends up caring for some lepers and one man, Thane, who is near death, asks Callum to protect his daughter, who is alone, and help her get to her uncle.
It seems fate has taken a hand to lead him to Isla, Thane's daughter, but there is more at stake than he could imagine! He finds her in dire circumstances and they find themselves fleeing for their lives and needing to get to her destination which is to devote herself to God. Yes I see a similarity her to her and Callum, but can they stop the attraction that blooms between them? Will they go their separate ways once she is safe?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The characters were very descriptive and I could feel their emotions. Looking forward to reading more in this series and I know you will too!
It seems fate has taken a hand to lead him to Isla, Thane's daughter, but there is more at stake than he could imagine! He finds her in dire circumstances and they find themselves fleeing for their lives and needing to get to her destination which is to devote herself to God. Yes I see a similarity her to her and Callum, but can they stop the attraction that blooms between them? Will they go their separate ways once she is safe?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The characters were very descriptive and I could feel their emotions. Looking forward to reading more in this series and I know you will too!
December 12, 2018
The Saint is book three in the Highland Brides series. Callum is a man without a family or much of a past. He spends a year searching to discover his origin. While on his search, he encounters a young woman who needs his help. Isla Beaton is dependent upon a stranger when her father dies. Callum vows to see her safely to Restenneth Priory where her last remaining relative lives. Isla is intent on serving God, but one kiss from Callum threatens to destroy her resolve.
This is a very well written story and one of my favorite Butler books. I thought Butler told Isla’s point of view masterfully. Although this book is in a series, it truly can be read as a stand alone. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I was gifted a copy of this book from NetGalley.
This is a very well written story and one of my favorite Butler books. I thought Butler told Isla’s point of view masterfully. Although this book is in a series, it truly can be read as a stand alone. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I was gifted a copy of this book from NetGalley.
June 6, 2020
Sorry I just can't continue.
The writing is amateur. I cannot take the lack of logic.
Maybe it's because I have been reading books by mainstream authors lately and they are a tough act to follow? Maybe it's my mood? IDK.
All I know is this is too painful, and it is the writing that has made it so.
Thank God I was able to get a refund.
The writing is amateur. I cannot take the lack of logic.
Maybe it's because I have been reading books by mainstream authors lately and they are a tough act to follow? Maybe it's my mood? IDK.
All I know is this is too painful, and it is the writing that has made it so.
Thank God I was able to get a refund.
December 30, 2018
Callum of Clan Elliott, has left with two of his friends, who are also orphans. They wonder who they are and do they belong to anyone. They have been looking for a year. Callum is helping to care for some lepers. During his short time there he cares for the Thane who is near death and makes it known what his last wish is. His beloved daughter is all alone and needs to be protected long enough to get her to Restenneth Priory. Isla is the daughter of the Thane and she has slowly gone blind. She loved her father greatly, but now that he had died, she had to go to the Priory, where her uncle lived. She felt she had no choice.
I enjoyed this tale very much, there is fighting, escaping, and danger. It was a sweet romantic story thru all the action. She trusts him and does as he asks. The author has done a great job keeping the novel flowing smoothly and it is well written, the characters are well developed and the descriptions help fill in the the rest. I highly recommend this book and hope you like it as much as I do.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and I voluntarily reviewed it.
I enjoyed this tale very much, there is fighting, escaping, and danger. It was a sweet romantic story thru all the action. She trusts him and does as he asks. The author has done a great job keeping the novel flowing smoothly and it is well written, the characters are well developed and the descriptions help fill in the the rest. I highly recommend this book and hope you like it as much as I do.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and I voluntarily reviewed it.
January 24, 2019
Very enjoyable story with a sweet romance between the main protagonists. It is the third in a trilogy, but you don’t need to have read the other two to fully enjoy this one.
Callum (Cal) is an orphan, his mother was a prostitute, so he has vowed to be chaste, to fight against any supposed wantoness in his character. He is on a quest to find out about his mother, as he had found his way to Castle Redheugh, and the Elliot clan, as an orphan, and he had forgotten his history. He is searching for a cross he remembered as a child.
The story opens when he is tending to a dying man in a leper house in Aberdeen in 1404. He is working with men of God to ease his guilt at his mother’s behaviour, he feels he should be doing penance for her sins, but is struggling under this burden too. The man, Thane, asks him to take his daughter Isla to Restenneth Priory, with his dying breath. Almost against his will, he feels compelled to take on this task.
He goes to Thane’s house, and whilst he is trying to convince Isla he means to help her, he is attacked by a mob led by a man with a scarred face. Isla’s house is burned down, and she escapes with Cal.
Isla has been going blind since the age of 6, she lives a completely isolated life. Her father has promised her in marriage, once he is dead, to Dalziel, an older man who had been in love with Isla’s mother. Her father has regretted his actions, and wants her to go to the priory to his brother Norval.
Callum is surprised by Isla’s blindness, and impressed by her competence at managing without sight, They journey towards the priory, with Cal keeping Isla safe from Dalziel and his son Morgan (the scarred man) who are chasing them to abduct Isla. They ride together on his well trained horse, Minho, who becomes a key character in the story.
Over the journey, Cal and Isla are drawn together, and come to trust and admire each other as they are pushed into such close proximity. They share a kiss, and everything changes.
They arrive at the priory, and eventually so does Dalziel. Cal let’s Isla go, for now, and on his way to rescue her and Mungo, is attacked and injured by Morgan. He manages to catch up with Dalziel and exchanges Isla for Morgan, they then, with difficulty, make their way back to the friary in Aberdeen.
There Cal heals and despite the fact that they love each other, they believe the other wants something else. Isla goes back to the priory to become a nun, and Cal is going to Braemar to meet up with his friends Duff and Adair, to travel back to Redheugh together as planned.
Cal realises this was a mistake he goes to the priory, learns about his history from Norval, and the lovers are reunited and get their HEA. They travel to Braemar and all three friends are reunited, the gather with their respective ladies.
I was pleasantly surprised by this, the history and details were well handled, the relationship between Cal and Isla is sensitively handled and they have lots of respect for each other. Their characters were well handled, I liked the way the author handled their inner monologues, Cal didn’t come over as priggish, as he might have done, and Isla didn’t seem helpless, despite her disability.i also think the fight scenes were very well done.
I received an ARC of this book which I reviewed voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Callum (Cal) is an orphan, his mother was a prostitute, so he has vowed to be chaste, to fight against any supposed wantoness in his character. He is on a quest to find out about his mother, as he had found his way to Castle Redheugh, and the Elliot clan, as an orphan, and he had forgotten his history. He is searching for a cross he remembered as a child.
The story opens when he is tending to a dying man in a leper house in Aberdeen in 1404. He is working with men of God to ease his guilt at his mother’s behaviour, he feels he should be doing penance for her sins, but is struggling under this burden too. The man, Thane, asks him to take his daughter Isla to Restenneth Priory, with his dying breath. Almost against his will, he feels compelled to take on this task.
He goes to Thane’s house, and whilst he is trying to convince Isla he means to help her, he is attacked by a mob led by a man with a scarred face. Isla’s house is burned down, and she escapes with Cal.
Isla has been going blind since the age of 6, she lives a completely isolated life. Her father has promised her in marriage, once he is dead, to Dalziel, an older man who had been in love with Isla’s mother. Her father has regretted his actions, and wants her to go to the priory to his brother Norval.
Callum is surprised by Isla’s blindness, and impressed by her competence at managing without sight, They journey towards the priory, with Cal keeping Isla safe from Dalziel and his son Morgan (the scarred man) who are chasing them to abduct Isla. They ride together on his well trained horse, Minho, who becomes a key character in the story.
Over the journey, Cal and Isla are drawn together, and come to trust and admire each other as they are pushed into such close proximity. They share a kiss, and everything changes.
They arrive at the priory, and eventually so does Dalziel. Cal let’s Isla go, for now, and on his way to rescue her and Mungo, is attacked and injured by Morgan. He manages to catch up with Dalziel and exchanges Isla for Morgan, they then, with difficulty, make their way back to the friary in Aberdeen.
There Cal heals and despite the fact that they love each other, they believe the other wants something else. Isla goes back to the priory to become a nun, and Cal is going to Braemar to meet up with his friends Duff and Adair, to travel back to Redheugh together as planned.
Cal realises this was a mistake he goes to the priory, learns about his history from Norval, and the lovers are reunited and get their HEA. They travel to Braemar and all three friends are reunited, the gather with their respective ladies.
I was pleasantly surprised by this, the history and details were well handled, the relationship between Cal and Isla is sensitively handled and they have lots of respect for each other. Their characters were well handled, I liked the way the author handled their inner monologues, Cal didn’t come over as priggish, as he might have done, and Isla didn’t seem helpless, despite her disability.i also think the fight scenes were very well done.
I received an ARC of this book which I reviewed voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2019
I don’t read many romance books outside of ‘chick lit’ and ‘women’s fiction’, but I thought I’d give this a try as it reminded me a little of outlander, a show that I loved until they moved to France in series two. I have a bit of an obsession with Scotland and Scottish culture, so this book sparked my interest.
All that I can say about it was that it wasn’t bad. It was kind of ‘meh’ the whole way through. I didn’t DNF the book, but I didn’t really enjoy it either. I am not actually sure what kept me reading. It is the third book in the series, but it didn’t seem to be connected to the books before it in any way until the end, so it made it good to read as a one-off at least.
I did like Isla as a character though, and I think she might have been the reason I kept reading. I didn’t really care much for Cal’s story at all though. However, Isla is blind, and it really made me happy to see a protagonist with a disability in a romance novel. So I have to give Allison credit there, and she wrote Isla’s situation and experiences with being blind really well. She gave us a good insight into what it might be like to live blind.
However, I can’t give this book more than two stars. The start is really slow, I didn’t like the ending and the only part I did like reading was the scenes when they were travelling. I am grateful for the fact that I did watch the first series of Outlander, as a lot of the speech is written in Scots, which I can imagine would be hard for a lot of people to read, especially if English isn’t your first language and you have never been to Scotland or seen a show like Outlander. I like that Allison put some historical accuracy into the book, but this did take away from the enjoyment a little as it made everything that little bit harder to read.
I did like that this book wasn’t overly explicit for a romance book, but at the same time, it really seemed to lack chemistry for me. The love between Isla and Cal didn’t give me butterflies and I wasn’t all that bothered by the ‘will they won’t they’ that this book contains as the ending was a little too obvious for me to be convinced by it.
And the ending was really strange. It seemed like a whole chapter was added unnecessarily just to try and make it a sequel to the other two books before it. It didn’t really work with the rest of the story, and it just seemed like it was added because it had to be in order to make it a sequel instead of a standalone.
All in all, this book was just a bit average all around really and it won’t be a series I will be tempted to continue.
All that I can say about it was that it wasn’t bad. It was kind of ‘meh’ the whole way through. I didn’t DNF the book, but I didn’t really enjoy it either. I am not actually sure what kept me reading. It is the third book in the series, but it didn’t seem to be connected to the books before it in any way until the end, so it made it good to read as a one-off at least.
I did like Isla as a character though, and I think she might have been the reason I kept reading. I didn’t really care much for Cal’s story at all though. However, Isla is blind, and it really made me happy to see a protagonist with a disability in a romance novel. So I have to give Allison credit there, and she wrote Isla’s situation and experiences with being blind really well. She gave us a good insight into what it might be like to live blind.
However, I can’t give this book more than two stars. The start is really slow, I didn’t like the ending and the only part I did like reading was the scenes when they were travelling. I am grateful for the fact that I did watch the first series of Outlander, as a lot of the speech is written in Scots, which I can imagine would be hard for a lot of people to read, especially if English isn’t your first language and you have never been to Scotland or seen a show like Outlander. I like that Allison put some historical accuracy into the book, but this did take away from the enjoyment a little as it made everything that little bit harder to read.
I did like that this book wasn’t overly explicit for a romance book, but at the same time, it really seemed to lack chemistry for me. The love between Isla and Cal didn’t give me butterflies and I wasn’t all that bothered by the ‘will they won’t they’ that this book contains as the ending was a little too obvious for me to be convinced by it.
And the ending was really strange. It seemed like a whole chapter was added unnecessarily just to try and make it a sequel to the other two books before it. It didn’t really work with the rest of the story, and it just seemed like it was added because it had to be in order to make it a sequel instead of a standalone.
All in all, this book was just a bit average all around really and it won’t be a series I will be tempted to continue.
September 10, 2023
While Callum “Cal” Mackenzie is taking care of lepers that one of his friends is on his deathbed begging him to take his beloved daughter, Isla Beaton, to Restenneth Priory. Callum makes a promise to do as instructed and honor the man’s dying wish. When Callum gets to the man’s home, he finds Isla but there is something not right about her. Isla tries to hide her secret from Callum, that in truth she is blind. There is also a bigger thing involved that she is also betrothed, and his son is wants to get rid of her. Cal doesn’t know about the betrothal and thinks things are just fine until everywhere he turns there is someone on his trail and has been following them from the beginning. Cal will do anything to keep Isla safe even if he might die trying to get her to the Priory.
What a uniquely different Scottish historical romance that is a pretty intriguing read! The story was pretty much non-stop action from the start to the beginning which made for a very fast paced read! Maybe it’s not so much the story that was unusual but the blind independent heroine Isla, that really struck a chord with me. Very rarely do I read about heroines that have a physical disability so it was interesting to see how Ms. Allison Butler would portray that. Cal didn’t seem normal or even human especially since he was injured and didn’t give himself time to heal so the believability factor of this didn’t even seem plausible. Also, the resolution with the villains and the broken family relations should have been delved into a bit more. Still the story is a good one and yes, I would like to read more books of Ms. Butler!
What a uniquely different Scottish historical romance that is a pretty intriguing read! The story was pretty much non-stop action from the start to the beginning which made for a very fast paced read! Maybe it’s not so much the story that was unusual but the blind independent heroine Isla, that really struck a chord with me. Very rarely do I read about heroines that have a physical disability so it was interesting to see how Ms. Allison Butler would portray that. Cal didn’t seem normal or even human especially since he was injured and didn’t give himself time to heal so the believability factor of this didn’t even seem plausible. Also, the resolution with the villains and the broken family relations should have been delved into a bit more. Still the story is a good one and yes, I would like to read more books of Ms. Butler!
April 30, 2024
Kobo+ . Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. 2 nd book in the series Highland Brides. MC’s : Isla, blind daughter recently orphaned after her father died from Leprosy. Callum, from the Elliott Clan at the Borders, friends with Duff, (The Protector).
This book has been a pleasant surprise after reading “the Protector “. While there isn’t much lust or sex in either of these stories the pacing is better in this story and the plot has more purpose. Callum was asked to escort a dying man’s daughter to her Uncle upon his death. He did so having to protect her from a man who said she was promised to him in marriage. Isla’s father made a deal with Dalziel so he could spend more time with her before going to the leper house ( colony). Callum is Isla’s only hope to flee Dalziel. Morgan Dalziel’s son also wanted Isla for himself and tried to take her the night Callum went to take her on the journey to her Uncle’s monastery south of Aberdeen. They made it to the priory when Dalziel and his bodyguard Conan cornered him and forced him to hand over Isla. Meanwhile Morgan was in hiding ready to ambush Callum and planned to get Isla away from his own father. Morgan also caused Isla’s mother to die when she was 10 years old. Morgan apparently wanted her mother too, same as his father(Dalziel). Callum and the Priest’s defeated Morgan and his men. Callum is taking Morgan as hostage to trade for Isla.
Quote:
In his mind he’d believed kissing Isla was wrong, before his mouth had even touched her lips. But kissing her had been a need he couldn’t stop, a want he hadn’t been prepared to pass up. Kissing Isla was the best wrong choice he’d ever made. His heart told him so.
This book has been a pleasant surprise after reading “the Protector “. While there isn’t much lust or sex in either of these stories the pacing is better in this story and the plot has more purpose. Callum was asked to escort a dying man’s daughter to her Uncle upon his death. He did so having to protect her from a man who said she was promised to him in marriage. Isla’s father made a deal with Dalziel so he could spend more time with her before going to the leper house ( colony). Callum is Isla’s only hope to flee Dalziel. Morgan Dalziel’s son also wanted Isla for himself and tried to take her the night Callum went to take her on the journey to her Uncle’s monastery south of Aberdeen. They made it to the priory when Dalziel and his bodyguard Conan cornered him and forced him to hand over Isla. Meanwhile Morgan was in hiding ready to ambush Callum and planned to get Isla away from his own father. Morgan also caused Isla’s mother to die when she was 10 years old. Morgan apparently wanted her mother too, same as his father(Dalziel). Callum and the Priest’s defeated Morgan and his men. Callum is taking Morgan as hostage to trade for Isla.
Quote:
In his mind he’d believed kissing Isla was wrong, before his mouth had even touched her lips. But kissing her had been a need he couldn’t stop, a want he hadn’t been prepared to pass up. Kissing Isla was the best wrong choice he’d ever made. His heart told him so.
January 21, 2019
The Saint by Allison Butler is book Three in the Highland Brides Series. This is the story of Isla and Callum. I have read the other books in this series, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Callum's memories from childhood have turned him into the man he is today. Callum's has swore to be celibacy which he has maintained now at the age of 24. But Callumis a care person who tries to help other that are in need or are weak. Callum sets out to research the memories that he has had to get the full meaning of what happened. When asked by a dying man to help his daughter, Callum cannot turn him down. This sets Callum on the path to meet Isla. Isla hasn't had it easy her whole life but she goes forward the best that she can...even giving up her dreams of a love marriage.
Callum hasn't ever been tempted to break his vow of celibacy until he meets Isla and gets to know her. But can these two overcome their past to make a future?
Enjoyed their story!
Callum's memories from childhood have turned him into the man he is today. Callum's has swore to be celibacy which he has maintained now at the age of 24. But Callumis a care person who tries to help other that are in need or are weak. Callum sets out to research the memories that he has had to get the full meaning of what happened. When asked by a dying man to help his daughter, Callum cannot turn him down. This sets Callum on the path to meet Isla. Isla hasn't had it easy her whole life but she goes forward the best that she can...even giving up her dreams of a love marriage.
Callum hasn't ever been tempted to break his vow of celibacy until he meets Isla and gets to know her. But can these two overcome their past to make a future?
Enjoyed their story!
July 14, 2019
Callum has two childhood memories: a stone cross, and the wanton behaviour of his mother, memories that drive him to take a vow of celibacy at the age of fourteen. Now twenty-four, Callum takes leave from his laird for a year to find the source of these memories and, hopefully, his origins. Weary of finding nothing but disappointment and sorrow at every Kirk and Spital he visits, and with his allotted time fast running out, Cal is compelled to escort a dying man's daughter south to Restenneth Priory. But he never expects the dark-haired woman's hope and determination to tempt him to recant his oath or to make him question everything he believes in.
This was a pretty decent book. I didn’t realize it was the third in a series but I don’t think that deterred from it at all. I liked both main characters a lot. I had some minor issues with the book, but still enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was a pretty decent book. I didn’t realize it was the third in a series but I don’t think that deterred from it at all. I liked both main characters a lot. I had some minor issues with the book, but still enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
December 16, 2018
Callum takes the final request of a dying man, who wants his daughter taken safely to her uncle. He agrees, and goes to find her, when she is attacked by a group of men trying to kill her. Callum protects her, and they make their escape. Isla is frightened, and learning of her father's death she is sad as well. Also, a big impediment is that she is basically blind. Back in the late 1400's it was harder than now, but overall she does ok. A good story, and one I enjoyed, but did find it easy to skim a bit. Some description is not needed, and made it easier to skip some of the words. Overall though, I would still highly recommend this book and author.
November 12, 2020
A thoroughly good book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book Although there was mainly only two main characters in most of the book it was so well written that you couldn’t get bored you just have to keep reading I have read the other two books in the series and have enjoyed all three I wouldn’t know which one to pick between them for the best because each one is so different but what I will say is I thoroughly enjoyed the end of this last one as it brings Duff Adair and Callum together at their meeting point ready to go back down to the borders.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book Although there was mainly only two main characters in most of the book it was so well written that you couldn’t get bored you just have to keep reading I have read the other two books in the series and have enjoyed all three I wouldn’t know which one to pick between them for the best because each one is so different but what I will say is I thoroughly enjoyed the end of this last one as it brings Duff Adair and Callum together at their meeting point ready to go back down to the borders.
January 21, 2019
Stoater of a story
Knowing 'The Saint' was coming I prepared by re-reading the previous books of Borderland & Highland Brides (honestly absolutely _no_ trial !)
The story had so much information & character development that kept my interest and enough to-ing & fro-ing that I needed Google maps ! Actually passed by Aberlemno last week !
The reunion was enjoyable & cleverly done, however I would have liked a little "more" for the ending...... Maybe another book ??!!
Knowing 'The Saint' was coming I prepared by re-reading the previous books of Borderland & Highland Brides (honestly absolutely _no_ trial !)
The story had so much information & character development that kept my interest and enough to-ing & fro-ing that I needed Google maps ! Actually passed by Aberlemno last week !
The reunion was enjoyable & cleverly done, however I would have liked a little "more" for the ending...... Maybe another book ??!!
April 3, 2020
What sweet love story.
Virgin hero sweeping sweet virgin lass to her safety and then fall in Love after 2 weeks.
I'm glad they all meet up the rest of Clan Elliot friends after one year they have been given.
I want the epilogue! For then, they all meet Laird Lacnlan Elliot and a sneek peek of them coming together home and have joy gathering, then the story would be complete. Unless .... You have more series? 📚
Callum ♥️ Isla.
Virgin hero sweeping sweet virgin lass to her safety and then fall in Love after 2 weeks.
I'm glad they all meet up the rest of Clan Elliot friends after one year they have been given.
I want the epilogue! For then, they all meet Laird Lacnlan Elliot and a sneek peek of them coming together home and have joy gathering, then the story would be complete. Unless .... You have more series? 📚
Callum ♥️ Isla.
January 24, 2019
Callum is fulfilling the wish of a dying man by escorting his daughter to a priory. Both Cullum and Isla plan to serve God in someway but what will happen when sparks fly between them? The story is fast-paced with lots of drama and suspense. Callum and Isla are both great characters with lots of depth and the story is entertaining and takes you on a journey back in time. I liked it.
May 7, 2021
I found this to be a very simplistic story, with ultra-naive main characters, who were described in very broad verbal brushstrokes. But the most unsatisfying aspect of the narrative for me was the frequent introduction of secondary characters who were named, identified by relationship, and then completely ignored.
May 14, 2021
2.5 Stars. What I liked: a unique plot and unusual H/h. What I did not like: constantly switching from ethnic dialogue to modern dialogue within the same character and the conversation. The plotting was weak and felt forced. I felt very sorry for the horse. I’ll not be reading anything else by this author until a decent editor is found.
March 22, 2021
Love in the purest form and adventure
Heart filling and melting with Isla and Callum. It’s a highlander romance, with love in the purest form, adventures and friendship. It’s one of my favourites books ever 😍
Heart filling and melting with Isla and Callum. It’s a highlander romance, with love in the purest form, adventures and friendship. It’s one of my favourites books ever 😍
May 6, 2021
Great Scottish Romance
So happy I stumbled upon this author and this story about such unexpected hero yet very sexy virginal hero and heroine! I loved the character, plot and overall descriptive detail of Callum and Isla's story
So happy I stumbled upon this author and this story about such unexpected hero yet very sexy virginal hero and heroine! I loved the character, plot and overall descriptive detail of Callum and Isla's story
February 25, 2024
True Love
I loved this book. Cal is such a good and exceptional man. He truly is the best of men. He and Isla are truly meant for each other. Isla is a very strong and trust woman. They awful so sweet together. I also loved the horse Mungo. BC
I loved this book. Cal is such a good and exceptional man. He truly is the best of men. He and Isla are truly meant for each other. Isla is a very strong and trust woman. They awful so sweet together. I also loved the horse Mungo. BC
August 6, 2019
Loved it
The series is amazing. Wish I would have known the order of the books before I got three read. Apparently, there are two more books in the series.
The series is amazing. Wish I would have known the order of the books before I got three read. Apparently, there are two more books in the series.
February 3, 2023
Set in 1404 Scotland twenty-four year old Collum is asked to escort nineteen year old Isla Beaton from Aberdeen to Restenneth Priory.
Isla’s blindness is a major part of the story.
Isla’s blindness is a major part of the story.
December 8, 2018
I enjoyed reading the storyline of this book and how everything flowed.
The characters I enjoyed and how they accepted their flaws and relied on their strengths. The inner turmoil of emotions with the two main protagonists remained steady throughout the plot which is a relief from the fickle mindedness as some characters can be portrayed when dealt with dilemmas.
I also appreciated the style of writing. Though this is my first Allison Butler novel I’ve read, the style was written in a way that leads towards how one of the characters in the story relies on descriptive imagery.
Overall I enjoyed this read and melted my heart at the end.
4/5 stars
The characters I enjoyed and how they accepted their flaws and relied on their strengths. The inner turmoil of emotions with the two main protagonists remained steady throughout the plot which is a relief from the fickle mindedness as some characters can be portrayed when dealt with dilemmas.
I also appreciated the style of writing. Though this is my first Allison Butler novel I’ve read, the style was written in a way that leads towards how one of the characters in the story relies on descriptive imagery.
Overall I enjoyed this read and melted my heart at the end.
4/5 stars
December 16, 2018
Callum and Isla have an interesting story. On his deathbed, Isla's father asks Callum to take her to a priory. Being a good man he agrees.
The road they travel is filled with danger. You will truly enjoy his short .
The road they travel is filled with danger. You will truly enjoy his short .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews