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Highland Chronicles Tales #2
A Highland Captive
1298
Scotland
Cailean MacDubhgaill, a knight from a small western island fighting for the Scottish cause, joins the battle at Falkirk but is wounded when he takes a blow to the thigh by an axe. Sir Eoín de Moray, uncle to his late friend, the former guardian, Andrew, helps him escape the carnage and takes him into a nearby forest, but is killed whilst fighting off pursuers.
Once Cailean has recovered from his injuries with the help of the healer Eithne, he rushes to de Moray’s manor on the northern shores of Loch Ness to convey the news to de Moray’s daughter, Isobel, but he is too late. He finds the manor burnt down, its people displaced, and Isobel abducted. Determined to honour the knight who had saved his life, he tracks Isobel down.
Finding herself taken away from her home against her will, to be married off to an English lord in service to King Edward I, Isobel de Moray ponders her fate when a nighttime raid on the mercenary camp sees her freed – only to fall into the hands of a strong-minded knight. The stranger takes her to his keep on the remote island of Eorsa, to keep her safe.
But Isobel has other ideas…
Scotland
Cailean MacDubhgaill, a knight from a small western island fighting for the Scottish cause, joins the battle at Falkirk but is wounded when he takes a blow to the thigh by an axe. Sir Eoín de Moray, uncle to his late friend, the former guardian, Andrew, helps him escape the carnage and takes him into a nearby forest, but is killed whilst fighting off pursuers.
Once Cailean has recovered from his injuries with the help of the healer Eithne, he rushes to de Moray’s manor on the northern shores of Loch Ness to convey the news to de Moray’s daughter, Isobel, but he is too late. He finds the manor burnt down, its people displaced, and Isobel abducted. Determined to honour the knight who had saved his life, he tracks Isobel down.
Finding herself taken away from her home against her will, to be married off to an English lord in service to King Edward I, Isobel de Moray ponders her fate when a nighttime raid on the mercenary camp sees her freed – only to fall into the hands of a strong-minded knight. The stranger takes her to his keep on the remote island of Eorsa, to keep her safe.
But Isobel has other ideas…
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2019
150 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Cathie Dunn
13 books154 followersI write historical fiction, mystery and romance. My novels have garnered praise for their authentic descriptions of the past.
I am also a book promoter with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Find out more about blog tours and other book promos at www.thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com!
I'm a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
I am also a book promoter with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Find out more about blog tours and other book promos at www.thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com!
I'm a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 24, 2019
I know very little about 13th-century Scottish history and the Wars of Independence, so this book was a new departure for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a pacy story, mixing romance with politics, which is difficult to put down. The author clearly knows her stuff, not only about the history and intrigues of the time, but also about the fine details of people’s lives. The Scottish landscape is beautifully evoked, too.
When her father is killed, Isobel de Moray is vulnerable and alone. For a woman of her times and status, the choices were few and the most likely outcome is a forced political marriage to a man noted for his cruelty. It’s hard to know who to trust in this situation. The other main character, Cailean, has his own issues to deal with. The initially hostile but developing relationship between him and Isobel may be predictable, but you are rooting for them both and the outcome is satisfying.
Highly recommended for people who enjoy historical adventure with well-drawn characters in a convincingly-portrayed setting.
When her father is killed, Isobel de Moray is vulnerable and alone. For a woman of her times and status, the choices were few and the most likely outcome is a forced political marriage to a man noted for his cruelty. It’s hard to know who to trust in this situation. The other main character, Cailean, has his own issues to deal with. The initially hostile but developing relationship between him and Isobel may be predictable, but you are rooting for them both and the outcome is satisfying.
Highly recommended for people who enjoy historical adventure with well-drawn characters in a convincingly-portrayed setting.
March 8, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the Scottish locations in this enthralling medieval adventure, the descriptions of highlands and islands very atmospheric. The choice of which faction to back during the late thirteenth century Scottish Wars of Independence was a tough one and many clansmen ended up being on the wrong side of a sword blade. Sometimes this was through gullibility, though treachery was also rife as we experience in A Highland Captive. Isobel de Moray has some tough choices to make since placing her trust isn’t easy when faced with unenviable situations. I very much enjoyed how the author portrays her vulnerability, though Isobel’s definitely no wimp. When options for a woman of status were limited, it was great to follow Isobel’s reasoning, even if it seems skewed as seen through my twenty-first century lens. The endearing hero Cailean makes decisions that are honour bound but he’s also got some deep personal issues to work through which he manages very effectively. There are some well-described secondary characters, balanced by some nasty double-crossers that you would not want to meet on a little boat carrying you between the Scottish mainland and the islands.
A Highland Captive is definitely recommended for readers who enjoy a historical Scottish romantic adventure!
A Highland Captive is definitely recommended for readers who enjoy a historical Scottish romantic adventure!
May 6, 2019
3.5/5.0
Elaborate descriptions of the physical and political landscapes offer a vibrant background for the violent skirmishes between the various Scots and English groups.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Elaborate descriptions of the physical and political landscapes offer a vibrant background for the violent skirmishes between the various Scots and English groups.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 30, 2019
.
An excellent book, it will catch you from beginning to end. I could visualise the scenes like I was watching a movie. This book is a must read and will keep you reading from beginning to end.
An excellent book, it will catch you from beginning to end. I could visualise the scenes like I was watching a movie. This book is a must read and will keep you reading from beginning to end.
September 29, 2019
From The Frying Pan Into The Fire
The young Knight Sir Caillian is seriously wounded with a deadly gash across his thigh expecting to die on the battlefield when he is rescued by his friend and fellow knight Sir Eoin DeMoray. DeMoray sacrifices hi!self for the young Knight with his last words are for Caillian to look after his daughter Isobel. This task is harder than he expected for after he is well enough to do so he finds her home destroyed and her kidnapped. She was taken to give political advantage to an English mercenary. He rescues her, but she wants to return home with the help of her father's high ranking friends.
She foolishly puts herself in danger making it necessary to arrange her rescue again.
She is a determined young lady that comes to realize she needs him and their romance that had just began was what she really wanted all along.
This was a time in Scottish history where it was difficult to know who to trust even if they were family. I love learning about Scottish history as my ancestry is very tangled up in all the countries Scotland is made up of. I found this story great to read as it was a sweet romance and informative of Scotland trying to gain it's freedom from England's stranglehold.
The young Knight Sir Caillian is seriously wounded with a deadly gash across his thigh expecting to die on the battlefield when he is rescued by his friend and fellow knight Sir Eoin DeMoray. DeMoray sacrifices hi!self for the young Knight with his last words are for Caillian to look after his daughter Isobel. This task is harder than he expected for after he is well enough to do so he finds her home destroyed and her kidnapped. She was taken to give political advantage to an English mercenary. He rescues her, but she wants to return home with the help of her father's high ranking friends.
She foolishly puts herself in danger making it necessary to arrange her rescue again.
She is a determined young lady that comes to realize she needs him and their romance that had just began was what she really wanted all along.
This was a time in Scottish history where it was difficult to know who to trust even if they were family. I love learning about Scottish history as my ancestry is very tangled up in all the countries Scotland is made up of. I found this story great to read as it was a sweet romance and informative of Scotland trying to gain it's freedom from England's stranglehold.
November 16, 2020
Good historical read
The histories of Scotland, Ireland and England are vast and convoluted, to say the least. The author did a good job with a very specific time period. I will sat, however, I didn't care for Isobel very much. For being a part of a major family in this time period she wasn't too smart about ulterior motives.
The histories of Scotland, Ireland and England are vast and convoluted, to say the least. The author did a good job with a very specific time period. I will sat, however, I didn't care for Isobel very much. For being a part of a major family in this time period she wasn't too smart about ulterior motives.
March 28, 2019
I chose this book for its Scottish setting and an insight in to a period I knew little about. Although I 'm not usually a fan of romance and found Isobel and her hero rather easily swayed by their romantic sides, it provided a great read with an excellent climax and rousing finale. I was particularly impressed by the author's deep knowledge of history and culture of the period in everything from drinking cups to to breeds of horses. The Scottish landscape (of several regions and in all weathers) makes a beautifully described backdrop. I can heartily recommend this to anyone looking for a full-blooded romantic adventure which successfully evokes both time and place.
September 17, 2019
A Highland Captive by Cathie Dunn has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
Thoroughly enjoyable book; I liked everything about it. So often with this time period, the battle scenes and cruelty can be too much, the romance can be overdone & irritating, etc. I felt this book was very well balanced, has an engaging & interesting storyline; good, strong characters; true to the period without overdoing the barbarity.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
Thoroughly enjoyable book; I liked everything about it. So often with this time period, the battle scenes and cruelty can be too much, the romance can be overdone & irritating, etc. I felt this book was very well balanced, has an engaging & interesting storyline; good, strong characters; true to the period without overdoing the barbarity.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
December 12, 2020
A bit disappointing
I’d read Highland Arms, so I looked forward to A Highland Captive. While the history and background of this book were well researched, I found the character development to be a bit lacking, especially with some of the secondary & tertiary characters. You get the happily ever after, and plenty of men in kilts with swords, but I still felt let down.
I’d read Highland Arms, so I looked forward to A Highland Captive. While the history and background of this book were well researched, I found the character development to be a bit lacking, especially with some of the secondary & tertiary characters. You get the happily ever after, and plenty of men in kilts with swords, but I still felt let down.
June 15, 2020
Historical fiction
Historical fiction with just a little bit of romance and a lot of action. This book drew me in because it was an era of history I knew nothing about, not did I know much about this geographical area. This author did a superb job describing both. I could go early day I could feel I was experiencing what was written on the page. A truly enjoyable book.
Historical fiction with just a little bit of romance and a lot of action. This book drew me in because it was an era of history I knew nothing about, not did I know much about this geographical area. This author did a superb job describing both. I could go early day I could feel I was experiencing what was written on the page. A truly enjoyable book.
July 8, 2019
Good
Great story. Filled with likeable characters and plenty of action. Romance, historical facts and fiction, all woven into an interesting tale. I like this author and will look for more of her stories.
Great story. Filled with likeable characters and plenty of action. Romance, historical facts and fiction, all woven into an interesting tale. I like this author and will look for more of her stories.
January 6, 2020
I think that this book was written by a author that has a lyrical way with words. I really enjoyed this book and will buy more from this author!
January 14, 2020
3 star
Decent read with a complicated plot and credible historical references. The MC was a bit easily misled but how many of us haven't made relationship mistakes?
Decent read with a complicated plot and credible historical references. The MC was a bit easily misled but how many of us haven't made relationship mistakes?
February 27, 2020
Enjoyable read!
I liked this book and it was a pretty fast read. Sometimes I got confused with who was fighting for who but it all worked well in the end and the storyline was good.
I liked this book and it was a pretty fast read. Sometimes I got confused with who was fighting for who but it all worked well in the end and the storyline was good.
March 13, 2022
2.5 stars.
The Only hero in this book were definitely Cailean.
Man, how I don't like Isobel! Doesn't she realize that her father trusted Cailean? How idiot was she thinking to think that far off distance family of hers will care for her If they never had met.
If someone had set her down, scold her and tell her how Scotland war was occurring and yet she's stubborn fool. None of these would have happened if she stayed in Cailean's keep where she can be safe, warm and surround by friendly faces, she wouldn't be miserable, she wouldn't be lonely, she wouldn't be going through the abuses, and she wouldn't have cause Cailean' keep burn to ground. Idiot idiot idiot. all because of confused feeling that she had from Cailean..... (Sigh)
Now they're happily wed. Please. I'm disappointed.
But one thing, I'm glad that somehow Cailean's residents were alive and willing to follow him. That, I'm proud of!
Someone need to keep an eye on that woman. Not sorry to say...
They didn't even profess their love!!! Only had hinted more than that he was fond of her...
I'm not satisfied.
Cailean ❤️ Isobel?
The Only hero in this book were definitely Cailean.
Man, how I don't like Isobel! Doesn't she realize that her father trusted Cailean? How idiot was she thinking to think that far off distance family of hers will care for her If they never had met.
If someone had set her down, scold her and tell her how Scotland war was occurring and yet she's stubborn fool. None of these would have happened if she stayed in Cailean's keep where she can be safe, warm and surround by friendly faces, she wouldn't be miserable, she wouldn't be lonely, she wouldn't be going through the abuses, and she wouldn't have cause Cailean' keep burn to ground. Idiot idiot idiot. all because of confused feeling that she had from Cailean..... (Sigh)
Now they're happily wed. Please. I'm disappointed.
But one thing, I'm glad that somehow Cailean's residents were alive and willing to follow him. That, I'm proud of!
Someone need to keep an eye on that woman. Not sorry to say...
They didn't even profess their love!!! Only had hinted more than that he was fond of her...
I'm not satisfied.
Cailean ❤️ Isobel?
December 12, 2023
More Than Men in Kilts
Deeply researched but so well-written that the reader absorbs the information quite painlessly is this author's trademark. This novel is much more than just men in kilts. It highlights Scotland's tumultuous history with England and its ongoing quest foe autonomy. The other emphasis is how little control women had in their own lives, reminding us that we must guard the rights we now have. This book was of personal interest to me because of my own Scottish ancestry prior to Culloden. I am never disappointed by Cathie Dunn. This was a quick, exciting read.
Deeply researched but so well-written that the reader absorbs the information quite painlessly is this author's trademark. This novel is much more than just men in kilts. It highlights Scotland's tumultuous history with England and its ongoing quest foe autonomy. The other emphasis is how little control women had in their own lives, reminding us that we must guard the rights we now have. This book was of personal interest to me because of my own Scottish ancestry prior to Culloden. I am never disappointed by Cathie Dunn. This was a quick, exciting read.
July 9, 2020
Boring. I couldn't finish.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews