Wings of Morning

These Highland Hills #2

by Kathleen Morgan

Orphan heiress and Scotswoman, Regan MacLaren, is a bride of but one day when her husband is murdered. As a result, Regan loses her memory and with it her place in the world. Laird and warrior, Iain Campbell, is waiting for the love he knows God will bring him. But a woman near death and without a memory isn't quite what he expected. With their clans feuding, Regan and Iain should never have met. But, when their paths cross, they come to know and love each other--only to encounter more obstacles in their way. Iain's a suspect in the murder of Regan's husband, and he soon becomes a stumbling block to unholy ambitions that may well lead to more deaths, including his own. Will betrayal and suspicion force them apart forever? Or can their love help heal their clans and their land?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Romance, Fiction, Historical

286 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way.

Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.

Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4-star
This book kept fluctuating between a 3 and 4 star. There were a few surprises which kept me reading, but also some slow areas. Initially I thought I liked the characters, but then I didn't, and then at the end I liked them again. The girl was frustrating, with her underhanded betrayal which really turned me against her. And I didn't care for the guy so much when he didn't even have a moment of anger about it. :) It felt too fake. Maybe there are people out there like that, though.
Also, there was a bit too much of intimacy right away in the beginning, and a little more about half-way through. Not for teenagers.
It had a good ending (though somewhat abrupt - I was reading the Kindle version and picked it up to keep reading, only to find that I was just 1 page from the end of the book). :)

[Court · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite of the series. This was really interesting and i could really relate well to the character. And i love Iain!


Wings of Morning is a fantastic book for any time. It is a Christian book, but most importantly a touching story.
Scottish heiress Regan MacLaren was married for a day before she lost her husband. Her husband’s brother, Walter, claims that he was shot by Iain Campbell. As a result, Walter plans revenge and the way he will gain it is by shooting Iain. Just after Walter sets out, Regan realizes that she can’t let him do such a sinful thing, so she follows him straight into a storm. During the storm, Regan falls off her horse and loses her memory.
When she wakes up, Regan finds herself at Iain Campbell’s home. Under his mother’s careful care, Regan slowly begins to recover, but her memory remains missing. Iain is wary of this girl he found in his fields and he tries to stay away from her, but he finds it difficult. Gradually, they grow closer.
But when Regan regains her memory, she has to decide what to do. She has a duty to her dead husband, but she can’t believe that Iain is really capable of murder.
Filled with suspense and mystery, Wings of Morning will keep you reading and wanting more.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 2.5 stars.

I have mixed feelings about this story.

When Regan had amnesia, she was such a pleasant person and then with the recollection of her past she became someone else. Someone who was difficult to like at times. It was like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformation.

Then, there was Iain who was walk-on-water perfect, every second. Even fictionally speaking, he was too good to be true. In book 1 it worked because it created a nice contrast to brooding Niall and Iain had some flaws there. In book 2, it was too much.

Book 1 in this series was the first book by this author that I had read. Book 2 had so many similarities to book 1 that I sometimes felt like "been there, done that."

There were also times I grew impatient with descriptions that seemed to go on--particularly at the end of the story.

Also, knowing that Caitlin's story would be book 3, I was verra disappointed that she received barely any mention in book 2.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one of my all time favorites. I got sucked in and couldn't put it down. There's just something about it that obscures the pesky annoyances that (unfortunately) this book still has. It's not the most well written book but the writing is above average and the story compelling. I love it and hope to read it many more times.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story

I'm truly enjoying the Scottish books by this author. They're filled with romance, love and ladies in distress. This book could have used a bit more backstory to Regan's life to make it more complete. Also there were a few mistakes. In one, the author tells how they had to stay with other highlanders on their way from one castle to another but when Regan awakes the next morning on a feather mattress thinking back to the straw ones she slept on at inns on the journey, after just 4 pages prior saying the highlands had few inns thus having to stay with other lords. Other than those types of errors it was an enjoyable read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, great! Now I'll be dreaming in Scottish accents...

I'll be honest. I don't read the back cover. And I'm not sure who recommended this book to me or why. But when I was shuffling through my stack of library books, I thought this one was a Women's Fiction, so I braced myself to read something like Catherine West or Cynthia Ruchti.

NOPE!

This is very much historical fiction, set in the Scottish Highlands in 1566. (I typically read Contemporary Romance and was NOT prepared for a heady historical book! See, I have to be mentally prepared because I'm just not that smart!)

But then by the third paragraph (mind you, not the third chapter, nor the third page -- but the THIRD PARAGRAPH!) I was caught up in a terrified girl's mind on her wedding night ... to her best friend?!?!

I've been hooked ever since!

And, I admit, I really struggle with strong accents in books because THEY DO creep into my dreams and night ... and probably in my own speech during the day ;)

Also, a swoon-worthy hero! (Must I say more?!)

And the final battle ... Och, lassies and lads, yer waiting is for aught!

Themes: forgiveness, steadfast love/compassion, hope for the future by surrendering the past

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series based in Scotland during the 1500s. This one follows Iain Campbell and a young woman, Regan, from a different clan. It begins with her husband being murdered and what follows is a bit unbelievable but still an interesting story. Regan, though, was a somewhat immature and gullible woman and this behavior leads to tragic results. The ending, though satisfying, was quite unbelievable. God's message is clear throughout and there was no sex or profanity.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly enjoyed this book very much. I’d like the characters a lot and the fact that there is Christian fiction that’s set in the 1500 Scotland is interesting because I don’t believe I’ve seen anything like it. I love the characters and honestly, I wish I knew more about the historical background surrounding the story. But that’s a “me” problem…

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great highland read

This second book in the series is special in the characters development and love. There is intrigue, betrayal and forced marriages. I did feel there could be an epilogue but alas there is not.

[Carla Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Good

Was a pleasure to read this book. Just a good love story. Good triumphing over evil and not having to dredge through profanity or sexual content. I enjoyed the characters and story line.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. I got pretty stressed at some points. haha

[Helen Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming Read

A great read from start to finish. Loved the historical references and descriptions of the Scottish locations which made it real.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Roll-eyes unbelievable at points. You get annoyed with the main female character. Also not for teens because of issues with marital intimacy.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read!! I enjoy the romance and Christian tones

[Martie Weathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Spiritually fulfilling and enjoyable!

Enjoyed this book for it’s love, both natural and supernatural. The spirit of God, Love of God and person of Jesus Christ all being included with a stimulating, fast paced mystery. Good job!

[Tabitha Vohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wings of the Morning picks up where Child of the Mist leaves off, & this time follows Ian, the victim of unrequited love, in a chance for the real thing. When a beautiful young woman with amnesia falls into his lap, he doesn't realize she will become the love of his life, OR that he is accused of murdering her husband (will her memory return in regards to this?), OR that he will be willing to embark on a daring scheme of forced marriage & a path fraught with betrayal, sabotage, & redemption, in order to secure his heart's desire.

If the synopsis to this novel sounds fluffy, it's no more so than the writing itself. I really wanted to like this story. Ian was an enigmatic character in "Child", and I was anxious to see him find love. I applaud Morgan for coming up with a new concept for this second in the series; it was original, the relationship dynamic was totally different, & there were plenty of unexpected moments that surprised me.

However.....it took WAY too much exposition to get to the meat of the story. Like, the first 100 pages: ALL exposition. And not of the interesting kind. Also, I kind of hated the weakness, stubbornness, wet-rag-ness of the female lead (she was so annoying I can't even remember her name). I mean, you got a hot guy you love who loves you, yo! I wasn't buying her self-identity issues or her woe-is-me issues. Enough already! It's not endearing. The whole "I'm not worthy of love, so I'm gonna take the guy who treats me like a queen and crap all over him, bc, in case I didn't already mention it a thousand times, I'm not worthy of love. Oh, and I want to revenge my husband who BTW smacked me up & tried to rape me on my wedding night. I care more about revenge for his death than the hot, gentle guy who kisses my undeserving ass."

Now that I say all that, maybe I should have given it two stars. Hmm.....

Oh well! It held my interest (after page 100)! I have definite feelings about it!! Would I read it again? Meh.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really more 4.5 stars. I didn't get pulled into the story until near the end.

The story begins two years after the events in Child of the Mist. The story focuses on Regan, a Drummond woman who grew up in the MacLaren clan's home after her parents left her there - and then died while away. Regan married Roderick MacLaren, but after a rough beginning to their wedding night, she fought him, he fell asleep from drinking, and she hid. Roddy tried to find her, but failing to, left on his wedding night to go raiding - from which he returned, shot in the back. Walter MacLaren accused Iain Campbell (from the prior book) of committing the foul cowardly deed and proceeded after a bit to take some men and try to avenge his brother. Regan condoned Walter's action, but then changed her mind and went after him - but she could not find him and the weather grew foul. Thunder startled her horse and she was thrown off and dragged. When she was found, she was near Balloch, Iain's home, where she was taken in and helped to recover physically, but she had lost all her memories and spent quite a few weeks in recovering.

As to the clan dynamics, Regan is the only surviving daughter of her parents, who were chiefs of Clan Drummond. Her uncle William does not want her pressing her claim.

Walter heard about Regan's recovery in the home of the accursed Iain Campbell - and could not fathom it! Was she bewitched? There had been those rumors about Anne Campbell being a witch, so could not Iain have learned her deviltry and used sorcery to keep Regan there? Walter being in the village brought all memory back to Regan. Mary, Queen of Scots, was coming to the Campbell stronghold. Regan, after regaining her memory, brought her suspicions to the queen.

The queen sent her trusted adviser to investigate the matter. The report that was brought back was that Iain was only accused based on circumstantial evidence. Because a man could not be convicted of murder based only on circumstantial evidence, Iain was declared innocent - though Regan still suspected him. The queen all but ordered Regan and Iain to marry - which Regan was unhappy with. Though Iain and Regan tried to get her to change her mind, Queen Mary was adamant; Iain had no objections as he loves Regan, but Regan still suspected him. So Iain and Regan got married and shortly thereafter, Regan became pregnant.

Walter and William joined forces to try to arrange Iain's death and Regan's installment at the MacLaren household. They arranged a birthday party for Molly, a MacLaren child, with the understanding that Iain and his entourage would be ambushed on the way back to Balloch. The ambush happened and Walter "rescued" Regan from the outlaws - leaving Iain to die. Regan had the baby and it survived until the Campbells came to get the child and possibly Regan. Walter had the child taken from Regan and hidden so that Regan would do his bidding and say what Walter wanted her to say. It is revealed that Iain survived and rescued both his child and his wife while Walter was imprisoned and William would be later.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second time reading this book, and although I knew the twist ending I still had some tears forming.

This book takes place about 2 years after the conclusion of the first. The Iain we knew from the first book is less hot headed and more devout. I think I like him as a hero more than Niall because he had more patience and compassion toward Reagan’s feelings. Both of the MCs journey to love and trust was so well done. This book just flew by and I couldn’t read it fast enough. There was a bit more faith put into this story, too. Also, Mary Queen of Scots shows up for a cameo appearance.

I would consider this an adult read for sure. There is a brief unwelcome wedding night scene at the beginning ( nothing comes of it), and there are some fade to black scenes between man and wife. I would recommend reading book one before this one because there are a few spoilers. Now on to book number 3.

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iain Campbell is laird of Balloch Castle and Campbell tanist. One day, a villager cones across a maiden that had been thriwn from her horse. They discover her name is Regen but she has no other memory of who she is. Iain and his mother take care of her and soon Iain starts to fall for Regen and she with him. However, soon her memories come back to her. Her husband was killed on her wedding night and it was suspected to be Iain who killed him. Now she is torn. She loves him but also want a justice for her husband.

This was definitely my favorite of the series. The only thing that bothered me was that Regen took so long in trusting Iain. Also she seemed to convict him before he even had a chance to explain himself. Other than that, it was a quick entertaining read.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Child of the Mist moved a bit slowly at first, this one takes off and doesn't slow down! Morgan tells another story of love and betrayal, and the book takes some unexpected twists and turns. I absolutely fell in love with Iain as I was reading. This is a very good read as well, and Morgan's highly effective storytelling makes it all the more interesting. Her characterization in this one is also great, making the characters seem to come alive on the page--a truly difficult thing to achieve. I can't say too much without giving the story away, but this is a great book for anyone interested in historical fiction.

[Livvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second book in These Highland Hills series- in fact I enjoyed this even more than the first! After reading Child of the Mist I desperately wanted to find out more of the handsome, wonderful Iain Campbell! (I am a sucker for a sexy Scotsman) At times I felt the book to be a bit to preachy- But I have come to expect that in Kathleen Morgan's books, after all they do also fall into the category of christian romance. I continue to read her novels because of the rich details, heroes to die for, and for their love stories. If you enjoy historical fiction set in Scotland, you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to read A Fire Within next!! :)

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in the series, but wasn't as impressed with this one. I loved the character of Iain, but thought that Regan needed to redeem herself a little bit more after what she did. One thing I will give the author is that she doesn't recycle story lines. All three of the books in the series have completely different characters with completely different motives. One of the redeeming points of this book is the religious feelings of the characters and how frequently they express that. You don't seem many books nowadays that adhere to Christian values so vocally.

[Lisa Rector · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a good Scottish romance. This novel was full of misunderstandings and backstabbing. After reading the first novel, I was glad to see Iain getting his chance at happiness, and Anne and Niall came back as well. I loved all the descriptions. The only thing was the whole novel was based on mistrust, and sometimes it became a little too much. And I wished getting to the climax didn't drag out. But I thoroughly enjoyed the ending, once I got to it.

Reader Rated 14+ for mild violence.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I didn't like this one as much as the first. It's a stand alone, but with the same characters from the last novel. The language was very much the same. A lot of awkward Scottish jibber which got old fast. Iain didn't feel like the same character as he did in the first book though it was good to hear his story and get his happy ending. I skimmed the last 100 pages of this book just to finish. Oh well. I have the last in this series ready to read, but after this one, I'm not sure I even want to. Maybe a later time.

[Soledad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was able to get passed any of the small things I didn't like because the plot and history it brings with it is just great to read. Iain was so amazing to read about, too bad there is no such guy in the real world, but Kathleen Morgan really brings him to life as she does the other characters and the story. It is an easy read and I would probably have finished it in a day if I wasn't so busy!

[Lisa C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of Kathleen Morgan's writing, I didn't think this was nearly as good as book 1 but it still had plenty of adventure, villains, and a remarkably patient hero. I thought Regan was too mixed up most of the time, flip flopping between believing creepy Walter and her husband. I enjoyed the backdrop of the story and the time period. The story was pretty predictable but not boring. I thought there was more religion than romance.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars
This, the second book, was a bit slower to start, but quickly picked up the pace. It was far less predictable than the first, but still had many edge-of-seat moments that left me wondering, "What now?" I should mentiong that this series is a Christian series, full of religious talk, which was great. Especially because that leads to a great romance that is clean.

[K.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a tad apprehensive to start reading this book, the reason being, I loved book one so much I didn't want this one to not live up the first. It was just as good! I'm holding off from reading the last in the series for now, and have started reading Kathleen's other series. Overall this one would be highly recommended, captures you just as much as book one.

[Sianne Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a while to get into the language. A fairly solid Christian theme throughout. I didn't realize it was a Christian book. However, this did not detract from a good little read. Not one to flip through, otherwise you may miss some of the more intriguing character personalities. A good little read.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Christain story. I read Ms. Morgan first Highland book a while ago and after reading this story I remember why I enjoyed so much. It is a simple story of faith in God. No bells and whistle just people up against tough times in life and love. And them relying on their faith in their Lord for forgiveness and strengthen to overcome troubles. It was a great reminder for me.