Lady of Light

Brides of Culdee Creek #3

by Kathleen Morgan

Infused with the same warmth and excitement of the two previous books in her popular Brides of Culdee Creek series, Kathleen Morgan's third book tells Evan MacKay and Claire Sutherland's story.

Heartbroken at losing his first love to another man, Evan leaves Culdee Creek in hopes of forgetting her. When his searching heart brings him to his ancestral home of Scotland, he encounters a beautiful young woman who begins to fill the empty corners of his soul.

After a whirlwind courtship, the tempestuous lovers return to Culdee Creek ranch. But when their hopes and dreams are confronted by the realities and challenges of married live, will love be enough to keep them together?

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

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

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

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better as far as the lessons it teaches.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Sutherland swore she'd never trust a man with her heart and her future. That is, until she met Evan MacKay. After a whirlwind courtship, Evan and Clair journey to Colorado to begin a new life together as husband and wife. Through nervous at the prospect of leaving the familiar Scottish Highlands, Claire yearns to be part of a new family. But when confronted with her husband's old flame and plagued by the haunting secret of her past, insecurities rush in and Clair wonders if she's made the biggest mistake of her life. Wavering between desire to completely trust her new husband and family, and fear that the truth will cost her everything, Clair struggles to find a faith that can sustain her.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a stand-alone book. I found it in a thrift store and bought it because it was a Christian romance. I enjoyed the book, averaging a chapter a day. It was not a page-turner, but it kept my interest and at no point did I consider not finishing it. The characters were interesting, and I probably would like now to read the other books in the series to get to know some of the backstories of the characters that were not featured in this one, but played important parts in the story. I gave it a four instead of a five primarily because I would have liked more of the backstory of the main character. From what I've ascertained, her backstory is not shared in the first two books, even though the hero's is. There was a prologue, but I would have liked more.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent installment in this series !

I'm really enjoying reading about these ladies. Also, I met my husband of almost 20 years in Colorado Springs, which is often mentioned in this series. Additionally, I am Scottish on my Dad's side; so this particular book was even more special to me as I read. I look forward to reading the 4th book in this series.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying the series. I like westerns where there are ranches and small towns and bunkhouses for the help. I don't know if I would have made a good wife with all the meals you had to cook for the help. Just when you got done with one, you had to start making stuff for the next meal. Old Bess would have been hard to cook on. Claire definitely had her hands full with Conor and Abby gone.

[Teresa Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical fiction stories. Clara and Ian move to America for a better life. Though there are ups and downs, a better life is found in Culdee Creek.

[Donna Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the continuing saga of the McKay family. Evan McKay is heartbroken over a romance that was one sided. He goes to Scotland where he meets, romances, and marries Clair Sutherland. When they return to America, there are many conflicts and challenges to overcome.

[Lynell · Rating 5 out of 5]

marriage requires trust, respect, and a deep abiding commitment p. 231;
there have been times I wanted to give up, turn my back on God, because following in His footsteps was so very hard. there were times when I felt as if He had deserted me, even betrayed me to my enemies. and I know there will be times like that again. each day I have to start anew, and hope my love for God will carry me through p. 231. (and look to God's promises that he will always be with me, never desert me - my comments)
(this applies to marriage too. we have to trust that love will get us through the tough times -- love from the other person and from God)
it had always seemed the safer course to take matters into her own hands. after all, if she kept everything under her control, nothing could ever hurt her again. it had been fear, pure and simple, that had gotten her to this sorry point. that fear might now be the ruin of them all. that fear of finally losing control was why she was running now. running away had always been a control of last resort... she had always really been seeking trust - of others, herself,and most of all, God p. 320.
this book is all about trust -- of others and in God

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely for married women only or older ladies. I would not recommend this to unmarried young women because there are mature topics in this series. In spite of that I liked this book. It is a Christian book and even Christians have problems they have to deal with.

In this book the son of the owner of the Culdee Creek Ranch, running away from home, and looking for his family in Scotland. What he finds in Scotland is love. He brings his new wife home to America. He met his wife and got married quickly and they have many hurdles to overcome in America. They deal with these things with the help of family, church leadership and God. This is a complex story with real life types of problems. They don't get solved overnight and there are repercussions from the past that must be dealt with. Those are some of the things I like about this series. It is not just a feel good Christian romance. The characters grow and seek God and solve real problems. That is encouraging to me.

[Ogz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my best in the series but I did gain a lot from the whole marriage scene. It taught me what to expect and pray for. However, I like the first book more, the character Abby intrigued me so much more and even Hannah than this character Claire. She seemed a little immature, well she just turned adult legally but still glad a lot of growing up, not the least was her husband, Evan.. I was not so much in love with that character too from the unset. Ian on the other hand was too insensitive and selfish and I think it was a bit overboard. Family with so much love won't go too far (well, I know of mine).

It really is a lovey read. Great story but you need to beat yourself hard to stay connected with it. I guess I look forward to the 4th book , Chold of Promise; reading the snippet I am somewhat confused and curious, so I'll get it.

[Tabby Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Sutherland swore she'd never trust a man with her heart or her future. But from the first moment she meets Evan McKay, she feels strangely drawn to this man and the close ranch community he describes to her. After a whirlwind courtship, Evan and Claire journey to Colorado to begin a new life together as husband and wife. Though nervous about leaving the familiar Scottish highlands, Claire looks forward to being part of a real family for the first time. But when confronted with her husband's old flame, frustrated with her brother's erratic behavior, and plagued by the haunting secret of her past, insecurities rush in. Claire begins to wonder if she's made the biggest mistake of her life.

[Aerykah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I have to say that I'm disappointed. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series --- Daughter of Joy & Woman of Grace --- and (as well as I can remember) every other book I've read by Kathleen Morgan. This book, however, just could not keep my attention and interest. I hate to not finish a book, but I ended up "speed-reading" through most of it just so I could get the general idea of the story and finish it.
I'm reluctant to even try book four...

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book keep my interest throughout the whole book. I love how it tell that Evan travels to figure out his trouble and learns along the way. I really love it that it took him back to where his family had kin. It really tell me that Evan started to understand and grow up. Though he lost his first love it really was not real love that he was thinking of.

Claire learn to trust and not judge. She raises her little brother Ian. She makes some decision to marry and move with Evan back to his farm. She has lot to learn as well. There are few things that happens that make me want to have her understand. She does something that threaten her marriage.

[Mwizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

i loved this story because it was more focussed on the whol concept of maintainance of a marriage. and it didnt take long for the hro and heroine to hook up. ;)
basically all their marital issues streamed from one source...keeping secrets.
and by the end of the book all the beans are spilled so their marriage kinda falls apart.
she runs away(typical) and he runs after her(so cliche!) and they make up.
end of story.
atleast they didnt go through a long line of
''he loves me, he loves me not'', ''could she ever love a man like me?''
when its so freaking obvious they both like each other!

[Emily-Jane Orford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fairly well done. I do believe that books in series should still stand on their own. This was the third book in the series and I'm not sure if the confusion at the beginning (which was finally resolved about a third of the way through the book) was because I hadn't read the first two books. Once I really got into the book, and understood some of the past, it was a fairly enjoyable read. Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford, award-winning author of "The Whistling Bishop" and "F-Stop: A Life in Pictures".

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m giving Lady of Light three and a half stars. Within the first fifty pages I almost quit reading but forced my self to finish just so I can go on to Child of Promise. Plus the story wasn’t as bad once I got further into it. The writing was fine and the characters were good. Well except for Mary Sue who just annoyed me. Had I not wanted to read Beth’s story in Child of Promise I definitely wouldn’t have finished this.

I only recommend this if you’re looking to continue on with the Brides of Culdee Creek series.

[Shirley McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have enjoyed reading this book more than the other two. It could have been the fact it was set in Ireland and in Colorado. It had so much tension and drams and just kept me reading. The stories in this series are wonderful. There are a few grammar errors but for me is does not detract from the story. I can recommend this book to the massess.

[Connie Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed in the third installment of the Brides of Culdee Creek series. The next generation characters of Claire, Evan, and Ian seemed a bit over the top at times and never felt connected to them. I did like the idea of combining the locations of Scotland and Colorado in the story. Am looking forward to reading the last story in this series.

[Melody Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series book 3

All of these books keep your interest and have delightful story lines. The interaction of the characters and their faith, Grace and belief of God and his commandments are refreshing and delightful. The fact that the characters have fears and trust issues make them believable and relatable. I would recommend the whole series.

[Paula-O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claire and Evan had a wonderful courtship time in Ireland and they married not long after meeting but they seemed to suit one another and tho their lives took a lot of work, the story and how it unfolds is a good one. I am ready for the next story of Culdee Cree Brides....

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, easy read. It's a historical romance with a touch of inspirational fiction. This is the third in this series. I really liked the first two better, but this one was okay also. I plan to read the fourth in the series soon.

[JoAnna Bethea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a toss up for me. Beginning the story in a different country and culture kind of through me back. I enjoyed the transition into America and the forbidden romance with Ian and Beth, which added to the story line rather than making it one dementional.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOt as good as the secound or first.

[Nicole Ristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't quite as good as the first two the characters were too clueless. but I still enjoyed reading it.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of 4

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think this was as good as the first 2, but still liked it overall.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, not much different of a story line from the other books but I'm still enjoying this series.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the series. Loved the change in Hannah from where she was forced to come from and who she became with God's love.

[Janet Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

furthers the story of the same family as number 1 and 2

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in Culdee Creek series. This time we travel to Scotland and back to Colorado.