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Scottish Highland #1
Embrace the Dawn
Scottish Highlands, 1691
Rumored to have murdered his wife, Ruarc MacDonald has a reputation as a dangerous man. Now his faith and honor are about to be put to the test.
After escaping a violent marriage, Killian Campbell swears no man will hurt or control her again. As she fights for her own life and her sons, Killian is forced to seek safety in the arms of the one man who could destroy her future.Only as Ruarc and Killian join together can they each make peace with the past . . . and with the feuding clansman who threaten to divide them forever.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2002
15 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Morgan
37 books382 followersLibrarian 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 1, 2023
Let me begin by saying that I absolutely loved this book and its characters!
When I first started reading it, I wasn’t sure how to feel, and even now, I’m not even sure what to say about this book. But I enjoyed it a lot.
The plot was really good, unique, and well written. I liked the aspect of a mystery in there, even though I am not a mystery person, I wanted to know the answer.
And sometimes you read a book and all you can do is sit in silence, not even knowing how to move on to another book. And that's where I found myself with this one.
The characters were great, and it surprised me that I liked the main girl, Killian. I figured, as normal for me, that I wouldn’t like her. But I was so wrong! She was a really great, strong, faith-filled character and I loved her growth. She was definitely someone to look up to.
Ruarc was really complex, and I was never quite sure how to feel about him. One minute, I was swooning, the next I wanted to throw him through a wall! But he had a great arc and I love where he ended up. Oh and the stepmother…there’s more to her than meets the eye!
And Adam…………we’re not going to talk about him.
But I very much enjoyed this book, and will be picking up the next book, even though it follows someone I don’t like.
There was really good faith in here, and I loved Killian and Ruarc’s journey of faith. Very well done.
It is clean, there are mentions of a woman sleeping with another man when she was married.
There is a married couple in here, but it isn’t graphic and they don’t do anything but kiss on page, or mention sleeping next to each other.
When I first started reading it, I wasn’t sure how to feel, and even now, I’m not even sure what to say about this book. But I enjoyed it a lot.
The plot was really good, unique, and well written. I liked the aspect of a mystery in there, even though I am not a mystery person, I wanted to know the answer.
And sometimes you read a book and all you can do is sit in silence, not even knowing how to move on to another book. And that's where I found myself with this one.
The characters were great, and it surprised me that I liked the main girl, Killian. I figured, as normal for me, that I wouldn’t like her. But I was so wrong! She was a really great, strong, faith-filled character and I loved her growth. She was definitely someone to look up to.
Ruarc was really complex, and I was never quite sure how to feel about him. One minute, I was swooning, the next I wanted to throw him through a wall! But he had a great arc and I love where he ended up. Oh and the stepmother…there’s more to her than meets the eye!
And Adam…………we’re not going to talk about him.
But I very much enjoyed this book, and will be picking up the next book, even though it follows someone I don’t like.
There was really good faith in here, and I loved Killian and Ruarc’s journey of faith. Very well done.
It is clean, there are mentions of a woman sleeping with another man when she was married.
There is a married couple in here, but it isn’t graphic and they don’t do anything but kiss on page, or mention sleeping next to each other.
August 8, 2024
*3.75*
At times this book felt wishy-washy or choppy, but it was a lovely story of healing and forgiveness.
Ruarc and Killian struggled with their past. They were broken and needed the Lord. While I didn’t agree with the unequally yoked marriage and the no-consequences, this story was nice. Because it was a new-to-me author, I was nervous going into it about the content. It was fairly clean. I appreciated the use of the KJB.
Content: violence (up to semi-detailed), “h” word used literally, h*rl*t, marital abuse (lightly mentioned, described very lightly), mentions of married couples laying beside each other in bed (lightly detailed), a few kisses (lightly detailed), mentions of SA (in passing), incest (lightly talked about), a woman had many lovers,
At times this book felt wishy-washy or choppy, but it was a lovely story of healing and forgiveness.
Ruarc and Killian struggled with their past. They were broken and needed the Lord. While I didn’t agree with the unequally yoked marriage and the no-consequences, this story was nice. Because it was a new-to-me author, I was nervous going into it about the content. It was fairly clean. I appreciated the use of the KJB.
Content: violence (up to semi-detailed), “h” word used literally, h*rl*t, marital abuse (lightly mentioned, described very lightly), mentions of married couples laying beside each other in bed (lightly detailed), a few kisses (lightly detailed), mentions of SA (in passing), incest (lightly talked about), a woman had many lovers,
July 2, 2017
This book started out at five stars, then dropped to four stars and now three stars it is. This is so often the way of some Christian fiction for me, this slow decrease in stars. The Christian conversion plot line actually IS the true plot line in these no-so-enjoyed stories and all the action, adventure, suspense, romance, and drama are merely subplots. That is not the way I like my books to be. During my reading of this particular novel, I have gone from being so happy to have found a new author to not wanting to read another book by her.
A couple of the things that had effects on my feelings about this book (other than my primary beef I just discussed) are as follows.
The characters seemed to have time to do a lot of chit-chat during otherwise perilous situations. Odd to me. The main characters are escaping from the Campbell stronghold and they chit-chat, seemingly full voice, as though there is all the time in the world. Just one example.
Then, and this was a big deal to me, the ending was so dissatisfactory for me. It felt like a cliffhanger but it wasn't. The Christian plot line ran its course but the rest of the story was just left twisting in the wind. This has had the effect of making me wish I had never read the book.
A couple of the things that had effects on my feelings about this book (other than my primary beef I just discussed) are as follows.
The characters seemed to have time to do a lot of chit-chat during otherwise perilous situations. Odd to me. The main characters are escaping from the Campbell stronghold and they chit-chat, seemingly full voice, as though there is all the time in the world. Just one example.
Then, and this was a big deal to me, the ending was so dissatisfactory for me. It felt like a cliffhanger but it wasn't. The Christian plot line ran its course but the rest of the story was just left twisting in the wind. This has had the effect of making me wish I had never read the book.
October 24, 2018
I read a lot of Kathleen Morgan years ago when Christian Bookstores were a-plenty...loved the stories. This book was good...then it seemed to drag on a bit. I finally was just wanting it to finish.
I grant you I liked the characters, but felt Ms. Morgan had done better in other works. The heroine confused me. First she was just as confused about God’s Will and her life as the hero...then it felt like the hero was the only one with the big issues. Yes, she had been defending herself when she killed her husband, but the nurse of his first wife was always the biggest problem. I feel, especially for time frame, she would have been in conference with the priest as much, if not more, than Ruarc. I do like the fact that this book had me researching the historical aspect and true life characters.
Maybe book 2 will have more equally confused main characters. (Ok. That may not sound right, but you may understand).
I grant you I liked the characters, but felt Ms. Morgan had done better in other works. The heroine confused me. First she was just as confused about God’s Will and her life as the hero...then it felt like the hero was the only one with the big issues. Yes, she had been defending herself when she killed her husband, but the nurse of his first wife was always the biggest problem. I feel, especially for time frame, she would have been in conference with the priest as much, if not more, than Ruarc. I do like the fact that this book had me researching the historical aspect and true life characters.
Maybe book 2 will have more equally confused main characters. (Ok. That may not sound right, but you may understand).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2020
Lame. Lame
So lame it fell down twice while walking down the paved path.
Yer going to hate how the fake Scottish accent sounds, aye. Because this author canna even figure oot that it's a burrrrrrrrrr, not an accent, and Highlanders didn't speak broad Scots.
Oh, and some insipid Protestant religious maundering in case the aforementioned was not enough ta make ye vomit.
So lame it fell down twice while walking down the paved path.
Yer going to hate how the fake Scottish accent sounds, aye. Because this author canna even figure oot that it's a burrrrrrrrrr, not an accent, and Highlanders didn't speak broad Scots.
Oh, and some insipid Protestant religious maundering in case the aforementioned was not enough ta make ye vomit.
December 27, 2017
It took me a little bit to finish but it was all in all a pretty good read! It got alittle dry for me in places but I'd definitely still recommend it!
March 20, 2018
I liked the setting and the characters were interesting. The themes of forgiveness and reconciliation got a bit heavy handed at the end.
August 26, 2020
Great read!
Good read. Mystery, murder, love and war! Good spiritual foundations and just the suggestion of intimacy, no overt sex. Thank you Kathleen Morgan!
Good read. Mystery, murder, love and war! Good spiritual foundations and just the suggestion of intimacy, no overt sex. Thank you Kathleen Morgan!
August 17, 2023
An engaging story, but WAY too preachy.
August 30, 2025
Love this story!
November 9, 2018
I underestimated the whirlwind of emotions I was yet about to encounter. Also, i just had a realisation that one way of educating and immersing yourself with different cultures is reading novels. I never really had a sense of appreciation towards Scottish culture, let alone have a proper introduction with it. Yet upon finishing this book, I absolutely fell inlove.
May 15, 2017
Despite some shortcomings I still really enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for the time period and genre. If the author has even a modicum of writing ability then I usually enjoy the book each time I read it.
In my opinion, the biggest problem with this book is the plot pacing. It seemed to start and stop in a stuttering sort of way which left the resolution of the overall problem (the fractured relationship between Adam Campbell and Ruarc Macdonald) rushed and almost trite, almost.
While it's far from being a well-written book, it is decent and I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it.
*Update*
This book almost survived the second cull. I even placed it back on the shelf due to a compelling ending. However, I kept thinking about the fact that the first 200 pages of the book failed to draw me in and compel me to keep reading; I persisted because I'm a bit OCD that way. When I thought about the fact that I want to own only excellent literature, books that I truly enjoy, in my personal library, I knew that unless I truly engaged in the book I would not keep it.
In my opinion, the biggest problem with this book is the plot pacing. It seemed to start and stop in a stuttering sort of way which left the resolution of the overall problem (the fractured relationship between Adam Campbell and Ruarc Macdonald) rushed and almost trite, almost.
While it's far from being a well-written book, it is decent and I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it.
*Update*
This book almost survived the second cull. I even placed it back on the shelf due to a compelling ending. However, I kept thinking about the fact that the first 200 pages of the book failed to draw me in and compel me to keep reading; I persisted because I'm a bit OCD that way. When I thought about the fact that I want to own only excellent literature, books that I truly enjoy, in my personal library, I knew that unless I truly engaged in the book I would not keep it.
January 26, 2009
I really enjoy Morgan's books. Her Scottish series are my favorites and this one was no exception. The theme woven throughout this novel was one of forgiveness and renewel of relationships with God first and others second.
After being widowed from a man who was mean and abusive, Killian Campbell promises to never let anyone hurt her again. With circumstances out of her control, she meets Ruarc MacDonald and is soon pledged in marriage to him. She fights it at every turn.
Ruarc MacDonald is a man accused of killing his first wife and is in a fued with his once best friend Adam Campbell. Ruarc is a bitter highlander who lets his anger and hurt rule his actions and emotions.
This is a story of forgiveness and redemption. But as they say on Reading Rainbow, don't take my word for it, read it for yourself. :o)
After being widowed from a man who was mean and abusive, Killian Campbell promises to never let anyone hurt her again. With circumstances out of her control, she meets Ruarc MacDonald and is soon pledged in marriage to him. She fights it at every turn.
Ruarc MacDonald is a man accused of killing his first wife and is in a fued with his once best friend Adam Campbell. Ruarc is a bitter highlander who lets his anger and hurt rule his actions and emotions.
This is a story of forgiveness and redemption. But as they say on Reading Rainbow, don't take my word for it, read it for yourself. :o)
July 19, 2010
I absolutely loced this book. It is set in one of my favorite places, the Scottish Highlands, and is the story of Killian, who comes to Scotland to visit with her son and Scottish born husband, Alex. when Alex dies, she meets Ruarc, a Highland chieftain and marries him. they live in the Glencoe area and this brings then into play during the infamous Glencoe massacre which they miracuously escape. Plenty of action, romance and suspense, and the power of god's love permeate this wonderful novel which I highly recommend.
December 26, 2012
there were several times while reading this that i thought, "this is stupid." but you know how it is, when there's not another book within reach and you really don't want to get up... so...
try the classic Lady Of The Glen: A Novel of 17Th-Century Scotland and the Massacre of Glencoe for a more worthwhile introduction to the time period.
try the classic Lady Of The Glen: A Novel of 17Th-Century Scotland and the Massacre of Glencoe for a more worthwhile introduction to the time period.
March 22, 2014
Really I'd give it a 4.9. Good book, though
Though, the ending left questions and I don't like ending being unresolved. I suppose the author is leaving it as assumption but I like concrete. The big things were rapped up but I feel like I've been left hanging, hence the 4 stars. I'm hoping there is another book that follows that answers my questions.
BUT the book kept me reading and wanting to read, you can't ask for more than that in a good book. I will read more by this author. If there was a way to give it 4.9 stars I'd give it that.
Though, the ending left questions and I don't like ending being unresolved. I suppose the author is leaving it as assumption but I like concrete. The big things were rapped up but I feel like I've been left hanging, hence the 4 stars. I'm hoping there is another book that follows that answers my questions.
BUT the book kept me reading and wanting to read, you can't ask for more than that in a good book. I will read more by this author. If there was a way to give it 4.9 stars I'd give it that.
February 9, 2009
Set in the late 17th century Scotland. Killian is coming from an abusive marriage and Ruarc was deeply hurt by his unfaithful wife. Events bring them together and they must learn to trust again. Trust in each other and trust in the Lord.
This book was a bit slow at times. It may be a little less than four stars, I did enjoy it.
This book was a bit slow at times. It may be a little less than four stars, I did enjoy it.
February 25, 2009
This is a story of a woman and man who both have problems with learning to trust after previous bitter marriages. It also focuses a lot on their relationship to God, and how that affects all other relationships. It would give it a 3.5 if there was one. It was a bit slow in some parts, and a bit to 'preachy' for me...but I still liked it.
April 14, 2009
A nice tale set int he scottish highlands. The characters were enjoyable and decently rounded. The story was nice and had some mystery involved. I also appreciated the lessons on faith that were woven throughout.
June 17, 2013
I might not have rated quite 4 stars, but it was good. I love a good Scottish Highland love story. I guess I didn't like that there was so much senseless hatred. The novel was a good, and I want to read the next one.
August 29, 2016
I liked it, but was disappointed that it didn't live up to her other Scottish clan books. It's the least romantic among this sect, but it's still worth a read. But be forewarned it's only a two kiss story.
October 22, 2015
If I could give this 3.5 stars I would. I did enjoy it and plan on reading the next book in the series. It was a nice, light read and had a great pace and story line. However, I felt like it did lack some depth, but it's something that I can't really specify or put a finger on.
December 5, 2019
Reread. First read many, many years ago. Changed from 4 stars to 3 stars.
Want to read
December 11, 2008not at library
June 6, 2009
Another nice, cheesy Christian read. I find I don't mind the preachy sections as much as I would the trashy sections in most other light romances!
March 15, 2010
A little too religious, but absorbing story, realistic relationship between Ruark and Killian, and great backdrop of history in Scotland. No Outlanders .
April 8, 2010
pretty good, but amazing, but interesting
October 4, 2012
I really liked this book.
It takes me back to my Scottish roots.
It takes me back to my Scottish roots.
May 14, 2013
LOVED IT!!!
November 27, 2012
I keep coming back to this story and rereading it. It is a passionate tale, yet taught me about love, marriage and relationships through a powerful story. You won't want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews