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Highland #2
Rivals for the Crown
1290: Turmoil erupts when the seven-year-old queen of Scotland perishes en route to claim the crown. Two bitter foes -- John Balliol and Robert Bruce -- emerge as possible successors, but England's Edward I has his own designs on Scotland.
In London, Edward has expelled all Jews from his kingdom. Rachel de Anjou is heartbroken to leave behind her best friend, Isabel de Burke, and travel with her family to the Scottish border town of Berwick. Danger is everywhere, but the tall, dark Highlander Kieran MacDonald presents a risk of a different sort.
Isabel, appointed as lady-in-waiting to Edward's queen, Eleanor, is soon immersed in a world of privilege and peril where she attracts the notice of two men -- Henry de Boyer, an English knight, and Rory MacGannon, a Highland warrior and outlaw. Isabel and Rachel are soon reunited in Berwick, but as the enmity between Scotland and England reaches its violent peak, each woman must decide where her loyalty -- and her destiny -- lies.
In London, Edward has expelled all Jews from his kingdom. Rachel de Anjou is heartbroken to leave behind her best friend, Isabel de Burke, and travel with her family to the Scottish border town of Berwick. Danger is everywhere, but the tall, dark Highlander Kieran MacDonald presents a risk of a different sort.
Isabel, appointed as lady-in-waiting to Edward's queen, Eleanor, is soon immersed in a world of privilege and peril where she attracts the notice of two men -- Henry de Boyer, an English knight, and Rory MacGannon, a Highland warrior and outlaw. Isabel and Rachel are soon reunited in Berwick, but as the enmity between Scotland and England reaches its violent peak, each woman must decide where her loyalty -- and her destiny -- lies.
414 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2007
28 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Givens
11 books113 followersKathleen Givens was born in New York City, but spent her early years living in the Northeast and Georgia before landing in Southern California at the age of ten. As a result, she is fluent in Valley Girl, Steel Magnolia, and Manhattanite.
From an early age, Kathleen was entranced by the history, legends and sagas of the people who mixed together to form Scotland, Ireland, England and later the United States. She likes to weave elements of their myths and legends into her work, to mix fictional and factual characters, and set them against turbulent backdrops of war and social and political upheavals. And then add a love story, of course.
Kathleen made her writing debut at the age of ten with a rewrite of Little Women, in which Jo marries Laurie and no one dies. It is not in print. In high school she and a friend wrote a dreadful 250-page play about an English rock group. Surprisingly, it is not in print either.
Her official writing career began in 1999 with the acclaimed Scottish historicals, Kilgannon and The Wild Rose of Kilgannon, the epic love story of an English woman who falls in love with a rugged Highlander. The series left her readers thirsting for more stories of the glittering streets of London and the misty Scottish Highlands.
In 2002, Givens launched her Torridon series. The Legend introduced the MacCurrie brothers, identical twins, whose birth and lives have been predicted by the Brahan Seer. The Legend tells the story of James MacCurrie and Ellen Graham, cousin to Bonnie Dundee, and is set in the late 17th century, when William of Orange has usurped King James, and rebellion is in the air.
The Destiny continued the adventures of the brothers who are fated to help determine the future of the thrones of England and Scotland, and tells the story of Eileen Ronley, granddaughter of Charles II. The Destiny won the coveted Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Long Historical of 2003.
Her latest book, On a Highland Shore, which was published in July, 2006, launched a new series that will follow three siblings and their descendants for 500 years. Set in turbulent 13th century Scotland, it tells the story of Margaret MacDonald, the oldest of the siblings the series will follow, and Gannon MacMagnus, the founder of the MacGannon clan we met in the Kilgannon saga. It has Vikings, invasions, and a war. What better backdrop for a love story?
Kathleen loves to travel, read, and study history, which makes writing historical fiction a perfect career. While she has traveled extensively, she's yet to find anywhere she could love more than California, where she and her husband live in a tragically flawed house with the neurotic and dictatorial cat formerly known as Miss Lily.
Kathleen can be reached at Kathleen@kathleengivens.com.
From an early age, Kathleen was entranced by the history, legends and sagas of the people who mixed together to form Scotland, Ireland, England and later the United States. She likes to weave elements of their myths and legends into her work, to mix fictional and factual characters, and set them against turbulent backdrops of war and social and political upheavals. And then add a love story, of course.
Kathleen made her writing debut at the age of ten with a rewrite of Little Women, in which Jo marries Laurie and no one dies. It is not in print. In high school she and a friend wrote a dreadful 250-page play about an English rock group. Surprisingly, it is not in print either.
Her official writing career began in 1999 with the acclaimed Scottish historicals, Kilgannon and The Wild Rose of Kilgannon, the epic love story of an English woman who falls in love with a rugged Highlander. The series left her readers thirsting for more stories of the glittering streets of London and the misty Scottish Highlands.
In 2002, Givens launched her Torridon series. The Legend introduced the MacCurrie brothers, identical twins, whose birth and lives have been predicted by the Brahan Seer. The Legend tells the story of James MacCurrie and Ellen Graham, cousin to Bonnie Dundee, and is set in the late 17th century, when William of Orange has usurped King James, and rebellion is in the air.
The Destiny continued the adventures of the brothers who are fated to help determine the future of the thrones of England and Scotland, and tells the story of Eileen Ronley, granddaughter of Charles II. The Destiny won the coveted Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Long Historical of 2003.
Her latest book, On a Highland Shore, which was published in July, 2006, launched a new series that will follow three siblings and their descendants for 500 years. Set in turbulent 13th century Scotland, it tells the story of Margaret MacDonald, the oldest of the siblings the series will follow, and Gannon MacMagnus, the founder of the MacGannon clan we met in the Kilgannon saga. It has Vikings, invasions, and a war. What better backdrop for a love story?
Kathleen loves to travel, read, and study history, which makes writing historical fiction a perfect career. While she has traveled extensively, she's yet to find anywhere she could love more than California, where she and her husband live in a tragically flawed house with the neurotic and dictatorial cat formerly known as Miss Lily.
Kathleen can be reached at Kathleen@kathleengivens.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 28, 2011
Edited to remove spoilers and correct mistakes.
Honestly, I can’t put into words how much I love this book. The battles, the political maneuverings, the pettiness at court, the romance, the passion… so few books have it all, but once again, as she did in On A Highland Shore, Kathleen Givens has given me so many things to love about Rivals For the Crown.
One of my very favorite things about this author is her ability to weave fact and fiction together, creating an amazing tapestry which tells a tale in such a way as to keep me captivated from the first page to the last. She has such a knack for bringing the past to life, making history come alive, and while this book didn’t create the emotional turmoil within me that On A Highland Shore did, the story was nonetheless every bit as compelling.
And as was the case with On A Highland Shore, I fell in love with her characters! These are people with a deep moral fiber, the ones you read about in the history books and see in the movies – the ones you never forget because they believed in always doing what was right and were willing to do whatever was necessary to see good triumph!
In Rivals for the Crown, we once again find ourselves in the world of the Highlanders, Margaret and Gannon MacGannon. Now, their sons Magnus and Rory have grown into men and along with their cousin Kieran take us on a journey through the turmoil of their times. Scotland needs a ruler and King Edward of England wants to make sure that whoever that ruler turns out to be will be his willing puppet in all things. We watch as the MacGannons fight alongside William Wallace (Braveheart) to keep Scotland free of Edward’s treachery, while giving their hearts to two very special young women.
The only thing that I feel badly about is that I wish there had been a book between On A Highland Shore and Rivals for the Crown. When I finished On A Highland Shore, I was so looking forward to Nell’s and Davey’s stories. I would have loved to see Nell MacDonald’s relationship/courtship with Liam Crawford unfold and I really wanted to be there for the young Davey MacDonald’s rescue out of captivity in Jutland. And I would have paid good money to watch Gannon punch Lachlan’s ticket to the Pearly Gates.
I am such a ninny because when I was through reading this, I was trying to explain to my daughter why Kathleen Givens’ characters mean so much to me and I just couldn’t find the words, but I cried while trying to explain the depth of the connection I feel to them and why I am so sad that their stories are over. Well, maybe not over - they will all live on in my heart forever.
Honestly, I can’t put into words how much I love this book. The battles, the political maneuverings, the pettiness at court, the romance, the passion… so few books have it all, but once again, as she did in On A Highland Shore, Kathleen Givens has given me so many things to love about Rivals For the Crown.
One of my very favorite things about this author is her ability to weave fact and fiction together, creating an amazing tapestry which tells a tale in such a way as to keep me captivated from the first page to the last. She has such a knack for bringing the past to life, making history come alive, and while this book didn’t create the emotional turmoil within me that On A Highland Shore did, the story was nonetheless every bit as compelling.
And as was the case with On A Highland Shore, I fell in love with her characters! These are people with a deep moral fiber, the ones you read about in the history books and see in the movies – the ones you never forget because they believed in always doing what was right and were willing to do whatever was necessary to see good triumph!
In Rivals for the Crown, we once again find ourselves in the world of the Highlanders, Margaret and Gannon MacGannon. Now, their sons Magnus and Rory have grown into men and along with their cousin Kieran take us on a journey through the turmoil of their times. Scotland needs a ruler and King Edward of England wants to make sure that whoever that ruler turns out to be will be his willing puppet in all things. We watch as the MacGannons fight alongside William Wallace (Braveheart) to keep Scotland free of Edward’s treachery, while giving their hearts to two very special young women.
The only thing that I feel badly about is that I wish there had been a book between On A Highland Shore and Rivals for the Crown. When I finished On A Highland Shore, I was so looking forward to Nell’s and Davey’s stories. I would have loved to see Nell MacDonald’s relationship/courtship with Liam Crawford unfold and I really wanted to be there for the young Davey MacDonald’s rescue out of captivity in Jutland. And I would have paid good money to watch Gannon punch Lachlan’s ticket to the Pearly Gates.
I am such a ninny because when I was through reading this, I was trying to explain to my daughter why Kathleen Givens’ characters mean so much to me and I just couldn’t find the words, but I cried while trying to explain the depth of the connection I feel to them and why I am so sad that their stories are over. Well, maybe not over - they will all live on in my heart forever.
November 15, 2017
It is 1290 and two queens have died: Eleanor, queen of England; and young Margaret, heir to the Scottish throne. Scotland is suddenly torn between powerful rival families asserting for leadership and Edward I of England’s own machinations to claim the crown, and from which later events have led Scottish patriots such as William Wallace and Andrew Morray to revolt and lead the banner for independence.
Rivals for the Crown is a story that revolves around the lives of four people—Rory, Kieran, Isabel and Rachel—as they stand on the verge of a great political discontent in Scotland following the death of Alexander III’s heir and England’s claim to the throne. It is a spin-off of On a Highland Shore and set almost thirty years later from where Margaret and Gannon’s story have left off. This time, we read the story of their younger son, Rory MacGannon, as he joins William Wallace’s rebellion while holding on to his love for Isabel de Burke at the same time. We empathize with Isabel as she treads on to her new life from being a sheltered lady-in-waiting to a woman suddenly deprived of a solid future. We leaf through the mind of Rachel de Anjou and see how her strong clutch to her Jewish faith has kept her from freely opening her heart to Kieran MacDonald. And we see Kieran’s sentimentality and forbearing, who, despite Rachel’s dismissal of his love, has continued to cherish and love her all the same.
Personally, I felt the story wasn’t as brilliantly moving as On A Highland Shore, but the historic events of the First Wars of Scottish Independence, as well as William Wallace’s cameo, were enough to keep me glued to the story. The history retelling isn’t as extensive as some authors who write under the same genre, but I commend Miss Givens for still keeping this part worthy of note. The fictional characters also seem believable and relatable. They are not lovesick individuals who make a mad dash at every turn to prove their undying love (Well, except for the one instance when Rory has gone straight to the enemy camp to rescue his lady love—but he is just a romantic, after all). The women are reliable, loyal, and opinionated. They speak their minds, and even allow themselves to think worldly thoughts and no-holds barred sexual innuendos at times without drifting away from their known values. I especially liked Rachel because of her resilience and practical approach to life. I think the conflict between her principles and desires has made her character stand out more in the story, although what happens next between her and Kieran remains to be a major cliff-hanger. It’s just sad that Miss Givens is no longer around to give the two the kind of ending that befits them.
Rivals for the Crown isn’t your exceptional historical fiction book; it cannot be compared to the beautiful tapestries of history and creative writing woven by some historical fiction authors whom I’ve thought phenomenal. But this book (and series) is a gratifying read and comes close to second best for me.
Rivals for the Crown is a story that revolves around the lives of four people—Rory, Kieran, Isabel and Rachel—as they stand on the verge of a great political discontent in Scotland following the death of Alexander III’s heir and England’s claim to the throne. It is a spin-off of On a Highland Shore and set almost thirty years later from where Margaret and Gannon’s story have left off. This time, we read the story of their younger son, Rory MacGannon, as he joins William Wallace’s rebellion while holding on to his love for Isabel de Burke at the same time. We empathize with Isabel as she treads on to her new life from being a sheltered lady-in-waiting to a woman suddenly deprived of a solid future. We leaf through the mind of Rachel de Anjou and see how her strong clutch to her Jewish faith has kept her from freely opening her heart to Kieran MacDonald. And we see Kieran’s sentimentality and forbearing, who, despite Rachel’s dismissal of his love, has continued to cherish and love her all the same.
Personally, I felt the story wasn’t as brilliantly moving as On A Highland Shore, but the historic events of the First Wars of Scottish Independence, as well as William Wallace’s cameo, were enough to keep me glued to the story. The history retelling isn’t as extensive as some authors who write under the same genre, but I commend Miss Givens for still keeping this part worthy of note. The fictional characters also seem believable and relatable. They are not lovesick individuals who make a mad dash at every turn to prove their undying love (Well, except for the one instance when Rory has gone straight to the enemy camp to rescue his lady love—but he is just a romantic, after all). The women are reliable, loyal, and opinionated. They speak their minds, and even allow themselves to think worldly thoughts and no-holds barred sexual innuendos at times without drifting away from their known values. I especially liked Rachel because of her resilience and practical approach to life. I think the conflict between her principles and desires has made her character stand out more in the story, although what happens next between her and Kieran remains to be a major cliff-hanger. It’s just sad that Miss Givens is no longer around to give the two the kind of ending that befits them.
Rivals for the Crown isn’t your exceptional historical fiction book; it cannot be compared to the beautiful tapestries of history and creative writing woven by some historical fiction authors whom I’ve thought phenomenal. But this book (and series) is a gratifying read and comes close to second best for me.
October 12, 2016
This story follows On a Highland Shore some 30 years later when the young Queen of Scots dies en route to claim the crown. Two bitter foes—John Balliol and Robert Bruce—emerge as possible successors, but England's Edward I has his own designs on Scotland.
In London, Edward has expelled all Jews from his kingdom. Rachel de Anjou must leave behind her best friend, Isabel de Burke, and travel with her family to the Scottish border town of Berwick for their safety. And then she meets the tall, dark Highlander, Kieran MacDonald, who would have her heart.
Innocent Isabel, lady-in-waiting to Edward's queen, Eleanor, is soon immersed in a world of privilege and peril where she attracts the notice of two men—Henry de Boyer, an English knight, and Rory MacGannon, a Highland warrior and outlaw. Isabel and Rachel are reunited in Berwick, but enmity between Scotland and England leads to war.
This story stayed with me long after I turned the last page… it’s a well-written story of choices, not just those of Rachel and Isabel, but also of the men who would have them. And the history is authentic! I promise it will tug at your heartstrings.
In London, Edward has expelled all Jews from his kingdom. Rachel de Anjou must leave behind her best friend, Isabel de Burke, and travel with her family to the Scottish border town of Berwick for their safety. And then she meets the tall, dark Highlander, Kieran MacDonald, who would have her heart.
Innocent Isabel, lady-in-waiting to Edward's queen, Eleanor, is soon immersed in a world of privilege and peril where she attracts the notice of two men—Henry de Boyer, an English knight, and Rory MacGannon, a Highland warrior and outlaw. Isabel and Rachel are reunited in Berwick, but enmity between Scotland and England leads to war.
This story stayed with me long after I turned the last page… it’s a well-written story of choices, not just those of Rachel and Isabel, but also of the men who would have them. And the history is authentic! I promise it will tug at your heartstrings.
March 8, 2009
Hunky heroes?
Check!
Political turmoil?
Check!
Headstrong, believable heroines?
Check!
WILLIAM WALLACE?
Check!
If you're looking for a fantastic historical fiction set in Scotland you can't go past this novel. Givens has written the spirit of the Scottish people into the pages of this book and it is difficult to be unmoved by their struggle for freedom from the English crown. This story is tight with suspense and is filled with passionate characters whom I guarantee you will barrack for.
Part of the brilliance of the book is that it tells two very different love stories - Rory and Isobel, Keiran and Rachel. Givens was very clever with the way she wrote this. Because she uses four points of view, the tension is always high and you constantly find yourself reading on even though you promised yourself you would put the book down at the end of the chapter.
The other aspect of this novel which was quite brilliant is that even though Givens is ultimately telling a love story, she never neglects the larger issues happening in the country of her characters. Instead, she lets the tension and turmoil of her character's inner worlds mirror the mood of Scotland. She never forgets that the purpose of historical fiction for a reader is to connect emotionally not just with the characters but with history itself.
If you loved On a Highland Shore then Rivals for the Crown will not disappoint. Although it is a sequel I believe it can be thoroughly enjoyed as a stand-alone novel also. If you have read OAHS, Margaret and Gannon do feature in the book (they are Rory's parents) and you do get to hear a little of the life they've shared together but I have no doubt that the new characters will steal your heart too.
All in all, a fantastic book! I really do hope that Kathleen Givens is busy writing another now.
Check!
Political turmoil?
Check!
Headstrong, believable heroines?
Check!
WILLIAM WALLACE?
Check!
If you're looking for a fantastic historical fiction set in Scotland you can't go past this novel. Givens has written the spirit of the Scottish people into the pages of this book and it is difficult to be unmoved by their struggle for freedom from the English crown. This story is tight with suspense and is filled with passionate characters whom I guarantee you will barrack for.
Part of the brilliance of the book is that it tells two very different love stories - Rory and Isobel, Keiran and Rachel. Givens was very clever with the way she wrote this. Because she uses four points of view, the tension is always high and you constantly find yourself reading on even though you promised yourself you would put the book down at the end of the chapter.
The other aspect of this novel which was quite brilliant is that even though Givens is ultimately telling a love story, she never neglects the larger issues happening in the country of her characters. Instead, she lets the tension and turmoil of her character's inner worlds mirror the mood of Scotland. She never forgets that the purpose of historical fiction for a reader is to connect emotionally not just with the characters but with history itself.
If you loved On a Highland Shore then Rivals for the Crown will not disappoint. Although it is a sequel I believe it can be thoroughly enjoyed as a stand-alone novel also. If you have read OAHS, Margaret and Gannon do feature in the book (they are Rory's parents) and you do get to hear a little of the life they've shared together but I have no doubt that the new characters will steal your heart too.
All in all, a fantastic book! I really do hope that Kathleen Givens is busy writing another now.
August 2, 2011
Kathleen Givens does not disappoint! The plot is fascinating with allusions to the 1290 expulsion of the Jews in England, the invasion of of Scotland in 1296 by the English and the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Absolutely fascinating. Givens makes history truly come to life; I found myself researching a lot as I read. I loved that she included William Wallace (aka Braveheart).
Givens can also be counted on for a heartwrenching love story... or two in this case. I thoroughly enjoyed both the Isabel/Rory and Rachel/Kieran storylines here. All four characers are so strong. I could envision Rory as the strong more silent type and Kieran as the goofier fun loving one. I could relate to Isabel being so strong and self assured, and to Rachel's need to keep her family united. I think Rachel gave me a few grey hairs actually. The supporting characters were also well developed and gave the story lots of depth.
Overall, this is a fantastic story, enough history where you learn, and enough fiction where you enjoy doing it. You really can't help rooting for these characters, wondering what will happen to them, suffering and loving right along with them.
Givens can also be counted on for a heartwrenching love story... or two in this case. I thoroughly enjoyed both the Isabel/Rory and Rachel/Kieran storylines here. All four characers are so strong. I could envision Rory as the strong more silent type and Kieran as the goofier fun loving one. I could relate to Isabel being so strong and self assured, and to Rachel's need to keep her family united. I think Rachel gave me a few grey hairs actually. The supporting characters were also well developed and gave the story lots of depth.
Overall, this is a fantastic story, enough history where you learn, and enough fiction where you enjoy doing it. You really can't help rooting for these characters, wondering what will happen to them, suffering and loving right along with them.
November 24, 2018
I am very saddened by the fact that there are no more stories in this series. I see that the author is deceased. This was a great story woven with historical fact. I would have loved to see what was next for the families in these books.
October 14, 2011
3.5 Stars. For those of us who love historical fiction, this is a fresh and enjoyable story. It takes place during Edward I's takeover of Scotland. The author's heroes and heroines are fictional. We have Isabel and Rachel, two best friends who are torn apart when Edward forces all Jews out of England. Isabel is left in London as one of the queen's ladies in waiting. Then we have Rory and Kerian, two rugged, handsome and brave cousin Highlanders. The author takes us on a decade ride from 1290 to 1299. Even though the main characters are fictional, factual history is here along with Edward's evil Bishop Walter Langdon, Robert The Bruce and William Wallace to a name a few. I enjoyed the friendships and the storyline. I found it to be a fresh and unique change from some of the other HF novels I have read lately (which have been repetitious to me). This novel is a sequel to On a Highland Shore, which I haven't read. I still had no problem with the characters from the prior book because the author brings you up to date. My only criticism was how the author wrote the Scottish accents. Overall this was a great read and I highly recommend.
January 15, 2024
3.5*
Enter the world of William Wallace, the Balliols and the Bruces, of King Edward I of England and most notably his ruthlessness and cruelty. Book 2 continues with many characters from book 1. Here we learn of King Edward's ambition to gain the throne of Scotland and different factions vying for power, amongst them Robert Bruce. I learnt quite a bit reading this story, mostly the mood of country at the time, how King Edward expelled all Jews from England, how he sneakily claimed feudal suzerainty over Scotland and proceeded to brutalize the country. I loved all the characters and attention to details, but the pace of the plot was inconsistent and unfortunately, it took away from the story. That being said, an enjoyable read that kept me interested.
Enter the world of William Wallace, the Balliols and the Bruces, of King Edward I of England and most notably his ruthlessness and cruelty. Book 2 continues with many characters from book 1. Here we learn of King Edward's ambition to gain the throne of Scotland and different factions vying for power, amongst them Robert Bruce. I learnt quite a bit reading this story, mostly the mood of country at the time, how King Edward expelled all Jews from England, how he sneakily claimed feudal suzerainty over Scotland and proceeded to brutalize the country. I loved all the characters and attention to details, but the pace of the plot was inconsistent and unfortunately, it took away from the story. That being said, an enjoyable read that kept me interested.
October 25, 2008
I loved this book from start to finish. It covered many characters and included historical figures such as William Wallace, Robert Bruce and King Edward Plantagenet. It did jump around a little but that enhanced the book and sustained my interest easily. This book is a fantastic historical novel and the second book I've read of Kathleen Givens. Can't wait to read more!
January 22, 2012
4.5 Stars - Rivals for the Crown flashes forward a couple decades in the lives of the MacMagnus (becoming MacGannon) , MacDonald and Crawford families from On a Highland Shore. It opens with young Rachel de Anjou and her family being expelled with other Jewish families from England, ordered by King Edward in 1290. She is torn from the only life she's known and her best friend Isabel de Burke. Rachel and her family resettle in Berwick, Scotland where she eventually meets Kieran MacDonald who is drawn to her. Isabel gets invited to serve Queen Eleanor of England as a lady-in-waiting and she meets a handsome knight, Henry de Boyer and his soon-to-be rival, Rory MacGannon, Kieran's cousin.
The title Rivals for the Crown meant two things to me. First, rivals for Scotland's crown. In 1290, with the death of the child queen of Scotland, it came down to John Balliol or Robert Bruce as successor. And then, King Edward jumped in the ring - hence the rivals. There was another crown of sorts, one that Isabel had made of thin pine branches during a visit by Henry de Boyer and Rory MacGannon, while keeping her hands busy. Isabel's grandmother who was there, told the Celtic story of the Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak King who ruled the time of growth and light, would battle the Holly King, who ruled the time of harvest and death. One marked Midsummer and the other Midwinter. Rory with his light coloring was obviously the Oak King while Henry with his dark coloring was the Holly King. Who would win Isabel's heart and wear the "crown"?
Kathleen Givens again, wrote an excellent, page-turner historical romance novel. It had me glued to the book, in love with the characters and at times, sitting on the edge of my seat. I must confess that near the end, I had to quickly flip through the pages to sneak a peek because it was killing me! I loved how it included William Wallace and since I knew how that ends, I was very nervous for the other characters. It was a fascinating history lesson of 13th century Scotland and England, mixed perfectly with passion and romance. I only wish that Givens had written a middle book that fleshed out the details of what happened between 1266 and 1290, especially Nell and Davey's stories. We only get the bare bones as told from one family member to another. Otherwise, a completely satisfying Highlander romance story.
The title Rivals for the Crown meant two things to me. First, rivals for Scotland's crown. In 1290, with the death of the child queen of Scotland, it came down to John Balliol or Robert Bruce as successor. And then, King Edward jumped in the ring - hence the rivals. There was another crown of sorts, one that Isabel had made of thin pine branches during a visit by Henry de Boyer and Rory MacGannon, while keeping her hands busy. Isabel's grandmother who was there, told the Celtic story of the Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak King who ruled the time of growth and light, would battle the Holly King, who ruled the time of harvest and death. One marked Midsummer and the other Midwinter. Rory with his light coloring was obviously the Oak King while Henry with his dark coloring was the Holly King. Who would win Isabel's heart and wear the "crown"?
Kathleen Givens again, wrote an excellent, page-turner historical romance novel. It had me glued to the book, in love with the characters and at times, sitting on the edge of my seat. I must confess that near the end, I had to quickly flip through the pages to sneak a peek because it was killing me! I loved how it included William Wallace and since I knew how that ends, I was very nervous for the other characters. It was a fascinating history lesson of 13th century Scotland and England, mixed perfectly with passion and romance. I only wish that Givens had written a middle book that fleshed out the details of what happened between 1266 and 1290, especially Nell and Davey's stories. We only get the bare bones as told from one family member to another. Otherwise, a completely satisfying Highlander romance story.
August 3, 2009
Ughhh. I remember enjoying On a Highland Shore a lot more than this sequel (used very loosely) written by the same author. Part of the problem for me was that I just came off reading The Reckoning by Sharon Kay Penman who happens to be one of my favorite authors. The Reckoning dealt with the same time period but was written 100 times better than Rivals for the crown. When I started to read this one I was excited to see another authors point of view and all I got was a corny romance novel that repeated the same lines over and over. I think it is a miracle this book was able to use "historical' in the genre because all it was full of was descriptions of the strong hunky highlanders. I should go back through and count how many times one of the heroines thought "and that mouth..." as she stared at her future man to be. All that was missing was a picture of Fabio on the cover in a kilt.
The thing is- I have nothing against romance. Bring on the love, baby, but do it in a way that is not cheesy as all get out. The dialogue was painful and I found myself struggling to continue reading. The only reason I finished was because once I have started reading a book I hate to leave it unfinished. I have to say that this particular piece of literature turned me off from this author.
The thing is- I have nothing against romance. Bring on the love, baby, but do it in a way that is not cheesy as all get out. The dialogue was painful and I found myself struggling to continue reading. The only reason I finished was because once I have started reading a book I hate to leave it unfinished. I have to say that this particular piece of literature turned me off from this author.
May 1, 2011
I love historical romance and this book was fantastic. I'm a sucker for great love stories. What I really love about this author is that she can create such an intense love story without the graphic sex scenes. Think, The Last of the Mohicans. My only complaint is the ending seemed a little rushed and forced with historical information. If you like historical romance this book is a must!
November 10, 2018
I didn't enjoy this. I did enjoy On a highland shore,so I'm not sure exactly why. Very hard to get into I found
July 10, 2009
Full Review:
http://ibeeeg.blogspot.com/2009/07/ri...
Rivals for the Crown, a historical romance fiction story that was captivating.
The characters of Isabel and Rachel were compelling. They both faced times of uncertainty and turmoil.
Both girls found themselves in circumstances in which they needed to make life and death decisions.
I was impressed with Isabel's growth from a naive young girl to a woman whose courage and strength is admirable.
Rachel, a Jewish girl, is torn between her faith and a love that must not be. She is very earnest to practice her faith while aware that others would not be understanding if they knew she was Jewish. She displays courage and strength to do what is right.
Both girls struggled against adversity.
The men, all were brave and courageous. Some more admirable than others.
Henry, King Edward's knight, lusts after Isabel. He does not lead his life in the most admirable way but he does display admirable qualities towards Isabel.
Rory and Kieran, both Scot Highlanders, are young and fierce. They find themselves in the midst of the Rivals for the Crown. They are both courageous men who suffer lose. They take a stand for what they think is right even though it puts their lives in great risk of death.
These characters' lives are intertwined. I found myself drawn to their stories. They all must make difficult choices. They all must make sacrifices. I grieved when decisions were made that caused pain and was thrilled when they experienced joy. I could feel the essence of the time and place - the struggles of those who loved through these turbulent times.
http://ibeeeg.blogspot.com/2009/07/ri...
Rivals for the Crown, a historical romance fiction story that was captivating.
The characters of Isabel and Rachel were compelling. They both faced times of uncertainty and turmoil.
Both girls found themselves in circumstances in which they needed to make life and death decisions.
I was impressed with Isabel's growth from a naive young girl to a woman whose courage and strength is admirable.
Rachel, a Jewish girl, is torn between her faith and a love that must not be. She is very earnest to practice her faith while aware that others would not be understanding if they knew she was Jewish. She displays courage and strength to do what is right.
Both girls struggled against adversity.
The men, all were brave and courageous. Some more admirable than others.
Henry, King Edward's knight, lusts after Isabel. He does not lead his life in the most admirable way but he does display admirable qualities towards Isabel.
Rory and Kieran, both Scot Highlanders, are young and fierce. They find themselves in the midst of the Rivals for the Crown. They are both courageous men who suffer lose. They take a stand for what they think is right even though it puts their lives in great risk of death.
These characters' lives are intertwined. I found myself drawn to their stories. They all must make difficult choices. They all must make sacrifices. I grieved when decisions were made that caused pain and was thrilled when they experienced joy. I could feel the essence of the time and place - the struggles of those who loved through these turbulent times.
May 28, 2010
I absolutely loved this book. I only give 5*****rarely, and wish I could have rated this 4 and 1/2 but they don't show that. But that is my rating. It combines Scottish and English History during the reign of Edward Plantagenet of England, and the fighting between John Balliol and Robert the Bruce to be king of Scotland. William Wallace (Braveheart) is also in this book. it has great romance, and a terrific Highland love story. there is a tiny bit of descriptive sex, but not overboard, and it only lends to the story, not just to titillate. I plan to read more of her books. It shows a lot of the sad history of fighting and emnity between Scotland and England, due to Englands ever constant desire to own scotland and deprive her of her independence, which is all the scots fought for. They never wanted to control England at all.
January 21, 2022
Ich durfte sowohl das Hörbuch über Spotify free und digital publishing hören, als auch das Rezensionsexemplar lesen!Zuerst muss Rachel de Anjou mit ihrer Familie aus England flüchten, da sie als Juden aus England fliehen müssen.Ihre beste Freundin weiß nichts davon.Sie arbeitet aber am englischen Hof und beide treffen sich wieder an derschottischen Grenze.Doch beide haben sich verliebt und wissen jetzt erst einmal nicht, zu wem sie am Besten halten sollen, wo doch Schottland um die Unabhängigkeit kämpft!Ein sehr spannend geschriebener historischer Roman, der die Judenverfolgung und den Unabhängigkeitskrieg Schottlands sehr gut aufgreift und darstellt und jetzt nach dem vollzogenen Brexit seltsam aktuell scheint!Absolute Lese- und Hörempfehlung!
July 15, 2008
This book was too much historical fiction and not enough romance. The book follows two different couples, so that got confusing at times. There was also a point in the book where the plot jumped ahead a year without any warning. This was very jarring and really pulled me out of the story. The historical detail was good but I didn't enjoy the romances so this book is not a favorite. I would only recommend it if you are interested in the setting and time period.
July 13, 2012
I'm a sucker for anything about Scotland...what can I say. As always, she grabs my attention and keeps it for the entire book.....can't wait to read the other two I have. If you love historical fiction, you can't beat this one!
July 29, 2012
Interesting sequel in The Highlander series, but didn't quite like it as much as I did the first one. On the other hand, it answers a lot of questions that were left when I completed the first book in the series "On Highland Shore."
November 29, 2011
Loved it!
August 6, 2017
2.5 stars.
This book was full of character relationships that I found hard to believe. There are two love stories that both revolve around people who didn't know each other very long but still can't stop thinking about each other after years of not seeing each other.
The conflict was equally underdeveloped and hard to believe, as most of it revolved around Isabel's almost-rapist still searching for her all over the country 2 years later, when more realistically, he would have found other victims and forgotten about her by then.
I also really didn't need to hear about "how very male" one love interest was while they were only kissing. I thought that was gross. And the sex scene between them just didn't do it for me, as it was full of stuff that I really didn't need to know. It's been a while since I last skimmed over a sex scene, but this book made me do that again.
Also, I thought It a bit much that Isabel's other love interest referred to himself and the other guy as "rivals" when all they were fighting over was a girl they both barely knew and barely saw in 5 years. I couldn't help but think "psh, you're not rivals."
Overall, this book isn't bad. It is well-researched, and the first half at least has believable conflict. It's just the second half where it went severely downhill. I can see a lot of people enjoying this book more than I did, I would personally just be quicker to recommend other historical fiction books above this one.
This book was full of character relationships that I found hard to believe. There are two love stories that both revolve around people who didn't know each other very long but still can't stop thinking about each other after years of not seeing each other.
The conflict was equally underdeveloped and hard to believe, as most of it revolved around Isabel's almost-rapist still searching for her all over the country 2 years later, when more realistically, he would have found other victims and forgotten about her by then.
I also really didn't need to hear about "how very male" one love interest was while they were only kissing. I thought that was gross. And the sex scene between them just didn't do it for me, as it was full of stuff that I really didn't need to know. It's been a while since I last skimmed over a sex scene, but this book made me do that again.
Also, I thought It a bit much that Isabel's other love interest referred to himself and the other guy as "rivals" when all they were fighting over was a girl they both barely knew and barely saw in 5 years. I couldn't help but think "psh, you're not rivals."
Overall, this book isn't bad. It is well-researched, and the first half at least has believable conflict. It's just the second half where it went severely downhill. I can see a lot of people enjoying this book more than I did, I would personally just be quicker to recommend other historical fiction books above this one.
June 1, 2017
Rivals for the Crown by Kathleen Givens was a good book, but in the end, it just wasn't the book for me. It was about how different families and even nations were fighting for the Scottish throne in 1290. There are so many fights, battles, scandals, and so much deceit and secrets that the book gets too confusing and hard to follow. History is not my favorite subject so reading about a fantasy Scottish history wasn't very enjoyable to me. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who doesn't like history that much or who has even the slightest bit of trouble reading. But, if you're a history lover and a very strong, high-level reader, I would absolutely recommend this book. Even though it was beautifully well written, it wasn't the book for me. The whole history thing just ruined it for me I guess.
December 28, 2017
An enjoyable historical fiction novel set in 13th century England and Scotland. It has all the right elements: great storytelling, battles, romance, people in hiding, heroism, and a couple strong female characters.
September 30, 2021
This is not my usual genre and I have no idea how this book ended up on my shelves. The historical information about the battle for control of Scotland and the exile of Jews fromEngland was interesting. Otherwise, there was too much romance for my taste.
April 3, 2023
There is a huge time skip between the first book and this second one. Though this book holds up well on its own with the new characters. Wished they'd elaborate more on what happened to the main characters of the 1st book.
November 18, 2024
A really great read….
A wonderful historic fiction. This held me captive all weekend, I loved the story and history interjected. Passionate and graphic, but what woman wouldn’t do the same in some of the situations
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A wonderful historic fiction. This held me captive all weekend, I loved the story and history interjected. Passionate and graphic, but what woman wouldn’t do the same in some of the situations
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March 30, 2019
I thought there would be books about Davey and Nell? Ive searched and google. Could not find it. 😭
Only bits of it in the beinging of this book.
WILLIAM WALLACE! My fav.
Only bits of it in the beinging of this book.
WILLIAM WALLACE! My fav.
June 29, 2019
I picked this up because I generally love historical novels but I struggled to get into this one. The characters were interesting but the plot just dragged and I couldn’t wait to be done
December 16, 2019
I have never read a book like this one.At first I almost out of down but then I couldn't put it down.Good read!
January 7, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this story very much. There were a few moments that I felt got a little bogged down and slow, but for the most part I found it to be interesting and enjoyable.
I enjoyed this story very much. There were a few moments that I felt got a little bogged down and slow, but for the most part I found it to be interesting and enjoyable.
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