After the failed Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, war-weary Deven McLendon returns home to discover a thief creating chaos on his lands. But this thief isn't like any other. When Rooney Corsen sets out to steal jewels to repay her family’s debts and keep a roof over her little sisters’ heads, never does she imagine snagging the laird's heart instead.
A Tender Siege
Pontiac’s War, August 1763: “I beg Ye to take me.” Wounded in battle in the American wilderness, Lachlan McRea of His Majesty’s 42nd Highlanders pleads with God, yearning to be reunited with his lost wife and child. As death hovers near, he is discovered by Wenonah, a native widow doing all she can to survive alone while avoiding the attentions of a dangerous Shawnee warrior. In aiding one another, their perils increase. If Lachlan can let go of the woman he once loved, he might find healing for both body and soul.
The Year without Summer
Shoved off his family’s land in Scotland in 1816, Grant Cummings looks for work in Ulster, Ireland. He needs money and a home to raise his young brother. Molly MacGregor loses her father and his income, but she has no time to grieve as she sews and spins to earn enough to keep her and her young brother alive. Renting out the hut on their land might be the answer, but only if she can overcome her prejudice against the handsome Highlander who moves in. Her heart might soften toward him, but not when he plans to set sail for America.
The Violinist
In 1915 Idaho, homesick lumberjack Callan MacTavish despairs of ever seeing his Scottish homeland again. With kindness and patience, music teacher Rose Marchmont reaches a part of Callan’s heart he’d long ago locked away. She sees beyond his rough exterior to the artistic heart beneath. He longs for more than he can offer her, but she doesn’t know about the secret trauma that keeps him from crossing the sea.
Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.
This four-story collection by talented authors J’nell Ciesielski, Naomi Musch, Janet Grunst, and Jennifer Lamont Leo proved to be a wonderful medley of faith, romance, and history featuring the “braw” lads and lassies of the Scottish Highlands! Each story in The Highlanders anthology is uniquely told in a different historical time and land, yet all captivated me with their endearing characters and compelling drama. What a delightful way to be transported to the past and enjoy a taste of the Highlands. I have no doubt other Christian historical fiction fans will love these stories, too!
The Highlanders is a collection of novellas by four authors. NIGHT FOX by J’nell Ciesielski. The Night Fox steals from the rich to pay the unjust debts her gambling father left. Who could it be? Deven McLendon is newly returned from the war and seeks to restore his family’s property but encounters a rogue— the Night Fox. Will things change when he finds out the Fox’s identity? Deftly written hero and heroine and a dastardly villain. All in a wonderful historical Scottish setting. Great fun! A TENDER SIEGE by Naomi Musch. A wounded Scotsman rescued by an Indian maid who is a trapper’s widow. Will Lachlen survive his injury and will Wenonah fend off the advances of a warrior who killed her husband? Ms. Musch has written a story of early America that tugs at your heart strings. The beautiful descriptions of the woods and early wilderness life are spellbinding. This is one of my favorite eras to read about and it rings true. THE YEAR WITHOUT SUMMER by Janet Grunst. A bonnie tale of the harsh summer of 1816 in Scotland and the personal tale of Grant Cummings, his brother and Aunt Katherine and their struggle amid diminishing opportunities. Summer proved hard for many including Molly McGregor and her brother Scott. See how the author fashions hope out of adversity. THE VIOLINIST by Jennifer Lamont Leo. Callen McTavish is just a crude lumberjack-or is he? Callen has been dealt a big blow but still longs to return to his home in Scotland. Rose is an accomplished violinist but had to leave a life of culture in Chicago when her heart was broken. Now she lives with her sister and brother-in-law, hoping to make a living as a music teacher in Idaho. Shunning the matchmaking of he4 sister, Rose befriends Callen, who shares her love of music. Based on a twist of real history, Ms Leo crafts a warm and welcoming story, showing that with God’s leading- bad memories can be overcome. *I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook by the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Love love and love this collection!! Sometimes in life we have to go through the absolute worst things imaginable, but going through can bring about the most unexpected blessings. It's never fun in the middle of the situation, but when we look back someday all the signs of God's love and faithfulness will be right there, unmistakable. We just have to hang in there, no matter how long it takes.
This collection of Scottish Highlanders is compelling with each tale set in a different location and with various characters struggling with a realistic situation. The collection span almost 200 years of history.
Night Fox was centered a round the mysterious happenings with valuables being stolen. Laird Devon McLendon was determined to resolve the issue when he returned home. The twists and turns brought some unexpected surprises in more ways than one.
Naomi Musch tale A Tender Siege was a favorite with Highlander Lachlan McRea. His rescue instead of his plea being answered by God brought compassionate Wenonah to care for him, although, she had suffered greatly from the Pontiac’s War. When Highlander Nab found McRea and then Wenonah persistent native entered the scene there were heart pounding moments.
The Year Without Summer explored the lives of Highlander Grant Cummings and Molly MacGregor. This was another favorite as characters learned to open their hearts to God’s will. Cummings’ and MacGregor’s lives hadn’t been easy plus Molly held a strong opinion of Highlanders couldn’t be trusted.
The Violinist set in Idaho is a unique situation where Highlander Callan MacTavish was a lumberjack but his lifestyle was different than lumberjacks. Hearing beautiful violin music from Rose Marchmont gave way to him taking lessons only to hear her play, until he found enjoyment once again with his hidden secret.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors as a winner on a Facebook party and was under no obligation to write a review. All thoughts are my own.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this world, ‘tis that things are not always as they seem. We need only to look past the surface to find the truth. - Rooney - Night Fox
Night Fox highlights the statement I quoted above - things certainly weren’t the way they seemed on the surface. With robbery, pilfering and looting, one could have made negative conclusions on the moral character of Night Fox, but how wrong you would have been!
A Tender Siege brings two folks together that have been injured in different ways but through the same war. They learned that God does supply what we need, when we need it.
The Year Without Summer brings the realization that ‘In all things God works for the good of those who love Him’ as Molly, Scott, Grant and Keith all lose a parent in death. Trusting in the Lord’s leading, they consider a move that would terrify many!
The Violinist also shows us that things are not always what you expect. It couldn’t be possible that a rough logger would have any appreciation for classical music and certainly would have no interest in learning to play an instrument. Apparently that would seem to be the assumption of many, but once again things are not what they seem on the surface.
What a fabulous way to spend a few hours reading about romance, adventure and the wonderful Scottish culture! I received an ARC from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and the authors. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.
I enjoyed my time reading this fun collection of stories, each with its own braw Scottish Highlander! From a mysterious thief causing chaos and keeping the local laird on his toes, a wounded soldier who faces his past in the most unlikely of places, a young man who's life is richly blessed by unexpected changes and a homesick highlander with a secret so deep it will take a tender heart to help him open up and move beyond his past.
If you enjoy historical stories with handsome Scottish Highlanders, then look no further! This book is sure to entertain and charm you right from the very first story, all the way to the last. I would have happily enjoyed reading more of these stories!
Each author brings her own unique writing style, and they blended together well with this overreaching theme of love and handsome Scottish Highlanders.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
These four sweet historical romances all boast Scottish heroes in a variety of settings. Whether laird or lumberjack, contractor or soldier each one must overcome formidable obstacles to win the heart of his bonnie lass. Each of the four authors did a wonderful job coming up with very different characters. These aren’t cookie-cutter romances, but individual stories of people in difficult circumstances, trying to forge a better future despite the troubles that follow them from the past. Novellas like these are a great choice to read during the busy holiday season or to fit into a busy schedule any time of the year. Fans of clean historical romance will enjoy reading The Highlanders. Four and a half stars!
I received a free copy of this collection from the publisher with no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this collection of stories about Highlanders at various locations! Night Fox: Rooney Corsen is responsible for her two younger sisters after their parents' deaths and resorts to stealing from rich people! Rooney is thought to be a male and is called the Night Fox. Laird Devon McLendon returns home from the Jacobite Rebellion determined to catch and punish Night Fox until he discovers who Night Fox really is!
A Tender Siege: Lachlan McRea is wounded in a battle on American soil and found by a pregnant Indian widow, Wenonah. Wenonah nurses Lachlan back to health until she goes into labor and needs his help.
The Year Without Summer: Grant Cummings is evicted from his family home in Scotland and takes his young brother with him to Ireland to find work. He wishes to rent a hut from a young woman whose father has died leaving her to care for her brother. Molly has been taught that you can't trust Highlanders and wants no part of Grant despite his attraction to her.
The Violinist: Scottish Callan MacTavish has come to Idaho to work as a lumberjack in 1915. In order to spend time with music teacher Rose Marchmont, Callan signs up for violin lessons but keeps his artistic side hidden from the other men in lumber camp.
I enjoyed each of the stories about Highlanders in this collection and recommend them to others. I received a complimentary e-book from Naomi Musch. This is my honest opinion.
The Highlanders: A Smitten Historical Romance Collection
From 1715 to 1915, four stories highlighting a Highlander, two from the “old” country and two in America. Stories that capture the heart: surprising thief with a surprising reason for the thefts; searching for lost loved ones in the midst of dangers; prejudices that could hinder an unplanned love and move to America; and violin lessons that could lead to love. Heartwarming stories.
1. Night Fox by J’Nell Ciesielski 2. A Tender Siege by Naomi Musch 3. The Year Without Summer by Janet Grunst 4. The Violinist by Jennifer Lamont Leo
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
I really enjoyed this romantic novella collection. I appreciated the different aspects of Scottish history and culture throughout these entertaining stories. I started reading because I am a fan of J’nell Ciesielski’s writing and I was thrilled with her contribution. Then I continued and discovered three new worthy authors. I found wonderful characters and story lines within these pages. Since it is a busy season, the novella length was perfect for me to be able to enjoy a great story in a short amount of time. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Highlanders is a truly delightful collection of 4 novellas about men from the Highlands of Scotland and the women they fall in love with. Each of the four stories held my attention all the way through. Each were very different but all were true pageturners. I highly recommend this book!
Merged review:
A page-turning novella collection by four amazing authors. Each story is so different, yet so intriguing. I love how each one is centered around a different man from the Scottish Highlands, yet is unique in setting, characters, and plot. One of the best novella collections I have read.
This is a great book to curl up with a hot cup of tea and enjoy timeless tales of falling in love. The four stories are each unique, with highlanders set in four different times, four different settings, with unique twists and endings. The characters are courageous and interesting. A wonderful way to learn a little history, and some Scottish culture.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and was in no way compensated or compelled to write a review. All opinions given are my own.
This collection of novellas is not your typical Laird of the manor stories. Instead the common Scot takes the spotlight. All four heroes are every bit as appealing as the Scottish nobleman. The time setting for this collection ranges from the French and Indian war to the early 1900s. Historical research is evident in each tale. Grab a warm drink, your cozy blankie and enjoy four Highlanders and their lady loves.
An excellent collection of short stories with varying themes involving Highlanders. Four very different stories, each depicting the challenges that face these Highland men. I enjoyed each of the writing styles and loved the plots that were creative and imaginative. Thanks for the pleasurable read.
If you enjoy stories with a Scottish tang, then these four novellas are your next "must read." Two are set in the old country, and two on America's shores, but all of them include a Highlander you'll be swept away by. And the final story will throw you a curve you never see coming! If you dinna get your copy yet, you shouldna wait much longer!
Four Scottish Historical romances by different authors representing different settings and eras compiled into one book. Clean, sweet, and inspiring, all with a happy ending, perfect for those who enjoy a variety of novellas in this genre.
Scotland has recently been put on my bucket list, so naturally, I pre-ordered this collection of Highlander novellas. I really enjoyed the stories and discovered some new-to-me authors in the process!
Really enjoyed these stories from The Highlands. These stories "fit the bill" for clean, historical Christian fiction readers. Look forward to more such stories!
This is a compilation of short stories that were enjoyable to read. I like a good story so part of me wishes they would have gone on, but then they wouldn’t have been my lunch escape from work.
I enjoyed all four of these stories. Because they are short, they don’t have the detail and complexity I would like to see in a novel, but for novellas, they were great. Actually, I felt attached to the characters despite the shortness of the stories.
At first the cover put me off because I thought the book would primarily be about men basically. However, I was wrong. This was an excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and want to read it again. I especially liked the characters. Many thanks to the authors!
Oh, for the love of Scots! And I do, love Scotsmen. Something about their strength, stubbornness, and intensity of feelings that just makes my toes curl. This collection of clean and wholesome short stories is a quick read and just enough to get the heart pitter pattering!
What a perfectly lovely collection of stories! I just loved that all of them were about Scottish Highlanders, and were split perspective! The only thing I didn’t enjoy was that I had to begin 4 different stories, and we all know how hard it is to start books! I’m also not one for romance normally, but I did enjoy the many different tropes and takes in these stories! The first one was easily my favorite! I read it in basically one sitting, and couldn’t put it down! I just love the “poor female thief robs the rich young lord and they fall in love”! The second one took me a while to get into. The beginning seemed to drag on for too long, but the story was a very lovely and warm one about an army man who stumbles upon an indian girl who helps him recover from an injury, and they fall in love. The third story was probably my second favorite. The focus on the two boys’ friendship warmed my heart, as well as seeing the man and woman warm up to each other. The last one was very lovely as well. I was not expecting to have some major plot twists as we learn more about our main male character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Nice gentle stories. Each focuses on a man who hails from the Scottish highlands. As you would expect, each story also ends with the man tying the knot or expressing true love to the woman he encounters. Enjoyable but I suggest borrowing instead of buying.
This is a wonderful collection of stories each featuring a Highlander. I was up late last night reading them. I hope to read more from each of the authors.
This book was truly amazing! I had a hard time getting to the first story, but I loved the last three! Never did I think something like this would grab my attention, but I’m glad it did!