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Of Lands High and Low
Scotland 1794
For more than twenty years, the Lowland village of Craigmuir has been untouched by smallpox, leaving the people vulnerable to a painful lesson on the price of belonging, belief, and survival.
Isla Findlay belongs nowhere. The daughter of a disgraced woman and the Highlander who abandoned them both, she tries to be a dutiful niece to the uncle who has taken her in, blending into the village as best she can. But when a young Highlander's arrival in the area coincides with an outbreak of dreaded smallpox, it stirs up questions about Isla's past and forces a confrontation between the beliefs she holds and the community she wants to belong to.
Dr. Graeme MacNeill killed the only patient he ever had: his own father. The only way he can think to atone is to cut all ties from the Lowland world his father hated—including his education as a physician—and embrace the Highland heritage he used to be ashamed of. He travels to Craigmuir to sell the unwanted estate he has inherited from an uncle and return home, but fate—and the red-headed young woman he encounters in the village—have no intention of letting him leave things so easily behind.
For more than twenty years, the Lowland village of Craigmuir has been untouched by smallpox, leaving the people vulnerable to a painful lesson on the price of belonging, belief, and survival.
Isla Findlay belongs nowhere. The daughter of a disgraced woman and the Highlander who abandoned them both, she tries to be a dutiful niece to the uncle who has taken her in, blending into the village as best she can. But when a young Highlander's arrival in the area coincides with an outbreak of dreaded smallpox, it stirs up questions about Isla's past and forces a confrontation between the beliefs she holds and the community she wants to belong to.
Dr. Graeme MacNeill killed the only patient he ever had: his own father. The only way he can think to atone is to cut all ties from the Lowland world his father hated—including his education as a physician—and embrace the Highland heritage he used to be ashamed of. He travels to Craigmuir to sell the unwanted estate he has inherited from an uncle and return home, but fate—and the red-headed young woman he encounters in the village—have no intention of letting him leave things so easily behind.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2020
330 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 21, 2020
When Martha approached me to read her latest book set in Scotland in the late 1700s there was no way I could refuse that type of setting!
This is a historical love story set in the lowlands during a devastating smallpox outbreak. Isla has been taken in by her uncle after her parents death. She always feel adrift due the unanswered questions left by her highlander father whom she never got to meet. Graeme is a highlander unwelcome in a village that looks down upon his Highlander upbringing which only makes him more intriguing to Isla...tying her back to a piece of her past. Together the two find love while showing a village that differences can unite and change is sometimes necessary for survival.
I loved this book. It was so well done you could feel the historical context and the authors hard work in making it feel true to the times which is always important to me. I loved getting to know more about variolation as it was used in the fight against small pox as the first means of vaccination.
Graeme and Isla have a beautiful and sweet relationship that only grows as they serve the villagers around them. A story of survival, love, enduring and finding yourself by letting go of the past. I will go on to read more Martha Keyes books ♥️
This is a historical love story set in the lowlands during a devastating smallpox outbreak. Isla has been taken in by her uncle after her parents death. She always feel adrift due the unanswered questions left by her highlander father whom she never got to meet. Graeme is a highlander unwelcome in a village that looks down upon his Highlander upbringing which only makes him more intriguing to Isla...tying her back to a piece of her past. Together the two find love while showing a village that differences can unite and change is sometimes necessary for survival.
I loved this book. It was so well done you could feel the historical context and the authors hard work in making it feel true to the times which is always important to me. I loved getting to know more about variolation as it was used in the fight against small pox as the first means of vaccination.
Graeme and Isla have a beautiful and sweet relationship that only grows as they serve the villagers around them. A story of survival, love, enduring and finding yourself by letting go of the past. I will go on to read more Martha Keyes books ♥️
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November 20, 2025
6 stars. Deeply emotional and beautifully told. A very slow build to the romance, and some very heavy content. But absolutely worth it in my opinion.
*Trigger warning: death of a child, death of loved ones, small pox outbreak
*Trigger warning: death of a child, death of loved ones, small pox outbreak
October 12, 2020
Okay, I just need to talk to someone about this book. What an incredible story! This book is different than what I am used to by author Martha Keyes though in a way that definitely showcases her talents as a writer. Set in 1793 Scotland, this book is a bit more serious in nature than her other sweet romances. I wasn't sure what to expect as it went along, but Keyes struck a balance that masterfully gave me the romance I desire in a story while completely engrossing me in a tale of prejudices, forgiveness, and tackling the smallpox disease. Seriously, wow! I thought for sure that in order to have the depth that this book did and to cover the historical details of a smallpox outbreak like this that the romance would have to take a backseat, but honestly, I'm going to say wow again because really, I am so impressed with how the author put all the elements of this story together!
The romance: I loved the sweet development of Isla and Graeme's relationship and the obstacles that they faced. Graeme was so swoony in his care for Isla and the way he didn't want to let her down. Their kisses...yep good clean romance but with all the feels!
The highland vs the lowland and smallpox issues: I know the author wrote this book during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 and all that has been going on this year, but I was really grateful for the way she didn't force any social issues or opinions on me as a reader, instead allowing me to ponder history and current world events with some beautiful insights that are timely for today. I would definitely categorize this book as Christian fiction. It isn't preachy in any way, but I love the messages of loving one another and not being quick to judge. Forgiveness is huge as well and I just really felt uplifted even as I teared up with some of the really hard and sad things happening in this book.
If you enjoy a good historical romance with Christian themes, I definitely recommend this book to you. While it is a little slower and heavier, there were still moments of humor and just an overall kindness that really were the icing on this wonderfully done book.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The romance: I loved the sweet development of Isla and Graeme's relationship and the obstacles that they faced. Graeme was so swoony in his care for Isla and the way he didn't want to let her down. Their kisses...yep good clean romance but with all the feels!
The highland vs the lowland and smallpox issues: I know the author wrote this book during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 and all that has been going on this year, but I was really grateful for the way she didn't force any social issues or opinions on me as a reader, instead allowing me to ponder history and current world events with some beautiful insights that are timely for today. I would definitely categorize this book as Christian fiction. It isn't preachy in any way, but I love the messages of loving one another and not being quick to judge. Forgiveness is huge as well and I just really felt uplifted even as I teared up with some of the really hard and sad things happening in this book.
If you enjoy a good historical romance with Christian themes, I definitely recommend this book to you. While it is a little slower and heavier, there were still moments of humor and just an overall kindness that really were the icing on this wonderfully done book.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 19, 2020
I wish I would have read this a year ago. I would have liked it more. This year has just not been a year to read awful stuff that happened in the past. Give me a sweet mind numbing romance this year. This is a heavy book with lots of feeling of guilt and helplessness. Any time there is a sickness that spreads it is a heavy theme. I enjoyed learning about this time period and the start of vaccinations. How they used to be such an amazing gift. This is a story of 2 people who feel alone and how the smallpox and their belief in something different from others brings them together. Proper romance with sickness and descriptions of the smallpox and its treatments.
October 18, 2020
4.5 stars
I love a book that makes me think. One that teaches me about a time in history, makes me grateful for what I currently have, and makes me consider my thoughts and prejudices. This book does all of these things so, so well! It is definitely more historical fiction than historical romance. But I really loved it! Evidence of the fact that I quite love a good historical fiction. And it is a good book. It’s been written very well and quite obvious that Martha put in a lot of research. I always love when it’s clear an author put in so much time and effort to get the facts right for a book. But the information also isn’t forcefully delivered. It’s weaved into the story of Isla and Graeme so perfectly. I was quite impressed. Besides being impressed with the level of research and information, the story between the protagonists was written so well. I loved them both so much!
I felt so much for Isla in her desire to fit in with these people who just couldn’t accept her. This is a time period in history that my modern feminist typically doesn’t enjoy—the idea that women are at the mercy of the men in their lives and required to do whatever they require. I’m not a fan of that. I know it was a truth of existence for women but I still don’t like it. But I really love that Isla tries so hard to show her love and gratitude toward her uncle while also trying to figure out how to live true to her inner self. I loved her character development throughout the book, seeing her come into a truly strong female by the end of the story.
Graeme is a pretty fantastic hero. I also enjoyed his development. He had a lot of demons he had to overcome and I liked watching Isla help him get over his struggles. I was glad he was a gentleman to everyone, even the people who made it clear they hated him. The fact that he still treated them kindly really made me like him. And that he treats Isla with so much respect also makes me like him. But in that vein: the kissing scenes are swoony! While this book is a little heavier than a typical romance, there is still a definite thread of romance weaving through the story.
Note: this book does have a bit of heaviness to it. There are details involved regarding smallpox and the symptoms associated with it.
Death
Religious prejudice and forms of racism
I love a book that makes me think. One that teaches me about a time in history, makes me grateful for what I currently have, and makes me consider my thoughts and prejudices. This book does all of these things so, so well! It is definitely more historical fiction than historical romance. But I really loved it! Evidence of the fact that I quite love a good historical fiction. And it is a good book. It’s been written very well and quite obvious that Martha put in a lot of research. I always love when it’s clear an author put in so much time and effort to get the facts right for a book. But the information also isn’t forcefully delivered. It’s weaved into the story of Isla and Graeme so perfectly. I was quite impressed. Besides being impressed with the level of research and information, the story between the protagonists was written so well. I loved them both so much!
I felt so much for Isla in her desire to fit in with these people who just couldn’t accept her. This is a time period in history that my modern feminist typically doesn’t enjoy—the idea that women are at the mercy of the men in their lives and required to do whatever they require. I’m not a fan of that. I know it was a truth of existence for women but I still don’t like it. But I really love that Isla tries so hard to show her love and gratitude toward her uncle while also trying to figure out how to live true to her inner self. I loved her character development throughout the book, seeing her come into a truly strong female by the end of the story.
Graeme is a pretty fantastic hero. I also enjoyed his development. He had a lot of demons he had to overcome and I liked watching Isla help him get over his struggles. I was glad he was a gentleman to everyone, even the people who made it clear they hated him. The fact that he still treated them kindly really made me like him. And that he treats Isla with so much respect also makes me like him. But in that vein: the kissing scenes are swoony! While this book is a little heavier than a typical romance, there is still a definite thread of romance weaving through the story.
Note: this book does have a bit of heaviness to it. There are details involved regarding smallpox and the symptoms associated with it.
Death
Religious prejudice and forms of racism
October 18, 2020
An absolute must-read! Isla has never been fully accepted by the townspeople because her father is from the Scottish Highlands, and when Graeme comes to town to take care of some family business, he finds he is not accepted for the same reason. When a smallpox outbreak hits the village, both Isla and Graeme have to decide how much they are willing to risk to save those around them.
The author strikes the perfect balance between sharing a piece of history and telling a love story, all while letting the reader consider the implications for our day without telling them what they should think. Such a well-researched, captivating, and timely book is not to be missed.
This is my new favorite novel by this author and I hope that she writes similar historical fiction in the future!
I received a complimentary copy but it in no way affected my review.
The author strikes the perfect balance between sharing a piece of history and telling a love story, all while letting the reader consider the implications for our day without telling them what they should think. Such a well-researched, captivating, and timely book is not to be missed.
This is my new favorite novel by this author and I hope that she writes similar historical fiction in the future!
I received a complimentary copy but it in no way affected my review.
March 29, 2021
So much more than a romance
I love a romance that has a really strong second part to it. This book was so interesting with all of the historical information about smallpox, Scotland, and religion! And of course you’ve got to love a big, strong, Scottish hero!
I love a romance that has a really strong second part to it. This book was so interesting with all of the historical information about smallpox, Scotland, and religion! And of course you’ve got to love a big, strong, Scottish hero!
May 23, 2021
Such a good book.
Loved this. The history of smallpox and variolation was so intriguing. Although this story was about a sad topic and very somber, the writing and storyline were both very good.
Clean romance.
Loved this. The history of smallpox and variolation was so intriguing. Although this story was about a sad topic and very somber, the writing and storyline were both very good.
Clean romance.
July 19, 2025
It’s hard to put into words how deeply this novel moved me. Before I dive in, I want to share a content note: the story’s plot centers around a medical outbreak/pandemic. This isn’t something I would have flagged before COVID, but reading this book made me realize I may not have fully processed all the emotions tied to that season of life.
Martha Keyes is a new-to-me author, and I was blown away by how beautifully she wrote this story. Her handling of the smallpox outbreak in late 1790s Scotland was both powerful and informative. It’s clear that extensive research went into this novel, and that depth made the narrative all the more rich and compelling.
Dr. Graeme MacNeill and Isla Findlay were an absolute delight to read. Their love story—born of forced proximity and shared values—unfolded slowly and sweetly, even as they faced extenuating circumstances that could have broken anyone.
The faith element in this book was particularly moving for me. I loved how the author wove in the varied perspectives of the time and countered them with solid Biblical truth. It wasn’t heavy-handed or preachy—just gentle, overt truth presented in a loving and authentic way.
This is the kind of historical romance that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page—thought-provoking, tender, and beautifully crafted.
Martha Keyes is a new-to-me author, and I was blown away by how beautifully she wrote this story. Her handling of the smallpox outbreak in late 1790s Scotland was both powerful and informative. It’s clear that extensive research went into this novel, and that depth made the narrative all the more rich and compelling.
Dr. Graeme MacNeill and Isla Findlay were an absolute delight to read. Their love story—born of forced proximity and shared values—unfolded slowly and sweetly, even as they faced extenuating circumstances that could have broken anyone.
The faith element in this book was particularly moving for me. I loved how the author wove in the varied perspectives of the time and countered them with solid Biblical truth. It wasn’t heavy-handed or preachy—just gentle, overt truth presented in a loving and authentic way.
This is the kind of historical romance that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page—thought-provoking, tender, and beautifully crafted.
October 15, 2020
This book is amazing and is one that I think will stay with me for quite a while.
Set in Scotland in the the 1790's, Dr. Graeme MacNeill comes to the village of Craigmuir with the intention of selling the home that he has been left by his uncle. He is met with hostility from almost everyone there, based entirely on his being from the Highlands. The exception is Isla Findlay, who also feels like she exists on the fringes of society's good opinion. As a friendship stars to bloom between them, smallpox begins to outbreak in the neighboring villages. Isla and Graeme risk the ire of some of the most powerful people in Craigmuir as they work to protect the villagers from being devastated by an outbreak of smallpox.
I couldn't put this book down. It wasn't like other Martha Keyes' books in that it was a little heavier and the focus wasn't solely on the romance (though that's definitely there too). The fear of the people of getting smallpox and the devastating effects that it can have on individuals and families were things that are incredibly relatable in 2020. But Keyes handled it with such care. There were sad things, but I felt like hope was the overarching theme of this book and I was ultimately left with a smile on my face.
The romance aspect of the book was very sweet. I will always swoon for a man in kilt, especially one like Graeme who was just so troubled and tender.
My first words after I finished were "It was so sad and so happy and so lovely, but also sad and also really happy, and I loved it!" I stand by those by those words.
Set in Scotland in the the 1790's, Dr. Graeme MacNeill comes to the village of Craigmuir with the intention of selling the home that he has been left by his uncle. He is met with hostility from almost everyone there, based entirely on his being from the Highlands. The exception is Isla Findlay, who also feels like she exists on the fringes of society's good opinion. As a friendship stars to bloom between them, smallpox begins to outbreak in the neighboring villages. Isla and Graeme risk the ire of some of the most powerful people in Craigmuir as they work to protect the villagers from being devastated by an outbreak of smallpox.
I couldn't put this book down. It wasn't like other Martha Keyes' books in that it was a little heavier and the focus wasn't solely on the romance (though that's definitely there too). The fear of the people of getting smallpox and the devastating effects that it can have on individuals and families were things that are incredibly relatable in 2020. But Keyes handled it with such care. There were sad things, but I felt like hope was the overarching theme of this book and I was ultimately left with a smile on my face.
The romance aspect of the book was very sweet. I will always swoon for a man in kilt, especially one like Graeme who was just so troubled and tender.
My first words after I finished were "It was so sad and so happy and so lovely, but also sad and also really happy, and I loved it!" I stand by those by those words.
March 16, 2022
I didn’t pay much attention to the synopsis of this book, since I enjoyed Martha Keyes’ other Scotland books. But with a smallpox epidemic, a number of deaths and sick beds, and tons of tension about “variolation” (a primitive form of immunization), this is *quite* a stressful read for a sensitive reader in the year 2022.
3 stars because I do think Martha Keyes is a good writer. But the mood in this one was just too oppressive for me.
3 stars because I do think Martha Keyes is a good writer. But the mood in this one was just too oppressive for me.
November 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Oof this was way heavier than I was expecting from Martha Keyes. A smallpox epidemic sweeps through a small town in 1794 Scotland. There is a lot of religious tension from the leaders of the Kirk who are against “variolation” (a primitive form of vaccines) and some crusty old men who have a ton of prejudice.
While the history was interesting and it felt true to the time period, there were a lot more stern lectures from bitter old men and a lot of medical descriptions about the grittiness of caring for someone in the throes of smallpox that weighed the book down.
Also, Uncle John’s confession toward the end made me pretty angry.
So, while this was an interesting read, it’s definitely not my favorite Martha Keyes. If this is your first book by her please go and read The Art of Victory so you can then read her pièce de résistance which is A Confirmed Rake.
Audio: pretty good, but narrator had random pauses that bothered me. Also, why was the author’s note not included in the audio?? I’ve heard it was a particularly good one.
Content: kisses only, moderate Christian themes (including a heavy handed Kirk leader), loss of multiple villagers including children to smallpox, depictions of smallpox blisters and suffering
While the history was interesting and it felt true to the time period, there were a lot more stern lectures from bitter old men and a lot of medical descriptions about the grittiness of caring for someone in the throes of smallpox that weighed the book down.
Also, Uncle John’s confession toward the end made me pretty angry.
So, while this was an interesting read, it’s definitely not my favorite Martha Keyes. If this is your first book by her please go and read The Art of Victory so you can then read her pièce de résistance which is A Confirmed Rake.
Audio: pretty good, but narrator had random pauses that bothered me. Also, why was the author’s note not included in the audio?? I’ve heard it was a particularly good one.
Content: kisses only, moderate Christian themes (including a heavy handed Kirk leader), loss of multiple villagers including children to smallpox, depictions of smallpox blisters and suffering
February 22, 2023
HIGHLAND GENIUS! Yall this hit so many amazing points, perfect scientific/health history, beautiful depth of character, and so much more!
Synopsis: Isla Findlay has been longing to learn about her birth father’s people, and when a lowland man (her uncles arch enemy) inherits the manor next door she can’t help but befriend him. As she attempts to save her town from Smallpox, she and the neighbor must forge a bond to protect those around them. Will she open up and find herself in love or will he leave like her father did?
Review: Yall I loved this sweet romance full of pure depth and honest communication. I loved the scientific aspect and seeing the history of vaccinations for Smallpox. I loved how Marth truly made such a beautiful character arch for not only the main characters but also the side characters! It was truly such a beautiful book with community and depth.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical romance with a scientific accuracies.
Romance Rating: Sweet and perfectly romantic!
Content Warning: Missed Goodbyes, Self Doubt, Death
Synopsis: Isla Findlay has been longing to learn about her birth father’s people, and when a lowland man (her uncles arch enemy) inherits the manor next door she can’t help but befriend him. As she attempts to save her town from Smallpox, she and the neighbor must forge a bond to protect those around them. Will she open up and find herself in love or will he leave like her father did?
Review: Yall I loved this sweet romance full of pure depth and honest communication. I loved the scientific aspect and seeing the history of vaccinations for Smallpox. I loved how Marth truly made such a beautiful character arch for not only the main characters but also the side characters! It was truly such a beautiful book with community and depth.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical romance with a scientific accuracies.
Romance Rating: Sweet and perfectly romantic!
Content Warning: Missed Goodbyes, Self Doubt, Death
October 8, 2020
4.5 stars ⭐️
1794, Scotland
Graeme MacNeill travels from his home in the north of Scotland to settle the estate business for an inheritance from his recently deceased uncle. He meets Isla Findlay, his next-door neighbor, in the little village of Craigmuir. Craigmuir is an isolated village in the Lowlands, and the people are not very friendly to this outsider, a wild savage from the Highlands. His being a Papist (Catholic) as well as someone who has received an inoculation against smallpox also sets their prejudices against him. But the more Isla gets to know him, the more she realizes that faith and science do not have to be at odds with each other.
This was a well-researched book and I enjoyed learning more about variolation (inoculation) of smallpox before the vaccine was developed.
A quick, entertaining read that is both informative historically as well as a squeaky-clean romance.
1794, Scotland
Graeme MacNeill travels from his home in the north of Scotland to settle the estate business for an inheritance from his recently deceased uncle. He meets Isla Findlay, his next-door neighbor, in the little village of Craigmuir. Craigmuir is an isolated village in the Lowlands, and the people are not very friendly to this outsider, a wild savage from the Highlands. His being a Papist (Catholic) as well as someone who has received an inoculation against smallpox also sets their prejudices against him. But the more Isla gets to know him, the more she realizes that faith and science do not have to be at odds with each other.
This was a well-researched book and I enjoyed learning more about variolation (inoculation) of smallpox before the vaccine was developed.
A quick, entertaining read that is both informative historically as well as a squeaky-clean romance.
December 1, 2020
3.5 stars!
- Historical romance from Kindle Unlimited set in late 1700s Scotland.
- I love reading about historical diseases so it was morbidly fun having smallpox play such a big part.
- Plus I enjoy books about fantasy/ historical healers/ doctors.
- Prejudiced country village views were very frustrating. The historical anti-vaxxers UGH.
- Super sweet slow burn romance
- Going to have to check out more from Martha Keyes!! It was such a soothing, easy read.
- Historical romance from Kindle Unlimited set in late 1700s Scotland.
- I love reading about historical diseases so it was morbidly fun having smallpox play such a big part.
- Plus I enjoy books about fantasy/ historical healers/ doctors.
- Prejudiced country village views were very frustrating. The historical anti-vaxxers UGH.
- Super sweet slow burn romance
- Going to have to check out more from Martha Keyes!! It was such a soothing, easy read.
December 6, 2022
4.5 - This book was so good, I even wiped away a few tears a couple of times. Not only was it interesting to learn about small pox and religious views of vaccinations, the characters were genuine and the story was great! The love story could have been a little bit stronger in my opinion...it was definitely a SLOW burn.
December 5, 2022
"You simply cannot have love without risk."
Some of the lines in this book really made me put a hand to heart!! I adored this story and the romance between the two main characters. This was a very well-written, swoon-worthy, clean read!!
Some of the lines in this book really made me put a hand to heart!! I adored this story and the romance between the two main characters. This was a very well-written, swoon-worthy, clean read!!
Did not finish
November 14, 2025DNF @ 28%
I didn’t realize this was a Christian “romance” so that’s my bad. But the romance? Where? I’m not sensing anything. This largely seems to be focusing more on smallpox than on anything else and even from reviewing the positive reviews that seems to carry through. So thanks but no thanks.
I didn’t realize this was a Christian “romance” so that’s my bad. But the romance? Where? I’m not sensing anything. This largely seems to be focusing more on smallpox than on anything else and even from reviewing the positive reviews that seems to carry through. So thanks but no thanks.
March 1, 2023
This wasn’t my favorite of Keyes’ books— I found it a little slow. The narrator was great though, and , overall, I enjoyed it. I appreciated learning about the practice of variolation for smallpox (early form of inoculation).
Clean romance.
Clean romance.
December 1, 2023
4.5⭐️ rounded up.
Read
June 14, 2024Dnf
June 15, 2025
Really good! Pretty depressing content—early medicine and small pox as major topics. Important reading on an era of anti-vaxxers because there is no longer collective memory of how bad it once was!
October 31, 2020
This may not have been the best read during a pandemic! 😂. Smallpoxs comes to Isla’s little village and the only one that can help is the highlander who just came to town to sell his uncles property. She wants to help the people of her village by variolating (inoculating) them against the disease. I learned so much in this book. I had no idea people would be against getting variolated because they thought it went against Gods will. It’s a beautiful story.
March 10, 2026
Love Martha Keyes, and really a 3.5⭐️for me. I believe it was just the smallpox theme that was not my favorite. Still good character development and I enjoy her writing.
October 12, 2025
Much more somber tone than Martha Keyes’ normal books, but so good. A look into the view of what smallpox was to villages. The fear, the sorrow, and the death. The little boys were hit especially hard. It was so so sad. And then the desperation from those parents who waited too long for the intervention. No one dies of the variolation so that makes the story a bit easier to conclude happily, but man was this a heavy issue. It was well written. It is sad to think that the variolation may have helped spread the disease but I guess that was a fact the author wanted the reader to deal with to understand the complexity of Graeme’s actions. Very engaging read, but I was sad for the last quarter or so of the book as the disease wreaks havoc on this town. The uncle is also this hypocritical character. He is noble for his care for Isla, but he is the cause of her father not being around. He tells the village to not play God and get variolated, but also previously interfered with the relationship between a father and his daughter as the uncle decides what is best for everyone. That was a hard realization. He didn’t seem to see the hypocrisy. It was sad.
Isla’s mother is unwed and lives with her brother. After her mother dies, her uncle takes over caring for her. A man strict in faith he refuses to allow Isla to be variolated with small pox. He believed that kind of interference was against God’s will. She eventually contracted the disease and almost died being sick for weeks. Scarred by the experience she is devastated to learn a nearby town has an outbreak of smallpox.
Graeme is a physician from the high lands who wanted to be like his low land uncle and was ashamed of his highland roots. He went to medical school and came back to the high lands to show his father how great he was now. However, he father was sick and Graeme misjudged the illness bleeding him when it was consumption. His father died and Graeme blamed himself and refused to practice medicine. He became loyal to his highland roots, so when he learned his lowland uncle had bequeathed his property to Graeme, Graeme set out to prepare the property to be sold. He encountered prejudice and learned his near neighbor hated highlanders specifically one had impregnated his sister and left. Graeme was a peacemaker but still encountered challenges to his honor and rejection. However, Isla welcomed him. Initially, drawn to the learning about the half of her she was never allowed to speak of she formed a quick friendship with the islander. She overheard his servants call him Dr. one day and he confessed to being physician trained. One of the women in the town had lost her first baby to smallpox and cried with anxiety to Isla for fear of what was to come. Isla told Graeme of the smallpox outbreak. He was concerned has it had been decades since an outbreak her and outbreak was in February indicating it was likely to be a bad one. She convinces him to variolate her friend’s family. Graeme is stuck anyway because he has to settle a land dispute her Isla’s uncle who is intentionally dragging his feet to agree to the new property boundaries. He performs the procedure, but the little boy is outside playing with another boy when he was in quarantine. Graeme takes this hard. He blames himself for his father‘s death and now feels that he may have brought smallpox to the village. Eventually, that family recovers with the help of Graeme and Isla. Once the villagers see that recovery more people want to be variolated. Isla herself has gotten assistance to gather a list of people who want the protection despite the religious leaders objections. Because of those objections, they create a plan to do a large group all at the same time so that the leaders don’t realize what’s happened until it’s too late. ISLA is driven to do this because of her experience with smallpox. Graeme reluctantly agrees to her plan because at this point he started to develop feelings for her and those feelings outweigh his anxiety. He doesn’t want to disappoint her. He opens his house as a temporary hospital so that he can care for everyone without having to travel all over. In the meantime, he’s come across a poor family who have all come down with the illness. He transports that family to his home and puts everyone else in a different part. Once the religious leaders find out, they are furious, but it’s too late. Everyone successfully makes it through the variolation and Isla’s and Graeme‘s relationship grows as they’ve worked together over that period of time to help everyone. Isla’s uncle learns from one of the religious leaders that she has been helping the Highlander. He calls her to his house where she learns he has come down with smallpox too. He is furious with her and makes her choose. She chooses Graeme and he banishes her from his house. soon he calls her back and explains. He was trying to protect her. He confesses that her father had returned for her mother. He also explains that her father never knew that her mother was pregnant with her. The uncle sent him away, which is why her father was never in her life. She’s understandably angry, but her uncle dies shortly after the confession. The main religious leaders younger son has also come down with smallpox and he brings his child to Graham when the child is at death’s door. Unfortunately there’s nothing he can do because the child is already dead. The religious leader blames Graham because he believes he got smallpox from the little boy initially variolated. This part was so sad. After the villagers see that everyone survived, another group of villagers want the variolation. At this point GRAEME has fallen in love with ISLA and so he remains to do the additional procedure. In the meantime, the villagers have set up a rock with the names of all those that died that were put in a mass grave because of the danger. After the memorial service, GRAEME proposes marriage and the book ends with ISLA living in the Highlands with him. They are expecting a child and GRAEME walks through the door announcing they have a vaccine for smallpox. Behind him is a man with bright red hair with gray streaks. GRAEME has found her father. The father tells her he never knew he had a daughter and he would’ve never left if he had known. She begins her new family having the father she always wanted restored to her.
Isla’s mother is unwed and lives with her brother. After her mother dies, her uncle takes over caring for her. A man strict in faith he refuses to allow Isla to be variolated with small pox. He believed that kind of interference was against God’s will. She eventually contracted the disease and almost died being sick for weeks. Scarred by the experience she is devastated to learn a nearby town has an outbreak of smallpox.
Graeme is a physician from the high lands who wanted to be like his low land uncle and was ashamed of his highland roots. He went to medical school and came back to the high lands to show his father how great he was now. However, he father was sick and Graeme misjudged the illness bleeding him when it was consumption. His father died and Graeme blamed himself and refused to practice medicine. He became loyal to his highland roots, so when he learned his lowland uncle had bequeathed his property to Graeme, Graeme set out to prepare the property to be sold. He encountered prejudice and learned his near neighbor hated highlanders specifically one had impregnated his sister and left. Graeme was a peacemaker but still encountered challenges to his honor and rejection. However, Isla welcomed him. Initially, drawn to the learning about the half of her she was never allowed to speak of she formed a quick friendship with the islander. She overheard his servants call him Dr. one day and he confessed to being physician trained. One of the women in the town had lost her first baby to smallpox and cried with anxiety to Isla for fear of what was to come. Isla told Graeme of the smallpox outbreak. He was concerned has it had been decades since an outbreak her and outbreak was in February indicating it was likely to be a bad one. She convinces him to variolate her friend’s family. Graeme is stuck anyway because he has to settle a land dispute her Isla’s uncle who is intentionally dragging his feet to agree to the new property boundaries. He performs the procedure, but the little boy is outside playing with another boy when he was in quarantine. Graeme takes this hard. He blames himself for his father‘s death and now feels that he may have brought smallpox to the village. Eventually, that family recovers with the help of Graeme and Isla. Once the villagers see that recovery more people want to be variolated. Isla herself has gotten assistance to gather a list of people who want the protection despite the religious leaders objections. Because of those objections, they create a plan to do a large group all at the same time so that the leaders don’t realize what’s happened until it’s too late. ISLA is driven to do this because of her experience with smallpox. Graeme reluctantly agrees to her plan because at this point he started to develop feelings for her and those feelings outweigh his anxiety. He doesn’t want to disappoint her. He opens his house as a temporary hospital so that he can care for everyone without having to travel all over. In the meantime, he’s come across a poor family who have all come down with the illness. He transports that family to his home and puts everyone else in a different part. Once the religious leaders find out, they are furious, but it’s too late. Everyone successfully makes it through the variolation and Isla’s and Graeme‘s relationship grows as they’ve worked together over that period of time to help everyone. Isla’s uncle learns from one of the religious leaders that she has been helping the Highlander. He calls her to his house where she learns he has come down with smallpox too. He is furious with her and makes her choose. She chooses Graeme and he banishes her from his house. soon he calls her back and explains. He was trying to protect her. He confesses that her father had returned for her mother. He also explains that her father never knew that her mother was pregnant with her. The uncle sent him away, which is why her father was never in her life. She’s understandably angry, but her uncle dies shortly after the confession. The main religious leaders younger son has also come down with smallpox and he brings his child to Graham when the child is at death’s door. Unfortunately there’s nothing he can do because the child is already dead. The religious leader blames Graham because he believes he got smallpox from the little boy initially variolated. This part was so sad. After the villagers see that everyone survived, another group of villagers want the variolation. At this point GRAEME has fallen in love with ISLA and so he remains to do the additional procedure. In the meantime, the villagers have set up a rock with the names of all those that died that were put in a mass grave because of the danger. After the memorial service, GRAEME proposes marriage and the book ends with ISLA living in the Highlands with him. They are expecting a child and GRAEME walks through the door announcing they have a vaccine for smallpox. Behind him is a man with bright red hair with gray streaks. GRAEME has found her father. The father tells her he never knew he had a daughter and he would’ve never left if he had known. She begins her new family having the father she always wanted restored to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2020
This is a wonderful book by Martha Keyes, set in Scotland in the 1790's. I can't help but see the timeliness of the subject matter, which is the divisiveness in the world at thata time over a vaccine for smallpox. The book is more of a history lesson on how prejudices and ignorance affected lives than a romance novel, although of course there is a little romance. I really enjoyed learning about this time in history, and appreciate all the research Martha has done to help us learn about it. Ultimately, to me, this book has a theme of forgiveness. Isla's forgiveness of her Uncle, Graeme's forgiveness of himself, the townspeoples forgiveness of Graeme, the Uncle, the father, it goes on and on.
October 18, 2020
What a great book by Martha Keyes! It was very well researched and I loved learning about the differences between the Highlanders and Lowlanders in Scotland. I also loved learning about the development of a vaccine for smallpox and how people felt about it at the time. I found this book to be very informative. I also loved the romance between the two main characters. I loved how it was a forbidden love but they chose to not care and to do what they felt was right. I loved how their love helped to soften some people’s opinions of the Highlanders. Really a great book!
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
April 16, 2025
This is Martha's best. A perfect mix of a unique historical setting with her sweet romantic touch. I was very touched by the portrayal of small pox amidst a stubborn religious setting. That mixed with the distrust between highlanders and lowlanders made for a deeply moving novel.
March 8, 2023
First of all, that book cover is beautiful. This book is a heavy one but so wonderful. It was so interesting reading and learning about smallpox outbreaks and how they managed them in the late 1700s. And the influence the church had on how people dealt with them. Martha keys did a great job showing the suffering of those who had family members have it or themselves. But she did a great job showing the success and hope of how they prevented it. It was interesting seeing doctors in the 1700s and how each treated their patients so differently. I liked how this book addressed the prejudices and the animosity between the highlanders and the lowlanders of Scotland. It’s sad to me how much a country can be divided. This book had christian themes of not only forgiving others but yourself. And that you not only need faith in god, but action as well. “The lord loves effort.” -Russell Nelson. The romance was sweet with the characters sharing each others burdens and lifting one another up. Trials can band people together. I feel like after going through them, the village was a found family of sorts. The narrator did a great job with the accents and showing emotion in the characters through her voice.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Scotland 1794! Ooooo! The animosity between the highlanders and the lowlanders was interesting. There was a big difference between lowlanders — wealthier, more civilized, collaborators with the English, less clannish, better educated; and highlanders — poor, feudal, tribal, speaking Gaelic, wearing tartans, playing bagpipes, resentful of the English, not well-educated, eager to fight. The highlanders were more rugged mountains, isolated communities, and clans with deep loyalties and long histories. The Scottish Lowlands are less rugged and more agricultural, with rolling green pastures and a gentler landscape. I love the name Isla. And that she has red hair and so many freckles she looks tan. And she has a highland father and lowland mother. Smallpox is really sad! But they had there kind of “vaccines” back then! One of the first methods for controlling smallpox was variolation. Info researched: “During variolation, people who had never had smallpox were exposed to material from smallpox sores (pustules) by scratching the material into their arm or inhaling it through the nose. After variolation, people usually developed the symptoms associated with smallpox, such as fever and a rash. However, fewer people died from variolation than if they had acquired smallpox naturally.” I love that Graeme gave her plaid when she was cold. It was black with red in it to match her hair. So warm and heavy and thoughtful. Graeme is catholic and won’t bend to convert to prodestent. It is amazing to have faith in God. But he doesn’t want us to sit around doing nothing and expect him to heal everyone. We need to have faith in him AND do all we can to prevent it. Like getting vaccines and such. Oh man variolation is so risky! Bc what if they can’t even handle the small dose and they die in the process of it?? Such hard decisions to make as a mom for your children!!! It is also interesting the role the church plays in medicine. Now days AND back then. The church in their village is completely against variolation. So that is tricky. Listening the author describe children inflicted with smallpox was sooo sad and hard. And how they were treated for it by some doctors was so wrong. It helps me have empathy. I love their first kiss while playing reverse hide and seek with all the children in the makeshift hospital. These two characters had great communication about their relationship. I loved how the village banded together and swallowed their pride and overcame their prejudices against Highlanders. At the memorial service, they all wore a part of his plaid rapped around their arm. I am so impressed that Isla forgave her uncle. That would be SO HARD. Oh and that epilogue! Two years later a vaccine was developed for the small pox! After she got married and was pregnant she found her daddy in the highlands. What a beautiful hea.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Scotland 1794! Ooooo! The animosity between the highlanders and the lowlanders was interesting. There was a big difference between lowlanders — wealthier, more civilized, collaborators with the English, less clannish, better educated; and highlanders — poor, feudal, tribal, speaking Gaelic, wearing tartans, playing bagpipes, resentful of the English, not well-educated, eager to fight. The highlanders were more rugged mountains, isolated communities, and clans with deep loyalties and long histories. The Scottish Lowlands are less rugged and more agricultural, with rolling green pastures and a gentler landscape. I love the name Isla. And that she has red hair and so many freckles she looks tan. And she has a highland father and lowland mother. Smallpox is really sad! But they had there kind of “vaccines” back then! One of the first methods for controlling smallpox was variolation. Info researched: “During variolation, people who had never had smallpox were exposed to material from smallpox sores (pustules) by scratching the material into their arm or inhaling it through the nose. After variolation, people usually developed the symptoms associated with smallpox, such as fever and a rash. However, fewer people died from variolation than if they had acquired smallpox naturally.” I love that Graeme gave her plaid when she was cold. It was black with red in it to match her hair. So warm and heavy and thoughtful. Graeme is catholic and won’t bend to convert to prodestent. It is amazing to have faith in God. But he doesn’t want us to sit around doing nothing and expect him to heal everyone. We need to have faith in him AND do all we can to prevent it. Like getting vaccines and such. Oh man variolation is so risky! Bc what if they can’t even handle the small dose and they die in the process of it?? Such hard decisions to make as a mom for your children!!! It is also interesting the role the church plays in medicine. Now days AND back then. The church in their village is completely against variolation. So that is tricky. Listening the author describe children inflicted with smallpox was sooo sad and hard. And how they were treated for it by some doctors was so wrong. It helps me have empathy. I love their first kiss while playing reverse hide and seek with all the children in the makeshift hospital. These two characters had great communication about their relationship. I loved how the village banded together and swallowed their pride and overcame their prejudices against Highlanders. At the memorial service, they all wore a part of his plaid rapped around their arm. I am so impressed that Isla forgave her uncle. That would be SO HARD. Oh and that epilogue! Two years later a vaccine was developed for the small pox! After she got married and was pregnant she found her daddy in the highlands. What a beautiful hea.
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