What do you think?
Rate this book
Highlands #2
Highland Sanctuary
Gavin MacKenzie, a chieftain heir who is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and comely lass, who captures Gavin's heart in spite of harboring a deadly past that could destroy her future.
The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well, and when a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. Then, as Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God's love is more powerful than any human force on earth.
The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well, and when a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. Then, as Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God's love is more powerful than any human force on earth.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2011
37 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Hudson Taylor
15 books242 followersJennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of inspirational fiction set in historic Europe and the Carolinas. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings was released in 2010 and won the Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Her work has been reviewed by USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, RT Book Reviews, and the Library Journal. Jennifer’s books are available across the globe in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia and in multiple formats including hardback, paperback, e-books and audiobooks. Other works have appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, RT Book Reviews, The Military Trader and USAir Magazine. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications. You can learn more about her at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.net.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 16, 2011
What an awesome plot! Highland Sanctuary has one of the freshest storylines I’ve come across in a long time. The heroine, Serena, is like no heroine I’ve ever read. She’s beautiful, sweet and inspiring. A heroine you genuinely root for right away. So what’s unique?
Serena has a disability that in Scotland during the clan wars puts her in danger of being burned at the stake as a witch or as one demon possessed. Author, Jennifer Hudson Taylor does a wonderful job in leading up to this threat, and makes good on all promises on suspense by the end of the book.
Serena has epileptic fits that must be hidden. Her mother has made whatever sacrifices are necessary to keep Serena safe, but this faithful mother doesn’t stop there. She instils in Serena a deep faith that one day God will provide a loving husband who will cherish and protect Serena as well.
How many people with disabilities, or those of us with loved ones who face health challenges, long for the joys of romance and a loyal life partner?
The story clips along at a fast pace, drawing the reader into Braigh Castle in Scotland and the village where Serena seeks refuge. Her hero, Gavin MacKenzie, finds her, and from the start you long for them to come together.
But there’s plenty of danger to threaten their lives and happiness so that the reader turns the pages faster, and enemies that return long after Serena thinks she’s safe.
I highly recommend this book.
Serena has a disability that in Scotland during the clan wars puts her in danger of being burned at the stake as a witch or as one demon possessed. Author, Jennifer Hudson Taylor does a wonderful job in leading up to this threat, and makes good on all promises on suspense by the end of the book.
Serena has epileptic fits that must be hidden. Her mother has made whatever sacrifices are necessary to keep Serena safe, but this faithful mother doesn’t stop there. She instils in Serena a deep faith that one day God will provide a loving husband who will cherish and protect Serena as well.
How many people with disabilities, or those of us with loved ones who face health challenges, long for the joys of romance and a loyal life partner?
The story clips along at a fast pace, drawing the reader into Braigh Castle in Scotland and the village where Serena seeks refuge. Her hero, Gavin MacKenzie, finds her, and from the start you long for them to come together.
But there’s plenty of danger to threaten their lives and happiness so that the reader turns the pages faster, and enemies that return long after Serena thinks she’s safe.
I highly recommend this book.
June 21, 2011
With Highland Sanctuary Jennifer Hudson Taylor has written a fine Historical Christian Novel that gets to your heart.
After endless supplies of Novels with eloquent erotic scenes and innuendo this is a story that can truly be read by all. It is a story of struggle against prejudice, finding strength in faith and bonding together in love. The book review says that the story is showing how God's love is more powerful than any human force on earth. In my oppinion it actually shows how God's love can work through humans. The characters in the book are devout, and never falter in their believe. Which is why they can overcome their trials. What is most important is that although the characters sometime ask why things happen to them, this doesn't happens in comparison with others and never with blame on God.
The main character, Serena, being an outcast with danger to her life for a condition that is neither of her making nor worthy of the punishment medieval society wants to hand her grips you quite early in the story. Her mother has fled with her to a small village of outcasts, where fate in the form a young lord, Gavin, finds her. Secrets and love, intrigue and greed make for a well paced story and make you long to know how it all ends.
As to the Authors writing style, while her main points are smartly and precisely brought across, at times there were a few too many fillers that contributed to neither the story nor the athmosphere around it and appeared just that: Fillers. Also, I would have liked to have the evil characters descibed a bit more detailed so as to be able to relate their impact to the story more and highten the readers emotional involvement. The "exorcist" is not multilayered enough and the "inheritance swindler" is mentioned too little to entirely picture his motives. Nevertheless imagining how threatening they are to Serena and those around her was believable.
The only other flaw was in the language when I had to literally imagine the word "cruel" in the text instead of "mischivous". If the man who wants to kill you grins at you mischivously, that doesn't even begin to describe it...particularly when later in a loving, teasing way your future husband smiles mischivously.
All in all this is a great read with attention to detail in the desciptions of locations, that lets you easily imaging being there. Since there is less kissing in this book than in most Young Adult novels nowadays, this gets a two thumbs up and recommended to all readers!
After endless supplies of Novels with eloquent erotic scenes and innuendo this is a story that can truly be read by all. It is a story of struggle against prejudice, finding strength in faith and bonding together in love. The book review says that the story is showing how God's love is more powerful than any human force on earth. In my oppinion it actually shows how God's love can work through humans. The characters in the book are devout, and never falter in their believe. Which is why they can overcome their trials. What is most important is that although the characters sometime ask why things happen to them, this doesn't happens in comparison with others and never with blame on God.
The main character, Serena, being an outcast with danger to her life for a condition that is neither of her making nor worthy of the punishment medieval society wants to hand her grips you quite early in the story. Her mother has fled with her to a small village of outcasts, where fate in the form a young lord, Gavin, finds her. Secrets and love, intrigue and greed make for a well paced story and make you long to know how it all ends.
As to the Authors writing style, while her main points are smartly and precisely brought across, at times there were a few too many fillers that contributed to neither the story nor the athmosphere around it and appeared just that: Fillers. Also, I would have liked to have the evil characters descibed a bit more detailed so as to be able to relate their impact to the story more and highten the readers emotional involvement. The "exorcist" is not multilayered enough and the "inheritance swindler" is mentioned too little to entirely picture his motives. Nevertheless imagining how threatening they are to Serena and those around her was believable.
The only other flaw was in the language when I had to literally imagine the word "cruel" in the text instead of "mischivous". If the man who wants to kill you grins at you mischivously, that doesn't even begin to describe it...particularly when later in a loving, teasing way your future husband smiles mischivously.
All in all this is a great read with attention to detail in the desciptions of locations, that lets you easily imaging being there. Since there is less kissing in this book than in most Young Adult novels nowadays, this gets a two thumbs up and recommended to all readers!
February 8, 2012
Wow... Ok, so this is only acceptable reading for when your stranded in the airport or some strange hotel room. This book is so formulaic, you can skip entire pages without missing anything: chaste, beautiful, but poor maiden suffers from some terrible secret. Despite her poverty two handsome and rich men want her. Alas! Her secret is revealed, and the bad men come to get her. Luckily true love prevails.
Let's see... did I forget anything? Oh yes, it's set in Scotland - as is evident by the frequent use of the words: "ye", "mither", and "plaid".
After reading the last couple of pages, I have to change my rating from 1 star to 2 stars. Just when I thought it couldn't get any more klishee, the king himself arrives to personally pardon the heroine. Yup, the king himself took an interest in the poor pheasant girls fate!
Let's see... did I forget anything? Oh yes, it's set in Scotland - as is evident by the frequent use of the words: "ye", "mither", and "plaid".
After reading the last couple of pages, I have to change my rating from 1 star to 2 stars. Just when I thought it couldn't get any more klishee, the king himself arrives to personally pardon the heroine. Yup, the king himself took an interest in the poor pheasant girls fate!
November 28, 2011
Dive into a wonderful tale of medieval Scotland filled with romance, intrigue and adventure! Yet the story is so much more than that. The author’s creativity shines with her creation of the village of misfits. It reminded me of the island of misfits toys from Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer, a place where the world deposits those who don’t fit in, who are different. Unlike Rudolph, it isn’t Santa who rescues these misfits, but the power of self-sacrifice and God’s love for the downtrodden. Throw in a multitude of twists and turns, a fierce enemy, and a love story that will warm your heart, and Highlands Sanctuary will fast become your favorite book of the year.
February 10, 2015
I normally enjoy historical books, and appreciate Christian themes. But this fell short. Having the speech of every character sprinkled with "ye" and "canna" does not make a story medieval and Scottish. There were far too many modern phrases and actions. Add to that an overly drawn out story, lack of suspense, and the need for better editing of grammar (for example "assume" where "as soon" was intended, and incorrect past tense) ,and I had a hard time getting through. I did appreciate the idea of addressing seizure disorder and other afflictions, but I think this would have worked better as a contemporary story.
October 17, 2011
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
Having read the first book in this series, Highland Blessing, by the talented Jennifer Taylor, I was eager to discover what new adventure awaited readers inside of Highland Sanctuary. While the opening of the book was a bit slower from the kidnapped-bride scenario of the first book, this next installment to the series did not disappoint!
Serena was a vibrant, easy to love character who I found very easy to sympathize with. I thought the author took a very interesting angle with this main character—in that Serena suffered from seizures. Today, seizures are well known, but back then it wasn’t…since the (very superstitious) people instantly thought that the person was demon-possessed. What a scary situation, being condemned and sometimes killed for a condition you have no control over!
I always love a series that still include, to some extent, the previous main characters from the other books. And so I found in Highland Sanctuary. It was great seeing Arika and Bryce again, as well as her younger brother, Gavin—who was the main character in this second installment. Gavin and his protective nature made it easy to admire him.
The opening of Highland Sanctuary was a bit slower than the Highland Blessing (but maybe that’s because getting kidnapped at your wedding is hard to beat! ;-). However, it did pick up soon enough and I found myself flying through the pages. The climax was intense and well portrayed (nope, I’m not gunna tell you what the climax was. No spoilers here! ;-)
I think my favorite part of the book was the angle of Serena suffering from seizures, and everyone’s response to it. It’s amazing (and sad) how quick people are to jump to conclusions and judge others, even with very little evidence. Both Serena and Gavin were wonderful characters, and getting to know Arika and Gavin’s younger brother, Leith, a bit during the book was great, too. I wonder if he’ll be getting his own book/story someday, too! (hint, hint, dear Jennifer!) All in all, Highland Sanctuary was a delightful Scottish read that historical lovers won’t want to miss.
Having read the first book in this series, Highland Blessing, by the talented Jennifer Taylor, I was eager to discover what new adventure awaited readers inside of Highland Sanctuary. While the opening of the book was a bit slower from the kidnapped-bride scenario of the first book, this next installment to the series did not disappoint!
Serena was a vibrant, easy to love character who I found very easy to sympathize with. I thought the author took a very interesting angle with this main character—in that Serena suffered from seizures. Today, seizures are well known, but back then it wasn’t…since the (very superstitious) people instantly thought that the person was demon-possessed. What a scary situation, being condemned and sometimes killed for a condition you have no control over!
I always love a series that still include, to some extent, the previous main characters from the other books. And so I found in Highland Sanctuary. It was great seeing Arika and Bryce again, as well as her younger brother, Gavin—who was the main character in this second installment. Gavin and his protective nature made it easy to admire him.
The opening of Highland Sanctuary was a bit slower than the Highland Blessing (but maybe that’s because getting kidnapped at your wedding is hard to beat! ;-). However, it did pick up soon enough and I found myself flying through the pages. The climax was intense and well portrayed (nope, I’m not gunna tell you what the climax was. No spoilers here! ;-)
I think my favorite part of the book was the angle of Serena suffering from seizures, and everyone’s response to it. It’s amazing (and sad) how quick people are to jump to conclusions and judge others, even with very little evidence. Both Serena and Gavin were wonderful characters, and getting to know Arika and Gavin’s younger brother, Leith, a bit during the book was great, too. I wonder if he’ll be getting his own book/story someday, too! (hint, hint, dear Jennifer!) All in all, Highland Sanctuary was a delightful Scottish read that historical lovers won’t want to miss.
August 22, 2011
Serena and her mother have been living in secret exile after Serena's father tried to kill her for her seizures (he thought they were a sign of evil). When Gavin goes to the town where Serena and her mother lives to help protect the new laird, he is surprised that he finds someone he is interested in. But so much will happen to keep them apart, what with murders, fires, and even a 2nd love interest. Will they get to live and love each other, or will someone not make it?
So, I started reading this book, and I was immediately struck by how Ms. Taylor gives an idea on how seizures might have been seen during Medieval and Renaissance times. A person with such an affliction could be considered possessed or evil. She has a great way to add a mystery to the book, without it being over powering. Throughout the whole thing, I was pretty sure I knew who was the villain, but it was nice to still not be sure.
The book has a great theme of trusting in God, even when all the bad in the world comes crashing down on you, but without the Bible beating that some Christian fiction can do. You cheer on the hero/heroine in hopes that they will save the day and get to live happily ever after. But you also want most of the issues solved by the end of the book. Both of these were equally fulfilled, though the issue with the seizures would never be completely solved. That gave it a taste of real life, which can, and was, refreshing.
As a whole this was a good book. There are a few times where I was confused because Ms. Taylor will refer to a conversation that the main characters supposedly had, but I don't remember ever reading any of those conversations or even a synopsis of them. Also, there were some times where they refered to events and even the facts on why the MacKenzies were there in the first place were a bit hazy even in the middle of the book. Again, those holes don't take away from the story, it just frustrates me :-/
Overall, this is a great and easy read.
So, I started reading this book, and I was immediately struck by how Ms. Taylor gives an idea on how seizures might have been seen during Medieval and Renaissance times. A person with such an affliction could be considered possessed or evil. She has a great way to add a mystery to the book, without it being over powering. Throughout the whole thing, I was pretty sure I knew who was the villain, but it was nice to still not be sure.
The book has a great theme of trusting in God, even when all the bad in the world comes crashing down on you, but without the Bible beating that some Christian fiction can do. You cheer on the hero/heroine in hopes that they will save the day and get to live happily ever after. But you also want most of the issues solved by the end of the book. Both of these were equally fulfilled, though the issue with the seizures would never be completely solved. That gave it a taste of real life, which can, and was, refreshing.
As a whole this was a good book. There are a few times where I was confused because Ms. Taylor will refer to a conversation that the main characters supposedly had, but I don't remember ever reading any of those conversations or even a synopsis of them. Also, there were some times where they refered to events and even the facts on why the MacKenzies were there in the first place were a bit hazy even in the middle of the book. Again, those holes don't take away from the story, it just frustrates me :-/
Overall, this is a great and easy read.
September 18, 2011
RATING:4.5)HIGHLAND SANCTUARY by Jennifer Hudson Taylor is a delightful inspirational historical romance set in Medieval Scotland. It is written with depth,details,with characters that will steal your heart and a few reappearing characters from "Highland Blessings". Gavin MacKenzie,a chieftain heir,who is hired to restore the Castle Braigh,finds a village of Outcasts,and finds the love of his live. Serena Boyd,comely lass,has falling out fits(seizures),considered an outcast,her mother and nurse ran and hide from Serena's father to keep Serena alive. This is the story of a mother's love,faith,forgiveness,outcasts,secrets,sacrifice, oddities,people's differences,destiny,betrayal, vengeance,romance,love, burning a witch at the stake,and a father's revenge. When Gavin is attracted to Serena. When he learns of her affiction he is determined to save her from being cast as a witch and burnt at the stake. While other's have differnt ideas,especially her father. Serena never knew her father. But her mother would do anything for her daughter. A mother's love who is willing to sacrifice all to save her daughter. Gavin,would do anything including calling in favors from King and family to save his beloved Serena. Since he found Serena he does not want to lose her. Although,the Laird who Serena is working for would marry her,she refuses him. Gavin has won her heart and her trust. A must read that is fast paced,action packed,full of surprises,a few twists and turns."Highland Sanctuary" is sure to capture any and all historical romance,Medieval,readers and anyone who enjoys reading about Scotland. Received for review from Net Galley and the publisher. Details can be found at Abington Press and My Book Addiction Reviews.
September 26, 2011
What's not to love about a romance novel with a great romantic hero and an intelligent female lead set in Scotland? I can't think of much. lol I'm a sucker for historical romances set in Scotland and this one has a lot of unique qualities.
Gavin and his brother are renovating the castle of another laird. They are doing everything from making it more sound from weather damage to more secure from any kind of threat. I don't think I've read about anyone doing that sort of thing in any of my books before.
Serena has epilepsy. I had read about how horribly people with this disease were treated until it was understood. It's always more impactful to have someone's story to relate to. I also never thought of people who were strange or different being allowed to gather near a castle and allowed to live in relative peace there. It did allow you to meet a lot of wonderful characters and see first hand what cruelty and intolerance can be like as well as acceptance.
Thought-provoking, touching, and romantic. :o)
Gavin and his brother are renovating the castle of another laird. They are doing everything from making it more sound from weather damage to more secure from any kind of threat. I don't think I've read about anyone doing that sort of thing in any of my books before.
Serena has epilepsy. I had read about how horribly people with this disease were treated until it was understood. It's always more impactful to have someone's story to relate to. I also never thought of people who were strange or different being allowed to gather near a castle and allowed to live in relative peace there. It did allow you to meet a lot of wonderful characters and see first hand what cruelty and intolerance can be like as well as acceptance.
Thought-provoking, touching, and romantic. :o)
February 4, 2015
This was a interesting book. It had some interesting twists and turns. I had a hard time with the whole story line and there was some really sad stuff. This book had some violence and talk of burning witches at the stake. I hate that whole story idea and it was in the first one. The leading lady frustrated me. But over all a fast paced good romance with lots of good tension. I love the Highlands and the kilts:} This was Christian but the story was not bogged down with too much. There was so kissing but it was kept clean. There was violence but nothing too graphic.
December 3, 2012
Quite an intriguing story. I like books that challenge you to think of something you've never thought of, and I've honestly never thought of how epilepsy must have seemed to people who knew little or nothing about medical dignoses. I think the author did a great job of portraying how it would effect someone living in historical times. Add to that some Scottish romance and you have a story worth reading.
December 2, 2011
Another great book by Jennifer Hudson Taylor. Authentic cast of characters---an intriguing setting and storyline. I loved everything about this book. Especially the Village of Outcasts. If you like historical novels you must read Jennifer's books.
November 6, 2014
Incredible historical fiction weaving strong characters, masterful storyline and great attention to historical detail. One of the best historical novels I have read in a while. Looking forwrd to reading more from this author.
Read
September 27, 2011Not for me. The writing is not very polished and it's kind of cheesy and sappy. Setting it down at page 36.
December 10, 2020
This is actually a 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book, the only issue I had was with stubborn fear, even though I understood why Serena felt it. Serena suffers from seizures, and in the 1400's it would have been looked upon as being demon possessed, as not many people had heard the word seizure, or had much experience with cases. I don't believe in anyway is this meant to be harmful to anyone, nor do I think the village of outcasts is meant to be harmful either. Serena is a strong beautiful character, and the villagers she lives with are a loving,protective community. There are people who care about them and there are those who treat anyone different than themselves badly, it is just like in real life.
Another thing I thought interesting was the note from the author. The book was based on personal experiences with her daughter having seizures. She wondered how different life would have been had her daughter not been born in the age of modern medicine with a lot of support and that was how the story was born.
Another thing I thought interesting was the note from the author. The book was based on personal experiences with her daughter having seizures. She wondered how different life would have been had her daughter not been born in the age of modern medicine with a lot of support and that was how the story was born.
June 13, 2017
Needs editing and proofreading
Also, life expectancy for those born with complex partial seizures, or grand mals, was less than 18-21 years of age. Epilepsy can be treated with herbs and oils, but very few were identified at that time, since little was known about seizures or epilepsy.
Yes, my daughter also has epilepsy. She also has a genetic disorder that causes temporary paralysis, epileptic type episodes, and other "symptoms". I appreciate the author writing this story in honour of her daughter. It matters.
I liked the story idea, but the writing needs work.
Also, life expectancy for those born with complex partial seizures, or grand mals, was less than 18-21 years of age. Epilepsy can be treated with herbs and oils, but very few were identified at that time, since little was known about seizures or epilepsy.
Yes, my daughter also has epilepsy. She also has a genetic disorder that causes temporary paralysis, epileptic type episodes, and other "symptoms". I appreciate the author writing this story in honour of her daughter. It matters.
I liked the story idea, but the writing needs work.
June 21, 2023
This was an interesting one. On the one hand incredibly diverse, representing people with a vast array of disabilities, on the other hand it's set at such a time that the baddies want to exorcise the girl with epilepsy. I think I would have read this a lot sooner if the blurb mentioned disabled people at all...
Wish it had lingered less on the bad guys towards the end, could have had less detail and more about the village.
Wish it had lingered less on the bad guys towards the end, could have had less detail and more about the village.
October 23, 2017
Highland Sanctuary
Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor was a very exciting read. The struggles of being different and outcast was very touching as they were able to bond into a loving family.
Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor was a very exciting read. The struggles of being different and outcast was very touching as they were able to bond into a loving family.
September 3, 2018
Oh, what could have been...this book was sadly disappointing given the promise of secrets revealed, bitter betrayal, and enemies attacking. I found the story to be rushed and formulaic, the characters two-dimensional at best, and the plot utterly predictable.
April 16, 2019
Loved the Book!
I choose 5 stars for the accurate historical backdrop of Scotland. Ms. Taylor's writing is quick-paced and dramatic with a wonderful romantic undercurrent throughout the story. Looking forward to reading another of her novels.!
I choose 5 stars for the accurate historical backdrop of Scotland. Ms. Taylor's writing is quick-paced and dramatic with a wonderful romantic undercurrent throughout the story. Looking forward to reading another of her novels.!
July 14, 2021
This is the second book in the Highlands series by Jennifer Hudson Taylor. In the first book there was a kidnapping of a daughter of a rivaling village. Now the villages need to restore peace amongst themselves.
January 31, 2022
I loved the first book, but this second book made me hate religious leadership, and be ashamed to be a part of the faith. I like the characters but this book caused bile to rise up inside my chest. Still a good book, I just had a personal reaction to the evil of peoples’ hatred.
July 27, 2017
I listened to the audio book, which was an added benefit in this case.
I gave it 3 stars because lines seemed borrowed from the first book. For example, thinking "there is something about him/her" or when they suddenly realize they love the other person, the verbiage was the same.
I love the villian/father because he's SO hate-able! I loved the village of outcasts and almost wish Taylor had taken that a bit further- maybe had weirder characteristics, because only the giant seemed odd to me. But perhaps blindness, deafness, dwarfism, etc were super weird in that time, especially given the way people treated seizures.
I gave it 3 stars because lines seemed borrowed from the first book. For example, thinking "there is something about him/her" or when they suddenly realize they love the other person, the verbiage was the same.
I love the villian/father because he's SO hate-able! I loved the village of outcasts and almost wish Taylor had taken that a bit further- maybe had weirder characteristics, because only the giant seemed odd to me. But perhaps blindness, deafness, dwarfism, etc were super weird in that time, especially given the way people treated seizures.
February 10, 2018
Dawn
This was a great story from beginning to end. What a wonderful story showing a mother's love and God's love for us.
This was a great story from beginning to end. What a wonderful story showing a mother's love and God's love for us.
April 18, 2021
A great, action packed, suspense and romance filled novel. Loved the characters, the message and it was clean. Highly recommend.
October 27, 2021
4.5
Would recommend. Well written and interesting plot.
Would recommend. Well written and interesting plot.
July 29, 2022
Sweet story. The narrator is not bad, but not my favourite.
There were no tomatoes in Scotland in the 1400s😜
There were no tomatoes in Scotland in the 1400s😜
December 7, 2011
Originally published on my blog, Read Love.
Where to start? I was intrigued at the idea of reading a historical novel set in the medieval Scottish highlands. I began with high hopes. In the early going, the novel had promise -- reading was gentle and easy, and there was a fairytale-like quality to the book. The setting and characters seemed almost enchanted. To her credit, Taylor created a village nestled into the highlands seemingly hidden from the world and all its evils. Its inhabitants were different, but kind and warm. This felt like a good place to live and, for the reader, a good place to visit.
We get a glimpse of Serena as a baby in a prelude to the story. This creates mystery and narrative tension. However, the manner in which her villainous father returns to the story is a little disappointing. Despite this shortcoming in the narrative, Serena is a sympathetic heroine and we want her to be happy. Her mother and the other secondary characters who love her are all well-drawn and endearing.
Serena is at the center of a love triangle. I quickly decided that I favored one suitor over the other, and Serena's heart chooses fairly quickly as well. However, this brings to mind another flaw in the novel -- one of the suitors vanishes from the book near the end. It's hard to believe that a man would promise marriage and so readily disappear without trying to win his desired bride.
I liked the hero, Gavin, very much. He is compassionate, chivalrous, and kind to the village of "misfits". I had emotional investment in the outcome of the novel for him. I was sorry to see that he was not given enough opportunity to be heroic. Usually the hero rescues the damsel-in-distress and saves the day, right? Not so here. He was rendered impotent by the choices the author made.
While I enjoyed the novel, it never blossomed into the book I had hoped it would be. The fairytale-like quality remained, but in a different sense. To some degree the book always felt like a tale rather than events happening to real people. There was never enough sense of immediacy or depth of emotion. One could find parallels between Highland Sanctuary and The Scarlet Letter. Each novel has a character who is judged by a "religious" and supposedly "pious" authority/culture. However, while the latter is thick with psychological and emotional tension, the former has little. Highland Sanctuary suffers for being a little too neat. Real life is messy, and the happenings of this book, messy as they were, could have been depicted with more depth and nuance.
All of the quibbles mentioned above don't hurt the overall reading experience much. For some time, this was en route to being a four-star book. As I said, it started off nicely and I hoped it would continue to build interest. It did for a time. The plot built slowly and at a certain point began to pick up speed and scope like a tumbling stone. In the end, though, the novel's end was its demise. The author, while not having made anything more than casual Christian references to God, prayer, and faith, suddenly presented a sermonette in the form of a letter from one of the characters. There was a comparison made connecting a sacrifice (which I felt was empty and unnecessary) to Christ's crucifixion. The connection felt heavy-handed, and the letter unauthentic and disconnected from the character's voice.
To sum up, what started with charm and grace lost its sparkle and hiccuped a bit coming to a close. Overall, though, the book was entertaining. Though it is part of a series, Highland Sanctuary stands alone and can easily be enjoyed without having read the first book in the series, Highland Blessings. The messages of this tale have merit: Love conquers all, home is where your loved ones are, and true sanctuary is only found in Christ. In short, while the ideas are good, the execution could have been improved.
Recommended with reluctance.
Where to start? I was intrigued at the idea of reading a historical novel set in the medieval Scottish highlands. I began with high hopes. In the early going, the novel had promise -- reading was gentle and easy, and there was a fairytale-like quality to the book. The setting and characters seemed almost enchanted. To her credit, Taylor created a village nestled into the highlands seemingly hidden from the world and all its evils. Its inhabitants were different, but kind and warm. This felt like a good place to live and, for the reader, a good place to visit.
We get a glimpse of Serena as a baby in a prelude to the story. This creates mystery and narrative tension. However, the manner in which her villainous father returns to the story is a little disappointing. Despite this shortcoming in the narrative, Serena is a sympathetic heroine and we want her to be happy. Her mother and the other secondary characters who love her are all well-drawn and endearing.
Serena is at the center of a love triangle. I quickly decided that I favored one suitor over the other, and Serena's heart chooses fairly quickly as well. However, this brings to mind another flaw in the novel -- one of the suitors vanishes from the book near the end. It's hard to believe that a man would promise marriage and so readily disappear without trying to win his desired bride.
I liked the hero, Gavin, very much. He is compassionate, chivalrous, and kind to the village of "misfits". I had emotional investment in the outcome of the novel for him. I was sorry to see that he was not given enough opportunity to be heroic. Usually the hero rescues the damsel-in-distress and saves the day, right? Not so here. He was rendered impotent by the choices the author made.
While I enjoyed the novel, it never blossomed into the book I had hoped it would be. The fairytale-like quality remained, but in a different sense. To some degree the book always felt like a tale rather than events happening to real people. There was never enough sense of immediacy or depth of emotion. One could find parallels between Highland Sanctuary and The Scarlet Letter. Each novel has a character who is judged by a "religious" and supposedly "pious" authority/culture. However, while the latter is thick with psychological and emotional tension, the former has little. Highland Sanctuary suffers for being a little too neat. Real life is messy, and the happenings of this book, messy as they were, could have been depicted with more depth and nuance.
All of the quibbles mentioned above don't hurt the overall reading experience much. For some time, this was en route to being a four-star book. As I said, it started off nicely and I hoped it would continue to build interest. It did for a time. The plot built slowly and at a certain point began to pick up speed and scope like a tumbling stone. In the end, though, the novel's end was its demise. The author, while not having made anything more than casual Christian references to God, prayer, and faith, suddenly presented a sermonette in the form of a letter from one of the characters. There was a comparison made connecting a sacrifice (which I felt was empty and unnecessary) to Christ's crucifixion. The connection felt heavy-handed, and the letter unauthentic and disconnected from the character's voice.
To sum up, what started with charm and grace lost its sparkle and hiccuped a bit coming to a close. Overall, though, the book was entertaining. Though it is part of a series, Highland Sanctuary stands alone and can easily be enjoyed without having read the first book in the series, Highland Blessings. The messages of this tale have merit: Love conquers all, home is where your loved ones are, and true sanctuary is only found in Christ. In short, while the ideas are good, the execution could have been improved.
Recommended with reluctance.
December 8, 2025
Gavin MacKenzie is a Chieftain heir who’s been hired to restore the ancient Castle of Brains. While there he discovers a mall village known as The Village of Outcast. Among them is Serena Boyd. She’s been plagued by seizures all her life and because of this she’s found it hard to trust anyone, keeping her condition a secret. She was abandoned by her father and raised solely by her mother, who’s worked hard to protect her daughter.
One day Serena has a seizure while in the main village and because of this the people begin to think that she’s possessed by a demon. The Village of Outcast was already seen as strange but now they are being persecuted. When the local priest calls a famous Scottish Exorcist to rid Serena of the evil” inside of her. Unfortunately it turns out to be Serena’s biological father. When, of course, fails to rid her of her ailment, he leaves her fate int he hands of the people her want her burned at the stake. In a desperate act of love, Serena’s mother takes her place at the stake. Gavin rushes to Serena’s side but isn’t in time to save her mother.
The King interests and after consulting the matter with several physicians, he pardons Serena’s. Gain asks Serena for her hand in marriage and at first she says no until the last letter from her mother encourages her to follow her heart.
One day Serena has a seizure while in the main village and because of this the people begin to think that she’s possessed by a demon. The Village of Outcast was already seen as strange but now they are being persecuted. When the local priest calls a famous Scottish Exorcist to rid Serena of the evil” inside of her. Unfortunately it turns out to be Serena’s biological father. When, of course, fails to rid her of her ailment, he leaves her fate int he hands of the people her want her burned at the stake. In a desperate act of love, Serena’s mother takes her place at the stake. Gavin rushes to Serena’s side but isn’t in time to save her mother.
The King interests and after consulting the matter with several physicians, he pardons Serena’s. Gain asks Serena for her hand in marriage and at first she says no until the last letter from her mother encourages her to follow her heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2012
I received an ebook free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
What a refreshing book! I am so glad I had a chance to read this story because I enjoyed it very much! I wasn't aware when I requested it that it was the second in a series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone. After reading this one, though, I am definitely going to go back and read the first book, because if it was half as good as this one, then I know I'm going to love it!
Serena Boyd has had 'fits', or seizures, since she was born. Unfortunately, the book is set in Scotland in a time when anybody who had the falling disease (as epilepsy was called back then) was thought to be possessed by the devil, and many were burned at the stake as witches. For this reason, Serena's mother, Evelina, runs away from her husband to a place where she and Serena can hide out, a place full of misfits that outsiders call The Village of Outcasts. There Serena is raised to be a very kind Christian girl who is loved by all those in the village. Unfortunately, someone is terrorizing the villagers for unknown reasons, so the king sends Gavin MacKenzie, his brother, Leith, and their men to go undercover and find out what's going on. They are working at Braigh castle, restoring and rebuilding it, while also trying to figure out if something untoward happened to the old Laird, and to protect the new Laird, Iain MacBraigh. On their way there, Gavin meets Evelina and Serena, who had a 'fit' and fell off of their wagon, hitting her head. Gavin falls for Serena, but Serena is so scared of anyone finding out about her problem that she tries to keep him at arm's length. That works fine, until she has a fit not only in front of Gavin, but in front of the whole town of people, who denounce her for being possessed.
There is so much more to this story that I can't even begin to get into here! The characters are so well fleshed out that you feel like you know them, and the writing is excellent. The story moves along at a quick pace as there is always something going on. The romance is sweet and Gavin makes an excellent hero!
I can't wait to go back and read the first book, Highland Blessings, and I will be waiting anxiously for the next book to come out! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Leith will get his own story one day :D
What a refreshing book! I am so glad I had a chance to read this story because I enjoyed it very much! I wasn't aware when I requested it that it was the second in a series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone. After reading this one, though, I am definitely going to go back and read the first book, because if it was half as good as this one, then I know I'm going to love it!
Serena Boyd has had 'fits', or seizures, since she was born. Unfortunately, the book is set in Scotland in a time when anybody who had the falling disease (as epilepsy was called back then) was thought to be possessed by the devil, and many were burned at the stake as witches. For this reason, Serena's mother, Evelina, runs away from her husband to a place where she and Serena can hide out, a place full of misfits that outsiders call The Village of Outcasts. There Serena is raised to be a very kind Christian girl who is loved by all those in the village. Unfortunately, someone is terrorizing the villagers for unknown reasons, so the king sends Gavin MacKenzie, his brother, Leith, and their men to go undercover and find out what's going on. They are working at Braigh castle, restoring and rebuilding it, while also trying to figure out if something untoward happened to the old Laird, and to protect the new Laird, Iain MacBraigh. On their way there, Gavin meets Evelina and Serena, who had a 'fit' and fell off of their wagon, hitting her head. Gavin falls for Serena, but Serena is so scared of anyone finding out about her problem that she tries to keep him at arm's length. That works fine, until she has a fit not only in front of Gavin, but in front of the whole town of people, who denounce her for being possessed.
There is so much more to this story that I can't even begin to get into here! The characters are so well fleshed out that you feel like you know them, and the writing is excellent. The story moves along at a quick pace as there is always something going on. The romance is sweet and Gavin makes an excellent hero!
I can't wait to go back and read the first book, Highland Blessings, and I will be waiting anxiously for the next book to come out! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Leith will get his own story one day :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews