Cartas de amor desde Largs

Clan Grant #3

by Keira Montclair, L.M. Gutez (Translator)

Es un testamento sobre la capacidad del amor para superar los obstáculos más difíciles. Cartas de amor desde Largs es la emotiva historia de dos almas gemelas que están decididas a estar juntas cuando todo el mundo a su alrededor parece querer separarlas.

Después de soportar durante años la crueldad y los abusos de su padre aristócrata, Celestina Lunde está dispuesta a quitarse la vida antes que celebrar un matrimonio de conveniencia con un hombre igualmente brutal. Pero justo cuando está a punto de saltar por la ventana de su dormitorio en la torre, un fornido guerrero de las Highlands aparece en su casa y lo cambia todo…

Convocado al castillo real por el rey de los escoceses, quien está preparándose para la guerra con los nórdicos, Brodie Grant tiene la mente puesta en la batalla cuando ve por primera vez a la majestuosa Celestina de pie en el borde de una ventana. La tristeza en sus ojos lo hace girar su caballo en contra de las órdenes de su laird. Su única intención es salvar a la encantadora muchacha, pero después de tocarla una vez, no puede pensar en nada ni en nadie más. Hay un problema: el prometido de Celestina es un hombre importante, y el rey tiene mucho en juego en su matrimonio amañado, al igual que el padre de ella. ¿Podrá Brodie atenerse a las órdenes y mantenerse alejado?

Una novela independiente. Esta es la primera novela de tres en la serie del Clan Grant ambientada en la época de la Batalla de Largs entre los escoceses y los nórdicos.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Medieval

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2014

About the author

Keira Montclair is the pen name of an author who lives in South Carolina with her husband. She writes fast-paced historical romance, often with children as secondary characters.

If she’s not writing, she prefers to spend time with her grandchildren. She’s worked as a high school math teacher, a registered nurse, and an office manager. She loves ballet, mathematics, puzzles, learning anything new, and creating new characters for her readers to fall in love with.

She considers her work done well when her readers shed tears over her stories, but there’s always a happy ending! Her bestselling series is a family saga that follows two medieval Scottish clans through three generations and now numbers over fifty books.

Contact her through her website, www.keiramontclair.com.

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 40%

I'm out. I just can't with this book.



There isn't a character in this book with the sense god gave a bent trash can. Maybe the maid. She seemed to have her head on straight.

This book just jumps from abuse to bad decisions back to more abuse. Decisions that make zero sense. They aren't even bad decisions brought on by the abuse. Just pure stupidity.

Spoiler time!

1)So the King gives you an out, all you have to do is admit the fact that your father has been beating you bloody for years. Nope. Okay, I get it. It's never as easy as it sounds. I let that one go.
2)You are 100% sure that the man you are being married off to is a woman-hating abuser. In fact, he killed his previous wife by beating her to death. So...what to do? Make sure that you aren't a virgin when he beds you. Because that will go over so well. Especially when the person you gave your virginity to told you to your face that there is nothing he can do for you for at least a week or two. Maybe longer.

3)The King told you himself how important your marriage is, politically speaking, seeing as war is about to break out. What do you do? Secret handfast with a different (but better) man and then sleep with him. Which is a legally binding marriage. Then you also marry your asshole of betrothed. Which will piss off everyone, including the King himself. And bring the entire family you are now a part of, into trouble. Like hanging/execution kind of trouble. Because this makes sense.

4)You mention to your maid that you hope Brodie has already gotten you pregnant. Yes, because that would go over well. If you sleep with your abusive douche of husband and you end up pregnant, how will you know who the father is? THIS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE.

5)And you, Brodie. Dude, where is your brain. Apparently, it's in your pants. You ask for Celestina's hand in marriage, the King refuses, so you think I'll just secretly marry her, take her virginity, and leave her to "marry" a murderer and hope he doesn't get too pissed off when he realizes she isn't a virgin. It will totally be okay when her abusive father AND abusive murdery husband find this out. This can't possibly end badly.



It doesn't even matter to me if half of the stupidity listed above ends up only being hypothetical. Because the characters did not know that. Brodie did what he did knowing she would have to go back to Sir Douchealot. They made their decisions expecting things would go as planned. So. Damn. Frustrating.



This is the third in a series so perhaps if I had read the others I would have cared more. But I didn't. Brodie came off as selfish and Celestina was just TSTL. They all were. I can't even joke about her wanting to die because she did. She was literally about to jump out a window when she saw Brodie from a distance. So maybe she is a whole new kind of TSTL. TSTL with a side of suicide. That does a have a certain ring to it, doesn't it?

Add to this mediocre writing and a super depressing plot and you have a giant NOPE from me.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my least favorite book in this series so far. I'm getting tired of the battered, abused heroines who need a hero to rescue them. It seems every one of the Grant men end up having to save their beloved from an abusive father, brother, fiance, etc. I've looked forward to reading about each of the Grant women because I knew they weren't going to have a horrific backstory. Ashlyn, who was adopted into the clan, has a brief backstory of molestation, but she was the bravest and sturdiest of all the heroines I've read about so far. I've read good things about Gwenyth, so I expect her story to be empowering

Celestina Lunde is the only daughter of Baron Lunde. The baron has kept his daughter locked in his home, sequestered from the rest of the world. He abuses her and believes her only value is the gold he can get from marrying her to a wealthy gentleman. The king sanctions a marriage between Celestina and Fredrik Ivarsson, a wealthy merchant from Orkney. Their union is for the benefit of Scotland and the king insists it must happen. Brodie Grant sees Celestina as she prepares to jump to her death from her tower window. He's instantly drawn to the beautiful, sad maiden. He's warned by several people, including the king, to forget Celestina and stay away from her. Alas, he cannot. They marry in a secret handfasting ceremony, but after their wedding night, Brodie has to return Celestina to her father. He must fight for the king, and she cannot go with him into battle. He basically tells her not to fight Ivarsson's sexual advances, and he will do his best to return to her. This reminded me of the scene in The Last of the Mohicans when Hawkeye has to leave Cora, and he tells her, "You submit, do you hear? You be strong, you survive! If they don't kill you they'll take you north... up to Huron land. You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you."

Ivarsson has a doctor confirm his suspicion that Celestina is not a virgin on their wedding day. He takes her home and locks her in a tower until she gets her period, threatening to kill the baby if she's pregnant with Brodie's child. Fast forward several chapters and battles later, Celestina finds a box of love letters from her mother and real father in her room. Later, she is reunited with her biological father and her mother whom she was led to believe was dead. The traitorous Ivarsson is dealt with. Brodie and Celestina are reunited, and they take in Loki, an orphan who has been a huge help to both of them.

There are three more books in this series I want to read, but I'm gonna take a break from Scotland and Highland warriors for at least a week. All of this fighting and mistreatment of women is making me feel angry and depressed. I need a light, funny book right now.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Brodie and Celestina. I was interested in how this was all going to play out. While a lot of books in this genre tend to have some type of mystery element, the plot of this book had more of a political element with a looming war. It was interesting! I'm also excited for the coming books since the families/friends in the series all seem wonderful.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grants fly together….🙏🏻

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to see a new book in this wonderful authors series come out. I had the kindle unlimited so it was free for me to snag. It started out as I have loved the others. Celestina is the h and she does not live a happy life and the future has no promise of better times ahead. The poor girl is locked away and told that she is ugly and she is of no importance. The only worth she has is to be wed so that she can supply her father with some much needed money. She is so desperate that she wants to kill herself.

This is when Brodie comes in. He is the H and such a kind hearted soul. He immediately takes action and attempts to find out what would make such a beautiful woman want to jump from a ledge. I loved this part of the book it was very endearing to me to see the H want to reach out and help this sad woman. I love the way the author writes such drama in her books. Some find it over the top but I love the damsel in distress and the big strong H coming to her aid.

Her h are usually very strong and do not spend a lot of time feeling sorry for themselves. The problem I had with this book, and the reason I could not rate it higher was because it lacked connection for me between the H/h. I felt the admittance of love and affection just happened too quick. I don't think I've ever had that complaint as I usually feel it is dragged out in the other direction. But there is a delicate balance and we just didn't get to see the two form that bond. It was too abrupt as was some of the language. I'm not usually critical on that but there were times I felt the speech was too modern.

Lastly was because there was no initial bond created it made it harder to read about a constant separation between the H/h. They came together for a hand fasting and sex but were separated. Brought together upon her rescue but torn apart again for the capture of Celestina's ex betrothed. The need to allow the reader to fall in love with the couple was not to be had IMO. This is why it got a such a low rating and should have gotten lower but because it was a free book for me I let it slide. I hope this author takes my criticism seriously so that later books don't suffer the same fate. I enjoyed all her other books and hope she puts more thought into establishing that fire between her characters.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love this series. Keria Montclair writes the dreamiest heroes. I know some people dislike the love at first sight thing in their books, but I love it. There is a lot of Scottish dialogue like ye and doona and Och..lol, which i also love. Beautifully written, a love story that takes you on journey through all the emotions. You go from crying to laughing in a space of a second. The only reason I rated this book as 5 stars, was because they didn't offer any higher ratings. I tried to delay finishing this book, because I really didn't want it to end! Now I want Robbie's story. Thanks for another great book!

[Natisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, a love story that takes you on journey through all the emotions. You go from crying to laughing in a space of a second. In the time of war and all the craziness, the twist and the turns wow amazzzing. love me some lucky loki he had me in tears a breath of fresh air lol. I love how you write about this family because in a time with so much greed and selfishness they have love and respect for each other and their clan it wonderful. Can't wait for the other books. I give you praise for an amazing job done keep u the good work. .

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abuse towards a woman but slightly different. The king has decided Celestina's fate and if she were "stolen away" by a Highlander it could mean his death.

Brodie Grant has no thought for a wife as he readies for battle but when he sees Celestina about to throw herself from her tower window to escape the king's edict, his battle becomes more personal... and dangerous as he falls for the lovely Celestina.

[Cat Malin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 5 Stars?

Only 5 Stars?

The only reason I rated this book as 5 stars,was because they didn't offer any higher ratings.It was a great read,the storyline pulled me in,and didn't let go.As a matter of fact,I tried to delay finishing this book,because I really didn't want it to end! Now I want Robbie's story.Thanks for another great book!

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love this series. Keria Montclair writes the most dreamy heros. I know some people dislike the love at first sight thing in their books, but I love it.
There is alot of scottish dialogue like ye and doona and Och..lol, which i also love.

So why 4 stars not 5? The editing.. too many typos. but still not enough to make me stop reading.

[Ana Milena Barranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermoso

Me encanto, sobretodo su final. El amor entre Brodie y Celestina fue rápido pero bonito, me identifique con la fortaleza que demostró Celestina y el amor incondicional de lucky.

[Danielle Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not as good as the first 2 books

I liked this book. There is a lot of abuse made my heart ache. I still enjoyed it though. Wish their really were men like this

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED LUCKY!

[Sandra Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good Highlander romance, but it does have quite a bit of violence toward the h. Anyone who is triggered by violence against women should probably not read this book. The violence is not explicitly described, but it does happen multiple times.

I liked both Brodie and Celestina, but thought that Celestina would not have recovered from what she endured so quickly. Most survivors of violence do not recover for years, if ever. Brodie was understanding, but he had no idea just how much emotional damage that kind of trauma causes.

I did think that the instalove between Brodie and Celestina was a bit hard to believe. It was like they saw each other, and they were both immediately in love. I just didn't buy it.

I was glad that Brodie and Celestina found their HEA -- they were good together, and Celestina needed someone to be there for her.

I also liked most of the other characters, especially little Loki, who was adorable -- and I liked how good everyone was to the children. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

This one gets 4 stars from me.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Celestina Lunde can't handle the horror that is her life anymore. She is ready to leap to her death when a handsome highlander warrior stops her. Brodie Grant sees Celestina and cannot let the beautiful woman hurt herself. Even though she is betrothed to another. They have a connection that they try to fight but cannot. Brodie will do anything to be with Celestina, even if it means defying his King. This series just gets better and better. I love that we get to follow the other brothers and their search for love. Brodie and Celestina are perfect for each other. I love their strengths and how they fight for each other. This is truly a not to miss read.




Summoned to the royal castle by the King of the Scots, who is preparing for war with the Norse, Brodie Grant’s mind is on battle when he first spies the breathtaking Celestina perched on a window ledge. The sadness in her eyes makes him turn his horse around against his laird’s orders. He intends only to save the lovely lass, but after touching her once, he can think of nothing and no one else. There’s one problem: Celestina’s intended is an important man, and the king has just as much at stake in her arranged marriage as her father does. Will Brodie be able to do as he’s ordered and stay away?

A testament to love’s ability to transcend the most harrowing of obstacles, Love Letters from Largs is the emotional story of two soul mates who are determined to be together when everyone around them seems intent on pulling them apart.

[Raizabel Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brodie y Celestina,

Otra bella historia de nuestra Keira Montclair y de los apasionados Grant, un clan maravilloso de la ficcion de Keira, ella una chica a punto del suicidio es vista por un fuerte guerrero Grant y fue el flechazo mas rapido que he leido ja ja ja ya que el iba cabalgando y ella en lo alto de una torre, es que ni cerca estaban, la historia comienza asi y se desarrolla de una manera muy rapida.

Celestina maltratada por su padre de toda la vida es comprometida a otro maltratador de marca mayor por orden del rey para intercambio de dinero y tierras, Brodie llamado por el Rey junto con su hermano para que sean apoyo a una guerra muy cercana contra los Noruegos y los Grant son el Clan mas fuerte de las Highlands y el que mas numero de gurreros tiene, se encuentran y florece el gran amor que se tienen tanto que en cuestion de dias hacen el ritual de union de manos, aqui con los Grant es todo a la carrera.

Una gran separacion, un terror a no volverse a ver, un niño maravilloso que se cruza en su camino, unos nuevos personajes que aparecen o resucitan de la muerte, en fin la historia da giros que en verdad uno no se espera.

Pero el amor siempre triunfa en los Grant y para los Grant....Brodie y Celestine son Felices junto con Alex y Maddie, y Quaden y Brenna y todos los chiquillos que se unen a esta gran familia.

Ahora a por Robbie que esta desaparecido al final de este libro luego de la guerra....

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Letters from Largs by Keira Montclair
Clan Grant Series Book Three
Brodie Grant is the youngest Grant brother. His brother Alex, who became laird way too young after their parents' death, is big and strong. His brother Robbie has the good looks that turns all the lassies heads. And then, here he is. Feeling weaker and less than the others. Well, one thing he can do is save the sad-eyed girl in the tower window.

Celestina Lunde has not had an easy life. After her mother's death when she was seven, she had to put up with the punishments her father gave her. Both physical and verbal. And now...she'd rather die than marry her betrothed. She's never met him, but she's heard he's cruel. She'll be going from one cruel prison guard to another. No thanks.

I've read the latter books about the children, so it was fun getting to see Loki's start. This was a great story. Definitely had me going through a few tissues.
**Sexual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another ok book.
I mean, Celestina and Brodie are cute together but they are a concentrate of disaster waiting to happen... they make lots of bad decisions, stuff that could potentially get Celestina killed.
This author likes to put a twist in her stories, something that you wouldn't expect and it's the third time in a row that I don't appreciate it.
You really expect me to accept that a mother left her daughter to be abused for years and never did anything to protect her? And neither did her father? Oh yes, they sent her Inga. To take care of her. A girl just a couple of years older than Celestina? Biiiiiiig help. And they sent her uncle to check on her. Guess what, she was still beaten and abused and kept prisoner and sold to a horrible man.

So, uhm. I'll be honest and I'll say that I keep reading because the love story is usually sweet and I like sweet love stories and I want to read them now. I also read late at night usually, so a light read is ideal for me. But if I was looking for something more, these would probably not be the books for me.

[Cindy Glenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

The plot line for this is wonderful. I feel it lacks some character development in areas, and the story itself did not flow well as the audience tended to be told about what was happening instead of experiencing it. This made a kind of disconnect with the characters for me.
For instance, I was heartbroken that a mother and father could first abandon a child for 12 years with an abusive parent figure, and then stand and wait for the child to come to them upon meeting her after 12 years of abuse rather than going to meet her. To me this paints the parents in a bad light, but the main character immediately forgives the parents and calls them “dear ones.” I suspect the author is wanting us to believe the parents did their best, but due to the disconnect, there was a lack of depth and understanding.

[Amparo TD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brodie es el hermano pequeño del Laird Alex Grant. Comienza la historia con que van los dos a ver el rey, ya que ha sido convocado Alex, y es posible que haya una guerra inminente. Celestina es hija de un aristócrata, que la maltrata y ella a aprendido a aguantar. Por cuestiones políticas, y económicas, tanto el rey, como su padre la quieren casar con un Noruego. Tanto el padre, como el prometido son unos impresentables.
La historia esta bien para pasar el rato. Es dura por el maltrato que recibe ella.
En esta historia seguimos encontrándonos y conociendo mas de los personajes de los dos libros anteriores y también tenemos un personaje nuevo que me ha encantado. Es un niño muy listo y escurridizo: Lucky Loki.

[Bertha Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book I have read in Keira Montclair's Clan Grant series has surpassed the last.
These stories have a cinematic quality that envelops the reader and draws them into the story.
Celestina's story is, at first, grim: a motherless young woman who has grown up physically and verbally abused by her father, to the point of offering her in marriage to a cruel Norseman in exchange for gold.
But her story takes an unexpected turn when, on the verge of ending her life, she meets Brodie Grant.
Now, in addition to the story of a strong woman who knew how to overcome the obstacles that Fate put in her life, what I liked most about this book is the story of little Lucky Loki. I love that little rascal!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not an easy story with the abuse & disregard of women by husbands, church & monarch.
One glance & act of compassion lead to a difficult but determined path out of misery to freedom she'd never experienced.
The Grant clan again show their compassion, bravery, intelligence, loyalty & fierce battle skills.
Loki is the star for me, as the wee lad braved many dangerous situations to keep his Missy Angel safe.
I finished with tears of joy & found further enjoyment in the vision board Keira made to further illustrate her tale.
http://www.pinterest.com/KeiraMontcla...

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescuing Celestina.

Brodie Grant and his brothers have been summoned by the king for protection against Norsemen. Celestina is about to be married to an abusive man that she does not want. She has been isolated most of her life by her abusive father. Brodie sees her in her tower window about to jump and comes to her rescue. Their attraction is immediate. Their journey to be together is full obstacles that includes danger, more abuse, war, battle injury and more. This has been a great series so far. I love the way the author introduces each Grant and Ramsey family member and connects the family through their stories. Well done.

[ECReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost Too Saccharine

I enjoyed the action, but the romantic aspect was underwhelming. Brodie was too much the smitten hero and Celestina too much the sweet damsel in distress. Also, I would like to hope that Brodie wanted to rescue and fell in love with Celestina because she was in distress, but the overemphasis on her beauty made me wonder if he would have gone his merry way if she were less attractive. There were other events in the story that resolved too smoothly and were not believable.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a word...Rapunzel. I read this book through KU. As far as action goes this book, the 3rd in the series, is the tops. Stuff is always happening from beginning to end. But, the H/h spend a large portion of the book apart and I found myself thinking two things- Celestina is Rapunzel and Loki is so awesome. Once again, Celestina is mini-Maddie and candidate for sainthood. Do I know anything else about her? No, not really, but I do know more of Loki's intellect and personality. That's why I couldn't give it a 5 even though I generally liked it. 4 stars.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Love Story

I happened to have read Loki's story a while ago. It was great to read about his beginnings with the Grants. I loved Celestina and Brodie. I don't want to give anything away. If you're looking for the answer to "are there sexy times?" That would be a definite YES. This book has it all. Read the first one in the series first so you'll REALLY appreciate Alex's explanation of falling in love. Best part of the book. Alex is still my favorite.

[Christine Mcdanal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably won't finish it

Am about a third of the way through this book and although I hate to leave books unfinished, this on is really slow and I get the sense that the author has some issue with religion or perhaps just with the religion of the time period. There is lots of passive-aggressive language when referring to religious aspects. The book isn't interesting enough for me to spend time figuring out the reasons for this.

[Jacky Faber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Rating. One of the things I didn't like about the book was that Brodie and Ch? didn't spend that much time together. The h spent most of her time with her horrible father and then with her horrible husband. Also, reading about the physical and mental abuse of women is not an enjoyable read for me. I read romances for escape, especially now, during the Corona virus epidemic. I need to read about mostly happy things. Maybe I should try another genre at the moment.

[Michele Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story too good for the malfunctioning rating

I did NOT choose a one star rating! For no good reason one star kept appearing by itself and I couldn't give the 5 stars I would rather have given this book. The characters come to life and are lively. The author uses every bit of emotion to grab the reader's attention, and if that doesn't work, then she will get you with action. Grab your snacks, because this is not the book that kindly lets you walk off to cook for a meal.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good continuation of the series. I loved how Brodie was taken and determined with Celestina from the beginning. I don’t believe the excuse about the mother/father, but this is written about a time where women were property. Loved Lokie and how his adventure ended. The best part was the epilogue, but the journey was good. The narrator does a great job, but the author seems to forget that their language/slang was different then it is now.