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Morna's Legacy #3
Love Beyond Hope
Love is the most powerful kind of magic.
Baodan McMillan values many things in life: friendship, loyalty, kindness, but certainly not love. After the tragic death of his wife many years ago, he hardened himself to the idea of giving his heart to another. There is but one lass who can thaw his chilly heart, a lass he’s never met nor knows of, a lass whose birth won’t occur until centuries after his death.
Mitsy Fredrickson is in serious need of a distraction. With the ink still drying on her divorce papers, she flies to Scotland determined to forget about her own problems by helping her best friend re-enter reality. She knows Bri’s claims that she is able to travel back in time and is currently living in the year 1647 are a lie but, instead of locating her friend, Mitsy falls prey to the same magic and is quickly forced to believe the impossible.
Modern and sassy, Mitsy finds few who know how to take her fiery personality in the seventeenth century, but she finds her match in Baodan, laird of McMillan Castle. He is her opposite in every way, yet she feels balanced in his presence. The more time she spends with him, the harder she falls. She suspects he feels the same way, but something is holding him back—a dark secret from his past that even Baodan doesn’t fully understand. Mitsy works to uncover what is hidden in the hopes that with resolution Baodan will be free to love her. But the truth is darker than she expects, and it threatens to destroy them both.
Baodan McMillan values many things in life: friendship, loyalty, kindness, but certainly not love. After the tragic death of his wife many years ago, he hardened himself to the idea of giving his heart to another. There is but one lass who can thaw his chilly heart, a lass he’s never met nor knows of, a lass whose birth won’t occur until centuries after his death.
Mitsy Fredrickson is in serious need of a distraction. With the ink still drying on her divorce papers, she flies to Scotland determined to forget about her own problems by helping her best friend re-enter reality. She knows Bri’s claims that she is able to travel back in time and is currently living in the year 1647 are a lie but, instead of locating her friend, Mitsy falls prey to the same magic and is quickly forced to believe the impossible.
Modern and sassy, Mitsy finds few who know how to take her fiery personality in the seventeenth century, but she finds her match in Baodan, laird of McMillan Castle. He is her opposite in every way, yet she feels balanced in his presence. The more time she spends with him, the harder she falls. She suspects he feels the same way, but something is holding him back—a dark secret from his past that even Baodan doesn’t fully understand. Mitsy works to uncover what is hidden in the hopes that with resolution Baodan will be free to love her. But the truth is darker than she expects, and it threatens to destroy them both.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2014
647 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Claire
45 books457 followersBethany Claire is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Scottish time travel romance novels in Morna’s Legacy Series.
Bethany’s love of storytelling has been a lifelong passion but, convinced it would serve her best to follow a “conventional” career path, she tucked that passion away and went off to college.
Fast forward four years and about six major changes later, she realized the stories simply were not going to stay tucked away. Months away from graduating with a degree in elementary education, she finally realized writing was the only career that would make her happy.
So one day in the middle of a summer education course, she got up in the middle of class and walked to the registrar’s office and withdrew from the university on the spot. Since then, she has devoted herself to writing full time and is following her dreams.
Read more about Bethany at www.bethanyclaire.com.
Bethany’s love of storytelling has been a lifelong passion but, convinced it would serve her best to follow a “conventional” career path, she tucked that passion away and went off to college.
Fast forward four years and about six major changes later, she realized the stories simply were not going to stay tucked away. Months away from graduating with a degree in elementary education, she finally realized writing was the only career that would make her happy.
So one day in the middle of a summer education course, she got up in the middle of class and walked to the registrar’s office and withdrew from the university on the spot. Since then, she has devoted herself to writing full time and is following her dreams.
Read more about Bethany at www.bethanyclaire.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 2, 2018
I really loved the introduction of new characters in this book! They were a lot of fun and I loved how their story started out with heartache but ended so well. I also really loved their unique connection with characters from the previous books, seeing it all intertwine was interesting. I’m anxious to see how the story develops in the following books!
March 2, 2016
If you have read the other Morna's Legacy books leading up to Love Beyond Hope, then you already know who Boadan McMillan is.
He is the Laird of the McMillan castle and the cousin of Bri's husband, Eoin. Boadan lost his wife many years earlier and has hardened his heart against love for anyone. He has resentments that he carries around with him all the time.
Mitsy Fredrickson is Bri's best friend from Texas and has just realized her marriage was not as it seemed. She decides to head to Scotland to lick her wounds and look up her friend Bri. In order to find Bri, she has to go back to Morna's inn and start her search from there. Mitsy is up to the task. She is a fiery redhead that has known some hard times. She can typically take care of herself.
Mitsy follows all of Morna's instructions and is surprised to find herself in a crazy medieval cos play. Mitsy finds herself quite attracted to Baodan. She insists on being taken to Bri and thus begins their attraction.
This book was wonderful. The feelings that the story evokes is real. The fears, the unreality of her situation is brilliantly told. I have loved each of these stories, but this one touched my heart in a different way. It was humorous and lovable. The characters all have a special place in my heart now. I can not wait to find out more about Eoghanan. That will be a great story I can already tell. He is the unofficial brother of Boadan and Niall.
It was great to see Aileen and Her husband in this book. I love when you get to know the entire cast of characters like I have in the Morna's Legacy series. I can not wait to delve into the next book and see where that takes me. It could be modern day or we might be going back to the seventeenth century. Either way I know that Bethany Claire will make me one happy girl finding out.
February 13, 2024
The main storyline is fine, but there was a lot of story dragging in between. I kept flipping through to get to the interesting stuff. I wasn't a fan of Mitsy.
October 12, 2015
I adored this book—much more so than the second in the series. Mitsy was one hell of an intelligent, spitfire of a heroine, and I loved every moment spent with her.
Technically speaking, the book was well written. Other than one misused word (Shuttered should not be the equivalent of Shuddered), the writing was practically flawless. I didn’t run into any typos, awkward sentences, incorrect grammar, or improper punctuation. The writing was clear and fluid and moved at a good pace. I was sucked into the story from the very beginning and didn’t stop until the book was over.
I felt the characters were well characterized, and I especially loved Mitsy, Baodan, and E-o (it’s okay Mitsy, I can’t pronounce or spell his name either). Though Niall was a little too black-hat for my tastes (what I wouldn’t give for a cleverly characterized villain who is neither good nor evil, but a delightful shade of gray), he served his purpose… though I still don't entirely understand what his motives were.
My only true complaint, once again, is that the romance moved a little too quickly for me to be comfortable. I understand that Mitsy and Baodan fell in lust at first sight. The guy was hot, and she was a quirky redhead. Who wouldn’t love her? But, in what seemed like a few short days, they were ready to tie the knot. There was never any tension between them, no obstacles in their way to drive them together or apart as the book wore on. Their relationship was easy, and never in question. I only wish there’d been more drama between them.
I like the series so far, but I will admit that it seems to be a running theme that the characters all get pretty easy happily ever after's. For whatever reason, the complications thrown in their way are almost always solved almost before they even cause a problem for the characters, and just about every character is suddenly falling madly in love despite years of not being interested. It doesn’t ring as genuine. For hardcore romance readers who enjoy formulaic romance, this isn’t going to be a problem… but if you’re more of a fantasy reader who enjoys romance as a subplot, you may find it a little hard to believe—as I do.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I’d recommend it for someone looking for a heartwarming romance with a sassy heroine.
Technically speaking, the book was well written. Other than one misused word (Shuttered should not be the equivalent of Shuddered), the writing was practically flawless. I didn’t run into any typos, awkward sentences, incorrect grammar, or improper punctuation. The writing was clear and fluid and moved at a good pace. I was sucked into the story from the very beginning and didn’t stop until the book was over.
I felt the characters were well characterized, and I especially loved Mitsy, Baodan, and E-o (it’s okay Mitsy, I can’t pronounce or spell his name either). Though Niall was a little too black-hat for my tastes (what I wouldn’t give for a cleverly characterized villain who is neither good nor evil, but a delightful shade of gray), he served his purpose… though I still don't entirely understand what his motives were.
My only true complaint, once again, is that the romance moved a little too quickly for me to be comfortable. I understand that Mitsy and Baodan fell in lust at first sight. The guy was hot, and she was a quirky redhead. Who wouldn’t love her? But, in what seemed like a few short days, they were ready to tie the knot. There was never any tension between them, no obstacles in their way to drive them together or apart as the book wore on. Their relationship was easy, and never in question. I only wish there’d been more drama between them.
I like the series so far, but I will admit that it seems to be a running theme that the characters all get pretty easy happily ever after's. For whatever reason, the complications thrown in their way are almost always solved almost before they even cause a problem for the characters, and just about every character is suddenly falling madly in love despite years of not being interested. It doesn’t ring as genuine. For hardcore romance readers who enjoy formulaic romance, this isn’t going to be a problem… but if you’re more of a fantasy reader who enjoys romance as a subplot, you may find it a little hard to believe—as I do.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I’d recommend it for someone looking for a heartwarming romance with a sassy heroine.
September 19, 2014
*I received this book for review from the author. This in no way affects my thoughts as expressed in this review*
Hello McMillan clan! This book took me completely by surprise. It had the same great writing style of the first two full lengths and the novella, but this author’s ability to create amazing, unique characters never ceases to amaze me! Mitsy is what my grandfather would have called a little spitfire. She’s slightly opinionated, but you can tell that she has a good heart. Not believing Bri can travel back in time, Mitsy takes a little trip to Scotland to clear her head. She’s kind of forced to believe the her, however, when she herself is transported back in time!
Bethany just has that ability to not only put you in the mind of the characters, but the heart. You sort of feel what they feel, and so you’re rooting for them the whole way. I cannot wait to see what she cooks up with the next book in the series!
Hello McMillan clan! This book took me completely by surprise. It had the same great writing style of the first two full lengths and the novella, but this author’s ability to create amazing, unique characters never ceases to amaze me! Mitsy is what my grandfather would have called a little spitfire. She’s slightly opinionated, but you can tell that she has a good heart. Not believing Bri can travel back in time, Mitsy takes a little trip to Scotland to clear her head. She’s kind of forced to believe the her, however, when she herself is transported back in time!
Bethany just has that ability to not only put you in the mind of the characters, but the heart. You sort of feel what they feel, and so you’re rooting for them the whole way. I cannot wait to see what she cooks up with the next book in the series!
January 15, 2017
4.5 Stars
Oh my was this book extremely engaging! It most definitely left me on the edge of my seat with everything happening in Baodan's home!
Even in the 1600s, the whole instalove scenario gets on my nerves but I pushed past that quirky aspect of the book and just continued to enjoy the story. I didn't give it the full five stars because while I like Mitsy's straightforward nature, she is rather annoying throughout the first half of the book. She was loud, rude and obnoxious. It took me a minute to find something likable about her and thankfully eventually I did. She was so very loyal to the people she loved that she just became annoyingly stupid in her actions, but by the end of everything I think her character can endear the readers to her plight.
I'm curious to know how its going for E-o in the future!
Oh my was this book extremely engaging! It most definitely left me on the edge of my seat with everything happening in Baodan's home!
Even in the 1600s, the whole instalove scenario gets on my nerves but I pushed past that quirky aspect of the book and just continued to enjoy the story. I didn't give it the full five stars because while I like Mitsy's straightforward nature, she is rather annoying throughout the first half of the book. She was loud, rude and obnoxious. It took me a minute to find something likable about her and thankfully eventually I did. She was so very loyal to the people she loved that she just became annoyingly stupid in her actions, but by the end of everything I think her character can endear the readers to her plight.
I'm curious to know how its going for E-o in the future!
August 23, 2016
I totally feel for Baodan and SO wanted a happy ending for him. Misty too. They both were unfortunate in the choices of their first spouses. But Baodan is so filled with guilt and grief over his first wife that I just wanted to give him love until he definitively knew he deserved it.
This was a really great redemption story and my second favorite of the series.
This was a really great redemption story and my second favorite of the series.
September 1, 2016
This is a great series and the characters are well developed and great story. I am onto the next book in this series. Highly recommended
August 21, 2019
"Love is the most powerful kind of magic.
Baodan McMillan values many things in life: friendship, loyalty, kindness, but certainly not love. After the tragic death of his wife many years ago, he hardened himself to the idea of giving his heart to another. There is but one lass who can thaw this chilly heart, a lass he's never met nor knows of, a lass whose birth won't occur until centuries after his death ...
Mitsy Fredrickson is in serious need of a distraction. With the ink still drying on her divorce papers, she flies to Scotland determined to forget about her own problems by helping her best friend re-enter reality. She knows Bri's claims that she is able to travel back in time and is currently living in the year 1647 are a lie but, instead of locating her friend, Mitsy falls prey to the same magic and is quickly forced to believe the impossible.
"Modern and sassy, Mitsy finds few who know how to take her fiery personality in the seventeenth century, but she finds her match in Baodan, laird of McMillan Castle. He is her opposite in every way, yet she feels balanced in his presence. The more time she spends with him, the harder she falls. She suspects he feels the same way, but something is holding him back -- a dark secret from his past that even Baodan doesn't fully understand. Mitsy works to uncover what is hidden in the hopes that with resolution Baodan will be free to love her. But the truth is darker than she expects, and it threatens to destroy them both."
~~back cover
Not very well written; somewhat difficult to believe that a seventeenth century laird would be attracted to a 21st century lady with a smart mouth; and the plot is a bit stale and disjointed.
Baodan McMillan values many things in life: friendship, loyalty, kindness, but certainly not love. After the tragic death of his wife many years ago, he hardened himself to the idea of giving his heart to another. There is but one lass who can thaw this chilly heart, a lass he's never met nor knows of, a lass whose birth won't occur until centuries after his death ...
Mitsy Fredrickson is in serious need of a distraction. With the ink still drying on her divorce papers, she flies to Scotland determined to forget about her own problems by helping her best friend re-enter reality. She knows Bri's claims that she is able to travel back in time and is currently living in the year 1647 are a lie but, instead of locating her friend, Mitsy falls prey to the same magic and is quickly forced to believe the impossible.
"Modern and sassy, Mitsy finds few who know how to take her fiery personality in the seventeenth century, but she finds her match in Baodan, laird of McMillan Castle. He is her opposite in every way, yet she feels balanced in his presence. The more time she spends with him, the harder she falls. She suspects he feels the same way, but something is holding him back -- a dark secret from his past that even Baodan doesn't fully understand. Mitsy works to uncover what is hidden in the hopes that with resolution Baodan will be free to love her. But the truth is darker than she expects, and it threatens to destroy them both."
~~back cover
Not very well written; somewhat difficult to believe that a seventeenth century laird would be attracted to a 21st century lady with a smart mouth; and the plot is a bit stale and disjointed.
March 15, 2023
This Unlikable protagonist should've been named "Karen."
What a disappointment! This story has such a captivating plot that I was eager to enjoy it asap after reading the jacket blurb. I also read a synopsis on books 1 & 2 in order to confirm that I could jump straight to this book (no problem).
However the protagonist, Mitsy, is awful! When confused, she defaults to rudeness and hostility. She even starts one scene by apologizing for previously being so rude while searching for her friend and not understanding her hosts' explanations that her friend has traveled in time. But as sweet and warm as the welcoming couple is, as soon as they repeat the same explanation, she is immediately rude and hostile — outright mean! — to her hosts again. Although they maintain their cool and are sweet and generously obliging throughout their interactions with Mitsy, she is demanding, insulting, and never improves. As soon as she meets the book's male protagonist, she repeats the same behavior!
Do people really succeed in life by berating and insulting those around them for having the audacity not to immediately adjust the world to fit their attacker's expectations, no matter how unrealistic or unreasonable? This behavior doesn't make the protagonist, Mitsy, feisty or "sassy" — it makes her a mean person. Why would I continue to root for her?
In any case, her continued unkind, insulting behavior killed the book for me.
What a disappointment! This story has such a captivating plot that I was eager to enjoy it asap after reading the jacket blurb. I also read a synopsis on books 1 & 2 in order to confirm that I could jump straight to this book (no problem).
However the protagonist, Mitsy, is awful! When confused, she defaults to rudeness and hostility. She even starts one scene by apologizing for previously being so rude while searching for her friend and not understanding her hosts' explanations that her friend has traveled in time. But as sweet and warm as the welcoming couple is, as soon as they repeat the same explanation, she is immediately rude and hostile — outright mean! — to her hosts again. Although they maintain their cool and are sweet and generously obliging throughout their interactions with Mitsy, she is demanding, insulting, and never improves. As soon as she meets the book's male protagonist, she repeats the same behavior!
Do people really succeed in life by berating and insulting those around them for having the audacity not to immediately adjust the world to fit their attacker's expectations, no matter how unrealistic or unreasonable? This behavior doesn't make the protagonist, Mitsy, feisty or "sassy" — it makes her a mean person. Why would I continue to root for her?
In any case, her continued unkind, insulting behavior killed the book for me.
October 20, 2017
I don't expect a lot from these books, so I enjoyed this one about as much as I expected to. It's cheesy, sappy, and completely illogical, but I knew that going it. The only thing that bothered me about this book was the villain - he seemed to have no real motive or justification for what he was doing. If there was some great wrong done to him that he was trying to get revenge for, that would have made more sense. But as it was, I really had no idea what was driving his insanely malicious actions...so that was annoying. Other than that, of course there is insta-love and other cheesy romance cliches, but that's to be expected with time travel romance.
Overall, it was what I expected - other than the villain - and reasonably entertaining...3 stars.
Overall, it was what I expected - other than the villain - and reasonably entertaining...3 stars.
January 21, 2021
At first I wasn’t sure if it excited me as much as the others or not. As I got into it though and Mitzy showed her ginger personality and didn’t want to believe about time travel, I found it hard to put my phone down for very long❤️
Like the others you have to remember it is a story and yes they do have their very nasty problems like killing, poison, etc etc but the problems do seem to get solved almost before they know there is a problem.
I was upset by who they chose to kill off but someone had to die or there is no story.
Like the others you have to remember it is a story and yes they do have their very nasty problems like killing, poison, etc etc but the problems do seem to get solved almost before they know there is a problem.
I was upset by who they chose to kill off but someone had to die or there is no story.
February 23, 2024
A Scottish time travel romance. Overall, I liked this story. It had several plot twists and turns, plus a REALLY evil villain. You'll be SO glad when he gets what he deserves. The main characters are very likeable, and after they finally achieve their hard-won HEA you'll feel like cheering for them. I don't want to share a Spoiler, but I'll just say that the one and only thing I'll say is that I didn't care for the circumstances under which they had their initial sexy encounter. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 15, 2018
I have listened to the audiobook of this set 1 of this series and have consequently posted this review for each book in the set.
This set of books , all hinging on Morna's matchmaking and magic have been a joy to listen to. The audio rendition has added to the writer's techniques of engaging the reader with romance, drama and enchantment.
I have enjoyed the 4 books in this set.
This set of books , all hinging on Morna's matchmaking and magic have been a joy to listen to. The audio rendition has added to the writer's techniques of engaging the reader with romance, drama and enchantment.
I have enjoyed the 4 books in this set.
July 13, 2018
I checked this book out at my local library with book 2 to take on a trip and finished it before I even left lol.. ..it is a wonderful series and each book just gets better. This is Mitsy and Baodan's story and it is filled with danger, intrigue and lots of romance. One of the best parts is watching them both get used to the different time periods. You will catch yourself laughing as this Scottish 17 th century man learns about a21st century woman. Lots and lots of fun times...
July 17, 2019
I liked it very much, the whole series. I like the plot, the names, the magic, the characters. The reason I give it 3 stars is because the pattern is the same in every book. A lass and a lad from different century have to fall in love, so Morna does her magic. They get through difficulties and they end up together. But I don't really mind, because I love happy endings! Also, the erotic scenes are very good!
February 27, 2018
Mitsy and Baodan
Each of these two exceptional characters deserved to have their own stories - both standout characters. What better solution would be to pair them up together. This was an interesting storyline with a mad Scotsman included- which makes it a standout story 6 star rating.
Each of these two exceptional characters deserved to have their own stories - both standout characters. What better solution would be to pair them up together. This was an interesting storyline with a mad Scotsman included- which makes it a standout story 6 star rating.
May 14, 2019
The story was better than book 2, but so many gaps that didn’t really get answered. Misty accepting her new life came too easy, Niall ‘s reasonings for hurting people didn’t make sense at all and just seemed like a lazy way for the author to add suspense to the book. I did like Baodan though and guessed right that this book would be about him.
June 1, 2020
Love This Series
I love this series. It is well written with lots of twists and turns. Mitzy’s unfortunate divorce to Brian who was a cheater from the day she married him allowed her to follow her friend to Morna’s house. She sent her to meet Bri but she added a little spice by adding Baodan’s presence in her entrance to her trip back in time. And the rest is history.
I love this series. It is well written with lots of twists and turns. Mitzy’s unfortunate divorce to Brian who was a cheater from the day she married him allowed her to follow her friend to Morna’s house. She sent her to meet Bri but she added a little spice by adding Baodan’s presence in her entrance to her trip back in time. And the rest is history.
March 29, 2021
This is part of the Morna's Legacy Time Travel series that I love. There are around 12 books and I love all of them that include people traveling back and forth in time in Scotland. Each book is based on a certain couple helped with love by Morna but they all intact with each other. Some are based more on people moving back in time and some move forward but they all interact together.
May 21, 2017
Love Beyond Hope Book Three By Bethany Claire
Another five stars...This author is amazing, the storyline is great and continues on to the next series...Sensual and a lot of action and the connection to the other previous novels
Another five stars...This author is amazing, the storyline is great and continues on to the next series...Sensual and a lot of action and the connection to the other previous novels
May 30, 2017
Love Beyond Hope was wonderfully original..
Lily Collingwood’s does a wonderful job narrating the book.
I could not stop listening.. It draws you into the book and doesn't let go.
I am looking forward to the next book on tape. I've read all the ebooks, the audio brings them more to life!
Lily Collingwood’s does a wonderful job narrating the book.
I could not stop listening.. It draws you into the book and doesn't let go.
I am looking forward to the next book on tape. I've read all the ebooks, the audio brings them more to life!
June 20, 2017
Nice story, nice heroes, the heroines are too well educated, not wild enough, I love Bri's mother Adelle. The heroes are sweet, too sweet for Renaissance guys.
But Ok, it's all a beautiful fantasy that I liked to share, isn't it ???
But Ok, it's all a beautiful fantasy that I liked to share, isn't it ???
July 18, 2018
Love Beyond Hope
Another great book! Usually by this time in a series I start second guessing the author but not now! I have loved reading her books so far and look forward to the next one.
Another great book! Usually by this time in a series I start second guessing the author but not now! I have loved reading her books so far and look forward to the next one.
May 15, 2024
loving this series
This was such an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and how the interacted with one another. Couldn’t stop laughing when Mitzi first arrived in 1647. Great writing !!!
This was such an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and how the interacted with one another. Couldn’t stop laughing when Mitzi first arrived in 1647. Great writing !!!
January 8, 2025
I love this series and highly recommend it to all who enjoy Highland/time-travel/romance! And, who doesn’t? The characters are easy to like (or hate) and entertaining. Now, I have to get book 4, enjoy!
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July 12, 2017
Loved it...want to go back and read the whole series.
September 22, 2017
Classic Bethany Claire!
The Morna books are so much fun to read. Bethany Claire writes engaging, "can't put 'em down" time-travel stories that leave you wanting to read more!
The Morna books are so much fun to read. Bethany Claire writes engaging, "can't put 'em down" time-travel stories that leave you wanting to read more!
November 7, 2017
Makes me wanna travel through time.
November 23, 2017
Enjoyed this ... same characters and setting so that’s good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews