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Highland #1
On a Highland Shore
From acclaimed historical novelist Kathleen Givens comes a magnificently conceived, intricately detailed novel that brings to vivid life the tumult, adventure, and passion of thirteenth-century Scotland, when Norse invaders laid claim to the land and its people—and an explosive clash of cultures, politics, and personal pride changed the world forever.
On Scotland's western shore, the village of Somerstrath prepares for the joyous wedding celebration of Margaret MacDonald, the laird's daughter. But a dark storm of bloodshed and betrayal is closing in, as a merciless band of Vikings threatens the Highlands.
Margaret is determined to hold the MacDonald clan together and to locate her abducted younger brother. But can she trust the noblemen from King Alexander's court, who insist that only by adhering to a betrothal conceived for political gain will she find safety? Or should she put her trust in an imposing half-Irish, half-Norse warrior?
Gannon MacMagnus alone offers her hope of reuniting her family and vanquishing the barbarous Norsemen who would continue to rob her people of their God-given right to determine their own destinies. In whom should Margaret entrust the fate of the rugged, magnificent land she calls home?
On Scotland's western shore, the village of Somerstrath prepares for the joyous wedding celebration of Margaret MacDonald, the laird's daughter. But a dark storm of bloodshed and betrayal is closing in, as a merciless band of Vikings threatens the Highlands.
Margaret is determined to hold the MacDonald clan together and to locate her abducted younger brother. But can she trust the noblemen from King Alexander's court, who insist that only by adhering to a betrothal conceived for political gain will she find safety? Or should she put her trust in an imposing half-Irish, half-Norse warrior?
Gannon MacMagnus alone offers her hope of reuniting her family and vanquishing the barbarous Norsemen who would continue to rob her people of their God-given right to determine their own destinies. In whom should Margaret entrust the fate of the rugged, magnificent land she calls home?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
50 people are currently reading
7943 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Givens
11 books113 followersKathleen Givens was born in New York City, but spent her early years living in the Northeast and Georgia before landing in Southern California at the age of ten. As a result, she is fluent in Valley Girl, Steel Magnolia, and Manhattanite.
From an early age, Kathleen was entranced by the history, legends and sagas of the people who mixed together to form Scotland, Ireland, England and later the United States. She likes to weave elements of their myths and legends into her work, to mix fictional and factual characters, and set them against turbulent backdrops of war and social and political upheavals. And then add a love story, of course.
Kathleen made her writing debut at the age of ten with a rewrite of Little Women, in which Jo marries Laurie and no one dies. It is not in print. In high school she and a friend wrote a dreadful 250-page play about an English rock group. Surprisingly, it is not in print either.
Her official writing career began in 1999 with the acclaimed Scottish historicals, Kilgannon and The Wild Rose of Kilgannon, the epic love story of an English woman who falls in love with a rugged Highlander. The series left her readers thirsting for more stories of the glittering streets of London and the misty Scottish Highlands.
In 2002, Givens launched her Torridon series. The Legend introduced the MacCurrie brothers, identical twins, whose birth and lives have been predicted by the Brahan Seer. The Legend tells the story of James MacCurrie and Ellen Graham, cousin to Bonnie Dundee, and is set in the late 17th century, when William of Orange has usurped King James, and rebellion is in the air.
The Destiny continued the adventures of the brothers who are fated to help determine the future of the thrones of England and Scotland, and tells the story of Eileen Ronley, granddaughter of Charles II. The Destiny won the coveted Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Long Historical of 2003.
Her latest book, On a Highland Shore, which was published in July, 2006, launched a new series that will follow three siblings and their descendants for 500 years. Set in turbulent 13th century Scotland, it tells the story of Margaret MacDonald, the oldest of the siblings the series will follow, and Gannon MacMagnus, the founder of the MacGannon clan we met in the Kilgannon saga. It has Vikings, invasions, and a war. What better backdrop for a love story?
Kathleen loves to travel, read, and study history, which makes writing historical fiction a perfect career. While she has traveled extensively, she's yet to find anywhere she could love more than California, where she and her husband live in a tragically flawed house with the neurotic and dictatorial cat formerly known as Miss Lily.
Kathleen can be reached at Kathleen@kathleengivens.com.
From an early age, Kathleen was entranced by the history, legends and sagas of the people who mixed together to form Scotland, Ireland, England and later the United States. She likes to weave elements of their myths and legends into her work, to mix fictional and factual characters, and set them against turbulent backdrops of war and social and political upheavals. And then add a love story, of course.
Kathleen made her writing debut at the age of ten with a rewrite of Little Women, in which Jo marries Laurie and no one dies. It is not in print. In high school she and a friend wrote a dreadful 250-page play about an English rock group. Surprisingly, it is not in print either.
Her official writing career began in 1999 with the acclaimed Scottish historicals, Kilgannon and The Wild Rose of Kilgannon, the epic love story of an English woman who falls in love with a rugged Highlander. The series left her readers thirsting for more stories of the glittering streets of London and the misty Scottish Highlands.
In 2002, Givens launched her Torridon series. The Legend introduced the MacCurrie brothers, identical twins, whose birth and lives have been predicted by the Brahan Seer. The Legend tells the story of James MacCurrie and Ellen Graham, cousin to Bonnie Dundee, and is set in the late 17th century, when William of Orange has usurped King James, and rebellion is in the air.
The Destiny continued the adventures of the brothers who are fated to help determine the future of the thrones of England and Scotland, and tells the story of Eileen Ronley, granddaughter of Charles II. The Destiny won the coveted Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Long Historical of 2003.
Her latest book, On a Highland Shore, which was published in July, 2006, launched a new series that will follow three siblings and their descendants for 500 years. Set in turbulent 13th century Scotland, it tells the story of Margaret MacDonald, the oldest of the siblings the series will follow, and Gannon MacMagnus, the founder of the MacGannon clan we met in the Kilgannon saga. It has Vikings, invasions, and a war. What better backdrop for a love story?
Kathleen loves to travel, read, and study history, which makes writing historical fiction a perfect career. While she has traveled extensively, she's yet to find anywhere she could love more than California, where she and her husband live in a tragically flawed house with the neurotic and dictatorial cat formerly known as Miss Lily.
Kathleen can be reached at Kathleen@kathleengivens.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
March 2, 2015
Minor plot spoilers - but nothing that will ruin the story for anyone.
The Biblio-gods must be smiling down on me because the last few books I’ve read have been “cannot put it down” fabulous. On A Highland Shore is no exception.
About the story...
When you’re the laird’s daughter, what you want is not as important as what is best for your people. Margaret MacDonald learns this heartbreaking lesson the hard way, when she finds her future husband in the bed of her very best friend, Fiona, and is expected to marry him anyway. Refusing to listen to those around her, including her own parents, who tell her that “for the good of her people” she must marry Lachlan despite his “lack of judgment,” Margaret tries to find ways out of the betrothal without breaking her marriage contract and shaming her family. As it turns out, that is the least of her problems and she finds herself working to reunite her family, while helping overthrow a barbaric Norseman who has begun terrorizing Scotland. Of course she can’t do it alone and finds herself having to put aside her social and cultural biases, while learning to trust a man she barely knows, yet finds herself falling in love with.
My thoughts...
This was my first read of Kathleen Givens’ writing and it won’t be my last. While On A Highland Shore is a romance novel, it is also so much more. Not your run of the mill fluffy historical romance novel – which I love as much as the next gal – it is a complex novel full of twists and turns, political maneuvering and treachery. I appreciate the detail Givens gave to historical accuracy, and at the end of the book she lists those events that were real and how she was able to weave them into her own story.
Using these actual historical figures and events to fill out this tale, Givens takes us to a time and place of great turmoil. Years of peace have left the Highlanders complacent, vulnerable and an easy target for one greedy and power hungry Norseman who has decided that the best things in life are his for the plundering. Who cares if a few lives – or a few thousand – are lost in the process? He’s just the kind of bad guy you love to hate and by the end of the story, as far as I was concerned, there was nothing brutal enough or too heinous that could have been done to him in the pursuit of punishment or revenge.
On A Highland Shore has a strong cast of characters, too many to name, but memorable all the same. In ways it reminded me of The Lord of The Rings in that everyone was willing to do their part no matter how difficult, trusting in their fellow men (and women) to also be doing their own parts as well. And because everyone did what they needed to do and trusted in each other, it all came together and worked out beautifully.
Kathleen Givens took what could have been mere words on a page and breathed life into them. The characters are wonderfully developed and are all people we care about. Margaret, the eldest daughter, is such a strong, opinionated woman yet so full of love and trust. I cried at the loss of her innocence, sharing the pain she felt upon learning of the betrayal. To see her so vulnerable and so hurt is heart wrenching. She loved and trusted both Lachlan and Fiona and could never have imagined what was going on right under her nose – then to learn her mother and others knew of it... I can’t imagine what she must have felt, another level of betrayal by her mother, the woman who was supposed to love and protect her and look out for her? I can't imagine how hurt she must have felt.
Though Margaret no longer wants the marriage, and knows it was for her own personal reasons – pride being one of them, she would never turn her back on her people. She understands the necessity of uniting clans for the betterment of all, but she isn't going to lie down and be Lachlan’s doormat, either. I was completely invested in her and cheered her on as she kept stating her case, exhausting every avenue available to her so as not to have to marry Lachlan.
Gannon MacMagnus is the perfect hero. Strong, compassionate, honorable and committed to aiding the Highlanders in rebuilding what they had lost and ridding them of the constant threat of more attacks, he was a force to be reckoned with. Having endured much loss in his own life, he well understood the emotional pain Margaret was going through and was one of the few people who knew how to help her.
Do you love a good battle, or two or three, mixed in with your romance? Then this is the story for you. The battle scenes were so well described that I could truly see, in my mind’s eye, the fighting as it played out. I could see the layout of the shore, the men defending the keep, the ruthless Vikings as they charged up the hill and the brave Highlanders who awaited them.
*sigh* Again I am rambling on.
The bottom line...
While I wouldn’t compare this to War and Peace or The Lord of The Rings on the greatness scale, On A Highland Shore is an amazing tale of love, loss and the willingness to risk everything you have and everything you are in the fight for freedom and all you hold dear.
June 25, 2024
This read like a high school soap opera masquerading as a historical novel. I tried to be patient but it was so cheesy. A seer tells the heroine a Golden man will come for her and together they will slay dragons. The heroine weeps and sulks for days on end because her betrothed cheated on her with her best friend. Like this would be so shocking to her, as a nobleman's daughter contracted into an arranged, political marriage with a typical courtier. At least, if you are going to act anachronistically, get mad, not sad. Show some spirit, girl. Eh. Instead we get tedious, repetitive, woe-is-me, passages, and an embarrassing attempt to ask the King to cancel her betrothal. This was not for me. DNF at 24%.
January 26, 2011
I really would give this book 1.5 stars if I could. I originally read it because it seemed to be in the same vein as Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, and I needed a "fix." But the two authors aren't even comparable. Cliche, trite, and poorly written all came to mind while reading this book. The bad guys were just bad, no reedeeming qualities, the good guys were all perfect, no flaws, and the author really missed a lot of opportunities to take a decent story and turn it into something wonderful. I could care less what happens to Davy, I won't be reading the rest of series. There's no depth to Gannon, very little to Margaret, and Nell is so cotton candy sweet it's annoying. I like real characters, not just facades.
January 15, 2023
I really love the cover art. The castle has a remarkable location on a hill top close to the rich blue-green sea. Splendid!
I truly could not put it down. When my colleague poke me, I wave my hand and put a sign be silent (my boss was in the meeting for the whole day)
I really loved the story. A great read and a keeper. She delivers a story that will keep you reading. I heard that she passed away in year 2010. It's a loss for all historical romance readers. She was a great storyteller.
I've just ordered Kilgannon and Torridon series from ebay. Looking forward to reading more from her
ps : I wondering what happen to Davey, Nell and stranger named Liam.
I truly could not put it down. When my colleague poke me, I wave my hand and put a sign be silent (my boss was in the meeting for the whole day)
I really loved the story. A great read and a keeper. She delivers a story that will keep you reading. I heard that she passed away in year 2010. It's a loss for all historical romance readers. She was a great storyteller.
I've just ordered Kilgannon and Torridon series from ebay. Looking forward to reading more from her
ps : I wondering what happen to Davey, Nell and stranger named Liam.
October 25, 2020
I'm trying to find another author's work to compare this novel to but I keep coming up short. Kathleen Givens is like a hardy mix of my favourite authors - a gritty Jude Deveraux, a loved up Philippa Gregory, a purley historical Barbara Erskine. This was truly one of my favourite purely historical depictions of Scotland.
The most powerful aspect of this novel was certainly the characterisation. Whilst some reviewers have found this lacking, I felt the protagonists to be diverse and perfectly matched. The antagonist was equally well-crafted and just pure evil. There are many scenes of his doing which are both repulsive and haunting. Well before the end of this book, you'll be cheering for the bad guy to get it!
Many Scottish Clans were the victims of raids just like the ones Givens writes about and this novel truly places your heart in a different time and place. It reminds you that tragedy has followed humankind through history and its effects have not been lessened by the passing of time. Givens did not shy from depicting the rich tapestry of human emotions - emparting on the reader a sense of deeper understanding of Scottish pride and courage.
Weaved within this narrative of a nation is the deeply satisfying love story of Margaret and Gannon. The novel is beautifully layered to keep your suspense and works itself into a frenetic pace by about page 250. The romance plot is centre-stage enough to satisfy a romance reader but possibly doesn't contain the same level of eroticism as other novels in the genre. I think there's too much else going on for the characters to be spending all their time in bed!
Read this novel if: You have a fascination in either Scots or Vikings and don't mind a bit of romance.
Don't read this novel if: You're looking for something strictly accurate. The author does admit she freely embellished the facts.
Watch more LIVE bestselling author interviews and win free books!
In this fun interview series, bestselling novelists reveal the secrets behind their beloved stories…all whilst playing a round of Pictionary with a live audience…YOU!
Subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
The most powerful aspect of this novel was certainly the characterisation. Whilst some reviewers have found this lacking, I felt the protagonists to be diverse and perfectly matched. The antagonist was equally well-crafted and just pure evil. There are many scenes of his doing which are both repulsive and haunting. Well before the end of this book, you'll be cheering for the bad guy to get it!
Many Scottish Clans were the victims of raids just like the ones Givens writes about and this novel truly places your heart in a different time and place. It reminds you that tragedy has followed humankind through history and its effects have not been lessened by the passing of time. Givens did not shy from depicting the rich tapestry of human emotions - emparting on the reader a sense of deeper understanding of Scottish pride and courage.
Weaved within this narrative of a nation is the deeply satisfying love story of Margaret and Gannon. The novel is beautifully layered to keep your suspense and works itself into a frenetic pace by about page 250. The romance plot is centre-stage enough to satisfy a romance reader but possibly doesn't contain the same level of eroticism as other novels in the genre. I think there's too much else going on for the characters to be spending all their time in bed!
Read this novel if: You have a fascination in either Scots or Vikings and don't mind a bit of romance.
Don't read this novel if: You're looking for something strictly accurate. The author does admit she freely embellished the facts.
Watch more LIVE bestselling author interviews and win free books!
In this fun interview series, bestselling novelists reveal the secrets behind their beloved stories…all whilst playing a round of Pictionary with a live audience…YOU!
Subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
February 24, 2012
Simply Superb! One of My Favorites From a Favorite Author!
Kathleen Givens was an award-winning author of Scottish historicals, each rich in historical detail and each a story I consider to be a "keeper."
Set in 13th century Scotland, this tells the story of Margaret MacDonald and Gannon MacMagnus, who find love out of misfortune and the changes that take their lives from the paths they were to take. In both this book and its sequel, RIVALS FOR THE CROWN, Kathleen Givens does a superb job of weaving English and Scottish history into an epic romance and a tale of Scottish Highlander families swept up in the great themes of Scotland's history.
I grew to love these men and women and felt like they could have easily been real people--people who experienced deep, lasting love, demanding challenges and heartrending losses. Her writing is so believable, I often found myself reading these tales late into the night.
These are not formula romance books but sweeping historical novels well worth the read. You won't be disappointed. There are fewer love scenes than in some romances but the ones included are tender and well worth the wait. The sexual tension she creates fits the story well and is consistent with the characters.
When I finished the two books I mourned the ending of the stories and craved more from her. She has two other 2-book series out--all Scottish historicals (THE LEGEND and THE DESTINY and KILGANNON and THE ROSE OF KILGANNON. They are all we will have of her work as she passed away in early 2010. It's a loss for all her readers. I think she was a great talent.
Kathleen Givens was an award-winning author of Scottish historicals, each rich in historical detail and each a story I consider to be a "keeper."
Set in 13th century Scotland, this tells the story of Margaret MacDonald and Gannon MacMagnus, who find love out of misfortune and the changes that take their lives from the paths they were to take. In both this book and its sequel, RIVALS FOR THE CROWN, Kathleen Givens does a superb job of weaving English and Scottish history into an epic romance and a tale of Scottish Highlander families swept up in the great themes of Scotland's history.
I grew to love these men and women and felt like they could have easily been real people--people who experienced deep, lasting love, demanding challenges and heartrending losses. Her writing is so believable, I often found myself reading these tales late into the night.
These are not formula romance books but sweeping historical novels well worth the read. You won't be disappointed. There are fewer love scenes than in some romances but the ones included are tender and well worth the wait. The sexual tension she creates fits the story well and is consistent with the characters.
When I finished the two books I mourned the ending of the stories and craved more from her. She has two other 2-book series out--all Scottish historicals (THE LEGEND and THE DESTINY and KILGANNON and THE ROSE OF KILGANNON. They are all we will have of her work as she passed away in early 2010. It's a loss for all her readers. I think she was a great talent.
November 22, 2018
This definitely makes you want to read the next one. I loved all of the real history woven into the story.
February 18, 2011
Gannon MacMagnus is a beautiful, strapping man, half Irish and half Norseman....a proud man, a decent man, an honourable man. He has left his home in Ireland to accompany his uncle to Scotland to help those who have been raided by a band of vicious Vikings. It is here that he encounters Margaret MacDonald...his destiny. Margaret MacDonald is the eldest daughter of a prominent laird in Scotland. She is betrothed to a powerful man, Lachlan, a cousin to the King. But when Lachlan betrays Margaret with her best friend, she is determined to end the betrothal. But as the times dictate, Margaret is to wed Lachlan for the good of her clan. But this becomes the least of her worries, when upon her return home from court, Margaret and her brother and sister discover their village in ruins, every man and women brutally murdered and the carnage left for them to see. Margaret must somehow rebuild her life and help her people. She is told her destiny is to be with "the golden one" and that she will "fight dragons". Is Gannon her golden one? Will she choose the right path and be forever happy or die a tragic death?
I was totally engrossed with this story. I have never read a book set in the early 13th century, or one that deals with Norsemen in Scotland. I was intrigued by the history of this time period, including the battles for land and the raids by the Vikings on the people living on the Western shores of Scotland. But what truly held me were the characters created by this author. I was immediately taken with Gannon. His strength of will and commitment to his family and people were remarkable. But I feel that it was the heroine, Margaret, that took center stage. She was one strong-willed, loving, smart and determined woman. She was not one to be easily bullied by men, something rare for a female of the time. She knew what she wanted....a safe land for her people, a place to call home, and true love with a partner who would honestly listen to her. I could feel her emotions so often in the story...I felt her outrage at her betrayal, her overwhelming grief at the loss of her family, and the soaring of her heart when she looked at Gannon. Although this is a historical romance, it is so much more. There isn't the usual happy fluff. This is an intense tale filled with the political and social realities of the time. There are suspenseful and sometimes graphic battle scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. Woven within all of this is the emotionally satisfying love story of Margaret and Gannon. I could not put this book down and I highly recommend it to all readers. You will gasp, cringe, cry and laugh. You will become immersed in a time and place that could be both brutally harsh and epically beautiful. And you will want to read more...just as I do.
I was totally engrossed with this story. I have never read a book set in the early 13th century, or one that deals with Norsemen in Scotland. I was intrigued by the history of this time period, including the battles for land and the raids by the Vikings on the people living on the Western shores of Scotland. But what truly held me were the characters created by this author. I was immediately taken with Gannon. His strength of will and commitment to his family and people were remarkable. But I feel that it was the heroine, Margaret, that took center stage. She was one strong-willed, loving, smart and determined woman. She was not one to be easily bullied by men, something rare for a female of the time. She knew what she wanted....a safe land for her people, a place to call home, and true love with a partner who would honestly listen to her. I could feel her emotions so often in the story...I felt her outrage at her betrayal, her overwhelming grief at the loss of her family, and the soaring of her heart when she looked at Gannon. Although this is a historical romance, it is so much more. There isn't the usual happy fluff. This is an intense tale filled with the political and social realities of the time. There are suspenseful and sometimes graphic battle scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. Woven within all of this is the emotionally satisfying love story of Margaret and Gannon. I could not put this book down and I highly recommend it to all readers. You will gasp, cringe, cry and laugh. You will become immersed in a time and place that could be both brutally harsh and epically beautiful. And you will want to read more...just as I do.
January 3, 2024
I read this many years ago. Historical romances are not my usual genre to read, but I picked it up again in the hopes of immersing myself in that time period. To be honest, it leans more towards history than romance. A light read, but well written. The pace is a bit slow in the beginning, however, it kept my attention. The story centers around the politics of the time, as well as several Norse invasions of settlements along the coast of Scotland. The characters are well developed and the author managed to convey an impression of this time in history, which led to the Battle of Largs. This important and decisive battle ended a 500-year history of Norse invasions, and allowed Scotland to finally consolidate its resources into building a nation. An enjoyable read!
January 28, 2010
******************WARNING********************
This book is not for the faint at heart.
I really, really liked this book. I wouldn't say that I loved it, but it was certainly better than most Scot themed books I have read. (Outside the incomparable Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series... Of course)
Authentic dialogue, and a lot of drama, with heartache, intertwined a fantastic story of survival and love. War is profound in the pages, and the after effects of such.
100 or so pages into this book, I looked Kathleen Givens up, now interested in reading more of what she has written. And was saddened to find that she passed away suddenly, earlier this month.
An immense talent, lost too soon.
This book is not for the faint at heart.
I really, really liked this book. I wouldn't say that I loved it, but it was certainly better than most Scot themed books I have read. (Outside the incomparable Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series... Of course)
Authentic dialogue, and a lot of drama, with heartache, intertwined a fantastic story of survival and love. War is profound in the pages, and the after effects of such.
100 or so pages into this book, I looked Kathleen Givens up, now interested in reading more of what she has written. And was saddened to find that she passed away suddenly, earlier this month.
An immense talent, lost too soon.
August 20, 2012
This novel has been on my physical book shelf for a while. This is an extraordinarily well written book of 13th century Scotland with Vikings and the beginnings of Scotland as we know it. This book unfolds slowly but the pace is perfect in my opinion. It is more historical fiction than romance but the love interest between Margaret and Gannon is strong. Well written, Gabaldon-esque type read. Will read more by this author and hope it doesn't take me 3-4 years to get to it! Well done, lovely read of a time period that I have not really read about before.
October 11, 2008
I loved this story, it's been years since I've read a novel that included the battles between the Scots and the Vikings. Of course, I have always enjoyed Highland novels but this was different to anything I've read before. The author built the suspense up to the point where I felt sick, reading as fast as I possibly could so I could find out what was going to happen next. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 18, 2011
Scotland in the thirteenth century! This is a really wonderful historical novel with romance, action (it was a very brutal time), and it gives you a real feel of the era, the sights and of people's lives then.
The very first chapter of the book introduces the reader to the enemy but does not give his name and it isn't revealed until much later. There is no doubt of how evil he is.
There is a touch of the supernatural but only a hint which begins with a prophecy from an old woman to Margaret MacDonald when she was a child. She was told, "You'll be torn from your home and you will face dragons. If you choose the right partner, you'll slay them together. And together find the love of legends." When Margaret is afraid and asks the old woman, "And if I dinna choose the right partner? What then?" "You'll perish" was the response. When asked how she would know, the response was, "You will know him. He will be unlike any other man you've known. He will be golden. He will bring life after death."
Thus begins the story of Margaret who has been betrothed to Lachlan since she was a baby. Of course in those times this is a binding agreement and almost impossible to break. Margaret has grown up knowing Lachlan and is excited about marrying and going away with him to spend time at court and to leave behind the constant having to care for her younger siblings who she does love very much. She tires of her parents bickering, her father's infidelity.
I do not want to do spoilers here, but this is a tale of a brutal and unsettled time in Scotland, Ireland and the entire region. There are beautiful scenes in this book, wonderful characters, and terrible battles and massacres. Lots of people die. Some of them favorite characters. We experience all of this along with Margaret and her sister Nell. The events that occur involving Lachlan, Margaret's brother, Rignor, and Gannon MacMagnus, half Norseman and half Irish, are part of this "can't put it down" story. It is the story of loss, love, patriotism for one's country as well as family ties and loyalty.
There is a beautiful scene in the book between Margaret and Gannon that is reminiscent of the idea of reincarnation although it is just a hint. It's the "we have lived here before" kind of scene, and I loved it. It is the story of a woman tied to a man she does not want to marry and in love with another, but with a lot of different twists. I had this book recommended to me on an Outlander discussion for those who love tales of Scotland. This all happened centuries before Jamie and Claire but it's a good read if you love that series.
The one thing that made me sad was that there were hints that we would find out the rest of Nell and Davey's (their little brother) stories and I understand the sequel does not do that. I was further saddened to find out that the author is no longer living, so we will never know although it would have been a spinoff and not really a sequel. This book easily stands alone but I will read the second book.
The very first chapter of the book introduces the reader to the enemy but does not give his name and it isn't revealed until much later. There is no doubt of how evil he is.
There is a touch of the supernatural but only a hint which begins with a prophecy from an old woman to Margaret MacDonald when she was a child. She was told, "You'll be torn from your home and you will face dragons. If you choose the right partner, you'll slay them together. And together find the love of legends." When Margaret is afraid and asks the old woman, "And if I dinna choose the right partner? What then?" "You'll perish" was the response. When asked how she would know, the response was, "You will know him. He will be unlike any other man you've known. He will be golden. He will bring life after death."
Thus begins the story of Margaret who has been betrothed to Lachlan since she was a baby. Of course in those times this is a binding agreement and almost impossible to break. Margaret has grown up knowing Lachlan and is excited about marrying and going away with him to spend time at court and to leave behind the constant having to care for her younger siblings who she does love very much. She tires of her parents bickering, her father's infidelity.
I do not want to do spoilers here, but this is a tale of a brutal and unsettled time in Scotland, Ireland and the entire region. There are beautiful scenes in this book, wonderful characters, and terrible battles and massacres. Lots of people die. Some of them favorite characters. We experience all of this along with Margaret and her sister Nell. The events that occur involving Lachlan, Margaret's brother, Rignor, and Gannon MacMagnus, half Norseman and half Irish, are part of this "can't put it down" story. It is the story of loss, love, patriotism for one's country as well as family ties and loyalty.
There is a beautiful scene in the book between Margaret and Gannon that is reminiscent of the idea of reincarnation although it is just a hint. It's the "we have lived here before" kind of scene, and I loved it. It is the story of a woman tied to a man she does not want to marry and in love with another, but with a lot of different twists. I had this book recommended to me on an Outlander discussion for those who love tales of Scotland. This all happened centuries before Jamie and Claire but it's a good read if you love that series.
The one thing that made me sad was that there were hints that we would find out the rest of Nell and Davey's (their little brother) stories and I understand the sequel does not do that. I was further saddened to find out that the author is no longer living, so we will never know although it would have been a spinoff and not really a sequel. This book easily stands alone but I will read the second book.
January 6, 2009
Kathleen Givens breathes life into history & her characters, creating a moving & captivating story.
Set in 13th century Scotland Margaret MacDonald is preparing to marry Lachlan Ross, (cousin to King Alexander.) When Ross betrays Margaret, she refuses to marry him and travels to England with her sister Nell and her brother Rignor to ask the King to break her betrothal contract. On returning home, Margaret finds viking raiders have destroyed her home in Somerstrath, decimated her clan & murdered her family. Gannon MacMagnus, a half-Irish, half-Norse warrior offers Margaret hope of defeating the barbarians & reuniting her clan.
I couldn't turn the pages of this book fast enough; the pace was frantic but beautifully developed and I was caught up in Margaret & Gannon's developing love story. Givens weaves the story with breathtaking clarity, showing the raw beauty as well as the brutality of the time. The depictions of the viking raids are violent & graphic as is the carnage in the battle scenes. Difficult to read but it is not just violence for violence's sake.
I found the Author's note referring to which of the characters and events are real, informative & an appreciated addition. Givens admits to mixing fact and fiction but hopes her "depictions are close to the spirit if not the letter of the past."
This novel was pure escapism!
Set in 13th century Scotland Margaret MacDonald is preparing to marry Lachlan Ross, (cousin to King Alexander.) When Ross betrays Margaret, she refuses to marry him and travels to England with her sister Nell and her brother Rignor to ask the King to break her betrothal contract. On returning home, Margaret finds viking raiders have destroyed her home in Somerstrath, decimated her clan & murdered her family. Gannon MacMagnus, a half-Irish, half-Norse warrior offers Margaret hope of defeating the barbarians & reuniting her clan.
I couldn't turn the pages of this book fast enough; the pace was frantic but beautifully developed and I was caught up in Margaret & Gannon's developing love story. Givens weaves the story with breathtaking clarity, showing the raw beauty as well as the brutality of the time. The depictions of the viking raids are violent & graphic as is the carnage in the battle scenes. Difficult to read but it is not just violence for violence's sake.
I found the Author's note referring to which of the characters and events are real, informative & an appreciated addition. Givens admits to mixing fact and fiction but hopes her "depictions are close to the spirit if not the letter of the past."
This novel was pure escapism!
January 28, 2011
I'm giving this book 5 stars, because it's been a long time since I've read a historical romance that was everything I wanted. There was action, adventure, castles, battles, an evil villain, and a thoroughly emotional love story. Not to mention the triumph against the bad guy, which was an exciting scene in itself. Margaret was a great character, I felt for her from the beginning, felt her seething rage at her betrayal, her helplessness in the dictates of family and king, the loss of her family. I liked Gannon as well, he was kind and patient, with morals as well as an excellent warrior. I loved the author's attention to detail, as well as the smooth flow of her writing. I'd definitely like to read more by Ms. Givens. The battle scenes were exciting without being overly full of blood and guts, and I was cheering right along with the clan members. I'd like to know Nell's story though, and if they ever found young Davey. I hope that their story is out there, and not just to be left up to my imagination.
March 10, 2018
After getting frustrated and suffering from bouts of migraine from the historical romance novels I’ve read these past weeks, this book came to me like a gulp of fresh air. I liked how the story line progressed, and while the premise is still cliché (about two people finding love in the midst of a very ugly and tragic circumstance), the author had evened it out by creating protagonists with common sense and believable behavior.
I was going to write a full review about this book, but then I read uniquelymoi's and she prettily summed up my own thoughts about the story. So I am sharing her review and hope she doesn’t mind me doing so—as we are not (yet) Goodreads friends.
I was going to write a full review about this book, but then I read uniquelymoi's and she prettily summed up my own thoughts about the story. So I am sharing her review and hope she doesn’t mind me doing so—as we are not (yet) Goodreads friends.
August 14, 2010
It started out as a great adventure, it was exciting, extremely well written and not too too romance novelly. Later on in the book, I feel like the author lost some of her steam and started to make it a bit more mechanical and obvious so she could just end it (some of the dialog towards the end was really forced). So, the first 350 pages or so were amazing, well written and just beautiful. I really liked the interaction between Gannon and Margaret, and it was still quite exciting as I got to the end.
I couldn't put it down and actually finished it last night. It was a great read, if not a bit too graphic, but an interesting story!
I couldn't put it down and actually finished it last night. It was a great read, if not a bit too graphic, but an interesting story!
March 16, 2015
Well, for the amount I had to pay for this book, I thought it'd be better. *face slap!*
Beyond awesome hero. Liked him, would have liked him more if we could have gotten more into his head, more into the physical details. Our heroine was pretty awesome, too, but again, for all the time we spent in her head ... when she saw her honey from afar, it was a verbal reaction, not a physical one. The relationship between them was all "tell" and no "show". That cooled down the passion. Too bad.
Beyond awesome hero. Liked him, would have liked him more if we could have gotten more into his head, more into the physical details. Our heroine was pretty awesome, too, but again, for all the time we spent in her head ... when she saw her honey from afar, it was a verbal reaction, not a physical one. The relationship between them was all "tell" and no "show". That cooled down the passion. Too bad.
May 27, 2019
Set in 1263 Scotland, so lots of kilts flinging around. If you follow me, you should know that a man in a kilt works for me, so a book full of them...
I like the plot though it was fairly straightforward which was what I needed for a long car drive with distracted reading. Enjoyed the romance as it was somewhat out of the normal for me.
I like the plot though it was fairly straightforward which was what I needed for a long car drive with distracted reading. Enjoyed the romance as it was somewhat out of the normal for me.
September 9, 2023
Skimmed through the second half of this book to find out what happens. Overall, a refreshing historical fiction that was more historical fiction than romance!
November 17, 2019
Why do perfectly good novels have to degrade themselves by including cringeworthy lines of rOmAnTiC dialogue? Ugh. They met like, three days ago, stop having your characters declare their undying love for one another and call each other "love". A), it's kinda unrealistic to your reader, and B), it makes them sound totally grandmotherly. 😝
I mean, I did enjoy this novel overall, but yeah, the cheesy romantic dialogue kinda ruined it for me. There were a few other minor issues I had (including unresolved plot points), but for the most part, this was a decent historical novel.
I mean, I did enjoy this novel overall, but yeah, the cheesy romantic dialogue kinda ruined it for me. There were a few other minor issues I had (including unresolved plot points), but for the most part, this was a decent historical novel.
April 2, 2021
Lately I've read some epic stories, but this one surpasses them all. It's impossible to put down and impossible to forget. A story of struggle, suspense and tender romance, all wrapped within the Medieval Scottish world of brutality and vengeance. A world where allegiance to your clan overrules everything else, and your heart's desire isn't always within your grasp.
Enter the seer who can guide your path if you heed her warnings. "You will face dragons... If you choose the right partner, you will slay them together and find the love of legends... He will be golden. He will bring life after death."
This is 384 pages jam packed with heroic deeds, political calculations, and just plain evil; juxtaposed against the sweet yearnings of a fated couple. Every scene is so richly described that the reader is placed right in the middle, witnessing everything from Scottish Highland panoramas to Viking raids and battles. But to become conscious of details would be a mistake. Just let the grandeur of the story sweep over you. Get lost in this world built to perfection and the exquisiteness of the characters. Savor the experience because it will be over far sooner than you want it to.
I've gotten many suggestions in these reviews of great authors in this genre to look into. Let me just add one more—Rebecca Ruger. Her Highland Heroes series triggered my obsession with this genre, sent me looking for more, and I landed here.
Enter the seer who can guide your path if you heed her warnings. "You will face dragons... If you choose the right partner, you will slay them together and find the love of legends... He will be golden. He will bring life after death."
This is 384 pages jam packed with heroic deeds, political calculations, and just plain evil; juxtaposed against the sweet yearnings of a fated couple. Every scene is so richly described that the reader is placed right in the middle, witnessing everything from Scottish Highland panoramas to Viking raids and battles. But to become conscious of details would be a mistake. Just let the grandeur of the story sweep over you. Get lost in this world built to perfection and the exquisiteness of the characters. Savor the experience because it will be over far sooner than you want it to.
I've gotten many suggestions in these reviews of great authors in this genre to look into. Let me just add one more—Rebecca Ruger. Her Highland Heroes series triggered my obsession with this genre, sent me looking for more, and I landed here.
October 18, 2024
Violent & Depressing
I...don't even know where to start. This was not what I was hoping for when I picked up this book at a 2nd hand shop. It was violent and upsetting at more than a few points, with everything you'd expect from a Viking attack. I didn't think we'd visit, re-visit, and re-visit again, attack after attack. It was exhausting and heartbreaking, not what I went into this book expecting.
What I Was Expecting VS What I Got
I went into this expecting mostly a love story amidst a heroic journey that Margaret would travel to "dream of a bold destiny for Scotland". The synopsis mentioned her determination to "hold her scattered clan together" as well. I expected that the story would start with the attack and then move on to the journey, with Margarette and Gannon learning to trust each other, and working together to rebuild.
What I got was a lengthy tale that went on and on with attack after attack, with murder, rape, brutality, and death being the main ingredients. The love story was one single little thread in this bloody tapestry, and it kept getting hidden by the horrific tale it was woven under.
The love story did hold my attention, and I wanted to know how it would end. But it too wasn't nearly as satisfying as it could have been.
How Old Were These People?
One thing that also bugged me was that ages weren't really detailed nearly as well as I would have liked. I found myself guessing, and going by what other characters were describing. And that seemed inconsistent. I still have no idea if Nell was supposed to be 12, 14, or 16. She mentioned being the age her mother was when she married, but if that's so why wasn't Margarete already married? And how old was Rignor, the girls' brother? He's mentioned as being younger than Margarette, older than Nell. Being a boy, and in other chapters a man. He's old enough to consider marriage but acts like a spoiled, hot-headed 14-year-old.
All in all, this was not an enjoyable read for me. I honestly don't know why this was a story that anyone would want to tell. I don't know why Gannon and Margarette weren't just placed into a different plot where their love story could be the driving force of that book.
I...don't even know where to start. This was not what I was hoping for when I picked up this book at a 2nd hand shop. It was violent and upsetting at more than a few points, with everything you'd expect from a Viking attack. I didn't think we'd visit, re-visit, and re-visit again, attack after attack. It was exhausting and heartbreaking, not what I went into this book expecting.
What I Was Expecting VS What I Got
I went into this expecting mostly a love story amidst a heroic journey that Margaret would travel to "dream of a bold destiny for Scotland". The synopsis mentioned her determination to "hold her scattered clan together" as well. I expected that the story would start with the attack and then move on to the journey, with Margarette and Gannon learning to trust each other, and working together to rebuild.
What I got was a lengthy tale that went on and on with attack after attack, with murder, rape, brutality, and death being the main ingredients. The love story was one single little thread in this bloody tapestry, and it kept getting hidden by the horrific tale it was woven under.
The love story did hold my attention, and I wanted to know how it would end. But it too wasn't nearly as satisfying as it could have been.
How Old Were These People?
One thing that also bugged me was that ages weren't really detailed nearly as well as I would have liked. I found myself guessing, and going by what other characters were describing. And that seemed inconsistent. I still have no idea if Nell was supposed to be 12, 14, or 16. She mentioned being the age her mother was when she married, but if that's so why wasn't Margarete already married? And how old was Rignor, the girls' brother? He's mentioned as being younger than Margarette, older than Nell. Being a boy, and in other chapters a man. He's old enough to consider marriage but acts like a spoiled, hot-headed 14-year-old.
All in all, this was not an enjoyable read for me. I honestly don't know why this was a story that anyone would want to tell. I don't know why Gannon and Margarette weren't just placed into a different plot where their love story could be the driving force of that book.
March 21, 2011
This is my very first time reading Kathleen Givens books. What a pleasant surprise! This book is a solid 5 stars for me. I love it. Though, categorized as Historical Romance I can tell you that it’s definitely not for faint of heart. --- If you like a “romance” Romance, this book is not for you!!!
I love the plot. The story was taken place in thirteen century Scotland during the Norse Invasion before the Battle of Largs. It developed at a very nice pace and let me followed along comfortably -- from a western shore of Scotland, traveled through King Alexander III’s Court at Stirling Castle, back to the coast and on to Isle of Skye. The book was so well written; I totally lost myself in it. It was that good. I love Outlander series, the Bronze Horseman, and the likes so I totally into this one. There were many real historical people in it including Earl of Ross, the Leod of Dunvegan, Isle of Skye (which was the McLeod bloodline), and etc.
The atmospheres of the book were a mixture of feelings. There were patches of light-heartedness and happiness, though, grim and brutal, at times. IMO, it made story more interesting and appealing. The honest brutality of the time period was apparent (including the brutal Viking raids -- that later led to the war between the two countries).
The characters were so well written. I love the vividness of every character in the book. The main characters, Margaret MacDonald of Somerstrath and Gannon MacMagnus, were quite a match. Margaret was ahead of her time, she was assertive and confident. Gannon, half Viking half Irish (one word --YUM!), was a true warrior and everything one could ask for in a man. Lachlan was a sorry piece of meat, self-centered and shallow. Rignor was even worst, selfish and a coward. Nor Thorkelson, the Viking, was barbaric, cruel and deadly. His greed and blood lust for power were depicted clearly. I also love Nell and can’t wait to read her story with the Campbell lad. Although, the author didn’t talk much about little Davey – she did give readers hint that there will be a story of him too.
I love the plot. The story was taken place in thirteen century Scotland during the Norse Invasion before the Battle of Largs. It developed at a very nice pace and let me followed along comfortably -- from a western shore of Scotland, traveled through King Alexander III’s Court at Stirling Castle, back to the coast and on to Isle of Skye. The book was so well written; I totally lost myself in it. It was that good. I love Outlander series, the Bronze Horseman, and the likes so I totally into this one. There were many real historical people in it including Earl of Ross, the Leod of Dunvegan, Isle of Skye (which was the McLeod bloodline), and etc.
The atmospheres of the book were a mixture of feelings. There were patches of light-heartedness and happiness, though, grim and brutal, at times. IMO, it made story more interesting and appealing. The honest brutality of the time period was apparent (including the brutal Viking raids -- that later led to the war between the two countries).
The characters were so well written. I love the vividness of every character in the book. The main characters, Margaret MacDonald of Somerstrath and Gannon MacMagnus, were quite a match. Margaret was ahead of her time, she was assertive and confident. Gannon, half Viking half Irish (one word --YUM!), was a true warrior and everything one could ask for in a man. Lachlan was a sorry piece of meat, self-centered and shallow. Rignor was even worst, selfish and a coward. Nor Thorkelson, the Viking, was barbaric, cruel and deadly. His greed and blood lust for power were depicted clearly. I also love Nell and can’t wait to read her story with the Campbell lad. Although, the author didn’t talk much about little Davey – she did give readers hint that there will be a story of him too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2011
What a fantastic read! This is my first Kathleen Givens book, and it was so so good.
This book was full of bloody battles and I have to give the author credit here...it was quite brutal in many places. I think it needed to be, though, because that is how it was back then. Both of our lead characters lost pretty much everyone and everything during the course of the book, but that is what made their love so special and necessary. There were so many obstacles in their way, I couldn't see how it would work out. Margaret, our heroine, went through so much and handled it all with incredible strength. Her entire family (save three) was slaughtered, she was betrothed to a horrible man and everyone told her she had no choice but to marry him, and she was betrayed by her brother in such a heinous way. Through it all, she stood her ground and held her head high. She did it all without being annoying, too, which is another thing the author pulled off well. There is a little bit of magic involved as well since the book starts off with a prophecy made by an old lady with "the sight", and this thread continues throughout the book.
I have to warn you, though, this is not a feel-good romance type of book.....most of the characters die in horrible ways. If they don't die, they are subjected to terrible things. It is intense and heartbreaking, but also wonderful. The ending had me smiling, and I really hope the author writes Nell and Davey's stories as she intimated at the end of the epilogue. Nell's destiny with the Highlander already has me wanting to read more, and at this point Davey is still lost to his family. Highly recommend this book to any historical romance lover!
This book was full of bloody battles and I have to give the author credit here...it was quite brutal in many places. I think it needed to be, though, because that is how it was back then. Both of our lead characters lost pretty much everyone and everything during the course of the book, but that is what made their love so special and necessary. There were so many obstacles in their way, I couldn't see how it would work out. Margaret, our heroine, went through so much and handled it all with incredible strength. Her entire family (save three) was slaughtered, she was betrothed to a horrible man and everyone told her she had no choice but to marry him, and she was betrayed by her brother in such a heinous way. Through it all, she stood her ground and held her head high. She did it all without being annoying, too, which is another thing the author pulled off well. There is a little bit of magic involved as well since the book starts off with a prophecy made by an old lady with "the sight", and this thread continues throughout the book.
I have to warn you, though, this is not a feel-good romance type of book.....most of the characters die in horrible ways. If they don't die, they are subjected to terrible things. It is intense and heartbreaking, but also wonderful. The ending had me smiling, and I really hope the author writes Nell and Davey's stories as she intimated at the end of the epilogue. Nell's destiny with the Highlander already has me wanting to read more, and at this point Davey is still lost to his family. Highly recommend this book to any historical romance lover!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2012
On a Highland Shore begins with a young Margaret MacDonald's palm being read - "You'll be torn from your home, and you'll face dragons. If you choose the right partner, you'll slay them together. And together find the love of legends." Margaret asks what will happen if she doesn't choose the right partner - "You'll perish". All righty then, seeing how Margaret has been betrothed to Lachlan Ross since early childhood, what kind of choice is that? Those betrothals are signed contracts that take an act of the King and mutual families to get out of. Not easy. Margaret is perfectly happy with the arrangement until her eyes are rudely opened to what kind of person Lachlan truly is. When she tries everything to get out of the betrothal. A lot of this story is centered around that and family loyalty, duty, forsaking a marriage built on love in order to achieve or maintain status, gain lands, property, family security. It's a tough one. The other part of this story is about how dangerous life was back then in in Scotland and Ireland with all the raiding going on - attacks on clans by the Vikings, Orkneymen and such.
Margaret, her younger sister Nell and older brother Rignor return home to Somerstrath only to find their world turned upside down. That is when they meet Gannon MacMagnus and his younger brother Tiernan from Ireland. Gannon is wearing a torque with dragons engraved on it. Is this what the fortune teller meant by "you'll face dragons"?
This is a wonderful historical romance novel that doesn't contain a ton of detail, just enough to flesh out the characters, the scenery and pull the reader into the story and the romance. A perfect weekend read.
Margaret, her younger sister Nell and older brother Rignor return home to Somerstrath only to find their world turned upside down. That is when they meet Gannon MacMagnus and his younger brother Tiernan from Ireland. Gannon is wearing a torque with dragons engraved on it. Is this what the fortune teller meant by "you'll face dragons"?
This is a wonderful historical romance novel that doesn't contain a ton of detail, just enough to flesh out the characters, the scenery and pull the reader into the story and the romance. A perfect weekend read.
November 14, 2012
This was a beautifully crafted love story. The historical detail, which centres around the latter part of the Norse invasion of Scotland at the end of the thirteenth century, was very well researched, but presented in a way that anyone, regardless of their level of familiarity with the timeperiod, could be comfortable with it. I fell in love with each and every one of the characters, and cared about them right up until the end - I laughed and cried and loved right along with them. And the progression of the love story between the two main characters was truly magical. There was only one thing that I thought could have been a bit stronger, and the following is a bit spoilerish, though it certainly won't ruin the novel for you if you continue. Overall, a wonderful novel that brough history alive through the characters that lived and loved through it. Bravo Ms. Givens.
December 30, 2010
This book is set in 1263
Gannon MacMagnus has come from Ireland to Somerstrath, Ross, on the western shore of Scotland at the request of his cousin Rory O’Neill to help protect this Scottish coastline from invaders. When he arrives it is to find devastation and all who were there murdered by an attack from the sea. He also sees Margaret MacDonald for the first time. Margaret has been betrothed since birth to Lachlan Ross, but she does not wish to marry him and has just come home from Court after asking permission from the King for the betrothal to be cancelled but he wish was not granted. All that is left of her family is Margaret and her younger siblings Rignor and Nell. This is their story.
I don’t usually enjoy this time line but Kathleen Givens writes a really gritty story that is well worth the read. What was Somerstrath becomes Kilgannon in the future. Gannon and Margaret are ancestors of Alex MacGannon who is the hero of both Kilgannon and The Rose of Kilgannon that are both great stories.
Gannon MacMagnus has come from Ireland to Somerstrath, Ross, on the western shore of Scotland at the request of his cousin Rory O’Neill to help protect this Scottish coastline from invaders. When he arrives it is to find devastation and all who were there murdered by an attack from the sea. He also sees Margaret MacDonald for the first time. Margaret has been betrothed since birth to Lachlan Ross, but she does not wish to marry him and has just come home from Court after asking permission from the King for the betrothal to be cancelled but he wish was not granted. All that is left of her family is Margaret and her younger siblings Rignor and Nell. This is their story.
I don’t usually enjoy this time line but Kathleen Givens writes a really gritty story that is well worth the read. What was Somerstrath becomes Kilgannon in the future. Gannon and Margaret are ancestors of Alex MacGannon who is the hero of both Kilgannon and The Rose of Kilgannon that are both great stories.
July 10, 2016
I'm rounding my 4.5 stars to 5.
The time: 1263
The place: Scotland
This is a historical fiction with a few people that actually existed thrown in for good measure. A nicely written story about Margaret MacDonald a young woman who has been betrothed since birth. After finding her betrothed with her best friend in a compromising position she refuses to marry him. Her father gives her the choice of marrying him or spending the rest of her life in a convent. She is sent to court for a fortnight to make her decision.
Upon her return she finds her town has been decimated - everyone has been killed, anything of worth taken and homes and ships burned. The story then follows Margaret and Gannon, an Irishman that has come to assist the destroyed village. They ultimately both hunt down and face the man who orchestrated the raid. Oh, and of course Margaret and Gannon fall in love.
The time: 1263
The place: Scotland
This is a historical fiction with a few people that actually existed thrown in for good measure. A nicely written story about Margaret MacDonald a young woman who has been betrothed since birth. After finding her betrothed with her best friend in a compromising position she refuses to marry him. Her father gives her the choice of marrying him or spending the rest of her life in a convent. She is sent to court for a fortnight to make her decision.
Upon her return she finds her town has been decimated - everyone has been killed, anything of worth taken and homes and ships burned. The story then follows Margaret and Gannon, an Irishman that has come to assist the destroyed village. They ultimately both hunt down and face the man who orchestrated the raid. Oh, and of course Margaret and Gannon fall in love.
July 4, 2010
I absolutely loved this book. With the excerption of one page near the end, it was everything I love in a story. I would have rated it 5***** other than that. But it is an exciting story set in Romantic Scotland in the 12th century when Vikings still prowled th shores of Scotland and Ireland. Engaged to marry, Margaret finds that her finace is not everything she wanted him to be. She tries to get the betorthal annuled, but her father is adamant that she marry because it will cement relations with the grooms family. meanwhile, she meets and falls for a half-Irish half Norseman , Gannon McMagnus and falls in love with him. Their trials to be together, and for margaret to rid herself of her betrothed, plus raiding Vikings, lend much excitement to this story. I loved it and recommend it.
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