by Kathleen Morgan
E book, 332 pages
Published February 1st 2005
by Fleming H. Revell Company
Adult
Christian fiction?, romance
Source: bought
3 stars
In the harsh Scottish highlands of 1565, superstition and treachery threaten a truce between rival clans. It’s a weak truce at first, bound only by an arranged engagement between Anne MacGregor and Niall Campbell-the heirs of the feuding families.
While Niall wrestles with his suspicions about a traitor in his clan, Anne’s actions do not go unnoticed. And as accusations of witchcraft abound, the strong and sometimes callous Campbell heir must fight for Anne’s safety among disconcerted clan members. Meanwhile his own safety in threatened with the ever-present threat of someone who wants him dead.
Will Niall discover the traitor’s identity in time? Can Anne find a way to fit into her new surroundings? Will the two learn to love each other despite the conflict? With a perfect mix of a burgeoning romance and thrilling suspense, this book is historical fiction at its best
Breview: This was my first experience with Christian Scottish Fiction and I enjoyed the historical elements of the harsh conditions of women being accused of witchcraft for wanting to use herbs in their healing, or assisting in resuscitation of an infant. The arranged marriage and clan clashes also rang true to the period as well as the Scottish language which takes some getting used to. The writing was well paced and very interesting, characters defined in a way that I can still remember them after having read the book a month ago.
What I didn’t like: it feels like a romance that tried to convert itself to Christian and left some tidbits of content I hated along the way. The relationship between Niall and Anne is abusive at times and he has a tryst with a servant which should have been completely omitted in order for it to be a Christian title, in my opinion. It also has a darker element as there is someone who seeks Anne’s life, which adds suspense but at times it seems her pull to do dangerous things repeats itself.
Overall, to be honest, it was memorable. I loved the setting and imagery as well as the flow of the story, but the content was disappointing.
Content: (highlight to reveal) Domestic violence, sensuality, moderate violence, heavy petting. For adults.
by Claire Robyns
Kindle Edition, 159 pages
Published October 23rd 2012
ASINB009W7XYVY
Book Source: Bought
Adult
Contemporary Romance
4 stars
Love exploded into the sheltered life of Princess Catherine de’Ariggo when she met Nicolas Vecca. But duty calls Catherine to sacrifice that love. Now, years later, she must be strong once more. Can she ignore the whisperings of her heart and stand firm in her convictions? Trusting in Nicolas, loving him, is a risk she dare not take.
When Nicolas sees Catherine again, he thinks he’s looking at a ghost. Either that, or he has been cruelly deceived. Haunted love turns to hate. But even as he determines to remain unforgiving, his heart refuses to forget.
Breview: This one didn’t start out strong for me and I think the first chapter’s relationship encounter between the two main characters could have been left out until almost the very end. It didn’t sync with what we learn about them later on.
But, things got much better and overall I truly enjoyed this freebie. It’s almost like The Princess Diaries meets Shannon Hale for adults. While it’s contemporary, the setting feels more traditional–like a castle tucked away in space and time. I loved the main male character Nicolas. At times the female love interest’s pride and stubborn nature and bizarre philosophy of marriage got in the way of me truly binding to her. He’s a good one…pick him already!!
I really enjoyed the lesson of tenacity, loyalty and sticking by the side of the one you love. The mystery wrapped up a little too neatly and I wish we would have gotten to know the villain a little bit better, but I would definitely read another one from this author.
Content: (highlight to reveal)
premarital sex on two occasions, mild violence. For Adults.
Both of these reviewed books are still free in the Kindle store, click title or book cover to purchase!
DNF- Did Not Finish The Following E books Due To Content:
