Tag Archives: Historical

Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson – a Review

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Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lady Aileana Grant just wants to help her starving clan at Christmastide. So she pilfers some vegetables from the bastard Laird James MacDonald—the Devil, they call him. When the Devil shows up and demands marriage as recompense for the thievery, Aileana can’t believe it when her brother agrees. Even if she’s able to negotiate a severance on Twelfth Night, that’s still two weeks to put up with the laird in enemy territory. She’s counting down the days, even if James isn’t quite the disgusting cretin she’d imagined.

James needs to marry an enemy bride in order to inherit his fortune. Cursed restrictions. He’d been unable to look away from Aileana’s untamed beauty ever since she squared off with him. He might as well handfast with the infernal lass. He’d get his money and perhaps some peace among the clans. He has a fortnight to win the heart of the lady with the voice of an angel despite her sharp tongue.

Twelfth Night is merry and bright as Aileana and James realize a true connection between them. But when Aileana discovers the reason the Devil forced her into marriage, how can she ever believe he truly wants her?

 

 

Review;

I really enjoyed Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson.  I forgot how much I love being transported back into the Scottish Highlands and this story didn’t disappoint.  I couldn’t help but love both Lady Aileana and Laird James.  The two characters are just expertly written and pair well together.  As the story begins it’s very easy to want to side with Aileana and Clan Grant, but once we get to see and hear more of James and his Clan’s side of things you can’t help but want to root for both sides.  I found myself wanting for Aileana and James to be the catalyst for the bad blood between the two clans to end. 

At first it seemed hopeless, but as the 2 spend more time together and listen to stories that affected both clans, they come to realize that this war between them has nothing to do with them anymore, and just maybe it can finally end. The slow progression to falling in love with each other was fun, flirty and steamy at times between Aileana and James. I liked that Ms. Watson took her time with these two and didn’t rush things, especially since Aileana wanted nothing to do with James in the first place. She only agreed to marriage to keep her Clan safe from Clan MacDonald, but the more time she spent with James and got to see another side of him she comes to realize he isn’t the ‘devil’ after all but someone who was done wrong by as well.  His gentle side towards Aileana, the children at Castle Tioram, the wild life is just to darned sweet and enduring. 

One scene I particularly liked was when James brings back all that was stolen from Clan Grant and Aileana’s brother realizes that James is in fact in love with his sister.  The jabs that Laird Seamus tosses at James are quite amusing and we catch a glimmer of a truce beginning between the feuding Lairds.  However, my favourite scene would have to be when Aileana finally realizes that she is in fact in love with James and that he’s really in love with her, and the money in his inheritance means nothing to him because what he truly wants is her.  Yes the romantic in me was swooning a bit over this one.  I would have to say Ms. Watson has a winner on her hands with this one.  If you love being transported back in time to the Scottish Highlands and some sexy Highlanders, then this one’s for you. 

Until next time, happy reading!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Bright and Breaking Sea by Chloe Neill – a Review

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The Bright and Breaking Sea by Chloe Neill – a Review

 

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Description:
Kit Brightling, rescued as a foundling and raised in a home for talented girls, has worked hard to rise through the ranks of the Isles’ Crown Command and become one of the few female captains in Queen Charlotte’s fleet. Her ship is small, but she’s fast–in part because of Kit’s magical affinity to the sea. But the waters become perilous when the queen sends Kit on a special mission with a partner she never asked for.

Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, may be a veteran of the Continental war, but Kit doesn’t know him or his motives–and she’s dealt with one too many members of the Beau Monde. But Kit has her orders, and the queen has commanded they journey to a dangerous pirate quay and rescue a spy who’s been gathering intelligence on the exiled emperor of Gallia.

Kit can lead her ship and clever crew on her own, but with the fate of queen and country at stake, Kit and Rian must learn to trust each other, or else the Isles will fall….

 

 

Review:

The Bright and Breaking Sea by Chloe Neill is the first book in her new Captain Kit Brightling series.  I always enjoy Chloe Neill’s books, but wasn’t sure about this new seafaring fantasy series.  WOW I totally loved the book and can’t wait for more about our wonderful heroine, Kit.  I enjoyed this wonderful story from start to finish, and absolutely loved Kit, Grant and all the secondary characters that Neill created.  It did not take long to read this book, as I could not put it down.

Kit Brightling, our heroine, is one of the few female captains for the Queen’s fleet.  Kit, who has a magical affinity to the sea, and is only in her mid-twenties, has risen up quickly through the ranks of the Isles’ Crown Command, and has gained much respect from the Queen, and especially her magnificent crew.  She has successfully completed all her assigned missions, even though her ship, Diana is small, but it is the fastest ship.  Kit has such a fantastic crew, especially her top people, who were totally loyal to her. 

Upon completion of her assignment, Kit is surprised to be called to see the Queen.  She learns that the exiled emperor of the previous victorious war, is secretly getting help to plan a revolt.  Seems there is a traitor in the Crown Command, as one of their best undercover agents has been kidnapped, and the Queen wants Kit to find a way to rescue the agent, as well as find the traitor.  But she is told that someone else will go this dangerous mission with her, and she isn’t too happy about that.

Colonel Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, is a former soldier and veteran of the previous war; and because the missing agent is a respected friend, he agrees to join the mission.  Rian may be a veteran of the wars, but he too is not thrilled to be sharing the mission with Kit, whose crew and ship will be used. The start of this mission pits Kit and Rian constantly sniping at each other, and their banter was fun to watch.  Rian feels his experience should allow him to lead, but he will learn quickly that Kit is a master at what she does, and her alignment to the sea is a definite plus, not to mention how her crew respects and adores her.  In a short time, Rian will see Kit in a different life, especially when she puts her own life in danger to rescue one of her crew members.  He not only begins to respect her decisions, but finds himself slowly falling for her.  The chemistry between them though slow burn, was flirty, fun and sassy.  But the knowledge that he is a viscount and she is a captain destined to be at sea, keeps them at a forced distance. 

What follows is a wonderful exciting tense adventure, where Kit and Rian work together to find the traitor, as well as stop the exiled emperor from regaining his power; the Queen will send them both on another mission that is also dangerous. The more time they spent and work together, the more they learn to respect each other.  I totally loved them together, and cannot wait to see what Neill has in store for them in future books.

The Bright and Breaking Sea was a wonderful magical world created by Neill, filled with two great heroes, fabulous secondary characters, exciting adventures, seafaring escapades, pirates, and a budding romance.  I for one look forward to the next book in this series, so very well written by Chloe Neill.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman-Review

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The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman-Review

 

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Description:
Since the day Filomena Fontana cast a curse upon her sister more than two hundred years ago, not one second-born Fontana daughter has found lasting love. Some, like second-born Emilia, the happily-single baker at her grandfather’s Brooklyn deli, claim it’s an odd coincidence. Others, like her sexy, desperate-for-love cousin Lucy, insist it’s a true hex. But both are bewildered when their great-aunt calls with an astounding proposition: If they accompany her to her homeland of Italy, Aunt Poppy vows she’ll meet the love of her life on the steps of the Ravello Cathedral on her eightieth birthday, and break the Fontana Second-Daughter Curse once and for all.

Against the backdrop of wandering Venetian canals, rolling Tuscan fields, and enchanting Amalfi Coast villages, romance blooms, destinies are found, and family secrets are unearthed—secrets that could threaten the family far more than a centuries-old curse.

 

 

Review:

The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman is a standalone novel.  200 years ago, Filomena Fontana cast a curse on her sister that no second born daughter will find a lasting love, and over these years, not one has. Emilia Fontana, our heroine, is content to have her own apartment, and a cute cat named, Claws.  She works for the family deli/bakery, making cannoli’s, and doesn’t mind being bossed around by her Nonna.  Then one day Emilia gets a letter from her Aunt Poppy, whom she hasn’t seen in years.  Poppy wants to go to Italy and is offering Emilia an all expenses paid vacation to go with her; eventually Emilia will decide to go, and her cousin Lucy will go with them to Italy. Poppy ensures the two young ladies that she will break the curse while they are in Italy.

Both Emilia and Lucy recognize that Poppy is ill, and this trip was for her to meet her old love, Rico at the Ravello Cathedral, after a promise they made to meet over 60 years ago. 

Poppy, was a blessing for the girls, teaching them how to let go, and learn to enjoy life and open themselves up to the feeling of love and life. We did get a POV between Poppy and Rico’s time together during the war, as she would tell the girls about her wonderful love, and in doing they will learn some terrible betrayals, secrets and lies among the family during their journey through Italy.  We the reader also got a beautiful eyeful of Italy, as Spielman gloriously described all the wonderful sites as they toured places like Tuscany, Venice, Milan, Naples, etc.

What follows is a heartwarming journey of discovery, as both Emilia and Lucy embrace life, love and happiness. The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany was not only entertaining, but emotional as well.  I loved Poppy, Emilia and even Lucy, and how their lives changed for the better, though there were some sad parts.  This was a very well written enjoyable story, with three fantastic women who truly became a true sisterhood. I recommended you read The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany and enjoy the ride.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Ten Days with a Duke by Erica Ridley-a review

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Ten Days with a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #11) by Erica Ridley-a review

 

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Olive Harper’s family has been feuding with the Westons for decades. The Westons’ stud farm is the biggest, but the Harpers’ is the most famous… and she’s the sole heiress. Or was, until her father brokers a truce by offering the Weston heir the Harper farm. The only way to get it back is to marry the knave who kissed her and humiliated her, twice—or prove to her father that some rifts can never be healed.

Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston is dreadful at feuding. For one, he prefers horticulture to horses. For two, he’s been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he’s given ten days to win Olive’s heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?

Welcome to a heartwarming series of fun Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

•••••••••

REVIEW:Ten Days with a Duke is the next installment in the 12 Dukes of Christmas. In this historical romantic novella, author Erica Ridley has written a fast, but uniquely interesting tale of forgiveness and redemption.

The Harper and Weston families were friends. The fathers were close since boyhood. Even though one was in line for a title, both were wealthy and great friends. They began a stud farm together that became famous and horses that were sought after by everyone. However, a feud began, and the friends became dire enemies. The farm was divided, and each held title to their own farms. The Weston’s farm was successful and famous, but the Harper’s farm became the one with horses that even royalty wanted.

Olive Harper was a bit gangly and not as lovely as she would one day be. However, she was a brilliant rider and entered a horse race for her age group of girl riders. She won easily and was awarded a medallion. Elijah Weston was only slightly older than Olive and loved to watch her ride. He thought she was lovely. He spoke to her after her win, near the barn where no one was around. They laughed and talked, then Elijah leaned in and kissed Olive just as her father, his father, and his uppity friends came into the barn. Elijah’s father mocked her. Elijah (afraid of his father’s scorn) and his friends joined in making fun of her, saying she looked like a Harper’s horse…and more. A year later Elijah’s father had caricatures of her circulated that ruined her first London season. Secretly, Elijah actually liked her, even thought he loved her. Over the years he never changed his mind, but his father made any thoughts of a relationship impossible.

Ten years later, Mr. Harper sent a note to Mr. Weston, trying to put an end to the old feud. They proposed that Elijah and Olive would marry, and Mr. Harper would give all his shares in his farm to Elijah. When told about the proposal, Olive was furious. She made conditions of her own before she would submit to her father’s will. They would spend 12 days together, if Elijah could ride her rogue horse Duke, she would consider the proposal. If not, she kept the farm.

There is so much more to this wonderful plot, but I don’t do spoilers. The characters in this are well developed, the conversations and even self-thoughts are interesting. How can lifelong enemies just get over everything and marry? The challenges and secrets are plentiful. This story is almost impossible to put down. So, don’t put it down! Grab a drink of your favorite beverage and cuddle in for a wonderful and fulfilling Christmas miracle!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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THE LAST CORRESPONDENT by Soraya M. Lane – a review

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THE LAST CORRESPONDENT by Soraya M. Lane -a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date November 1, 2020

When journalist Ella Franks is unmasked as a woman writing under a male pseudonym, she loses her job. But having risked everything to write, she refuses to be silenced and leaps at the chance to become a correspondent in war-torn France.

Already entrenched in the thoroughly male arena of war reporting is feisty American photojournalist Danni Bradford. Together with her best friend and partner, Andy, she is determined to cover the events unfolding in Normandy. And to discover the whereabouts of Andy’s flighty sister, Vogue model Chloe, who has followed a lover into the French Resistance.

When trailblazing efforts turn to tragedy, Danni, Ella and Chloe are drawn together, and soon form a formidable team. Each woman is determined to follow her dreams ‘no matter what’, and to make her voice heard over the noise of war.

Europe is a perilous place, with danger at every turn. They’ll need to rely on each other if they are to get their stories back, and themselves out alive. Will the adventure and love they find be worth the journey of their lives?

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE LAST CORRESPONDENT by Soraya M. Lane is an historical, fictionalized and romantic account of women journalists, photographers and correspondents in World War II.

Based loosely on the exploits of two American women correspondents, told from three third person perspectives, American photojournalist Danni Bradford, and journalist Ella Franks, as well as former fashion model Chloe, THE LAST CORRESPONDENT follows three women in the few days before and after the invasion at Normandy, and the fall-out of finding themselves in a position to report from the front lines about the atrocities of war, the French resistance, and the loss of life including the people they loved.

Ella Franks is an American journalist who, writing under a male pseudonym, would find herself fired for lying, before accepting a position working for the Associated Press as one of the first women reporting from the front lines. Women journalists were expected to write about clothing, recipes, and life at home but no one expected women to write about the horrors of war, and the toll it takes on the body and mind.

Photojournalist Danni Bradford, along with best friend and fellow correspondent Andy found themselves in the trenches, with the allied soldiers but as a woman, Danni was unable to get passage and permission to report from the front lines about the Normandy Invasion. Danni and Andy, along with journalist Elle Franks would stow away on one of the medical ships, where they would find themselves facing a tremendous loss before rescuing a woman with close connections to someone they love.

Meanwhile, Chloe, sister to correspondent Andy, tired of waiting for Gabriel, the man that she loved to invite her to Europe, lands in Paris where she will be met with derision and fear. Gabriel works for the French resistance, work that now places Chloe in the direct line of fire.

THE LAST CORRESPONDENT is an intriguing and dramatic story of war and loss; family, friendships, relationships and love. A story about the rise of feminism; the struggle for equality and respect, and the misogynistic attitudes that continue to reign in the armed forces today, but saying that the behavior of the story line heroines is questionable on so many levels, placing not only themselves in danger but the lives of the men with whom they were working.

The believability factor is low. Former model Chloe journeys to France in 1943 in an effort to confront the man that she loves- a journey during the height of the war and the Nazi occupation of France and Italy: Ella Franks and Danni Bradford continuously disobey orders including those of General Patton and Major Cameron, and find themselves swarming the beaches of Normandy along with the tens of thousands of soldiers who died the same day. Surviving amidst one of the most notorious invasions of WWII, Danni and Ella venture on their own, stealing a jeep, to get up close and personal with war and death.

Overall, THE LAST CORRESPONDENT reveals to what extent women journalists may have had to secret themselves, lying and forging their way into a male dominated world at the front lines. Rules would be broken; lives would be lost; love will be found in the most unlikeliest of places. If you are able to suspend reality THE LAST CORRESPONDENT is an entertaining and engaging story of romance and fiction

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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A British Courtesan in America by Becky Lower – a Review

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A British Courtesan in America by Becky Lower – a Review

 

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Description:
She is running from her past life as London’s most prized mistress.  
When beautiful Fancy Booker’s last benefactor leaves her his fortune, she sails for the new country of America. 
Giving herself the name Liberty Wexford, she hopes to set a new course for her life—alone.  The last thing she needs is another man in her life. 

He has no time for a woman, since the Revolutionary War is a jealous mistress. Hawk Gentry has two guiding principles. First, as a Son of Liberty, he must be cautious of others, especially anyone British. Second, as a child, he and his Passamaquoddy Indian mother were left alone while his French father trapped or fought wars. He vows never to do the same to any woman he loves, and the family they may have. 

Will the war unite or divide them?  

When Liberty and Hawk run into each other on the unruly streets of Boston, they begin a tentative friendship. Even though neither wants romance, the sparks fly between them from the moment they meet. As their relationship blossoms, their pasts rise up to haunt them. 
Will Liberty and Hawk overcome the obstacles that seem certain to force them apart? With the Revolutionary War beginning, can love hold the hearts of a Hawk and A BRITISH COURTESAN IN AMERICA?

Reading order:
Revolutionary Women:

Book 1 A British Heiress in America 

Book 2 A British Courtesan in America 

 



Review:

A British Courtesan in America by Becky Lower is the 2nd book in her Revolutionary Women series. 

Liberty is on her way to American, to start a new life.  But it seems her old life wants to follow her, and on the ship, she makes the acquaintance of a fellow ship mate, but Liberty is not going to settle for a little fun, she wants something permanent. 

Hawk is part French, part Passamaquoddy Indian, he’s a blacksmith by day, but I’m his spare time he writes columns for a paper, to rally the American troops, he works hard, he has no time for love…..

Their first encounter is when Liberty loses a shoe abs almost gets run over! Hawk comes to her rescue. There is a spark between them, but Liberty is not going to fall for it, and anyway the gentleman in question wants to return her back to her home as quick as possible!! 

It makes a change for a mistress to take a starring role, they usually get delegates to sex scenes or villain status. But Liberty didn’t start out as a courtesan, se came from a loving family, but as time went on her parents died, and Liberty found herself in a place where her face could make her a fortune. 

Eventually the draw between Hawk and Liberty is pulled tight, they begin a friendship, and both Hawk and Liberty realise there’s could be something more, but her past raises its head, and when she tells Hawk about her past, he’s shocked, and tells her he wants nothing to do with her!! 

Does Liberty swoon like a maiden with the vapours? No, she picked herself up, renames herself and continues with her life….. I loved how Liberty reinvents herself, she’s a woman with both a spine and a brain. She’s not afraid of hard work, she gets a few jobs within this book, she’s determined never to be a kept woman again. 

It did make me chuckle at the double standards Hawk had, it was ok to visit one of those ladies, but it was another thing to take one as a wife!! It’s not until both his friend and his mother point out that Liberty may not have had a choice in what she did to survive. 

And so preparing to eat humble pie, Hawk goes to find her and apologise, but she’s not there! And Hawk has to use his tracking abilities to find his missing love…..

It’s a nice afternoon read. It touched upon the American/England war. It gives us a different female character, rather than the timid and virginal female, it’s a strong and resourceful woman. It’s part of a series, but it stands on its own, no need to read the first one.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

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The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal by Heather McCollum-Review

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The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal by Heather McCollum- Review

 

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Description:
A lass begging to marry him might top the list of “oddest things to happen,” but Chief Adam Macquarie is desperate. And no matter how much he hates to do it, he’s not above lying to get what he wants. Starting with the fact that he just omitted the truth about the situation back at his home—where there are no women and only a handful of other people. Because he has a secret need for a wife himself, one she won’t be too happy about when she finds out.

Lark Montgomerie is thrilled the brawny chief agrees to save her from her drunken father’s machinations of wedding her off to the first fool that agrees. He’s easy on the eyes and no one can be worse than her current options. Now a new life awaits her, on an exciting Scottish isle no less, and nothing will dampen her spirits. That is, until she arrives in her new homeland and realizes more than a few things are amiss…

 

 

Review:

The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal by Heather McCollum is the first book in her new Brothers of Wolf Isle series.

“A curse upon thee, Chief Wilyam Macquarie, and your land. 

For ripping my daughter, Elspeth’s, heart in two after getting her with child and not wedding her, killing her as if ye wrapped the noose around her neck yourself… 

Until your clan ceases creating bastards, turning them out into the cruel world alone…until the day when your clan learns what love is, your land and all those upon it will be barren. Your crops and livestock will wither, illness will spread, and sorrow will prevail.” 

The witch clutched the dagger, stained with blood, and stabbed it into the tree. From that moment on, the tree bled, weeping for the Macquarie clan of Ulva. 

Witnessed by Chief Wilyam Macquarie Randall Maclean, Dawy  Macquarie, Flora Macquarie

With a description like that I had to chuckle. Reading the book had me laughing out loud/ shaking my head / not really what I’d thought, it was so much more. 

Lark is an old spinster in bygone days, but she won’t settle for a drunk and a liar, so her shrewish nature keeps the idiots at bay, until her father has had enough and says at the next Beltane festival she’s to be wed, the only thing Lark has a say in is who. And that’s why Adam found her in a tree! 

Adam is a desperate man, his clan needs new blood and women are the best way to attain it, his brother Beckett is the best bet to marry, but when he hears of a father with five daughters, fate must surely be smiling down on him, his brother can have his pick, and who knows, maybe he can persuade her sisters to come for a visit (plenty of suitors) 

That is until he meets the fiery eldest daughter Lark! His brother is going to have his work cut out trying to tame that one!! 

Set in 1548 the story actually goes further back to 1422, it seems the lusty chief wanted the fun but not the responsibility. Making a young girl pregnant and then abandoning her brought down a curse that still haunts the Macquarie clan. Slowly the land died and people left the island, only a few remain, and now it’s Adam’s duty to bring the clansmen home, to return it to its former glory. 

Adam gets a shock when it’s in fact he who comes home with a bride and not his brother!! He’s a Chief now, his responsibility is to his clan, he doesn’t have time for a bride!! But she is a bonnie lass, maybe she can help the clan to grow. 

It did remind me a little of a film “seven brides for seven brothers” where the poor unsuspecting bride is taken home as is expected to cook, clean and care for her husband and his brothers! 

Now poor Lark isn’t expecting six brothers, but she certainly wasn’t expecting a barren isle, people may have lived on it once, but it’s going to take more than sweeping out cottages and hanging lucky Heather! There is a vibe that causes Lark to worry, what if she isn’t the good luck charm Adam thinks she is? Maybe she should have told him about her own plight before wedding him! 

The romance is slow burning , but when we get there it’s hot and steamy. The bond growing between Adam and Lark is all about trust, and the trust may turn into love, but with both of them hiding secrets, you have to hope trust will see them through it! 

We have a few mystery’s to solve, the characters also have a few skeletons to reveal and exorcise!! There is also the fact that other clans don’t think the Macquarie clan will be able to live on Wolf Isle (it’s curse will see the extinction of the Macquarie clan) and the usual clan squabbles. So can the Chief break the curse? Or will his clan be cursed forever? 

I loved the banter between the Macquarie brothers, you get the sense of love and loyalty. Their prowess at the games did have me rolling my eyes, a typical male chest pounding scenario. It was great seeing old MC’s from previous books, that was a nice surprise. 

And as it’s book one of a new series I’m hoping all the sisters get stories, it would be handy if they all found love on the island with the Macquarie brothers ?

I’ve read a few books from this author and I’ve loved the scene she sets for you. The descriptions have you whisked back to Scotland, the laughter and smells of the campfires, the musty smell of unused homes, it’s all given great detail. 

The mystery only adds to this story, the heartbreak a mother feels when a child is tossed to one side, a curse uttered in a moment of anger, and over a hundred years of misery. Can the curse be broken? Or is it simply not giving the muttering of a grief stricken mother the power? But you have to remember that in the period of time, curses, witches and god were believed in greatly, so if you give that curse the power, then it works….. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Summer Warrior by Regan Walker-Dual Review & Interview

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Summer Warrior (The Clan Donald Saga #1) by Regan Walker-Dual Review & Interview

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2020

Somerled’s parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. But when the Norse invaded Argyll and the Isles, his family’s fortunes fell with those of his people. All hope seemed lost when he rose from the mists of Morvern to rally the Gaels, the Scots and the Irish.

Sweeping across Argyll and the Isles like a fast-moving storm, brilliant in strategy and fearless in battle, Somerled began retaking his ancestral lands, driving away the invaders and freeing the people from the Norse stranglehold. In doing so, he would win the title Somerle Mor, Somerled the Mighty, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne and, eventually, Lord of the Isles.

This is the unforgettable story of his path to victory that forged the Kingdom of the Isles and won him the heart of a Norse king’s daughter.

•••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: SUMMER WARRIOR is the first instalment in Regan Walker’s THE CLAN DONALD SAGA historical fiction series.

Lord Somerled MacGillebride, the new leader of the Gaels in the aftermath of an attack against the MacInnes Clan, and the resulting death of their Chief, must undertake a journey to stop the advance of, and the raping and pillaging by the Norse pirates along the coastal waters of Scotland and the Kingdoms of the Isles. Born of a Norse mother and a Gael father, Somerled, of the royal house of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne, set about to reclaim his family’s fortune, name and ancestral lands where he will come face to face with his future in the guise of Ragnhild, the Princess of Man, daughter of Olaf the Red, King of Man. But a potential war between England and the Scots is on the horizon, and Lord Somerled had previously pledged his support to King David and the Scots, and with the promise comes the likelihood and implied call to duty.

Meanwhile, Ragnhild Olafsdottir, the Princess of Man, chatelaine and daughter of King Olaf the Red, has fallen for our story line hero but King Olaf has bided his time in offering his daughter’s hand in marriage. With more than one suitor vying for her affection, Ragnhild must abide by her father’s wishes but secretly pines for a man whose duty first is to another king and people. Ragnhild is a beautiful, independent and strong willed female who knows her time with her father’s family may be coming to an end. Hoping to reclaim the lands for his son Prince Henry, King David’s call to arms gathers the Chiefs and clans, many of whom will not survive the war.

SUMMER WARRIOR, inspired by historical accounts, is the fictionalized retelling of Lord Somerled MacGillebride, Ragnhild the Princess of Man, and the war between King David and the Scots. Regan Walker’s world building is beautiful, magical and intricate; lifelike and credible. The romance between Ragnhild and Somerled takes a backseat to the wondrous imagery, yet, the attraction is tangible and unmistakable. A captivating and delightful story SUMMER WARRIOR is a fantasy for the mind.

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Georgianna’s REVIEW: Summer Warrior is a story of historical fiction. The research for this story is excellent and detailed. The author really delves into the time period and marries research with the ability to weave a unique storyline.

The story begins in summer of 1135 A.D. off the coast of the Isle of Man. Somerled MacGillebride, a noble in the royal house of Argyll whose father and many warriors had been defeated by the Norse pirates, sailed near the Isle of Man on his way home. He spotted a white horse galloping across the plain above him and wondered at the rider. A girl with flaming red hair rode like the wind. His brother told him she was the daughter of King Olaf. He thought her spirit was one to be coveted, but he had lost all his lands and had nothing to offer the king for her hand.

Ragnhild, King Olaf’s daughter rode like the wind, running from the hint of marriage to Rognvald Kolsson, Earl of Orkney. She thought he was an evil man and that he’d murdered or had murdered his cousin to gain the title. He looked at her with lustful looks, and she knew he would ask her father for her hand. Her stepmother had just given birth to a male child and wanted her gone.

Okay, that’s pretty much the set-up, except that Somerled was approached by the MacInnes men after their chief had been slain by Norse pirates. They wanted him to lead them all in driving out the pirates and freeing them from Norse oppression.
This is a well-researched saga of the Clan Donald, its founding and recapturing the isles from the Norse. There are battles, wars, and castle building. The romance is light, with only one stolen kiss, but many thoughts of each other as Somerled gains titles and lands to gain the hand of the princess.

If you enjoy historical period adventures and world building, this is a fantastically bold story. The two are meant for each other, but there are no love scenes of stolen moments or anything like that. The love is chaste and yet fulfilling. The isles are well described, the characters are unique and the conversations realistic. The adventures are fierce and many.

Copies supplied for review

TRC:   Hi, Regan and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of SUMMER WARRIOR.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

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I am a lawyer turned writer (though I still practice law on a part time basis). I love reading stories set deep in history and that led me to write my first novel, a Regency, in 2011. Since then, more Regencies followed and then I ventured into other eras. First it was the Middle Ages with the Medieval Warriors series set in England and Scotland and then it was the Georgian era (late 18th century) with dashing sea captains. I am just beginning a new series, The Clan Donald Saga. Book 1 is Summer Warrior.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

I was always a writer but I didn’t always write fiction. I suppose my good friend, Judy, influenced me to go in that direction. She urged me to write one. That led to Racing with the Wind, my first Regency. Ultimately, my love for the ocean led me to write seafaring stories. Every morning, my dog, Cody, and I take walks on the beach. It is very soothing to the soul.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing your first book?

There weren’t many, really. I had to get used to being inside a character’s head but I discovered I loved storytelling. Some of my books have given me pains in the middle when I’m not sure where they should go. Since my books are all based on real history, that usually helps guide me. I love research, so that is not a problem.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of SUMMER WARRIOR?

Since Summer Warrior is the first in the series and sets the foundation for all that follow, its central character is Somerled, the acknowledged founder of Clan Donald. The heroine, Ragnhild, daughter of the King of Man and the Isles, was a beauty and Somerled was smitten. He was, for all I could learn, a handsome charismatic leader, respected by the people of Argyll and the Isles. He built an independent Kingdom of the Isles and freed the people from the Norse stranglehold. When you are writing about the 12th century, there is a dearth of original sources. I read all the ones I could get my hands on and got all the books that spoke of the clan’s history (I have over 40 books for the series and that’s doesn’t account for my Google Books searches and my Internet research). The Internet sources conflict and are not reliable in all cases, however.

TRC:  What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning SUMMER WARRIOR?

I did research for weeks before I wrote anything. And the research didn’t stop after that. Often, I had to look up something while I was writing. I’m very visual so it’s important for me to know what things look like (there is a Pinterest storyboard for Summer Warrior: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/the-clan-donald-saga-by-regan-walker/). I don’t plot but I do follow a historical timeline.

TRC:  Do you believe authors have a responsibility to be historically accurate when writing an fictional historical story line?

Let me put it this way, stories that are historically accurate are the ones I want to read. I know some readers don’t care. I do.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Absolutely. Covers will make me want to read a book and they will make me not want to read a book. Titles are also important. Titles that are flip or too cute tell me the author isn’t committed to historical authenticity. I always design my cover very early in the process, when I’m just beginning to write and then I write to the cover.

TRC:  When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Both. I get them in the place and in the scene and then they surprise me. One editor told me I was easy to work with because I knew my characters so well. I think that I do.

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

We must bring our characters to life, showing their hopes and their dreams along with their failures and fears so readers can identify with them. I like to make my heroines inspiring but realistic and my heroes noble of heart and drool-worthy. (I wrote a post on Rogues Who Make Readers Sigh: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/2019/02/rogues-who-make-readers-sigh.html.) We fail if we make our characters superficial or trite.

TRC:  Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Yes and the music changes based on the era in which my book is set. For Summer Warrior, I listened to Nordic music and some medieval playlists depending on the scene. Music puts me in the era. And when I begin to play that music, it also brings me into my story. I don’t change the music for the characters but I do change the music for fight scenes and sea battles.

TRC:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Oh gosh. That’s a difficult one to answer. I know one of my friends told me she envied me my sex life (many of my Regencies have a graphic love scene or two). I laughed and told her that was all imagination. So, I suppose some readers think we have lived what we write about; not so.

TRC:   What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Here’s the short list: I was the football team mascot in high school (a dynamite stick). I learned to ride a motorcycle on an antique Velocette bike. I own a hand gun and shoot well. As a lawyer, people would be surprised to know I am a romantic, though you can see it in my stories. I have also served at high levels of government and some of that helped me understand the role of the Crown in my novels.

Antique Velocette:

TRC:  Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

I have a list on my blog; it’s pretty long. For historical romance, the short list would include Virginia Henley, Kathleen Givens, Jan Cox Speas, Penelope Williamson, Joanna Bourne, Victoria Holt, Elizabeth Stuart, and Laurie McBain, to name a few. For historical fiction, it is probably Elizabeth Chadwick, who always has a love story or two in her novels.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Now that Summer Warrior is launched, I’m doing research for the next in the series, which I expect will be set in 13th century Scotland.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

I have an award-winning blog, Historical Romance Review: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: seafood

Favorite Dessert: chocolate or coffee ice cream

Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch TV, only Amazon Prime and Netflix and those would be historical series or movies; I get my news on the Internet

Last Movie You Saw: Outlaw King

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark 70%

Secret Celebrity Crush: Sean Connery (at any age)

Last Vacation Destination: The Scottish Highlands (and I hope to go back next spring)

Do you have any pets? Yes. My dog, Cody, a 3-year-old wirehaired pointing griffon. He’s wonderful.

Last book you read: Sharon Kay Penman’s Time and Chance

Thank you Regan for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of SUMMER WARRIOR. We wish you all the best.

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