The Strongest Heart (Clan Donald Saga 3) by Regan Walker-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2023

In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their own power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.

A man of keen intelligence and strategy, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow his legacy to be taken from him by traitorous royal thugs. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota Leslie, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.

What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to be named the Hero of Harlaw

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REVIEW: The Strongest Heart begins with Donald of Islay becoming the new Lord of the Isles following his father’s death. Donald has prepared for this role his entire life and steps into his father’s shoes, determined to keep all that is theirs. Though not yet married, his father had long ago arranged a marriage between Donald and Mariota, daughter of the Earl of Ross.

As Donald begins to navigate the political landscape of not only his isles but all of Scotland, he gathers those he trusts the most in order to address changes that appear to be coming. Once he has a plan laid out, he then sails to Ross to meet his intended. They are both smitten with each other, and it doesn’t take Donald long to know what an amazing wife and partner Mariota will be.

Donald is a man of strong faith and uses that to guide him in all his decisions. His masterful understanding of the current political landscape makes him a clever and powerful leader. When the Albany Stewarts decide they want all that Donald holds dear, he devises strategies and battle plans that he prays will lead them to victory. He also has a loyal relationship with the King of England which he nurtures throughout the story. As Donald navigates the many facets of his beloved lands along with those he holds close, he will prove that he indeed does have the strongest heart.

The Strongest Heart is a powerfully written story that, once again, pulls you in at the very beginning. Regan Walker’s ability to weave actual history into her sweeping tales is second to none. Ultimately, The Strongest Heart is a story of faith and honor, betrayal and redemption that spans from the Scottish Highlands to the Courts in England. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll never go wrong with one of Walker’s tales. Well done, Regan Walker!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Summer Warrior
Bound by Honor

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K