THE MIDWIFE BY CECI GILTENAN, BOOK 2 , POCKET WATCH CHRONICLES. COMES OUT TOMORROW 3-1-2016

The Midwife, The Pocket Watch Chronicles series, Book 2
By Ceci Giltenan
Reviewed by Celtic Barb ( Beta Read)
5 Kilts
Release date...March 1st, 2016

Carraigile Western Highlands, Scotland, 1279
JFK International Airport, NYC, 2016

Ceci Giltenan rocks my world again and takes me on another delicious roller coast rides ride  that I simply wanted to stay on forever! The Midwife is simply another masterpiece which I simply could not put down! This book is another extraordinary mind-blowing riveting memorable adventure you won't soon forget!  Filled with  breathtaking interwoven plot twists, intricate scenes, dazzling dialogue, with star crossed lovers, and lined with mystery, suspense, emotion, retribution, conflict, betrayal, duplicity, subterfuge, heartbreak and love that left me spellbound and gave me chills that curled my toes! Brilliant settings, magnificent plots and dialogue with likeable characters that leap off the pages and right into your heart!  The Midwife is absolutely magnificent and the second book in Ceci's Giltenan's exceptional and unforgettable The  Pocket Watch Chronicles, time travel series that can be read as a stand alone or in book order. I alway recommend book order just because I think it is more fun,  but not necessary.

 In this book again our favorite magical elder, Gertrude,  has to convince another cynical non-believer to  take the magic pocket watch and believe if only believe just a wee bit bit and go on a journey of a lifetime! Those who read The Pocket Watch will remember Gertrude as Maggie Mitchell also had believed that Gertrude was eccentric or touched in  the head with senility. Maggie also had not  believed  her , but just went along with the persistent sweet old lady.

Also how Gertrude explains, how the pocket watch works and how two souls can switch places hundreds of years apart. Although one is destined for death no matter if there is a soul switch or not. This way Gertrude's chosen - won't feel it is another "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"  film  comes to life,  or any dark black magic with possible foul deeds are at play.  Some things are just your destiny no matter what,

After all who wouldn't want to take a glance at the past, the part you only read about in history books! How can Gertrude possibly convince this cynical women that her life is about to change for how long or indefinitely was totally up-to her. In this case totally upto Dr. Elizabeth Quinn if she wanted to to take a chance on hope and faith and follow her heart. It might possibly change the course of her life as it was headed toward a downward spiral, but elder Gertrude already know she was going to be one hard nut to crack!

Our heroine Dr. Elizabeth Quinn is not enjoying life as she should one who has always succeeded at everything and at only twenty eight years of age she is a very successful OBGYN. Yet Elizabeth is extremely brilliant and intelligent beyond her years yet disillusioned to the core at her career path and life in general. Elizabeth can't even remember one of her patients or the newborn babes she had helped deliver into the world! It's just a cluster of patients, one case after another, but nothing to make her feel passionate and proud anymore.

As Gertrude points out and Elizabeth can't help but agree - she wishes she did have some type of  human connection with her patients and their families. To have some type of friendship, rejoice in the new birth,  mourn in a loss of a life, a comradery with her patients like they did in the past where it was more personal. Not how it is now this sterile, robotic and cold environment where everyone has to be careful or worry about malpractice suits in this sue happy society.

As for her personal relationships always ended on the  same pathetic note, but mostly her fault being a workaholic and go getter always feeling the need to get ahead and succeed in every aspect of her career. Yet Elizabeth was miserable with her life and this is how Gertrude persuades her in her way of thinking after all what did she have to lose?

As Gertrude explained she would switch souls with another body.... Those who read The Pocket Watch will remember Gertrude the sweet old lady that her last victim Maggie also finds her a bit senile or eccentric as she is the one who passes on the enchanted pocket watch who can have two souls switch bodies and also hundreds of years In time. Of course Dr. Elizabeth Quinn does not believe Gertrude and just like Maggie Mitchell had .

Again the one she is to switch places is to die and in this case in a brutal way,m but she would die no matter what as it is her time. In this case it is Elsie Macrae who is to scheduled to die and who Is to switch places with Elizabeth. Yet some things go off kilter and there is an accident that causes memory loss with Elizabeth as if she can't remember the last word she spoke in the 21st which was her ruby red slippers in a sense as it was her only ticket home from r else she would be stuck in the 13th century forever!

The hero of the story Cade whose father Laird Angus MacKenzie whose wife Wynda has had several severe and tragic  pregnancies that's ended in the babes not surviving. The Laird knows his wife won't be able to bear another loss as he loves Cade's Step-mother more then life. He hears The Macrae midwife is the best,  but this scheming miscreant,  Laird Macrae, who wants an alliance with the MacKenzie's and tries to take advantage of the MacKenzie's tragic circumstances.

Laird Macrae, knows Lady Mackenzie,  has lost several  babes and wanting an alliance with the Mackenzie's feeling so confident  not worried that his ruse if found out it could start a Clan Civil war! The lying Macrae does not want to let go of his talented midwife in case she is needed here, but wants an alliance with the powerful MacKenzies so thinks he can have his cake and eat it too!

Macrae, decides to send an imposter instead  and force her to tell lies who is actually a 21st century Dcotor! He tells her she must go along with the plan or will beat her to death! Not a great way to say be welcomed to the 13th century!  Also he does not realize that every question she will be asked will actually be the truth. Laird MacKenzies son is the one who is to bring her back to their castle to attend his step- mother of course due to Elsie's 21 years of age. Cade and his men feel this is a big ruse bit Elizabeth chooses her words very wisely and answers them all honestly in a round about way.  Yet she is is odd to them being so outspoken for one of her lower class and being p a female too.

As they pursue the long journey and the lass with her bold tongue intrigues Cade like none before  plus she has proved in their travel she does have a bit of knowledge in the healing arts as well, Cade continues his flirtations and realise's she is the first lass ever to resist his chams which at first was more of challenge then a conquest , but it soon become something more-for the first time in his life he truly hates the rules and restrictions of the nobility. He wants a woman he can never have!

 Of course the MacKenzie's are suspicious due to Elsie only being a lass of  only 21 years but after she proves herself with  knowledge even the greatest healers did not know and she is accepted. Plus for the first time Elizabeth is starting to fall in love with everything in is century including the Laird's son , who she can never marry  due to their different classes. Cade is of nobility and Elizabeth  just a midwife but  she will be no man's mistress!

Many things have not gone as planned back in the 21st century and the Pocket Watch is missing! Someone from Elsie's past recognises her who is passing through at the Mackenzie holding who knows she is not a skilled healer she claimed to be!

Will it be time to pay the piper no matter how innocent Elizabeth is?

Will anyone believe her?

As her life might possible be forfeit if the truth comes out by either clan!

If she tells the truth will she be accused of using evil sorcery, dark magic or witchcraft and have her  burned at the stake?

For a clan alliance or to avoid a clan war will she be forced to marry another?

One who was not Cade which would just force her to live another sterile miserable loveless and sterile existence?

What about Cade will he be ever trust Elizabeth again?

 Will Cade close his heart off forever?

Will Laird MacKenzie force Cade into a political marriage? An alliance to strengthen the clan and a wife of his fathers choosing for his son and heir?

What about Lady MacKenzie's unborn child will it survive without Elizabeth's guidance and assistance or another tragic loss for The Mackenzie Clan?

So many unanswered questions and more in this remarkable and extremely enjoyable read that readers will just fall in love with ....I know I did!


Another  captivating ,well researched fast paced page turner reader's won't be able to resist! Come's out 3/1/2016.

BOOKS BY CECI GILTENAN

THE POCKET WATCH CHRONICLES
1. The Pocket Watch
2. The Midwife

Other books by Ceci Giltenan

Highland Solution (Duncurra)
Highland Courage (Duncurra)
Highland Intrigue (Duncurra)
Guardians of the Cridhe Volume 1
Guardians of the Cridhe Volume 2
Highland Revenge (Fated Hearts)
Highland Echoes (Fated Hearts)
Highland Angels (Fated Hearts)

THE FEARLESS HIGHLANDER BY AMY JARECKI TBR 3/13/2016 5 KILTS

I have loved so many by this author, Amy Jarecki novels but I think this one is my favorite yet! As this is the first book in a her brand new Highlander Defender series, comes out 3/13/2016 and it is one not to be missed. It blends true factual Scottish history with a fiction romance and adventure, which is my absolutely my favorite kind of read! I think this is Amy Jarecki's best novel yet and if you are like me a Jacobite in your heart, it is one you definitely don't want to miss! A spectacular book that will live you feeling rather satisfied! Definitely one for the keeper and reread shelf, drool worthy, a rare magnificent masterpiece of a read!

Scotland, 1691

It start off where a prisoner of Fort William in Scotland and how a Scottish prisoner captured at the Battle of Dunkeld, Hugh MacLeod, who is actually Hugh Maclain MacDonald, who is actually the heir to Glencoe lands and of one of the most feared jacobite rebellious clans in in Scotland, Clan Maclain Abrach of Glencoe is being mistreated. It's the same old story if you support the exiled Stuart King you suffer, for you support the new worthless deceiving King you are rewarded! Of course Hugh was smart enough to know being son and heir he would of been murdered some time ago so he gives a false name. One of their enemy clans of course. He had been living in the Fort Williams hell pit for prisoners for nearly two years and treated like an animal locked in chains and manacles and only given gruel twice a day and dirty water or ale to survive! As he comes into the surgery with the flux near death, no thanks to the prejudice cruel Doctor and would of died if hadn't been for an angel, one English woman named Charlotte Hill. Charlotte had been assisting the Doctor, but what Hugh isn't aware is she is his warden's daughter Colonial Hill who is the Governor of his hell prison at Fort William!

Charlotte disagrees with the way her father is treating the prisoners and voices her opinion, plus her father is trying to convince her of a match between she and the cruel Doctor of  Fort William. A man she feels nothing for except contempt and hates how he has no compassion or sympathy for the prisoners he treats no matter how ill. As she tries to help this ill treated Jacobite prisoner, she starts to feel something for him and in the end she helps him escape, it will be nine month until they meet again. No one recognizes him, but Miss Hill as they have both fallen for each other and this is where the story gets juicy as of course the son and heir of one of the most feared  Jacobite clans in all of Scotland and the daughter of the Governor of Fort William is a match no one would agree to. Yet this does not stop the couple from trying until a horrendous tragedy tears them apart.

Amy Jarecki does it again weaving true factual history in  a riveting Highland adventure full of drama, suspense, mystery, murder, betrayal, passion and love from start to finish! Readers will be rooting for this star crossed  couple but won't be able to see a happy outcome with feuding clans, and enemies and boulders at every turn. The Fearless Highlander is beautifully written but have your kleenex nearby as some scenes had me tearing up, tugging at my heartstrings  just couldn't put it down!

I highly recommend you read "The Fearless Highlander" a truly captivating book readers will absolutely love! If your heart belongs to Scotland you truly don't want to miss this heart-melting Highland tale!

****I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.com****

THE HIGHLAND LASS BY ROSEMARY GEMMELL 5 KILTS

The Highland Lass by Rosemary Gemmell

 OMG this book totally rocked like having two stories in one really beautifully written. My first go with this author but definitely won't be the last. This was like two stories in one and in two different centuries too not a time travel but both stories interconnect with each other. So have those Kleenex ready as I was sobbing throughout this lovely book. Kudos to Rosemary Gemmell for writing such an original, refreshing, unique and exceptional story!


Present day and 1784-86 Scotland


It starts out as Scottish born 33 year old, never been married before Eilidh Campbell mother recently died and has lived in American since she was twelve years old. All her life she has never know or been told who her father was. This is part of her reason to she decides to go back to Scotland and research her roots. As she has no ties in America so she decides to go back to the county of her birth and her early childhood years. Eilidh and her mother are big fans of Highland Mary being a Campbell wanting to know that perhaps if she's an ancestral relation too. Though she knows it's probably fanciful thinking on her part, she wants to research Highland Mary Campbell and Robert Burns love story. On her plane she meets her love interest in the book and possibly the hero of the story - Lewis Grant,  a handsome Scottish 39 year old divorcee and history teacher who has taken quite an interest in Eilidh. The problem is he has some complications in his life, Eilidh life is complicated enough trying to find a father she thought was dead until recently. She is really interested in finding and putting together the true missing pieces of her own birth and of eighteenth century Highland Mary and Robery Burns love story together and to see if she has any true ancestral ties to this Highland Lass afterall!


The book shows Highland Mary's point of view of her thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. This is  of her sweet and tender heart of her first and only love. Each chapter has a verse from of Robert Burns poetry which really touched my heart. Though he married his wife Jean Armour which any fan of Burns knows in the end. It also tells a bit of Robert's struggles and heart breaks before he was published.  Even with his selfishness and vanity and yet somehow this young, uneducated milkmaid, Highland Mary, might of been the one that really touched and captured his heart. The one he loved completely, as it shows in his life's work of poetry which she is mentioned and is honored in throughout his life.

As the chapters in the present it examines Eilidh research of Highland Mary and Robert Burns relationship going to exhibits, museums even walk the same streets as Highland Mary and Roberts Burns did and where they fell in love. Also her mother's name was also named Mary Campbell.  It also examines Eilidh's own relationship with Lewis Grant. The stranger she met in on the plane and shared a seat with, the handsome Lewis Grant which is a bit of love at first sight, as you feel the attractions from the the getco . It seems more on his part in the beginning as Eilidh  has a lot on her mind, but she finds him gorgeous immediately and is attracted as well as it grows and he becomes possibly a love interest.  Readers can feel the attractions right away, but as they get closer and start what could be a close friendship or personal relationship  you get the feeling he might be a bit of a scoundrel just like Robert Burns!  Especially after seeing him out and about with other women after they arrive in Scotland, also you wonder if he is a bit of a liar saying he is recently divorced as the woman you see him enjoying himself with is non other then his ex-wife!  Is he possibly just a cheater and really still bound by marriage? There are many similarities and comparisons  to he and and Robert Burns too, as there are to Eididh and Highland Mary too.

 Readers will have to explore and read themselves, Louis too is an educated man being a history teacher, but also his bone structure is similar to Burns which will also be explained in the story and is really fascinating! I also enjoyed the secondary characters of Eilidh's childhood Scottish best friend Christy who she stayed in touch with all the years in America through correspondence and her flatmate Sarah as well as her fiancé Rory and Eilidh's other school childhood friend, the flirtatious Jamie. So will Eidih Campbell get the happy ending or will she follow history and die alone with no husband or special someone In her life like her Mum? Will she ever find the identity to her biological father or will she have to accept she will never know and move on with her life. So many secrets and unanswered questions that will keep readers guessing!  Her mother also sadly never had a another man in her life. You will have to read this fantastic, quick paced, exhilarating and phenomenal story that will definitely capture and melt your heart!

***Bravo Rosemary Gemmell, I loved The Highland Lass! ***

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an review through netgalley.com.

Enthralled By Emma Prince, Book 1 of Viking Lore series 5 KILTS

Enthralled by Emma Prince
By Barb Batlan-Massabrook
5 stars

This is the first book in Emma Prince's  acclaimed Viking Lore series which is absolutely fantastic! If  you are fan of Vikings and its history or even the history or even the history channel television series Vikings then this is a must read. This is a a fictional  romance but has a lot of accurate background and history of the Viking culture in history. It's a fast moving, action filled with character that come to life on the pages.

806 A.D.,North Sea

Eirik son of Arud the Steady and Captain of the Drakkar of Dalgaard, is on mission to find out more about Northumbra and raid and steal holy houses to secure from future for his people village as they had a big loss from a raid five years. That raid included the abuse and rape of his friend Madrena, twin sister of Alaric who is Eirik's best friend. Eirik is the only one who can understand and speak the English tongue and understands some of their ways from a previous mission. Eirik has been brought up slavery is wrong even though it is allowed many do not believe in this practice and it is not honorable. Even though the practice was still accepted Eirik and his village wanted no part of it. This is why when his jealous brutal and  evil  cousin Grimar abducts  an orphan young woman from the Abbey, Eirik is furious! Grimar the Raven is only on this voyage because he is Eirik's cousin and son of Jarl Gunvald. Grimar is a trouble and creates problem's when not necessary. He defies Eirik's orders at every turn, readers can feel he is a villain at the very beginning as he wants to be the next Jarl and is threatened and jealous of Eirik who is loved by their village. Even though it should go to Eirk who would rather travel and explore. As it has been Eirik's father as the previous Jarl who died in a raid under mysterious circumstances , but Eirk's Uncle convince's him he was too young to become Jarl.  When Grimar is mistreating his new enthrall and when he discards her Eirik claims her as his own, just for her own protection feeling every bit a hypocrite!  Since he and his people know his view on slavery and believes every person should be a free man or woman and there is a sense of pride and honor taking care of your own land and property.

The young woman and orphan Laurel has had a very cruel life! Her unwed parents abandoned her on the steps of the Abbey as an infant and she has been paying for their sins ever since. One of the holy men try to rape her and when she defends herself and reports him, yet no one believes her as he denies it. The nuns and the cruel Abbess then give her the cruelest of punishments. They have treated her as a slave since the day she was born making her do an unreasonable amounts of chores like a prisoner with the most torturous of punishments!  Now she is abducted by these pagan barbarians and abused by the monster that originally took her.  Laurel has looked to Eirik as a sort of protector,  but you can feel the chemistry and sensuality between these two right away,  but there are evil forces at work that want to tear them apart.

Will Laurel be forced to a life of servitude with more forced labor and abuse? Will Laurel finally find happiness in this foreign land with the man she has started to care for or will she feel the pinch of betrayal by the one she trusted most? Will Eirik pick a low life enthall over his status, position  and people? Or will he discard her like everyone else has since the day she was born? Be ready to have have your heartstrings pulled in this story  that is absolutely exceptional! Fabulous riveting story full of conflict, betrayal, adventure, emotion, and love and layered with Viking history weaved in a wonderful fictional historical romance! Non stop action readers will absolutely love!
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Captured by a Celtic Warrior Box Set 5 Kilts 2/16/2016

 

***I was given a copy of this ARC from publisher through net galley.com for an honest review***

Captured by a Celtic Warrior by Kris Kennedy, Eliza Knight, Vonda Sinclair and Jennifer Haymore


I loved how this dagger was interconnected to all four stories over a span of over five hundred really brilliant and ingenious! The dagger was once owned by such great such as King's like "Richard the Lionheart"and "Robert the Bruce". All four are fast paced exciting adventure's filled with danger, mystery suspense, passion and love! Readers don't want to miss this exceptional and fun magnificent box set! If you love Scotland, it's history and romance you definitely don't want to miss this terrific set by four multi-talented authors Kris Kennedy, Eliza Knight,Vonda Sinclair and Jennifer Haymore. This was so much fun reading! I highly recommend!


"The Kings Outlaw" ( A Conquerors and Outlaw Novella) by Kris Kennedy

Saletè de Mer, Northern France, January, 1306

The hero of this story is Tadhg O'Malley, is an outlaw and his one objective is to find the worthy dagger weapon of Jerusalem. Before he is caught and pays the price, by meaty, bloodthirsty, ferocious, aristocratic men trailing him down!  Tadhg is nearly caught and has only one option left he must take a hostage which sounds easy enough. He just didn't expect to fall head over heals when he abducted his beautiful captive. the beautiful Magdalena (MAGGIE), the Tailor, which puts he and she both at risk not to mention his mission and kingdom!

This novella is so hot that the pages nearly sizzle,in a non stop quick paced adventure. Kris Kennedy writes another heart melting page turner that readers won't be able to put down!




"Taken by the Highlander" ( A Conquered Bride Novella) by Eliza Knight

Fourlis Castle, Scotland, Spring 1306

Malcolm Montgomery had been ordered by King Robert the Bruce to abduct Lady Rose Munro and her son to keep her from marrying a man Bruce suspects might be a traitorous activities Malcolm is plagued with guilt for being attracted to Lady Rose and and acting on it even though he knows he knows the result will be devastating and he must not fall in love with . After all she is too high above his station, a woman he can never have a woman is was sworn to protect! Will his heart survive or it already to late?

Fan of Eliza's best selling Stolen Bride series will remember in The Highlander's Lady, book #3  Rose also was mentioned as Myra had brought Rose to safety after Myra's brother and Clan Munro Laird had been murdered,

Eliza writes another spectacular tale which never surprises me as I have been reading her since her debut book. You can't help but fall in love with her neck break paced stories, lovable characters, or her descriptive rich  beautiful Scottish settings. I love how she weaves famous historical figures in her stories too. Another exceptional story by this multi talented author!







"Stolen By A Highland Rogue" (A Highland Adventures Novella) by Vonda
Sinclair


Scottish Highlands, June 1619

When a precious valuable King's daggers goes missing  with lots of history and that once belonged to King Richard the Lionheart as it was once even passed down from King Robert Bruce has been stolen from Clan MacKerrick's Chieftain, Dugald MacKerrick! Dugald will do whatever is necessary to retrieve it even if it kidnapping the nobleman's wife he suspect's of the theft! What happens if you end up with the wrong woman that just might possibly be the right women?

Camille Bouchard is the heroine in this story. Fans of Ms. Sinclair's books will remember in  "My Wild Highlander" who is Angelique's cousin. Angelique and Lachlan both make an appearances in this story too. I love when favorites character's from previous books are in a current book, it is like visiting an old friend or having a family reunion.

Again, Vonda Sinclair and that golden pen writes both a beautiful and passionate story that reader's won't be able to put down! I love when he calls her his Wee Frenchy...sigh. So much breathtaking dialogue in this one too...loved it!


"Her Wicked Highlander" ( A Highland Knights Novella) by Jennifer Haymore

Scottish Highlands, 1817

Aila MacKerrick is abducted in the mist of night by an unknown  mercenary and newly appointed highland knight, Maxwell White. Aila does not realize who Max is or that he has done this to protect her from harm from a sadistic Warlord who wants the valuable famous dagger one belonging to Kings like Richard Lionheart  and Robert the Bruce. Alia is taken to an old, isolated, deserted castle in the middle of the Highland forrest to keep her safe from harm. You can feel the attraction between these two right from the getgo,  but due to Max's commitment as a Highland knight he holds back. At first Aila is furious and does not trust Max as he is a stranger to her, once she realizes his good and honorable reasons Aila soon opens her heart. You can also feel the danger that surround Alia from this cruel warlord who will do anything to possess this infamous dagger,  even taking Alia from Max! Very passionate love story again centering around jeweled dagger that had been in Alia's family for generations.

Jennifer writes another wonderful passion filled story that will steal readers hearts!

The Highlander's Runaway Bride, Book 2 in A Highland Feuding, by Terri Brisbin 5 Kilts TBR 2/23/2016.

Wow!Wow!Wow! Terri Brisbin writer extraordinaire never  ceases to amaze me! I have been reading her wonderful stories for a couple decades at least whether if its one of her Scottish historical romance's or her wonderful paranormal fantasy Stone Circle series I always seems to be swept away and throughly enchanted and mezmerized. In this book you can feel her passion and how she write with her heart on her sleeve with wonderful dialogue, intricate details and unforgettable characters, that you can't help but fall in love with. If your a fan of Scotland, it's heritage, land and kilted lads this is a book you don't want to miss or you will ever forget!

This is the second book in the spectacular new series "A Highland Feuding". In this book it is about a political marriage and neither party the bride nor groom is thrilled about the prospect of this match!  Especially the bride to be, Eva MacKay, but she is is the daughter of the ruthless. cruel mean  and diobiocal Chieftain Ramsay MacKay. The MacKay has no problem using his own flesh and blood to have his way, by threats, blackmail, strap or fists! Even if it means using and degrading his own daughter! In this story Eva MacKay was disobedient for the first time time in her life and followed her heart.  All it did was end up in disaster, as one already she loved is already gone and possibly even another! One she can't bare to be away from even though she doesn't not know this individuals exact location. Now Eva is filled with guilt and remorse for all her past decisions that cost her everything! It is a secret she can never tell her groom or anyone the truth or someone she loves more then her own life might die!  How will she survive with this secret knowing she will be too far away to even try to do a search and discover this beloveds whereabouts? Eva is completely is both devastated and heartbroken feeling her only resolution is to runaway again but how can she do that living so far away from the MacKay lands? Plus Rob with his sharp and intelligent warrior instincts is perceptive and aware what Eva is planning, even before she sets a plan in motion! Now what will she do now?

Rob Mackintosh is cousin to Brodie, Chieftain. Mackintosh's newly appointed Chieftain. Brodie is the heroe and main character in book 1 Stolen in a he Highlander, as is his wife Arabella. Rob whom never had an empty bed and plenty of previous lovers does not quite what to make out a bride running away from him. He just want someone to want him for himself, but not use what they can get from him, his status as the Chieftains best friend and blood cousin. He feels there is more going on that meets the eye at the MacKay's, as Rob is a good honest and honourable man and is determined to find out what everyone seems to be hiding! When he finds his runaway bride so ill he nurses her to health, but is taken back that she does does not seem relieved or happy to leaving her fathers cruel land and Rob does not understand it. It's quite the opposite, as Eva seems so miserable and broken hearted, Rob does not beat or use women, or those weaker then himself like her sire, but why is Eva still so unhappy and fearful? Will she ever be able to open her heart and tell the truth to this handsome, honor bound warrior? Will they live forever as man and wife in name only and in misery forever? Will Rob understand, accept and forgive if Eva's deception and secrets are ever exposed? Or will he find it too big to be ignored feeling this treachery and perfidy to be the ultimate betrayal ?
Read this brilliant and major wonderful page turner with lots lot of twists and turns filled with blackmail, murder, secrets , betrayal, heartbreak, healing and love. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have read it!

I sobbed like a baby with this emotional  and delightful read  which to me means I am reading a truly amazing story that really touched my heart. I highly recommend "The Highlander's Runaway Bride" by Terri Brisbin, as it is a book readers won't be able to put down! I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next one.

***I was given a reviewers copy by the publisher through net galley.com in exchange for an honest review.***

celticbarb.blogspot.com

A Highland Feuding series by Terri Brisbin

1.Stolen by The Highlander

2.The Highlander's Runaway Bride - to be released on 2/23/2016 in mass market paperback and on 3/1/2016 in digital format.


 Stone Circle Series by Terri Brisbin

1.Rising Fire
2.Raging Sea
3.Blazing Earth- TBR on April 6, 2016

Celtic Barb's Book Recommendation:The Pretenders Lady, A Novel by Alan Gold

Only 1.99 and 376 pages/ 2526 KB for ebook at Amazon.com in ebook format also available in hard cover print  and audio  It you love Scottish history like Celtic Barb does this is a histroical fiction book you don't want to miss! It is about ones of the most famous women in Scottish history and her love for the great pretender himself Bonnie Prince Charlie. Many jacobite supporters blame for Scotland's fall, death and destruction at Culloden Field in 1745 that changed Scotland forever!


Excerpt by Alan Gold

In the page-turning popular genre trail-blazed by Antonia Fraser and Phillippa Gregory, The Pretender’s Lady, Alan Gold’s meticulously researched novel, accurately opens history’s pages on a peerless woman who helped change the course of history and whose legend lives on in Scotland today—Flora MacDonald.

She was the most famous Scotswoman of her day, single handedly saving Bonnie Prince Charlie. This is her fictionalized life story—her relations with the Prince, her flight to America, Ben Franklin’s influence, and her return to Britain to lobby for peace

But what’s hidden from history, revealed now for the first time in Gold’s dazzling new work of fiction, is the result of Flora’s and Charlie’s love: a beautiful and talented boy raised on an American farm. But only she knows his true heritage and his claim to the world’s greatest throne. And only the genius of Ben Franklin understands how to use this naïve boy to change the history of America.

The Fearless Highlander by Amy Jarecki 5 Kilts, TBR 3/13/2016. Highly recommend by Celtic Barb

I have loved so many by this author, Amy Jarecki novels but I think this one is my favorite yet! As this is the first book in a her brand new Highlander defender series it one not to be missed. It blends true factual Scottish history with a fiction romance and adventure, which is my absolutely my favorite kind of read! I think this is Amy Jarecki's best novel yet and if you are like me a Jacobite in your heart,  it is one you definitely don't want to miss! A spectacular book that will live you feeling rather satisfied! Definitely one for the keeper and reread shelf, drool worthy,  a rare magnificent masterpiece of a read!

Scotland, 1691

It start off where a prisoner of Fort William in Scotland and how a Scottish prisoner captured at the Battle of Dunkeld, Hugh MacLeod, who is actually Hugh Maclain MacDonald, who is actually the heir to Glencoe lands and of one of the most feared jacobite rebellious clans in in Scotland, Clan Maclain Abrach of Glencoe is being mistreated. It's the same old story if you support the exiled Stuart King you suffer, for you support the new worthless deceiving King you are rewarded! Of course Hugh was smart enough to know being son and heir he would of been murdered some time ago so he gives a false name. One of their enemy clans of course. He had been living in the Fort Williams hell pit for prisoners for nearly two years and treated like an animal locked in chains and manacles and only given gruel twice a day and dirty water or ale to survive! As he comes into the surgery with the flux near death, no thanks to the prejudice cruel Doctor and would of died if hadn't been for an angel, one English woman named Charlotte Hill. Charlotte had been assisting the Doctor, but what Hugh isn't aware is she is his warden's daughter Colonial Hill who is the Governor of his hell prison at Fort William!

Charlotte disagrees with the way her father is treating the prisoners and voices her opinion, plus her father is trying to convince her of a match between she and the cruel Doctor of  Fort William. A man she feels nothing for except contempt and hates how he has no compassion or sympathy for the prisoners he treats no matter how ill. As she tries to help this ill treated Jacobite prisoner, she starts to feel something for him and in the end she helps him escape, it will be nine month until they meet again. No one recognizes him, but Miss Hill as they have both fallen for each other and this is where the story gets juicy as of course the son and heir of one of the most feared  Jacobite clans in all of Scotland and the daughter of the Governor of Fort William is a match no one would agree to. Yet this does not stop the couple from trying until a horrendous tragedy tears them apart.

Amy Jarecki does it again weaving true factual history in  a riveting Highland adventure full of drama, suspense, mystery, murder, betrayal, passion and love from start to finish! Readers will be rooting for this star crossed  couple but won't be able to see a happy outcome with feuding clans, and enemies and boulders at every turn. The Fearless Highlander is beautifully written but have your kleenex nearby as some scenes had me tearing up, tugging at my heartstrings  just couldn't put it down!  I highly recommend you read The Fearless Highlander a truly captivating book readers will absolutely love! If your heart belongs to Scotland you truly don't want to miss this Highland tale!

My Tempting Highlander by Maeve Greyson 5 Kilts TBR 2/23/2016

13th and 21st Century Scotland


This is My Tempting Highlander, book three of author Maeve Greyson fantastic Highland Hearts series. Readers of the series or the last book My Highland Bride, book 2 will remember Chieftain Ronan Sutherland was not so much a hero as a bride kidnapper for Kenna Sinclair the heroine of that book. As well as a brief marriage that never was consummated and the marriage had been forced and Kenna only agreed to save the one she loved her current husband Colum. As Ronan found out the hard way he had the wrong Sinclair woman, as they all feel a big current of energy, sparks and he felt nothing from the slightest touch when with Kenna. He finally did the right thing but you need to read that book to get the details. Now he is the hero of this book but he has to jump a lot of hurdles to get in stubborn and insecure Mairi Sinclair's good graces!

In this book seems Ronan might finally get it with the right Sinclair sister, the eldest twin Mairi, as she and twin sister Lilia are the younger sisters of Tulie and Kenna. Again this is about the Sinclair women who can time jump from present day to the past, or past to the future. It seems some dark fates are making them pay for their special gifts and abilities of time travel jumping and they need Mairi and her healing gifts too. Again this all come about because of their matchmaking Grammy who loves all her granddaughters to pieces but fell in love with a man in the 13th century who can't time jump  and cannot leave! Grammy determined to reconcile each granddaughter with their own  happily ever after true soulmate so they can all finally be together!

Ronan still want to break this curse of immortality on his Mathair, his best friend and himself . Plus the fact he can shift as a wolf, his Máthair is a wolf and his best friend is a dragon. It's been this way since his mum was his father's mistress since his wife who is also a  the witch was barren and could not provide an heir.  The only reason his best friend and mentor got involved was as his father ordered her drowned and when she tried to seduce and get him to save her he refused after seeing all her evil and cursing them all. He needs a true love and soul mate and a marriage to break the curse but it has to be true love. Only a Sinclair woman can do this, one problem is he need to go t the future to find her as ordered by Granny Sinclair herself! Sounds easy enough but he travels in his wold form and whose car hits him in wolf form thinking he is a dog that she tries to care for and loses and comes back a man. The deceptions begin......not good at all in Mairi Sinclair's book  


Again as Mairi loves all the modern conveniences of the 21st century and not to keen in living in 13th century Scotland. She also has trust issues, feels a kinship to animals, and hate liars being betrayed and having her heart broken in the past. Readers will see as she starts falling for this stranger and when she finds out his deceptions lets just say all hell comes loose and Mairi has huge trust issues big hurt by men in the past.  Ronan fears she will freak out if she is aware of his shifting abilities and what he is! I really felt for both characters and really felt  for them. In some ways I felt Mairi should forgive and forget and move on, but then anyone having their heart broken could understand her trust issues. I loved that Ronan felt she was worth it all no matter the cost or grief. Another excellent book in this series which I highly recommend. I can't wait to read Lilia's story next.







***I received this ARC of this book  from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.com***



Highland Heart

1. My Highland Lover -Trulie and Gray
2. My Highland Bride - Kenna and Colum
3. My Tempting Highlander -  Mairi and Ronan  2/23/2016
4. My Seductive Highlander - TBR Lilia and Graham