Set in late 17th century Scotland during the reign of King James II, it tells the story of Anne Randall, the beautiful daughter of Robert Randall, the evil earl of Glenkennon and representative of King James’ government in Scotland. Randall has come to the Highlands to subdue the clans, and particularly Sir Francis MacLean, laird of the MacLeans. When Randall uses treachery to imprison friends of the MacLean, the Scottish laird captures Randall's daughter to hold her for exchange of the prisoners.   Anne was on her way from England to join her father upon the death of her mother, w ..read more

I am frequently asked what are my favorite historical romances. That’s a long list, as you know from my “best lists.” There are currently over 300 romances on my 5-Star shelf on Goodreads. But since you asked, I’m giving you my top 20. It’s no accident that almost all are deeper historicals that include real history. Many are classics. And because I love Scotland as a setting, many are set in the land of lochs and heather-covered glens.   These stories are the ones that have stayed with me, the ones I re-read, the ones I can’t forget. Their heroes and heroines grace my Favorite Heroes a ..read more

This is a classic story from a great author. In a complex, lusty tale of feuding Scottish clans during the time of James IV of Scotland and Henry VIII of England, Henley serves up a story that will grab you from the first page and will not let you go. I loved it. Henley has the ability to capture not only the time period, but also the culture of the borderlands between Scotland and England and the difficult but wonderful relationship between two stubborn, courageous people. I highly recommend this one. Set in Scotland in 1512, this is the story of clans Douglas, Hamilton and Kennedy. Beautif ..read more

Born an Irish prince in the troubled sixth century, when Christianity vied with pagan beliefs for the people’s hearts, Colum mac Felim, or Columba or Colmcille, as he was sometimes known, rejected the high kingship of all Ireland to become an abbot. When his role in a fierce battle led to victory at the expense of men’s lives, he gave up all to go north to the Hebrides where on the Isle of Iona he founded an abbey and monastery and sent missionaries out to all of Alba to win people to Christ.   He won the hearts of monarchs as well as common people. His anointing of kings joined the chur ..read more

If you've read Keeper of the Dream, you're already a fan of Penelope Williamson. Once in a Blue Moon, which was her next book is equally wonderful—and it’s one of my Top 20. It's the story of unrequited love that refuses to die no matter the tests it must endure. And nobody does unrequited love like Williamson.   The story was inspired by the love of Williamson’s grandparents who were kept apart for 6 years, but then came together to love for another 65 years. Here’s what she had to say about them (get out the Kleenex):   “It was in 1902 that Elizabeth and Peter first met and fell i ..read more

  Set in 1745, in the time of feuds between the clans and the Scottish support for Bonnie Prince Charlie, this is the story of Katherine Fraser who falls in love with the eldest son of her family’s enemy—the MacDonalds. James MacDonald had a horrible reputation of cattle stealing, killing and debauchery when he met the lovely, flame-haired Katherine Fraser. For love of her, he changed. Neither family wanted the marriage but agreed to a betrothal when they could see the pair was determined.   Then came Charles Stuart and the call to arms all over Scotland. Having lost all in the earl ..read more

  April is Classics month when I dive into my Keeper shelf and dust off those I intend to re-read. This is certainly one of those. I love how Givens writes. I just get lost in her tales and her characters. I have two tests for a 5 star romance: (1) can I put it down? and (2) will I read it again? This book passes both tests. For those considering buying it, make sure you also buy Kilgannon first. The two books form two parts to one story--and you will want both.   This novel tells of Mary Lowell, an English aristocrat, and the Highland chief Alex MacGannon, who claims her as his bri ..read more

  I first developed this list for a friend of Irish descent who loves Irish historical romances. Since then, I have updated this list each year as I have come to love stories that feature Ireland and/or Irish heroes and heroines. The books on this list cover all time periods. Some transcend typical historical romance as they bring to life heartrending tales of the Irish fight for freedom from English tyranny and/or the wonderful Irish people who survived much hardship to help make great their adoptive countries. If you’re looking for stories of the Emerald Isle or handsome Irish hunks, o ..read more

Set in Ireland and an island off the coast of England in 910, this is the story of Mirana, a Viking woman who is abducted one night by her brother’s enemy, Rorik, Lord of Hawkfell. Rorik seeks vengeance for the death of his wife and children at the hand of Mirana’s brother, Einar. Once on Hawkfell Island, Mirana makes friends among the women and comes to see the island as home, but all is not well, and Einar still has plans for her.   Coulter has taken care to get the period right, including details of dress, food and dwellings. She has also created some wonderful characters, including a ..read more

  First published in 1980 with the author listed on the cover as Jocelyn Wilde (which is the pen name for John Toombs), the cover of the new edition shows the author as Jane Toombs. While I cannot confirm it, this may have been a collaborative effort of husband and wife.   Based on the real characters and events and one date late in the book of 1813, it is set in the early 19th century in Alta California, the waters off the coast and in Mexico. It begins as Alitha Bradford is traveling with her father on his ship from Boston to California with the intention of sailing on to the Sandw ..read more