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Culloden's Fire #1
Gather the Stars
The Glen Lyon was a legend of the Highlands, a masked rider the British could not capture, the sworn enemy of Rachel de Lacey, the general's daughter. Kidnapped in the midst of a British officer's ball, Rachel is carried to the Glen Lyon's lair. Determined to defy the Scottish rebel, Rachel is unprepared for what happens when the Glen Lyon is unmasked.
Gavin Carstares, Earl of Glenlyon is a strong, but haunted man instead of the villain she believed him to be, he's the hero she's always dreamed of. His mission-- to save the women and children of Scotland from the slaughter waged by Rachel's own fiancé. Gavin never imagined he would lose his heart to the general's daughter, then have to return her to the man he hates most in the world. As the heather hills caught fire with their passion, they forge a love worth defying a king's army.
Gavin Carstares, Earl of Glenlyon is a strong, but haunted man instead of the villain she believed him to be, he's the hero she's always dreamed of. His mission-- to save the women and children of Scotland from the slaughter waged by Rachel's own fiancé. Gavin never imagined he would lose his heart to the general's daughter, then have to return her to the man he hates most in the world. As the heather hills caught fire with their passion, they forge a love worth defying a king's army.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
1406 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cates
56 books97 followersKimberly Cates lives in Illinois with her family.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
July 23, 2016
I wasn't too sure about this book when I started it. The first chapter didn't grab me, and I didn't like Rachel much.
For the most part, however, I enjoyed the first 40 or so percent. The hero, Gavin, was introduced as too tall and too thin, and when the heroine first sees him he's doing mending and then dropping his needle on the ground. And this is supposed to be the most feared rebel lord in Scotland, bravely thwarting soldiers at every turn. Yet he's brainy and bumbling! He has to send stronger men to do his kidnapping for him. I was in love! GIMME!
He was also funny:
Well, things took a turn for the worse when the romance happened. It was too fast and too epic. The sex was, well...
I swear, these melting underclothes are an epidemic. I hereby issue a recall.
This is where I started to dislike Gavin. He was so hard on himself. Everything was angst. He berated himself during sex and couldn't BEAR that he hurt Rachel. During sex! But he didn't hurt her and I was baffled why he thought he did. Unless he meant emotionally... Either way, I wanted him to shut up. The book itself uses the perfect phrase for him: "infernally heroic."
Not only that, but the bumbling, slightly awkward, but brainy and poetic hero seemed to vanish. He was replaced by a hero that had perfect muscles, was skilled in battle, and was just perfect except for his self-loathing. BLEEEHHHHHHHH.
I lost interest in the story after the halfway point, but I did finish it. I kept thinking of how awesome I thought it was going to be in the beginning. I did like Rachel's turnaround from a selfish, spoiled girl to someone who cares. That's one of my favorite character arcs. But there was no evidence of it happening except that she started to care for Gavin. I mourned the lost potential to be something different from countless other romance novels.
2.5 stars.
"I'm willing to follow you, my lord, my love. Anywhere you name."
For the most part, however, I enjoyed the first 40 or so percent. The hero, Gavin, was introduced as too tall and too thin, and when the heroine first sees him he's doing mending and then dropping his needle on the ground. And this is supposed to be the most feared rebel lord in Scotland, bravely thwarting soldiers at every turn. Yet he's brainy and bumbling! He has to send stronger men to do his kidnapping for him. I was in love! GIMME!
He was also funny:
"I suppose you're going to ravish me."
"Ravish you?" he echoed, blinking hard. "I assure you, I fully intend to see that everything possible is done to see to your comfort, but there are limits to even my hospitality."
Well, things took a turn for the worse when the romance happened. It was too fast and too epic. The sex was, well...
[Her petticoats and shift] pooled about her, a puddle of cream and crimson, as if he'd somehow melted them with his passion.
I swear, these melting underclothes are an epidemic. I hereby issue a recall.
This is where I started to dislike Gavin. He was so hard on himself. Everything was angst. He berated himself during sex and couldn't BEAR that he hurt Rachel. During sex! But he didn't hurt her and I was baffled why he thought he did. Unless he meant emotionally... Either way, I wanted him to shut up. The book itself uses the perfect phrase for him: "infernally heroic."
Not only that, but the bumbling, slightly awkward, but brainy and poetic hero seemed to vanish. He was replaced by a hero that had perfect muscles, was skilled in battle, and was just perfect except for his self-loathing. BLEEEHHHHHHHH.
I lost interest in the story after the halfway point, but I did finish it. I kept thinking of how awesome I thought it was going to be in the beginning. I did like Rachel's turnaround from a selfish, spoiled girl to someone who cares. That's one of my favorite character arcs. But there was no evidence of it happening except that she started to care for Gavin. I mourned the lost potential to be something different from countless other romance novels.
2.5 stars.
"I'm willing to follow you, my lord, my love. Anywhere you name."
December 20, 2020
2020 reread......I tried and I just can't. I'm lowering it from my 5 star rating in 2015 to 2 stars (and that's being generous). DNF less than 20%
Look, there was a time when I was able to read anything and love it. There are days even now when I can read a book and throw all sense to the wind, not caring about logic, dialog, believability, historical accuracy etc..
Today is not the day.
Over the top melodramatic, unrealistic actions by both MC's cartoon-like dialog.. I'm sorry...Maybe another day. I have to stop at barely 20%
My biggest problem is that the characters SAY how they feel... i.e. awful, or guilty, or whatever HUGE emotion they are having WITHOUT the author SHOWING US why. How about having the character have some MEMORIES to a time that is triggering the emotion?
No sorry. Not in the right frame of mind. Maybe I'll try again another time. I'm pretty sure this is 100% safe.
_______________________________________
2015 review
++Not sure if this is safe++(Read this when I didn't get triggered)
OMG! Finally a good read. After my last few this was a breath of fresh air.
This is a sweet story of a beautiful love that develops between Gavin and Rachel. Yes Rachel at first appears to be a rich spoiled girl, ignorant to the realities of life and war, but the author justifies her ignorance to the outside world without leaving the reader to dislike her. Upon meeting Gavin she sees for herself what a brutal man her betroth really is, and her perspective on life changes, very early on in the story, and we see her develop into a sweet, and caring woman, who is horribly ashamed of the girl she once was.
Gavin is a bit of a tortured soul, a man doing everything in his power to help save children, women and men of Scotland who have lost all in these gruesome battles. He is so kind hearted, nothing like Sir Dunstan.
What I loved about the story and what I found unique:
The reader is expecting the Glenlyon to be a large war hardened muscular man of superior strength. But what we find upon first meeting him is a scholarly fellow who is a bit lanky, and wears spectacles. LOL. I love that!!!! He is nothing like the stories told that have made him a legend. Needless to say, I completely fell in love with him, he is a passionate man who loves children, but lives with much unwarranted guilt, and who has endured a sad childhood. He becomes the reason for Rachel to change and she helps him to see all the good inside himself.
Their love develops naturally, and they have great chemistry. There is only 1 love making scene and it is done so beautifully with amazing romance it made my heart melt.
There is a small bit of humor as well when Rachel first arrives as a hostage, she seems to think everyone is insane, with good cause. Adam, Gavin's half brother is a wonderful secondary character and absolutely adorable in his light hearted manners. In fact there are many good secondary characters, who the reader will come to love, especially mamma fie.
There is plenty of action that kept me on the edge of my seat. There is a HEA and ILY's but I wanted to know more about this couple at the end.
Overall:
This was well written, had few editing issues, well developed characters, beautiful love story, no lulls and all of the characters actions and dialogue were believable, the author showed sound reasons for everything they did by expanding on their life history just enough to understand their motives. Dunstan even, the antagonist, had sound reasons for his brutality.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes sweet romance and I will certainly read more by this author.
Look, there was a time when I was able to read anything and love it. There are days even now when I can read a book and throw all sense to the wind, not caring about logic, dialog, believability, historical accuracy etc..
Today is not the day.
Over the top melodramatic, unrealistic actions by both MC's cartoon-like dialog.. I'm sorry...Maybe another day. I have to stop at barely 20%
My biggest problem is that the characters SAY how they feel... i.e. awful, or guilty, or whatever HUGE emotion they are having WITHOUT the author SHOWING US why. How about having the character have some MEMORIES to a time that is triggering the emotion?
No sorry. Not in the right frame of mind. Maybe I'll try again another time. I'm pretty sure this is 100% safe.
_______________________________________
2015 review
++Not sure if this is safe++(Read this when I didn't get triggered)
OMG! Finally a good read. After my last few this was a breath of fresh air.
This is a sweet story of a beautiful love that develops between Gavin and Rachel. Yes Rachel at first appears to be a rich spoiled girl, ignorant to the realities of life and war, but the author justifies her ignorance to the outside world without leaving the reader to dislike her. Upon meeting Gavin she sees for herself what a brutal man her betroth really is, and her perspective on life changes, very early on in the story, and we see her develop into a sweet, and caring woman, who is horribly ashamed of the girl she once was.
Gavin is a bit of a tortured soul, a man doing everything in his power to help save children, women and men of Scotland who have lost all in these gruesome battles. He is so kind hearted, nothing like Sir Dunstan.
What I loved about the story and what I found unique:
The reader is expecting the Glenlyon to be a large war hardened muscular man of superior strength. But what we find upon first meeting him is a scholarly fellow who is a bit lanky, and wears spectacles. LOL. I love that!!!! He is nothing like the stories told that have made him a legend. Needless to say, I completely fell in love with him, he is a passionate man who loves children, but lives with much unwarranted guilt, and who has endured a sad childhood. He becomes the reason for Rachel to change and she helps him to see all the good inside himself.
Their love develops naturally, and they have great chemistry. There is only 1 love making scene and it is done so beautifully with amazing romance it made my heart melt.
There is a small bit of humor as well when Rachel first arrives as a hostage, she seems to think everyone is insane, with good cause. Adam, Gavin's half brother is a wonderful secondary character and absolutely adorable in his light hearted manners. In fact there are many good secondary characters, who the reader will come to love, especially mamma fie.
There is plenty of action that kept me on the edge of my seat. There is a HEA and ILY's but I wanted to know more about this couple at the end.
Overall:
This was well written, had few editing issues, well developed characters, beautiful love story, no lulls and all of the characters actions and dialogue were believable, the author showed sound reasons for everything they did by expanding on their life history just enough to understand their motives. Dunstan even, the antagonist, had sound reasons for his brutality.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes sweet romance and I will certainly read more by this author.
January 20, 2018
This had everything I like to look for in a historical romance; a stubborn heroine, a dashing hero (in this case a Robin Hood style outlaw), and plot that makes sense. It wasn't super explicit (only one, although relatively long sex scene) and it had a good ending. I plan on checking out the next book soon.
December 15, 2015
4 and 1/2 Stars - Emotional Post Culloden Love Story Set in Scotland
This is a story of a man, Gavin Carstares, Earl of Glenlyon, who is tortured by memories of the Scots he could not save at the Battle of Prestonpans at the beginning of the Jacobite Uprising in 1745. And now he has given his life to saving those who are fleeing the English after the tragedy at Culloden Moor when the Scots were slaughtered.
To assure the last ship carrying Scots to safety can leave Scotland, Gavin captures an English general's daughter, Rachel de Lacy, agreeing to give her back when the ship sails. Rachel is betrothed to the evil Sir Dunstan Wells, a hero of the battle of Culloden Moor, a man committed to killing Highlanders.
Once Rachel is taken captive, she discovers all she was told is a lie and is appalled at the cruelty shown toward the Scots. And she comes to love the mysterious Gavin.
Cates does a splendid job showing us Gavin’s suffering from what he believed was his own cowardice. He wants Rachel but knows he must return her. However, Rachel has a mind of her own and she’s a good shot. Most of the story takes place in or near a cave where the Scots hide and shelter those fleeing, including some orphans. There are some endearing secondary characters. The battles are over and the focus is on saving as many as they can.
No one does better than Cates at bringing to life the plight of the Irish and the Scots at the hands of the English. This is a good one in the series.
The Culloden's Fire series:
CROWN OF MIST (Creighton and Brianna) (Prequel)
GATHER THE STARS (Gavin and Rachel)
ANGEL'S FALL (Adam and Juliet)
CROWN OF DREAMS (Myles and Devlin)
This is a story of a man, Gavin Carstares, Earl of Glenlyon, who is tortured by memories of the Scots he could not save at the Battle of Prestonpans at the beginning of the Jacobite Uprising in 1745. And now he has given his life to saving those who are fleeing the English after the tragedy at Culloden Moor when the Scots were slaughtered.
To assure the last ship carrying Scots to safety can leave Scotland, Gavin captures an English general's daughter, Rachel de Lacy, agreeing to give her back when the ship sails. Rachel is betrothed to the evil Sir Dunstan Wells, a hero of the battle of Culloden Moor, a man committed to killing Highlanders.
Once Rachel is taken captive, she discovers all she was told is a lie and is appalled at the cruelty shown toward the Scots. And she comes to love the mysterious Gavin.
Cates does a splendid job showing us Gavin’s suffering from what he believed was his own cowardice. He wants Rachel but knows he must return her. However, Rachel has a mind of her own and she’s a good shot. Most of the story takes place in or near a cave where the Scots hide and shelter those fleeing, including some orphans. There are some endearing secondary characters. The battles are over and the focus is on saving as many as they can.
No one does better than Cates at bringing to life the plight of the Irish and the Scots at the hands of the English. This is a good one in the series.
The Culloden's Fire series:
CROWN OF MIST (Creighton and Brianna) (Prequel)
GATHER THE STARS (Gavin and Rachel)
ANGEL'S FALL (Adam and Juliet)
CROWN OF DREAMS (Myles and Devlin)
December 30, 2016
The Glen Lyon is a wanted man. The British army, in particular, Sir Dunstan Wells, would do anything, kill anyone, destroy entire villages to capture this one man who has always managed to evade them. Then the infamous Glen Lyon does the unthinkable, snatching Well’s fiancee, the darling of the British army, right from beneath their noses.
Rachel de Lacey has heard tales of the Glen Lyon on the Highland moors. When she’s captured, she fully expects every dreaded nightmare to be fulfilled. Yet in the weeks she’s held captive, she discovers that there’s more to the stories. She soon finds herself questioning everything she’s ever been told about the Jacobite uprising, the honors of war, the man she plans to marry and the one who now holds her captive.
I have a soft-spot for Scottish stories. There’s something deeply romantic about the history, and magical about the land itself with it’s heather-strewn moors and misty lochs. The storyline was full of promise and I was quite riveted for the first half of the story. There was some fantastic conflict and sizzling attraction between the main characters.
But then somewhere in the middle of the book, it just became too much. The writing seemed to go on with redundant and terribly soppy prose. The rest of the book followed the same writing style, although the pace of the story did pick up. I quite enjoyed the twists of danger in the resolution. I found this story quite entertaining overall.
Rachel de Lacey has heard tales of the Glen Lyon on the Highland moors. When she’s captured, she fully expects every dreaded nightmare to be fulfilled. Yet in the weeks she’s held captive, she discovers that there’s more to the stories. She soon finds herself questioning everything she’s ever been told about the Jacobite uprising, the honors of war, the man she plans to marry and the one who now holds her captive.
I have a soft-spot for Scottish stories. There’s something deeply romantic about the history, and magical about the land itself with it’s heather-strewn moors and misty lochs. The storyline was full of promise and I was quite riveted for the first half of the story. There was some fantastic conflict and sizzling attraction between the main characters.
But then somewhere in the middle of the book, it just became too much. The writing seemed to go on with redundant and terribly soppy prose. The rest of the book followed the same writing style, although the pace of the story did pick up. I quite enjoyed the twists of danger in the resolution. I found this story quite entertaining overall.
November 27, 2018
Scotland 1746.
Featured Gavin a 'coward,' also traitor for the
Scottish cause who arranged the kidnapping of
Rachel, a late General's spoiled dtr. The purpose?
To draw out Rachel's betrothed Sir Dunstan, the
sadistic English soldier who ordered Scottish wom-
en and children killed.
I liked honorable Gavin better than Rachel who felt
compelled to lecture H on the greatness of Dunstan.
Rachel showed her ignorance about the true nature
of war until she heard it from 'the horse's (Dunstan)
mouth.' Sweetheart Mama Fee served as the moral
compass of the story.
Featured Gavin a 'coward,' also traitor for the
Scottish cause who arranged the kidnapping of
Rachel, a late General's spoiled dtr. The purpose?
To draw out Rachel's betrothed Sir Dunstan, the
sadistic English soldier who ordered Scottish wom-
en and children killed.
I liked honorable Gavin better than Rachel who felt
compelled to lecture H on the greatness of Dunstan.
Rachel showed her ignorance about the true nature
of war until she heard it from 'the horse's (Dunstan)
mouth.' Sweetheart Mama Fee served as the moral
compass of the story.
August 22, 2008
GATHER THE STARS - Ex
Cates, Kimberly - standalone
Rachel de Lacey, the clever daughter of Lord General de Lacey, was about to embark on her own private war. She had been kidnapped in the midst of a British officer's ball and carried to the forest lair of the infamous Glen Lyon. Prepared to face the Scottish rebel who had become a legend, Rachel vowed she would defy him with her last breath. But when the blindfold was ripped from Rachel's eyes, she saw Gavin Carstares, earl of Glenlyon, for what he really was.
A strong yet gentle man, haunted by secrets, Gavin was the hero Rachel had always dreamed of. Now she became his pawn in a desperate game to save the women and children of Scotland from the slaughter waged by Sir Dunstan Wells -- Rachel's own fiance. But in Gavin's battle he had never envisioned losing his heart -- and then breaking it when forced to give Rachel back to the man he hated most. As the heathered hills caught fire with their passion, Gavin and Rachel forged an everlasting bond that swept them toward an ecstasy worth defying a king's army.
Much more a novel than your average romance, I really enjoyed this.
Cates, Kimberly - standalone
Rachel de Lacey, the clever daughter of Lord General de Lacey, was about to embark on her own private war. She had been kidnapped in the midst of a British officer's ball and carried to the forest lair of the infamous Glen Lyon. Prepared to face the Scottish rebel who had become a legend, Rachel vowed she would defy him with her last breath. But when the blindfold was ripped from Rachel's eyes, she saw Gavin Carstares, earl of Glenlyon, for what he really was.
A strong yet gentle man, haunted by secrets, Gavin was the hero Rachel had always dreamed of. Now she became his pawn in a desperate game to save the women and children of Scotland from the slaughter waged by Sir Dunstan Wells -- Rachel's own fiance. But in Gavin's battle he had never envisioned losing his heart -- and then breaking it when forced to give Rachel back to the man he hated most. As the heathered hills caught fire with their passion, Gavin and Rachel forged an everlasting bond that swept them toward an ecstasy worth defying a king's army.
Much more a novel than your average romance, I really enjoyed this.
February 2, 2017
Dear Ms. Cates,
You could have been amazing. I mean really. I wanted to put you on my list of favorite authors. You have such promise as a writer! Your story was intriguing and your writing inviting. So why oh why did you have to go ruin it with an explicit sex scene?! So unnecessary! You had something good here, I just wish you could see that you don't need to entice readers with explicit bedroom scenes. Your characters and story would have been more than enough.
Sincerely,
A disgruntled and disappointed reader who, sadly, cannot be a fan
You could have been amazing. I mean really. I wanted to put you on my list of favorite authors. You have such promise as a writer! Your story was intriguing and your writing inviting. So why oh why did you have to go ruin it with an explicit sex scene?! So unnecessary! You had something good here, I just wish you could see that you don't need to entice readers with explicit bedroom scenes. Your characters and story would have been more than enough.
Sincerely,
A disgruntled and disappointed reader who, sadly, cannot be a fan
April 25, 2017
Perfect book for a perfect moment.
In it's genre, it's rather good. Hell, it was good as any genre. Well-written, entertaining, captivating and relatable characters that weren't just silly, stupid or both.
(Granted, Gavin riding into the lion's den to save Adam was foolish from the get-go, obviously, but it turned out to be a necessary part to the story...)
In it's genre, it's rather good. Hell, it was good as any genre. Well-written, entertaining, captivating and relatable characters that weren't just silly, stupid or both.
(Granted, Gavin riding into the lion's den to save Adam was foolish from the get-go, obviously, but it turned out to be a necessary part to the story...)
January 31, 2015
Cates delivers once again; she made me hold my breath, gasp in outrage, cry with love, pray and hope for the best, and actually feel bloodthirsty enough to torture the villain in a million and one ways, using torture devices of medieval times (which are so inhuman, they gave me nightmares for days).
Kudos to Cates for executing the captive falls in love with her captor trope so well! As a captor, Gavin feels remorse for bringing an innocent into his schemes, he exerts himself to make Rachel as comfortable as possible and gives her the courtesy of an explanation. His behaviour with those around him, his consideration for all, his selflessness and brilliance, all made him the perfect hero possible, so the falling in love aspect was very believable. His strategies were astoundingly brilliant and his insight into the characters and motivations of others proved how observant he was, making him an amalgam of a perfect alpha and beta hero. Cates describes his demons in such graphic detail that you feel his pain, his guilt and lack of self worth. As the whole horrific story unfolds, your heart cries tears for blood for him; a sensitive soul who understands the untold destruction that wars wreak, whose only cowardice was that he did not conform to the inhuman standards of bravery set by society. Bravery is not cutting down defenseless enemies but turning away from this slaughter and understanding the motivations of the other side. It does not mean glorying in your mastery over others to the extent that you become a sadistic monster who delights in massacring others. It means helping the defenseless, with no consideration to your personal well-being.
Rachel is a multi-faceted character, who has been brought up more like a boy than a girl, but indulged by those around her to the extent that her selfish disregard for others and indulgence in games and tricks, all make sense. She was raised in such a sheltered atmosphere that she accepted only one side of the story as the whole truth. Her real character came to the fore when she was surrounded by genuinely nice people. She was strong, stubborn, could protect herself, did not need someone to rescue her, rather saved her man herself and fought for her happiness. I especially applaud how she faced harsh realities and gruesome events without trying to explain them away, like most people tend to do.
Kudos to Cates for executing the captive falls in love with her captor trope so well! As a captor, Gavin feels remorse for bringing an innocent into his schemes, he exerts himself to make Rachel as comfortable as possible and gives her the courtesy of an explanation. His behaviour with those around him, his consideration for all, his selflessness and brilliance, all made him the perfect hero possible, so the falling in love aspect was very believable. His strategies were astoundingly brilliant and his insight into the characters and motivations of others proved how observant he was, making him an amalgam of a perfect alpha and beta hero. Cates describes his demons in such graphic detail that you feel his pain, his guilt and lack of self worth. As the whole horrific story unfolds, your heart cries tears for blood for him; a sensitive soul who understands the untold destruction that wars wreak, whose only cowardice was that he did not conform to the inhuman standards of bravery set by society. Bravery is not cutting down defenseless enemies but turning away from this slaughter and understanding the motivations of the other side. It does not mean glorying in your mastery over others to the extent that you become a sadistic monster who delights in massacring others. It means helping the defenseless, with no consideration to your personal well-being.
Rachel is a multi-faceted character, who has been brought up more like a boy than a girl, but indulged by those around her to the extent that her selfish disregard for others and indulgence in games and tricks, all make sense. She was raised in such a sheltered atmosphere that she accepted only one side of the story as the whole truth. Her real character came to the fore when she was surrounded by genuinely nice people. She was strong, stubborn, could protect herself, did not need someone to rescue her, rather saved her man herself and fought for her happiness. I especially applaud how she faced harsh realities and gruesome events without trying to explain them away, like most people tend to do.
May 10, 2016
WOW!! I Loved Gather the Stars. The storyline builds and the suspense rises to an epic peak!!
The story takes place after the battle of Culloden Moor. The Scottish are defeated after being lead into battle by Bonnie Prince Charlie. The result is the British Crown takes revenge on all of the Scottish people by burning, raping and killing innocent women, children and the elderly. Burning down there homes and slaughter there cattle. In this story the hero is Gavin Castares, Earl of Glenlyon. He was branded a coward and a traitor to England and stripped of his title and lands. He becomes know as Glen Lyon the mighty warrior who outsmarts the British Commander The Duke of Cumberland and his most notorious commander Sir Dunston Wells. Dunston is outsmarted and outwitted at every turn by Glen Lyon. Dunston is ruthless, a killer of women, children and the elderly. But Sir Dunston has won the hand in marriage to Rachel Alexandra de Lacey. Her father was an admired general in the British army and best friends with the Duke of Cumberland.
To gain the hand of the Incomparable Rachel a British officer had to be a hero and the most honored in the war against Scotland. Rachel has been raised by her father and grows up among soldiers. Rachel believes that Sir Dunston is a honorable officer and would never kill, rape women and children. She is very naïve about what is really going on.
While walking in the gardens at a ball for officers she is abducted/kidnapped by the notorious rebel Glen Lyon's brother Adam. She is taken to a cave where the Glen Lyon lives. Rachel soon learns what is really happening to the Scottish people and the heroic efforts made by Glen Lyon to rescue as many people as he and his band of merry warriors can. Rachel grows to respect, admire and eventually fall in love with Gavin. The romance is beautiful. Mildly sensual but romantic. I like the gradual build up to love in the relationship. The author didn't use any angst to build up to love in the relationship; which I liked a lot. The end was full of suspense, action and had a few surprises. Rachel turns goes from being a spoiled brat to a courageous and strong women fighting for the life of the true love of her life and the true hero of the story Gavin "Glen Lyon"
I Highly Recommend Gather the Stars!! Get it while its free!!
The story takes place after the battle of Culloden Moor. The Scottish are defeated after being lead into battle by Bonnie Prince Charlie. The result is the British Crown takes revenge on all of the Scottish people by burning, raping and killing innocent women, children and the elderly. Burning down there homes and slaughter there cattle. In this story the hero is Gavin Castares, Earl of Glenlyon. He was branded a coward and a traitor to England and stripped of his title and lands. He becomes know as Glen Lyon the mighty warrior who outsmarts the British Commander The Duke of Cumberland and his most notorious commander Sir Dunston Wells. Dunston is outsmarted and outwitted at every turn by Glen Lyon. Dunston is ruthless, a killer of women, children and the elderly. But Sir Dunston has won the hand in marriage to Rachel Alexandra de Lacey. Her father was an admired general in the British army and best friends with the Duke of Cumberland.
To gain the hand of the Incomparable Rachel a British officer had to be a hero and the most honored in the war against Scotland. Rachel has been raised by her father and grows up among soldiers. Rachel believes that Sir Dunston is a honorable officer and would never kill, rape women and children. She is very naïve about what is really going on.
While walking in the gardens at a ball for officers she is abducted/kidnapped by the notorious rebel Glen Lyon's brother Adam. She is taken to a cave where the Glen Lyon lives. Rachel soon learns what is really happening to the Scottish people and the heroic efforts made by Glen Lyon to rescue as many people as he and his band of merry warriors can. Rachel grows to respect, admire and eventually fall in love with Gavin. The romance is beautiful. Mildly sensual but romantic. I like the gradual build up to love in the relationship. The author didn't use any angst to build up to love in the relationship; which I liked a lot. The end was full of suspense, action and had a few surprises. Rachel turns goes from being a spoiled brat to a courageous and strong women fighting for the life of the true love of her life and the true hero of the story Gavin "Glen Lyon"
I Highly Recommend Gather the Stars!! Get it while its free!!
November 28, 2020
Not a bad little read. Another entry in the "English lady seduced by Scottish rebel" subgenre of romance that I'm genuinely perplexed by. One of these days I'm going to research how this got to be so popular a topic in romance. But today is not that day.
I didn't like our main character for most of the book. I liked the idea of the fierce commander's daughter learning the value of love and I liked the idea of the spoilt glory loving lady learning the realities of war but somehow Rachel was just annoying, whiney and deliberately obtuse for far too much of the story.
(Also we share a first name which I haven't had in a romance novel before so that was jarring and probably negatively affected my opinions).
Gavin was fantastic. I loved that he wasn't a savage barbarian, but rather a softy thrown into desperate circumstances. The shift to having the male love-interest teach our female protagonist about love instead of vice versa was refreshing.
I liked most of the supporting cast as well, though Mama Fee was ... a bit much at times.
Pays some lip service to historical accuracy though only some. For the most part I was able to suspend my disbelief.
And - bountiful blessings! - some steamy scenes. Some legitimately sexy times were enjoyed and, more importantly, described.
I didn't like our main character for most of the book. I liked the idea of the fierce commander's daughter learning the value of love and I liked the idea of the spoilt glory loving lady learning the realities of war but somehow Rachel was just annoying, whiney and deliberately obtuse for far too much of the story.
(Also we share a first name which I haven't had in a romance novel before so that was jarring and probably negatively affected my opinions).
Gavin was fantastic. I loved that he wasn't a savage barbarian, but rather a softy thrown into desperate circumstances. The shift to having the male love-interest teach our female protagonist about love instead of vice versa was refreshing.
I liked most of the supporting cast as well, though Mama Fee was ... a bit much at times.
Pays some lip service to historical accuracy though only some. For the most part I was able to suspend my disbelief.
And - bountiful blessings! - some steamy scenes. Some legitimately sexy times were enjoyed and, more importantly, described.
November 9, 2010
I absolutely LOVE Gavin Carstares! He melted my heart. He is such a giving, warm, gentle, yet, strong character. There were many scenes that ripped me apart. The ones with his half brother, Adam, the orphans...oh, and Mama Fee. Sniff. The heroine was a bit high and mighty at first, but that soon changes. :)
I especially liked it because it dealt with the aftermath of Culloden(which any fan of Outlander will understand).
I especially liked it because it dealt with the aftermath of Culloden(which any fan of Outlander will understand).
October 19, 2015
Beautiful
What a beautiful story one I will remember. You have been bless with the gift to write and make those who read this story not only fall in love with the characters but the writer as well. Of course I can't wait to read Adam adventure. But please you must write a happy ending for Nathaniel as well. Who knows maybe they will all meet up in the end. Thank you for a book to remember. D.H. from New York City
What a beautiful story one I will remember. You have been bless with the gift to write and make those who read this story not only fall in love with the characters but the writer as well. Of course I can't wait to read Adam adventure. But please you must write a happy ending for Nathaniel as well. Who knows maybe they will all meet up in the end. Thank you for a book to remember. D.H. from New York City
Read
June 11, 2016DNF
March 9, 2020
I was searching desperately for a novel surrounding the battle of Culloden and was so lucky to come across this book.
April 19, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by Kimberly Cates and it definitely won't be my last - I absolutely loved it!!
Gavin Carstares is the most intensely tortured hero lead that I have ever encountered, but that just makes him even more heroic and lovable. He needs to be healed and forgiven seeing himself as a coward, and the most unlikely woman to save him is Rachel de Lacy, daughter of a Colonel, who is not only stunningly beautiful but also spoilt, arrogant and argumentative.
Brought up by a father who didn't allow emotion, she didn't know how to truly feel, that is until fate brings her together with Gavin and together, they have a chance to heal each other.
This book is full of emotion, adventure, humour and sadness and it holds you until the very last page.
Kimberly really catches the feelings of the Jacobite age, the English and Scots hating each other, the darkness and cruelty of war. The venom of Sir Dunstan is a good example of this, wanting his own glory at everyone else's cost.
Reputations are a funny thing and both Gavin and Rachel are shocked when they first encounter each other, neither are as they seem.
I loved the way Kimberly gave these characters running dialogues full of angst and questions in their head, which is exactly what people do. All the characters in this book have depth and personality, being brought to life by Kimberley's mastery.
This wonderfully romantic, passionate, poignant book twists and turns and will pull at your heart until the very end!
Gavin Carstares is the most intensely tortured hero lead that I have ever encountered, but that just makes him even more heroic and lovable. He needs to be healed and forgiven seeing himself as a coward, and the most unlikely woman to save him is Rachel de Lacy, daughter of a Colonel, who is not only stunningly beautiful but also spoilt, arrogant and argumentative.
Brought up by a father who didn't allow emotion, she didn't know how to truly feel, that is until fate brings her together with Gavin and together, they have a chance to heal each other.
This book is full of emotion, adventure, humour and sadness and it holds you until the very last page.
Kimberly really catches the feelings of the Jacobite age, the English and Scots hating each other, the darkness and cruelty of war. The venom of Sir Dunstan is a good example of this, wanting his own glory at everyone else's cost.
Reputations are a funny thing and both Gavin and Rachel are shocked when they first encounter each other, neither are as they seem.
I loved the way Kimberly gave these characters running dialogues full of angst and questions in their head, which is exactly what people do. All the characters in this book have depth and personality, being brought to life by Kimberley's mastery.
This wonderfully romantic, passionate, poignant book twists and turns and will pull at your heart until the very end!
October 2, 2021
A book full of adventure
This story is full of love, heartache, redemption. Quite a page turner. I loved the the characters and the storyline.
This story is full of love, heartache, redemption. Quite a page turner. I loved the the characters and the storyline.
February 19, 2018
I just couldn't get past the first five chapters, it just didn't grab me at all.
July 27, 2017
I'd first read Gather The Stars in its original release, and remembered I'd liked it a lot, so, when I came off season two of Poldark with a serious historical romance hangover, I wanted something in the Georgian period, with the same period feel and emotional involvement. Did I find it here? Absolutely. Let's take a look.
First thing: the title. Even if I didn't have positive memories of the book, I would be sold by the title alone. Eighteenth century setting? Check. Actual use of history? Check. Compelling characters who stand out from the crowd? Check, and check. I'd forgotten how very well Cates does characters, but will not forget that again anytime soon. Our heroine, Rachel De Lacey (how could I turn down a great name like that?) the daughter of an English general, has vowed to marry only the bravest of men, which has driven some would-be suitors to put themselves in exactly that light, for that express purpose. So far, the winner is Sir Dunstan Wells (seriously, Cates and names, true love forever) reknowned for his bravery in his fight against the upstart Scots.
Soooo, who is the worst person for our Rachel to fall in love with, given her usual type? Gavin Carstares, Earl of Glenlyon, who is not only one of those upstart Scots, buuuut reknowned as a coward, having run away from the fighting at Prestonpans. Not only that (trust me, Cates does some complex characters) but he does not look at all as one would expect the fabled Glen Lyon, whose passion for his people knows no bounds. I've always had a soft spot for blond heroes, which we have here, and bonus points, not only for the fact that Gavin wears spectacles, but has opinions on who does and does not see him with them (how many legendary heroes wear glasses, hmm? Oh, Gavin, Gavin, Gavin. You keep doing you, 'kay, and I keep reading. Deal? Deal.) Also, he has a hobby that immediately endeared him to me, a lovely way to balance his heroics with his softer heart.
When Rachel finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, she also finds herself kidnapped by Glen Lyon's men, held hostage until her fiancé, Dunstan, agrees to let one last ship full of refugees leave Scotland. Nothing in Rachel's well ordered life has prepared her for life among women and children traumatized by the horrors of war. Bonus points go to Gavin's half brother, Adam, who gets his own story in Angel's Fall and Mama Fee, a woman driven to mother everybody, after the loss of six of her seven sons to the war.
This isn't a nice book, or an easy book, and faces head on the realities of war, both for the combatants and civilians, but that only serve to highlight the romance that grows between Rachel and Gavin, as they both learn to look past what "everybody knows" and see what makes them the same, rather than fight over what "should" keep them apart. Highly recommended for readers who yearn for a historical romance with generous helpings of both.
First thing: the title. Even if I didn't have positive memories of the book, I would be sold by the title alone. Eighteenth century setting? Check. Actual use of history? Check. Compelling characters who stand out from the crowd? Check, and check. I'd forgotten how very well Cates does characters, but will not forget that again anytime soon. Our heroine, Rachel De Lacey (how could I turn down a great name like that?) the daughter of an English general, has vowed to marry only the bravest of men, which has driven some would-be suitors to put themselves in exactly that light, for that express purpose. So far, the winner is Sir Dunstan Wells (seriously, Cates and names, true love forever) reknowned for his bravery in his fight against the upstart Scots.
Soooo, who is the worst person for our Rachel to fall in love with, given her usual type? Gavin Carstares, Earl of Glenlyon, who is not only one of those upstart Scots, buuuut reknowned as a coward, having run away from the fighting at Prestonpans. Not only that (trust me, Cates does some complex characters) but he does not look at all as one would expect the fabled Glen Lyon, whose passion for his people knows no bounds. I've always had a soft spot for blond heroes, which we have here, and bonus points, not only for the fact that Gavin wears spectacles, but has opinions on who does and does not see him with them (how many legendary heroes wear glasses, hmm? Oh, Gavin, Gavin, Gavin. You keep doing you, 'kay, and I keep reading. Deal? Deal.) Also, he has a hobby that immediately endeared him to me, a lovely way to balance his heroics with his softer heart.
When Rachel finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, she also finds herself kidnapped by Glen Lyon's men, held hostage until her fiancé, Dunstan, agrees to let one last ship full of refugees leave Scotland. Nothing in Rachel's well ordered life has prepared her for life among women and children traumatized by the horrors of war. Bonus points go to Gavin's half brother, Adam, who gets his own story in Angel's Fall and Mama Fee, a woman driven to mother everybody, after the loss of six of her seven sons to the war.
This isn't a nice book, or an easy book, and faces head on the realities of war, both for the combatants and civilians, but that only serve to highlight the romance that grows between Rachel and Gavin, as they both learn to look past what "everybody knows" and see what makes them the same, rather than fight over what "should" keep them apart. Highly recommended for readers who yearn for a historical romance with generous helpings of both.
February 22, 2017
I enjoyed the action in this story. The romance heated nicely. A good saga and interesting read.
November 7, 2015
This is my first read by Kimberly Cates, which is somewhat of a surprise, as she is a very prolific writer.
'Gather the Stars' was a beautiful, well-written story. The elegant prose brought forth the inner workings of the characters, and as such, they were far from one-dimensional.
When one is first introduced to the heroine Rachel, one sees a vain, aloof woman, indoctrinated in the belief that country and the military always come first. With a cold domineering father - without a mother or siblings - Rachel is pretty much a head case, even though she doesn't recognize it at first.
The hero Gavin - The Glenn Lyon - has demons of his own, but unlike Rachel - he internalizes his pain. That's not to say that he is weak - far from it. Gavin has no problem fighting and risking his life time and time again, to save the weak and downtrodden. I appreciated his 'soft side' in regards to the orphan children, and the elderly, Mama Fee. I also liked his quiet sense of humor, and his love of art and literature...
When it is later revealed in the story that the coward label placed upon Gavin is the exact opposite of what he is, one sees what a 'true' hero is. Gavin doesn't need platitudes or payment for what he does; his sense of duty to help his fellow man is what drives him, and that drive also unexpectedly wins him the love of his life.
I really enjoyed reading this. My only complaint is that Gavin's horse Manslayer didn't also ride off into the sunset with everyone else. (lol)
'Gather the Stars' was a beautiful, well-written story. The elegant prose brought forth the inner workings of the characters, and as such, they were far from one-dimensional.
When one is first introduced to the heroine Rachel, one sees a vain, aloof woman, indoctrinated in the belief that country and the military always come first. With a cold domineering father - without a mother or siblings - Rachel is pretty much a head case, even though she doesn't recognize it at first.
The hero Gavin - The Glenn Lyon - has demons of his own, but unlike Rachel - he internalizes his pain. That's not to say that he is weak - far from it. Gavin has no problem fighting and risking his life time and time again, to save the weak and downtrodden. I appreciated his 'soft side' in regards to the orphan children, and the elderly, Mama Fee. I also liked his quiet sense of humor, and his love of art and literature...
When it is later revealed in the story that the coward label placed upon Gavin is the exact opposite of what he is, one sees what a 'true' hero is. Gavin doesn't need platitudes or payment for what he does; his sense of duty to help his fellow man is what drives him, and that drive also unexpectedly wins him the love of his life.
I really enjoyed reading this. My only complaint is that Gavin's horse Manslayer didn't also ride off into the sunset with everyone else. (lol)
December 12, 2015
If you like overly mushy-gushy romance that melts your innards with stupid, cliche love confessions to the point where you are practically vomiting them out, you are sure to love this one. Prepare to suffocate beneath the undying self-pity that Gavin feels for saving children from the spoils of war and his guilt for being loathsome enough to love some spoiled rotten general's daughter. Brace yourself for Rachel's ludicrous ideal that you are only a hero if you do whatever your commander tells you, even at the cost of innocent women and children. I applaud you if you can read this book through without wanting to scratch out your eyes in frustration.
February 5, 2017
Gavin is the Glen Lyon, a notorious Scottish traitor to the English crown. Rachel is a general's daughter financed to Will, the Englishman determined to bring the Glen Lyon to justice. Gavin kidnaps Rachel for leverage against Will. Gavin doesn't count on Rachel being a spitfire. He is trying to save one last shipload of orphans. Can Gavin save the women and children? Can love overcome obstacles and guilt?
April 15, 2014
One of my all time favs. Read it quite a few times. I've been looking for this book for nearly a decade after forgetting the name, thrilled to finally find it. Gonna re-re-read! :)))
Read
March 7, 2016Can't stand the main characters. Giving up at less than a quarter through.
March 6, 2019
Loved it!
June 15, 2018
Do you love romance i do and then i read the book and my review i got the book for the review i am about to do.
The book start in Scotland in 1746 Hi i am Rachel i am the lords daughter and i will only marry the strongest and the best fighter who come back to the castle and i now have be be wed and i am out side the party in the garden with a friend who lost his leg in battle.
Nate wife is bedding someone else and Nate telling me he can not stop it Well things just changed Rachael is been kidnapped and no one hears her scream . You see they are killing every one who disagree with them they make the women and kid walk off the ledges of the cliffs and kill them self for fun and burn every thing they do not want.
Rachael is kid napped for revenge for the killing of child and then older and women who are defense less and they are getting the jolly of the firee and looting they are doing
A deal is to be made Rachael for a ship so the women and kid who were still alive but the one who kidnapped me have a idea take me with them But things are changing every day i am kidnapped you see i now how to shoot and will find a gun and load it and shoot any one who messes with me.
The man who kidnapped me is no other than the Gen Lyon and his brother we are in side a cave and there is a lot of kids an women and mom ma fe is there to feed every one and take care of the little one whose mom and dad got killed. You see i am sleepoing in the same room as the enemy but i am not having sex yet:
I shot him by accident and he bleeding and mom-ma fe thinks we had sex and i was bleeding but i told her no i shot him to get way and then none believe me that ok i am going to figure how to free my self one way or another i took the dam ring off my finger and hit it it was big and i don't want to wear it.
We finally go out for bit to have meal and keep asking momma fe why the extra plate she said Timmy coming back and that was her last of the boys she had and he did not kill in battle i put on the table and said ok you see Glen Lyon says just let her bellieve he coming home that the only hope she has.
Well Now Glen and his brother are in prison cell and my fiancee is going to kill them but i am going to put stop to it if i can you see once i stay more with Glen i like him and under stand what he doing and why i get momma fee to get me horse and let me go and i go to the
castle and tell them i want to my fiancee and he does not believe me but i tell him i want festival .
But before it starts i tell him i need to see the prisoners and then i tell you who is Glen Lyon i do not care if he put me with him and hangs me or shoots me i want to be with Glen Lyon i give up every thing for the children and women they rescued i told them who the brother and he released . He leaves and then now Glen going to be hung or is he i take the party in stride and what i did was spike the wine with some landium to put people a sleep .
You see i am going to leave with him and no one going to stop us . i am not going to say more but you will like the book and have fun reading it
The book start in Scotland in 1746 Hi i am Rachel i am the lords daughter and i will only marry the strongest and the best fighter who come back to the castle and i now have be be wed and i am out side the party in the garden with a friend who lost his leg in battle.
Nate wife is bedding someone else and Nate telling me he can not stop it Well things just changed Rachael is been kidnapped and no one hears her scream . You see they are killing every one who disagree with them they make the women and kid walk off the ledges of the cliffs and kill them self for fun and burn every thing they do not want.
Rachael is kid napped for revenge for the killing of child and then older and women who are defense less and they are getting the jolly of the firee and looting they are doing
A deal is to be made Rachael for a ship so the women and kid who were still alive but the one who kidnapped me have a idea take me with them But things are changing every day i am kidnapped you see i now how to shoot and will find a gun and load it and shoot any one who messes with me.
The man who kidnapped me is no other than the Gen Lyon and his brother we are in side a cave and there is a lot of kids an women and mom ma fe is there to feed every one and take care of the little one whose mom and dad got killed. You see i am sleepoing in the same room as the enemy but i am not having sex yet:
I shot him by accident and he bleeding and mom-ma fe thinks we had sex and i was bleeding but i told her no i shot him to get way and then none believe me that ok i am going to figure how to free my self one way or another i took the dam ring off my finger and hit it it was big and i don't want to wear it.
We finally go out for bit to have meal and keep asking momma fe why the extra plate she said Timmy coming back and that was her last of the boys she had and he did not kill in battle i put on the table and said ok you see Glen Lyon says just let her bellieve he coming home that the only hope she has.
Well Now Glen and his brother are in prison cell and my fiancee is going to kill them but i am going to put stop to it if i can you see once i stay more with Glen i like him and under stand what he doing and why i get momma fee to get me horse and let me go and i go to the
castle and tell them i want to my fiancee and he does not believe me but i tell him i want festival .
But before it starts i tell him i need to see the prisoners and then i tell you who is Glen Lyon i do not care if he put me with him and hangs me or shoots me i want to be with Glen Lyon i give up every thing for the children and women they rescued i told them who the brother and he released . He leaves and then now Glen going to be hung or is he i take the party in stride and what i did was spike the wine with some landium to put people a sleep .
You see i am going to leave with him and no one going to stop us . i am not going to say more but you will like the book and have fun reading it
October 11, 2024
4.5 stars!
This was a beautifully written, enjoyable book, with the characters and dangerous adventure keeping me eager to read more.
The landscape and Scottish Highlands were described in such an elegant way, making the location sing. You could feel the tug of the wind and see the eerie yet enchanting mist coating the hills.
On top of the writing that I immediately loved, our leading H & h easily drew me further into the story.
In another writer's hands, Rachel could have easily fallen into the irritating category of heroines for me. Yet the way she was presented here left me room to understand that the ideals she spouted were those she'd been told since she was a child.
Yes, she was headstrong and stuck up; personality traits that often lead me to DNF a book. But she was also basically brainwashed by her father and the soldiers she'd been raised around about how glorious and honorable the British fight against the rebels was. She never knew otherwise since she lived a sheltered life. The only thing I'd have changed was that her arch was a bit too drawn out, and then all of a sudden her whole outlook changed. This could have been done more realistically, but I'm nitpicking here.
Our H was not at all what I'd expected. Adam, Gavin's half-brother, is more what I'd have expected as our hero. But it falls right into why the plot works; no one would ever expect him to be the elusive Glen Lyon. And his scholarly, poetic personality was a nice twist on the usual tough guy hero.
He was well written too with his struggle evident from the start. His affection for life and protecting those around him was done in such a tender way. And the stories of the children and Fiona, and all the others along the way made for some emotional moments that tuged at the heartstrings. Truly awful the events that this was based around.
Even so, I appreciated that we weren't forced to endure more of the horrific war and battles than was necessary for the plot.
I've read other books that take place in similar circumstances and they can be brutal; dragging us through blood, gore, and devastation over and over again. Here we get to live mostly in the sheltered reality of Rachel's perspective of the war, even as we see Gavin and the others struggling. And we don't get shown the harsh reality of the brutality of the British until Rachel sees it for herself.
The romance here was very flowery and could have felt overdone or sappy. But instead, it felt special and I really enjoyed it. You could feel Gavin and Rachel's heart. Just breathtaking, really.
Another area that I enjoyed was the attention to detail of the simple life and love that makes life truly worth living. Details such as the wedding dress that Fiona wants to give to Rachel, the hand-carved bassinette they stubble across, and the hand-painted images Gavin creates, all craft a magical theme of love through artistry that captivated me.
I look forward to reading more from this author! ♥
This was a beautifully written, enjoyable book, with the characters and dangerous adventure keeping me eager to read more.
The landscape and Scottish Highlands were described in such an elegant way, making the location sing. You could feel the tug of the wind and see the eerie yet enchanting mist coating the hills.
On top of the writing that I immediately loved, our leading H & h easily drew me further into the story.
In another writer's hands, Rachel could have easily fallen into the irritating category of heroines for me. Yet the way she was presented here left me room to understand that the ideals she spouted were those she'd been told since she was a child.
Yes, she was headstrong and stuck up; personality traits that often lead me to DNF a book. But she was also basically brainwashed by her father and the soldiers she'd been raised around about how glorious and honorable the British fight against the rebels was. She never knew otherwise since she lived a sheltered life. The only thing I'd have changed was that her arch was a bit too drawn out, and then all of a sudden her whole outlook changed. This could have been done more realistically, but I'm nitpicking here.
Our H was not at all what I'd expected. Adam, Gavin's half-brother, is more what I'd have expected as our hero. But it falls right into why the plot works; no one would ever expect him to be the elusive Glen Lyon. And his scholarly, poetic personality was a nice twist on the usual tough guy hero.
He was well written too with his struggle evident from the start. His affection for life and protecting those around him was done in such a tender way. And the stories of the children and Fiona, and all the others along the way made for some emotional moments that tuged at the heartstrings. Truly awful the events that this was based around.
Even so, I appreciated that we weren't forced to endure more of the horrific war and battles than was necessary for the plot.
I've read other books that take place in similar circumstances and they can be brutal; dragging us through blood, gore, and devastation over and over again. Here we get to live mostly in the sheltered reality of Rachel's perspective of the war, even as we see Gavin and the others struggling. And we don't get shown the harsh reality of the brutality of the British until Rachel sees it for herself.
The romance here was very flowery and could have felt overdone or sappy. But instead, it felt special and I really enjoyed it. You could feel Gavin and Rachel's heart. Just breathtaking, really.
Another area that I enjoyed was the attention to detail of the simple life and love that makes life truly worth living. Details such as the wedding dress that Fiona wants to give to Rachel, the hand-carved bassinette they stubble across, and the hand-painted images Gavin creates, all craft a magical theme of love through artistry that captivated me.
I look forward to reading more from this author! ♥
August 24, 2017
Well done! *Minor spoilers*
I was at least a third of the way into Gather the Stars before the story 'caught' for me, before it became the engaging page turner that kept me interested and invested in the main characters of Gavin and Rachael. I like a good, angst-ridden hero, but
Gavin sets a new standard for wearing the hair shirt of self-loathing. So much angst made the story drag a bit in the beginning.
Set in 1746 after the battle of Culloden Moor, the story centers around Gavin's efforts to save as many surviving Jacobite soldiers, women and children as possible from the wave of ethnic cleansing being conducted by the British Army in the wake of the Scottish defeat. The author does a credible job of describing the horror of British "scorched earth" tactics which creates an effective backdrop to this story and sets the general tone of foreboding that surrounds the main protagonists. There were times that I actually worried for Gavin and Adam.
Secondary characters are reasonably well developed to create sufficient interest to make me consider the next books in the series. Adam, Gavin's half brother, is next in the lineup, but I hope there's also a book that creates a happier future for Nate, who, in this book is a minor character, but one that I really liked.
There was a bit of a plot twist at the end that I very early on, suspected was going to be there. That said, that plot twist was augmented by some "behind the scenes" planning details revealed by Gavin, Adam and Nate, that stretched my credulity a bit and somewhat negated some of Gavin's "I'm prepared to die" misery while he was British hands and facing a traitor's death.
Bottom line: I felt that author was in the beginning, a little heavy handed with the angst and brow breathing, but that gave way to a really affecting story of a sensitive man in very insensitive times. Gavin is definitely a different kind of hero, but one that is worth of seeing more of in romance literature. I liked that the HEA didn't see Gavin and Rachel returning to live comfortably on Gavin's English estate. Instead, though they end up marrying, they still face some challenges which will likely form part of the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I was at least a third of the way into Gather the Stars before the story 'caught' for me, before it became the engaging page turner that kept me interested and invested in the main characters of Gavin and Rachael. I like a good, angst-ridden hero, but
Gavin sets a new standard for wearing the hair shirt of self-loathing. So much angst made the story drag a bit in the beginning.
Set in 1746 after the battle of Culloden Moor, the story centers around Gavin's efforts to save as many surviving Jacobite soldiers, women and children as possible from the wave of ethnic cleansing being conducted by the British Army in the wake of the Scottish defeat. The author does a credible job of describing the horror of British "scorched earth" tactics which creates an effective backdrop to this story and sets the general tone of foreboding that surrounds the main protagonists. There were times that I actually worried for Gavin and Adam.
Secondary characters are reasonably well developed to create sufficient interest to make me consider the next books in the series. Adam, Gavin's half brother, is next in the lineup, but I hope there's also a book that creates a happier future for Nate, who, in this book is a minor character, but one that I really liked.
There was a bit of a plot twist at the end that I very early on, suspected was going to be there. That said, that plot twist was augmented by some "behind the scenes" planning details revealed by Gavin, Adam and Nate, that stretched my credulity a bit and somewhat negated some of Gavin's "I'm prepared to die" misery while he was British hands and facing a traitor's death.
Bottom line: I felt that author was in the beginning, a little heavy handed with the angst and brow breathing, but that gave way to a really affecting story of a sensitive man in very insensitive times. Gavin is definitely a different kind of hero, but one that is worth of seeing more of in romance literature. I liked that the HEA didn't see Gavin and Rachel returning to live comfortably on Gavin's English estate. Instead, though they end up marrying, they still face some challenges which will likely form part of the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to reading it.
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