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Clan McDunnah #1

Caelen's Wife

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Rumor has it the water on Clan McPherson lands is magical…

Clan McPherson has known peace amongst their neighboring clans for more than one hundred years. That peace is threatened when Fiona McPherson is made chief after the death of her husband.

Known more for her fighting skills than her beauty, Fiona refuses the multiple proposals of marriage that begin to seemingly arise from nowhere. She may be the chief of her clan, but she’s still a woman. It isn’t Fiona they want, but her land and she’s willing to fight to the death to keep it.

Rumor has it Caelen McDunnah has lost his mind…

Called McDunnah, the chief of Clan McDunnah, has no desire to remarry. He’s perfectly content to still mourn the loss of his first wife and babe, even if it has been sixteen years. Until he meets the beautiful and feisty Fiona McPherson.

Known to start a fight out of sheer boredom or madness — no one is ever truly sure which — Caelen suddenly finds himself in the middle of battles he has no desire to fight, but fight them he will if it means he can have Fiona McPherson as his own.

There is always a wee bit of truth in every rumor.

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2015

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1027 people want to read

About the author

Suzan Tisdale

88 books662 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. All but one of her children have left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. And she doesn’t own a single pair of yoga pants, much to the shock and horror of her fellow authors. She prefers to write in her pajamas.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.

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5 stars
627 (39%)
4 stars
548 (34%)
3 stars
290 (18%)
2 stars
93 (5%)
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33 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for Angela Covarrubias.
108 reviews10 followers
February 27, 2015
First let me say, 'the cover of the book is beautiful'. Suzan has done it again! I enjoyed this book, and can not wait for the next one in the series. Luckily I want have to wait very long, because book 2 will be releases on February 27th of this year.

Caelan McDunnah has been grieving the death of his wife, Fiona, and their son that died during child birth for 16 years. Since their deaths he has had no desire to marry. Some would say that he is a little tetched, others say he has been in a foul mood for the last 16 years, and they would most likely be right.

Caelen enjoys a good fight, and he has been know to search one out, just for the sake of fighting. But when Fiona McPhearson shows up in his castle without any prior warning, bringing a piece of his clans plaid and a dagger with his clan emblem on it, accusing him of stealing her cattle, he is a little stunned. Especially since she is also accusing him of doing it because he wants to marry her, and posses her lands.

So, starts the clash of of wills between Fiona, and Caelen. Fiona is a strong, proud, and a little stubborn. She enjoys a good fight also. She was left the responsibility of caring for her clan after her husbands death, and she will do so no matter what the cost. Even if that means she must put aside her own happiness, and never marrying or loving another man.

I am so glad that we are finally getting to read Caelen's story. I feel that Suzan gave us just enough details on both Caelen and Fiona's character, so that we know why they are the way they are. They were well developed, and likeable. We get to see more of Caelen that just the tetched, angry laird he was portrayed as in previous series. He actually has a heart!

I feel that the story and plot flowed nicely. I wasn't left scratching my head at any time during the book. This book was humorous at times, and I love when an author can make me laugh.

This book was a little shorter than the authors other books, but she did inform her readers beforehand that it would be. Caelen's Wife is going to be a 3 part series. The 2nd book is going to be release on February 27th, and the 3rd book on March 27th of this year. I was a wee bit disappointed that I didn't get the whole story all at once, but I am glad I want have to wait long to read the rest.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading Scottish Historical Romances. If you enjoy an excellent story that includes a strong hero & heroine, then this book is for you.

Sexual Content: None
Kissing: one or two kisses
Language: no curse words that I recall
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,112 reviews204 followers
October 15, 2017
The cover matches the story really well. Its been a while since I read a good Highland story and this fit the bill nicely. 4 stars only because it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I am not fond of.
Profile Image for Kimi Court.
163 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2015
Caelen's Wife is a great start for a 3 part book series. It gets you into the people. Know how they think and feel. Tells you there story and what to expect from them. It is funny, adventurous, and exciting. I found that I was unable to stop reading once I started. I had to see what was happening next. The chemistry between Caelen and Fiona is fun to watch.
733 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2017
Caelen's Wife Book 1.

I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie 9/19/17.
Profile Image for A. Reader.
1,012 reviews
September 18, 2017
Not a weak heroine, who needs a man to save her from her own stupidity and a storyline that keeps you guessing. Pretty good start to the series.
Profile Image for Judy.
109 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2015
Will somebody, please find the Caelan McDunnah whose character was so intriguing in the previous books and return him to his rightful place. This Caelan as portrayed within the pages of this book shows no resemblance whatsoever to the Caelan I had hoped to read about. Yes, he's the chief of Clan McDunnah and he's grieved for his wife and babe for sixteen years, but there the resemblance ends.

In previous books, he was a rogue, pure and simple. Any joking around was designed to harass his other warrior friends. To give you an idea of the Caelan I'm referring to, please note the following comment taken from "Wee William's Woman: The Clan MacDougall Series" as that book describes Caelan McDunnah.

"Caelan McDunnah was a very imposing figure. Tall, built like a wall made of stone, Caelan wore his black hair long, well past his shoulders, None who knew him could ever remember seeing a twinkle in his mud brown eyes unless he was about to run a sword through someone's gut."

In this book(let) he comes across as a kindly, sweetheart of a man who playfully banters with Fiona McPherson, a female clan chief who is a warrior lady and one who fascinates him to the point, he finally lets his past go. Actually, he seems to let it go without much consideration of why he's held onto it for so long. We're not given much of a backstory about the love of his life that he supposedly mourned for 16 long years. Rather, this story downplays exactly what the basis was for those feelings - apparently, not the big love of his life after all. Sorrow - Yes! Big Love - No!

There's definitely something lacking within this storyline to the point I was disappointed to say the least. I've waited with bated breath for Caelan to have his own book and we get little more than a novella? Somehow this took me by surprise. How did I miss the fact Caelan's story would be told in three parts. Oh well, it is what it is, but if you're looking for the Caelan who came across somewhat harsh, a rogue, intriguing and deadly as portrayed in the previous books, I don't believe you'll find him within the pages of this book.

Instead, we have a man who is caught somewhat off guard by his randy interest in Fiona McPherson, a woman who is apparently not considered beautiful by anyone (except Caelan). She has thin, stringy hair, an overbite, no soft curves - I could go on and on with a list of her lack of gorgeous attributes as presented by the author. Please note I have no problem with less than beautiful heroines - just repeating what was written about Fiona. But... Caelan finds her beautiful, she's continually on his mind, he finds reasons to attend her at McPherson Keep several times each week. Perhaps there really is something in the water at Clan McPherson and he's been had.

The Cover: Sorry, but the man portrayed on the cover doesn't remotely resemble the supposedly handsome Caelan. I don't see the black hair and the braids he was purported to have in other books? And, if the gal on the cover is the Fiona as described by the author, I definitely read the wrong book. The gal on this cover is beautiful - no stringy hair - no overbite. So much for thwarted expectations of fans such as me and here I thought I was finally getting a bit more realistic. I guess not. I'm genuinely disappointed. Can anyone tell?
Profile Image for Cathy.
85 reviews10 followers
January 23, 2015
Suzan has done it again! This is only the first out of three parts of the book, and I loved it. The reason it is in three parts is because she felt the book would be way too large and probably too expensive. This book is about Fiona McPherson and Caelen McDunnah, chiefs of their clans. Caelen has grieved for his dead wife and baby for 16 years, and is a bitter man that gets extremely drunk once a year upon the anniversary of their deaths. When the McPhersons have had the McDunnah clan steal their sheep, Fiona, her brothers, and some other men of their clan go to reclaim them from Caelen, who is extremely drunk. She is a warrior woman, and Caelen is fascinated with her. He tells her that no one from his clan has stolen their sheep, but she has physical proof that someone in his large clan stole them from her small clan. He allows her to take her sheep and go. However, was it actually someone from Caelen's clan who stole her sheep, or someone who was setting him and his clan up for war with the McPhersons? Please read the books and find out. I was given this book in return for an honest review
Profile Image for Linda.
8 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2015
Fiona McPherson was the chief of Clan McPherson, a rarity for sure. After her husband’s death two years ago, she decided she wouldn’t remarry. She couldn’t figure out why after two years, there was a sudden interest in marriage. She knew there were benefits to marrying but she continued to politely turn them down.
Caelen McDunnah had spent the last 16 years mourning the death of his wife and son. He allowed himself one night of the year to wallow in his grief. He blames himself for their death because he wasn’t there.
Fiona’s clan had lived in peace for more than 100 years. When some sheep were stolen, she decided to travel to clan McDunnah. It was their clan plaid and dagger that had been found where the sheep were taken. Caelen is awakened by accusations and in the middle of all the chaos was a woman. Not just any woman, a sword yielding, dagger carrying and chain mail wearing woman. Of all mornings to show up, it was after his ‘one night’ of grieving. This is where their rocky, romantic story begins.
I really enjoyed this book and found if very refreshing. The characters are so well written, you can truly envision them. What’s more is that there is more to come.
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews76 followers
January 24, 2015
Excellent read!

Fast paced and filled with Highland Adventure. Well written tale of grief, loss, a bit of danger, passion, second chances and finding love. While, the hero/heroine is fighting their attraction to each other, someone is trying to pit one clan against the other. I can't wait to read the ...rest of the story.
Yes, it has a cliffhanger, with that said, I would still recommend reading this Scottish Romance tale. It is rather emotional and tension filled toward the end, I was in tears. Another well written tale by this author.

*Personal buy*

Rating: 4.5
Rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Profile Image for Eniko.
533 reviews14 followers
February 1, 2015
another great read

I loved this first instalment of Clan McDunnah series and I can't wait for the second one. I am glad I have to wait only a few more weeks.
What a quandary to be in! Fiona is chief of her small clan she swore to keep safe and intact, but she didn't expect Caelen McDunnah to enter her life and turn it upside down. The way they were brought together is filled with doubts, with outside interference. I have a feeling they will both have a hard time ahead of them, but knowing Ms. Tisdale's style, she will give them a HEA worthy of them.
Profile Image for Cindy.
33 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2015
Great start.

This is the 1st part of a 3 part novel. I generally stay away from books in parts but I am happy to make an exception for one of my favorite authors and glad I did. I love the fact that the author let us know prior to it coming out that it would be in parts and is plainly stated in the book description so no one should have been surprised. It was a great beginning. Can't wait to read part 2. Caelen McDunnah chief of Clan McDunnah mourned his wife and son for 16 years. He then meets Fiona McPherson who is a warrior woman and chief of Clan McPherson.
301 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2015
a trilogy

I enjoy series but especially enjoy. Trilogies. This first of the Clan McDunnah trilogy is follow by only a 30 day wait between the next two books. I have read 4 Historical fiction authors over the last 30 days and they are similar in many ways but not all will capture the interest and imagination that this book has for me. It is just fun to read about these early century highlanders.
Profile Image for Tammy Nitschke Sokol.
776 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2015
oh my!!! loved it!!!

Suzan Tisdale does it yet again!! Much like warrior woman defending their families, or clan this heroine does not know her own beauty. She thinks she's plain, but alas, the very handsome hero from a neighboring clan finally decides she's all he's ever wanted, and more!! Their race to find the mystery behind the raids on her clan looks to be a beautiful one!! I can not wait for part 2 and 3!!!!
Profile Image for Kat.
1,147 reviews19 followers
February 12, 2015
Caelen and Fiona book 1

I have waited so long for Caelen's story while enjoying all the previous stories of other characters in this series. actually I had imagined Caelen as having long dark hair adding to his much "feared" reputation on the battlefield. But in this book he is a lot less intimidating than I had pictured. I guess it's a good progression and it was great to read about his softer side. I love how the character
Profile Image for Terrie Stamey.
304 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2015
Carson's Wife-Loved this story

What a wonderful idea to have a female chieftain of a small clan. She is brave, smart and fight like a man. The story moves right along making you believe in this female chieftain and her brothers. How she became Chieftain and how her whole clan depend on her to keep them safe and free from war. You will b e completely caught up in the story and won't want to put it down!
Profile Image for My Book Addiction and More MBA.
1,958 reviews71 followers
February 12, 2015
What a great beginning for an new series. Fast paced and action packed, with thrills and chills, plus passion. The chemistry flows between the H/H. I love this new series and can't wait for the next installment. Well written, with authenticity and originality.

*Personal buy*

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
Profile Image for Carolyn.
33 reviews
January 27, 2015
Caelen's Wife

Very good story, I liked the part that Fiona has the women of her keep trained to defend themselves. Caelen and Fi slowly get to know each other. Someone is trying to start a war between them. I could hardly put the book down and look forward to the second book!
Profile Image for Natisha.
85 reviews11 followers
January 24, 2015
Omg!!!!

I love this book, love this book. It's good to see caelen being so sweet and loving. I love the books by Suzan Hinsdale read them a let twice. This one it amazing I can't for the next two book. I think caelen is going to be my favorite.
350 reviews9 followers
April 12, 2015
Hmmm. Need to keep reading.

Ms. Tisdale isn't up to her usual standards in this saga. That said it is still worth reading. I think we just need more character development, and perhaps that will come as the saga continues.

And I will be along for the ride.
Profile Image for Courtney.
108 reviews
June 1, 2015
This is not a complete book. It cuts off abrubtly, so the three 'parts' probably should have been submitted as a full story. I haven't read the other two parts and I won't be. While the premise was OK, the book needed a major editing job.
Profile Image for Shirley Haight.
4 reviews
June 3, 2015
A Very interesting story

The story was interesting and exciting ,the characters interesting,the setting in Scotland is my favorite,I have never traveled so it is fun to imagine the scenery.Thank you Susan
Profile Image for Sam Spencer.
450 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2015
MORE
How dare this author whet my appetite and withhold satisfaction!!!
LOL
In other words, my only complaint is that it was too short and ended too abruptly my my tastes, can't wait to get my hands on the continuations!!
196 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2015
Excellent Clean Medieval Romance

I read the whole story in one sitting. Can't wait to read the next book. Wish I would have known the trilogy is now one book. Love the story and intrigue.
19 reviews
July 25, 2015
Good romantic story

I love hearing about the old rituals and beliefs of clans and the interactions between them. Fiona and Caelen are meant for each other and the author intertwined their lives along an interesting path. I look forward to "the rest of the story".
Profile Image for Kathleen Ruggio.
368 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2015
Great Story

I like the way Susan Tizdale brings her characters to life which then draws you into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next in this series.
Profile Image for jolee r fillback.
173 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2015
How terribly disappointing!!

I was really loving the way the story was progressing! The main female character had realized her mistake and was about to have an attitude adjustment!! Then The End!!!
17 reviews
March 28, 2015
Brilliant and funny

This book had me hooked after page 1. Fi has to be the best female lead in a long time. Can't wait till book two.
Profile Image for Jocelyne smith.
4 reviews
June 4, 2015
Love Scottish theme storys

.can't wait to read book 2 in this series. The characters are lovable. Enjoy a good book and have a grand time with this book.
294 reviews
June 11, 2015
Fi

Very good book. Kept my interest. Leaves you hanging so you want to buy the other books in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews

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