She must choose between a life of adventure with the man she loves or a settled, secure life with her betrothed. Flora Vass put Gavin Munro out of her heart and mind until he returned to Scotland after an adventurous five years in the New World. Gavin leaves no doubt he returned to make the bonnie Flora his own and intends to fight for her. Flora's betrothed, Iain MacKay, and Gavin's brother, Chief Andrew Munro, have other plans. Andrew needs her to marry the MacKay and bring peace between the two clans. Iain MacKay desires an heir. War with England looms on the horizon, forcing Flora to make crucial decisions. Flora is betrothed to Iain MacKay, the son and heir of Chief Calum MacKay the Laird of Strathnaver. Laird Andrew of Fàrdach Castle arranged the betrothal to seal a peace between Clans Munro and MacKay. Because of her two sons, Flora agrees to the arrangement to insure security for herself and her two sons. Her heart still belongs to Gavin Munro who left her pregnant when he departed Scotland for adventures in the New World. Upon his return, she spurns Gavin’s attempts to win her back then realizes her prayers are answered—Gavin returned and she still loves him. Their union comes with difficulties. She must fight for him and brave the wilds of 16th century Scotland to become his wife. Gavin Munro returns to Scotland and Fàrdach Castle to face his brother, Chief Andrew, regain Flora’s heart, and meet his son. He’s prepared to fight for his true love and his son, but is doubtful of his brother’s reception. Gavin left Scotland because of the rivalry with Andrew over Maidie, Andrew’s wife. During his five years absence from Scotland and through an encounter with the Lord, Gavin realizes his heart belongs only to Flora. Andrew welcomes Gavin back to Fàrdach Castle, but warns him not to interfere with Flora’s betrothal to Iain MacKay, then gives him a difficult task, crucial to the welfare of Scotland and King James IV. Gavin must leave Flora once more. Can their love survive the difficult trials and temptations, keeping them apart? Flora meets dashing Payton Murchison at Fàrdach Castle during the Lughnasadh celebration at the beginning of harvest season the first of August. He assists her in a dangerous journey across the Black Isle to find Gavin. Although Flora rejects his amorous attentions, Payton continues to help her. He befriends both Gavin and Flora and offers them the sanctuary of his home, Crudimere. Iain MacKay declares he loves Flora and is eager to marry her. He plans to take her and her two sons to the wilds of Caithness, Scotland and keep her away from Gavin Munro. Chief Andrew made the betrothal arrangements with Iain’s father, Laird Strathnaver to bring peace between the two clans. Iain desires an heir from the marriage and the large dowry promised by Andrew. He declares love for Flora, but his actions indicate otherwise. The love between Flora and Gavin survives years of separation and adverse circumstances. Will their faith in the Lord and each other be enough to bring them through the present trials and temptations? If you enjoy reading adventurous love stories set in historical Scotland, you will enjoy, A Highland Ruby.
Brenda B Taylor and her husband make their home in beautiful East Texas where they enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. Brenda earned three degrees: a BSE from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; a MEd from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas; and an EdD Texas A&M, College Station, Texas.
Brenda crafts stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people in her favorite place overlooking bird feeders, bird houses, and a variety of blooming trees and flowers. She sincerely thanks all who purchase and read her books. Her desire is that the message in each book will touch the heart of the reader as it did hers in the writing.
Flora Vass has lost her love to the New World. He preferred fighting savages than having a life back in Scotland with her. She has lost one man before on the fight, another one now to adventurous life. She cannot afford any more losses. She has two boys to support, one from her late husband, who has grown to a man of 13 years old, another little one, that was in her womb when his father left the country. Therefore, she decides to live her life, under chief Munro’s lead, and betroth to Iain MacKay, the son and heir of Chief Calum MacKay, to bring peace between the two clans.
Gavin Munro returns to Scotland and Fàrdach Castle to face his brother, Chief Andrew, regain Flora’s heart, and meet his son. He had left five years ago, tempted by his brother’s new wife, a lovely lady that had stolen his heart as well. Not wishing to disrespect his brother and chief of the Munro clan, choses to go on an adventure out to the New World. He has return a changed man. He now believes in God and prays for His support but also to thank Him.
The story evolves in the Scottish highlands of 1513. It is the story of the warrior that is destructed by the means of beauty, but will honor his code and his chief and will try to avoid conflict. The warrior’s honor back in the days was of great importance. It depicts to today’s Code of conduct and the honor found within all humble people. And that is rather rare nowadays…
The book also speaks about true love. The lone woman that truly loves one, but is bound to not expect to see him again. The joy of the soul and heart when a loved one is found again. But also, the determination to win a loved one back and not spend any more time regretting the lost time.
Brenda B. Taylor writes historical romances featuring strong women and men in her Highland Treasures series. “A Highland Ruby” is the second book in the series, though it can be read independently. To take a sneak peak on the book and get to know of the author, check this Chill and read post.
Marry for love or marry for family? Flora is torn between the two. Gavin is back from the New World, but is told he has to leave again. How can he win back Flora’s love if he’s gone all the time? Their faith in God and each other is tested as they are separated and must overcome difficult circumstances. When Gavin is forced to leave again, how can he prove to his brother, and to Flora, that he is home to stay?
I could feel Flora’s despair at Gavin’s leaving. Would he return? From a fight with a wildcat to evading a warrant for his arrest, Gavin’s plight made for an action filled story. Brenda Taylor subtly adds in historical facts and the Scottish era. As events kept turning against Gavin coming home, I couldn’t put the book down. If you enjoy historical romance, you’ll love this 16th century Scottish romance. This is Gavin’s story, from A Highland Pearl. These are stand-alone stories in the Highland Treasures series. At the end of the story is a glossary of Gaelic and other terms used in the story.
I am looking forward to the next story in the series.
There's nothing better than a wonderful love story. Every romance has its' bad times and its' good times. Flora has a hard time trusting Gavin since he hurt her deeply before. Flora was a talented woman and strong. Gavin was also strong which made their relationship very difficult. Far from perfect, these two people you can relate to as the story evolves. It took a strong woman back then since things were very hard. The weak didn't survive. Once you start reading you can't let go since the author gives you a lot to want to know. The twists and turns are like a web and as you turn the pages you want to untangle it. The author lets you get to know the characters as the descriptions are very vivid and the characters become like someone you know. As you read you get the feeling you are right along side each one. The history of Scotland comes through as the author certainly did her research. The author put the story out in a way that it was interesting to find out things about Scotland and the time period. It didn't drag you down with too many facts, just enough to keep you interested. Things weren't easy for anyone but they persevered. The love story as it unfolds is breath taking. This was definitely a "LOVE" story, with a sweetness about it. Some of the characters carry forth from the first book, A Highland Pearl but even if you haven't read it, you can totally enjoy this second book. (I would suggest reading the first book, though. That way you get to know the characters and setting better)
I received a copy of this book from the author and PUYB and voluntarily decided to review it.
I have been highly anticipating the release of this sequel to A Highland Pearl, and it did not disappoint. Right from the very beginning, I was swept into the tale of Flora and Gavin, two complex and inviting characters. They are not perfect, and in their lack of perfection, I found them endearing, cheering for them to find their own happy ending. Fans of Outlander, Jennifer McQuiston and Tessa Dare will not be disappointed in this sweet romance packed with adventure and Scottish flair.
Excellent character development. Loved that the characters from the first book in the series appeared in this story as well. Can't wait for the next book. I hope it will be available soon. The story keeps you pulled in to see what happens next. Love that the author is Christian and weaves Christian principals into her tale.
A Highland Ruby Is such a heart pounding romance. What Ms. Taylor has done here in this historical story has been all but amazing. The book is wonderfully historical of the 1513's in Scotland and all of their codes of honor. Poor Flora to have lost 2 loves to fight in another country. She is now with 2 children - and you shall be surprised - just sayin'. One leaves comes back and wants to reclaim what was his but he has changed, now a Christian relying on GOD and personally he's changed. Will he get what he wants? He wants his love and his son. Or will he bow to the clan and the code? Will Flora give in to her heart or will she follow through with the arranged marriage between the 2 clans? Will true love win out? With GOD in the middle will you know what will happen?
In this highland historical romance of the 1513's in Scotland With their codes of honor, Flora to has lost 2 loves to a fight in another country. She Has 2 children. One love leaves, comes back, and wants to reclaim what was his. He has changed spiritually and personally, now a Christian relying on GOD. He wants his love and his son. Will he get what he wants, or will he bow to the clan and the code? Will Flora give in to her heart? Will she follow through with the arranged marriage between the 2 clans? Will true love win?
Description She must choose between a life of adventure with the man she loves or a settled, secure life with her betrothed. Flora Vass forced Gavin Munro out of her heart and mind until he returned to Scotland after an adventurous five years in the New World. Gavin leaves no doubt he returned to make the bonnie Flora his own and intends to fight for her. Flora's betrothed, Iain MacKay, and Gavin's brother, Chief Andrew Munro, have other plans. Andrew needs her to marry the MacKay and bring peace between the two clans. Iain MacKay desires an heir. War with England looms on the horizon, forcing Flora to make crucial decisions.
My Thoughts:
This is a tale filled with historical and religious facts of the times. Unfortunately I prefer my books with less religion and more romance. Although well written this just wasn't my cup of tea. I have this book 3.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a low sensual rating of 2 of 5 flames. There are hints toward intimacy but nothing actually happens on the pages. This book was previously published in 2016 but I received my copy via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.