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Troublesome Sister
Hemlock and Honey
Scottish Highlands
1244
A great sickness is striking down the Highland folk of Caithness Castle. They are dying from ergot poisoning, from eating infected crops. But this is the year 1244, and almost no one has heard of this condition, a disease later called, St. Anthony’s Fire.
Desperate to save his clan, Laird Gus turns to a soothsayer for answers. The mystic tells him to hunt down and capture a special Sassenach woman with God-given healing gifts.
Laird Gus tracks down Lady Sybilla and kidnaps her. Only trouble is, she keeps insisting that she has no magical abilities, nor healing skills of any sort. She’s not even clever with herbs. He has captured the wrong lass.
English Lady Sybilla might not have the ability to break curses and cure a castle of folk, but she is clever. And cleverness turns out to be exactly what he needs.
1244
A great sickness is striking down the Highland folk of Caithness Castle. They are dying from ergot poisoning, from eating infected crops. But this is the year 1244, and almost no one has heard of this condition, a disease later called, St. Anthony’s Fire.
Desperate to save his clan, Laird Gus turns to a soothsayer for answers. The mystic tells him to hunt down and capture a special Sassenach woman with God-given healing gifts.
Laird Gus tracks down Lady Sybilla and kidnaps her. Only trouble is, she keeps insisting that she has no magical abilities, nor healing skills of any sort. She’s not even clever with herbs. He has captured the wrong lass.
English Lady Sybilla might not have the ability to break curses and cure a castle of folk, but she is clever. And cleverness turns out to be exactly what he needs.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2017
180 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 2, 2018
Some portions of the Narrative and particularly the conversations and dialogues swing from one Timeline to the other. Phrases like "Sorry to disappoint..." used in present day context are too Contemporary to ever belong to 1244. The worst word ever is the Annoying Americanism OKAY (etymology 1840 during Van Buren's re~election campaign) it is 'uniquely' American and its usage is in the wrong side of the Atlantic as well as in the wrong Timeline. If the aforementioned inconsistencies are indeed Editing flaws, then this book still Failed ~ big time. For the end result is that the author gave offense to the Genre and the Timeline; she has also insulted the reader. She failed to do her research, she failed to create an atmosphere conducive or relevant and fitting to her stated Timeline, as a result she failed as a storyteller for her devotion and/or dedication to her craft is now in question. One can always blame Poor editing or an excess in Creativity for the distorted Timeline; but I am not buying it, for I stopped reading at Chapter 4 irritated by the confusing setting from Present Day to Medieval then back again.
P.S. ~ Not for True Blue fans of Historical Romances.
P.S. ~ Not for True Blue fans of Historical Romances.
August 17, 2017
All the ingredients are there—a feisty protagonist, a handsome Laird, an odious fiancé—set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. From the start, I was captivated by Lady Sybilla and Laird Gus and found myself rooting for them, in spite of the less than favorable circumstances that brought them together. I read this book in one sitting...I simply couldn't put it down.
September 4, 2017
This was incredibly disappointing. I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't like it either. There was virtually no romantic build and a lot of voyeurism and self-shaming for having lusty thoughts. I was sure that there would be more done in the way of trying to alleviate the suffering of the clan, falling in love, discovering what's behind one another, but, sadly, there was so little of that that I was left wondering what exactly I read. I can see moments where Gus goes from lustful admiration to deeper affection for Sybilla but then there are moments where it's like she doesn't exist. For instance, the stop at the "inn" on the way to the highlands. Then from Sybilla's side it's more like fascination of a giant of a man who's so rugged that she can't help but be captivated and then she learns that he truly cares a great deal for his people. So yes, there's some good foundational pieces here to make a lasting romance, but it was jumbled in with forest craziness, dungeon craziness, witnessing infidelity, and other things that just didn't make me like anyone. Overall I struggled to finish this book and did only for the vague hope that things would improve. Even the romantic conclusion was rushed and unsatisfying. 1.5 stars rounded up. ARC from Hidden Gems.
September 6, 2017
Brilliant story set in Scotland in 1217. Gus, Lord Gunn, was Laird of Caithness Castle of the Highlands. Sybilla was a daughter of Lord Huntingdale, a Sassenach or English. She was betrothed to Eoin a young Lordling. She was kidnapped by Gus, who believed her to be a white witch spoken of by a soothsayer. He believed she could save his clan from the sickness that was killing them. This sets the scene.
The book is full of danger, suspense, twist, lust, a few sexy scenes, and love. Can Sybille save Gus’s clan? Will she be rescued by her betrothed? Will Gus be able to save his clan? Will Gus get Sybilla in the end? Grab the book and get ready to find all the answers.
This is the first book I have read of Elizabeth’s. I will be reading more of her work. She takes the plot and builds her characters around it to where the story becomes so real you fell like you are living it. I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
The book is full of danger, suspense, twist, lust, a few sexy scenes, and love. Can Sybille save Gus’s clan? Will she be rescued by her betrothed? Will Gus be able to save his clan? Will Gus get Sybilla in the end? Grab the book and get ready to find all the answers.
This is the first book I have read of Elizabeth’s. I will be reading more of her work. She takes the plot and builds her characters around it to where the story becomes so real you fell like you are living it. I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
September 1, 2017
This book has given me an amazing adventure in the medieval world of 1244 in the Scottish Highlands. The mystery, the romance, the challenging obstacles were totally engrossing and so very heartwarming. Laird Gus has traveled from Northern Scotland to the borderlands between the Scottish Lowlands and England. There is a plague running wild in his castle and he has come here in search of a white witch to banish the curse and save his people. Lady Sybilla appears to be the one Gus is looking for. So he kidnaps her and spirits her homeward. All the while, she insists she is not a witch and knows nothing of curses and spells. Outstanding in every way! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five Stars PLUS!
January 4, 2019
I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I am a sucker for a good romance and this was a really, really good romance! Sybilla is a sweet, intelligent English girl trying to make the best of her situation being betrothed to nasty, mean Eoin. Gus is a Scottish highlands laird trying to do right by his people, which involves kidnapping a purported witch. It doesn't sound like a natural match, but Sybilla and Gus are both truly good people and reading/watching them find each other and come to care for each other is wonderful. I just wish this book had a sequel, I wasn't ready for it to be over yet! Definitely a great historical romance.
I am a sucker for a good romance and this was a really, really good romance! Sybilla is a sweet, intelligent English girl trying to make the best of her situation being betrothed to nasty, mean Eoin. Gus is a Scottish highlands laird trying to do right by his people, which involves kidnapping a purported witch. It doesn't sound like a natural match, but Sybilla and Gus are both truly good people and reading/watching them find each other and come to care for each other is wonderful. I just wish this book had a sequel, I wasn't ready for it to be over yet! Definitely a great historical romance.
September 4, 2017
A quick read that draws you right in. A feisty Heroine that gets drawn into more than she is expecting. A brawny Hero that is trying to do the best for his people. I thought it was a good read with humor mixed in. Enjoyed the back and forth between the two main characters. Would read this author again. The only thing I wished was there was more at the end, just in the sense that wanted to see more of what happened with the different characters. It was a HFN with glimpse of HEA. I was lucky to get an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review.
September 5, 2017
Well written story. I missed some romance and that the characters gave into their feelings and thoughts. It took a few chapters to get into the story but it developed well and I like that the characters are so well described. It is a story that takes place in the 13th hundred and I think it is has a lot to be an amazing read. Sometimes the opportunities are not developed but I like the story and the characters. Some not expected twists and turns. The end could have been a bit less rushed. A nice read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 5, 2017
Took me a while to finish this one. I didn't care for Gus and Sybilla's relationship much. There would be hints of developing feelings and then nothing. The "friends house" that they stoo and stay at for the night just pissed me off. I had to stop reading for a bit. Eoin was just annoyingly spoiled and hateful.
I liked the story line and how it developed for the most part. The end just felt really rushed, like the author had to get to the conclusion as quick as possible.
I liked the story line and how it developed for the most part. The end just felt really rushed, like the author had to get to the conclusion as quick as possible.
September 2, 2017
This is a fun, sweet story with a lot of attention to detail. The author's writing style and use of dialogue really puts the reader in the middle of the action. Gus and Sybilla have a great chemistry and work together to solve the crisis in his clan. The story is well-crafted and captivating. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 22, 2018
Just ugh.
Well, I slogged through this plot of unending stream of consciousness. Sheesh. Add to my disappointment dialogue with too many current slang words to count. I give two stars rather than one because once in a while the dialogue was appropriate. Poor plot, poor dialogue, sophomoric behaviors - all too much for me to recommend.
Well, I slogged through this plot of unending stream of consciousness. Sheesh. Add to my disappointment dialogue with too many current slang words to count. I give two stars rather than one because once in a while the dialogue was appropriate. Poor plot, poor dialogue, sophomoric behaviors - all too much for me to recommend.
April 26, 2018
Hemlock and honey
I adored Sybille and admired Gus. Two persons meant to be together. I thought from the beginning the curse was due to a type of food poisoning. Promised in marriage to such a shallow cad I hoped for some one more suited and was pleased to find that Gus was just the man needed.
I adored Sybille and admired Gus. Two persons meant to be together. I thought from the beginning the curse was due to a type of food poisoning. Promised in marriage to such a shallow cad I hoped for some one more suited and was pleased to find that Gus was just the man needed.
January 10, 2019
Be ready to cry
An engaging story of an English maiden Kidnapped by a Highland Laird to save his people from an unknown plague. Some of the deaths are heart wrenching. The story needs to be edited one more time as spell check seems to have been trusted a little too much and some words just don’t fit the context.
An engaging story of an English maiden Kidnapped by a Highland Laird to save his people from an unknown plague. Some of the deaths are heart wrenching. The story needs to be edited one more time as spell check seems to have been trusted a little too much and some words just don’t fit the context.
August 31, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I got an ARC to review. Reading the first chapter, I was convinced I was going to hate it, but then I realized I had been reading for hours, and I couldn't put the book down. I was charmed by Sybilla and Gus <3
September 3, 2017
I loved this book ! It was a page turner. I laughed, cried, felt all kinds of emotions. It left me wanting more. It was a little spicy but just the right amount. Hopefully there will be a book "2". If you want a good weekend read pick this up. You won't regret it.
December 15, 2017
“Hemlock and Honey” is an enthusiastic story of love and adventure in 13th century Scotland.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 6, 2018
Highlander
This a new author with it being on Amazon for free . But after reading what the book was about it picked my interest. I don't like Room as he was a brute. I liked Gus even though he kidnapped Sybil he did it for the love of his people.
This a new author with it being on Amazon for free . But after reading what the book was about it picked my interest. I don't like Room as he was a brute. I liked Gus even though he kidnapped Sybil he did it for the love of his people.
June 16, 2018
Good story
Good enough to hold your interest till the end. However, the characters lacked depth. The bad guys were not evi,the good guy were not inspiring. The plot lacked coherence.
Good enough to hold your interest till the end. However, the characters lacked depth. The bad guys were not evi,the good guy were not inspiring. The plot lacked coherence.
June 19, 2018
Entertaining read.
4stars for Hemlock and Honey. It was a fast paced story with good characters. The read was fast paced and did not bog down. It did become predictable toward the end. All in all though a good read.
4stars for Hemlock and Honey. It was a fast paced story with good characters. The read was fast paced and did not bog down. It did become predictable toward the end. All in all though a good read.
July 22, 2018
Adequate run of the mill romance
The love scenes seemed forced. They didn't really flow from the plot. It was hard to get very involved with the characters. Numerous misuses of the English language (wonton instead of wanton sure gave me a chuckle).
The love scenes seemed forced. They didn't really flow from the plot. It was hard to get very involved with the characters. Numerous misuses of the English language (wonton instead of wanton sure gave me a chuckle).
June 27, 2019
A less than historically accurate bodice ripper type romance, nevertheless it taught me something new. I had never heard of the ailment, St. Anthony's Fire. It was an interesting side read which fully engrossed my curiosity.
March 19, 2022
Love is in the air
Sybilla was a free spirit and feared nothing! Gus was suspicious, and spied on her! This is a very interesting story and you must read it to find out! Can a highlander fall for a Sassenach woman?
Sybilla was a free spirit and feared nothing! Gus was suspicious, and spied on her! This is a very interesting story and you must read it to find out! Can a highlander fall for a Sassenach woman?
October 30, 2017
Hemlock and Honey
A good read, Gus is great and I loved the ending
"I Voluntarily state that this is my honest review of a gifted book"
A good read, Gus is great and I loved the ending
"I Voluntarily state that this is my honest review of a gifted book"
April 19, 2018
Highlander
Abducted and used to cure a curse. Fortunately knowledge is power and she had the knowledge that lead to the end of the curse. The curse was actually poisonous seeds.
Abducted and used to cure a curse. Fortunately knowledge is power and she had the knowledge that lead to the end of the curse. The curse was actually poisonous seeds.
April 21, 2018
Nice read
Good book for light reading. I have to admit that I felt the ending was a bit rushed but all-in-all 4 stars.
Good book for light reading. I have to admit that I felt the ending was a bit rushed but all-in-all 4 stars.
April 23, 2018
Great Story
A little riscay but entertaining and interesting.
Great reading for a mature reader.
Looking forward to more books by this author.
A little riscay but entertaining and interesting.
Great reading for a mature reader.
Looking forward to more books by this author.
April 27, 2018
. Delightful.
Well written with interesting subject matter. Characters caught your interest. Author made you feel many emotions and hope for a happy ending.
Well written with interesting subject matter. Characters caught your interest. Author made you feel many emotions and hope for a happy ending.
May 5, 2018
Mills n boon
3stars just as this was more mills and boon than anything. The curse was a tiny bit of the story. Quite wishy washy really.
3stars just as this was more mills and boon than anything. The curse was a tiny bit of the story. Quite wishy washy really.
June 3, 2018
Not good!
Only read this book if you don't mind constant modern Americanism in a story supposedly based in 13th century Scotland. Totally ridiculous. Aaah!!!
Only read this book if you don't mind constant modern Americanism in a story supposedly based in 13th century Scotland. Totally ridiculous. Aaah!!!
September 19, 2018
Great
Good story with good strong characters.An easy read book .Enjoyed it completely finished it in a day.A must read for sure
Good story with good strong characters.An easy read book .Enjoyed it completely finished it in a day.A must read for sure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews