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The MacCallens and Randalls #1

Secrets of the Heart

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Widowed clan chief Connor MacCallen prays fervently for a loving wife and children, as well as peace for his clan. As blessed as they are with abundant crops and cattle, they are threatened by the generations' old feud with the Randalls. Connor must find a way to stop the feud from turning into war.

Ostracized at the age of nine as the daughter of a drunkard and thief, Onnleigh has lived a lonely existence. With no friends and no hope of having a family of her own, she has resigned herself to a bleak future. Until one day when one of her clansmen starts to visit. She learns too late that he is neither a man of honor nor integrity, nor one who should be trusted.

Connor doesn’t put any faith in wishing wells, fairies or ghosts. But to appease his grandminny, he makes a very special for a loving wife, children, and peace for the MacCallens.

When Onnleigh overhears Connor’s wish, she makes the most difficult decision of her life. As poor as a church mouse and uneducated, she can’t give him peace. But there is one thing she can give him.

Will Connor be able to stop the violence before it destroys all that he values? Will he find someone to love again? And will Onnleigh ever find a place to call home?

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2018

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About the author

Suzan Tisdale

88 books664 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
257 (48%)
4 stars
172 (32%)
3 stars
68 (12%)
2 stars
21 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Zubee.
668 reviews33 followers
January 7, 2019
3 stars rounded off for this clean Highland historical romance
H is laird of his clan while h is a poor orphan whose father is a thief and drunkard. She has been ostracised all her life and is seduced by a married man who pretends to be kind
She has a baby and unable to look after the little girl and provide for her she leaves her daughter in the church where the H finds her and adopts the child.
h follows and is hired by H to be the childs nanny; he knows that h is the baby's mother
We have a nasty villain; the H's former MIL and a wannabe OW who we later find to be bullied by her mother; she is married to the laird of the neighboring clan (another OW who is rewarded)
This is basically a feel good story about a knight in shining armor and a damsel in distress and one of the nastiest villains I have seen in quite some time - she also got rewarded; she will live in a monastery as a servant; no idea what mischief she will cook up there ...
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,279 reviews38 followers
November 12, 2019
As soon as I read the kind of life Onnleigh has had so far, I wanted to hug her and adopt her and give her everything she never had growing up!! All because of her horrible father:( I loved this story, it really had my emotions at an all time high and I literally could not put the book down until I had finished it. Suzan Tisdale sure knows how to write them!!

Connor is so perfect for Onnleigh and I love how they get to know each other before declaring their love. I also love how he gives her the confidence to show the world who she really is, a lovely, bright and loving woman who is nothing at all like her father. This story includes a beautiful baby girl, a villain like no other, some twists and turns, as well as pure all encompassing love.

Now I can't wait to read Margaret and Aiden's story.....

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
44 reviews
December 30, 2018
I loved this extended version of Connor & Onnleigh's story. I like a little more "heat" in my stories but it seemed to fit for this one. It keeps you pulled in till before you know you are done. I am also pleased it is the beginning of a new series. Susan Tisdale is a very talented writer and knows how to spin a tale into an exciting adventure. Once you start her books you will look for now on for more.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,394 reviews324 followers
January 10, 2019
4.5/5.0

There are few authors whose writing voice I enjoy more that Ms. Tisdale’s. It is as smooth as her favorite whiskey and the stories always include everything one is looking for in a great Scottish romance. This story is no different.

Onnleigh is an incredibly misunderstood but sympathetic character. The emotion contained in her life and actions alone are enough to bring tears to a reader’s eyes. Conner is a kind and campassionate man who has also seen much loss in his life but still yearns and works for peace and happiness. The villain in this story did stretch the believability factor a bit as was the Randall marriage at the end. I can’t imagine a good Laird putting his entire clan at risk by allowing someone so untried and untrustworthy to be his bride...

Still, there is little else not absolutely perfect in this scrumptious tale!
Profile Image for SKM.
135 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2018
Loved this book! I generally love all of Suzan Tisdale's books and this one is no exception. The characters grab your heart and won't let go. The two main characters have not had it easy: losing a wife and newborn child and living with a drunkard father then having a child without a husband; however, they find the ability to love totally and completely.

Our heroine hears our hero make a wish and decides to make part of his wish come true, at a tremendous cost to herself. When she decides she can't live with her decision, the characters meet and the caring followed by love the two feel for one another makes this a story I couldn't put down.

This is a clean read but does have mild violence.

Overall, it was an amazing story and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Pam James.
946 reviews21 followers
September 27, 2019
I can't get enough.

Love these books by Susan Tisdale. I just can not stop reading them. They have historical adventure and intrigue. From a True Fan... Pam James.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book124 followers
December 9, 2019
Excellent Beginning and Couple; End Not Wholly Related

I will admit that I am rarely drawn so quickly into a story, but this one pulled me right in and kept my attention when I should have been doing other things. The poor heroine has led a miserable existence because of her drunken thieving father. Others in the clan are quick to tar her with the same brush. She is vulnerable and falls victim to a man who pays her attention and says sweet words. But his only interest in her is carnal, although his lies claim otherwise. A year later, the heroine having giving birth to the man's child, the hero of the story makes a wish with his grandmother a special well for a loving wife, a child, and peace for his clan. Little does he know that so many things are about to change.

This book really had me up until the halfway point or so. The heroine’s story and her being shunned and maltreated kept my interest. And I absolutely adored the hero, Connor. He is truly a decent and caring man who had gone through his own difficulties in losing his wife and child. He is never anything but kind and understanding toward the heroine, and I just adored that. However, though, things did get a little weird after the middle point in the book, unfortunately. The entire climax of the novel had not been clearly set up earlier. We knew some of Helen's evil and what a lying jerk Darwud was, but no clue was truly given the extent of what they would go for or what their plans might be. So while I adored the love story of the hero and heroine (and their characters), I did not think that the climax of the story had anything, truly, to do with that. The climax of any novel must flow from the characters and the plot, but this one didn't. The first part is so enjoyable, though, that I would recommend it even if the last parts of the novel were a disappointment.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Magdalana Conin.
220 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2019
Great story

This was a sweet but sad story, I found myself crying a lot at the was the female lead character was treated and the life she'd had to lead. But the male lead character was so sweet and kind I was glad that they found each other. I would have liked the story to have gone on longer with more interaction between the couple but it was a nice story anyway.
53 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2019
Secrets tend to unfold over time!

Excellent!. You go girl! You nailed it again! I'm a big fan of your Scottish tales and I have recommended your works to my friends. Keep the fire burning...Woweee.....
846 reviews
January 2, 2019
I liked it. I'm interested in what's going on with M and the Randalls hopefully in the next book.
Profile Image for Diana Boucher.
6 reviews
November 14, 2019
Great book

Great series highly recommend.. from the start to the end it kept you wanted to continue reading.. one of favorite authors.
128 reviews
January 25, 2019
The Forgotten Child

She was a child forgotten by a cruel world left to starve and survive in spite of her drunken sot of a father. Left to her own devises to find food for herself and comes in contact with the evil Helen. She could never have imagined how this female devil would play a part in her future.
Wishing for a happy, secure and safe future for her daughter in the Old Wishing Well changes both of their lives. Being seen by the Laird's brother is a good thing for them when the question of the identity of the baby is in question by the Laird. He is smitten with her soon after coming to know her sweet and honest personality. He just has to convince her she is a person worthy of his love.
Enter again the evil Helen and her daughter Margarite. While Laird Conner is away on a Peace Treaty mission; Helen has devised a plan to get rid of Onnleigh once and for all. She has arranged with an old enemy of Onnleighs to lure away all the men that were left behind to protect her. She then convinces a portion of the Clan that Onnleigh is a witch by using fear as her tools. Onnleigh and her best friend are the put to the stake and the fires lit as Conner and his brother race to the Castle to stop this travesty against the women they love.
Profile Image for Annette.
276 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2019
It deserved to be abook

Have you ever read novellas or anthologies where the story seems too short? Well, this was one of them. It always felt like it was over too soon and we missed out on much. Now we have it! Thank you, Suzan!
I have the original story and so happy she came out with a longer version!
Profile Image for Siv.
373 reviews
February 10, 2019
Could not put this book down, so I stayed up half the night- just had to finish reading☺️😊 I love Suzan Tisdales books💕💖💕💖, and hopefully she will publish the next book in this series very soon
577 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2019
Loved

Loved, loved, loved reading this book! Suzan Tisdale I can’t wait to read the others in this series. The main people in the book are Conner MacCallen and Onnleigh Grueber. Onnleigh’s father was a thief, drunkard and lazy. They lived outside of the keep so Onnleigh never had friends. There are different events taking place that this book should be read. It has the good, bad and very bad people!!
HAPPY READING
Profile Image for Cathy Coyle.
15 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2019
A sweet story

Susan Tisdale writes a sweet lovely story of a young woman who learns to stand up for herself. I thoroughly enjoyed this little story. It will pull at you heart and keeps you cheering on the hero and heron's HEA. Can't wait for the next chapter of this new series.
Profile Image for Scott Sillars.
220 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2019
Intense

Very emotionally intense throughout the entire story
Also evil personified
I would highly recommend this story
I have read many of this author's stories
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,851 reviews47 followers
January 10, 2019
This story truly brings out all the feels . Onnleigh is an outcast all because of her father , the daughter of a thief and a drunk . She has been living alone with out friends . Until the day a man cam to charm her but he was not noble all he wanted was a cad . She didn't know what to do until the day she over hears the wish that Connor's wish at the wishing well with his grandma . She does something that will ever changer their lives forever . But like all great love stories there are those that will do every thing to keep them apart . Will Conner and Onnleigh get their happily ever after
I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this story , Onnleigh is such a sweet woman . She has been through so much in her young life . You really want to wrap her up in a blanket and hug her, telling her that everything will be ok . She is sweet and kind and a little bit naïve in ways of men and what a family is suppose to be like . As you read into the story with the help of others in the clan you see her grow a back bone and start to blossom under both Conner's love and the love of his family. Conner is a sweet man who has had a lot of hurt in his life . He his chieftain of his clan and wants peace . He is strong and oh so sexy but he does have a heart of gold . He brings out naughty thoughts . Trust me when you meet him you will swoon. I love these two characters together . He pulls the best out of Onnleigh and she brings out his soft and protective side .
I sat down and started reading this book I was instantly hooked . You are transported back in time to the highlands of Scotland , where men are kilted and real men . Women are strong and don't let anyone push them around . This is a sweet story that does have some violence but I will say you will be screaming at your kindle towards the end . I also cried ugly tears and giggled my way through this book . The authors way of writing will suck you in and keep you reading until the book is done . Some may call this a clean read but it doesn't take away from the love that you can feel coming off the pages for Conner and Onnleigh . Can't wait to read book 2 in the series . So if you want a sweet read add this one to your winter book challenge . You will not be disappointed in the least
Profile Image for Nostalgic .
209 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2019
Beautiful

This story was beautiful, full of love and sorrow. The heroine had me in tears, when hearing her story. I fell in love with the soft hearted hero and his brothers. Overall it was a good clean read!
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,667 reviews23 followers
January 15, 2019
Very exciting!

A lovely story that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Lots of twists but of course, we have a happy ending! But oh, how they get there! Don't miss this one! I'm looking forward to more in this series! Great read!
Profile Image for Yolanda.
247 reviews
January 3, 2019
This is a wonderfully written story that totally tugged at my heart. I found it emotional and heartbreaking in parts. Onnleigh has led a lonely existence just because she is the daughter of a drunkard and a thief. Connor MacCallen is chief of his clan and after losing his wife and babe years ago wishes for a wife, child and peace for his clan at the wishing well with his grandminny. Onnleigh overhears his wish and makes the most difficult decision of her life. This decision ends up bringing the two of them together however all does not go as wonderfully as we would want. Unfortunately there are always cruel and selfish people in the mix and there are are some fairly heartbreaking scenes in the story. I fell in love with both Onnleigh and Connor right from the moment I met each of them. They are both honorable and inspiring and I wanted the best for each of them. My heart went out to Onnleigh and I just wanted to take her my arms and protect her from all the cruelty she had to endure. Suzan Tisdale obviously did a wonderful job in evoking emotions with her writing because I certainly went through plenty of them reading this one! This is definitely a book well worth reading. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series…I just hope we won’t have to wait too long for it’s release!
2 reviews
January 14, 2019
Susan Tisdale is generally one of my favorite authors, but.......

we’re I to recommend her works to others, it would not be this book. I was truly disappointed in the character development and story line. Is it possible this is an early work that was released as new?
1 review
January 31, 2019
Love the book cannot wait for next i hope it's Margaret story
Profile Image for Laura Simmons.
Author 28 books282 followers
January 13, 2019
Wonderful story, I loved it! This was a sweet story with great characters. Not a dull moment with this story. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in this series to see what happens with the arranged marriage of Aidan and Margaret.
2 reviews
March 5, 2019

Wonderful story. I cried. It was so emotional, the heroines plight. Wish men are like Connor. He is really so unbelievably lovely man.
Profile Image for Gigi.
582 reviews
September 3, 2019
I rather enjoyed this read!

‘Secrets of the Heart,’ was an incredibly heartwarming read. Onnleigh and Connor’s story was quite beautiful. The strength and courage these two characters displayed was inspiring... as was their warm and loving hearts.
8 reviews
May 5, 2019
Good book

This was a good story from beginning to end. I have read other books written by Susan and have enjoyed them also.
Profile Image for Lilybelle Lau.
43 reviews
April 30, 2019
Heartwarming!

Miss Tisdale has powerfully written this story about a young woman who was ill-treated by her own father and most of the people in the village she was dwelling, in fact half hiding;.until fates smiled upon her when she met someone who
loved her. This is a heartwarming story I would recommend to historical romance lovers .
Profile Image for Anissa.
271 reviews
February 11, 2020
This is my first book from Suzan Tisdale. I own quite a few but they have lingered on my TBR pile...NO MORE! I fell in love with Connor and Onnleigh. Onnleigh is the daughter of the clan's drunk and thief. She lost her mother at the tender age of 5 and by the age of 9 she has been ignored, neglected and sorely abused. That is so heartbreaking! She keeps to herself and stays away from a the people of her clan. After another brutal betrayal she finds herself with child and soon her father dies. Alone and so very scared she makes a decision that will affect many lives.
Connor still mourning the death of his wife and newborn son (4 months before) takes his grandmother to a wishing well. There he wishes for a wife, children and peace for his clan. With all the evils within his clan and outside his walls, Conor finds just what he wished for. Now he has to fight for his life and those he loves to make sure those wishes stay true! Heartwarming tale about looking within to find the love in others...Oh and a few very nasty villains! A very fast read. One I couldn't put down!! Cannot wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for H.S. Stavropoulos.
Author 1 book5 followers
June 11, 2019
Loved this book. Rich characters. Wonderful setting. A hero who has lost his wife and child, but been part of his clan and a loving family. A heroine who has not known love, or kindness, and been an outcast from her clan all her life. The evil person set on destroying them. My heart ached for these characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews