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Guardians of the Stone #1.5
Once Upon a Highland Legend
Embark on a journey into magical Medieval Scotland, to a time when the shadowy Picts are in danger of vanishing from the Highland tapestry, and Scotland itself will arise a nation from the ashes of betrayal.
In the year 2014, American-born Annie Ross has gone through her entire life a bit lost. She's about to find herself lost in time as well—all the way back to 878 A.D.—where she will take her place as a guardian of the Stone of Destiny, and find a way to restore the faith of a powerful Highland chieftain. Her discovery in ancient Scotland will open her eyes to truths about love and lore, and once there, she has a difficult choice to make. Is she brave enough to change the course of destiny? Will she win Callum's heart?
Return to the origin of the legend of the Destiny Stone, to a time enshrouded in mystery and magic.
This novella was originally published as part of The Winter Stone anthology.
In the year 2014, American-born Annie Ross has gone through her entire life a bit lost. She's about to find herself lost in time as well—all the way back to 878 A.D.—where she will take her place as a guardian of the Stone of Destiny, and find a way to restore the faith of a powerful Highland chieftain. Her discovery in ancient Scotland will open her eyes to truths about love and lore, and once there, she has a difficult choice to make. Is she brave enough to change the course of destiny? Will she win Callum's heart?
Return to the origin of the legend of the Destiny Stone, to a time enshrouded in mystery and magic.
This novella was originally published as part of The Winter Stone anthology.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2014
1320 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Anne Crosby
152 books1,147 followersTanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 12, 2017
It was a novella, so not a lot of meat on the bone.
November 6, 2015
1.5 stars
This had the potential of becoming a very good book, it started quite well but sadly it lost its appeal more and more.
The "romance" put me off, it was too rushed and not credible and the characters didn't develop much during the story.
There were also discrepancies in the story: the heroine says her parents brought her along in their trips when she was 8 years old... but after she says she lost her dad when she was five years old...ehm... did her father came back as a ghost/vampire/zombie 3 years later to bring her to some trip?
This had the potential of becoming a very good book, it started quite well but sadly it lost its appeal more and more.
The "romance" put me off, it was too rushed and not credible and the characters didn't develop much during the story.
There were also discrepancies in the story: the heroine says her parents brought her along in their trips when she was 8 years old... but after she says she lost her dad when she was five years old...ehm... did her father came back as a ghost/vampire/zombie 3 years later to bring her to some trip?
December 3, 2015
DNF. Had potential originally but went quickly went down a slippery slope.
August 9, 2019
Dnf at 55%. Extremely hard to understand the writing which distracted from the story. I enjoyed the concept of the magical stones and conspirators amongst the clan, but aside from that I didn't enjoy enough about this book to keep attempting to read it. Besides when he hero claimed he would "wait to bed the wench until she begged him for it", I was at my limit of cares to give. Which is unfortunate because there are not enough good time travel books out there anymore that I haven't already read.
June 24, 2014
I like Highland books, so loved this one after reading book 1 had to read this one too.
February 5, 2016
A short story about time travel and Scottish history. Loved the details and romance in this short read.
Want to read
September 2, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/14/2020)! 🎁
October 3, 2019
A Better World
Annie Ross loves to track historical sites and search for truths. She comes to Scotland to visit her Scottish cousin and the place where her Dad was from. Having lost both parents where they were killed by a drunk driver she needed to connect with family. She wa searching for a magical stone her father had researched and written a paper on. This was supposed to be a precious relic of Scotland. She had no idea when she entered a store that a polished stone in a basket would seem to call to her. She was given the stone by the clerk and took it with her as she started exploring. She ate and got sleepy and when she woke it was 878 A D and everything was the same yet different. She heard the language and conversation of the tribesmen there and realized they were Picts. She had studied languages so it was easy for her. Callum the man that found her was suspicious of her from her speech, clothes, her forward attitude and his tribe was at odds with different tribes especially since his father the Chief had just been murdered.
In modern day there were questions of what happened to the Picts since there was no recorded history of where they went or what happened to them. Annie was enthralled with them and their story, but soon learned she was in serious danger of literary losing her head as a spy. Callum was instantly attracted to this beautiful strong aggressive woman especially since there were few women around and fewer still that he was attracted to.
This story causes you to think of what happened in the past with the Picts. Did they die of disease or die in battle or were they murdered. The Irish and English were their enemys. This was when Scotland was not an established country and they witnessed the devastation that happened to Wales and the invasion of the Vikings on their shores that they constantly fought. They were the first real people of Scotland but they were a small group unable to fight on so many fronts. Did they die out of were they gradually integrated with the rest of the nationalities? A good question to ponder.
Annie Ross loves to track historical sites and search for truths. She comes to Scotland to visit her Scottish cousin and the place where her Dad was from. Having lost both parents where they were killed by a drunk driver she needed to connect with family. She wa searching for a magical stone her father had researched and written a paper on. This was supposed to be a precious relic of Scotland. She had no idea when she entered a store that a polished stone in a basket would seem to call to her. She was given the stone by the clerk and took it with her as she started exploring. She ate and got sleepy and when she woke it was 878 A D and everything was the same yet different. She heard the language and conversation of the tribesmen there and realized they were Picts. She had studied languages so it was easy for her. Callum the man that found her was suspicious of her from her speech, clothes, her forward attitude and his tribe was at odds with different tribes especially since his father the Chief had just been murdered.
In modern day there were questions of what happened to the Picts since there was no recorded history of where they went or what happened to them. Annie was enthralled with them and their story, but soon learned she was in serious danger of literary losing her head as a spy. Callum was instantly attracted to this beautiful strong aggressive woman especially since there were few women around and fewer still that he was attracted to.
This story causes you to think of what happened in the past with the Picts. Did they die of disease or die in battle or were they murdered. The Irish and English were their enemys. This was when Scotland was not an established country and they witnessed the devastation that happened to Wales and the invasion of the Vikings on their shores that they constantly fought. They were the first real people of Scotland but they were a small group unable to fight on so many fronts. Did they die out of were they gradually integrated with the rest of the nationalities? A good question to ponder.
May 5, 2024
This book is sometimes listed as book five in the series and sometimes as a prequel. I would say it’s more a prequel with elements of time travel. I usually avoid time travel romances, because I don’t think I will enjoy them but this one in particular is part of a series I enjoyed so I gave it a shot. It’s probably closer to a novella than a full story, being about 150 pages. I think the length, and how quickly the story moved made it even harder for me to get into the time travel romance, or invested in either of the MCs or even the plot. It was a nice story, and most of that feeling probably came from having read the main series. I think if you were to skip this you wouldn’t miss much in the main series.
June 12, 2019
Once Upon a Highland Legend
When Annie went into a shop she admired some crystals in a basket. The old woman shop keeper told her the one was not for sale. It was changing colors and was beautiful. The woman told Annie that she could have it because it seemed to have picked her. Annie climbed some steep hill is looking for caves and the stone of destiny. Annie rested for awhile then woke in the year 878. There she met Callum. She and he fell in love with each other. When Annie overhead a plan to kill Callum. When all was done the old woman from the future showed up and Fergus was found guilty.
When Annie went into a shop she admired some crystals in a basket. The old woman shop keeper told her the one was not for sale. It was changing colors and was beautiful. The woman told Annie that she could have it because it seemed to have picked her. Annie climbed some steep hill is looking for caves and the stone of destiny. Annie rested for awhile then woke in the year 878. There she met Callum. She and he fell in love with each other. When Annie overhead a plan to kill Callum. When all was done the old woman from the future showed up and Fergus was found guilty.
September 30, 2020
This is a quick story about Annie and Callum.
Annie is a Keeper. She finds a stone that is magical, it transports her back to ancient Scotland, where she meets Callum. He's burying his dad. From that moment on Callum is enchanted by this woman. She is looking for a stone to help her return home to her time. Only he doesn't know that. All he knows is that he doesn't want her to leave him and he'll do anything to keep her in his bed and life.
It was okay. I felt rushed a bit with it all, especially the end. It was like got to finish this up NOW! I think a few more pages, a few more details and it could have been a better story.
Love Highlander books.
Annie is a Keeper. She finds a stone that is magical, it transports her back to ancient Scotland, where she meets Callum. He's burying his dad. From that moment on Callum is enchanted by this woman. She is looking for a stone to help her return home to her time. Only he doesn't know that. All he knows is that he doesn't want her to leave him and he'll do anything to keep her in his bed and life.
It was okay. I felt rushed a bit with it all, especially the end. It was like got to finish this up NOW! I think a few more pages, a few more details and it could have been a better story.
Love Highlander books.
August 25, 2018
Annie and Callum
Annie is a 21st century archeologist who, along with her deceased father, has been searching in Scotland for a special guardian stone.
Callum is a 9th century clan leader who is trying to find a permanent place for his people to live.
Somehow, Annie is transported to 9th century Scotland and into the arms of Callum. Will she find the stone she’s been seeking and get back to her own time or will her love for Callum keep her in his time?
Love, action, betrayal, and a sassy heroine make for a wonderful story.
Annie is a 21st century archeologist who, along with her deceased father, has been searching in Scotland for a special guardian stone.
Callum is a 9th century clan leader who is trying to find a permanent place for his people to live.
Somehow, Annie is transported to 9th century Scotland and into the arms of Callum. Will she find the stone she’s been seeking and get back to her own time or will her love for Callum keep her in his time?
Love, action, betrayal, and a sassy heroine make for a wonderful story.
January 18, 2020
This well-written and researched time-travel Highland romance sends scientific-minded Anna back to the 800's with a special crystal to solve a mystery of a lost Scottish clan and a hidden stone. A short and intense novella, Anna only has a certain time before finding her way home in the present when her travel crystal disappears. Callum, a Highlander, who discovered her, soon forms an attachment protecting her during her captivity by the clan until Beira comes for a trial on her future. Interesting, especially for history buffs, who enjoy facts surrounded by mystery and romance.
February 4, 2020
Annie Ross who is living in the 21st century is magically transported back to Scotland to the 800's where civilisation is primitive but the earth is still unmarked by humans. Annie is taken captive by Callum and his people who thinks she is spy for their enemy. While waiting for the right opportunity to go back to her time, Annie and Callum grow close. Great fun novella that transports the reader to a magical time in the Highlands of Scotland and keeps you glued to the page from start to finish! Great start to a series.
May 15, 2018
Fantastic
Tanya Anne Crosby is an artist who has the ability to weave a beautiful tale. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time? Tanya allows you to journey to far away lands in time through her wonderful stories. This book is full of lively characters, humor, ancient magic, and tales as old as time. A Happily Ever After. All Tanya Anne Crosby books are keepers that I love to read and read over and over again.
Tanya Anne Crosby is an artist who has the ability to weave a beautiful tale. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time? Tanya allows you to journey to far away lands in time through her wonderful stories. This book is full of lively characters, humor, ancient magic, and tales as old as time. A Happily Ever After. All Tanya Anne Crosby books are keepers that I love to read and read over and over again.
November 25, 2020
Second reading/listening SPOILER ALERT!
I had read both books 1 & 2 in this series, however I had to come back and regroup to make sure of something that 'niggled' at my recollection!
Una is in both books!!
I have also been able to tie this series to the series of the HIGHLAND BRIDES by this same author!!!
I LOVE YOU 💖 Tanya Anne Crosby!!!
Please keep up the clans and the stone!!
I had read both books 1 & 2 in this series, however I had to come back and regroup to make sure of something that 'niggled' at my recollection!
Una is in both books!!
I have also been able to tie this series to the series of the HIGHLAND BRIDES by this same author!!!
I LOVE YOU 💖 Tanya Anne Crosby!!!
Please keep up the clans and the stone!!
September 10, 2017
This book was a quick read. Annie visits relatives in Scotland and explores local ruins. She falls asleep and wakes up in the past with a highlander, Callum carrying her to his clan. Love came unsuspecting to both of them and she has a big decision to make...should she return to present time or stay with Callum.
March 29, 2020
Entertaining read.
I enjoyed the story. Short, entertaining read. I like the author's use of Gaelic throughout the series of books. To me, that shows a true respect for the people and the history of Scotland. I would recommend it for those days that you want something light and easy to read.
I enjoyed the story. Short, entertaining read. I like the author's use of Gaelic throughout the series of books. To me, that shows a true respect for the people and the history of Scotland. I would recommend it for those days that you want something light and easy to read.
October 9, 2021
Light read for teens
I found this book somewhat disappointing, it will serve for a light read but it did not capture me in the story at all. The plot and how it evolved seemed superficial, without deeper character development. It was not bad but I know I will not remember it either.
I found this book somewhat disappointing, it will serve for a light read but it did not capture me in the story at all. The plot and how it evolved seemed superficial, without deeper character development. It was not bad but I know I will not remember it either.
March 10, 2025
Storylines….
From the first line to the end you are hooked. Again Tanya keeps you at the front of your seat so immersed in the story that you feel like you are there witnessing the story… Cannot wait for the next series of Miss Crosby I will read. 8 books this week and cannot wait to start 9. Thank you for your heart and thought that’s goes into your stories…
Diana Boucher
From the first line to the end you are hooked. Again Tanya keeps you at the front of your seat so immersed in the story that you feel like you are there witnessing the story… Cannot wait for the next series of Miss Crosby I will read. 8 books this week and cannot wait to start 9. Thank you for your heart and thought that’s goes into your stories…
Diana Boucher
November 6, 2019
An interesting read
I liked this book, thought it a 3.5, so I rounded it up to 4. At times it seemed too fast and I struggled to keep up. Partly I think due to my background not being strong enough for the plot. I hope the next book goes better.
I liked this book, thought it a 3.5, so I rounded it up to 4. At times it seemed too fast and I struggled to keep up. Partly I think due to my background not being strong enough for the plot. I hope the next book goes better.
January 7, 2021
2.5*
La historia de amor de la protagonista de Collum no me ha convencido: todo pasa demasiado rápido. No tiene mucha profundidad en cuanto a la trama y todo parece ir “demasiado” bien. Personalmente, me encantan las historias de highlanders, pero esta me ha pasado desapercibida.
La historia de amor de la protagonista de Collum no me ha convencido: todo pasa demasiado rápido. No tiene mucha profundidad en cuanto a la trama y todo parece ir “demasiado” bien. Personalmente, me encantan las historias de highlanders, pero esta me ha pasado desapercibida.
April 15, 2021
Disappointed
I LOVE Tanya and enjoy her books immensely, but this one was a let down. Too many historical liberties were taken. It’s hard to buy that the Pechts and Scots in the 9th century had tartans, and some of the language used by the Pechts was entirely too modern.
I LOVE Tanya and enjoy her books immensely, but this one was a let down. Too many historical liberties were taken. It’s hard to buy that the Pechts and Scots in the 9th century had tartans, and some of the language used by the Pechts was entirely too modern.
May 5, 2021
Lovely story.
I liked how Annie was so undecided about how she felt about herself among her cousin and friends, but when traveled back, she was strong minded, spoke up for herself, and did not back down. She was meant to be with Callum. Great story.
I liked how Annie was so undecided about how she felt about herself among her cousin and friends, but when traveled back, she was strong minded, spoke up for herself, and did not back down. She was meant to be with Callum. Great story.
December 2, 2023
Excellent series by Tanya Anne Crosby.
Each one of the books in this series brings another part of Scotland folklore to light. Enjoyable tales of Kings, war and magic all together.
Each one of the books in this series brings another part of Scotland folklore to light. Enjoyable tales of Kings, war and magic all together.
November 13, 2024
Love this time travel book!
I was waiting for Tanya Crosby to finally write a time travel in her Gardians books and this one was perfect! I really love the time travel novels and was so happy to see this one and it didn't dissapoint! So full of suspense, excitement and love.
I was waiting for Tanya Crosby to finally write a time travel in her Gardians books and this one was perfect! I really love the time travel novels and was so happy to see this one and it didn't dissapoint! So full of suspense, excitement and love.
January 1, 2018
This appears to the a prelude book to the Gardians of the Stone series. A good book in itself leaving a warm fuzzy feeling inside at the end.
May 14, 2018
Almost...
Someday someone will find a way to write the time travel romance where there is travel forwArd in time and maybe back and forth till then ....
Someday someone will find a way to write the time travel romance where there is travel forwArd in time and maybe back and forth till then ....
March 21, 2019
More like a novella? It was very fast, not a huge thinker.
ETA: I see now this is marketed as a novella, however on Kindle it's not. It's also listed as the first book there.
ETA: I see now this is marketed as a novella, however on Kindle it's not. It's also listed as the first book there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews