Four bestselling Scottish romance authors take you on an epic journey…From within the soul of a special stone, the embodiment of the heart of Scotland, a protector is selected. A woman with a pure heart and the ferocity of a warrior is called to the fairy pools on the Isle of Skye upon the death of the previous protector. However, nature has a way of balancing itself, and so with each call to a … balancing itself, and so with each call to a Protector comes the call of an evil force, set on using the stone for their own purpose. These are the stories of the Protectors of the Heart of Scotland, the stone they seek to keep safe and the love that strengthens and emboldens them.
The Highlander’s Quest by Eliza Knight
Her mission was to protect the young boy king. He’s uncovered a plot to destroy Scotland. Together, they must fight a powerful enemy who hides behind a traitorous veil of secrecy…
Cassandra by Madeline Martin
Together their power is brilliant. But when destiny rivals the safety of family and the whole of Scotland hangs in the balance, can their love survive the required sacrifice?
The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca
Two bitter enemies. One sacred vow. Will the passion that flares between them consume everything they love?
The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey
To protect Scotland, she must eliminate her greatest enemy. But when the challenge begins, will he forgive her for destroying his family?
more
Loved all 4 books in this series, some more than others but as a group it was an exciting read.
I received this book as an ARC and was not surprised when it was as good as I expected. They are 4 separate stories about the same topic, Protectors of the Stone. Although they are about the same topic, they are all very different and very enjoyable. Each author got you caught up in their stories and keep you till you were finished and then you were ready for the next one. This is a great way to try 4 different authors. They are all brilliant authors and the story had just enough magic to make it enjoyable but not too much if you don’t like mystical stories. This reviewer as usual skipped the sex scenes and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the books. I would highly recommend these books.
I received this book for an honest review. I really enjoyed it. I read a lot of Madeline Martin, so I was really looking forward to her story! What I found was three other authors that have the same type of writing style, so the stories flowed smoothly. I felt like this was a true “girl power” book and it just gave me a warm glow when finished! BUy this book now!
The Highlanders Quest.
By Eliza Knight.
Scotland has a new, but very young King. The job of protecting him and his regent will take very special guards. Lady Julia Sutherland was trained by her mother and will now take her place as a royal guard.
Sir Alistair Campbell knows that there is something off about a person close to the young king but has no proof.
An exciting and slightly magical story full of adventure and wonderful characters.
I loved it.
*********************************
Cassandra,
By Madeline Martin.
Cassandra Thomas has been under pressure all her life. It is known she will one day be the protector of the stone of Scotland but the special powers she will need have never surfaced. Her brother has taught her the physical side but the magic must come automatically.
Sir Fergus the Undefeated works for a very unscrupulous king. The king has used the special talents Fergus has for years, now the stone is within reach Sir Fergus must fetch it and the new protector.
A very difficult and dangerous journey is ahead of our protagonists. Magic and mayhem, truth and lies, all have to be discovered. Can they both survive???
*********************************
The Protector’s Promise,
By Cecelia Mecca.
William (Court) Thornhurst, the Lord if Camburg is supposed to be preparing for battle, but for some reason he has been drawn up to the Isle of Skye.
Lady Marion Rosehaugh knows she is the new protector of the stone and is on her way to collect it.
Both our protagonists have special abilities, but only one of them knows the power of the stone and what it means.
Someone has evil intentions. Will our heroine be able to stop war from breaking out.???
Interesting characters.
********************************
The Highland Guard and His Lady,
By Lori Ann Bailey.
Captain Duncan Douglas is bodyguard to the young prince of Scotland. A young woman is attracting his attention and diverting him from his duties. Is she a threat to the prince??
Leslee MacKinnon has gone to the Scottish court of Queen Mary to translate some books. She has a special talent that she tries to hide from everyone. When she discovers who the person is that she must protect the stone from, she realises she should leave as soon as possible.
This is an entertaining story, different from the others in this box. Our brave heroine needs to stay out if the political minefield she is suddenly in the middle of.
Will our hero be strong enough to save Scotland ???
********************************
Over all a very entertaining set.
This is a book of novellas by some terrific authors.
I have read most of the Highlander’s series by Eliza Knight, and this novella, ‘The Highlander’s Quest’, is a perfect fit in those stories, as well as this collection. Julia is a young woman who has the skills of a warrior, passed down to her by her mother, a Lady Sutherland. Julia’s mother was the personal guard, and half sister to the previous king. When Julia is sent to guard the new king, the five year old son of Robert the Bruce, she becomes his protector. Julia is introduced to one of the guards in his service, Alistair, and the sparks fly!
Great story with an interesting, but unusual twist that makes it all the more entertaining.
The novellas in this Scottish romance collection are entertaining and colorful, perfect for an afternoon or two.
Ladies of the Stone has 4 books by different authors.
This is a great way to be introduced to new authors along with having a great box set.
The books that you get in the great set are:
Cassandra by Madeline Martin
The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca
The Highlander’s Quest by Eliza Knight
The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey
The stories go through the women protector that is selected to protect the special stone, the embodiment of the heart of Scotland.
These books along with having romance they bring you into their world of adventures.
Really enjoyed these books!!
This was a really fun anthology – four novellas centered around the legend of the Heart of Scotland, a mythical stone that holds the soul of Scotland and the ladies chosen to protect it. The basic gist of the stories is that the Heart of Scotland must be protected, if it falls into the wrong hands, Scotland will suffer. Each time a protector dies, the stone returns to the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye and is guarded by the priestess, until the new protector arrives. Every protector has a mark, a small dagger on their hip, they also have a special power, that usually intensifies after they take possession of the stone. For each protector there is a nemesis, who also has a mark on their hip and a power – each protector will have to fight to keep the stone safe – classic good vs evil.
The Highlander’s Quest by Eliza Knight – 4 stars – The daughter of Julianna and Ronan Sutherland, Julia Sutherland, is called to be the new protector of King David II, the boy king of Scotland. She doesn’t want to leave her mother, who is recovering from poisoning, but duty comes first. She goes to Dunfermline Palace to report to the Earl of Moray, the young king’s regent. When she arrives she is stopped by Alistair Campbell, Moray’s personal guard. It is definitely not a case of love at first sight! When the young king is kidnapped, Julia will be drawn to the pools and will have to choose between duty to her king or let the stone fall into the hands of a villain. Julia and Alistair will have to work together to save both the king and the stone. Nice story, lots of action, steamy love scenes and a HEA.
Cassandra by Madeline Martin – 5 stars – Cassandra Thomas is the most recent youngest daughter born to the line of Beaumont women – the youngest daughter of this line is always born with a gift/power, at her birth her grandmother predicts that not only will Cassandra have a powerful connection to the earth, but she will also be called upon as a protector of the stone. Cassandra feels the burden of expectation her entire life and feels like a disappointment to her family, when at the ripe old age of 20 she has shown no real evidence of her gift. But all that changes when the mark of the protector appears on her hip and she is drawn to the pools on Skye. Fergus needs the stone, his king is holding his son captive, a son Fergus has never seen and will not release him until Fergus delivers the Heart of Scotland AND the protector. Cassandra and Fergus meet when they both arrive at the pool – Fergus bests her and takes the stone. Cassandra follows him – which suits his purposes. Along the way to the king, Cassandra will come into her powers and Fergus will help her learn to harness her gift. They will fall in love, but will he be willing to save her at the cost of his son? This was the most “magical” of the novellas, it had some anguish, steamy love scenes, action and a seemingly impossible HEA.
The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca – 4 stars – William “Court” Thornhurst, an Englishman and seneschal of Camburg Castle is drawn to the pools on Skye and the stone as is Lady Marion of Ormonde. Court get the stone and is pursued by Marion. Marion is the protector, she has anticipated and trained for this her entire life – there is no way she is going to let Court keep the stone. When she confronts him, he takes her captive, he will not give her the stone, he doesn’t know why, but he knows the stone will help him win his heart’s desire. Marion isn’t giving up – she will get the stone. As they travel, they are attracted to one another, but they are enemies and resist the pull. Marion wears down Court and he promises to give her the stone after he completes his mission. Marion must convince him that his mission will destroy the truce between their countries and that he doesn’t need the lands and title he craves to be worthy. This was a sweet story, with steamy love scenes, a bit of angst and very interesting ending.
The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey – 4.5 stars – Leslee MacKinnon is the current protector of the stone, she has an unusual gift, she can “read” objects, she can see visions of the past and can feel the objects owners feelings. She is at Holyrood Place to translate an ancient text for the Queen. She meets Duncan Douglas, captain of the guard, when she tries to enter the queen’s apartments. Duncan is immediately drawn to her and feels oddly protective of her. Duncan is the distant cousin to Lord Darnley, the Queen’s consort, the father of the prince and Duncan’s only living family. They both feel the attraction, but she knows nothing will come from it – she will return to Skye and he is needed at the castle. They grow closer and Leslee trusts him with her secrets, which he seems to accept without question. But when Leslee’s nemesis tries to claim the stone, will Duncan choose Leslee or will he choose to stand by the only family he has left? This was a great story, lots of emotion, steamish love scenes and the most original and entertaining fictional interpretation of Lord Darnley’s death that I have ever read.
Overall, this was a wonderful collection, all the novellas follow the same theme, but they are all stand alone stories, they all incorporate true historical figures and events, they are all well written, entertaining, steamish and each have a touch of magic. I am happy to recommend this anthology and would be interested in reading more from all of these authors.
What better place to set this wonderful new story than the magical Isle of Skye, were some say the fey and druids still exist? Eliza Knight has a new heroine the new protector of the stone a beautiful gold necklace with a large Emerald. Julia Sutherland is the niece of Robert the Bruce who has just died, and her mother Lady Julianna was his sister a warrior woman who guarded the Bruce till she married Ronan Sutherland. Now there is a new King of Scotland but he is still a child, and very vulnerable to those who could do him harm. Julia now a warrior like her mother, a warrior pure of heart is sent to Dunfermline to protect the young king and there she meets handsome Alistair Campbell the Earl of Moray’s guard. The story has some wonderful characters, we have the druids who are guiding Julia, a villainess who wants the stone of Scotland for herself and does not care who she poisons’ to get it, a wonderful young king David and Alistair our hero who falls in love with Julia. The story takes you all the way from the Fortress of Eilean Donan, to the fairy pools of Skye where the new King has been taken, between the two of them they try to rescue him from the evil that wants Scotland to be ruled by them. Eliza sure put a lot in this story and of course we have a happy ending. Hope you will like and enjoy it as much as I did.
This Review is for THE HIGHLANDER’S QUEST by Eliza Knight
Born the daughter of two protectors, Julia is summoned by her mother to go and protect the young King. Not wanting to leave the side of her sick parent, Julia does so and rushes into a fascinating and somewhat mystical tale of intrigue. Alistair Campbell has proclaimed himself the young King’s bodyguard and protector. He is not at all amused by a mere female who has stated that SHE is his protector. The two argue, agree, disagree and, in the process of jointly protecting the King, they fall in love. This was a short, but fun tale of betrayal and love in Scotland.
Magnificent and thrilling from the first page to the last! A definite must read for fans of Medieval Scottish Romance. Some of my favorite authors have presented readers with a tale of destiny, a bit of magic, turmoil, romance, the protectors of Scotland, and the magic of love. Highly recommended!!
Ladies of the Stone: A Scottish Romance Anthology …I enjoyed all four stories:
The Highlander’s Quest by Eliza Knight…Alistar and Julia and Merida….
Cassandra by Madeline Martin….Cassandra and Fergus …
The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca ..Mstion and Court(William … The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey .. Duncan and Leslee… All four stories has a similar theme but are all different and get to their own HEA.
Great Read and Stories!! Ladies Of The Stone is a 4 story book by Eliza Knight, Madeline Martin, Cecelia Mecca and Lori Ann Bailey. This is an amazing book written by 4 amazing authors, each with their own story as through time. What I loved best about this book was that all the writer have similar writing style so the book just flows and each story is so original. The creativeness and characters are so wonderful in all 4 stories as they are gifted and mystical. It was like reading a novella series as the story continues. I highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed!
The Highlander’s Quest By Eliza Knight : Scottish Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle, 1329 A.D.
This story has death, deception, a birthmark, warriors, protection, poison, shock, whispered voices, a child king, kidnapping, greed, fairy ponds, evil, fights, treachery, mistrust, a secret gift, deception, theft, ransom, duty, dreams, destiny, protecton, love and The Stone Of Scotland
Travel across Scotland with Sir Alistair Campbell, Lady Julia Sutherland and her dog, Merida.
Cassandra by Madeline Martin: Durham England, 1086 A.D.
This story has gifted youngest daughters, expectations, disappointment, loving brother, fear of failure, respect, strength, greed, lies, deception, a witch, ransom, warrior, training, a smell like apples, mistrust, connection to the earth, a long journey, fear,healer, a mother’s love, death forgiveness, acceptance, guilt, un unknown son, love and the protector of The Stone Of Scotland.
Travel across England and Scotland with Cassandra Beaumont and Fergus “The Undefeated”.
The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca: Isle of Skye Scotland 1273 A.D.
This story has visions, dreams, a strange pull, protection, compromise, a chase, fate, partnership, lies, deceit, determination, misunderstandings, trust, arrogance, special abilities, a promise, appending war, a sense danger, deception, greed, evil, a plan of attack, sponsorship, a partnership, honor, duty, reivers, a broken heart, an unexpected betrothed, a difference in station, a long journey, love that come with The Stone of Scotland.
Travel across the borders of England and Scotland with Sir William (Court) Thornhurst and Lady Marion Rosehaugh.
The Highland Guard And His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey: Edinburgh Scotland 1567 A.D.
This story has mistrust, a warrior, duty, honor, protectiveness, translator, mind controlling, protection, gift of touch, guardianship, scandal, trust, a difference in station, evil, greed, arrogance, confidence, protector, fear, homesickness, encouragement, strength, visions, fighting, an attack, unworthy, love and a power to protect The Stone Of Scotland.
Stay at Holyrood Palace with Captain Duncan Douglas and Lady Leslee MacKinnon.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
“The Ladies of the Stone” is a compilation of four novellas written by Eliza Knight, Madeline Martin, Cecelia Mecca and Lori Ann Bailey. Each story has the ancient stone of Scotland – the embodiment of that land at its heart. I was gifted a copy of this compilation.
“The Highlander’s Quest” by Eliza Knight
Eliza Knight bases her story around true events in Scottish history. With the death of Robert the Bruce, upheaval in the country is imminent if the heir to the throne Wee King David II is not protected. Alistair Campbell is assigned to protect the five year old King’s regent the Earl of Moray. When the Lady Julia Sutherland comes to protect the boy King as his official Protector, she and Alistair strongly clash, neither one trusting the other. When the boy is kidnapped, Julia and Alistair must race to rescue him. Can they work together? What happens when Julia’s mission with the Stone of Scotland is jeopardized? What do they do about the growing attraction for each other?
On the whole, this was an okay story. I have truly enjoyed Ms. Knight’s other books. This story lagged somewhat. I would give this one 3 stars.
“Cassandra” by Madeline Martin
Cassandra Thomas is born with very special gifts. As the last daughter of the Beaumont generation, she is imbued with unique powers that allow her to be the Protector of the Stone of Scotland. But the stone is in danger from an evil king who wants it for himself and Cassandra must race to claim it as its true guardian. Fergus the Undefeated has been sent to capture the stone and it’s Protector. But when Fergus encounters Cassandra his world is turned upside down. Can he turn her and the stone over to the King? Fergus has his own reasons for hunting Cassandra down. Can he lay aside his own kin to save her?
Martin spins a fantastic and unpredictable tale of intrigue and romance. This story is definitely a five star and makes purchasing the set worth every penny.
The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca
When William “Court” Thornhurst, Lord of Camburg steals the stone of Scotland from a glistening pool in the Isle of Skye, Lady Marion the Protector of the Stone must retrieve it. But that task proves far harder than she imagined and she finds that not only is her life in danger but her heart is as well. What happens when two enemies find a strong passion flare between them? What will happen to the Stone and the people of Scotland?
I truly enjoyed this book. Mecca has an uncanny ability to build romantic tension between her hero and heroine. I enjoyed the character of Court. He is a man of honor and integrity. I can’t wait to read more of Mecca’s books. This story is a four star.
The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey
The Highland Guard and His Lady is a romance built around the true story of the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. The story is set in the real location of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland in the year 1567. Bailey skillfully weaves truth with fiction bringing to life actual events through the lives of her characters. Captain Duncan Douglas is the Queen’s Captain of the Guard and cousin to the Queen’s Consort Lord Darnley. While protecting the Queen’s residence, Duncan meets Lady Leslee MacKinnon. Leslee has a hidden talent that only a few know about. The more attracted she feels to Duncan the more she wants to share it with him. But will he accept her as she is or turn away as others have in the past?
“As his regard lingered on her, she felt her cheeks warm. His mouth turned up and he leaned into the wall to watch her. The casual gesture heated her further as her thoughts turned to what it would feel like to kiss him.”
Bailey does a great job blending true events with a romantic tale. This story is a five star.
Ladies of the Stone
Powerful, fated, marked and magnificent!
From within the soul of a special stone, the embodiment of the heart of Scotland, a protector is selected. A woman with a pure heart and the ferocity of a warrior. Each with a special mark and powers . Each with an Evil force determine to obtain the stone for their purposes. These are their stories…
The Highlander’s Quest by Eliza Knight. 1329 Scottish Highlands. Lady Julianna Sutherland was taking over the duties from her mother of guarding the new king. A lad recently entitled due to the death of his father. Going to protect the young lad she met Alistair Campbell who guarded the Earl of Moray and the young king. Little did he know, when Julia arrived she was to take over the job. Dark forces were at hand and the king is taken. Can Julian and Alistar save him? Can Julia find the stone that will give her the power? An exciting adventure which explains a lot about the mythical legend and puts the two into each other’s paths that may lead to passion and true love
Cassandra by Madeline Martin. Durham England 1086. Cassandra, daughter of the Special Beaumont Bloodlines was born with the power granted only to the last born daughter of each generation. Magic. It took time for her to find the stone that would bring her the power she needed. But she also found Fergus, the Undefeated with power of his own searching for the stone to bargain for a life with it’s possession. A story wrought with magic of life and strength that brought two people together. But would it also tear them apart? What a wonderful tale that will grab you from the first and not let go until the journey ends.
The Protector by Cecelia Mecca. Isle of Skye Scotland 1273. Can two enemies overcome their feelings of hatred to come together? A man driven, William, Lord of Camburg who went by Cort, was determined to reach his goal of the top of the mountain. He only knew he was being drawn. Finding the stone he was making he way back home. But Lady Marion had the same goal. She had been deemed keeper of the stone so she caught up with Cort and demanded he return the stone. This was a wonderful story by Cecelia Mecca that continued a secondary character from one of the first books in her Border Series. Two people fated to be together with different goals for the power of the stone. But were they really ? The interaction between Cort and Marion was heartwarming and the story had a couple of surprises that kept me turning the pages! This was a great addition to this collection!
The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey. Protector Lady Leslee MacKinnon is in Edinburgh at the home of Queen Mary, helping to translate a large tome for the Queen. Captain Duncan Douglas, a distant cousin the Queen Mary’s husband Henry, guards their son, Prince James. When the two run into each other, Duncan helps Leslee find her way in the castle. As he spends more time with her his attraction to her builds as does Leslee with him. But she is the keeper of the stone to save Scotland and has many more abilities that cut her off from others. But evil forces are at hand that want the stone and will kill her to get it. Can Duncan keep her safe? Will he be like the others and call her a witch for her special skills ? I truly loved this story. Two souls who really needed each other so very much and the journey that brings them together.
I was so disappointed when I turned the last page. These stories had me enthralled with such a different storyline with each of these amazing authors working together to create. The fight between the good of the stone and the evil of those who wanted to take it away. Each hero and heroine tugged at my heart and had me under their spell. All I can say is Well Done!!! Do more together!!!
4 stories in one book, a great combo of writers, Eliza Knight, Madeline Martin, Cecelia Mecca, & Lori Ann Bailey, that I enjoyed very much.
One theme, a rare and precious stone, embodied with the spirit of Scotland must have a protector and of course, for every protector of the stone is a nemesis.
I enjoyed reading each authors story of how the protector and nemesis interact.
Don’t miss this anthology, it is awesome!
I was familiar with the work of 3 of the authors; the fourth was new to me. I was not disappointed in any of the stories, all centered around an emerald which encloses the heart of Scotland. All four stories enchanted and delighted me. (Maybe I was enchanted by the stone!) Enjoyed it.
From within the soul of a special stone, the embodiment of the heart of Scotland, a protector is selected. A woman with a pure heart and the ferocity of a warrior is called to the fairy pools on the Isle of Skye upon the death of the previous protector.
The Highlander’s Quest by Eliza Knight Lady Julia Sutherland’s mission was to protect the young boy king David. Sir Alistair Campbell’s uncovered a plot to destroy Scotland. Together, they must fight a powerful enemy who hides behind a traitorous veil of secrecy. Sparks fly when the two meet & there’s instant dislike & distrust but also attraction. The further they travel respect between them grows. This short story left me wanting more & now I need to go & read the other Sutherland stories.
Cassandra by Madeline Martin Fergus needs to take the stone to King Edgar so that he can be reunited with the son he’s never seen. Cassandra has travelled from Durham to get the stone as she’s the new Protector. I loved this novella & again was left wanting more, there were twists & turns & the pages flew over at times leaving me almost breathless.
The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca Two bitter enemies William Thornhurst, Lord of Camburg known as Court & Marion Rosehaugh daughter of the Earl of Ormonde . Another engrossing read that held my interest all the way through & again I want to go away & read the rest of the author’s Border series
The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey, Lady Leslee MacKinnon, the Protector of the stone is staying at the court of Mary Queen of Scots & working on the translation of a tome. She encounters Duncan Douglas, Captain of the guard & a distant cousin to Henry Darnley. Leslee has a terrible sense of direction that lands her in trouble. Another engaging read that really made me think!
Four delightful short stories each centred around the Protector of the Stone, there’s magic, love, romance & the dagger shaped mark that appears on hips. My only quibble was that I would have liked Cassandra to have been the first story, then the timeline would have been followed, I know the stories are stand alones but I’m terrible for reading in order! I now want to go away & read more from the authors
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Four incredible stories by four talented writers, Ladies of the Stone has mystery, adventure, romance and magic. I enjoyed all of these stories, the powerful women who stayed true to their mission and the men who protected them. Paranormal and magic are not my favourite genres, but because I am familiar with two of these authors, I indulged myself in this anthology. All of the books held my attention and I loved that they were interconnected, dealing with the same theme but each of them according to the individual author’s style. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.