Caught between two kings vying for sovereignty of the Isles and Western Scotland, Hanna of Hällstein has lost everything—and vows to repay the Scots for the deaths of her husband and children. Fleeing the smoldering ruins of her village, Hanna crosses the Strait of Mull and chooses the Laird of Clan MacLean as the object of her revenge.Alex MacLean has buried a wife and three children. Ignoring … Ignoring the clamors for him to wed again and produce an heir, he finds himself drawn to a Norse refugee who defies him and tests the limits of his patience—and his power as Laird.
Torn between revenge and honor, Hanna fears setting aside her vow of vengeance means she has lost her reason for living. Alex is determined to save her, even if it means defying the king.
Do you like a bit of history with your romance? In the 13th century, the king of Scotland had little control in the Western Highlands and in the isles to the north and west. A rich culture of Gaelic and Norn existed here, and power lay in the hands of the chiefs. Much of Western Scotland and the Isles gave their allegiance to the king of Norway.
In 1249, King Alexander II prepared to invade the Hebrides and Western Scotland. After 5 years of failed negotiations with Norway to purchase these areas, King Alexander broke his association with King Haakon and set out to take the Isles and Western territories by force.
In the years to come, two kings would perish during this battle for sovereignty—along with many people given the choice to change their alliance to the Scottish king . . .
Or die.
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The opening scene of this book features a young wife and mother who undergoes a horrific tragedy–one that haunts her most of her life. This is a Cathy MacRae book? You’d be justified to ask this question. But then you learn the truth–it’s one of Cathy’s best tales. Purchase it and sit down to enjoy the tumultuous ride. It’s worth your time. I guarantee it.
4.5 stars– THE HIGHLANDERS NORSE BRIDE is instalment 3.5 (and novella) in Cathy MacRae’s historical HARDY HEROINES Highland romance series. This is Hanna of Hallstein, and Laird Alex MacLean’s story line. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: For followers of this series, THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE bridges the gap between The Highlander’s Crusader Bride (Book #3) and The Highlander’s Welsh Bride (releasing sometime in 2018).
Told from dual third person perspectives THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE follows Hanna of Hallstein in the aftermath of an attack by the Scots, on her Norse village, that killed her children, and left her a widow. Hoping for revenge against the Scottish King, Hanna finds herself a willing captive, working for Clan MacLean, and their Laird. Enter Alex MacLean, Scottish Laird, and the man with whom Hanna will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Hanna and Alex, and the potential fall-out as Hanna is unable to accept the love of a man, she once deemed the enemy.
Hanna is a strong woman with the ability to defend and protect but there comes a time when strength and determination are unequal to the conflict of war and the abuse of power. Laird Alex MacLean struggles in the aftermath of his wife’s death; raising his daughter, Alex never consider remarriage but the sight of the Norse ‘Valkyrie’ finds our hero longing for a woman, and the potential for a new heir.
The relationship between Hanna and Alex is quick to develop. Alex’s attraction to Hanna is immediate but Hanna struggles with the recent death of her husband, and murder of her three children. The $ex scenes are intimate but mostly implied.
THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is a quick read; a sweet romance between two people who caught in a war not of their making. Some of premise is loosely based in historical fact as the author adds a history lesson at the end of the story line epilogue. The premise is a well-rounded, intelligent and charming look at the thirteenth century, fictionalized history, and the war between the Scottish and the Norse. The characters are strong, and inspiring ; the romance is tender and passionate. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is the perfect read for lovers of historical Highland romance.
After “meeting” Cathy MacRae on a Facebook group Party, I was interested in reading one of her books. I pre-ordered Highlander’s Norse Bride that night and started reading it today. OK, I now have another favorite author! I loved this book. I like strong, independent heroines, heroes that are considerate, honorable, and loyal. Cathy and DD MacRae have covered the perfect combination with this story. I will be reading the rest of their books!