If you're a fan of Christian fiction or romances set in the Scottish highlands and read them as often as I do you are always looking for new authors in the genre. Last May I discovered new author Jennifer Hudson Taylor through her sweet inspirational, Highland Blessings (currently free for Kindle download!) and I became an immediate fan. This time she once again takes us back to the Highlands with the second book in the series, Highland Sanctuary. You won't be disappointed and the great thing is you do not need to have read Highland Blessings to get this story!
First things first when it comes to this book--discussing the heroine. Yes, I always make it a point to say whether or not I liked the heroine and hero of the romances that I read pointing out things like character flaws, attitude, and whether or not they're unique. This time I can say that Serena Boyd is one of the most unique and interesting of any Christian fiction character I've "met." Sure, she has the spunk and faith of any romance lead but the fact that she does it all while suffering from the falling sickness (known today as epilepsy) gives the entire story a different twist. You can't help but feel terrified for Serena as she faces an entire village who is demanding she be burned at the stake to purge the demon they believe possesses her. And really what good is a romance without a great hero? Well you won't be disappointed in Gavin Mackenzie (although he's a ginger-haired guy I don't hold that against him). ;-) He holds his own against Iain, the lord of Castle Braigh in the quest for Serena's hand.
Highland Sanctuary is a great story of discovering that one's true home is wherever love is found. There are also some great lessons concerning faith and wolves in sheep's clothing that really make you think. If you're looking for a sweet escape to the lochs and glens of the highlands this book will do the trick!
First things first when it comes to this book--discussing the heroine. Yes, I always make it a point to say whether or not I liked the heroine and hero of the romances that I read pointing out things like character flaws, attitude, and whether or not they're unique. This time I can say that Serena Boyd is one of the most unique and interesting of any Christian fiction character I've "met." Sure, she has the spunk and faith of any romance lead but the fact that she does it all while suffering from the falling sickness (known today as epilepsy) gives the entire story a different twist. You can't help but feel terrified for Serena as she faces an entire village who is demanding she be burned at the stake to purge the demon they believe possesses her. And really what good is a romance without a great hero? Well you won't be disappointed in Gavin Mackenzie (although he's a ginger-haired guy I don't hold that against him). ;-) He holds his own against Iain, the lord of Castle Braigh in the quest for Serena's hand.
Highland Sanctuary is a great story of discovering that one's true home is wherever love is found. There are also some great lessons concerning faith and wolves in sheep's clothing that really make you think. If you're looking for a sweet escape to the lochs and glens of the highlands this book will do the trick!
Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Book 2 in the Highland Series
Book 1 in this series is called Highland Blessings.
Serena and Evelina Boyd along with Gunna, her nursemaid, live in a village by Braigh Castle, called the Village of Outcasts. Twenty years ago they left after Serena's father wanted her gone because of her seizures, Evelina refused to give up her only daughter so she left. Too many people feared the falling disease and would burn her at the stake as a witch, so only the villagers knew the secret. Not even the Laird, Iain MacBraigh (pronounced as Ian or Ee un) knew what Serena had or that she had more than common blood running through her veins.
Gavin MacKenzie and his brother, Leith, were coming to help rebuild Braigh Castle and to help protect the new Laird. His Uncle had died a suspicious death and they had come to investigate under the pretense of the construction. Once he met Serena his heart would not let go of her. Her fear of having outsiders see her fits kept her from giving Gavin her heart. And Gavin had to fight the jealousy of seeing Iain trying to win her heart as well.
This was such an excellent story. There is the cousin trying to take the castle over, mysterious things start happening to the village, and the secrecy the villagers keep hidden from outsiders.
The Village of Outcasts has such unique people and Jennifer shows that people should not be judged by outer appearances. There is Father Tomas who was ousted from the large parish as he stuttered, Quinn is eight foot tall and his best friends are Beacon who is a dwarf and Phelan who is a white wolf. Cara is blind, the cobbler is deaf. They are all loving and kind people. The folks who live a few hours away in Braighwick are the opposite, they are quick to judge appearances and suspicious. Ready and willing to become a mob without caring what the truth is.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/abingdon-press-books.html
**Received through NetGalley for review.
Book 1 in this series is called Highland Blessings.
Serena and Evelina Boyd along with Gunna, her nursemaid, live in a village by Braigh Castle, called the Village of Outcasts. Twenty years ago they left after Serena's father wanted her gone because of her seizures, Evelina refused to give up her only daughter so she left. Too many people feared the falling disease and would burn her at the stake as a witch, so only the villagers knew the secret. Not even the Laird, Iain MacBraigh (pronounced as Ian or Ee un) knew what Serena had or that she had more than common blood running through her veins.
Gavin MacKenzie and his brother, Leith, were coming to help rebuild Braigh Castle and to help protect the new Laird. His Uncle had died a suspicious death and they had come to investigate under the pretense of the construction. Once he met Serena his heart would not let go of her. Her fear of having outsiders see her fits kept her from giving Gavin her heart. And Gavin had to fight the jealousy of seeing Iain trying to win her heart as well.
This was such an excellent story. There is the cousin trying to take the castle over, mysterious things start happening to the village, and the secrecy the villagers keep hidden from outsiders.
The Village of Outcasts has such unique people and Jennifer shows that people should not be judged by outer appearances. There is Father Tomas who was ousted from the large parish as he stuttered, Quinn is eight foot tall and his best friends are Beacon who is a dwarf and Phelan who is a white wolf. Cara is blind, the cobbler is deaf. They are all loving and kind people. The folks who live a few hours away in Braighwick are the opposite, they are quick to judge appearances and suspicious. Ready and willing to become a mob without caring what the truth is.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/abingdon-press-books.html
**Received through NetGalley for review.
