The Highlander's Maiden - Romance

Author: Elizabeth Mayne, copyright is under M. Kaye Garcia

Title: The Highlander’s Maiden

Publication Date: 1999

Number of Pages:  295

Part of a Series: Yes.  Harlequin Historicals

Subject Heading(s):  

• Man-woman relationships-Fiction
• Highlands (Scotland)- Fiction
• Historical fiction, Love stories

Geographical Setting/ Time Period: Scotland, 1598

Main Character(s):

• Cassandra MacArthur, feisty redheaded daughter of a Scottish laird who prefers the outdoors.   
• Robert Gordon, Scottish cartographer who is good with a sword but generally self-controlled.

Plot Summary: When the king orders Cassandra MacArthur to marry and guide Robert Gordon, a cartographer from an enemy clan, she hides the letter and swears that she never will.  As the two face perils together they begin to fall for each other, although their families could never allow such a match.  When Cassandra tries to run away with Robert her father locks her in a tower.

Appeal:  

The pacing is fast, driven by adventure and the sexual tension between Cassie and Robert.  The language is all written with a Scottish accent and terminology.   All the men wear kilts.

Brief quote: 

“I canna seem to erase from my mind the vision of your hair floating round you in that shaft of sunlight. You were so exquisitely peaceful – a naiad—fair enough to grace King Neptune’s court.  Too beautiful to die so young.” page 115

Prizes or Awards: None

Similar Works: 

“To Tame a Highland Warrior” or “Beyond the Highland Mist” both by Karen Marie Moning for Scotland, kilts, strong heroines, and strong tension between main characters as one pursued the resistant lover. 

Reviewer’s Name: Jessica Conley

 

Form adapted from Saricks, Joyce G. and Nancy Brown. Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library 2nd. Chicago: ALA, 1997.