A Highland Pearl

By Brenda B. Taylor

Maidie Cameron Munro must choose between loyalty to her father's clan with a promised inheritance of a large estate and her love for the chief of an enemy.
A Highland Pearl is an inspirational historical romance novel set in the Scottish Highlands around the village of Drumainn, Scotland and Fàrdach Castle during the year 1508 A.D. Fàrdach Castle and the surrounding estates are the home of Clan Munro.

Maidie, whose name means, Pearl, is the widow of Micheal Munro who was mortally wounded during the MacKenzie and Cameron uprising against the crown in 1505 A.D. The Munros fought for the crown. Chief William Munro was slain in the same battle. Maidie and Sven, her six-year-old son by Micheal, find themselves caught in the middle of a clan feud with Munro fighting Cameron. The two clans are on friendly terms until Cameron sides with MacDonald in the uprising. Other clans that side with the Cameron are MacIntosh and MacKenzie

After Chief William Munro is killed, Andrew, his eldest son becomes chief of the clan and Thirteenth Baron of Fàrdach. Andrew's younger brother, Gavin, is elected tanist, or second in command. Clans Munro and Cameron are now avowed enemies. The fighting and reiving, or cattle taking, become fierce, and Andrew is wounded in a skirmish.

Andrew and other wounded from the nearby village are taken to Fàrdach Castle after the battle. Gavin sends for Maidie who is a healer and stitched the arm of his sister, Anne, when she slipped and fell against a rock. Andrew asked for Maidie because she did a fine job on Anne's arm. Maidie goes to the castle and saves Andrew's life by suturing the wound across his abdomen. Anne asks Maidie to continue caring for her brother. Maidie agrees.

Gavin, the playboy and unsure about God, falls in love with Maidie who is a devout Catholic. Gavin woos Maidie. His desire for her is strong; however, Maidie falls in love with Andrew. The chief is drawn to Maidie, but will not let himself love, again, because of bitterness over a broken marriage to Tara Fraser five years earlier.
Angus Munro, the castle physician, hates Maidie because of her influence over Andrew. Angus stirs up rumors of her being a witch. Flora, Maidie's friend, also turns against her, because Flora loves Gavin and is jealous of Maidie. Maidie considers returning to her father who is the brother of the Cameron chief. The Cameron wants Maidie and her son back. He arranges a marriage between Maidie and the MacKenzie’s son.

The MacKenzies capture Andrew during a raid on Munro land and imprison him in the dungeon of Castle Lach. Andrew comes to know the Lord while a prisoner. He also meets Tara and a daughter he has never seen, Briana, in the castle. Briana is a deaf mute. Tara is betrothed to the MacKenzie chief, but she wants Andrew back. Andrew will not give in to her demands. His release is traded for Maidie, Sven, and the deed to Chanonry Castle. The MacKenzie gives Briana to Andrew. The chief desires only Tara.

After his release, Andrew goes back into the castle for Maidie and Sven. Tavish, a trusted warrior, is killed during the ensuing battle. Anne loves Tavish and is devastated by his death. She blames Maidie. Gavin tells Andrew about Anne's jealousy of Maidie and her plot against the healer. Andrew sends Anne to their aunt in Southerland. Gavin leaves Fàrdach for the New World. He cannot stay and watch the growing love between Maidie and his brother. Andrew and Maidie are married at Fàrdach during Christmastime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brenda B. Taylor
• Release date: Nov 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9780988810532

Brenda B. Taylor

Brenda B Taylor and her husband make their home in beautiful East Texas. Brenda stays busy working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. She enjoys writing historical fiction about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people, traveling for research and pleasure, photography, and spending time with family and friends.