Kathleen Givens Reviews

Added September 4, 2006

On a Highland Shore

Author: Kathleen Givens
Publisher: Pocket Books, a division of Simon &Schuster
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: July 2006
Genre: Romance: Historical
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $14.00
ISBN: 1-4165-0990-9
Author Email/Website: www.kathleengivens.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

On a Highland Shore offers readers a breathtaking view of medieval Scotland! Author Kathleen Givens combines the perils of this time period with the timeless passion of the ages to create a novel rich in adventure and love.

Margaret MacDonald is bound by a contract to marry a man devoid of trust and loyalty. Yet, her entire life changed when the winds of war whip through her village, ruthlessly killing her loved ones and abducting her younger brother. Margaret must decide if she will continue with the marriage for the sake of her remaining clansmen, or if she will boldly put her faith in a half-Irish, half-Norse warrior who promises her a destiny that defies conventional thinking.

Descriptive writing and dramatic dialogue breathes a vibrant life into this novel. Set in thirteenth-century Scotland, the political climate is revealed with insightful explanations, which also form the basis for the characters' motivations. As Norse invaders mercilessly attack Scotland's shore, the inhabitants fight against fear as well as elusive foes. The author captured the unrest and uncertainty that abounded in this era, giving readers an authentic glimpse into the hearts and minds of Margaret's clansmen.

Each character was created with a sense of purpose and provided different perspectives of the events, which contributed to an intriguing overall view. A creative blending of history and fiction allowed this tale to hold an impressive sense of reality. Clashes of swords and emotional embraces were equally described with a vividness that trembled with passion. Margaret's dilemma, as well as her desires, will touch readers with simplicity and sincerity. As the book closes with a hint of a sequel, there is an enticing hope of once again visiting this highland shore!

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