It’s no secret I’ve been a fan of Suzan Tisdale for years. Before Outlander, she was my introduction to the world of hot Scots. And now she’s launched her own publishing house called Glenfinnan Publishing and launched her new endeavor with a historical, romantic anthology, Once Upon a Highland Glen.
Since there are six stories, I’ll have six sections in this review, with my thoughts italicized for easier reading.
- Heat Level: the stories range from wholesome to steamy.
- Genre: Historical Romance
- Overall Rating: 5/6 Glass Slippers
The Legend by Violetta Rand
Laird Bron Kieth was not a kind man, and one night when we went out in search of his prized ram. He was set upon by his enemies and drug himself to the safety of a glen. A mysterious woman gives him one wish and he asks for a second chance at life, so he can be a better man.
This short introduction set the scene for the rest of the stories.
Wager of the Heart by Suzan Tisdale
Graham Kieth is the descendant of Bron, but has yet to learn the same lesson. A directionless cad, he drunklenly stumbles into a glen after a game of cards, where he laments his loneliness and wishes he had a family to care for him. When he awakes to find his wish comes true, he’s less than thrilled with his new reality. But when he must decide what kind of man he wants to be, more than one future will depend on him.
I thought this story was cute and could have easily been a full length book on its own. Graham and Leelah weren’t a match made in heaven, and he’s certainly no match for her stubbornness. It’s hard to tell who needs who more by the end of this story.
Clouds Across the Moon by Kathryn Lynn Davis
Braida is only sixteen when her daughter is born. Her husband Bran is twenty-two, the tutor for the laird’s children, and not an overly kind man. He feels detached from his daughter and longs for his wife to be the carefree, moldable teen he once met.
I have to admit I wasn’t a huge fan of this tale. A husband being basically disgusted by his child bride’s changed body and her devotion to their baby made me uncomfortable. There wasn’t the romance I expected.
Highland Heart’s Desire by Victoria Zak
The fairy Breena was enchanted by the forbidden human world. While she’s not very good with magic yet, she does what she can to keep the animals in her forest safe. When a hunter is injured, she breaks the fae laws to tend to him. Robert Keith thinks he imagined the beautiful woman that day, but five years later, he’ll question everything he ever knew.
This story was sweet and charming with a lot of heart. Breena was adorable and Robert was a gem. Watching their romance span the years was lovely.
The Lost Soul by Ceci Giltenan
Spoiled Margaret Grant is sent to live with her betrothed, Logan Carr’s clan in an attempt to make her come to peace with her betrothal. After a fall, she finds herself in a glen where she makes a wish to prove she can be a better person. But before she can go back to her pampered life, she must walk in the shoes of another.
This story was a bit on the humorous side, without losing the message that’s been carried through the anthology. It also held a nice amount of detail that really set the tone.
Whispers to the Soul by Kate Robbins
Kenzie is on the run from a vile clan guardsman when she’s rescued by the handsome Gaelin. But she soon learns she is no simple kitchen maid as she and Gaelin go on a journey to find safety and the truth.
This was my favorite story in the anthology, so I believe Robbins has found a new fan in me! Witty and steamy, Kenzie was a heroine in her own right and I would have lived to read a full book focused on her tale.
The Courageous Highlander by Lily Baldwin.
Laird Owen MacArthur rules over a secluded clan where every year the laird must hunt alone to bring prosperity to the people. On one of these hunts, he finds the beautiful Gwynn help captive in a strange glen. He’s struck by her beauty and promises to free her, but at what cost?
A magic tale, Baldwin’s addition was action packed with a touch of mystery. It was a wonderful addition.
Overall, I enjoyed most of the anthology with a few standing out as deserving a full length novels. I recommended this collection to all historical romance fans.
Niamh the Golden-Headed was the daughter of the king of Tír Na NÓg, also known as “The Land of the Young,” which was the Celtic Otherworld. One day she rode a white horse to Ireland, where she encountered a band of warriors, one being famed fighter Oisín.
Deirdre’s great beauty was prophesied before she was born, and it was said blood would spill over her and great warriors would leave the kingdom of Ulster. Because of this, many called for her to be killed at birth. But King Conchobar was already excited at the thought of a legendary beauty as his wife and spirited her away to live in the woods with a wise woman until she was old enough to marry.
An ancient king called Midir lived with his wife Faumnach for many years. They were a fine match and both were very happy until Midir went on a journey to visit his foster son Aengus, and saw a beautiful young woman beside a well. She said her name was Étaín and the pair fell in love.
The beautiful Clíodhna lived in the Otherworld and was queen of the banshees. One day she met the mortal, Irish prince Ciabhán and fell deeply in love with him. When she had to return home, he stole a boat to follow her across the water. He was saved by drowning by the sea god Mannannán and was finally reunited with Clíodhna.
Princess Graínne is horrified to be betrothed to the elderly, twice widowed, King Fionn. When she sees one of his young warriors, Diarmuid, she knows she can’t go through with the wedding. She slips a sleeping potion to all the wedding guests and implores Diarmuid to run away with her. At first he refuses, but soon agrees to elope.
For a debut novel, this book was beautifully done. Marshman created a realistic world where relatable characters struggle to solve a murder while figuring out their feelings. Everything was fleshed out really well without taking away from the fast paced storyline.
Genre: Historical/Contemporary Fiction
You can snag books about sweet cowboys, mobsters on the run, romantic pirates, and holiday escapades. We’ve reviewed several Tule books on this blog and haven’t read one we didn’t love. Sweet or steamy, it’s all there in the bookstore. Cick 
Match made in heaven or maid of dishonor?
Can she stop her past from ruining her future?
Fifth grade teacher Isabella isn’t interested in getting mixed up with a military man again. She’s been down that road before and isn’t keen on getting her heart broken. Air Force K9 trainer Ethan isn’t opposed to love, but isn’t too worried about settling down right away. But could a blind date change both of their minds?
When a cyber attack forces college professor Mallory to her hometown in Texas for some much deserved rest, she’s looking forward to letting things back at work die down. Professional mover Alec specializes in helping people get their lives back on track. But when the line between work and something more begin to blur, are they both in store for heartbreak?
Wedding photographer Mac is sick of bridezillas. She’s looking for something to take her mind off work, and English teacher Carter fits the bill. But as the casual fling begins to morph into something more, Mac isn’t so sure she’s ready for her own happily ever after.
Highschool art teacher Quinn’s life is in a rut. Her relationship is a wreck, she’s bored to tears, and her future seems bleak. But a stray dog and a local mechanic threaten to shake up her world…if she’ll only let them.
Kindergarten teacher Megan never expected to becoming the guardian of her best friend’s daughter, Molly, or to have the grieving grandparents suing her for custody. Billionaire Jason hates how his parents are treating Megan and will do anything to keep her and Molly happy…even faking a marriage.
Choir teacher Tess is struggling to get funding for her students. The school budget only has room for choir or football, so she’s up against her one time love, football coach Jack, to keep her class. Will old feelings get in the way of her big plans or will she be able to keep the choir running?
Garret was the king of his small town when he was the high school football star and still is, years later, as the favorite teacher. Callie thought she’d left her past far behind her when she started a new life across the country. But when she’s forced to come home and work as a substitute teacher, she’s back in close quarters with the one man she can’t stop thinking about.
Kurt moves his little brother Sam to a new town, hoping for a fresh start. But when Sam gets in a fight, he begins to wonder if he made the right choice. Teacher Emily thinks Sam just needs a little TLC. As she works in close quarters with Kurt to make things better, she begins to question her rule about never getting too involved.
College freshman Violet is looking forward to her first year at Elton Hall U. A chance encounter with a handsome stranger gets complicated when she learns he’s not a grad student, but a visiting professor. Will she ignore her feelings for the sake of following the rules, or give in to temptation?
Wow. I didn’t know if I’d like this book, but I was hooked from page one. From hiding the evidence to a mysterious package to a series of links holding a collection of unforgettable characters together, it was the perfect storm. Maybe my adversity to crime novels was having them be usually narrated by men, making them personally difficult to relate to. Having three women narrate was a choice I have to applaud McCreight for. I could see myself in Molly’s struggle as a mother, Barbara’s eagerness to stay “perfect,” and Sandy’s willingness to try to keep everyone afloat.
