Scottish Thistle, The

 Author's Summary

Loyalty and honor. A Highland warrior prizes both more than life, and when he swears his oath on the dirk, he must obey or die. Duncan Cameron heeds his chief's order without question, but discovers his wife-to-be is no fair maiden. Although women are no longer trained in the art of fighting, Rory MacGregor follows in the footsteps of her Celtic ancestors. Secrets from the past and superstitious folk endanger Rory and Duncan as much as Bonnie Prince Charlie and his uprising to win back the British throne for his father. Rory and Duncan must make difficult choices that pit honor and duty against trust and love.

MWSA Review

Cindy Vallar’s novel begins during the year 1744 in the country of Scotland. She definitely takes her readers there with her wonderful descriptions of the country, in addition to the well-researched historical aspects.   Readers will learn about the politics and wartime in this country filled with various clans. It does become tense at times with the battle scenes.
 
Throughout this time of war, Ms. Vallar weaves in a love story between characters that don’t “fit the mold,” as in a lot of typical romance novels. Readers will fall in love with Rory and Duncan as Vallar shares their emotions, love for family, and the loyalty they have to what they see as their mission in life.
 
Some readers may struggle with the dialect used in the book, but most will “take it on” which is part of what makes this piece of fiction feel so authentic. This helps to make the characters come alive. Readers who want a book to take them to another place and time will certainly enjoy Ms. Vallar’s book of historical fiction with a love story within its pages. 

Reviewed by: Joyce Gilmour (2010)