Love and Loyalty in 15th Century Scotland - an Editorial Review of "Born to Trouble"

Book Blurb:

“Historical fiction at its very finest!” ~ Readers’ Favorite

In the turbulent landscape of 15th-century Scotland, Alexander of Islay, Lord of the Isles and heir to the earldom of Ross, welcomes King James home after a long captivity in England. Yet behind the façade of royal approval lies a web of treachery. Alexander’s father triumphed at the Battle of Harlaw, securing for his son the title Earl of Ross, but Alexander must navigate a perilous court where loyalty is a fleeting shadow if he is to keep it.

The nobles defeated at Harlaw, threatened by Alexander’s growing power, whisper in the king's ear, urging him to curb the formidable Lord of the Isles. Once an ally, King James turns against Alexander, imprisoning him in the grim confines of Tantallon Castle. Yet Alexander holds the unwavering loyalty of the Highlanders and Islesmen, who will rise in rebellion for the wrongs done to their beloved lord.

In a life fraught with conflict and trouble, Alexander captures the attentions of three women—each vying for his affection. But only one truly holds his heart. As alliances shift and passions ignite, can Alexander claim his rightful title and the woman he loves while navigating the treachery surrounding him?

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/58LK18O

Author Bio:

Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval novels that are historically authentic.

Among the awards she has won are the Gold Medal in the Readers Choice Book Awards, the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, 1st place in the Chaucer Awards, the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the President's Book Awards of The Florida Authors & Publishers Association, the RONE Award for Best Medieval Novel (twice) and the Kindle Book Award.

You can sign up for her newsletter on her website and get the "Reader Extras" there, too. Regan loves to hear from her readers.

Author website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com

Regan Walker's Readers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReganWalkersReaders/

Historical Romance Review Blog: http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com.

Regan's Pinterest storyboards: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/Readers Choice Book Awards...the gold medal

Editorial Review:

Editorial Review: “Born to Trouble” (The Clan Donald Saga Book 4)

Author: Regan Walker

“Alexander fixed his eyes on his son’s grip on the bow. Celestine’s hand was steady as he drew back the string, his young face set in determination. Far ahead stood the tree that held the target. Would he remember to consider the wind that stirred in the trees around them? With a whoosh, the arrow flew from the bow. Thwack! The point lodged deep in the center of the target.

“Well done, lad!” The boy of twelve, his golden hair blowing behind him in the wind, beamed at Alexander before walking to the target to retrieve his arrow.

“He has been practicing and was anxious to show you his progress,” said Catherine, standing at his side.”

“Born to Trouble” by Regan Walker immediately catapults the reader into 15th century Scotland, where Alexander of Islay is facing difficult choices. The return of King James has meant Alexander is facing conflict, treachery, and a test of both loyalty and love. This is the fourth book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone, as this reviewer has done. There are uncertainties about Alexander as a historical figure; principally about his wives and children, but despite this, Walker shows the reader Alexander as a man, teaching his children, talking with his wives and mother, and in the midst of bloody battles. Each aspect of Alexander’s life and times has been thoroughly researched and used to create a immersive historical novel, merging personal character arcs with political and royal intrigue.

““They are curious, of course. By now, they know the story. They feel sympathy for Catherine, as she is well liked, but they will not be unkind to you since what transpired was not of your doing. Because of his treachery, the king is not held in high regard in the Isles. The people will blame him for this situation, as they did for my son’s imprisonment and mine, and the murder of his uncle, John Mor, a man who was greatly respected by all.” Elizabeth had been plunged into a realm where the people did not value her parentage or her father’s close connection to the king. Rather, they resented it. Lady Mariota introduced her to Lord Alistair and John Maclean. The men were polite in their welcome, though somewhat distant. “You will have to meet our wives,” said Lord Alistair. “They will be at the dinner this evening.””

Of course in such a story Alexander is the central character, however the author takes care to also develop complex female characters, with the storyline moving between third and first person viewpoints (including internal thoughts). The conversation and dialogue throughout the novel strikes the right balance between backstory and authenticity. Although at times the narrative could be seen as weighed down by historical facts, this reviewer will not be alone in her fascination with Scottish history, and many of us will devour all details and, in fact, want more! When the author has written a series it is to be expected that there will be some scene setting to orientate the reader to the relevant chronology and times. The author’s use of headings to relate time is also helpful, and does not detract from the overall storyline.

“A total failure!” shouted a man in the back of the hall. The king frowned, his gaze darting to where the voice had come from. “The siege at Roxburgh did not go as planned. Many things interfered. But we consider that merely a temporary setback in our larger campaign to reclaim Scotland’s rightful lands.”

“What about the guns?” another voice taunted. Alexander could not identify the source.

“The guns are no longer in our possession,” said the king. “Still, the war on the border will go on.” Now there was grumbling. The king persisted. “We must have funds to continue the war. Additional taxation is needed.” The grumbling turned into shouts of opposition. The estates were having none of it. Alexander was in agreement with his fellow noblemen. If the king’s expenditures had been prudent and for the good of the country instead of his own avarice, additional taxation might have been warranted, but that was not the case.”

As with any realistic rendering of history, there is loss, and there are aspects of this story that are not sugar coated, particularly childbirth outcomes. Together with loss there is also hope, with references to the ebb and flow of relationships, great love, and also new life. That is the continuing fascination of novels set against this historical background, where the individual struggle is contrasted with massive social and political upheaval. Many years ago this reviewer consumed the first several books written by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles in The Morland Dynasty. “Born to Trouble” by Regan Walker will leave the same indelible mark in the reader’s memory, whether read as a standalone or together with the earlier three books of the Clan Donald saga, which this reviewer is now seeking out. The Author’s Note refers to Walker becoming “attached” to Alexander; she is not alone in that – this is an incredible read about an intriguing man.

*****

“Born to Trouble” by Regan Walker receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company

---

To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission