Sportochick's Musings: REVIEW Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick

Sportochick's Musings ~ Well deserved 5 STARS for this exciting historical love story.

Highland Jewel

A Royal Highlander Novel #2

by May McGoldrick

Publisher ~ St. Martin's Press Swerve

Genres ~ Historical Romance

Maisie Murray is the picture of docility, quiet and compliant in the eyes of her family. To her activist friends, however, she's a fearless crusader for women's rights. In the wake of the Peterloo Massacre, Maisie and a friend found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society, and she carries the banner for universal suffrage.

Niall Campbell, a hero of the wars, a decorated officer of the Royal Highland Regiment, is battle weary and searching for stability in his life. A fierce warrior by training and a poet at heart, Niall walks away from the shining career that lies ahead of him, to the dismay of his superiors. In saving his sister when a protest turns violent, he meets Maisie. Their relationship begins as one of experience versus idealism, of scars versus hope. Soon, however, he finds in Maisie the heart he longs for.

When Niall's sister is arrested and disappears, he quickly realizes his life is not his own, for the British authorities have a mission for him to accomplish in exchange for his sister's freedom. Overnight, Maisie loses Niall, her friend, and her home. And the wake of the riots that sweep through the cities of Scotland, Maisie's own sister Isabella is branded a traitor to the crown, and the family must flee to the Highlands. Here in the heart of the Highlands, Maisie runs into Niall again. He has a new name and carries a message of hope―but Niall has a task to complete―and their future rests on their ability to overcome the forces that divide them, or―for the future of Scotland―she must stop the man who owns her heart.

Surprised is just a beginning of what I think about this book. Author May McGoldrick takes the reader on a merry chase with the delightful character of Maisie Murray. You know that saying "Cool waters run deep"? That is Maisie and what a merry chase she takes us on in her quest to advance women's rights.

Both Maisie and Fiona, sister to Niall Campbell, are entangled in the quest to advance women's right which put them in a precarious position. The times are unruly and the Crown is persecuting anyone speaking out against the crown.

Niall loves his sister and supports her beliefs but wants her safe. His frustration regarding keeping Maisie safe also takes a huge toll on his sanity. When the government wants him for their personal gain neither of these women are safe so the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride involving these three characters.

The story picks up speed when Maisie and her family go on the run to avoid being taken by the soldiers. The twists and turns to the storyline add even more excitement to this already well written storyline.

Well deserved 5 STARS for this exciting historical love story.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.