Books From the Backlog #176

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts at Carole's Random Life in Books blog.

This week's neglected book:

On a Highland Shore by Kathleen Givens

Historical Fiction

1.1.06

400 pages

Blurb:

From acclaimed historical novelist Kathleen Givens comes a magnificently conceived, intricately detailed novel that brings to vivid life the tumult, adventure, and passion of thirteenth-century Scotland, when Norse invaders laid claim to the land and its people—and an explosive clash of cultures, politics, and personal pride changed the world forever.

On Scotland's western shore, the village of Somerstrath prepares for the joyous wedding celebration of Margaret MacDonald, the laird's daughter. But a dark storm of bloodshed and betrayal is closing in, as a merciless band of Vikings threatens the Highlands.

Margaret is determined to hold the MacDonald clan together and to locate her abducted younger brother. But can she trust the noblemen from King Alexander's court, who insist that only by adhering to a betrothal conceived for political gain will she find safety? Or should she put her trust in an imposing half-Irish, half-Norse warrior?

Gannon MacMagnus alone offers her hope of reuniting her family and vanquishing the barbarous Norsemen who would continue to rob her people of their God-given right to determine their own destinies. In whom should Margaret entrust the fate of the rugged, magnificent land she calls home?

WHY DID I PICK THIS ONE?

I bought this back in 2012-ish. I remember that I'd just binged and caught up on all the Outlander books and Lord John Grey books released at the time and wanted more like it. This book was one of those recommended for those looking for more Outlandish-type reads. Well.. I ended up reading two others that were similar and getting out of the mood. This one sat. It still looks good and I do love Highlander historicals.