Child of the Mist

Hmm. Not sure whether to give this three stars or four. The hero and heroine were frequently idiots, and rather stereotyped. But the story has been entertaining and kept me engaged.

Somehow I missed this book when I created my "have read" list. But I had some bookmarks and hi-lights in the Nook edition so I know I read it. I reread it since I couldn't remember it well. Kinda wish I hadn't.

I stayed irritated through most of it. The book has an immature, spoiled, disobedient main character (Anne) who persists in disobeying her father and later, her hand-fasted husband, both of whom are only trying to keep her safe from being named a witch and burned at the stake. Now, I realize that a lion's share of romance novels have a spoiled bratty heroine, but this one outdid herself. Perhaps I wouldn't have minded it so much if the author hadn't interjected the Christian element. Throughout the book, Anne speaks of her faith show more in God and Jesus and even manages to 'turn the other cheek' in one scene. But a "good" Christian girl in this time period would have been much more obedient. And she certainly would have been less bent on self destruction (I call her stupid). But in this book, her egotistical disobedience is ok because she is a healer and this is a God-given art. And her poor betrothed.... every time he tries to focus on the massive political problems he has, much less the day to day running of the castle, Anne does something else stupid and he has to drop everything and run out to save her. Good grief. I did finish the book and I was really glad when it was over. show less

First read for this author. I love brawny Highlanders and strong-willed heroines, but I struggled to get through this book. It started out great and hooked me right away even though it was clearly another rival clan plot, but the bigger focus is on Niall learning the identity of the clan traitor. By the middle of the book, I just wanted it to be over.

I can see what the author was going for and the plot had great promise, but the overstated/melodramatic writing became difficult to sift through. I hesitate to write this because I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either. There were several incidents where I felt Niall's reactions were over-the-top, especially for a powerful tanist who's entire life was dedicated to leading his show more clan.

Like this: I can't believe he'd go on a drunken binge because he suspected Anne of going against his directive by treating a young boy's burnt hand. An adult would confront her. He had much bigger problems to drink over.

I guess what I'm trying to describe are "sharp" or "unrealistic" emotional turns and reactions (from every character at some point). The feelings didn't match the moment and left me very confused. For example I'd be reading along and the couple would share a fairly civil moment. I'd think to myself, Does he like her now? I can't really tell. *turns the page* Whoops, she bruised his fragile ego again with a curt comment or look and paranoia sets in. He can't stand her.

Anyway, the bickering between Anne and Niall lacked chemistry and I never "felt" the love between them. The emotional romance was nearly non-existent in this book. I also didn't see much persecution against Anne for being a MacGregor. It's mentioned, but not experienced or shown to us. Granted, she gets into all sorts of trouble over being called a witch.

Many of my questions went unanswered when it came to the overall plot. Does he really find the traitor? What really happened to the first wife and babies? Was there foul play? If so how? When did the big moment happen where the couple came together? For awhile I wondered if Iain was supposed to become Anne's true love. That would've been a great twist!

I may revisit the author at a later date as there is potential here. show less

My favorite part about this novel was the Scottish brogue. I felt thoroughly immersed in the story. I read this whole series once ten years ago and actually started dreaming in Scottish. The novel is actually 4.5 stars. The ending started to lag, when you really wanted the characters to figure out who the villain was. And Niall and Anne were both a bit thick headed and distrustful, but I loved the banter between them.

Reader Rated 15 for mild sensuality and moderate violence.

This book was an interesting experience for me. Generally I find myself disappointed with "Christian" fiction. This author did a wonderful job of pulling me in and via her characters posing great questions about how to best follow the Lord in circumstances that mean doing so could cost your life. Or worse that of another. Read it cover to cover without a break and will definitely be seeking out other books in the series.

Well worth a read.

This was such a disappointment, the synopsis looked to be far more exciting than the story actually was. Far too Mill and Boon for may tastes. A pathetically old fashioned love story where one minute Anne and Niall are mad about each other, (she being crushed against his muscular body and gazed at with startling blue eyes!) and the next they are fighting the bit out! The one redeeming feature for me was that it was a free download, but I shan't be downloading the other 2 in the trilogy whether they are free or not.
Having said that if you are into this type of romantic twaddle you will love it!
Gosh reading the other 2 reviews here I wonder if I was reading the same book!! Just shows each to his own!

It was really interesting to see how something as simple as performing what we know today as CPR could have you branded as a witch in the 1500’s. In this wonderful historical fiction book we get a look at the past and how far we’ve come.
If you are into Scottish history or you just love reading about feuding clans then this is the book for you. To create a truce Anne is pledged in marriage to Niall. It is not what she desires. The one thing that neither of them counted on was falling in love. But that is just a portion of the story. Read to find out what trials they both must go through and how they handle it.