Lady of the Glen: A Novel of 17th-Century Scotland and the Massacre of Glencoe

I truly beleive that this is what Historical Romance is all about. I have read this book 3 times already and it is in my KEEP shelf for future reading. If I could rate this book any higher, I WOULD. Some reviewers rated this book as slow but I found it just the opposite as I am a true Scottish fan. I just happened upon this book as it had Scottish plaid on the front and I prefer any Author that writes Scottish novels, plus, I have also read a history of Scotland, so I am familiar with the history of the Glencoe Massacre. She had the ability to make you feel that you were at the massacre yourself and could almost experience what they were experiencing at the time. I would love to see a Movie made of this book that would rival "Braveheart".

Oh, where do I begin? I absolutely LOVED this book. I am a lover of Historical books,be they biographies, non-fiction, romance, or general fiction. This one delivered on all accounts. After I finished it I went out on the internet to research the Massacre of Glencoe, and the Campbells and MacDonalds. Ms. Roberson did her homework. The book is entirely accurate. Not only that, but when I saw pictures of the actual places, they were exactly as I had imagined them through the authors descriptions. I felt like I was in the Highlands. On the morning of the Massacre I could feel the biting cold of the blizzard, and worse yet, my heart was breaking for the characters. I fell in love with Catriona. I thought she was so beleivable and real. She never did anything that I felt was out of character, or left my wanting to shake her for being so blind as is typical of most romance novels. I loved that they were both described as being beautiful and attractive more for their strength and intelligence than their looks. I loved Cat's unresolved feelings for her father, but how she rose above it and sought out her own life. For the reviewer who gave it such an awful review, all I can think is that she is not a lover of good historical fiction. Be forewarned. This is not a romance novel. Although the romance between Dair and Cat is central to the story, this is heavy on the history. There are some love scenes, but they are not explicit nor central to the story line. If you are unfamiliar with Scottish history and Clans, you will have a headache by the first 100 pages trying to keep them all straight. But if you have read some Scottish history already, and love historical fiction, you must read this book. It is fantastic.

What a fantastic book!I married into the "Campbell clan" 6 years ago and approx the same time went to a Campbell family reunion. There was much talk of history/pride of clan etc, until one of the old aunties told me the Campbells were actually famous in scotland as murderers of Macdonalds! I had never heard of the "Glencoe Massacre" until then, and stumbled across "Lady of the Glen" by pure chance. What a gripping read from start to finish! Jennifer Roberson's writing style is wonderfully involving and had me hooked, i literally couldnt put it down. the story between Cat and Alasdair is truly beautiful (who cares if that is the only part of the storyline that is fictional?) and involving, and really made the dry facts of an historical event 300+ years ago come alive. 2 thumbs up for this unforgettable book and i cant wait to read the rest of her books! I notice some of the other reviewers found the book a bit slow/boring/too historical - if it is a bawdy "romance" novel you are looking for, this is not the book for you, but if you are looking for a beautifully told, historically accurate account of realistic characters - you wont be disappointed.

Jennifer Roberson is a wonderful author. I found her work when a friend recommended Lady of the Forest (a tale of Robin Hood told from a woman's point of view) and I was lucky enough to find this book. Ms. Roberson's attention to detail is amazing and I enjoy her work very much. This is the story of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe (with a romantic spin). It takes place when the h/h are children and although they are enemies somehow find something to like in each other. They knew from the start that they would always be much more than friends. The description of Scotland, the details of the political intrigue, the horrors of massacre are so unbelievable -- more so because they happened in truth -- I couldn't put the book down. Until this book I didn't know what spellbinding meant... after you read it you will understand why! Catriona Campbell is a likeable child and an even more lovable adult. She is the picture of a highland lass if ever your imagination needed to create one! The love she feels for Dair from the minute they meet (even though they were enemies) makes you realize why you could never pick the person you truly love - Love picks that person for you. She is smart, she is strong and she is real! Cat reminds you of someone you have always admired and you feel as if you've known her forever. You will feel pride in her and you will be devastated right along side of her. This heroine brings you into the story - as if you didn't have a choice. By the end of the book you realize the choice was made upon opening the book! Alasdair ``Dair'' Og MacDonald. He is not your "typical" hero, from his looks to his personality - he is just unique! Gorgeous, smart and funny. A family man, a devoted husband and a loving son make this man special in anyone's eyes. You will come to love him and root for him and want to cry for him when the Massacre hits. The depth of emotion that this character brings out will surprise you and grab hold of you like never before. The secondary characters are so wonderful that you will find yourself in tears more times than once. The attention to detail and historical fact will have you looking up Glencoe on the Internet and researching the Massacre in the library. I was lucky enough to visit Glencoe and although I was disappointed because there was not much to "see" by way of historical treasures... that is the point - there was nothing left! Captivating and electrifying! Vivid and lush views of Scotland - if you want to know why people love to read about Highlanders this book will explain it!

Me personally, being a Scot and a MacDonald, was in tears from beginning tae end. Me family and I lost and had ancestors live through the massacre and even though this was a fictional book, me thinks Ms. Roberson did a gang boonie job.