This story started out well. I could easily see how the Chief could fall for the healer who provided him such gentle care following an injury. However, after that, the story just didn't really move the way I wanted it to.

There were several enemies of Maidie, the healer, but only one really surfaced towards the end, which was the least likely of all. The story must be considered inspirational/Christian romance, as there are no spicy scenes or even kissing at all. The hero, Andrew the Chieftan, finds God in an unlikely place and believes he must be free of sin to fully love Maidie and be worthy of her.

Overall, this story was just ok. I really wanted to like the characters but there wasn't much character building to be able to fall in love with.

A good read. Has a good story line with suspense and mystery added to it. Maidie, considered to be a witch by Clan Munro is a healer. After a battle she heals the clans leader Andrew. The story takes the reader through how they are able to unite to have a good life ahead

Overall the plot is intriguing, but I did have issues with some of the story. The male MC is incredibly controlling without it really being addressed properly and the female MC makes a comment about another female character being on her period because of her mood.

I did like the use of Scottish Gaelic and the particular focus on clothing.

When I request an ARC I always give a fair and honest review in return. While the writing was good and most of the story was appealing, I have to say that there was too much religious connotation for my liking.

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving a copy of this ebook via NetGalley.

I tried to like this book. I really did. But two words sum it all up for me: far-fetched and sappy. But first: SPOILER ALERT!!! STOP READING NOW if you don't want to know some elements of the plot in advance.

SPOILER ALERT!

First, it is inconceivable to me that a clan's tanist and the chief's brother would keep secrets from the laird. There is simply no way that Gavin would not have told Andrew right away that Davina had asked her maid to steal Maidie's bag, particularly since it contained herbs she needed to heal Andrew. Gavin would never have withheld potentially lifesaving treatment from his brother and other clan members. Further, it is impossible to believe that Andrew wouldn't be angry upon learning that Gavin lied about Davina's betrayal.

In addition, Gavin and Andrew's initial capitulation to MacKenzie, Frazer and Cameron's demands is ridiculous. There is no way a true laird in that time period would ever sign a divorce decree falsely claiming adultery on his part, particularly when doing so would mean the loss of a significant inheritance. Also, the notion that any man of this time period would trade a much coveted, strategically placed castle for a corpse is ludicrous.

What makes Scottish Highland historical romance novels so appealing are the strong, decisive, tough, fair, gallant and heroic "men's men" you just don't find the modern era. This novel is totally devoid of those essential characters. And while Maidie, Nellie and a few other women in the novel are well-drawn and likable, they simply aren't enough to carry the entire book. The pacing of the plot is a little awkward as well--one minute, Maidie is a widow and a healer who has been under Andrew's nose for seven years and the next he is in love with her, but nothing happens, then the plot resolution seems to unfold in a great rush. There is also a large dose of Christian indoctrination in this novel--had I realized that, I wouldn't have selected this book, but readers who enjoy inspirational reading won't be troubled by this aspect. Still, sadly, despite my love of all things Scotland, I can't recommend this novel.

Though several years have passed since she married into the Munro clan, Maidie is aware few trusts her. Now a widow, she considers returning to the clan of her father, the rival of her husband's clan. However, she is summoned to tend to Chief Andrew Dubh Munro, and her heart shows her a different path.

This was a sweet read. Maidie was an interesting character to follow. Her concern for her son and her desire for him not to be trained for battle made her sympathetic. Her insecurities about being her dead husband's clan made sense for the situation.

That being said, I did find it hard to believe Chief Andrew would be up and riding after having a stomach wound. Maybe things were different back then, but it seemed highly unlikely that he would recover so quickly.

Overall, I would recommend this to readers looking for a sweet, Scottish historical read.