The Strongest Heart
Set in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, this is the story of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, the grandson of both Angus Og Macdonald, whose story is told in book 2, and King Robert II. Donald was a man strong of faith, character and heart who would lead the clan into battle before seeing the Kingdom of the Isles destroyed by an ambitious man who would be king.
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In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.
A man of keen intelligence and strategy, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow a traitorous royal thug to rob him of his legacy. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota Leslie, heiress to the Earldom of Ross. What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to become the Hero of Harlaw. On Amazon US, UK, Canada and Australia On Goodreads The Pinterest Storyboard for The Clan Donald Saga |
A Fantastic Read! A Talented Storyteller! A Powerful Story!
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From Grant Leishman’s 5 Star review for Readers' Favorite:
“Author Regan Walker has a talent for bringing legendary figures to life and imbuing them with character and personality that any reader can relate to. From what is often scant historical data that tells of little more than dates and events, she weaves a magical tale of courage, love, and devotion that carries the reader seamlessly through the narrative. This is a fantastic read, with plenty of action and fighting for those who enjoy it but at the core, this is a love story; Lord Donald’s love for Mariota, his family, his people, and his beloved Isles. Highly recommended.” |
From Tina Williams' 5 Star review for
A Reader's Review: "Regan Walker is a talented storyteller, whose words conjure up a vivid sense of place and time. The domestic scenes and the dialogue between Donald, his wife and those closest to him give the reader an insight into his character and motivations, as do his interactions with his contemporaries. It is evident that the author has paid great attention to the historical sources available. Donald’s relationship with the Kings of England and his allies in Ireland illustrate the strength of the MacDonald clan at that point in history." |
From Vicki Krebs' 5 Star review for
The Reading Cafe: “The Strongest Heart is a powerfully written story that pulls you in at the very beginning. Walker’s ability to weave actual history into her sweeping tales is second to none. Ultimately, this is a story of faith and honor, betrayal and redemption that takes you from the Scottish Highlands to the courts in England.” |
The background photograph of Golden First Light on the Three Sisters of Glencoe by photographer Alex Trowski, which is also the background for the book cover, is used with his permission. The banner image of the Isle of Skye by photographer Kenny Muir is used with his permission, too. My thanks to them both!
