Received this earlier in paperback ~ part of my 3 book prize pack from MaryLu Tyndall's giveaway [Thank you! MaryLu] looking forward with anticipation to this 2nd in the Highland series from Jennifer Hudson Taylor. She definitely won me over with book 1 !

Highland Sanctuary – finished Jan 17
2nd in Jennifer Hudson Taylor’s Highland series and as riveting as her first. I’ve been emotionally invested in these characters and the intrigue of their story for the entire 331 pages. There was no putting down to pick up later. No time was spared in waiting to find out what was going to happen next. The emotional impact is intense. The story, consuming.

From the delightful tartan binding and medieval castle featured cover to the Highland intrigue, romance, and colourful celtic characters; vivid descriptions that captured my senses to superstitions that grieved my spirit; this story is not to be missed.

A Fantastic addition to the Scotland Reading Challenge . Thank you , Jennifer, for sharing your writing gift with us!

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I received an ebook free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

What a refreshing book! I am so glad I had a chance to read this story because I enjoyed it very much! I wasn't aware when I requested it that it was the second in a series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone. After reading this one, though, I am definitely going to go back and read the first book, because if it was half as good as this one, then I know I'm going to love it!

Serena Boyd has had 'fits', or seizures, since she was born. Unfortunately, the book is set in Scotland in a time when anybody who had the falling disease (as epilepsy was called back then) was thought to be possessed by the devil, and many were burned at the stake as witches. For this reason, Serena's mother, Evelina, runs away from her husband to a place where she and Serena can hide out, a place full of misfits that outsiders call The Village of Outcasts. There Serena is raised to be a very kind Christian girl who is loved by all those in the village. Unfortunately, someone is terrorizing the villagers for unknown reasons, so the king sends Gavin MacKenzie, his brother, Leith, and their men to go undercover and find out what's going on. They are working at Braigh castle, restoring and rebuilding it, while also trying to figure out if something untoward happened to the old Laird, and to protect the new Laird, Iain MacBraigh. On their way there, Gavin meets Evelina and Serena, who had a 'fit' and fell off of their wagon, hitting her head. Gavin falls for Serena, but Serena is so scared of anyone finding out about her problem that she tries to keep him at arm's length. That works fine, until she has a fit not only in front of Gavin, but in front of the whole town of people, who denounce her for being possessed.

There is so much more to this story that I can't even begin to get into here! The characters are so well fleshed out that you feel like you know them, and the writing is excellent. The story moves along at a quick pace as there is always something going on. The romance is sweet and Gavin makes an excellent hero!

I can't wait to go back and read the first book, Highland Blessings, and I will be waiting anxiously for the next book to come out! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Leith will get his own story one day :D ( )

HIGHLAND SANCTUARY by Jennifer Hudson Taylor is a delightful inspirational historical romance set in Medieval Scotland. It is written with depth,details,with characters that will steal your heart and a few reappearing characters from "Highland Blessings". Gavin MacKenzie,a chieftain heir,who is hired to restore the Castle Braigh,finds a village of Outcasts,and finds the love of his live. Serena Boyd,comely lass,has falling out fits(seizures),considered an outcast,her mother and nurse ran and hide from Serena's father to keep Serena alive. This is the story of a mother's love,faith,forgiveness,outcasts,secrets,sacrifice, oddities,people's differences,destiny,betrayal, vengeance,romance,love, burning a witch at the stake,and a father's revenge. When Gavin is attracted to Serena. When he learns of her affiction he is determined to save her from being cast as a witch and burnt at the stake. While other's have differnt ideas,especially her father. Serena never knew her father. But her mother would do anything for her daughter. A mother's love who is willing to sacrifice all to save her daughter. Gavin,would do anything including calling in favors from King and family to save his beloved Serena. Since he found Serena he does not want to lose her. Although,the Laird who Serena is working for would marry her,she refuses him. Gavin has won her heart and her trust. A must read that is fast paced,action packed,full of surprises,a few twists and turns."Highland Sanctuary" is sure to capture any and all historical romance,Medieval,readers and anyone who enjoys reading about Scotland. Received for review from Net Galley and the publisher. Details can be found at Abington Press and My Book Addiction Reviews. ( )