I have always loved to read, but my list of "books wanted" is too long for me to ever have time to complete. I've really been trying to be more selective with what I read lately and make the best use of my time. That's why I've been making it a point to contact Christian publishers and authors to request review copies---rather than just read whatever comes my way.

In being more selective, I've tried to focus on Christian literature because it's (supposed to be) uplifting and encouraging. However, there's more to a good book than a good message. I want to promote great literature but, I'll be honest, sometimes the Christian publishing community can be embarrassing. More than the not-so-wholesome-for-everyone topics like sex or murder, sometimes simple things like poor editing or amateurish writing skills can take a lot away from the heart of the message being shared.

That's how I feel about these first two books in Jennifer Hudson Taylor's series, The MacGregor Legacy. The stories could be engaging tales of adventure, suspense, love, and redemption, but they're difficult to read for lack of professional editing. Much of the two novels stumbles awkwardly, rather than flows smoothly, and it's very distracting.

The dialogue was very distracting with all of the "Mithers" and "cannas". I know some readers enjoy trying to pull off the Scottish brogue in their imaginations but, in this case and coupled with the rocky storytelling, it made it hard to stay on track.

In addition, I felt there were way too many characters introduced too soon and all at once. While it was easy to get the general gist of the story, trying to understand and develop a sympathy for the characters just left me confused and frustrated.

What did I like? The cover art. The photo of the girl in the cape, along with the castle in the background, grabbed my attention and made me want to read the book. It also made me want to like the book---but it wasn't enough.

I've emailed with the author on a couple of occasions and she really is a sweet woman. I think these stories have great potential, so I'm going to blame the editors on this one. Hudson Taylor had a great idea for a series spanning multiple generations and highlighting the history of America that so many of us love to read about. It's obvious that it took thought, talent, and prayer to bring these stories to life on the page. I believe Hudson Taylor has that talent, but her editing team dropped the ball in a big way.

Whomever told her these books were ready for publication needs to develop a backbone (or maybe just retake Grammar 101). They're doing her no service by ignoring embarrassing cases of wordiness and run-ons.

At this point, The MacGregor Legacy series is a perfect example why we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. However, with some polishing and sharpening by the right editorial staff, I think this could be an excellent series and a positive addition to the Christian history buff's bookshelf. ( )

I really enjoy stories about Highlanders, and this one was no exception. Malcolm is a gruff gentleman who finds his family’s village destroyed and his mother and sister missing upon return from an expedition. He is told that the Campbell clan is to blame, and steal’s the patriarch’s daughter, Lauren, in retaliation. The two begin their trek across the Atlantic following the trail of Malcolm’s missing family members. What begins as a story of revenge and retaliation soon turns into a story of forgiveness and redemption. Malcolm learns to stop blaming God for his families “cursed” life and realizes the many blessings that will come from this turn of events.

Overall, the story was written well with good characterizations. The dialogue was simple and reserved at times, but I think that stems more from an attempt for accuracy for time period, than from a lack of imagination of the author. I enjoyed the story and would enjoy knowing what happens to this family in future chronicles.

Rating: 4

HEAT Rating: Sweet

Reviewed By: Daysie W.

Review Courtesy of: My Book Addiction and More ( )

Title: For Love or Loyalty (The MacGregor Quest Series)
Author: Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Pages: 334
Year: 2013
Publisher: Abingdon
This is the first in a series featuring in this installment Malcolm MacGregor as the main male character. He has been to market to sell some of his clan’s cattle to pay their rent to their overlord, Glenn Campbell. When he returns to his village, he finds all their belongings burned and many villagers beaten. He vows revenge on the Campbell, who has also taken his mother and sister to sell as indentured servants to pay their supposed debt even though Campbell arrived two weeks early to collect the rent. In retaliation, a fellow clansman kidnaps Lauren Campbell, Glenn’s daughter. Malcolm thinks that he can take Lauren and sell her to be an indentured servant to take the place of his mother.
Lauren Campbell feels alone in her world with the exception of her little sister and the charity work she performs. Lauren regularly travels to Malcolm’s village with food for the poor and to socialize with his mother and sister. Lauren’s own mother died when Lauren was about eight years old and she has begun to think of Malcolm’s mom as a mother figure. Lauren’s mother tried to instill Christian beliefs and way of life into her young daughter before she died. Now, Malcolm’s mother has watered those seeds and fruit is born. Lauren at first is angry with Malcolm, but realizes her father is guilty in this matter and she will do whatever is needed to help Malcolm regain his lost family members. Romance begins to brew between Lauren and Malcolm, but Malcolm still wrestles with his dilemma of how to rescue his mother and sister from years of servitude and at the same time keep Lauren from serving out a penalty that her father deserves.
I didn’t really like how the main female character in this story just didn’t seem realistic in the matter of her kidnapping. She is a wealthy aristocrat who is kidnapped, taken from her homeland, forced to endure a long voyage at sea and told she is being sold into servitude. Yet, one of the first things she does is to forgive the man who put her in this position? I realize this is Christian fiction, but I thought it unrealistic that she didn’t have to work much to get through her anger and bitterness to come to the point where she is able to forgive him. I would have liked to see more of this very human struggle. I also, wasn’t thrilled with the romance between Malcolm and Lauren. It just didn’t flow together well for me. I did like Lauren’s ability to see to the needs of others and her willingness to serve others and compassion towards those less fortunate than herself. She certainly portrays Christ to the best of her abilities to her fellow man. Despite her uncertain future, she grabs on to the only thing that will save her and that is her Savior. If I could, I would give this book 3.5 star rating.
My rating is 3 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

After having their name abolished by King James, the McGregor clan lived from day to day struggling to survive. The Campbells were a harsh clan and, being their tenants, the McGregors were at their mercy. When Malcolm McGregor returned home to find his younger brother severely wounded and his mother and sister sold as indentured servants by the Campbells he knew he would do whatever it took to get them back. Kidnapping Duncan Campbell's daughter Lauren was the first step. Malcolm sets off with Lauren to find his mother and sister intent on using Lauren as an exchange for his mother. He never expected to fall in love with her and when Lauren sells herself willingly to save his mother he vows to save her or die trying.

Lauren Campbell was a woman of faith with a compassionate heart. That's why she went to the McGregor clan's home. To bring food and necessities to those less fortunate. Her friendship with Iona and Carleen McGregor was something she cherished. Malcolm's mother, Iona, was like her own mother and when she found out what her father had done she was shocked and, though she was forced on the journey to find her against her will, she soon found herself falling for her captor. When they find Iona worn and tired at a plantation Lauren willingly gave her own self in exchange for the elderly woman. Malcolm vows to get her back and Lauren prays he can find a way. Will Malcolm save her in time or will Lauren succumb to the world of slavery?

I must admit that "Highland" books or books with a Scottish setting are not something I read very often but I was pleasantly surprised when I got into this story. I loved the entire plot from beginning to end and it kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. There were a few twists that just enhanced the overall story. I loved that Malcolm was a brawny guy but tender and loving. Lauren displayed amazing faith in even the most dire of circumstances. No matter what she was going through she turned to God without wavering. I also liked that the story brought forth the topic of slavery and indentured servants. The treatment they received was horrible and inhumane and this book described their conditions in an excellent manner. Overall I loved this book and if you are a fan of Scottish romances you will too. Even if you're not I still recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions stated are mine and mine alone and I received no monetary compensation. ( )

"For Love or Loyalty" takes place in Scotland in 1760 and involves two feuding families: the Campbells and the MacGregors. When Duncan Campbell oversteps his position and ruins Malcolm MacGregor's home and family, Malcolm decides he will seek revenge, and that means using Duncan's daughter, Lauren, to get it.

Fast-paced and fully captivating, I found myself lost in the past and totally involved with both Malcolm and Lauren who both ended up being victims of Duncan's wrath and sick sense of justice. As the story unfolds, I became truly in love with both Malcolm and Lauren. Lauren because of her patience, love and faith and Malcolm because he was a very good and honorable "mon" underneath all the anger he felt caused by Duncan's horrible deed. As Malcolm spends time thinking and seeing the Lord move through Lauren, he slowly realizes his actions have consequences that are just as bad as what Duncan did to his family.

This book is a must read for any fan of Scottish or early Colonial history as well as those who enjoy great Christian fiction. The Christian message is not over the top but is placed well throughout the story. It is realistic and is where it would be most used in certain situations: death, sickness, danger, etc. It is also realistic in the fact that some characters question where God was when things happened. Because of this, I think that even a secular audience would enjoy the storyline without feeling preached to.

This book/new series comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

This ebook was provided by the author in conjuction with FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to provide a favorable review, but instead on that reflects my honest opinion. ( )