Highland Jewel, by May McGoldrick

The second installment in the Royal Highlander series is an intriguing walk through the sordid history of England, Ireland and Scotland in the late 1700's through the early 1800's. Princes Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel is separated from your young son, but not by choice. She has married the present King (arranged, not by choice) and he wants the young child banished because he fears loosing the throne to him at some point.

Cinaed Mackintosh is banish, but at least he is not killed. At four years of age he set adrift without his mother.

Years later he becomes know as "the son of Scotland," a title that represents his position as the future leader of the Scottish people.

Young Maisie is a woman who also has been put adrift somewhat by the death of her parents. She though has remained with family and lives with her sister and brother-in-law. They think she is meek and mild manner. But what they don't know is that she is an activist working diligently to bring the rights of women to the forefront of politics.

This second story is the story of how Maisie falls in love, only to have it thwarted by the throws of anarchy. It is also the story of how Cinaed and his mother, the Queen, are reunited.

There is intrigue, deception, turmoil, desperation, betrayal and love. Each chapter brings us closer to devastation that might tear each character apart. But each chapter also brings us closer to how love, loyalty and integrity might triumph and bring victory to those who are oppressed.

While loosely tied to history, the story has enough relevance to what truly happened to make it an excellent read and insight into the times and lives of those caught up in political deception and control.

The characters are very well developed. They become the hero's that we all want to find in our lives and times. They will wow you, confuse you, devastate you, but also give you hope for a brighter future for the Land of the Scot's.

I am waiting with anxiousness for the third book in the series.