Published: May 1, 2012Publisher: Berkley TradePages: 336Received: for honest review/blog tourBUY NOW: Amazon | Book DepositoryDougal MacDonnell, a fierce warrior from the Highlands of Scotland, is able to hear the thoughts of other men and dream how the future will unfold. Devastated by the loss of his family during the Battle of Culloden in 1746, he fosters a deep hatred for the English. But when Glenna, the love of his life and a Scottish outlaw, is captured and shipped overseas, Dougal is forced to join an English army made of vanquished Scots. Now fighting on the side of his sworn enemies, he embarks on a journey that will take him across the seas to the colonies. There he will risk everything for the chance to find his true love.
I have a penchant for historical romances, especially ones with Highlanders and Scotsmen, and Sound of the Heart did not disappoint. Genevieve Graham writes her novels with very detailed history, little sprinkles of magic and loads of sweet romance.
The story of Dougal MacDonnell is one filled with emotion, adventure, challenge and in the end love. Dougal has this way about him that shows his passion for a good fight and his need for the love of a good woman, the right woman. Throughout his adventures and misadventures we get to glimpse little bits about him that collectively create one heck of a sexy warrior, including his rugged good looks, his love of family, his yearning for his heritage, and his perfect ability to have patience with both young and old.
Dougal is a survivor and a fighter and throughout all of the hardship he faces after being captured by the English, imprisoned and shipped overseas, he still has the ability to want more out of life and to survive to see his homeland again.
The two relationships in the story that I loved the most were Dougal and Aiden and Dougal and Glenna. Both were bittersweet with friendship, love and loss. Aiden was a very intelligent, amiable young man whom Dougal befriended while both were captives and their friendship continued well after escape. Glenna made quite the dramatic appearance in this novel, one you do not want to miss. The love between Glenna and Dougal was such a wonderful and sweet romance, starting as friends and building up until love consumed them both.
So many emotions are experienced while reading Sound of the Heart, but nothing can compare to the heart tugging feelings of loss and grief felt during some of the saddest parts of their story. The happiness that is also felt between these characters is one that will make you laugh and smile while sharing the joy of Dougal and Glenna.These two survive through so much, it will make you believe in soulmates and true love.
Now that I've read Sound of the Heart, I definitely need to go back and read the first novel Under the Same Sky so that I can read about Dougal's brother, Andrew. I'm glad that this was a companion novel and that I didn't necessarily have to have read Under the Same Sky before this one. You don't feel like you've missed out on anything at all, but I assume that Dougal's amazing story would just be that much better if I had read book one first.
About the author:
Genevieve Graham graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance (playing the oboe). While on a ski vacation in Alberta, she met her future husband in a chairlift lineup and subsequently moved to Calgary to be with him. They have recently settled in a small, peaceful town in Nova Scotia with their two beautiful daughters.
Writing became an essential part of Genevieve’s life a few years ago, when she began to write her debut novel, Under the Same Sky. The companion novel, Sound of the Heart, is available in stores now.
Writing became an essential part of Genevieve’s life a few years ago, when she began to write her debut novel, Under the Same Sky. The companion novel, Sound of the Heart, is available in stores now.
GIVEAWAY!
ends May 31st open to US/Canada Only
Grand Prize on the book tour is ...
A signed copy of Sound of the Heart PLUS a four cd set of relaxation cds created by my incredibly talented musical friends, Cori Ashley and Ed Franks. I'll give you a little insight into why I chose these cds as my prize - I'm NOT saying Sound of the Heart is about relaxing … considering the wild adventures Dougal's in for, I doubt he was too relaxed! But Dougal has a gift, similar to his brother's gift. He can relax his mind and hear the thoughts of other men, but he can also sink into his thoughts and hear the sounds and voices of his loved ones as if they were right there with him. These cds were created to help you escape the stress and craziness of your days. Grab a cup of tea or glass of wine (your preference!), light a candle, maybe slip in to a bubblebath, and listen to the sound of your heart.
Also, Genevieve will be back on the blog on June 7th for a guest appearance on Deserted Island! So make sure to pop back on the 7th to see what items and books she would want with her on this deserted island.
What a wonderful giveaway!! Ah, to be so relaxed!!
ReplyDeleteIt IS possible ... or so I've been told. LOL These cds are gorgeous. My friend Cori also wrote a lot of the music for World Vision tv shows - you know, the ones that make you sob? She's truly talented, and she makes beautiful music on these cds with her husband, Eddie. The picture on the front of "Sweet Dreams" is of her daughter, beautiful Lindsay.
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this book! I can't wait to see what you think of Under the Same Sky. Excellent review :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ais. :)
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