posted on May 1, 2020 by Heather McCollum

A Pinch of True History and A Guaranteed Happily-Ever-After

I love history, especially British history, which is why I write historical romance. While most accurate accounts of the past do not include happy endings with wars, murders, famine, and plagues, a happy ending is essential in the romance genre. Therefore, Scottish historical romance is the perfect place for me to immerse myself.

When I start thinking about a new series set in the past, I investigate the government, religion, world events, and way of life for a considered time period. A historical book cannot just be plopped down in any century, or even decade, without careful investigation. I also find tidbits of fascinating true historical drama that feed into my brainstorming.

In my upcoming release, HIGHLAND CONQUEST, my research into the Sinclairs of northern Scotland revealed the vicious feud between the Sinclairs and their neighbors, the Sutherlands. My book takes place in 1589 when there was much warring between the clans over a slight that happened back in 1573. History records that Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland divorced his “obnoxious” wife, Barbara Sinclair. I wonder if she were purposely obnoxious because she disliked being wed to an enemy, because the union was a political one. They were both young and had not had any children when the separation occurred.

Alexander waged a full war with Barbara’s father and Clan Sinclair after the divorce. In a brutal battle on the seashore near Wick, Alexander claimed a decisive victory, killing more than a hundred Sinclair clansmen. The feud continued between them even after Alexander married Jean Gordon, the divorced wife of the Earl of Bothwell, third husband to Mary Queen of Scots (the divorce was granted on the grounds of Bothwell’s adultery with a maid, but then he married the queen of Scotland eight days later).

Divorce was very uncommon at the time and yet Alexander was involved with two cases. The proceedings, with rapid re-marriages and ongoing bloody feuds must have created high drama. And with little documentation, it all becomes an author’s playground!

In my book, HIGHLAND CONQUEST, readers are swept into the feud between Alexander Sutherland and George Sinclair, except that their deaths at the beginning of the book leave their clans in the hands of their eldest children. With true history being so dramatic on its own, the weaving of truth with fiction is seamless and so much fun!

Please join Cain Sinclair and Ella Sutherland in this romp across northern Scotland, where hearts become tangled with feuds and vengeful conquest!

HIGHLAND CONQUEST

Cain Sinclair has a plan. In order to finally bring peace to his clan, he will wed the young female chief of their greatest enemy. Only problem: capturing her and forcing her back to Sinclair castle doesn’t exactly make her want to say yes. Ella Sutherland may be clever, passionate, and shockingly beautiful, but what she isn’t is willing.

Every attempt Cain makes to woo her seems to backfire on him. A gift? The kitten practically claws his eyes out. A competitive game of chess? Even when he wins, he loses. It seems the only time the two ever see eye to eye is when they’re heating up Cain’s bed. Still, the only thing Ella truly wants is the one thing he cannot offer her: freedom.

But when Cain discovers she’s been harboring a secret—one that could threaten both clans’ very existence—he’ll have to decide between peace for the Sinclairs or the woman who’s captured his heart.

Heather McCollum

Heather McCollum

Heather McCollum is an award winning, historical paranormal and YA romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology, much to her English professor's dismay. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood of 2009 Golden Heart finalists. The ancient magic and lush beauty of Great Britain entrances Ms. McCollum's heart and imagination every time she visits. The country's history and landscape have been a backdrop for her writing ever since her first journey across the pond. When she is not creating vibrant characters & magical adventures on the page, she is roaring her own battle cry in the war against ovarian cancer. Ms. McCollum recently slayed the cancer beast and resides with her very own Highland hero, rescued golden retriever & 3 kids in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.

https://www.heathermccollum.com/

3 thoughts on “A Pinch of True History and A Guaranteed Happily-Ever-After”

  1. flchen1 says:

    Fascinating, Heather!

  2. Thanks so much!
    I just love history, so when I can weave my characters into it, immersing and exploring the setting, it is even more fun!

    Have a lovely, curl-up-with-your-perfect-hero kind of day!
    Heather

  3. flchen1 says:

    Thanks so much, Heather! That sounds perfectly appealing!

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