Maiden of Inverness [Paperback]

Arnette Lamb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 24, 2008

Barely on the threshold of womanhood, Meridene prepares to assume her responsibilities as the revered Maiden of Inverness, until a sinister act by King Edward I causes Meridene to be betrothed to a lowly butcher's son.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA?Meridene is destined by birth to turn the rule of Scotland over to her husband, but her cruel father would rather kill her than give up his kingdom. His enemy, King Edward of England, arranged the marriage between Meridene and Revas, a butcher's son, when she was only a child. For her safety, she is raised in an English convent, but 13 years later Revas kidnaps her to fulfill the legacy that will enable him to become king. He also wants her to learn to love the Scottish people, their culture, and himself. Lamb has provided a detailed, entertaining plot set in 14th-century Scotland with well-drawn central characters. Although somewhat similar to the novels of Julie Garwood, the dialogue is not as witty and the story itself moves at a slower pace.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

By tradition, the Maiden of Inverness is the only one who can demand the sword of Chapling from her father and place it in the hands of her husband, making him king of the Highlands. Meridene Macgillivray is by birth the Maiden of Inverness, but for the past thirteen years she has lived in England. Used as a political pawn by the king, she was married to the butcher's son at the age of eight, then sent to England for her protection. Her father would rather see her dead than married to someone not of his choosing. She despises her homeland and all the people in it, even her family. When she is kidnapped by her husband and brought back to Scotland, she hates him most of all. Revas Macduff was born a commoner, but he aspired to greatness. Now a grown man, his dream is to unite the clans and bring peace to the Highlands. The only way to guarantee that is to return the Maiden of Inverness to her rightful home-- by his side, as his wife. He has spent many years thinking about the young girl who was so brave, but Meridene has changed. She has hardened her heart to Scotland and to him. He is determined to win her heart for both her homeland and her husband. Meridene is frustrated by the loyalty everyone shows Revas. Her only desire is to return to England, but she can't help being a little proud of Revas and all that he has accomplished. She knows she must protect herself from his charming ways because all he wants from her is the sword that will make him king. But she sees in him the dreams of her heart-- as a husband and father to her children. Can there be a future for Meridene and Revas beyond fulfilling the legend of the Maiden?A truly enchanting tale of the Scottish Highlands! Arnette Lamb has a remarkable gift for creating passionate tales of medieval Scotland! MAIDEN OF INVERNESS is a wonderful story of romance in a time of chivalry and adventure! Once again, Arnette Lamb leaves us breathless! Her fans will love her newest creation! Each of Arnette Lamb's books is like a long awaited vacation to another time and place! You can't wait to get there and you hate when it's over!Kristina Wright -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (December 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439154686
• ISBN-13: 978-1439154687
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,984,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars "I'm A Lambkin...", August 1, 2004

By 

Once Upon A Time "Professional DayDreamer" (Southern Pines, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maiden of Inverness (Mass Market Paperback)

Enjoyable read. Meridene is betrothed to Revas when they are both no more than children. King Edward sends her away to England shortly after the wedding ceremony is performed when an attempt is made on her life by her own kin. Young Revas vows he will come for his child-bride.

Thirteen years later, Revas makes good on his vow. Unfortunately, Meridene wants nothing to do with him or Scotland.

Revas was adorable...a strong, handsome warrior determined to win over his bride. Meridene was a bit stubborn but her fears were not unfounded. I found this to be a charming story with a likable hero and heroine and secondary characters guaranteed to bring a smile to one's face.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Nothing special, June 13, 2006

By 

Gemma "bookworm" (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maiden of Inverness (Mass Market Paperback)

From the back cover:

A woman born to greatness...

In a time of war, Meridene is just an innocent child, yet she is also the revered Maiden of Inverness, ordained by birth to place the ceremonial sword of Scottish rule in her husband's hands. But Edward I, King of Britain, cunningly betroths her to a lowly butcher's son...

A man destined to rule...

Of common blood, yet noble in his dreams of a united Scotland, Revas MacDuff accepts his destiny--while his enraged in-laws would rather kill his young bride than honor such a marriage. Only retreat to an English nunnery saves the young Maiden's life, leaving a boy along with his vow to one day win her back...

A passion fated to possess them both...

Thirteen years later Revas will find not a grateful wife, but a fighting fury of a woman who despises Scotland, its clans, and the Highlander who calls himself her mate. Planning merely to seduce her, Revas begins to care. Determined to forever hate him, Meridene begins to surrender. Now, amid evil and treachery, the kindling of love's bright fire can save a great land--or destroy a Maiden's hopes...her soul...her heart.

And my review:

I can't really see what the big deal is about this book. I can see why it might appeal to some people to some extent, but I don't really think it's anything special.

I felt that there was more emphasis on history than on the romance for many parts of the book. Rather than providing an interesting backdrop, the history would take centre stage. If that's what I wanted, I'd read historical fiction, not historical romance.

Also, the relationship was very annoying at times. The fought so much. And it started to descend into that horrible "I hate you but I can't keep my hands off you because you're so hot" themes, which I just hate. I need more than sex to cheer for characters to be together. While the heroine's fears and hurts were well-founded, they also felt like they dragged on far too long.

I would not recommend MAIDEN OF INVERNESS, not unless you're a die-hard fan of this author. If you're still determined to read it, borrow it from the library. For a more enjoyable medieval romance, I recommend HIS FORBIDDEN TOUCH by Shelly Thacker.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Maiden of Inverness, November 30, 2001

By 

Brenda Thatcher "www.mystiquebooks.com" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maiden of Inverness (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is close to being her BEST. Revas Macduff is a special kind of hero, the kind that is equally virile as loveable, and the relationship between he and Gibby brings tears to the eyes. While The Maiden herself gets somewhat trying, Revas and the entire cast of supporting characters more than make up for the heroine's somewhat less than sterling performance. There were times I laughed out loud, with tears in my eyes. If you get the chance, GET THE SERIES! Border Lord, Chieftain, and The Maiden. You may even break down and get the rest of the Scottish Fold, Border Bride and a short story inside A Holiday of Love. Hurrah for a man like Revas!