The Crown in the Heather
The Bruce Trilogy, Book I
by N. Gemini Sasson
In 1290, Scotland is without a king. Two families – the Bruces and the Balliols – vie for the throne.
Robert the Bruce is in love with Elizabeth de Burgh, the daughter of an adherent of the ruthless Longshanks, King of England. In order to marry her and not give up his chances of someday becoming King of Scots, Robert must abandon his rebel ways and bide his time as Longshanks’ vassal.
But Edward, Longshanks’ heir, doesn’t trust the opportunistic Scotsman and vows to one day destroy him. While quietly plotting his rebellion, Robert is betrayed by one of his own and must flee Longshanks’ vengeance.
Aided by the unlikely brilliance of the soft-spoken young nobleman, James Douglas, Robert battles for his throne. Victory, though, is never certain and Robert soon learns that keeping his crown may mean giving up that which he loves most-his beloved Elizabeth.
(86,000 words; available as ebook and print)
“The author brilliantly connects the reader with the characters. The story is told from three different points of view, and it makes the history of Scotland come to life. Well researched and well written, The Crown in the Heather is breathtaking. I can’t wait to read the rest of this fascinating trilogy.” – Historical Novels Review Online (Historical Novel Society)
