“…A new historical novel…in the…spirit of…D. K. Broster. The characters…are its strength…I do not know how an American author chose to write on a Scottish historical theme in such a Scots way and I warmly congratulate Cindy Vallar.”—David Roderick Cameron, President, Clan Cameron Association, Scotland

“A deftly written historical novel…powerful and highly recommended novel of strength and survival, conflicted love and compelling duty, spotlighting the intricacy of Scottish war and politics.”—Midwest Book Review

“...A full-blooded historical novel. More succinctly told than Diana Gabaldon with more sympathetic and believable characters, fans of Nigel Tranter will enjoy this one along with anybody who likes a Highland romance. Highly recommended!”—Rachel Hyde, Myshelf.com

“4 Stars!...This is an entrancing tale of love, honor and trust. Cindy Vallar has created characters as vivid as the time and place they inhabit. This is a must read for all lovers of Scottish historicals.”—Romantic Times

“Though this extraordinary debut novel is best labeled historical fiction, it contains a strong romantic element and a touch of the fey. So truly do Rory and Duncan come alive that to identify with them is to imagine being witness oneself to a piece of history...A book to savor, one that cannot or should not be read in one sitting. It’s too rich, too vivid, too moving to be gulped down. Brutality and villainy are there, but so are marvelous characters, warm human emotions, family love and loyalty and passion. The Scottish Thistle is sure to please readers of all sorts: those who want to laugh and cry, and those who enjoy well-researched history presented with verve.”—Jane Bowers, Romance Reviews Today

“5 Stars!...Having never been to Scotland, I was impressed by Vallar’s vivid setting descriptions and the bloody battle scenes. Emotions took on the color and characteristics of the people in the story. The historical facts blended with the fictional people kept me interested from the first page to the very end. I hated to put this book down.”— Michelle Angelini, Inscriptions

“...An epic Romance, an exceptional Adventure, and a Historic masterpiece. This book gets very high marks in the telling of the tale and in revealing the passions of the times. If you want a ‘sexy novel,’ do not look here, but if you want an all-around passionate story...this is definitely for you.”—Rosemarie Brungard, Romance at Heart

“Realistic, even gritty at times, author Cindy Vallar creates a mood and a time that has captured romance readers for years...A powerful book that takes great pains to capture the emotions of this time in Scottish history. Rory and Duncan are honest portrayals of a woman and a man torn by idealism and love. If you’re a lover of the dark torments that ravaged the Scottish people...and the darker torments of passion, you'll love this book!”—Joyce Lavene, Lagniappe Book Reviews

“3 Coffee Cups!...Cindy writes a great piece of historical fiction with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure! Her sense of history is remarkable. During the story you feel as if you are right there with the characters, experiencing everything they are. Now that's a story worth reading.”—Lisa, Book Review Cafe

“Cindy Vallar’s gift for artful, picturesque description of place puts the reader squarely and realistically in the story’s time period. It is rare to find a book that so astutely combines romance with the realism and subjective sense of the chosen historical time and events. It is just as rare to find an author with the skill to accomplish this.”—Sandra Simon, PromoPreview

“…An extensively and richly researched novel. The richness of the language and customs of the Highlands comes alive under the talent of Ms. Vallar, who not only understands the ways of the Highlanders, but has also successfully managed to capture their soul and translate it into a beautiful, adventurous and exciting tale of battle, magic, faith and loyalty.”—Denise Clark, The Road to Romance

“5 Stars!...A rich historical romance to read and savor…a fine blend between history and fiction. Rory and Duncan are finely drawn, appealing characters who act convincingly and they are supported by a cast of other memorable figures. I look forward to reading other works by Cindy Vallar.”—Marnie Holmes, Romance Novel Reviews

“A fascinating voyage back in time…a well-written tale. I highly recommend this intricate and wonderfully detailed story. As I read it, I was transported back in time to the misty Highlands!”—Jennifer Macaire, Ebookreviews.net

“A novel so rich in historical content that you feel as though you lived in the period surrounding the infamous battle of Culloden. Even the often overlooked language was fully integrated into The Scottish Thistle. If you are looking for a novel to play upon your emotions and transport you to another time, this is it.”—Jaye Berry, The Word on Romance

“4 Roses!...Vibrantly captures the Scotland of the 1740s. It breathes life into Scottish culture and history…I quite enjoyed it and learned a lot in the process.”—Marlene Breakfield, Escape to Romance

“If you’re a big fan of historical accuracy, this one will definitely be an enjoyable read! A good sparking chemistry between the characters.”—Deb Moores, Historical Romance Writers

“5 Stars!...This historical novel of tragedy, brutality, bravery, love, and hope will remain with you for a very long time. Reading this enthralling story makes the reader want to know more about this fascinating country and era. It is a must read for any lover of historical fiction.”—Kathleen Culligan Techler, Romancing the Web

“4 Plugs!...The rich Scottish brogue, heartfelt characters, and historically accurate setting draw the reader into Scotland during the 1700s. A vivid historical with romantic elements. Readers will be well pleased with this story.”—Tracy Farmsworth, The Romance Reader's Connection

“Rich in historic detail and passionate in characterization…Cindy Vallar has a remarkable understanding of the blend of paganism and Christianity during this period. Weaving superstition and visionary gifts into this remarkable tale, Vallar captures the true flavor of these historical personages in this remarkable tale. The battle of wills between the hero and heroine provide a vivid love story balanced by the realistic battle scenes and heart-rendering loss. Very highly recommended.”—Cindy Penn, Wordweaving.com

“…A captivating, true-to-life tale of mid-18th century Scotland. Without bogging down the romantic plotline of the book, historical facts and correct, but not overwhelming 'Scottishisms,' intertwine to present an interesting story. The inclusion of fairies, superstititions, and trickery heightens the readers’ awareness of the time period. A book I can easily recommend to anyone who yearns for an authentic Scottish read.”—Christina Laska, Sime~Gen Historical Reviews

“...Features a wealth of actual historic detail, a colorful setting, and characters that genuinely care for each other.”—The Historical Novels Review

“A heart-touching and well-crafted love story…A story that will move the hearts of readers and be enjoyed by all lovers of Scottish history.”—Wendy J. Dunn, author of Dear Heart, How Like You This?

“Evocative descriptions of life in the Highlands coupled with a pacy plot and engaging characters make this an entertaining read. Fans of the Scottish Historical will love this one. You can almost smell the heather.”—Elizabeth Chadwick, author of The Champion

“A glorious and grand story that will sweep you up and carry you away to the intriguing Scotland of Bonnie Prince Charlie…Cindy Vallar is an excellent storyteller whose first novel will delight and thrill readers.”—Marthe Arends, author of The Lion’s Shadow

“Extremely well-written story, fast paced, with vivid characters. The depth of Ms. Vallar’s research is impressive. She shows an especial appreciation for the fierce, touchy pride of the Highland clans. Best of all is her sense of place. If you’ve ever been to Scotland, you’ll feel like you’re back. If you haven’t been there, you’ll think you have been by the end of the story. As I read, I could see the dark clouds lowering over the loch. I could feel the biting wind. It made me long for a drop of—well, it made me want something to warm myself up...A large-scale novel, brimming with romance, adventure, and fascinating history. There is something in it for everyone, and I recommend it without reservation.”—Robert W. Broomall, author of The Lawmen and Murder in the Seventh Cavalry

“5 Stars!...A lushly-woven tale that will intrigue both Scottish historical novel fans and those with romance in their souls…This excellent first novel will reel you in from the first paragraph and leave you thirsting for more.”—Elizabeth Delisi, author of Since All is Passing

...Earlier, Thistle had blessed the torrential rain. Now, the smuggler cursed it. A lightning bolt slashed the ink-black sky. The shadows of the night blurred, and Thistle shuddered. The premonition descended with the finality of a coffin lid being nailed shut.

Thistle stood at the left hand of a dark-haired man. Swirls of mist curled around their feet and shadowy forms rose up between them, separating Thistle from the stranger. A flash of steel pierced the darkness. The white mist turned bright red, then faded to nothingness.

The smuggler’s eyes flew open! Thistle strained to hear, but thunder and wind obliterated other sounds. Lightning flashed; in the instant it illuminated mountain and glen, Thistle glimpsed a lone rider spurring his mount along the rough Highland track bordered by tall firs. He stiffened and toppled from his horse. Two caterans crept from the trees. While one searched their unconscious victim, the other rifled his satchel.

As the smuggler’s four companions surrounded the caterans, Thistle stepped onto a wind-smoothed boulder. With an arrow nocked taut against the string of the black longbow, Thistle aimed the lethal missile at one cateran’s heart and waited.

A flash of white light followed by a jarring thunderclap startled the thief. He raised his head and screamed. His companion dropped the pilfered booty. He fell to his knees and crossed himself. “Please, Thistle, spare us! We meant no harm.”

The smuggler smelled their fear and snickered beneath the mask. “Are ye saying the man sprawled in the mud is after taking a wee nap during such a fierce storm?”

They cried out, each trying to shout down the other.

“We found him here!”

“He is dead!”

The rider moaned.

“Dead, ye say? Then he comes back to haunt ye.” Thistle stepped closer and spoke words laced with menace. “Truis! Be gone! If ever I find ye in these bens again, I willna be so forgiving.”

The caterans scrambled over each other in their haste to escape. Thistle waited until the darkness swallowed them before jumping from the boulder to kneel beside the stranger. The short wooden hilt of a sgian protruded from the man’s upper back. Thistle extracted the knife, then bandaged the wound with a piece of black cloth ripped from the smuggler’s own shirt.

The stranger moaned. Easing him onto his back, Thistle braced the stranger’s head and shoulder against a thigh. The man’s eyes fluttered open.

“Can ye ride?” Thistle asked.

The rider nodded.

Thistle gave him over to the other smugglers and went to collect the stranger’s stallion. When Thistle reached for its reins, the horse flared its nostrils and snorted. Its hooves clattered on stones. Thistle grabbed its halter, stroked its neck, and whispered soothing words in Gaelic. The stallion whinnied, ceased its clawing of the earth, and grew calm. After the others helped the rider remount, Thistle swung up behind him. The two men who took the van wove their way through the rocks and into the woods. Thistle followed while the remaining pair brought up the rear.