Although Falling for the Highlander has some magical elements to it (sadly, we can't time-travel in the real world--yet!) I incorporated some history about 1394 Scotland as well.
A particular tidbit I enjoyed researching was the birth of Scotland’s King James I. He is thought to have been born on or around July 25, 1394, right when my book takes place. James was the third son of King Robert III and was never expected to take the throne, but by the time he turned twelve, both his parents and his two older brothers had died, and suddenly he was the King of Scotland!
If you've read Falling already, you'll know how I weaved this history into my story, but if not, no spoilers—you’ll have to read it to learn the significance of King James's birth for yourself! Happy reading!
Inspiration for Roslin Castle
For those interested in my book Highlander's Ransom, I wanted to share the real-life inspiration for Laird Robert Sinclair's castle. Though my depiction of Roslin Castle in the book is fictitious, I was picturing Dunnottar Castle as I wrote!
Dunnottar sits on Scotland's eastern coast, south of Aberdeen. Before the stunning castle ever perched on these cliffs over the North Sea, it was the site of a Pictish fort in the 3rd century, and a target of Viking raids in the 9th century. The castle was built in the 13th century, and was captured by William Wallace in 1297.
Over the centuries, it was visited by monarchs like Mary Queen of Scots and James VI, but eventually it fell into disrepair. Yet the ruins have been preserved and still stand today--some day I hope to see them in person!
You can also check out more images of Dunnottar Castle, along with other inspirations for Highlander's Ransom, the rest of the Sinclair Brothers Trilogy, or any of my other books, over on my Pinterest page.
The King Is Dead!
At the beginning of Highlander's Redemption (Sinclair Brothers Trilogy, Book 2), King Edward I of England dies. Well, the King really did die on July 7, 1307. Edward was called "Longshanks" for his remarkable height and "The Hammer of the Scots" for his merciless suppression of the Scottish people (whom he viewed as rebellious subjects in need of punishment).
He is rumored to have asked that his heart be taken to the Holy Land, and that the flesh be boiled from his bones so that his skeleton could be carried into Scotland on future campaigns to suppress the rebellion--yikes! Eventually, he was buried at Westminster Abbey.
If you haven't already, check out Highlander's Redemption to see where fact meets fiction. Happy reading!