The Promise of Peace (Carol Umberger)

The Scottish Crown series concludes here, and I'm sorry to see the end of this wonderful, romantic series. You have to read them all!

Rather like the film Braveheart, with it's inaccurate, racist, self- gratifying portrayal of so-called `history', these books are more like anti-English diatribes, than works of creative literature. Aside from glaring anachronisms, such as people drinking tea in fourteenth century England, the respective books in this series present the usual absurd stereotype of English people, which is so common in contemporary books and films. Anyone who has watched Braveheart will be familiar with it, English characters speaking with a ridiculously exaggerated form of the Standard English accent, sounding as though they had pegs permanently attached to their noses. The resemblance to it's cinematic counterpart does not end there, however, as throughout the series the reader is constantly bombarded with reminders of the atrocities committed by the wicked English, and continued references to their lack of chivalry, decency, honour and general unpleasantness. Contrasted of course with the ... Read more

Young Keifer McNab has been sent to foster with Sir Adam Mackintosh and his wife Gwyneth. He is to be trained to become "laird of the clan," a position Keifer doesn't want, but that someone else is determined he shall not have-at any cost. Nola, the feisty and irrepressible daughter of Adam and Gwyneth, has made up her mind she will be a part of Keifer's future. In fact, she is certain of it, even though Keifer is apparently unaware of her other than as a playmate, companion and general pest. When it is time for Keifer to leave to continue his training to become a knight, Nola forces him to make a promise that may prove difficult, if not impossible, for either of them to fulfill. Bitter at the twist of fate that deprived him of his father when still a child, Keifer resents even the offered help of those who are in a position to mentor him. Still, he has vowed to serve his king, Robert the Bruce, in Scotland's struggle for freedom from English tyranny. Keifer's bitterness deepe... Read more

This conclusion to the Scottish Crown series was very good. I looked forward to reading this for so long and i finally finished it! The book takes you through the life of Keifer, a boy who must go and foster with Adam and Gwenyth (The characters from the first book).When he is there he meets Adam and Gwenyth's daughter Nola, who he considers to be just an annoying eight year old. Through time the two become great friends,and Nola helps him thorugh the bitterness he has about his Father dying. This is a very touching and sweet story, a bit predictable at times, but still good. A must-read.

Carol Umberger completes her four book Scottish Crown Series in a magnificent display of passion, courage, love, and the cost brave men pay for freedom. Umberger weaves a page-turner in this Scottish tale. I enjoyed the history spun through the well-developed characters and suspensful plot.