The Space Between by Diana Gabaldon

The Space Between (Outlander book 7.5)

By Diana Gabaldon

Book Blurb:
Joan MacKimmie is on her way to Paris to take up her vocation as a nun. Yet her decision is less a matter of faith than fear, for Joan is plagued by mysterious voices that speak of the future, and by visions that mark those about to die. The sanctuary of the nunnery promises respite from these unwanted visitations . . . or so she prays. Her chaperone is Michael Murray, a young widower who, though he still mourns the death of his wife, finds himself powerfully drawn to his charge. But when the time-traveling Comte St. Germain learns of Joan’s presence in Paris, and of her link to Claire Fraser—La Dame Blanche—Murray is drawn into a battle whose stakes are not merely the life but the very soul of the Scotswoman who, without even trying, has won his heart.

I haven't a clue what to rate The Space Between. Just because it was written by my favourite author doesn't mean the book automatically receives a 5 star from me. To be honest, after reading The Space Between, I did a lot of head scratching and saying, "huh?"

I certainly finished the story with more questions than I had going into it. I think I need to read this novella a second time. When Diana Gabaldon makes a point to write something, it usually means that I need to remember something for the future. 

The Space Between is not a romance nor is it historical fiction. It is a...what the heck was it? A filler? A puzzler? A definite head scratcher. 

I did really like that Joan MacKimmie seems to be a seer of some sort. I think there is a lot of story that can be created with that bit of added knowledge. Michael only lost his wife a month previous so the poor man is still very much in mourning. My heart ached for him. I loved that Diana provided flashback memories of Michael with his wife as we got to meet her and miss her along with him. 

Master Raymond reappears and so does the Comte St. Germain. You may remember them from the long ago Paris days with Jamie and Claire. Lots and lots of questions about The Space Between is generated because of these two. I am not going to spoil anything but I did say out loud, "What the heck?" more than a few times. 

I can't say that I LOVED it, nor did I not like it. So for me, a 3 star is a good rating since I liked it. 

Claire and Jamie - TV Guide's Picture Treat For Today

First Look: Sparks Fly on Starz's Outlander - Today's News: Our Take | TVGuide.com:

Just wonderful. Fabulous. I want to stare at all day. I don't like to rush time but I can't wait to see these two light up the screen. 

'via Blog this'

A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon

Roger's parents
Jerry & Marjorie (Dolly) 



A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows

By Diana Gabaldon

Book Blurb:
Available for the first time as an exclusive eBook in this original Outlander novella, Diana Gabaldon reveals what really happened to Roger MacKenzie Wakefield’s parents. Orphaned during World War II, Roger believed that his mother died during the London Blitz, and that his father, an RAF pilot, was killed in combat. But in An Echo in the Bone, Roger discovers that this may not be the whole story. Now, in “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows,” readers finally learn the truth.

Okay I admit, as I do with all Diana Gabaldon books, I really don't know how to classify A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows. It's not really a romance but the story is romantic. It is definitely historical and it has the trademark sci-fi fantasy. 

I finished reading Diana Gabaldon's Echo in the Bone for a third time and I really wanted to read what happened to Roger's parents. I actually bought the hardcover, Songs of Love and Death just to read their story. Turns out if I had just waited, I could have just purchased the ebook alone. Oh well, I have some anthology reading sometime if I feel like it. 

A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows was wonderful. I had no idea how it was going to turn out nor what Ms Gabaldon had in store for Roger's parents. I was not disappointed at all. 

A Leaf of the Wind of All Hallows could be read as a stand alone but I don't think you'd understand the significance of certain parts and you'd just think that there was possibly some odd parts to the story. Perhaps it would make you curious about the Outlander series. 

I am so entwined into the Outlander series and their characters that it actually breaks my heart that Roger will never learn of the actual outcome of what really happened that fretful day when he lost his mother during the bomb raid in World War two. Or shall I rephrase that and say, that Roger will not know the extension of what happened the day he lost his mother in that air raid. 

The story does answer some long awaited questions and just makes me pine for the next Outlander book. 

Teasers: raw sapphire to the rescue, a mother's love, the return of Frank Randall, Roger ends up waaay back in time

Outlander Fans, Come Obsess with Me! Outlander Jewelry

TA DA! Check this out! 

One of my most favourite gifts that I have ever received was a reproduction of Claire's ring from Outlander. I treasure that gift because it is so personal and perfect for me! (I love you BFF! Da Mi Basia Mille)

Here is what it looks like.  

Anyhow, I follow The Author's Attic on Facebook and I am sure you could hear my squealing when I saw this recent post announcing new Outlander book charms. Aren't they pretty! I totally made an order and I selected the one with the Outlander book in antique silver. I am going to wear it around my neck on a chain. 

If you love book inspired jewelry from the likes of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Diana Gabaldon or Anya Seton you should check out this website The Author's Attic.  Great gift ideas too since the holidays are around the corner. The prices are very reasonable!

I am in no way affiliated with The Author's Attic nor is this paid advertisement for them.  I was just outrageously happy to order this very cool charm and wanted to share. 

I'm only adding the picture of Diana and me because I usually look for any reason to do so  :)

Hot Summer Nights Giveaway Hop as well as Outlander News

Wow is it hot enough outside for you? Setting records here. There's nothing better than a hot read to go with the sweltering summer weather. 

Who is your favourite couple to read about? My epic favourite couple is Jamie and Claire Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. 

Credit to the talented "Captivated2" at Deviant Art for her portrayal of Jamie and Claire

I just heard the news that my favourite book couple is about to get turned into a TV cable series by "Battlestar Galactica" famed developer/executive producer, Ron Moore. Here is the MASSIVE BIG NEWS about Jamie and Claire's Outlander news article. 

Oh I hope Ron Moore keeps author Diana Gabaldon on speed dial and isn't shy to use it!


Is there a couple's story that you'd like to try or do you just want that next book in a series? Well here is a great chance. Don't forget to check out many of my blogging buddies as there are tons of great giveaways to help beat the heat. 

1. Open International (because I adore all of you) If Book Depository delivers to your area, you pick up to $15!
2. If US or CAD, you can choose whether you'd prefer a $15 Amazon Gift Card or if you'd rather - up to a $15 book at Book Depository. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Dragonfly in Amber


By Diana Gabaldon


Book Blurb:

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ... in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ... and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves...

Dragonfly in Amber marks the last of the re-reads in the Outlander series for me. Yes, yes I know I did it all backwards but I did start off with The Scottish Prisoner ( a spin off Lord John Book) and not the first book Outlander. In actuality, if you are a new reader, Dragonfly in Amber should be your second book. It doesn't matter how many times I read this series, I fall in love with the characters all over again. 

Of all the books in the Outlander series, I refer to Dragonfly in Amber as the "meaty" book. Let me explain; in the first book Outlander, our beloved characters Jamie and Claire are really just getting to know each other until halfway through the book. For the second half of that book they are truly in love. Jamie knows Claire's secret and then a major climatic ending results in a lot of healing power between the pair. 

The meat of their loving relationship really flourishes in Dragonfly in Amber. These are extremely eventful times as Jamie and Claire seek out to change time and history by hopefully preventing the disastrous Rising of 1745. They are in a constant struggle to plot and ploy all over Paris and Scotland to thrawt the efforts of Bonnie Prince Charles. It is a constant state of deception and Jamie and Claire only have each other to turn to. 

Ok short pause to insert this beautiful piece of art that was completed by a fan of Diana Gabaldon, Captivated2

Ok onward with the review..

This bond that Jamie and Claire had built between them was so strong that even after twenty years of separation, a day does not go by that Claire does not think about Jamie. Oh wait, I moved ahead a wee bit. 

You see, after a gratifying ending with Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber starts off with a beautiful but clearly aged Claire RANDALL knocking on the door of a historian, Roger Wakefield. With Claire's twenty year old, tall, ginger-haired daughter Brianna in tow, the reader is shocked out of the skin and hastily checks Amazon to make sure that Dragonfly in Amber is in fact, book 2. 

With squinty and challenging eyes, the reader moves forward wondering what the heck in going on and then it all falls together. After the initial shock of "Oh My God" wears off, the reader is lead through the life and times of Jamie and Claire Fraser right up to the day before the fateful and immensly disastrous battle of Culloden. Oh yes, I still get my kleenex ready for this part. 

What a journey! What love! What a freaking awesome story! The biggest warning I shall pass along to the good readers is to make sure you have book 3, Voyager handy right after Dragonfly in Amber is done. You are going to literally put down Dragonfly and pick up Voyager. 

Outlander (audiobook) by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander 

by Diana Gabaldon

Unabridged audio book narrated by Davina Porter
To listen of a sample, here is the Amazon Link. 

Book Blurb:
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord...1743. 

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives. 

There are some books & some series that readers mentally plan out and make time for re-reads. For me, that is the Outlander series.  I've re-read Outlander a few times and once again I got that Scottish itch that it was time to have another go'round. It all started with the new release of The Scottish Prisoner and then I just had to continue on from there. I naturally went straight to Voyager after The Scottish Prisoner because I just had to read about Jamie and Claire's reunion. My heart was feeling heavy regarding their 20 year separation and Voyager healed that gap. Well then of course, I had to read about Brianna and then so on and so on. Once I completed Echo in the Bone, I wanted to go back to the beginning and thus, that brought me back to Outlander where it all started. 

I was fortunate to win a copy of Outlander in an audiobook format during a fun blog hop. I have only listened to an audiobook twice before so this chance was a treat. I loved it and I loved the opportunity to listen to the Scottish Gaelic words being pronounced. I am sure I'm not the only faithful Outlander reader who was mispronouncing Loaghaire's name incorrectly.  It appears as though that wasn't the only Gaelic word or name I was mispronouncing. 

The Outlander story itself was spell-blindingly beautiful as always. Even though I had read the book a few time previously it amazes me on the little things that I had missed before. I found myself smiling at certain points as I was experiencing them for the first time. I did not remember the scene where Claire sprinkles a line of sand grit into Capt. Jack Randall's wig and closes the cabinet to leave for him to find later. I loved encountering scenes like that. 

Listening to an audiobook was an interesting experience. It was a new sensation to have been read to. Sometimes I felt so soothed by by the sound of Davina Porter's heavenly voice that I drowsed off and woke later from a nap that I was not expecting. Other times I was pleased to have an exciting scene paced out for me and read so clearly that I didn't miss any of the minor details that usually rush up in the excitement. I find that sometimes when I'm reading a most anticipating scene, I read so fast with my heart beating like a drum that I can end up missing parts. With the expertly paced and toned voice of Davina Porter, I was forced to endure these scenes like an action movie and I was so grateful for it. That rush is probably the reason that I had missed the "sand in wig" scene before with Claire in Randall's office. 

One of the things that I was worried about regarding listening to an audio book was how could I keep track of all the voices and accents. Particularly how would I feel about Jamie's voice being portrayed by a woman? Rest assured, this confusion was never an issue. Davina Porter is clearly a gifted narrator. She eased through numerous conversations held between men & women and of varying United Kingdom accents. She seamlessly voiced through Scots and cultured English and even voiced through the less cultured English used by the lower level garrison soldiers. It blew me away listening to all the conversations and how she effortlessly she switched. Incredibly impressive to be sure. 

The one thing that was different from my previous impression vs the audiobook was at times with Claire. I found listening to the voice of Claire, Davina Porter seems to portrays her as being so incredulous. When I hear Claire in my mind saying, "What for?" I hear just here a slight English accent talking. But when I hear the version of Davina Porter speak Claire's voice, "What for?" comes out as an exasperating or  incredulous  or the most ridiculous thing Claire has ever heard.  Mostly it is probably my own minor experience with hearing an English accent but it seems like Claire was in a constant state of unbelieving or annoyance. Regardless, it was pleasurable to hear her to come to life. 

I highly recommend if you get the opportunity to listen to Outlander on audiobook, you give it a try. I was extremely pleased that I had won a copy and I will be glad to listen to it again in the future. 

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

An Echo in the Bone


By Diana Gabaldon


Book Blurb:
Jamie Fraser, erstwhile Jacobite and reluctant rebel, knows three things about the American rebellion: the Americans will win, unlikely as that seems in 1778; being on the winning side is no guarantee of survival; and he’d rather die than face his illegitimate son — a young lieutenant in the British Army — across the barrel of a gun. Fraser’s time-travelling wife, Claire, also knows a couple of things: that the Americans will win, but that the ultimate price of victory is a mystery. What she does believe is that the price won’t include Jamie’s life or happiness — not if she has anything to say. 

Claire’s grown daughter Brianna, and her husband, Roger, watch the unfolding of Brianna’s parents’ history — a past that may be sneaking up behind their own family. 

First thing I said to myself after finishing my first re-read of An Echo in the Bone is, 'what was I thinking?!?!' The reason for my self reprimand was because the first time I read this amazing book, I was not pleased. I was not pleased at all. In fact I rated An Echo in the Bone low. Now after just finishing it for a second time and then plugging my Kindle into the wall for a full recharge, I am stunned by my first Goodreads review and I'm about ready to kick my butt and replace with this one. 

Admittedly Echo in the Bone is not my favourite of the series but it is still well deserving of my highest rating possible. I found Echo in the Bone not as emotionally charged or as angsty as the other books in this stellar series.....that is until you get to the end. There are so many cliffhangers dangling from the end of this book that I hope Diana Gabaldon gets so tired of hearing about fans needing the next book pronto that she never leaves a cliffhanger of this magnitude again. I yi yi yi!

What Echo in the Bone does deliver is a close factual account of what life would have been like for the soldiers/militia/army and citizens during the American Revolution war. I walk away with a deep appreciation of the what the people on both sides of the war experienced. The amount of research that went into Echo in the Bone is staggering.  

There are numerous story lines within Echo in the Bone and it is easily followed and paced perfectly. I immensely enjoyed reading each and every one. 

The Roger and Bree story line was well set and planned. I loved that they emotionally struggled a bit when they have returned to Lallybroch. It is a reasonable assumption that they'd have to learn to discover their place and concur the "what's next?" dilemma. Other than the obvious cliffhangers left with the family, I find I am extremely curious and Mandy and her connection with Jem. Small children have an odd way of trying to explain their feelings but I think there is something special with Mandy and Jem. Perhaps it is the seed that was planted way back in Voyager regarding a certain Fraser Prophesy? Regardless, I am desperate to be caught up on the numerous cliffhangers left with the readers. 

Young Ian and Rachel's story line brings me delight. I want nothing more than to have Ian come to terms with himself. Even though Friend Rachel is peaceful Quaker, she is a spitfire and I adore her. I very much want to read how they manage on. 

William. Oh what a way to end the book! I felt I was in utter anticipation the entire book just waiting for a big moment. It was like a fire bomb when that moment came. When is that next book again? 

The biggest story line that threw me for a complete loop was Jamie, Claire and Lord John. Not to reveal any spoilers but I must say, even the second time through Echo in the Bone, I was astonished. I usually don't like to read spoilers of the next book but I must admit, I shall now go forth to see if I can find any tidbits about the next book to hopefully get some more clues about how it all works out. 

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

A Breath of Snow and Ashes


By Diana Gabaldon


Book Blurb:
The year is 1772, and on the eve of the American Revolution, the long fuse of rebellion has already been lit. Men lie dead in the streets of Boston, and in the backwoods of North Carolina, isolated cabins burn in the forest.

With chaos brewing, the governor calls upon Jamie Fraser to unite the backcountry and safeguard the colony for King and Crown. But from his wife Jamie knows that three years hence the shot heard round the world will be fired, and the result will be independence — with those loyal to the King either dead or in exile. And there is also the matter of a tiny clipping from The Wilmington Gazette, dated 1776, which reports Jamie’s death, along with his kin. For once, he hopes, his time-traveling family may be wrong about the future. 

I stayed up late last night. 3 am on a work night is not a great idea. I’ve read A Breath of Snow and Ashes (ABOSAA) twice before so it’s not like I didn’t know how it was going to end. I just get so immensely pulled into the eighteenth century with the Fraser's that I simply couldn't put it down. Doing a re-read of the Outlander series is a time consuming effort and a commitment worth every missed meal and having my bum constantly fall asleep from sitting for great lengths of time.

When I got to the end of ABOSAA, I reflected on what I had read since the beginning of the novel and I am just astonished by how much story is compacted into one book. Outlander just blows my mind as no other series does.

My main observation during this re-read is discovering how much I really really like Bree, Jamie & Claire’s daughter. I have no idea why she annoyed me before. Ok, annoy me might be a bit too strong but I guess I just didn’t care for her storyline as much. I remember that previously I had skimmed through the lots of the  Roger and Bree storylines (as well as other secondary characters since I was so rabid for anything and everything Jamie and Claire) and that just proves how awesome re-reads of stories can be. I was foolish. By breezing through Bree & Roger’s chapters, I was in essence missing important components of Jamie & Claire's life.

In feel ABOSAA is one of the most emotional books of the series. It really pulled at my heart strings and invokes a lot of frothing at the mouth outrage by me. This outrage is directed at certain characters that even as I write this, angers me. By this stage in the series the reader is already so emotionally invested in the characters that I find the sense of worry is hightened on the slightest conflict. I always felt during reading ABOSAA that the wonderfully warm magic family bubble that was built on Fraser Ridge could burst at any moment and have everything come crashing down. 

The imminent American Revolution was always on the cusp of conversations and I loathed the visits from Major MacDonald as much as Claire did. I admit that the Regulation/Loyalists and how the war is prepared for the reader is amazing. Jamie must walk such a tight line and break to one side. I found from a historical perspective, I was much more interested this time around. 

The constant drama at the Fraser Ridge community never leaves the reader bored with the setting. Funerals, sickness, abductions, brutality, fear, pregnancy, suspicion, religion, Indians, master manipulation (don’t get me started on Malva and Allan Christie) and just the daily grind of a hard life of operating a farm in the eighteenth century; all made for a masterfully crafted story. Each chapter felt like its own story yet they all were woven together intricately and they fed off one another. I was never lost.

After staying up late reading ABOSAA (and then dreaming about it) today I just feel heavy. I feel fulfilled however I am so happy that ABOSSA was not the last book. I am not ready to let go of the Frasers’ or the MacKenzies. (will I ever?) The next book is Echo in the Bone. I have only read it once. My first read through was rushed and I really skimmed through that book desperate for Jamie and Claire scenes. I actually rated it a lot lower than all of the previous books and I do remember being rather disappointed. So on that note, I am ready to dive in now with a completely fresh and new perspective.

Random comments - *sniff* Do we ever hear anything more about Josh again?, Oh Ian how I adore you, Marsali is probably the hardest working woman ever written, MALVA!

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

The Fiery Cross


By Diana Gabaldon


Book Blurb:
The year is 1771, and war is coming. Jamie Fraser’s wife tells him so. Little as he wishes to, he must believe it, for hers is a gift of dreadful prophecy—a time-traveler’s certain knowledge. Claire’s unique view of the future has brought him both danger and deliverance in the past; her knowledge of the oncoming revolution is a flickering torch that may light his way through the perilous years ahead—or ignite a conflagration that will leave their lives in ashes. 


My Re-Read Review of The Fiery Cross


The Fiery Cross was a re-read for me. Originally I read it in 2010 and the entire Outlander series never really leaves my mind. I was really looking forward to this particular re-read of The Fiery Cross because I had originally rated 4 of 5 hearts . Looking back, was I crazy? The Fiery Cross is definitely worthy of a 5 rating without a doubt. 


I highly recommend re-reads. I do remember I was like a savage reader of this series in 2010. I was so desperate to read as fast as I could and to fit as much Jamie and Claire into my day as possible. This time around in 2012, I know how everything ends so I was much more paced and I just really sat back and enjoyed each chapter. I absorbed more of Jamie and Claire's daughter, Bree and her husband, Roger's scenes and I found myself much more interested in reading about the Gathering. 


The Fiery Cross starts off at the yearly Scottish Gathering. I remember thinking the first time around, 'when is this Gathering over with already'. But this time I paid much more attention to the names of the secondary characters. As many of these characters make repeats later in this book and I recalled them much more clearly. I also paid attention to some of the subtle hints that were placed on some of the secondary characters for future book plots. 


The Fiery Cross also marks off the beginning of the militias and ignites the  sparks that later fueled the American Revolution. Once again I am reminded that the first time I read The Fiery Cross I was not really having much interest with the American Revolution (as I am Canadian) but since Diana Gabaldon places so much historical accuracy in her books, I found my eyes glued to the pages this time. For fun I used Wikipedia to see if some the characters she was writing about really existed. (as I mentioned I'm Canadian and we focus on Canadian history in school) I did find Herman Husband and a few others (Governor William Tryon) and I took the time to read more about their bios. I actually found it fascinating. 


There are some memorable and fabulous scenes in The Fiery Cross. As usual Diana Gabaldon delivered a kaleidoscope of emotions. Here are some of my favourites without too much of a spoiler. 

• I laughed out loud when Claire finally built her  microscope and she tried to have a medical discussion with Jamie. "So what ye've got there is broth that the mold has pissed in, is that right." Not to mention the most fabulous sperm discussion. 
• My heavy heart at the mention of Ian. 
• The warmth I felt for Jamie and Claire's love for each other. "Tell her...I meant it."
• The gasping of my breath with Roger's misfortune

I also found I paid much more attention to the descriptions of Jamie and Claire's big house. I picture a different whitewashed residence than I previously did and the layout of the farm is placed differently in my mind now. I have a completely different view of Jamie's aunt Jocasta's house too. 

One thing does remain completely the same for me on this re-read of The Fiery Cross. The last last line of the book is still the best of any book I have ever read. 

Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon

Drums of Autumn (Outlander book 4) 


By Diana Gabaldon 
This review is spoilerish and was written with the intent that you would have already read the book. 


Book Blurb:


It began at an ancient Scottish stone circle. There, a doorway, open to a select few, leads into the past—or the grave. Dr. Claire Randall survived the extraordinary passage, not once but twice.

Her first trip swept her into the arms of Jamie Fraser, an eighteenth-century Scot whose love for her became a legend—a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Her second journey, two decades later, brought them together again in the American colonies. But Claire had left someone behind in the twentieth century—their daughter, Brianna....

Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the circle of stones and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she is risking her own future to try to change history ... and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past ... or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong...




I ventured forth with a re-read of Drums of Autumn because I had just finished doing a re-read Voyager. I honestly didn't plan for a re-read of the Outlander series right now but I sorta just fell into it after reading and reviewing The Scottish Prisoner. I am so glad I did. 


I remember that when I read Drums of Autumn the first and second time, I did enjoy it but because I was so anxious to read anything and everything about Jamie and Claire, I'd skip through a lot of Roger and Bree story lines. This time around I didn't. I just sat back and really took my time and thoroughly enjoyed every chapter and every character. It was fabulous. I feel like I have now just experienced Roger and Bree on a different level. 


I do remember being so pleased that when Diana Gabaldon wrote Bree, that she didn't just do a carbon copy of Jamie and Claire. Yes she had Jamie's looks and some of his mannerisms but Bree is definitely her own person. I also have to remember that she is young and she will make mistakes that young people will make. I found I appreciated that trait of hers more this time and I was way more forgiving in some of the things she did and how she did them. 


Drums of Autumn is quite fabulous. So much happens in this book but not in an angsty, heart palpating way. A lot of character growth and the story moved forward by leaps and bounds. I think back to all the scenes that happened in Drums of Autumn and I am blown away by how much time had passed. 


Claire delivered some of my favourite lines in Drums of Autumn. 


"You're a walking inducement to harlots," I said. "Stick by me; I'll protect you."

"He's much sneakier than I thought," I said. "Practically Scottish."

"Actually, it's your kilt that make me want to fling you to the floor and commit ravishment," I told him.

"May the Lord deliver me from stubborn Scotsmen!" I said.  

And a Jamie quote worth noting....
"Your face is my heart, Sassenach," he said softly, "and love of you is my soul." 




The building of Fraser Ridge really provided an excellent foundation for the North Carolina setting and a true appreciation of what the first settlers encountered. 


If reading Voyager was about Jamie and Claire's reunion, then Drums of Autumn was about Jamie meeting his daughter, Bree. The anticipated scene was fabulous and I wouldn't change a thing. Without a doubt, that encounter was my favourite scene in the entire book. Followed closely by birth of Jemmy. I adore that the birth was a wee bit of a family event. 


I also found that I enjoyed more of the Indian interactions this time around. I was still very impacted and my heart was heavy for Ian. I found Ian was on my mind a lot and I was ever so thankful that Diana Gabaldon included that letter from Ian to Jamie and Claire while they were attending the Gathering. 


Of course I need to move on to The Fiery Cross now. I am quite excited about it since that book was my least favourite of the series and now I am thinking after this experience, I will enjoy it that much more. 


Do you ever go back and re-read a book and just love it even more than you did before? 


Teasers: Stephen Bonnet the pirate, bear attach and fought off with a fish, Bree's engagement to Lord John, birth of Jemmy and the biological puzzle that goes along with him

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

Voyager

by Diana Gabaldon

Book Blurb:

Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her... and her body still cries out for him in her dreams.

Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her...the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland... and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite or forever doom her timeless love.

What. A. Ride. 

This was a re-read for me. I think I've read Voyager about four times now but I've never reviewed before. So this is my first time with pen to paper (so to speak) on my thoughts of Voyager. 

Outlander (book 1) will always have that special place in my heart as being one of my all time favourite books. After all that is the book that started it all and was my introduction to Jamie and Claire's world. However out of the Outlander books, I think Voyager is my favourite of the series.  Voyager is one adventure after another and just when you think your palms can be dry for a second, something else happens. As I said at the beginning, what a ride. 

Here was my blood pressure and heart beat reading Voyager. 

There is this one little line in Voyager that perfectly outlines Jamie and Claire for me. It gives me the biggest grin every single time I read it. 

"Damn ye, woman! Will ye never do as you're told?"                                  "Probably not," I said meekly. 

One of the reasons I adore Claire is that she is so amazingly smart, clever and has unbreakable loyalty to Jamie. However, there are times where even I want to ring her neck. I think Voyager had me wanting to ring her neck a few times. I completely understood every single decision she made, but it I still could not understand why she went through with them. Now tell me, does that sentence even make sense?? I was even arguing with myself. Ha! Having said that, what a boring book it would be if Claire wasn't Claire. I simply just adore her.

There are not enough words to capture my love of Jamie. He is sensible, calm, brave and not shy about his devotion to Claire. The man is the package. Oh he has his flaws, but those imperfections actually perfect him. The thing is, I am seriously smitten with Jamie but I love him to be with Claire. They are my fiction super couple. 

Voyager takes us on a journey starting at present day Scotland through to 1746 Edinburgh and then on to Lallybrook (sigh, oh Lallybrook), off to Paris, aboard a ship to the West Indies, Jamaica & other various tropical islands to the final exciting resting stop on a wee bit of a cliffhanger at the end of Voyager. Which is why although I have read the series many times over, I'm off to start Drums of Autumn.

Although I dont' think Voyager is the most emotional book of the series, my heart experienced heaviness quite a few times. I had a lump in my throat here:

"He gave you to me," she said, so low I could hardly hear her. "Now I have to give you back to him, Mama."

and here:

"It isn't Geordie," I said. My voice was higher than usual. "It's me," I said. "Claire"

...and I can't quite put to words what I was experiencing with the acts of of the English soldiers following Culloden, the outrage with Frank wanting to take Bree from Claire, my mouth dropped open when Jamie was flogged again in prison, the nervousness of when Jamie was hiding in closet right after Ian was born. At this point in the book I am not even half way. I haven't even touched on the kidnapping of Ian or the shock of a certain wedding. A super duper rollar coaster I tell you. A true voyage of emotions. 

It wasn't all sad and distraught by no means. Just the sheer fact of Jamie and Claire's reunion and togetherness was paralleled above and beyond anything bad that could happen.  There were some extreme highs too. *grins*

"I must have ye, or die." 

I was not expecting one of the return of a certain character from Outlander nor do I wish to spoil if you are first time reader. Blew_me_ away. Even knowing it is coming, it still does not contain my feelings. 

Voyager is not a stand alone book. I would not recommend anyone reading it before Outlander or Dragonfly in Amber.  I would recommend if you haven't read the books, you get going and start. They are not light reads. They are not romances. They are emotional roller coaster rides that will never let you forget the characters Jamie, Claire and the country, Scotland. I think Diana Gabaldon should get some sort of shares for how many visitors a year Scotland receives due to this series. 

So tell me, have you read any of the books? Have I made you slightly curious?