Where to Begin with Amanda Forester
Amanda Forester has crafted a delightful collection of historical romance novels that are split into two primary settings: medieval Scotland and Regency England. Because her series are largely distinct in setting but occasionally share family connections, readers can choose their starting point based on their preferred era. We recommend starting with her debut and most popular medieval work, The Highlander's Sword, if you love rugged Scottish clans and witty banter. If you prefer the elegant drawing rooms and matchmaking schemes of Regency London, the best place to start is with the first book in the Marriage Mart series, A Wedding in Springtime.
The Highlander Series
Amanda Forester's career launched with her medieval Highlander trilogy. Set in 14th-century Scotland, these books combine clan politics, high stakes, and spirited heroines who are not afraid to challenge their gruff partners. The books should be read in their order of publication to best appreciate the character dynamics and regional conflicts.
- The Highlander's Sword (2010): The story of Lady Aila Graham, who is forced into a marriage with the scarred knight Sir Padyn MacLaren. What begins as a match of convenience to restore MacLaren's clan turns into a passionate alliance as they face kidnappings and internal betrayals.
- The Highlander's Heart (2011): Follows Lady Isabelle Tynsdale as she escapes her abusive husband in England and finds refuge with Laird David Campbell, leading to a witty battle of wills in the Scottish wild.
- True Highland Spirit (2012): Set in 1355, this novel follows Morrigan McNab, a Highland lady fighting to protect her clan alongside her brothers, and Sir Jacques Dragonet, a French knight fighting for Scotland against the English.
The Campbell Sisters Trilogy
This trilogy of novellas serves as a bridge between Amanda Forester's medieval romances and her later Regency novels. Though set in Scotland, it establishes connections that reverberate through the family lines of her other books. They are best read sequentially:
ol>The Highland Trouble Series
Set in the same medieval universe as the original Highlander series, this spin-off series contains a mix of new and returning characters. It features the same lighthearted adventure and sweet romance that fans of the original trilogy love.
- The Highlander's Bride (2015): Continues the adventures in the Highlands, blending family dynamics with historical intrigue.
- The Highlander's Noel (2015): A festive holiday novella following French-born Lady Sabine and Sir Braden, the Master at Arms of the MacLaren clan, as she introduces him to Christmas traditions.
- My Highland Rebel (2017): Focuses on Cormac Maclean, a scholarly warrior forced to fight, and Lady Jyne Campbell, a fierce woman leading a castle rebellion.
The Marriage Mart Series
For readers who prefer Regency romances with sparkling dialogue and matchmaking mishaps, the Marriage Mart series is Amanda Forester's signature contribution to the genre. We recommend reading this trilogy in publication order:
- A Wedding in Springtime (2013): Miss Eugenia "Genie" Talbot has her court debut ruined by the rogue Mr. William Grant. To avoid scandal, matchmakers are hired, but Genie and William keep crossing paths amidst a backdrop of Crown spies.
- A Midsummer Bride (2013): Focuses on the unconventional, chemistry-loving American heiress Harriet Redgrave and Duncan Maclachlan, the Earl of Thornton, who saves her from a science experiment gone wrong.
- A Winter Wedding (2014): Follows James, the Duke of Marchford, who hires the secret matchmaker "Madame X" (who is actually Penelope Rose) to find him a wife to escape husband-hunting ladies, leading to a marriage of convenience.
The Daring Marriages Series
This Regency series focuses on unconventional characters who spent their youth away from the strict confines of polite London society, bringing a unique sense of adventure to the marriage market.
- If the Earl Only Knew (2016): Lady Katherine "Kate" Ashton and her twin brother return to London after years at sea. Kate clashes with, and soon charms, the traditional Earl of Wynbrook, John Arlington.
- Miss Devine’s Christmas Wish (2017): A festive holiday novella that fits between the two full-length novels.
- Earl Interrupted (2018): The story of Robert Ashton, the "Pirate Earl" and Kate's twin, who helps Lady Emma St. James escape her stepmother's plot, leading to a wild road trip and romance.
Practical Reading Tips and Standalones
Amanda Forester's books are highly accessible and can technically be read as standalone novels, as each book resolves its central romance. However, reading them in publication order within their respective series is highly recommended due to recurring characters and shared timelines. Her writing is often compared to Georgette Heyer for its witty banter and sweet romance, making it ideal for readers looking for engaging historical fiction with minimal explicit content. Her background in clinical psychology shines through in her well-developed character motivations and relationship growth.