Really enjoyed this book. Great plot and engaging, believe characters. I was drawn right into the story. Would definitely recommend.

A Scottish holy relic... an assignment from the king... a decision that she needs to make...

The Crusader's Heart is a gorgeous tale of a woman who is on a mission for the king and her love for her father. It hums along with adventure and intrigue as well as a bit of romance to enhance the journey. I hope to see more from this author.

**thanks to Wild Rose for the ARC to review***

Isobel is on a special mission from the king to deliver a most sought after artifact to the new nunnery on Iona for safe keeping. She travels alone for part of the way fighting for her life in the process. She meets up with crusader Alexander MacKinnon in Stirling to complete the journey with his protection. Will love also flourish or will Isobel take her vows and become a nun at journey's end?
I enjoyed this story but got a bit bogged down at times in all the action. It will have a wide appeal as there is a lot of action and the characters are interesting.

Isobel, an orphan taken in by the Scottish king, David, is tasked by the ailing king to deliver a holy relic to the isle of Iona. Freshly returned crusader Alex MacKinnon is asked by the king to escort her safely there. On their journey the two are met with various perils and challenges and eventually come to care for each other and grow together. This was a fairly quick read, so the story didn't feel tedious or dragged out. The ending was perhaps a bit anticlimactic, but it was still a solid story from this debut author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher/author for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

The Crusader’s Heart is the first Kate Forrest book for me. It is extremely well-written, moves quickly and keeps your interest through the entire book. King David is sending a precious relic with Isabella to Iona into the safe keeping of Bethoc at a nunnery. Isabella has been told she may stay there and have their protection as David realizes his health is failing. David send one of his best Crusaders to assist and protect Isabella on her journey. The difficult part of this is Alex would have preferred to return home, but was willing to obey his king. And, Alex does not know that Isabella has anything of importance with her. He believes his assignment is to deliver Isabella herself.

The Bishop seems to be quite power hungry and greedy. He sends another crusader, Robbie, to steal the relic from Isabella. There is quite a confrontation between them over the relic which is when Alex learns of the relic. By then he realized there is more going on that he at first knew.

I was expecting the relic to have more of a presence in the book. Bethoc stated she was the only one who knew it’s exact location. I have to wonder if it will make an appearance later in the series and have a more prominent part.

Isabella is quite a strong and independent woman for the time period. She had a small knife and used it when necessary. She, also, has the heart of a caring woman sharing what is hers with others. Alex, although a warrior, has his own kind streak which helps him in trusting the right people and making the decisions best for himself and his clan.

Ms. Forrest does a great job of bringing in the true, nature of the crusader’s heart as Alex begins to see the truth of Robbie. The interweaving of these families creates romance with in romance. The dedication of Alex and Isabella to deliver the relic to Bethoc, as well as, their growing relationship makes for an enjoyable afternoon read. This seems to be the beginning the MacKinnons of Mull series and a great introduction to the turmoil evident of the time period. I am looking forward to the next MacKinnon family adventure.