5 Tips for Hosting a Swoon Worthy Reading of the Royal Highlander Series by May McGoldrick

With fall already in full swing, it’s time to socialize book lovers! For a special meeting of your book club, the Royal Highland series by May McGoldrick is a great choice for those who are into historical fiction and romances.

The Royal Highlander series is a trilogy but only the first two have been published. I was going to wait until the third one comes out, but this series is too good to be put on hold. Author May McGoldrick masterfully wove fiction into history with very little artistic license, meaning she stuck to facts as close as possible.

Highland Crown (Royal Highlander Book 1)

And if that does not impress you, how about heroines that are older than the usual debutantes in historical romances. In Highland Crown, Isabella Drummond is a medical doctor and a widow. She trained in the university and was practicing medicine with her husband who was killed honoring his Hippocratic Oath.

Hunted by both the British government and Scottish rebels, Isabella fled to the Highlands with her half sister and stepdaughter. She could have kept on hiding but like any physician, she was compelled by her Hippocratic Oath to save Cinaed Mackintosh from dying when his ship, the Highland Crown run aground in the coast.

But as an urban saying goes, “no good deed goes unpunished,” Isabella found herself in peril once again because she saved Cinaed Mackintosh. The two found themselves on the run and somewhere along the way, they fell in love.

Moving on to Book 2, please remember that this is a true trilogy which means you need to read Book 1 before you read Book 2 – “Highland Jewel.” Skipping book 1 or cheating by reading its Cliff Notes will not do either. You cannot do shortcuts when reading history because… well, it’s history. Missing one battle will ensure that you will not understand why the war was won to use an expression.

“Highland Jewel” follows Maisie Murray, the half sister of Isabella. Described as sweet and docile by her family and friends, Maisie is in reality very forward thinking and fierce in supporting women’s suffrage.

Together with her friend her friend Fiona, Maisie founded the Edinburgh Female Reform Society right after the Peterloo Massacre and she is proud to carry the banner for universal suffrage.

Highland Jewel: A Royal Highlander Novel

That put both in the crosshairs of the authorities. Things got more complicated when Niall Campbell, an officer with the Royal Highland Regiment entered Maisie’s life. The trio of Maisie, Niall and Fiona brought center stage the political turmoil besieging England and Scotland during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Because of their different ideologies, Maisie and Niall elevated the trope enemies to lovers into a different level. Finding their happily ever after is a quest in itself.

As you can see, both books are full of drama, history and romance to rival Outlander without the time travel. That said, a normal book club meeting just will not do. You need to make this a special event hence my 5 tips to make it swoon worthy.

1. Step up the snack game.

A little creativity goes a long way. Snacking is an essential part of any soiree and creating thematic dishes is key to making it swoon worthy. So, instead of getting the regular potato chips from the store, try Haggis Crisps and shortbread.

For your chocolate loving guests, give them the Tunnock’s Teacake – a delicately thin chocolate that flakes off so beautifully as you bite into it, with a light fluffy marshmallow inside and the gorgeously soft biscuity bottom that pulls the whole masterpiece together. The wrapper also says Scotland, making it so precious.

Just in case you have vegan members, make sure you have a try of fruits and vegetables for them to snack on.

Citrus Mule (courtesy of Bai)

2. Set the bar high with the perfect cocktail.

Spoiler alert: Many party drinks are full of sugar and excess calories. To help your guests enjoy their hors-d’oeuvres — and avoid a punch bowl hangover — opt for a healthier alternative, like Bai.

The antioxidant-infused drink contains five calories per serving with no artificial sweeteners, making it the perfect beverage choice for the night. Bai is delicious to drink on its own, and even more fun as a cocktail mixer. Plus, the tasty flavors, like Brasilia Blueberry and Puna Coconut Pineapple, are sure to transport guests to a flavor paradise — even if heartbreak is happening on-screen.

For a tasty, healthier twist on a cocktail favorite, try a Citrus Mule.

Pour 4 ounces Bai Costa Rica Clementine, 2 ounces bourbon and 1/2 ounce of lime juice over ice. Top with ginger beer. Stir and garnish with orange and lime wedges.

Voila! You have a refreshing drink that guests are sure to love. For additional information and fun recipes, visit drinkbai.com/blog.

3. Comfort is key.

Make your guests feel at home. Chances are your guests are already your close friends, so they are already comfortable in your home. But, it does not hurt to have some throw pillows for those who need back support or throw blankets for those who might feel cold. It’s already fall after all.

4. Let the games begin.

Just to whet everyone’s appetite for the main event, start with a trivia contest about Scotland. Choose questions that pertains to the era of the book. A quick Google search will give you some fun questions.

And to make it competitive, give the winner a prize like a Dundee cake, a traditional fruitcake that originated from Dundee, Scotland. Its tender texture and choicest fruits like almond currants and sultanas make it a Scottish favorite.

5. Leave an impression. Did someone say swag bags?

Swag bags are bomb. Ask anyone. And the best thing about it, you don’t have to spend a fortune to give great swags. Just make it thoughtful and your friends and guests will love it.

Case in point, gift your guest their Mule cup – with the recipe card and ingredients to make their own Citrus Mule.

When you go shopping for the snacks, get extra Haggis Crisps and Tunnock’s Teacake. Put them in the swag bags together with the Mule cup. Everyone in your book club will love it.

Now that this month’s meeting is done, then its time to prepare for the next one.