Written in My Own Heart's Blood is the eighth book in the Outlander series written by Diana Gabaldon. The story focuses on Claire Randall, a doctor from the 20th century who travels through time, and her husband, Jamie Fraser, a warrior from 18th century Scotland. The books include elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure, and fantasy.

Published on June 10, 2014, Written in My Own Heart's Blood continues the love story between Claire and Jamie, as well as the storylines of other characters from the previous book, An Echo in the Bone.

Gabaldon shared the novel's title in September 2011.

Plot summary

The British evacuation of Philadelphia and the Battle of Monmouth that follows are the main events from the book, which are based on real historical events.

Claire marries John Grey for protection after Jamie is believed to have died at sea. John and Jamie argue when the truth is revealed. John's stepson, William, becomes angry upon learning he is Jamie's biological son. Jamie's nephew, Ian, marries Rachel Hunter, and Rachel's brother, Denzell, marries John's niece, Dorothea, during the same ceremony. The Hunters are Quakers who serve with the Continental Army as noncombatants, which causes other Quakers to treat them poorly.

Claire is injured during the Battle of Monmouth, and Jamie leaves the Continental Army to stay with her. After time in Savannah, they return to Fraser's Ridge, their farm settlement in North Carolina.

The printshop and home of Jamie's adopted son, Fergus, are destroyed by fire. Fergus's son, Henri-Christian, dies while trying to escape the fire.

In the 20th century, Jamie and Claire's grandson, Jeremiah, is kidnapped (a storyline from An Echo in the Bone). Their son-in-law, Roger, meets Jamie's father and his own father while time traveling to find Jeremiah. After Jeremiah is rescued, his family joins the Frasers in the 18th century.

Characters

Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser – The main character of the series. A nurse and doctor. Born in 1918, she married Frank Randall, a professor and historian, in the 20th century. In 1946, while on a second honeymoon with Frank in Scotland, Claire traveled through the standing stones at Craigh na Dun on Beltane (May 1) and arrived in 18th century Scotland in 1743. She was forced to marry James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (Jamie), whom she later loved. Claire is the mother of Faith (stillborn in the 18th century) and Brianna, the adoptive mother of Fergus, and the mother-in-law of Marsali. She returned to the 20th century in 1746 to protect her and Jamie’s unborn child, who was born in Boston in the 20th century. Twenty years later, after Frank’s death, Claire learned through Roger’s research that Jamie may have survived the Battle of Culloden and returned to 1766 to find him.

James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser – The Laird of Lallybroch in Scotland and Fraser’s Ridge in North Carolina. A former prisoner at Ardsmuir Prison. Jamie married Claire in the 18th century and called her "Sassenach." He is the father of Faith (stillborn, mother: Claire) and Brianna (mother: Claire), the adoptive father of Fergus (with Claire), and the biological father of William Ransom (mother: Geneva Dunsany). Jamie is also the ex-stepfather of Marsali and Joan (mother: Laoghaire).

Lord John William Grey – A retired soldier who fought in the Rising of 1745 and the Seven Years’ War. Former governor of Ardsmuir Prison. A long-time friend of Jamie and Claire. He is the stepfather of William Ransom, brother to Harold Grey, Duke of Pardloe, and uncle to Benjamin, Henry, Adam, and Dorothea Grey.

Lt. Lord William Ransom – The 9th Earl of Ellsmere. Stepson of Lord John Grey and the illegitimate son of James Fraser and Geneva Dunsany. Cousin to the children of Hal Grey, Duke of Pardloe, and the children of Jenny and Ian Murray.

Ian Murray ("Young" or "Og" in Gaelic, to distinguish from his father) – Son of Jenny and Ian Murray. Nephew of Jamie and Claire. Cousin to Fergus, Brianna, and William. Adopted by the Mohawk tribe but returned to Fraser’s Ridge with his dog, Rollo.

Brianna Ellen MacKenzie – Daughter of Jamie and Claire, born in 20th century Boston and raised by Claire and Frank Randall. She traveled to the 18th century in 1769. Married Roger and had two children: a son, Jeremiah (called "Jemmy"), and a daughter, Amanda Claire Hope MacKenzie (Mandy).

Roger MacKenzie – Former Oxford professor and historian, folksinger, minister, and Gaelic teacher. A 20th century descendant of Geillis Duncan and Dougal MacKenzie. Great-nephew and adopted son of Rev. Reginald Wakefield. Jamie and Claire’s son-in-law. Arrived in the 18th century in 1769. Married Brianna and father of Jemmy and Mandy. Lives at present-day Lallybroch, the Fraser family home.

Jeremiah Alexander Ian Fraser MacKenzie – Son of Roger and Brianna, born in 18th century colonial North Carolina. Like his parents, grandmother Claire, and sister Amanda, he can travel through time.

Fergus Claudel Fraser – A printer, former French pickpocket, and spy. Adopted son of Jamie and Claire. First appeared in Dragonfly in Amber. Married Marsali and is the father of Germaine, Joan, Félicite, and Henri-Christian.

Marsali Fraser – Daughter of Laoghaire, stepdaughter of Jamie, daughter-in-law of Claire, and mother-in-law of Claire. First appeared in Voyager. Married Fergus and is the mother of Germaine, Joan, Félicite, and Henri-Christian.

Henri-Christian Fraser – Youngest son of Fergus and Marsali. A little person.

Janet "Jenny" Fraser Murray – Former Lady of Lallybroch in the 18th century, married to Ian Murray Sr. Older sister of James Fraser and mother of Jamie, Maggie, Katherine, Michael, Janet, and Ian.

Denys Randall-Isaacs – Son of Alex Randall, putative son of Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, and ancestor of Frank Randall, Claire’s 20th century husband.

Perseverance "Percy" Wainwright Beauchamp – English spy married into a French noble family. Former lover and later stepbrother of Lord John Grey.

Dr. Denzell Hunter – Quaker doctor serving in the Revolutionary American Army.

Rachel Hunter – Quaker nurse assisting her brother in the Revolutionary American Army. Love interest of Young Ian Murray.

Rob Cameron – Colleague of Brianna’s at the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.