Coming in mid 2012 from Revell

As promised, I'm back with May to August releases from Revell and would love your thoughts on these novels.

I always enjoy Kathleen and Lorna's (cover to come) books and while I'm looking forward to Irene's story the cover model looks nothing like I imagine Cole Taylor!  I love the simplicity of Eva's cover and the pink high heels on Janice's :)

Any favourites for you?

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work--and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Readers will love being swept away into a world of mansions, secrets, and romance as they follow Lucy through the streets of the Windy City during one of the most exciting times in the city's history. From opulent upper-class homes to the well-worn rooms of an orphanage, Olivia Newport breathes life and romance into the pages of history--and everyone is invited.

May, 2012

The Ride of her Life by Lorna Seilstad

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.

May, 2012

A Love Forbidden by Kathleen Morgan

Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. The new job, however, isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government. Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the cauldron of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier. Bestselling author Kathleen Morgan deftly explores themes of mercy, fidelity to one's beliefs despite what others think or do, and compassion for those different from oneself as she plumbs the depths of the human heart and the healing power of God's love.

May, 2012

Waiting for Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson

Life sometimes gets the best of us. For some it's the daily pressures, for others it's the shadows of the past. For Patsy Milstrap, it's both. When she travels to beautiful Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf Coast in search of healing, she never dreams her past will be waiting for her there.

With a large helping of Southern charm, Waiting for Sunrise is a touching story of family, young love, and the need for forgiveness. Author Eva Marie Everson expertly draws out the bittersweet moments of life, weaving them into a tale that envelops the soul.

June, 2012

Mary Magdalene by Diana Wallis Taylor

Long maligned as a prostitute or a woman of questionable reputation, Mary Magdalene's murky story seems lost to the sands of time. Now a portrait of this enigmatic woman comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor's Mary is a woman devastated by circumstances beyond her control and plagued with terrifying dreams--until she has a life-changing confrontation with the Savior.

Lovers of historical and biblical fiction will find this creative telling of Mary's story utterly original and respectful as it opens their eyes to the redeeming work of Christ in the lives of those who follow him.

June, 2012

The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson

Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She's the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason Harris, it's enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life--and love--as it comes?

Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives readers an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.

June, 2012

Joy Takes Flight by Bonnie Leon

Kate Evans and Paul Anderson are finally married, settling in, and starting a family. They rejoice when Kate finds she is pregnant, but soon it is clear that there are hurdles ahead. Should she continue in her dangerous profession as an Alaskan bush pilot? Can she really fall into the role of a wife? Then tragedy strikes, life begins to unravel, and Kate fears she may have lost Paul for good.

Chock-full of high-flying adventure, romance, and the drama of life, Joy Takes Flight is the exciting conclusion to Bonnie Leon's Alaskan Skies series.

July, 2012






 
The Gifted by Ann Gabhart

By 1849, Jessamine Brady has been in the Shaker Village for half her life, but in spite of how she loves her sisters there, she struggles to conform to the strict rules. Instead she entertains dreams of the world outside. When Tristan Cooper seems to step out of those dreams to entice her into the forbidden realm beyond the Shaker Village, her life turns upside down. Will Jessamine be able to survive the storms of the world? Or will she retreat back to the peace of Harmony Hill?

The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart's Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.

July, 2012









Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon

The police say her father's death was suicide. But Kelly Warren says it was murder--and she has new evidence that she believes proves it. Detective Cole Taylor doesn't put much credence in her claim, and nothing in his case review suggests foul play. But when Kelly ends up in the emergency room with a suspicious life-threatening medical condition, the incident strikes him as more than just coincidence. Digging deeper, he discovers she's linked to a long-ago crime. Is history repeating itself? And who wants Kelly silenced?

With her trademark high-intensity action and taut suspense, Irene Hannon closes out her Guardians of Justice series with a story of old grudges and budding romance that is sure to increase her substantial fan base.

August, 2012

The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision--one that goes against her very essence. Yet it's the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation--and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons--courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie's heart.

August, 2012

Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney

Cate Kincaid is just dipping her toe into the world of private investigating until one of the many résumés she has floating around lands her a real job. All she has to do is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? When the big and brooding house happens to contain a dead body, this routine PI job turns out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?

Readers will be hooked from the very first chapter of this fast-paced and witty romantic mystery from bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney.

August, 2012

A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

Synopsis:~

It is 1878 and the Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, Sarah realizes she needs to lay low. But Cord spots her in town and, with the sheriff away, makes a citizen's arrest, dragging her off to the Wainwright ranch until the sheriff's return. As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they are falling in love. Can they betray their families for love? Or will their families betray them?

My take:~

I've always enjoyed Kathleen Morgan's novels and have been eagerly awaiting her return to writing following her recent hiatus. A Heart Divided reflects Kathleen's talent for penning complex characters, historical detail and an engaging romance. Cord and Sarah are appealing characters backed up by minor characters, like Cord's brother Nick, that will have you hoping they feature in subsequent stories in the series. The long standing feud between the Caldwells and the Wainwrights enables Kathleen to weave spiritual themes of forgiveness, reconciliation and sacrifice and provides the requisite conflict and tension that keeps Sarah and Cord's relationship on edge. While Kathleen's Scottish novels remain my favourites, A Heart Divided is an enjoyable read I can recommend.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Interview with Kathleen ~ 2008

Reviews of As High as the Heavens , A Fire Within and Wings of Morning

Visit Kathleen's website

Buy Kathleen's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2011 from Revell ~ Historical

Here's a look at a few of Revell's historical releases for 2011.

I'm thrilled Kathleen Morgan has returned to writing ~ I've always loved her stories. If A Great Catch is anything like Making Waves it will be lots of fun and I can't wait to read Diana's take on Martha ~ I've always had a soft spot for her when reading her Biblical story.

Come back soon for a sneak peek at more Revell releases from Laura Frantz, Sarah Sundin, Bonnie Leon and Ann H Gabhart.

For now, your thoughts on these ones?


A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

It is 1878 and the Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, Sarah realizes she needs to lay low. But Cord spots her in town and, with the sheriff away, makes a citizen's arrest, dragging her off to the Wainwright ranch until the sheriff's return. As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they are falling in love. Can they betray their families for love? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

May 2011

A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad

It is the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa Resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When 22-year-old Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer at Lake Manawa, Iowa, before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When Emily crashes into Carter at a roller skating rink, neither could guess what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant readers with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

May 2011

Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented characters of the New Testament is Martha. Often painted in the colors of reproach, Martha seems to be the poster child for how not to be a follower of Jesus. From the mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes this touching, well-researched portrayal of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus. Through Taylor's lush descriptions and inspired combination of imagined and recorded dialogue, Martha's world--her trials, triumphs, and loves--vibrantly comes to life.

Follow Martha as she is jilted by her betrothed, falls in love with a Roman soldier, grieves the death of her father, cares for her siblings, and serves her Lord with dignity and grace.

Readers will never read the biblical story of Martha the same way again.

June 2011

Interview with Kathleen Morgan

If I ever want to immerse myself in a Scottish romance, Kathleen Morgan is an author whose books I pull off my shelves. I have the first imprint copies of her Brides of Culdee Creek series which has just been re-released with gorgeous new covers (I confess I am a little jealous!) and her fantasy novel, Giver of Roses, is a favourite.

Needless to say, I was delighted when Kathleen agreed to spend some time at Relz Reviewz. Here's what she had to say:~

Writing

Why Christian fiction?

I've been a baptized Christian all my life. A lot of that time, though, I tried to be a good person, but more so because it was the right and honorable thing to do, than that I was a child of God and hence should live like one.

The turning point in my life came in the summer of 1996 when our youngest son, Sean, died unexpectedly of cancer. I was totally devastated. Only two things got me through those early days and months--my love for my husband and our oldest son, and the fact I had made a promise to Sean before he died that we'd all join him again someday in heaven. It took me a while, though, to fight past the pain, guilt, and anger at the injustice of losing Sean. Still, as I battled through that terrible time, the kindness of others and the support of my church kept turning me around and pointing me back to my Lord and Savior. I was so moved by everyone's kindness and generosity. Their actions opened up a whole realm of new insights about my fellow man. And there, in the hearts of those fellow men, I caught the strongest, purest glimpse of God I had ever had.

Prior to beginning my Brides of Culdee Creek series with Daughter of Joy, I wrote romances for the general market and did well, garnering many writing awards and making several national bestseller lists. Later, though, in the months after Sean's death when I was writing my last contracted book for the general market, I began to do some hard thinking about the course my writing life, as well as my life in general, should now take. For me at least, it was a natural evolution that as I turned back to the God of my youth, I should also turn my writing in another direction. I prayed about that decision for several months, knowing if my heart truly wasn't in writing for the Christian market, I couldn't just pay it lip service. I waited patiently on God and, in time, He seemed to answer my prayers when Baker Books bought Daughter of Joy. Writing that book was one of the easiest and most joyful books I've ever done. I also took that as a sign from God that I was on the right track. And as of today, Daughter of Joy has been my very bestselling book in the Christian market.

As my life and experiences as a Christian and writer have evolved, so have my writing and focus. Where before I saw writing as a fulfillment of a creative urge solely to tell stories about life and people, now I also see it as a Christian ministry. Life, and my writing, have always been a journey. Now I'm farther along in that journey than I once was, seeking answers I now find more fully and satisfyingly answered by God.

You were stationed in Korea as an Army nurse when you sold your first novel. Tell us a little of that time, please.

My husband had just retired from the Army and had decided to go back to college to prepare for a second career. I decided, since it now fell on me to support the family while he was in college, to go back into the Army as a nurse. My first assignment was to spend a year in Korea which, for many, might seem like a great adventure. Well, it turned out to be more adventure than I anticipated, primarily because I was away from my husband and two sons for so long. In the end, my writing helped fill my lonely off duty hours and give me something to focus on that filled me with such joy and excitement, especially after I learned, halfway through my tour there, that I'd sold my first book. That Saturday morning that my editor called to offer me my very first book contract was an event I'll always cherish and remember.

What does a “typical” writing day look like for you?

I head upstairs to my office first thing in the morning with my cup of coffee. Then I do my spiritual reading, meditate, and pray, before walking a few feet to my computer where I soon check my email. Then it's time to open the current chapter of the current book I'm working on and begin writing. Alternately, I might first put in edit changes from the part of the chapter I wrote the day before, then start the new pages for the day. I take a short break every couple of hours to stretch my legs, get a drink, do some laundry, put out the dogs, etc., then back to work. Lunch is usually about 45 minutes, wherein I read the day's paper and eat. Then it's back upstairs to the office with a similar schedule as the morning. I usually stop about 4 or 5 PM to do some more spiritual reading and prayer, before taking the dogs for a walk with my husband. Then I cook supper, eat, watch some TV, socialize with the husband, and just mentally relax before it's time for night prayers and bed. Frequently, I'll take the pages I've done for the day to bed and edit them, so they'll be ready to put into the computer the next day before I begin fresh pages. If I'm really productive and get my current requirement of one chapter a week done by the end of Thursday, I might even take Friday off to relax, see friends, etc. Then I get a 3 day weekend! If the writing doesn't go all that well during the week, I sometimes, though, even work on my book on the weekends, or do other writing related or writing business stuff (like answering interview questions! J)

What writing project are you working on now?

I'm writing a sequel to my latest Scottish historical romance, As High As the Heavens. It'll be about Colin, Duncan's twin brother, and will pick up immediately after the end of As High As the Heavens. Suffice it to say, Colin is none too happy with Duncan, and means to do something about it. On the Wings of the Wind, its current title, is slated for an August 2009 publication date.

You obviously have a passion for Scotland! How did your interest and then your books set there, come about?

I can't remember when my love for all things Scottish began, but it's been with me for a while. And, boy, howdy, when the bagpipes start up at some Highland Festival, how my heart does race and chills run through me! I know I have Celtic blood in me--at least English and Irish for sure--and hope there's some Scot's blood running through my veins as well. If not, I'm definitely a died-in-the-wool Scots wannabe.

As far as how did my books set in Scotland come about, 16 and 17^th century Scotland just seemed the right place and time to set the books in. I've always liked more ancient times, as I don't know a lot about them (well, starting off in writing them anyway), and part of my love for writing historicals is the fun of research and learning about the people and what their life was like in that era. And then, there's just something about a man in a kilt…

Your books

Please tell us the inspiration behind your most recent Scottish historical, As High As the Heavens.

I've always been interested in Mary, Queen of Scots, and the events of her life. And, in researching her, I learned about her escape from Lochleven Castle after she abdicated the throne and was imprisoned there. My imagination took hold, and an idea for a story based around the actual plot to rescue her gradually evolved into the fictional plot for As High As the Heavens. I thought a Pygmalion or My Fair Lady in reverse might be a fun way to set up the meeting and conflict between the hero and heroine too. And from there, the wheels spun and out came As High As the Heavens.

Did the plot or characters come to you first?

Sometimes a character inspires the beginnings of a new story idea, sometimes some spiritual theme, and sometimes a particular dramatic time in history. One way or another, though, the story protagonists eventually take over, because, in the end, I write character driven books. I've always seen myself as a writer of stories about life and people, and how they live those lives for good and for bad. Not all my characters ultimately make the right choices, but there is always an element of hope in them. And a lot of lessons learned too.

Who would you cast in a movie of As High As the Heavens?

This probably sounds strange, but I rarely fantasize on which actors would make good characters from my books. Now, if I hear a particularly inspiring song or music score, I have occasionally been know to fantasize about it as an opening score for some of my books. But, for the fun of it, let me choose Gerard Butler to play Duncan and maybe a young Michelle Pfeiffer or Robin Wright Penn to play Heather But what do I know? So, I say let the readers choose the actors that best fit for them when they read the books. That, in the end, will make the stories come most alive to them.

You have a Christmas novella releasing in August, One Perfect Gift. This novel includes characters from your Brides of Culdee Creek series. Tell us a bit about the book and what keeps taking you back to Culdee Creek.

My editor has always wanted me to do three novellas based on this series, so that someday they can be combined in an omnibus or anthology. Hence, why all three books in the series have “Gift” in their titles to help yet again tie them together. Plus, once I'd finished the full length, four book series, I had readers starting to write in and ask me for more stories about the MacKays and their children. And novellas seemed one way of giving them that until I came up with more ideas. As far as what One Perfect Gift is about, here's a blurb on the book, which is actually a September 2008 release:

Jessica Ashmore has brought her young daughter to the Colorado high plains in the winter of 1933. A penniless widow, Jessica is hoping for employment as an office nurse. Though the job she wants is no longer available, she is grateful to at least be offered a temporary position taking care of stroke victim Abby MacKay at Culdee Creek Ranch.

Abby's son Sean, an embittered WWI veteran who many view as a coward and deserter, is none-too-pleased with the arrangement--and he doesn't hide it very well.

But Christmas is a time of love and forgiveness, and their antagonism starts to give way to far deeper feelings. Can Sean and Jessica ever hope for a life together? And will they be able to find that one perfect gift?

Giver of Roses is a fabulous fantasy novel - will we see the sequel someday?

My publisher, my agent, and many readers loved this book and want me to continue to write this series. However, Baker Books also has concerns about the fact that the market for adult fantasy novels with Christian content has not grown as quickly as we all hoped it would. Because of this, I have been encouraged to write some of the other stories I am longing to tell first, although this series means a lot to me. I'm certainly not done with Vartan and Danae and their adventures. If all goes well, I'm hoping to begin work on the sequel Stone of Power this year, but the publication date isn't up to me to determine.

If you want to support Christian fantasy as it struggles to gain a foothold in the Christian fiction market, you can help by:

*spreading the word about these books

*asking libraries to carry the books you've enjoyed

*buying these books as gifts

*starting book clubs and promoting reading over other leisure time activities (TV, video games, text messaging, etc. J)

*encouraging those who are interested to vote with their wallets by buying these books new (it's sales of new books that publishers notice since that is where their profits are derived, not from used or library book check outs)

*writing favorable reviews to post on sites like Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Christianbook.com, etc. (assuming you liked the book, of course) to encourage other potential readers to give these books a try.

*writing about them on blogs or for readers groups

*writing letters to book publishers to ask for more books by your favorite authors in this genre is also very helpful (The publisher of Giver of Roses is Revell. Revell's address is 6030 E. Fulton Rd, Ada, MI 49301).

*forwarding this to any friends you think might be interested.

We authors can say all we like, but in the end it's the readers who have the most clout and really determine what gets published in the future.

Personal

Some favourite books?

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and her Mark of the Lion series, anything by Lisa Samson, Kathy Tyers' Firebird science fiction series, anything by Karen Hancock, and Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure, to name a few of my favourite books. Also, Lying Awake by Mark Salzman.

Favourite movie and favourite line from a movie?

Star Wars, Willow, Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, The Matrix, Ben-Hur, Gladiator, and Rob Roy, to name a few. Favorite line is from Star Wars. “Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…” Can't tell that I love historical, science fiction, and fantasy or heroic quests, can you? J

Who inspires you?

Above all, Jesus Christ and the Bible. I also like reading spiritual books by authors such as Joan Chittister, Thomas Dubay, Esther DeWaal, Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, Thomas Keating, Joyce Rupp, Norvene Vest, and John Howard Griffith. And, as far as who inspires me, there are so many just because of their Christ-like and -filled lives, including friends--many of whom are fellow Benedictine Oblates as well as the Benedictine sisters who mentor and support us--family members, and many people I meet casually everyday. There is so much courage and love in this world. All you have to do is be attentive to it and you'll find it everywhere and everyday.

Please tell us a little about your family

I've been married to a wonderful man for 28 years now, and we have a son who is a registered sleep technologist. In addition, I have a stepdaughter, currently in nursing school, who has three children (making me a very young grandmother), plus a stepson who also has one child (doubly making me a very young grandmother).

Some essential Aussie questions

When/if you make the trip Down Under what do you want to see first? A platypus or a koala?

I'd want to see both and everything else that makes Australia unique. Plus, they're both so cute. I love to travel and would really like to visit Australia and New Zealand someday (I loved the Lord of the Rings movies and want to see that gorgeous terrain from the movie in person, in New Zealand, of course).

Barrier Reef or Uluru (Ayers Rock)?

Well, as above, I'd love to see both, but especially the Great Barrier Reef. I don't scuba but if I could at least snorkel there a bit, that'd be fantastic. My husband is an aquarium enthusiast, so I've learned a lot about the varieties of salt water fish from him.

You are visiting Australia ~ do you say yes or no to some vegemite on toast?!

Sure, I'd try it. It sounds like it's salty and tastes kind of like thick, peanut butter consistency beef bouillon from the description on Wikipedia. I mean, I grew up eating my morning oatmeal with milk, salt, and butter, which is rather strange for a lot of Americans, so I started out open to different things.

Any last words?

Thanks so much for asking me for an interview. It was fun, especially the Aussie questions. And anyone who might like to keep updated about future books of mine can go to my website at www.kathleenmorgan.com to periodically check on things, and/or sign up for my newsletter, Anamchara Connections, which usually only comes out once or twice a year, so I promise not to flood your email boxes too often at all

Thank you so much, Kathleen - this has been a wonderful interview :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of As High as the Heavens , A Fire Within and Wings of Morning

Visit Kathleen's website

Buy Kathleen's books at Amazon or Koorong

As High as the Heavens by Kathleen Morgan

When her father concocts a desperate plan to free Mary, Queen of Scots, Heather Graham doesn't anticipate being its key to success. However, loyalty to her Queen and family finds Heather devoting her time to teaching the loutish and brash Highlander, Duncan Armstrong the airs and graces of the nobility.

Living in close quarters with Duncan and his family, Heather's initial disdain for Duncan slowly turns to a grudging respect and then blossoming affection. As danger edges ever closer, Heather realises how fragile love can be.

Kathleen Morgan's name is synonymous with quality Scottish historicals and As High as the Heavens maintains the same calibre of her past offerings. Duncan and Heather both have independent spirits that clash at first instance and their interaction is mercurial and passionate. Kathleen's descriptive prose places the reader amongst the heather and streams of the Highlands at the same time as the political intrigue and romantic tension enthralls. While the conclusion it forgone, it doesn't detract from this engaging story which will have historical romance readers clamouring for more.

Available now from Revell

A Fire Within by Kathleen Morgan

Synopsis:~

Caitlin Campbell has always enjoyed having things her own way as the sister of Niall Campbell, the head of her clan. Her strong will and fiery spirit add to her stubborn determination. However, she is about to discover that things can quickly get out of her control.

Darach MacNaghten's life has been far from easy. He seems doomed to cause pain to every life he touches. Despite being cast out of his own family, he is compelled to try to save them from extinction and restore their name.

Darach and Caitlin find themselves drawn together through circumstances beyond their control. Caitlin must decide between her attraction for this dangerous highlander and her family loyalties. Will Darach's plans lead to a deadly game that neither can afford to lose? Passion, romance, and the rugged Scottish countryside draw you into this tantalizing story.

My take:~

If you love a good Scottish historical romance you can't go past Kathleen Morgan! Each of the These Highland Hills series have descriptions that whisk you away to the Scottish moors and castles, characters that you can adore and despise and romance to knock your socks off! Kathleen's Highland men are men and her women, gutsy and determined. A Fire Within is no exception. Caitlin is fiercely proud and somewhat foolish in the opening scenes so her journey towards maturity and a deeper faith is completely engaging. Darach's brokenness explains his bitterness and self absorption but as he begins to acknowledge his place in God's plan he grows in integrity and compassion. While you know what the outcome will be it remains a lovely tale that ends the series in the same captivating and engaging way it started.

Don't miss Child of the Mist and Wings of Morning for the complete story of the Breadalbane Campbells ~ Niall, Iain and now finally, Caitlin.

Wings of Morning by Kathleen Morgan

3 1/2 stars

www.kathleenmorgan.com

The second book in the These Highland Hills series by Kathleen Morgan reintroduces the reader to Iain Campbell, Scottish laird and warrior, who was thwarted in his love for Anne in Child of the Mist, the first book in the series. He has returned to his home, Balloch Castle, and is leading a peaceful, if somewhat lonely life, far from the intrigue of the Scottish court. Searching for cattles reivers on his land, Iain stumbles across a gravely injured woman who cannot remember her own name and brings her home to be cared for by his mother. Iain's kindness has unwittingly exposed his home and heart to treachery and betrayal, the like of which he has not experienced before.

Iain feels a strong and immediate attraction to Regan despite his concerns about her identity and she finds in Iain and his mother, a care and concern that feels foreign from the tiny remnants of memory she posseses. They are unaware of the danger posed by Regan's relatives who soon find out where she is and begin plotting to use it to their advantage.

Set in the Scottish Highlands in 1566, Kathleen Morgan breathes new life into a well worn tale of murder, amnesia and misunderstanding with appealing characters and detailed descriptions of the fascinating culture and scenery of Scotland. While the storyline is predictable, the writing is strong and will appeal to those seeking a gentle romance and a reminder of God's love and guidance in times of hardship and loss.