Heaven Forbids [Paperback]

Karen Ranney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

For young widow Kathryn Siddons, the end of a loveless marriage meant that she was at the mercy of her clan, which sent her off to the Highlands as a companion to her newly-married niece and straight into the arms of a man who awakened long-denied dreams and long-forgotten desires--the one man she could not have. .

Editorial Reviews

Review

Karen Ranney's powerful pros and strong story line, propelled by unforgettable characters, turn Heaven Forbids into an out of the ordinary breed. Perhaps not for every one -- but for those who crave the different, the powerful, and the imaginative -- this is one book that will become a treasure.- 4-1/2 Stars - Exceptional - Romantic Times

Karen Ranney's Heaven Forbids comes as close to x-rated as romances get. This story has all the usual political turmoil and romantic complications, but what you'll remember is what went on in the laboratory. Detroit Free Press, 4/98

1999 RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee - Most Innovative Historical Romance

1999 Romance Writers of America RITA Finalist - Short Historical

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 303 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821758675
• ISBN-13: 978-0821758670
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,515,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Karen Ranney was first published in 1995. Since then, she's gone on to write dozens of historical romances, most of them set in Scotland.

Her books have been described as evocative, intensely romantic stories featuring characters who leap off the page.

In addition to historical romance, she also writes mystery and suspense under the pseudonym of Katherine Storm.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not your most typical love story, August 27, 2002

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heaven Forbids (Paperback)

Kathryn Siddons, was finally free of an abusive husband but her freedom was short-lived as her half brother ordered her 5 yr old son William, from their home to accompany his daughter Sarah, as her companion, to Sarah's new home in the Highlands along with her new husband the Laird of Nenverness, Hugh MacDonald. After the abuse she had experienced at the hands of her deceased husband, it was with astonishment that a look from the new husband of her niece could set her heart on fire - a fire and a longing that she must overcome.

As for Hugh MacDonald, his new wife was everything a man could hope for - beauty beyond compare, a virtual goddess, a virgin who was not afraid and warmed immediately to the marriage bed. Hugh married for political reasons, to bond the lowland Campbell clan to the Highlands - he would grow to love her he thought. What he did not factor in the equation was the powerful pull that the Widow Siddons and her son William would have on him. Theirs was a love that defied logic, honor and duty. Fight as they could they seemed doomed to forever want what could never be.

Set amidst the highly volatile time period of political unrest in Scotland as the proud Scottish clans would gather to try to bring back the Bonnie Prince to be King of Scotland - and feel the wrath and the blood lust of the Duke of Cumberland prior to the Battle of Culloden - their love would be tested and only God and Heaven itself could say whether it would survive.

Again, the characters are written with passioniate feelings, beautiful dialog, and enough descriptive views for you to feel as though you are part of the unfolding drama. Wonderfully beautiful love scenes - very sensual! A good read, but a warning for those who might have a problem with adultery and marital infidelity - if this type of behaviour offends you, then this book is not for you.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Melancholy. 3.5 stars., February 4, 2004

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heaven Forbids (Paperback)

Karen Ranney is a master when outlining forbidden love. She tantalizes her reader using prohibitive passion and she does it so well. In "Heaven Forbids", the issue of adultery is front and center. Throughout the pages, Ranney embroils her reader in that sin and artfully builds the intensity until her captive audience screams out at the unfairness.

Kathryn Siddons is the product of a miserable marriage. Now a widow, she leaves behind pathetic memories, and chooses to take her young son to the isolate Scottish Highlands. Here in the remarkable fortress of Nenverness, Kathryn will act as the personal "companion" for her newly wed niece. Instead she acts the personal "fornicator" with the newly wed laird, Hugh MacDonald.

This is difficult ground for the reader to cover. Although the reader does not have great contact with the bride, the author chooses to write the character as a gentle, loving person. This venerable woman absolutely adores her husband, thus causing the reader to sink into the pit of torment.

And what are the ramifications for openly coveting thy neighbor's spouse -- insanity, darkness, and death. Just what every romance book flaunts -- just kidding. I have read interviews in which Ranney prides herself on writing realistic characters. As a reader, I read romance to skirt realism and try to escape into a world of enchantment. When I turned this novel's last page, I remembered the quaint words -- "Why are you banging your head against the wall -- because it feels so good when I stop". I know the feeling.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unusual, passionate love story that defies description., September 7, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Connecticut USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heaven Forbids (Paperback)

Heaven Forbids is a wonderful love story. The main characters, Hugh and Kathryn, are not the typical lovers we find in romance fiction. Hugh is married to a woman he does not know and cannot love. Kathryn is a widow bound to his bride as a servant and blood. There is instant chemistry between them and although they try to deny it, their love is so strong that they cannnot be parted in spirit. They face many hardships and a great deal of trama but you know that their love will survive and triumph. Beautifully written, hard to put down. I wanted it to continue, to know what the future held in store for them. Highly recommend it.