Customer Reviews

White Heather (Topaz Historical Romance)

5 star:		(11)
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Jaclyn Reding's White Heather proves the magic that comes from Scottish moonlight and a rare sprig of white heather is not merely a fable, but a powerful rune. Robert Edenhall, Duke of Devonbrook, has lost all as a result of a deadly fire of unknown origin--his estate, his family, his fortune, his fiancée, even his sight. His friends and colleagues speak of murder, and point their fingers right at Robert! Attempting to escape the hell that has become his life, Robert leaves London for the solitude of Rosmorigh, one of his father's secret holdings in the West Highlands of Scotland. There, Robert vows to discover the murderer who stole his family from him, as well as the mystery of this hidden inheritance. In residence at Rosmorigh is a mysterious, trespassing ghost with silky skin that carries a handkerchief with the letter "C," and more secrets than any one person could solve. It seems that the ghost called Catriona MacBryan is not really who she thinks she is, there are murderers closer than one would expect, and the key to finding Bonnie Prince Charlie's hidden treasure is right under his nose. When it seems that he is all alone in the dark, a moonlit dip in a nearby loch with Catriona and love-sworn sprinkles of white heather helps Robert see the truth and bring back the light to a life that he thought was over. Jaclyn Reding's White Heather captivated me from the start--With a child being spirited away from its intended life to save it from a villainous relative and a man losing the lifestyle to which he was accustomed. Ms. Reding brings these two together in the most charming of ways, and lets us delight in the relationship that blossoms between them. This book was a charming combination of mystery, murder, romance, intrigue and legend. This book's merits include a teasingly clever plot with fascinating characters and provided a magical journey to romance that all will enjoy.

Lynne Remick, Reviewer

I wanted to start out with the first book of the series, White Heather, White Magic, White Knight, White Mist, what excellent stories about family and friends and bringing them together. I love everything about the plots and the setting of Regency London to The Scottish Hill of the Highlands and back again. This is a must reads of all the books. Jaclyn Reding great job and I can not wait to read what you have for us readers next.

If you read this book and aren't hooked from page one, you need to go check your pulse! This story should have been sold with a warning -- KLEENIX REQUIRED. Haunting and touching, Robert and Catriona's romance seems like one of those timeless pairings, destined by the stars. What brings these two together is tragedy. What keeps them together is true love. Nineteenth century Scotland has become this author's particular forte, and while I loved her Restoration books, I think she's found her home in Regency-era Scotland. Brava, Ms. Reding!

Lord Devonbrook thinks he loses everything in a devastating fire that destroys his family home. He discovers that his father had a few secrets and sets out to discover what they are. Catriona has more secrets than she realizes. Sneaking into Lord Devonbrooks library is only one of them. What transpires between these two is a beautiful story of two strong people coming together. Their wounds run deep and they help each other resolve them. It's an exciting ride that leaves you with a feeling of peace as you turn the last page. This one goes on my shelf to read again and again.

I read this book after WHITE MAGIC and though this one was published first, I in no way missed out by reading out of order. WHITE HEATHER was every bit as wonderful and every bit as "real" as its sequel. I understand there will be four books by Ms. Reding in this series. I only wish they were published closer together so I didn't have to wait!

Absolutely one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I love the setting, the writing, the flow, the character relationships, everything. People seemed so REAL in this book. I read many books, and most of them I can just put down and pick back up later. This one, I stayed up reading it until I was exhausted, just so I wouldn't have to stop. I also enjoyed how neither one of them got really stupid and started hating or avoiding one another over some stupid argument, like happens in most every book I read. These two belonged together from the start, and they knew it--they just couldn't admit it at first. Wonderful book. I have only two questions--How did Angus get out, and how did the Colonel know where to find Catriona?

After a brief hiatus from reading, I came across this book in my library. Now, I can't wait to find the rest of the series. This story has great plot and characters, with an abundance of tragedy and a great hero and heroine that were made for each other. White Heather is the story of Catriona MacBryan and Robert, Lord Devonbrook, who after a fire killed his entire family became the Duke Of DevonBrook. The struggle that the hero goes through with his blindness from the fire is heartwrenching at times. Catriona is determined to make him love and enjoy life again. She teaches him that even though he can't see, he can still do the same things he always have if he sees with his heart. I really liked the fact that they became friends first and remained that way throughout all the things that befell them. That is what a real relationship is based on..friendship. I cried when something horrible happened, and I laughed when she pushed him in the water. Just a good time all around. One of the best Scottish romances around.

White Heather is a very good book indeed, with interesting and likeable leads, a riveting bit of intrigue, and a delightful love story. One of the most remarkable things about the book is how skillfully the intrigue is woven into the rest of the story. Reding manages to keep the reader just slightly guessing until the very end. Yes, we're pretty sure we know who, but are they in league together? Is one a red herring? Is Robert mistaken in any of it? Perhaps the best mix of intrigue and romance I have read in historical romance. Superbly done.

Robert is quite a hero: different and yet embodying all the necessary elements. Catriona is a compelling heroine as well--both smart and idealistic--and so very suited to this man. They truly bring out the best in each other. I am, however, more inclined to agree with Robert than with Catriona about Ian. You knew that was coming, but Reding managed to embue it with power and surprise none the less. That's a hallmark of this book, in fact; Reding takes the usual elements and makes them seem fresh.

There are a couple of minor questions left over, but the vast majority is neatly wrapped up, and the reader is left feeling well satisfied. I'll be reading more from this author.

This is the 2nd book I have read by this author...I am now running to get the rest. Don't miss this.

This is a great read, read it in one sitting, couldn't put it down. A Regency period romance set in the Scottish Highlands that has everything to make it wonderful. Great characters. Get this one!