As High as the Heavens (Paperback)

by Kathleen Morgan (Author)
Key Phrases: hie yerself, dinna fash yerself, yer mither, Duncan Mackenzie, Robert Gordon, Colin Stewart (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Kathleen Morgan is a marvelous storyteller."--Romantic Times -- Romantic Times

Product Description
It is 1568 and Mary, Queen of Scots, is imprisoned in Lochleven Castle. But her supporters, including noblewoman Heather Gordon, are planning a rescue. Heather travels to a cottage in the frigid Highlands to teach a simple man--who just happens to resemble someone with access to Lochleven--how to act the part of a nobleman in order to gain entry to the castle. But in the close quarters of the cottage there is more stirring than political rebellion.

A suspenseful story of deceit and betrayal, love and secrets, As High as the Heavens will capture readers' hearts.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Repack edition (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800758161
• ISBN-13: 978-0800758165
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #362,091 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super storytelling, January 18, 2008

By	armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This is an inspirational story and historical romance.

Although she is betrothed, Heather Gordon knows she will never love the man she plans to marry. And that's just fine with her. Because of other betrayals in her family, Heather vows never to fall in love.

When her father's plan to rescue Mary, Queen of Scots, requires Heather's help, she gladly agrees-until she meets the braw and bonny highlander, Duncan MacKenzie. Duncan's raw masculinity and tender compassion towards his parents threaten to undo the chains around her heart, much to Heather's chagrin.

Duncan can't imagine a scenario that would allow him to marry the lovely heiress who is acting as his tutor. His strength, forged by working alongside his father in the highland hills, is no match for a simple smile or kind word from Heather. She proves impossible to resist. Duncan protects Heather from outlaws, bad weather, and meddling relatives. But who will protect him from the pain of her impending departure?

Secrets are revealed. Betrayal, danger, and interfering fathers threaten to keep Duncan and Heather apart. Will the love they share be strong enough to survive?

Kathleen Morgan's fiery characters take on a life of their own, thanks to the wishes, hopes, secrets, and hurts that the author gives them. Well-crafted and likeable, the hero and heroine fight for what they believe in, even when the odds seem impossibly stacked against them.

The sixteenth century brogue used by the characters takes a bit of getting used to, but Morgan keeps it consistent throughout the novel and it does add to the feeling of being in the highlands of Scotland.

Morgan's research into this time period shines through by not being obvious. Her gentle touch with the book's setting and fine details are refreshing and draw the reader even farther into the story.

Armchair Interview says: For those who love historical fiction, romance, suspense and sparks, this is a must read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars engaging sixteenth century Scottish romance, January 1, 2008

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In 1568 illegitimate James Stewart claims the Scottish throne when he imprisons his half-sister Mary Queen of Scots in Lochleven Castle. Mary's loyal supporters are outraged by this affront and plot to rescue the woman they feel is the rightful English queen.

One of Mary's most ardent defenders Lady Heather Gordon concocts a daring but dangerous scheme to liberate her Queen. To enter Lochleven, which is strongly guarded by usurper loyalists, she must persuade Duncan Mackenzie, who has lived his life in the wilds of the Highlands to masquerade as foppish Colin Stewart who has access to Castle. Pretending to be a tutor, she struggles to convince the rugged Duncan to abet her cause; instead he wants nothing to do with the plot except that enables him to spend time with Heather who tries to teach him to be a fop.

AS HIGH AS THE HEAVENS is an engaging sixteenth century Scottish romance in which the male lead provides a fresh face. Heather is a heroic loyal person, but it is the outdoors craggy Duncan who makes the tale as she tries to polish the diamond in the rough by turning him into an aristocratic fop. Fans of the sub-genre will appreciate the tale of love between the tutor and the student with the royal intrigue in the backdrop.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Och, ye've found a verra bonny braw book, and no mistake., December 31, 2008

By	Harold Wolf "Doc" (Wells, IN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Dinna fash yerself, there's naught wrong with this Kathleen Morgan book, to be sure. It's a Highland romance with a twist of historical fiction. There's mystery and adventure in the plot to free Mary, Queen of Scotts, but Morgan's own fictional plot is BONNIER than reality.

In 1568, bonny noble lass, Heather, agrees to teach base-raised Duncan,unaware of being a twin of noble birth, the manners, speech and dress needed to assist in the conspiracy. Beautiful Heather, and braw Duncan, both with Godly foundations, find 3 months so closely locked a HUGH distraction. Hormones become as raw as the Highlands, like aught they e'er afore felt. Heather (all woman) is struggling in her faith due to past comments from her dying mother. Och, and the promises to her da afore meeting Duncan. Aye, her grip goes aquiver.

Aye, wi' the author's location descriptions, mayhap ye'll be swept o'er the winds of Scotland, nay akin the verra breeze beneath braw Duncan's plaid. (What do ye wear under ye kilt, aught?) And the constant use of thick brogue (but no Gaelic dictionary needed) enlivens the dialogue, to be sure.

After reading "As High as the Heavens" give a stout shout of the Mackinzie battle cry, and mayhap the author will give readers sequel information about the future of Heather and Duncan. Och, where will the next verra raw braw kiss lead?