What do you think?
Rate this book
Angel Harp
Heather Song
Newly married, Marie and Alaster Reidhaven's life seems idyllic. But things start to fall apart when the Duke's sister's curses and spells start to plague them. Alaster dies and again Marie is widowed. Marie returns to Canada to visit her dying father. The reunion is tender and healing for them both.Unexpectedly months later, Marie is astonished to learn that back in Scotland, her deceased husband Alaster never signed their pre-nup and had instead undertaken the legalities necessary to insure his estate would indeed go to Marie. Olivia is furious and full of threats and attempts to kill Marie and then disappears. Marie inherits and again assumes the title and role of duchess.But now the other half of her former "love triangle" bubbles up from out of her past. Marie and Grahm begin seeing each other "as friends" awaiting God's leading.Olivia reappears and again tries to kill Marie. Olivia eventually dies of cancer, unrepentant. The Reidhaven family line is at an end, the legacy of their memory to be carried forward by Marie who loved, in the end, all of them.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
247 books618 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Want to Read
June 29, 20126/29/12 - It looks suspiciously like you don't even need to read the book because everything is outlined in the summary here on Goodreads right next to the book title and picture. I wouldn't read that if you want to be surprised. I was considering getting this sequel and now I'm going to hold off in hopes that I'll forget everything I just read at the top (apparently goodreads needs a spoiler option for the author/publisher's summary and not just readers' reviews - lol
September 6, 2011
HEATHER SONG
Angel Harp Series book 2
By Michael Phillips
When you remember a dream what do you do? Do you let it die or do you fulfill it?
Angel Dawn Marie has just turned 40 when she remembers a dream from long ago. This remembrance breaks the lethargy of drifting from year to year. Feeling a pull she packs her harp and heads to Scotland.
In Scotland Marie travels until she gets to Port Scarnose which overlooks Moray Firth and the North Sea. Here she finds friendship and love. Her first friend is Iain Barclay - the local curate. She also meets Gwendolyn and her aunt Olivia. Marie teaches Gwendolyn the harp, but the music Gwendolyn plays is her own and is from her soul. Marie also meets Ranald Bain, a local shepherd whose life whose life has a mystery about it concerning his wife and daughter’s deaths many years before. The most mysterious of Marie’s encounters surrounds Duke Alasdair Reid haven an odd man whom mystery, sadness, evil seem to keep company with. The Duke is also the seldom seen father of Gwendolyn. But in Port Scarnose not all is as it seems. This ancient land is under the power of old superstitions that are perpetrated by Olivia, the hateful younger sister of the Duke.
Marie manages to bring Gwendolyn and Alasdair together but shortly after their reunion Gwendolyn succumbs to her condition. After Gwendolyn’s death Marie realizes that she is in love with both Alasdair and Iain and flees back to her home in Canada. But you cannot run from love or decisions they follow you.
When Marie goes back to Scotland she marries Alasdair and becomes the Duchess. But before they marry Marie insists on a prenuptial agreement so everyone would know she married Alasdair for love and not position and wealth. As Marie becomes more involved in the community she manages to break Olivia’s hold on many, but not all. Olivia’s hold is based on fear and the power that gives her over others.
Marie and Alasdair are happy in their life and because of Marie, Alasdair becomes very involved in the community helping those that need help. They open the estate to the people, sharing what they have with those around them. But soon the very condition that took Gwendolyn takes hold of Alasdair. At the very time that Alasdair is fading Marie receives a letter from her father asking her to come see him as he is dying from cancer.
After Alasdair’s death Marie returns home and then goes see her father. While they visit Marie realizes that she misjudged her father when she was younger and she was equally to blame for their non-existent relationship. Marie awakening feelings of love for her father result in her staying with him so that he can live and die in his home.
But while Marie is away from Scotland Olivia has been busy. She has moved into the castle and is establishing her center of power. With pleas for her to return to Scotland to stop Olivia and with developments in Alasdair’s estate that seem to leave everything to Marie she heads back to Scotland. But in a legal tug-of-war Marie must sneak into the castle in the dead of night so as to stop Olivia from locking her out of the castle until the suit goes to court.
As the legal process continues, Olivia begins making accusations against Marie and the motives behind her various friendships in Scarnose and even about her marriage to Alasdair. As the case comes to court Ranald shows up and is to be a witness for Marie. At the sight of him Olivia becomes agitated and demands he be removed. During a recess Ranald and Olivia speak privately and Olivia withdraws her suit.
But Olivia is not finished trying to lay claim upon the estate and in fact attempts to kill Marie along the rocky coast. But Ranald distrusting Olivia’s motives in asking Marie to go for a walk, thwarts Olivia’s attempts and rescues Marie.
When Marie gets word that Olivia is dying from cancer she again extends the olive branch to her sister-in-law. She offers Olivia a home in the castle with care so that she is not among strangers. Olivia’s very presence seems to bring a spirit of discontent to the castle. Iain warns Marie that there is a look in Olivia’s eyes, a look that bodes evil that she is contemplating.
But one day Olivia suddenly disappears, she is no where to be found. The castle, the estate and the surrounding communities are searched. After days of searching she is presumed to be dead, perhaps falling from the coastal cliffs to her death. Then in the night Marie hears faint harp music. As she investigates the music takes her beneath the castle to a hidden passageway that was lost in time. It is in this passage that Marie finds her lost harp hidden away in a crypt. And the harp is being plucked by Olivia and at her feet is a sight that leaves no doubt about Olivia’s evil spirit.
Olivia rushes out of the room locking Marie in the hidden vault with the remains of Ranald’s daughter. Olivia then slips back into her room and says she was there all along. But those in the castle suspect Olivia of foul play when it is discovered that Marie is missing.
For three days Ranald, Iain, the police and the castle staff search for Marie. But Olivia refuses to divulge what she knows. Iain remembering a long ago incident involving Olivia, Alasdair and himself searches the long ago ruins that are normally inaccessible due to the tide and there he hear harp music - the Angel Song that Marie plays. As the music draws him deeper into the ruins, finds Marie. She is inaccessible, but she tells him how to find her in the basement.
After Marie is rescued, she goes to see Olivia who refuses to admit she has ever done anything wrong. She refuses to make peace with anyone even God and see no reason for anyone to offer her forgiveness or to ask God for His.
HEATHER SONG is in keeping with all of Michael Phillip’s other works. It is a delightful read filled with Scottish lore, yet it subtlety teaches a lesson in the power of fear over our lives and the power of love - God’s love to break fears hold on us.
Publisher provided Advanced Reviewer Copy in Digital Format for revciew purposes
Angel Harp Series book 2
By Michael Phillips
When you remember a dream what do you do? Do you let it die or do you fulfill it?
Angel Dawn Marie has just turned 40 when she remembers a dream from long ago. This remembrance breaks the lethargy of drifting from year to year. Feeling a pull she packs her harp and heads to Scotland.
In Scotland Marie travels until she gets to Port Scarnose which overlooks Moray Firth and the North Sea. Here she finds friendship and love. Her first friend is Iain Barclay - the local curate. She also meets Gwendolyn and her aunt Olivia. Marie teaches Gwendolyn the harp, but the music Gwendolyn plays is her own and is from her soul. Marie also meets Ranald Bain, a local shepherd whose life whose life has a mystery about it concerning his wife and daughter’s deaths many years before. The most mysterious of Marie’s encounters surrounds Duke Alasdair Reid haven an odd man whom mystery, sadness, evil seem to keep company with. The Duke is also the seldom seen father of Gwendolyn. But in Port Scarnose not all is as it seems. This ancient land is under the power of old superstitions that are perpetrated by Olivia, the hateful younger sister of the Duke.
Marie manages to bring Gwendolyn and Alasdair together but shortly after their reunion Gwendolyn succumbs to her condition. After Gwendolyn’s death Marie realizes that she is in love with both Alasdair and Iain and flees back to her home in Canada. But you cannot run from love or decisions they follow you.
When Marie goes back to Scotland she marries Alasdair and becomes the Duchess. But before they marry Marie insists on a prenuptial agreement so everyone would know she married Alasdair for love and not position and wealth. As Marie becomes more involved in the community she manages to break Olivia’s hold on many, but not all. Olivia’s hold is based on fear and the power that gives her over others.
Marie and Alasdair are happy in their life and because of Marie, Alasdair becomes very involved in the community helping those that need help. They open the estate to the people, sharing what they have with those around them. But soon the very condition that took Gwendolyn takes hold of Alasdair. At the very time that Alasdair is fading Marie receives a letter from her father asking her to come see him as he is dying from cancer.
After Alasdair’s death Marie returns home and then goes see her father. While they visit Marie realizes that she misjudged her father when she was younger and she was equally to blame for their non-existent relationship. Marie awakening feelings of love for her father result in her staying with him so that he can live and die in his home.
But while Marie is away from Scotland Olivia has been busy. She has moved into the castle and is establishing her center of power. With pleas for her to return to Scotland to stop Olivia and with developments in Alasdair’s estate that seem to leave everything to Marie she heads back to Scotland. But in a legal tug-of-war Marie must sneak into the castle in the dead of night so as to stop Olivia from locking her out of the castle until the suit goes to court.
As the legal process continues, Olivia begins making accusations against Marie and the motives behind her various friendships in Scarnose and even about her marriage to Alasdair. As the case comes to court Ranald shows up and is to be a witness for Marie. At the sight of him Olivia becomes agitated and demands he be removed. During a recess Ranald and Olivia speak privately and Olivia withdraws her suit.
But Olivia is not finished trying to lay claim upon the estate and in fact attempts to kill Marie along the rocky coast. But Ranald distrusting Olivia’s motives in asking Marie to go for a walk, thwarts Olivia’s attempts and rescues Marie.
When Marie gets word that Olivia is dying from cancer she again extends the olive branch to her sister-in-law. She offers Olivia a home in the castle with care so that she is not among strangers. Olivia’s very presence seems to bring a spirit of discontent to the castle. Iain warns Marie that there is a look in Olivia’s eyes, a look that bodes evil that she is contemplating.
But one day Olivia suddenly disappears, she is no where to be found. The castle, the estate and the surrounding communities are searched. After days of searching she is presumed to be dead, perhaps falling from the coastal cliffs to her death. Then in the night Marie hears faint harp music. As she investigates the music takes her beneath the castle to a hidden passageway that was lost in time. It is in this passage that Marie finds her lost harp hidden away in a crypt. And the harp is being plucked by Olivia and at her feet is a sight that leaves no doubt about Olivia’s evil spirit.
Olivia rushes out of the room locking Marie in the hidden vault with the remains of Ranald’s daughter. Olivia then slips back into her room and says she was there all along. But those in the castle suspect Olivia of foul play when it is discovered that Marie is missing.
For three days Ranald, Iain, the police and the castle staff search for Marie. But Olivia refuses to divulge what she knows. Iain remembering a long ago incident involving Olivia, Alasdair and himself searches the long ago ruins that are normally inaccessible due to the tide and there he hear harp music - the Angel Song that Marie plays. As the music draws him deeper into the ruins, finds Marie. She is inaccessible, but she tells him how to find her in the basement.
After Marie is rescued, she goes to see Olivia who refuses to admit she has ever done anything wrong. She refuses to make peace with anyone even God and see no reason for anyone to offer her forgiveness or to ask God for His.
HEATHER SONG is in keeping with all of Michael Phillip’s other works. It is a delightful read filled with Scottish lore, yet it subtlety teaches a lesson in the power of fear over our lives and the power of love - God’s love to break fears hold on us.
Publisher provided Advanced Reviewer Copy in Digital Format for revciew purposes
October 12, 2018
This is a very poignant book. Marie has an idyllic life with her husband but all to soon he is taken away from her. Now she faces an evil sister in law who is determined to destroy her in any way possible. As Maria faces life's challenges she learns more about God, personal growth, and love and forgiveness.
September 15, 2011
The reader will be happy to meet Marie, the main character for this novel. She is feeling as everyone does every once and a while-a little nostalgic and as if something is missing from her life. She decides to pack up her harp and head to Scotland. Once in Scotland, she meets a variety of characters with different personalities and quirks. Olivia acts as the antagonist for this novel, she repeatedly enforces silly superstitions that may turn out to be a dangerous past time in the end. She also meets Gwendolyn and her father The Duke...she rarely sees The Duke, however.
In a series of quick events, Marie brings Gwendolyn and Alasdair together-only to find that she is in love with both Alasdair and Iain. Poor Gwendolyn dies not long into the novel, leaving Marie in a conundrum. Should she act on her feelings? and how?
Marie decides to marry Alasdair, they agree to a pre-nup to ensure that their love is not complicated by money. They are a happy couple until...Alasdair passes away. Marie is forced to fly home to see her father, who is also in a very bad state of health. During this time, Olivia has been working behind Marie's back to prevent Marie's potential inheritance from taking place and undermining Marie's love and friendship with others. The novel really takes off from here-both legally and morally.
Marie is a fun character to read about. She tends to be caring, sincere, and happy. The other characters are just as fun to get to know, Alasdair will tug at the readers' heartstrings. The events are fast-paced, the story is full of twists that will surprise the reader. The legal battle is both exciting and will place the reader firmly on Marie's side of the battle. This book is recommended to adults.
In a series of quick events, Marie brings Gwendolyn and Alasdair together-only to find that she is in love with both Alasdair and Iain. Poor Gwendolyn dies not long into the novel, leaving Marie in a conundrum. Should she act on her feelings? and how?
Marie decides to marry Alasdair, they agree to a pre-nup to ensure that their love is not complicated by money. They are a happy couple until...Alasdair passes away. Marie is forced to fly home to see her father, who is also in a very bad state of health. During this time, Olivia has been working behind Marie's back to prevent Marie's potential inheritance from taking place and undermining Marie's love and friendship with others. The novel really takes off from here-both legally and morally.
Marie is a fun character to read about. She tends to be caring, sincere, and happy. The other characters are just as fun to get to know, Alasdair will tug at the readers' heartstrings. The events are fast-paced, the story is full of twists that will surprise the reader. The legal battle is both exciting and will place the reader firmly on Marie's side of the battle. This book is recommended to adults.
August 23, 2011
I’ve read quite a few books by Michael Phillips and Heather Song is just wonderful. Michael’s books are not light reading and they are full of insights and lessons.
Heather Song takes place at the Castle Buchan at Port Scarnose, Scotland.
This book is full of beautiful descriptions of Scotland.
Heather Song has everything in it from beautiful friendships, dark evil, good vs. evil, suspense, cliff hangers and precious loves stories.
I really love how the characters in the story love harp music, those who who were blessed with, playing and those just learning. It made such an impression on me that I want to find out more about harps and playing them.
Micheal Phillips tells really special stories with great twists and turns. I was amazed at all the things that happened in a single book. I highly recommend Heather Song. A fantastic book with great meaning.
I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Heather Song takes place at the Castle Buchan at Port Scarnose, Scotland.
This book is full of beautiful descriptions of Scotland.
Heather Song has everything in it from beautiful friendships, dark evil, good vs. evil, suspense, cliff hangers and precious loves stories.
I really love how the characters in the story love harp music, those who who were blessed with, playing and those just learning. It made such an impression on me that I want to find out more about harps and playing them.
Micheal Phillips tells really special stories with great twists and turns. I was amazed at all the things that happened in a single book. I highly recommend Heather Song. A fantastic book with great meaning.
I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
December 26, 2011
I’ve read quite a few books by Michael Phillips and Heather Song is just wonderful. Michael’s books are not light reading and they are full of insights and lessons.
Heather Song takes place at the Castle Buchan at Port Scarnose, Scotland.
This book is full of beautiful descriptions of Scotland.
Heather Song has everything in it from beautiful friendships, dark evil, good vs. evil, suspense, cliff hangers and precious loves stories.
I really love how the characters in the story love harp music, those who who were blessed with, playing and those just learning. It made such an impression on me that I want to find out more about harps and playing them.
Micheal Phillips tells really special stories with great twists and turns. I was amazed at all the things that happened in a single book. I highly recommend Heather Song. A fantastic book with great meaning.
I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Heather Song takes place at the Castle Buchan at Port Scarnose, Scotland.
This book is full of beautiful descriptions of Scotland.
Heather Song has everything in it from beautiful friendships, dark evil, good vs. evil, suspense, cliff hangers and precious loves stories.
I really love how the characters in the story love harp music, those who who were blessed with, playing and those just learning. It made such an impression on me that I want to find out more about harps and playing them.
Micheal Phillips tells really special stories with great twists and turns. I was amazed at all the things that happened in a single book. I highly recommend Heather Song. A fantastic book with great meaning.
I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
June 9, 2016
I am ambivalent about giving this book a 1 as it is not really a 1-star book. The setting and storyline are wonderful. As a story board, I would give it a 5. But I was just never drawn in. To the point I stopped reading after page 194, the end of chapter 29. It just felt like a monotone. Bloodless. I am not a huge fan of many men writers and I couldn't help thinking how well this story could have worked if a woman had written it.
That said, huge hats off to Michael Phillips for writing a romance! Is he the only man who ever has? In such a way as this (meaning that in the positive), I think perhaps so. Other men have written romantic tales (though not a bonafide romance), but not where the woman was truly at the center of the story vs action or philosophy or historical events. So kudos to you, Michael. For a man, I give your book 4 stars. It's just that, as a reader, it never resonated with me.
That said, huge hats off to Michael Phillips for writing a romance! Is he the only man who ever has? In such a way as this (meaning that in the positive), I think perhaps so. Other men have written romantic tales (though not a bonafide romance), but not where the woman was truly at the center of the story vs action or philosophy or historical events. So kudos to you, Michael. For a man, I give your book 4 stars. It's just that, as a reader, it never resonated with me.
September 24, 2011
HEATHER SONG by Michael Phillips is an interesting inspirational fiction set in Canada and Scotland.It is the companion to “Angel Harp”. This is the story of Marie and Alasdair Reidhaven’s life. Newly married,life seems wonderful until Alaster’s sister Olivia curses them. Then things start to fall apart. Alasdair dies leaving Marie alone again,when she learns Alasdair never signed the pre-nup but instead insured his estate would go to Marie. Olivia,his sister,is furious,attempts to kill Marie,then disappears. Marie becomes duchess and assumes the title.This is a complicated story of curses,spells,tragedy,loss,drama,faith,love, a bit of romance, and a legacy of memories. If you enjoyed “Angel Harp” you will enjoy this dramatic and engaging sequel. A great read. This book was received for review from the publisher.Details can be found at Faith Words and My Book Addiction Reviews.
November 29, 2011
I enjoyed this book. I do need to read the first book.
Marie is a likable character. To read the passages about the harps and harp lessons make me want to learn.
The description of the people and places was beautiful.
It is a love story with a triangle. It is about superstitioin and curses.
The book is thick, but the chapters were the right size to pick up while waiting for an appointment and read one.
I will definitely look for more Michael Phillips books.
Marie is a likable character. To read the passages about the harps and harp lessons make me want to learn.
The description of the people and places was beautiful.
It is a love story with a triangle. It is about superstitioin and curses.
The book is thick, but the chapters were the right size to pick up while waiting for an appointment and read one.
I will definitely look for more Michael Phillips books.
June 9, 2014
I liked this book almost as much as "Angel Harp", though it is a little on the darker side. There are many life changes for Marie. The Christian theme follows through this book. Will Olivia ever be able to admit that she needs to ask for forgiveness from the people she has hurt and from God. I don't want to say more, but if you like the first book, you will like this one too.........in my opinion.
I had to stay up until 2:30 this morning to finish the book!
I had to stay up until 2:30 this morning to finish the book!
October 14, 2013
Got it on Friday, finished it in the wee mornings of October 13th - couldn't sleep and this was a wonderful way to pass the time. Michael Phillips has a masterful way with words and he plays them in a way that makes you yearn to walk the way of his main characters - as faithful followers of the 'Way'.
August 12, 2016
A good suspenseful novel. Loved it until the anticlimactic end! One would expect Iain to make an honest women of the Duchess but alas he does not ... Oh-h-h. Will there be a sequel to this sequel?
For the record, Marie's second husband was Alasdair, not Alaster, as the GoodRead's description reads - may be a pre-publication change?
For the record, Marie's second husband was Alasdair, not Alaster, as the GoodRead's description reads - may be a pre-publication change?
March 4, 2018
A song of love and hope.
Heather Song is inspiring, addicting, challenging......and leaves you wanting more. Michael Phillips inspired me with his characters, grabbed my heart with his storytelling, and fed my longing to know Christ better with his deep spiritual perspective on life.
Heather Song is inspiring, addicting, challenging......and leaves you wanting more. Michael Phillips inspired me with his characters, grabbed my heart with his storytelling, and fed my longing to know Christ better with his deep spiritual perspective on life.
February 11, 2019
My goodness, it just goes on and on and on and on . . . What a long book for a story which should have been told in many fewer pages! Very heavy on the Doric - even annoying at times, especially when we learn that R. speaks fluent English, but continues in the dialect ad infinitum to all and sundry forevermore. And I. is the most idealistic character ever created, I feel sure. Almost too perfect to be real. Our introverted protagonist manages to change the lives of the entire community during her time in the area - no telling what she will accomplish in the future!!
A good read, just tedious at times, in my view. Better than the previous book, I think, but if another sequel appears, I may pass.
A good read, just tedious at times, in my view. Better than the previous book, I think, but if another sequel appears, I may pass.
July 26, 2024
This book follows “Angel Harp” and is just as amazing in story and building faith. Spiritual warfare and forgiveness are major themes that are both dealt with extremely well with just enough romance and lots of changed lives.
August 4, 2023
A great book. Sweet story about love, friendship and betrayal. And how God is always with us.
October 1, 2023
I slogged through until the end. I just didn't enjoy it. The characters make decisions that, given the information they have, are just too unbelievable.
August 3, 2012
Great follow up to Angel harp. I was not disappointed!
July 2, 2013
I loved these books. The main character is a harpist so I had a lot of fun relating to her.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews