Highland Magic

by Heather Morrison-Tapley

2024 First Place Bookfest Award Winner for Fiction with Folklore!

Maren Phillips has been lonely her whole life, having been raised in a house of chaos and neglect. After a near-fatal accident, and desperate for a sense of belonging, she decides to move to the only place she has ever been happy, her late uncle’s cottage in the Scottish Highlands which she has inherited. There she meets the handsome Highland farmer next door and discovers a secret relative who has been locked away for decades for practicing the “old ways” of the Highlands…ways that used to be called witchcraft. She also discovers a hidden stone circle and a land full of magic. Slowly she builds a life full of love, found family, and healing. But when her fears of getting hurt, coupled with a devastating fire, threaten everything she’s built, will she stay and fight, or do what she does best and run?

Highland Magic is the first book in what will be a Highland Magic series.

Heather Morrison-Tapley is a nationally licensed acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, and healer who lives in a small town in coastal Maine with her husband, children, and unruly pets. She is a dual US/UK citizen and grew up splitting her time between the US and the UK. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Social Science and a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Heather is also the author of the novel The Herbalist.

Genres: Scotland

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2024

Reviews

[Alex Valencia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictably cozy

[Kay Nutt · Rating 2 out of 5]

My favourite part was the Epilogue! I love a true story as inspiration. There were good parts and I loved the talk of the land and found family, but there was too much obvious romance and lusting for my preference. Entertaining enough read, just not for me!

[Tami Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of the story was dreamy. The idea of the characters and the plot is so captivating and relatable. What's not to love about the Scottish countryside, pubs, horses, and hunky Highlanders; all surrounded by mystical events and backstories.

I would have loved to see this story split into two or three books. It's an incredibly fast read which I feel sells the author's magical world and her characters short. Most of the time, I was saddened that incidents and even character conversations and interactions were over too quickly.

Her story is so compelling, I just wish there was more to it overall.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I previously read the herbalist, and loved it so much decided to read this book. I am so pleased I did. There is a similar theme running through both books of a woman finding herself becoming strong. Even with this theme, both stories are completely different from each other, each telling its own tale, I must admit I am a fan of the meaning of the books, the theme of both. I am looking forward to reading more.

[Sharen · Rating 3 out of 5]

this rating is really 3.5 Let me start by saying…..I love books about the Scottish highlands and highland Magicks. And while there is a lot of that in this book….I found it to be pretty much a disappointment because the main character, Maren, is quite childish and irresponsible and while she has periods of time when she is trying to be a caring adult there are large periods of time when she just stops and moves on to something/someplace/someone else. Thus, the 3.5 rating.

[Jo Ericksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I can relate to the growth one needs to make to work through the traumas that occur when growing up that can apply to all. Difficult at times but worth it to find self love and acceptance. All of this with wonderful and different characters and beautiful descriptions of the Upper Highland in Scotland.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maren had an unhappy childhood and moved around a lot as an adult. She finally found home in the Scottish Highlands. An unknown great aunt, new friends, and a love interest help her find family in her new home. This was an interesting story, but the last chapter seemed rushed and the end was rather abrupt.

[D.L. Kaiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Heartwarming Tale

If a cozy, heartwarming story, from sad to glad is your cup o tea, this is where you will find it. The only drawback was the editing that needed to be done. It was a little distracting at the beginning but less errors near the last half of the story.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5 Stars

Comforting story. I feel the book packed more elements into it than were needed and thus nothing was focused on. There is magic, abandonment, horses, equine assisted therapy, romance, cookery, hoteling, family, friendship, etc.

[Lwalalba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!!

A lovely heart-warming story of connection and belonging. Maren comes to Scotland to move into the cottage her Uncle has left her. She spent her summers there when she was younger. What started as a new adventure blossoms into something much more. I really enjoyed it.

[Jennifer Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Remarkably Uplifting read.

I highly recommend this book. The magic reaches out enfold you. I’ve downloaded the second book by this author. I’m sorry she has only written two. Please write some more Heather.

[Carol Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story

This is the second book I have read by this author. Love, magic, religion and history all in one story. I have laughed and cried. Great story line, sex is good taste along with some history.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! The author really brings the characters to life. It’s deeply emotional but also uplifting. The descriptions of the stunning Scottish Highlands, food, animals, friendship and learning to accept love when you feel unworthy are so moving. I really hope this author writes more!

[Judith Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful

Captures free m the beginning and just keeps getting better. A bit too much ch about herself but overall a delight. Love the horses, the baby fox and the touch of magic. Well done!

[Carolyn Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a great story, and includes history that was very interesting. However, the writing and editing need work, and after dragging the story out a little, it was very rushed at the end with a scenario that could have been left out completely. I was very disappointed with the ending.

[Angie Pachniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline was enjoyable. the grammar and writing quality were lacking. The redundancy drove me crazy. For example, a.m. indictates morning hours, so lines like "9 am in the morning" retracted from enjoyable reading.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I loved it. It made me feel like I was actually there in the Scottish highlands. The characters were interesting and likable. The plot was interesting.

[Donna Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read

Enjoyed a different twist on the theme. Subtle magic, wise lessons and of course love, in beautiful Scotland. Great combination.

[joseph m. neenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

magical

Another magical read. I’m enchanted by these stories. I would love to visit the Horse and Stone B&B. Write on, Heather Morrison-Tapley.

[Joyce Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old feelings

I laughed and I cried at the feelings Of familiarity, of love, and regret inside of myself this book brought.

[Hannah🌱]

Cozy book, enjoyed the premise. Desperately needed an editor

[Bev Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

I love the way the characters just draw you in to the story. I need to know Gillian, Sally and Sybils stories now. More please x

[Cori Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful read!

Loved every minute of this wonderful book, couldn’t stop reading it, loved the magic, the love story, the whole thing!

[Marjorie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical read

So magical a real feel good novel, entertaining warm feeling makes you feel like you’re right there in Scotland. I just loved it.

[Helena Fontes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75

[Alisa Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cozy!

A must read, an easy and light, but also heartwarming story.

Loved the magic and real life aspect to it.