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Highland Healer #1
Highland Healer
Scotland has just suffered the ravages of the Battle of Culloden and must heal itself physically and spiritually. Will the magickal touch of the Healer be needed?The story centers on the Healer who possesses magickal powers that appear at moments of great distress. What is she supposed to do with these powers? Is she truly a Healer-or is she a wicked woman with abilities to harm others?Fleeing from a soldier and others promising harm, she travels to 18th century Highlands of Scotland with a huge, black wolf who is both her companion and protector. She meets Alex, a powerful and intriguing man who is the leader of a clan of brothers who are indebted to her for saving their youger brother's life.Her journey is filled with spine-tingling escapades where her magick and wits are the only things than can save her. Caitlin, the Healer, has much to learn about why powers have been given to her. It seems as if her destiny has been planned and she must find her place in the Highlands-where danger is never far away, and neither is magick...
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2015
765 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 23, 2016
This was a very good book. A well thought out storyline with magic and very good characters. I will definitely read more from this author. In fact just got the second one!
May 10, 2017
I got the impression this may have been the author’s first book. I can’t say it was written poorly or that the story line needed developed, but it was a little choppy in places and areas were a little hard to follow. This story follows two women. The description and such explain it as just following one woman, Caitlin, but early on it begins a parallel story line with Millie. For a while I wasn’t sure if Millie’s story line was a history of something that needed to be known for something in Caitlin’s story to be understood, but the two women meet each other about half-way through the book and the story continues on with them together.
The story begins with Caitlin settling in to a new home she finds after fleeing an angry Captain who thinks she is a witch who killed his son. As she is a healer, she has work in the nearby village and a quiet life. She is interrupted one night by the MacKinnon brothers, whose youngest has suffered a terrible injury and must have his leg amputated. While they wait for their brother to recover enough to be moved, the eldest brothers, Jack and Alex, begin to know the healer. Alex in particular becomes attached to the healer and after hearing her plight about the Captain (and also an enraged Lord who she overheard talking treason) is determined to help her. After they leave, the Captain finds Caitlin and she takes off for the northern MacKinnon lands in search of help.
That all seems pretty simple, but the author weaves a second story line into the book. Millie is the wife of the Lord Caitlin angered. The story encounters Millie as she is devising a way to flee her abusive life and return to her family’s land in Scotland. She makes her escape while heavily pregnant and encounters Caitlin in her flight.
Also, Caitlin’s uncle Wabi is a wizard and has been trying to teach Caitlin about the powers she holds within herself. He pops in and out of the story, being quite skillfully depicted and lively. When Caitlin’s powers do finally emerge, the shock of them leaves her reeling and seeking guidance.
This book is part fantasy, part classic romance, and part woman power. Each chapter you are following and different character, which is confusing at first, particularly when they start introducing Millie’s story line. However, after the two story lines combine it gets easier. For the most part you are following six different characters and each usually gets their own chapter or part of a chapter in a cycle. The characters are extremely well developed. You have a definite feel for each character and what they are going to do. She even makes the people who aren’t there real through memories or stories of the other characters. The story could have used a little more down time and a little less conflict. I think she could have cut out one less enemy and still been fine. The accent of the brothers is heavy Scottish brogue, so if you’ve never read or heard it before that can be confusing as well.
Overall, not a bad book. It was good, just really complex. Anyone who is sensitive toward domestic abuse probably shouldn’t read it. If you like fantasy books that aren’t too out there, this is a great book. If you like reading fiction that takes place in Scotland, it is also a great book. I can’t say I’d recommend this for anyone getting into the genre because it can be confusing and it’s not quite built up well on the magical end (Wabi explains his abilities and powers well, but when it comes to Caitlin it’s very confusing). Overall, a decent read.
The story begins with Caitlin settling in to a new home she finds after fleeing an angry Captain who thinks she is a witch who killed his son. As she is a healer, she has work in the nearby village and a quiet life. She is interrupted one night by the MacKinnon brothers, whose youngest has suffered a terrible injury and must have his leg amputated. While they wait for their brother to recover enough to be moved, the eldest brothers, Jack and Alex, begin to know the healer. Alex in particular becomes attached to the healer and after hearing her plight about the Captain (and also an enraged Lord who she overheard talking treason) is determined to help her. After they leave, the Captain finds Caitlin and she takes off for the northern MacKinnon lands in search of help.
That all seems pretty simple, but the author weaves a second story line into the book. Millie is the wife of the Lord Caitlin angered. The story encounters Millie as she is devising a way to flee her abusive life and return to her family’s land in Scotland. She makes her escape while heavily pregnant and encounters Caitlin in her flight.
Also, Caitlin’s uncle Wabi is a wizard and has been trying to teach Caitlin about the powers she holds within herself. He pops in and out of the story, being quite skillfully depicted and lively. When Caitlin’s powers do finally emerge, the shock of them leaves her reeling and seeking guidance.
This book is part fantasy, part classic romance, and part woman power. Each chapter you are following and different character, which is confusing at first, particularly when they start introducing Millie’s story line. However, after the two story lines combine it gets easier. For the most part you are following six different characters and each usually gets their own chapter or part of a chapter in a cycle. The characters are extremely well developed. You have a definite feel for each character and what they are going to do. She even makes the people who aren’t there real through memories or stories of the other characters. The story could have used a little more down time and a little less conflict. I think she could have cut out one less enemy and still been fine. The accent of the brothers is heavy Scottish brogue, so if you’ve never read or heard it before that can be confusing as well.
Overall, not a bad book. It was good, just really complex. Anyone who is sensitive toward domestic abuse probably shouldn’t read it. If you like fantasy books that aren’t too out there, this is a great book. If you like reading fiction that takes place in Scotland, it is also a great book. I can’t say I’d recommend this for anyone getting into the genre because it can be confusing and it’s not quite built up well on the magical end (Wabi explains his abilities and powers well, but when it comes to Caitlin it’s very confusing). Overall, a decent read.
July 6, 2019
I really wanted to enjoy this book, as I love everything Scottish.
I'll start with what I liked: The MacKinnan brothers were good characters along with Caitlin; and the evil Campbell was an unending source of vile badness. Really, most of the characters were done well as far as personalities goes. Perhaps the best cast member was Willie, the Wolf.
Now, for what could have been better: A little research goes a long way and it was lacking. Scots, especially from that time in the Highlands were often Catholic (they didn't sort of pray to a generic creator who might be a he or she). They were also highly superstitious and with the magic stuff going around them would have wigged out!
Other things that irked me was the passage of time and travel where an injured soldier amazingly caught up to Caitlin when she had a good 4 days head start on him and had the benefit of his horse. Then there was the soldier's pistol. It would have been a muzzle-loaded single shot (I'm referring to the confrontation on MacKinnan land); one shot and done because it takes a while to reload and Campbell wouldn't have thrown away MacKinnan's into the woods if he got his hands on it. After Culloden the English had soldiers everywhere throughout the Highlands killing and burning all they could find (it was a hard desperate time) and there was no mention of any of it in the book aside from some wounded soldiers. So much could have been done with the Culloden timeline, but was almost completely forgotten. Finally, a good proof reading would have aided in eliminating many of the omissions, misspellings and errors in grammar.
I'm sorry if I've been over critical, but hopefully my review will aid in the author's future writing.
I'll start with what I liked: The MacKinnan brothers were good characters along with Caitlin; and the evil Campbell was an unending source of vile badness. Really, most of the characters were done well as far as personalities goes. Perhaps the best cast member was Willie, the Wolf.
Now, for what could have been better: A little research goes a long way and it was lacking. Scots, especially from that time in the Highlands were often Catholic (they didn't sort of pray to a generic creator who might be a he or she). They were also highly superstitious and with the magic stuff going around them would have wigged out!
Other things that irked me was the passage of time and travel where an injured soldier amazingly caught up to Caitlin when she had a good 4 days head start on him and had the benefit of his horse. Then there was the soldier's pistol. It would have been a muzzle-loaded single shot (I'm referring to the confrontation on MacKinnan land); one shot and done because it takes a while to reload and Campbell wouldn't have thrown away MacKinnan's into the woods if he got his hands on it. After Culloden the English had soldiers everywhere throughout the Highlands killing and burning all they could find (it was a hard desperate time) and there was no mention of any of it in the book aside from some wounded soldiers. So much could have been done with the Culloden timeline, but was almost completely forgotten. Finally, a good proof reading would have aided in eliminating many of the omissions, misspellings and errors in grammar.
I'm sorry if I've been over critical, but hopefully my review will aid in the author's future writing.
September 2, 2019
A bit too much of a stretch....magic, healers, highlands and love
Sorry...l had great hopes for this series - starting with the first book, but the farther I read the less interested I became. Too many sudden backstories appearing in the middle of the action. And too many coincidences piled on top of one another. Didn't even finish it...sad.
Sorry...l had great hopes for this series - starting with the first book, but the farther I read the less interested I became. Too many sudden backstories appearing in the middle of the action. And too many coincidences piled on top of one another. Didn't even finish it...sad.
July 12, 2019
Healing and magic and villains oh my
This is an interesting fantasy read. Because it is fantasy, it doesn’t need to be logical, thank goodness. I totally enjoyed all the characters except the villains. The healer, Caitlin, starts out in Skye Scotland, where she has been raised by her grandparents and an “uncle” Wabi. She overhears the first two villains plotting, and escapes before they can harm her. Her faithful wolf, Willie, accompanies her. She is unable to save a group of men with malaria. One of the men’s father blames her and threatens to kill her, becoming the second villain. As her travels and adventures continue, she begins to realize that she has special powers like uncle Wabi.
There are two things I didn’t like: the author seemed to favor the villains, and let them come back several times to threaten Caitlin after they should have been disposed with. Second is the modern language used throughout, although the story is set shortly after the battle of Culloden. If the author had read the Outlander series, she might have done a better job of using the language of the time.
This is an interesting fantasy read. Because it is fantasy, it doesn’t need to be logical, thank goodness. I totally enjoyed all the characters except the villains. The healer, Caitlin, starts out in Skye Scotland, where she has been raised by her grandparents and an “uncle” Wabi. She overhears the first two villains plotting, and escapes before they can harm her. Her faithful wolf, Willie, accompanies her. She is unable to save a group of men with malaria. One of the men’s father blames her and threatens to kill her, becoming the second villain. As her travels and adventures continue, she begins to realize that she has special powers like uncle Wabi.
There are two things I didn’t like: the author seemed to favor the villains, and let them come back several times to threaten Caitlin after they should have been disposed with. Second is the modern language used throughout, although the story is set shortly after the battle of Culloden. If the author had read the Outlander series, she might have done a better job of using the language of the time.
June 13, 2024
This was a good start to an exciting series. I loved the characters. At first I didn't know what they all had to do with each other but in the middle they all came together for one epic adventure to evade danger. This book was right up my alley. I love history. I love Scotland. I love flowing red hair! I loved the main characters and their enemies were truly despicable. There was an element of magic and fantasy that I was not expecting at all so it made me like it all the more. And I really loved that the story itself was so thrilling and kept the pages turning, and that the love stories were side stories and not the main focus. I like a good love story, but I don't like being beaten to death by it. I recommend reading this book if Scottish Historical Fiction with a touch of Fantasy is something you like.
August 31, 2019
I just couldn’t force myself to finish this book. The storyline seemed like it had potential, but the writing just seemed to get worse as the book progressed. The flow was very choppy and the characters were very flat and underdeveloped. SPOILER ALERT. I quit at the part where Uncle Wabi meets up with Caitlin, Alex, and Millie. It just didn’t make sense to me why Wabi would wait so long when he knew she was in trouble. Why would he let her just “follow her instincts” for so long, and then finally appear when she’s actually NOT in any immediate or imminent danger? For that matter, why is this the point when Caitlin decides that her life has become “so unmanageable”? Really?!? She has Campbell tied up, Alex is now with her to help her get to safety, and this is when she freaks out? Not when Campbell tries to kill her in the cave or when she’s traveling alone to a place she doesn’t even really know the location of. And I literally rolled my eyes when Caitlin says, "Oh, Alex, what should I do? Should I help him or should I let him lie here and die?" This woman has been through so much, but now she suddenly can’t handle the stress and has to ask the man to make the decision? I had to stop. I could push through mediocre writing and occasional poor plot/character points, but things were just getting too ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2020
The characters and world were rich and bold.. but the writing was a bit discombobulated for me. I bought the kindle version so I'm not sure if the printed is better, but there were many moments that lacked a smooth transition from one character's thoughts/speech to another's. I had to re-read many times when I realized that someone else was thinking and I wasn't positive who it was. There was also a lot of jumping back and forth in the timeline, which wasn't explained either and would also throw me a bit. I did finish the book. I was invested in the story enough to want to know the ending.
July 24, 2019
I liked the story line. However it was somewhat difficult to jump from viewpoint to viewpoint and there were some that were superfluous to the story. The characters were fairly well developed but the magical abilities could have been introduced with more depth. The story felt a little rushed and the author says she wrote it in a rush of writing. There were areas that had too many words. I like cleaner, more concise writing. However, I will probably read the second book to see if the author’s style improved as she developed the story more.
October 27, 2023
This book had great potential. However, the story was very disjointed. Almost as if it was the very first book for this author. Campbell was like Mike Myers, my goodness, he just kept coming back. Where was feck was Willie when that zombie Campbell came back yet again and why did it take so long for everyone to finally miss him? Why didn't Alex mention that he encountered Warwick when everyone was describing the very well dressed stranger? It was a version of 'squirrel' (talking dog in Up) in written form.
July 1, 2019
A new to me author
I got a notice from Bookbub this was a free book so I downloaded it. I am glad I did. The story is totally original and exciting! I could not put it down. I love wolves, and the idea of magic and this story is full of mystery, excitement and wonderful characters that you would love to have as friends. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. The best part,, those wonderful Highlanders are here too.
I got a notice from Bookbub this was a free book so I downloaded it. I am glad I did. The story is totally original and exciting! I could not put it down. I love wolves, and the idea of magic and this story is full of mystery, excitement and wonderful characters that you would love to have as friends. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. The best part,, those wonderful Highlanders are here too.
July 16, 2019
Great story that needs edited
The story was great as were the characters. Lots of characters in this book. Lots of editing errors that throw you out of the book. I almost quit. The only thing that kept me at it was that the story was good. I will not be continuing the series that you pay $3.99 each for simply because I don't want to read shoddy writing even if I like the story. So, if anyone can say there are zero errors in the next two books then I will buy them.
The story was great as were the characters. Lots of characters in this book. Lots of editing errors that throw you out of the book. I almost quit. The only thing that kept me at it was that the story was good. I will not be continuing the series that you pay $3.99 each for simply because I don't want to read shoddy writing even if I like the story. So, if anyone can say there are zero errors in the next two books then I will buy them.
August 14, 2019
Caitlin’s Flight
I loved this book - what a wild ride! Chronicling the adventures of Caitlin, a sweet Scottish healer, who was being pursued by several nefarious men who want her dead, it’s non-stop action.
Throw in some love, a pet wolf, and a bit of paranormal activity, and presto! A terrific story.
This is first in the series, and I can’t wait to read the next one. I believe you’ll enjoy it too, so I’m recommending it to you.
I loved this book - what a wild ride! Chronicling the adventures of Caitlin, a sweet Scottish healer, who was being pursued by several nefarious men who want her dead, it’s non-stop action.
Throw in some love, a pet wolf, and a bit of paranormal activity, and presto! A terrific story.
This is first in the series, and I can’t wait to read the next one. I believe you’ll enjoy it too, so I’m recommending it to you.
February 16, 2021
The subject drew me to select this, but the poor quality of the writing forced me to put it down. I don’t like to leave a story unfinished, but I could t get into it for all of the mistakes and lack of flow. I rarely find a book so poorly produced. I cannot believe an editor let this one go to market. I wanted to love it. As I mentioned, the subject is appealing. If you decide take this one on, be forewarned!
November 8, 2022
This book was awesome! It has everything I love in a highlander book. This is about Caitlan, a healer with other supernatural abilities which she has been trying to keep under control with the help of a wizard. This was a bad time as there were people in this era that would label her a witch, which she really wasn't. So much emotion, and suspense in spots. Kept me reading right from the first to last page. Highly recommend.
June 5, 2017
Review
As hard as I tried, I couldn't finish this book. Not particularly well written, with frequent typos: sometimes 2-3 per page. Also, not well researched, as evidenced by the supposition by one of the protagonists declaring that the noise he heard was likely "....coyote!" There are no coyotes in the British Isles!" That's when I decided to stop reading!
As hard as I tried, I couldn't finish this book. Not particularly well written, with frequent typos: sometimes 2-3 per page. Also, not well researched, as evidenced by the supposition by one of the protagonists declaring that the noise he heard was likely "....coyote!" There are no coyotes in the British Isles!" That's when I decided to stop reading!
May 18, 2019
I knew within the first few pages this was going to drive me nuts... Between the typos, wrong homonyns, two-dimensional characters, and a plethora of phrases that weren't used in this era, it pissed me off. The capper came at the end, where the author started proudly that this was written in a frantic hurry--without even one proofreading, let alone a proper editor, I'm guessing. 🙄
July 1, 2019
Highland Healer
(Highland Healer Series Book 1)e - kindle read by Alexa
by Florence Love Karsner
Received Free for Review
No spoilers here.
They story and plot were enjoyable, but the characters were the best part of this story. I enjoyed the author enough to read more by her. Editing was not the best.
(Highland Healer Series Book 1)e - kindle read by Alexa
by Florence Love Karsner
Received Free for Review
No spoilers here.
They story and plot were enjoyable, but the characters were the best part of this story. I enjoyed the author enough to read more by her. Editing was not the best.
August 10, 2019
Loved
I really enjoyed this book the characters were great and I just loved the concept of the story.
When I seen it had 71 chapters on my tablet I thought wow thats a lot of reading. It was such a good book I finished it in 2 days and can't wait to read book 2.
IT does need proof reading for the spelling mistakes, but it was really no big deal.
I really enjoyed this book the characters were great and I just loved the concept of the story.
When I seen it had 71 chapters on my tablet I thought wow thats a lot of reading. It was such a good book I finished it in 2 days and can't wait to read book 2.
IT does need proof reading for the spelling mistakes, but it was really no big deal.
August 26, 2019
Couldn't finish this.
I'm sorry, I don't usually do this but this story jumped around so much and left you hanging in others, until it just seemed like a mess. The writing was stiff and didn't flow to even get you to continue to read it. I usually can finish most stories, but this one just lost my interest as it couldn't seem to decide what it was about.
I'm sorry, I don't usually do this but this story jumped around so much and left you hanging in others, until it just seemed like a mess. The writing was stiff and didn't flow to even get you to continue to read it. I usually can finish most stories, but this one just lost my interest as it couldn't seem to decide what it was about.
October 3, 2019
I gave up on this book. I got to 22% but I really think I only got that far because the protagonist has the same name as me. It was a boring book and I was really waiting for the magic to start, but it never did. I felt that nothing was happening. A plot should be developing way before a quarter of the way through a book
May 24, 2020
Mainly set in Scotland, the story takes place in 1745. Caitlin is a Healer raised by her Uncle Wabi after the death of her mother. She has three powerful men chasing her - each wanting to kill her. After helping the injured younger brother, she becomes close to a group of Highland sheep farmers.
She is more than a Healer but needs to learn her own truth.
She is more than a Healer but needs to learn her own truth.
June 15, 2021
Almost plagiarism
The characters and settings had so many similarities to another successful series that it feels like a poor attempt to reap some of the accolades. Author needs to find an editor that can actually do the job. There are so many errors it's aggravating. Never heard of a flock of sheep called cattle before. I won't be reading the rest of this series
The characters and settings had so many similarities to another successful series that it feels like a poor attempt to reap some of the accolades. Author needs to find an editor that can actually do the job. There are so many errors it's aggravating. Never heard of a flock of sheep called cattle before. I won't be reading the rest of this series
January 9, 2023
Wonderful Historical Novel
Loved the story, a little magic, a little romance, and some mean men, but it all works out in the end. Gave it four stars because it needed a little critiquing, a few spelling errors and some of the story didn't line up right, but okay enough, I'm reading the next book in the series, The author definitely has the talent for good story telling.
Loved the story, a little magic, a little romance, and some mean men, but it all works out in the end. Gave it four stars because it needed a little critiquing, a few spelling errors and some of the story didn't line up right, but okay enough, I'm reading the next book in the series, The author definitely has the talent for good story telling.
March 9, 2017
Loved this book
This book captured my mind, heart and soul. The characters are believable even the magical ones. The animals are some of my favorite characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This book captured my mind, heart and soul. The characters are believable even the magical ones. The animals are some of my favorite characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 11, 2017
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fascinating how all of the stories came together. Usually I can figure out what will happen but this book kept me guessing. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.in
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fascinating how all of the stories came together. Usually I can figure out what will happen but this book kept me guessing. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.in
June 25, 2019
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. It is full of intrigue and magic. If you like a book with magic and a bit of romance you will enjoy this book. I can’t wait to read the next one which I am going to buy as soon as I finish this
I really enjoyed this book. It is full of intrigue and magic. If you like a book with magic and a bit of romance you will enjoy this book. I can’t wait to read the next one which I am going to buy as soon as I finish this
June 27, 2019
Delightful!!
I loved this book. It caught my attention from the first page and never let up. The next two books will be in my kindle soon! Thank you, Florence, for a most entertaining read.
I loved this book. It caught my attention from the first page and never let up. The next two books will be in my kindle soon! Thank you, Florence, for a most entertaining read.
June 28, 2019
Highland healer
The history of how healers are revered and then easily blamed for human failings and susceptibility to disease. A bit of romance brewed to keep things interesting and don't forget the wolf and owl.
The history of how healers are revered and then easily blamed for human failings and susceptibility to disease. A bit of romance brewed to keep things interesting and don't forget the wolf and owl.
June 30, 2019
Perils of Pauline, part 2!
Fast paced, truly entertaining. Just truly delightful. Watching Caitlin become what seems to be a magnet for irrational men and Alex is so sweet with her. I’d recommend this if you like light but intriguing stories. I felt good when I finished it.
Fast paced, truly entertaining. Just truly delightful. Watching Caitlin become what seems to be a magnet for irrational men and Alex is so sweet with her. I’d recommend this if you like light but intriguing stories. I felt good when I finished it.
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