The Art of Burning Heather: A Novel

“A compassionate and hilarious must-read. Donalson’s trademark wit shines.”—Jeneva Rose, #1 New York Times bestselling author A daughter’s escape to the Scottish Highlands becomes a mother’s reckoning, a sister’s choice, and a grandmother’s last chance in this witty, bittersweet novel about first loves, old ghosts, and the courage it takes to change. When floral designer Deli MacDonald’s heart is broken by unrequited love and her best friend’s abandonment, she flees to the Scottish Highlands and her estranged aunt Mo’s cliffside cottage by the sea. There, embraced by a village of eccentric locals and her aunt’s unconditional, unfamiliar love, she finds herself drawn to brooding pub owner Lachlan Scott—whose path once crossed hers twenty years ago on these same heather-strewn hills. As Deli fights to find her footing in the Highland soil among the wreckage of her life, she wakes family ghosts and accidentally reopens a decades-old rift. And when her mother and grandmother arrive unexpectedly, three generations of women must finally confront the painful patterns of love, lies, and grief that once drove them apart. Through a tapestry of wildflowers, family secrets, and fierce hearts, Deli must reckon with the truth of how she learned to be loved. But choosing between the familiar ache of her old life and the uncertain promise of a new one means finding the courage to let her family’s legacy, and the world she built, burn away completely.

About the Author :
Devrie Brynn Donalson is a slinger of words, lover of wit, and teller of stories great and small. She got lucky when she ran away to Scotland and its magic gave her the courage to do something new. Now Devrie is a writer, speaker, and performer known for her authentic and relatable balance of heart and humor. She loves a cold Scottish day and a warm California night, plus flowers, cheese, and dogs. She is the author of You’re Gonna Die Alone (& Other Excellent News). For more information, visit www.devriewrites.com.

Review :
“A compassionate and hilarious must-read for anyone who has ever broken a cycle and broken free. Donalson’s trademark wit shines.” —Jeneva Rose, #1 New York Times bestselling author “The Art of Burning Heather is a story full of sweeping scenery, hilarious women, and hunky Scots. A beautiful and fragile exploration of love and identity that will sweep you away to the cliffs of Scotland. Donalson takes us by the hand and tenderly guides us through those universal experiences, and some unexpected ones too. Donalson left her heart on the page. It takes talent, courage, and good wit to unpack a broken heart, and Donalson delivers.” —Stacey McEwan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of A Forbidden Alchemy “It felt like I was there, on a seaside cliff in a Scottish Highland town, holding my heart in my hands, determined and clever and full of grit. A stunning debut with complex characters, wrapped in sizzling banter and kilted spice.” —Anna Przy, bestselling author of Keep It Up, Cutie “A story as beautiful as it is gut wrenching, this debut fiction novel introduces you to complicated women trying to love in the only way they know how—for better or for worse. A heart-on-your-sleeve kind of tale that will have you booking a trip to the Scottish Highlands and begging for another sweeping adventure penned by Donalson.” —Summer N. England, author of The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne