The Art of Burning Heather

A Novel

By: Devrie Brynn Donalson

Narrated by: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, Angus King

“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.

©2025 by Devrie Brynn Donaldson. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“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

Witty writing!

My favorite thing about this book was the funny banter and the witty writing.
This is a very relatable story with heartbreaking and profound discoveries about personal relationships. I loved how it focused on the family dynamic as well as romantic relationships. Very nice story, I’ll read again.

Best book I’ve read in years!!

This is my favorite read since the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue — the character development was top-notch. This was a love story in every sense of the word, and even better as a reader who loves a well-crafted book? The writing is *superb*. I didn’t want it to end.

A new favorite

Well, this book is pretty much flawless. Curvy heroine, hero in a kilt, quirky townspeople, witty banter, wild aunt, unrequited love, generational trauma, and the sweetest love letter. Oh, young Delicatessen, watch out for those bathroom sinks 😆 I laughed, I cried, I swooned. Thank you, Devrie, for one of the best reads of 2025.

I loved it

Enjoyable story, good narration, just feel good about it
Like the characters and feelings


No more words

A beautiful love story

This story was a gorgeous tale about loving one’s self, another, and coping with family shortcomings. It was real and so beautifully written and I hope everyone experiences it.