Books for you

Dip in.  Find what appeals to you.

(My books are available through Amazon and Kindle)

KILBADDY – a rural saga »

When this tale won a national trophy it reignited the author’s confidence in her books and writing.  The three-generation love story is told by an elderly disfigured scholar – and a long dead woman.  A tale of love, betrayal and resolution, it is set in 1990  on a Banffshire farm in North East Scotland.  It reflects a time just before computers radically altered rural life – and before mobile phones played havoc with plotting.

BECKSTONE – Fighting for a Farm »

In 1712, a dowry clears a Yorkshire farm’s debt.  Even so, the  young, mismatched couple  must borrow contingency funds through a newly established bank and find reliable workers if they are to re-establish the farm.  While relying on new friends they must also identify who are their enemies.  The community is affected by social upheavals caused by the on-going War of Spanish Succession and the recent Union of Parliaments.  In addition the couple face prejudice, treachery and witchcraft in their struggle to survive.

1065 OCTOBER SNOWS – a clash of cultures

For older children.  A group of Flemings rides into a Scottish valley from the east to arrange the ransom of the chief’s two sons.  Next day a troop of Islanders arrives from the west.  A clash of cultures is inevitable and the villagers are caught in the middle.  In exchange for her brothers, 14-year-old Ailie, the chief’s daughter is suggested as a bride for the Flemish Count d’Aucun, which  enrages the eldest of the black brothers from the west.

1066 BATTLE’S EVE – in the year of four kings

Also for older children, the 15-year-old heroine from 1065 OCTOBER SNOWS Snows arrives in Jorvik to marry her Flemish suitor.  But that is the wrong place at the wrong time.  Three Viking armies are converging on the city from different directions hoping to conquer it before the new King Harold arrives.  He is racing his troops from the south to oppose them.  Battle looms at the gates of England’s rich second city, the first of three battles within three weeks which will determine the country’s future.  Ailie is drawn into carrying messages in an effort to persuade the Viking leaders to prevent their troops from slaughtering the citizenry.

And books I have edited…

PUPPY TALES

Published in October 2017, this photo-rich paperback is co-written with a group of puppy walkers.  It covers the first year in the lives of Guide Dog puppies.   Although the stories will appeal to all dog lovers, the book also gives an insight into puppy walking requirements.  In addition it sketches the charity’s background, including its history, its campaigns and the breeds used.  The last short section covers ‘what happens next’ after the puppies leave their first home, with a last word from Lord David Blunkett.  The unpublished script won a cup awarded by the Scottish Association of Writers.  The selling price is £10 and is in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

LANTERNS IN THE NORTH – by members of Elgin Writers

Published digitally in 2016.  An anthology of writing on local themes by Elgin Writers, this collection of prose, poetry, fact, fiction and history can be bought through members of the writing club.  Contact https://elginwriters.wordpress.com

FROM OUR DESKS – by members of Elgin Writers

Published digitally in 2014.  This anthology from Elgin Writers contains an eclectic mix of short pieces of writing much of it the result of club competitions.  Copies are still available for purchase through club members.

A TANGLE OF TALES by Elgin Writers

Published in 2007.  A few slightly imperfect copies of this anthology can still be bought through club members.  This edition was produced using an excellent local lithograph printer and features the beautiful Baskerville font which works so well on paper – and disastrously on screen.

OFF THE SHELF – by Elgin Writers

Published in 2000.  Sorry, this brochure style anthology, again printed using litho and Baskerville font, is no longer available – unless you can find second hand books.