This author gained renown for his suspense novels before shifting to expansive historical romance sagas. He was persuaded by his publishers to adopt a female pseudonym, a decision initially presented to him as a choice. His work delves into intricate human relationships and dramatic historical settings. The secret of his identity remained concealed until a nomination for a prestigious award brought his authorship to light.
Ranging from Glasgow on the brink of the Great War to the cut-throat world of London publishing, this is the spellbinding saga of three generations. Cathy is a Glasgow factory girl who experiences love and its loss. Hannah has a marriage that brings her undreamt of prosperity as well as pain. Robyn is extroverted and vivacious, but her heart is broken by the only man she'll ever love.
Bridie gets a job as a maid on Sir Ian of Seaton's estate and, much against her better judgement and will, falls in love with Sir Ian's brother's step-son, also called Ian. Ian optimistically feels that his father will understand and let them marry but Bridie expects what she gets - dismissal, with Ian threatened with the loss of his inheritance. Ian then gets involved with a burglary on the estate and is killed and Bridie, on hearing this, deciding she can't bear to live with Ian dead, goes out into the snow, lies by his grave and freezes to death...The various sub-plots which flesh out this moving story make it a great Scottish women's read.
When she was sixteen, Sheila Beattie knew exactly what her future would be. She would marry her sweetheart Eric, a fisherman like her father, and they would raise their family and dream their simple dreams in the village which they'd been born. Her life lay before her, happy, safe and secure. But she was sixteen - and about to discover in this world there is nothing certain but change . . . no one and nothing to be trusted but the voice of your own heart . . .
Holly's fiance is killed at Dunkirk and she throws all her energy into her nursing skills, convinced that she will never love again. Then friendship turns to love between Holly and a young German doctor, Peter Schmidt. They soon have to fight together.
In the idyllic summer of 1912, all seems rosy for Murdo Drummond and his four children. Charlotte is ecstatically in love with Geoffrey; Peter prepares for the day when he will inherit the family distillery, while Andrew, gregarious and fun-loving, is already turning heads and hearts. Nell, the youngest, contents herself with daydreams of a handsome highlander. The Great War, however, has no respect for family life. As those carefree pre-war days fade, with death and devastation brought in their wake, the Drummonds are plunged into the horrors of the trenches in France. Yet those who survive discover that love can transcend class, creed, and country.
For Sarah Hawke, daughter of an impoverished miner, life offered little beyond the grime of Glasgow in the 1890s and the eternal drudgery of back-breaking work. Until a mysterious stranger entered her life. A stranger who turned out to be her real father - and the owner of a vast and prosperous shipping empire. Catapulted into a world of luxury, of servants and stately homes, Sarah begins a new and glittering life. As sole heiress to a fortune, she has much to gain - and everything to lose. For she takes over the business, and with it the risks and rivalry, deceit and intrigue - and the prospect of undying love... From Scotland to Paris, from Jamaica to South Africa, Sarah charms - and fights - her way to success against all odds. For she is dealing in a man's world, where the only way to succeed is to be a most determined woman.
They called it Black Friday in Parr Street when the factory closed. And whole families in the slums of Glasgow during the Depression felt the cruel sting of despair. Vicky Devine's father, George, was devastated. But young Ken Blacklaws had steel in his veins: 'I'm going to make something of my life,' he would tell her with passion and a dangerous fire in his eyes. Maybe that's why Vicky loved him so much. Beautiful Vicky, her love gained strength and defiance in the midst of bleakness and hardship. As Ken ruthlessly fought his way out of poverty, his ambition knew no bounds. For in his lifetime, he would break the law and Vicky's heart, but never could he break her spirit...
Set in 1924 Glasgow and France, FINDING HAPPINESS is about growing up, love, loss of innocence and learning about life. A powerful story of love, rebellion and family ties. schovat popis
For sixteen-year-old Lizzie McDougall, life in the Glasgow tenements comes as a culture shock after her sheltered upbringing in the Highlands. But for her father, who has just lost his job in the tiny town of Tomintoul, Glasgow offers employment. Her new life enables Lizzie to work in a factory as a seamstress - and it opens her horizons to new friends as well. Especially the spirited Pearl, who introduces Lizzie to her boyfriend Willie, and her cousin, the handsome, happy-go-lucky Jack - a real bobby-dazzler . . . It's not just Lizzie who faces temptation in the big city. Her father Doogie, also working in a factory, is exposed to it in the shape of the buxom Daisy. He moved here for the sake of his family's future, but now he's in danger of throwing that future away. Praise for Emma Blair: 'An engaging novel and the characters are endearing - a good holiday read' Historical Novels Review 'All the tragedy and passion you could hope for . . . Brilliant' The Bookseller 'Romantic fiction pure and simple and the best sort - direct, warm and hugely readable. Women's fiction at an excellent level' Publishing News 'Emma Blair explores the complex and difficult nature of human emotions in this passionately written novel' Edinburgh Evening News 'Entertaining romantic fiction' Historical Novels Review '[Emma Blair] is well worth recommending' The Bookseller
When Cully Stewart dies during morning service, his family is devastated. And when further tragedy follows, the family is forced to split up, but gradually they learn that love, in its different guises, is undoubtedly the sweetest thing. By the author of Maggie Jordan and Scarlet Ribbons.
