The Legacy of Lochandee

Laird of Lochandee

by Gwen Kirkwood

In the years following the end of the Second World War, life at the Glens of Lochandee is tough. Many families in the village have been bereaved, and rationing is affecting business.

Nevertheless, Conan Maxwell’s new garage is doing well, and he and his Welsh-born partner, Nick, are hoping to expand. But how will their partnership survive their differing ambitions?

Conan’s young sister, Bridie is faced with a dilemma. Is her desire for Nick going to pull her away from her other great passion - her animals and farm? Will they ever be able to marry or afford a home of their own?

Old school friend Fiona Sinclair returns from the city, now a successful accountant. How welcoming are the village community going to be – especially her old childhood rival, Conan?

Rachel Maxwell, Bridie’s mother, fears for her family and the long-term future of her beloved Glens of Lochandee.

Genres: Historical

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2013

About the author

Although I was born on a Yorkshire farm and went to school there I have lived most of my adult life in Scotland, UK. I am a widow now but my husband was a dairy farmer. My son continues farming and my younger daughter has a farm ice cream parlour. They both live near to me so they keep me up to date with life and changing trends and I enjoy my grandchildren’s company.

I did not start writing until my elder daughter went to university. I entered a Woman’s Weekly competition and I was fortunate when Lynda O'Byrne, the fiction editor, wrote to tell me she had liked my entry and suggested I finish it and send it to publisher Robert Hale. It was too long for their Rainbow Romance format but I made the changes suggested and it was published under the name Lynn Granger. Three more followed. I shall always be grateful for the early encouragement and patience I received at that time.

The purchase of an Amstrad computer for the farm accounts was a boon. It had a word processor - a great improvement on my typing and Tippex. This enabled me to write the four longer sagas in the Fairlyden series which starts around 1850 and follows the generations to the end of the First World War. My husband helped with research of farming history for these, delving into his collection of Scottish Farmer Albums going back to 1900. I wish I had listened to more of the stories from my grandparents.

Since winning the RNA Elizabeth Goudge Trophy in 2000 I have written eleven more sagas, all with Scottish settings.

I have recently uploaded my early romances under my own name of Gwen Kirkwood, to Amazon and Smashwords as e-books, also the first two of the Fairlyden series are now available as e-books. http://www.Amazon.com/author/gwenkirk...

I share a blog with four other writers at http://www.novelpointsofview.blogspot...

Occasionally I contribute to the RNA http://www.historicalsaganovels.blogs...

Reviews

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Series

This is the second book about the Maxwell family, but not sure I enjoyed it as much as the first. Bridie is happy working on the family farm, and engaged to Nick, but he won't get married until they have their own home and Bridie doesn't want to leave the farm, so there will be problems ahead. I found it a bit drawn out and like another reviewer found the constant reminder that Nick was Welsh a bit annoying. I did enjoy the book most of the time though and am looking forward to book 3.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and makes me want more

Nick and Conor have opened a garage business together which is straining their friendship. Bridie and Nick are trying to get established and prepare for their marriage. As the Maxwells continue working through post war Scotland as farmers, secrets from the past may be exposed that will hurt them but nothing seems to daunt this family.

[Jervia · Rating 4 out of 5]

great series

I’ve so enjoyed the ongoing saga of the Maxwell clan. The books are well written, with realistic plot lines and likable characters. Book three is up next for me. I expect I’ll wish for more than the four.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this 2nd book in the series and looking forward to reading more about the family of Ross and Rachel and their children while they work on their farm and having friends who become part of their extended family

[Linda Croyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

another winner.

I had read the first book in this series and fell in love with the characters. This one picked right up wheee it left off and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait to start book 3 and see what happens next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about this story!

This book was so interesting, so full of joy and heartache, love and hate, good and evil, history and hope for the future!