Mothers, Wives and Daughters : A compelling historical saga of love, ambition and family ties from Evelyn Hood for 2026

Discover the emotional historical read from the Queen of Scottish Saga, Evelyn Hood.

Will promises and choices lead to happiness or heartbreak?

Scotland, 1900
Working class Christy Craig marries the wild and wealthy Andrew Melville and has his children, a unequal union frowned upon by both families. While Andrew is away at sea working as an apprentice marine engineer Christy pursues a career producing perfume and cosmetics, causing tension between herself and Andrew, who believes she should devote herself to their two small children.

A family tragedy eventually drives Andrew to New Zealand, leaving Christy at home to look after her family and channel her energy into revitalising her father''s soap-making business. When Andrew begins calling on Isobel Armstrong an old childhood flame, old passions and temptations are reignited.

Years later, their daughter Ailsa seeks a reconciliation with her estranged father while navigating her own dreams of becoming a writer amidst the chaos of love and loss.

When Andrew returns for his mother''s funeral, Ailsa seeks reconciliation with her estranged father who she adored while navigating her own dreams of becoming a writer.

But wartime also means great love and loss for Ailsa. And all the while she dreams of fostering stronger ties with her father.

Previously published as The Promise Box by Louise James

PRAISE FOR EVELYN HOOD

''Compelling from the start, heartfelt and beautifully written.'' - Rosie Clarke

''If you like Catherine Cookson, you''ll love Evelyn Hood''s books.'' - Lizzie Lane

''Evelyn Hood''s characters step off the page and into your heart.'' - Sheila Riley

''This is addictive and heartfelt storytelling, with colourful characters you''ll never want to say goodbye to.'' - Jane Lark

''''Loved the strong, relatable characters. A lively, refreshing read.'' - Kate Eastham

''Wonderfully descriptive, with memorable characters and a true sense of place.'' - Tracy Baines

''Faultless historical detail and emotionally complex characters makethese engrossing and intelligent Evelyn Hood''s sagas deeply satisfying'' - Maisie Thomas

''Evocative, beautifully rich, brilliantly detailed and meticulously researched - this story transported me and kept me up way past my bedtime - a triumph of a story. I very highly recommend Evelyn Hood'' - Renita D''Silva

''Scotland''s Catherine Cookson'' - Scots Magazine

''Hood is immaculate in her historical detail'' - Scottish Herald

''Quite simply, I couldn''t put it down. A rich and rewarding read'' - Emma Blair

''Evelyn Hood has been called Scotland''s Catherine Cookson. Unfair. She has her own distinctive voice'' - Scots Magazine

''Touching, romantic and unforgettable'' - Reader Review

''Love all her books'' - Reader Review

''Evelyn Hood produces the best of stories'' - Reader Review

''I cannot put her books down'' - Reader Review

''Love everything Evelyn Hood writes'' - Reader Review

''Evelyn Hood is a fantastic writer, bringing the past to life and drawing you right into the story'' - Reader Review