The Stolen Hours

‘A dramatic start to a gripping new series . . . meticulously researched and beautifully told by one of our most prolific and talented writers’ - Santa Montefiore, author of Flappy Investigates on The Last Summer

A reluctant bride. A forbidden romance. An island full of secrets . . .

It’s the summer of 1929 and Mhairi MacKinnon is in desperate need of a husband. As the eldest girl of nine children, her father has made it clear he can''t support her past the coming winter.

But on her lonely island home of St Kilda, her options are limited but the MacKinnon''s neighbour, Donald, has a business acquaintance on Harris who also has need of a wife. A plan is hatched for Donald to chaperone Mhairi and make the introduction on his final crossing of the year, before the autumn seas close them off to the outside world once more.

Mhairi returns as an engaged woman who has lost her heart - but not to her fiancée. In love with the wrong man but knowing Donald can never be hers, she awaits the spring with growing dread, for the onset of calm waters will see her sent across the water to become a stranger’s wife.

But when word comes that St Kilda is to be evacuated in August, the lovers are granted a few months’ reprieve, enjoying stolen hours together. But come the end of the summer, Mhairi will be separated from her love, her family and friends and everything will change forever . . .

Praise for the Wild Isle series:

''Powerful writing and a wonderful premise make this a novel you’ll simultaneously want to savour and race through. I loved it and can’t wait for the next in the series!'' Jill Mansell

''The most exciting, enchanting and evocative story of forbidden love I’ve ever read. I truly loved it and am waiting feverishly for the second installment.'' - Cathy Bramley