Book picks similar to
A Calendar of Love by George Mackay Brown
short-stories
scotland
cultural-scotland
island-life
But You Deserve Better
B. Love - 2017
Because of his deep relationship with his sisters and mother, he knew all that it took to make a woman feel loved and appreciated. Because he watched heartbreak lead one of his sisters to kill herself with the use of drugs and alcohol, he knew all that it took to break a woman. Lianne Rodgers is the epitome of a gifted soul. Her love for music blessed her with a record deal at the age of seventeen, and since then she’s been traveling the world for years gracing stage after stage with her tremendous talent. As much as she loves what she does, she’s tired – mentally, physically, and emotionally. When Lianne returns to Memphis for a break, she falls in love with Jabari’s cooking after a visit to his restaurant. She ordered the food to go and ate it at home to avoid being seen and recognized, but the food was so good she made her way back to his restaurant to meet the man behind the best meal she’d ever had in her life. Jabari is used to people singing his praises for his food, but Lianne’s praises touch him in a different way. A different place. And when she asks him to be her personal chef during her stay in Memphis he happily agrees just for the chance to be near her. They say food nourishes the soul, and Jabari uses his culinary skills to reach Lianne in a way that no man ever has. There’s just one problem – she’s in a relationship with her manager. When her break is over, Lianne is committed to returning to her man, her life, and her career… but after waiting for a woman like Lianne for years… Jabari has no plans of letting her get away from Memphis or him that easily.
True Ghost Stories: Frightening Accounts of Haunted Houses, Paranormal Mysteries, and Unexplained Phenomenon
Salinda Hart - 2015
Each story is unique in its own personal experience and has been told to the author, Selinda Hart. Having worked as an investigator and as a researcher for the paranormal radio show “Tia Maria” she has brought together some of the best hauntings, accounts of paranormal mysteries, and true ghost stories in this collection. The sixteen stories in this book include diverse paranormal phenomenon and unexplained mysteries set in different locations in the United States, and one compelling frightening story from Spain. As one former skeptic reports from his scary experience, “I was never a believer in the paranormal and I thought ghosts were simply a figment of someone's overactive imagination. I no longer scoff at people who claim to see ghosts. I never found out who or what was haunting that house. But I wasn't going to stay and find out.” “The House off Greenville,” “Red Balloon,” “Ghost in the Bedroom,” and “Who’s been playing with my kids?” are real stories about events and paranormal activity that took place in the Dallas house where the author lived in as a single mom for over five years. Her children are grown now, but to this day they do not like talking about the strange activity and events that took place in that house. If you like reading scary stories, paranormal mysteries, and unexplained phenomenon, then “True Ghost Stories” will leave you with chills. So snuggle up, get under the covers and get ready for some serious goose bumps!
Down Low Love: Teaser Sneak Peak Edition
Solae Dehvine - 2015
He and his Candace are the model successful couple to the outside world but Jaxon hasn't always played for the female team. When an old acquaintance comes to town the world that Jaxon thought he knew is turned upside down. Jaxon must fight his old ways to regain their lives but he soon learns he is not the only one with secrets. The truth can break hearts and wreck lives but will the Athens family survive? Find out what happens to Jaxon and Candace in the Down Low Love ***Get the COMPLETE STORY http://amzn.to/1HMvZpX***
The Sweetest Poison
Jane Renshaw - 2019
Now she is being targeted once more, but this time her tormentor’s identity is shrouded in doubt.When her life starts to disintegrate, she flees home to the wilds of north-east Scotland, and to the one man she knows can help her – Hector Forbes, the dubiously charismatic Laird of Pitfourie, with whom she has been hopelessly in love ever since those hellish days in the school playground, when he was her protector, her rescuer, her eleven-year-old hero.But is Hector really someone she can trust?And can anyone protect her from the terrible secret she’s keeping?
Meet the engaging cast of the Pitfourie series in this ‘gripping and emotional’ read.
What readers are saying about The Sweetest Poison:
‘Memorable, haunting, and I’m so glad it’s part one of a series' - Autonoe, Australian Top 500 Reviewer‘This novel is gorgeously written, with characters who jump off the page - especially Helen, the flawed but very relatable main character’ - Lucy Lawrie, author of Tiny Acts of Love and The Last Day I Saw Her'An intriguing read from beginning to end... I'm really glad that this is the beginning of a series; it's got that certain something that has you needing to read more.' - Archaeolibrarian’This is gripping stuff and I thoroughly enjoyed it!... I would definitely read this author's work again; she knows how to keep you guessing and make you invested in her characters' fate’ - Avid Reader‘I couldn't stop thinking about the characters long after I'd finished the book. Highly recommended. I can't wait for the next one!’ - Wilson‘I was gripped from the first page, had to read this in one hit. The plot was abs fantastic, loads of twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout the book. Highly recommend anyone to read this book.’ - Terry‘Well written with great characters and a lovely description of the Scottish setting’ - Paul Richards‘Read this in 2 days. Unputdownable!’ - Amazon customer‘I really enjoyed this new work, easy to get into and difficult to put down’ - J Foster‘An innocent childhood in rural NE Scotland turns unexpectedly sinister in this compelling thriller. We watch as the fallout of events tracks into Helen's adult life. The psychological insights and the minutiae of her daily life are fascinating. The feel of rural Aberdeenshire is wonderfully portrayed and highly evocative... The characters of Pitfourie are set to carry on in the next novel, and those in The Sweetest Poison have certainly lived on in my imagination.’ - Roslyn
Disunited Kingdom: How Westminster Won a Referendum but Lost Scotland
Iain Macwhirter - 2014
On the 18th September Scotland voted to stay in the Union. In this provocative new book, Iain Macwhirter argues that the UK will never be the same again. Disunited Kingdom explores Scotland's political and cultural landscape in the immediate build up to, and aftermath of, the referendum. Combining expert and personal insight, Macwhirter examines the future of Scotland, the UK, and the enduring passion for independence.Praise for Iain Macwhirter: "A truly important book, particularly at this moment." ~ Andrew Marr. "A terrific book [...] full of shrewd insights. I'd recommend it highly." ~ The Guardian
The Dream Shall Never Die: 100 Days that Changed Scotland Forever
Alex Salmond - 2015
In September 2014, he came close to realising that dream.In a riveting daily diary, written with his trademark wit and charm, Salmond takes us into the heart of the YES campaign, revealing what was said and done behind the scenes as the referendum reached its dramatic climax.He explains how the YES campaign energised the entire Scottish nation and rewrote the rulebook for grassroots political campaigning, not just in the UK but throughout the world.He also looks ahead to the critical role of the ‘national question’ in the future of British politics, making clear that the referendum was not the end of a process, but the beginning of one. The dream of Scottish independence is very much alive.
Tamed & Unleashed: The Highlander's Vivacious Wife
Bree Wolf - 2019
A stolen child. And a stranger who feels all too familiar. Waking up alone after a drunken night with a stranger in Gretna Green, CLAUDIA DAVENPORT, sister to Viscount Ashwood, finds herself still unmarried…and with child. In order to preserve her reputation, her brother sends her to a remote estate so she can give birth in secret and then return to society, unscathed…but heartbroken. However, when her child is kidnapped, Claudia can no longer deny the bond that connects her to her son. Alone, she sets out to discover his whereabouts…and her path crosses that of a stranger, who feels all too familiar. After marrying an English lass in Gretna Green, GARRETT MACDRUMMOND returns to their room at the inn the next morning only to find her gone. Duty-bound to return to his clan in the Scottish Highlands, he counts the days until he can travel to England to find her. However, when he finally does discover her, he is shocked to realise that she does not remember him. Determined to remind her of the fateful night they shared, Garrett refuses to leave her side, following her across England without knowing why. Will Claudia ever remember him? Will Garrett ever learn that he has a child? Will they recover their son or lose him without ever having had the chance to know him? "Their adventure into 'love' is filled with the love of two people as they rediscover each other and chase after a kidnapper, meet up with a 'Privateer' and find their happily ever after." - Zena, BookBub review "There are lots of twists and turns but this bring together several characters from previous books. That only enhances this story." - Monica, BookBub review Love's Second Chance Series #1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Dukes Late Wife (Rosabel & Graham) #2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife (Anna & Edmond) #3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife (Ellie & Frederick) #4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife (Henrietta & Connor) #5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife (Charlotte & Sebastian) #6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife (Beth & Tristan) #7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron's Vexing Wife (Madeline & Derek) #8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed - The Solider's Daring Widow (Meagan & Edward) #9 Condemned & Admired - The Earl's Cunning Wife (Violet & Oliver) #10 Trapped & Liberated The Privateer's Bold Beloved (Alexandra & Antoine) #11 Oppressed & Empowered - The Viscount's Capable Wife (Evelyn & Richard) #12 Destroyed & Restored - The Baron's Courageous Wife (Adelaide & Matthew) #13 Tamed & Unleashed - The Highlander's Vivacious Wife (Claudia & Garrett)(coming soon) More to follow! Each love story in this series can be read as a stand alone. However, most readers prefer to read them in order. Also check out Bree's A Forbidden Love Novella Series which is FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
My Dear Old Glasgow Years
Walter Bernardini - 2019
Life was no bed of roses. The Bernardinis stayed in a room and kitchen, where young Walter slept in the bed recess in the front room. His Mum and Dad, meanwhile, had a 'hole-in-the-wall' bed in the kitchen. There was no bath, only one downstairs toilet shared by two other families. Glaswegians in those days may not have had much money, but they made up for the lack of material possessions with a real live of life. There was never a dull moment, at home, on the streets or at school. In this compelling book, the author fondly reminisces about first footing, wedding scrambles, winchin' in the close, nights at the pictures, the trams, trips with the Scouts, wartime evacuation and much more. It is a scintillating slice of social history, full of warmth and humour. For the sake of his career, Walter Bernardini eventually left Scotland, taking his wife and family with him. Yet he has never forgotten the city of his birth, the place that shaped him, the place he still thinks of as home. These were truly his dear old Glasgow years'.
The First Cut (Terrence Reid Mystery Series Book 2)
Mary Birk - 2015
Reid's chief suspect, a ruthless financier, always seems to be one step ahead of him. After one of his men is murdered, Reid suspects he's got a traitor in own camp. When Reid's wife, Anne, becomes deeply embroiled in the investigation, things get dangerously personal. The cold Glasgow spring isn't the only thing chilling Anne's blood when she leaves California to try to save her marriage. The estate gardens she's renovating are owned by her husband's enemy, her sister-in-law is trying to get her killed, and her efforts to help Terrence plunge-and her unborn child-deeper and deeper into peril.
Whirligig
Andrew James Greig - 2020
The local police investigate an apparent suicide, only to find he's been snared as efficiently as the rabbit suspended beside him. As the body count rises, the desperate hunt is on to find the murderer before any more people die. But the town doesn't give up its secrets easily, and who makes the intricate clockwork mechanisms carved from bone and wood found at each crime? Whirligig is a tartan noir like no other; an expose of the corruption pervading a small Highland community and the damage this inflicts on society's most vulnerable. What happens when those placed in positions of trust look the other way; when those charged with our protection are inadequate to the challenge; when the only justice is that served by those who have been sinned against? This debut crime novel introduces DI James Corstophine - a man still grieving for a wife lost to cancer; his small close-knit team of passed-over police and their quiet Highland town. He's up against a killer who plays him as easily as a child. For a man whose been treading water since the death of his wife, he's facing a metaphorical flood of biblical proportions as he struggles to understand why these murders are happening, and who is behind each carefully planned execution. All the time, the clock is ticking.
44 Scotland Street
Alexander McCall Smith - 2005
There's Pat, a twenty-year-old who has recently moved into a flat with Bruce, an athletic young man with a keen awareness of his own appearance. Their neighbor, Domenica, is an eccentric and insightful widow. In the flat below are Irene and her appealing son Bertie, who is the victim of his mother’s desire for him to learn the saxophone and italian–all at the tender age of five.Love triangles, a lost painting, intriguing new friends, and an encounter with a famous Scottish crime writer are just a few of the ingredients that add to this delightful and witty portrait of Edinburgh society, which was first published as a serial in The Scotsman newspaper.
Freeing a Highlander Criminal: A Steamy Scottish Medieval Historical Romance (Highlands’ Partners in Crime)
Olivia Kerr - 2021
The Credit Draper
J. David Simons - 2008
Avram Escovitz, a young Jew, arrives in Glasgow from Russia. He dreams of playing football until WWI intervenes and he begins work as a credit draper, peddling goods to Highlanders. A stranger in a strange land, Avram must set up a new business and capture the heart of a Highland lass. But how easy will it be to shake off his Jewish roots?