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Lochandee #1
An Orphan of Scotland
Previously published as The Laird of Lochandee.
A heartwarming and moving story about secrets, family and the power of love, set in enchanting Scotland during the Second World War.
Scotland, 1940s.
Sixteen-year-old Rachel O’Brian is heartbroken and alone. The unexpected death of her beloved father turns her world upside down. She gratefully accepts a home with the Maxwell family, old friends of her father, though she barely knows them.
But she is woefully unprepared for the matriarch, Gertrude’s malice; no one understands it.
Life is hard for Rachel, toiling on the Maxwell farm under the hateful eye of Gertrude. But the younger Maxwells welcome Rachel with open arms, especially Ross. Slowly, the two fall in love and Rachel once again tentatively allows herself to dream of a future.
But tragedy strikes once more when Ross suddenly disappears during a business trip away. Could the war have claimed another victim? Or is this the work of a sinister force closer to home?
Without his protection, Gertrude seizes the chance to throw Rachel out. Destitute and heartbroken once more, Rachel must gather her strength and courage to find Ross — both for herself, and her unborn child . . .
Set against the looming shadow of the Second World War, this is a sweeping, beautiful story of one woman’s courage against all the odds.
A heartwarming and moving story about secrets, family and the power of love, set in enchanting Scotland during the Second World War.
Scotland, 1940s.
Sixteen-year-old Rachel O’Brian is heartbroken and alone. The unexpected death of her beloved father turns her world upside down. She gratefully accepts a home with the Maxwell family, old friends of her father, though she barely knows them.
But she is woefully unprepared for the matriarch, Gertrude’s malice; no one understands it.
Life is hard for Rachel, toiling on the Maxwell farm under the hateful eye of Gertrude. But the younger Maxwells welcome Rachel with open arms, especially Ross. Slowly, the two fall in love and Rachel once again tentatively allows herself to dream of a future.
But tragedy strikes once more when Ross suddenly disappears during a business trip away. Could the war have claimed another victim? Or is this the work of a sinister force closer to home?
Without his protection, Gertrude seizes the chance to throw Rachel out. Destitute and heartbroken once more, Rachel must gather her strength and courage to find Ross — both for herself, and her unborn child . . .
Set against the looming shadow of the Second World War, this is a sweeping, beautiful story of one woman’s courage against all the odds.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2002
749 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Kirkwood
50 books70 followersAlthough 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...
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...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 17, 2023
Rachel O'Brian was only sixteen years old when her father died, leaving her an orphan. In their childhood, Rachel's father had been friends with Cameron Maxwell, and he extended a hand of welcome to Rachel, opening his home to her. But his wife Gertrude, didn't want Rachel there and treated her harshly. Meg and Ross, siblings, made Rachel's life a little better, but the bitterness of Gertrude plus Cameron being confined to a wheelchair, finally saw the day when Gertrude snapped. Confused and injured, Rachel staggered along a country road, heading she knew not where, desperate to find somewhere to hide...
Ross was uncertain why he was at the farm, and the letter Gertrude had included only told him never to return. He wrote to Meg and Rachel, but received no reply, while Rachel was distressed at Ross' disappearance. Gradually life changed until Ross received a message from his old home - one that would change his life again...
An Orphan of Scotland - originally titled The Laird of Lochandee - is the 1st in the Lochandee series by Gwen Kirkwood and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Covering three generations of family, from the 1920s into the 1940s, from WWI to WWII, the tale is outstanding. Though a number of people are involved, this is Ross and Rachel's story and I'm looking forward to reading #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
Ross was uncertain why he was at the farm, and the letter Gertrude had included only told him never to return. He wrote to Meg and Rachel, but received no reply, while Rachel was distressed at Ross' disappearance. Gradually life changed until Ross received a message from his old home - one that would change his life again...
An Orphan of Scotland - originally titled The Laird of Lochandee - is the 1st in the Lochandee series by Gwen Kirkwood and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Covering three generations of family, from the 1920s into the 1940s, from WWI to WWII, the tale is outstanding. Though a number of people are involved, this is Ross and Rachel's story and I'm looking forward to reading #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
August 7, 2023
Incredibly moving.
An incredibly moving family saga set in rural Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
The story follows the lives of Rachel and Ross; both orphans who were baldly treated in their adoptive home.
Beginning in the early 1900s through to VE Day, it tells not only of the hardships of tenant farming, but also of family ties and enduring love.
The characters are highly credible, and the book is easy to read, although a little disturbing at times.
I will certainly be reading more in this delightful series.
An incredibly moving family saga set in rural Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
The story follows the lives of Rachel and Ross; both orphans who were baldly treated in their adoptive home.
Beginning in the early 1900s through to VE Day, it tells not only of the hardships of tenant farming, but also of family ties and enduring love.
The characters are highly credible, and the book is easy to read, although a little disturbing at times.
I will certainly be reading more in this delightful series.
June 16, 2023
A Lovely Read
After the death of her father leaves 16 year old Rachel an orphan, friends of her late parents take her in but although Mr Maxwell and his family are very welcoming, not so Mrs Maxwell, and she rules the roost. When Rachel becomes pregnant, she is beaten and turned away from the house with no money and nowhere to go. At times heart breaking this book is a lovely read and brought a tear to my eye from time to time. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
After the death of her father leaves 16 year old Rachel an orphan, friends of her late parents take her in but although Mr Maxwell and his family are very welcoming, not so Mrs Maxwell, and she rules the roost. When Rachel becomes pregnant, she is beaten and turned away from the house with no money and nowhere to go. At times heart breaking this book is a lovely read and brought a tear to my eye from time to time. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
June 18, 2023
A touching family saga
We start the story with jealousy, cruelty and heartbreak. Rachel, orphaned and naive finds herself homeless and in trouble. This book follows her through the traumas and tragedies of life, uplifted by love and the kindness of strangers, as she finds her own family. Sweet and endearing, these characters have set a good foundation for the rest of the quartet.
We start the story with jealousy, cruelty and heartbreak. Rachel, orphaned and naive finds herself homeless and in trouble. This book follows her through the traumas and tragedies of life, uplifted by love and the kindness of strangers, as she finds her own family. Sweet and endearing, these characters have set a good foundation for the rest of the quartet.
June 22, 2023
touching story
As I read the first third or so of this book, all I could think about was evil, unforgiveness, and jealousy. But love conquers all, they say. This exceptional story covers three generations of a family as they struggle with the difficulties after WW1 and into WW2. Characters are well crafted and realistic. It’s books like this one that remind me why I love historical fiction.
As I read the first third or so of this book, all I could think about was evil, unforgiveness, and jealousy. But love conquers all, they say. This exceptional story covers three generations of a family as they struggle with the difficulties after WW1 and into WW2. Characters are well crafted and realistic. It’s books like this one that remind me why I love historical fiction.
June 15, 2023
Compelling Characters
It’s always the characters that drive a book for me. I was surprised at the trajectory this story took and enjoyed reading about this family. They stayed firmly entrenched in Scotland which was a treat. At times the central character - Rachel - took a back seat to other family members but in the end it was the story of Rachel and Ross.
It’s always the characters that drive a book for me. I was surprised at the trajectory this story took and enjoyed reading about this family. They stayed firmly entrenched in Scotland which was a treat. At times the central character - Rachel - took a back seat to other family members but in the end it was the story of Rachel and Ross.
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July 1, 2023Scottish Families And Difficult Times
The characters Ross and Rachael have a really tough young life. They were able to find love and raise a family despite the hard times for farmers in 1920's, 30's, and 40's including World War II. It's an interesting story that made me feel as if I was part the family. I recommend it.
The characters Ross and Rachael have a really tough young life. They were able to find love and raise a family despite the hard times for farmers in 1920's, 30's, and 40's including World War II. It's an interesting story that made me feel as if I was part the family. I recommend it.
December 10, 2022
Enjoyable and touching story that doesn't shy away from tragedy. There were a few places the pacing felt a little uneven and there were some things the characters "got over" a little more easily than seemed realistic. I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by one of my favorite audiobook narrators.
June 27, 2023
Teen Rachael must go live with strangers after her father’s death. A jealous housewife makes it hard on her! Even treatment of her own family is awful! An on purpose mix up, changes lives. Hardworking people stick together. A good book that I couldn’t put down.
July 6, 2023
An incredible story and family
It's hard to think of this as fiction. It tells the story of how the people truly lived through trials and wars. Ok truly would enjoy reading the other books. And for me, that tells other readers that it is a good read.
It's hard to think of this as fiction. It tells the story of how the people truly lived through trials and wars. Ok truly would enjoy reading the other books. And for me, that tells other readers that it is a good read.
July 28, 2023
Love and life
Loving one's family, through heartache and warmth,is the best way to get on in this life. Religion, prejudice,and societal norms are allowed,but love is what binds is together.
Loving one's family, through heartache and warmth,is the best way to get on in this life. Religion, prejudice,and societal norms are allowed,but love is what binds is together.
August 8, 2023
Love international historical fiction
What a wicked woman Bertie was. I am glad that 2/3rds of the book was about the rest of the family and their lives. Love the eventualtie in of WWII.
What a wicked woman Bertie was. I am glad that 2/3rds of the book was about the rest of the family and their lives. Love the eventualtie in of WWII.
July 28, 2025
Book 1 in a series
A first read for this author but as it is described, unable to put down and perfectly sweet depiction of rural life in Scotland with all the struggles of life a young family faces.
A first read for this author but as it is described, unable to put down and perfectly sweet depiction of rural life in Scotland with all the struggles of life a young family faces.
April 2, 2023
An orphan if scotland
A truly love story of love and hate and how people grow to love and grow as families I would recommend it as captivating good read 📚
A truly love story of love and hate and how people grow to love and grow as families I would recommend it as captivating good read 📚
June 12, 2023
A real page turner
An unusually accurate account of farming practices detailed in a story of family turmoil and love. An enjoyable read for anyone.
An unusually accurate account of farming practices detailed in a story of family turmoil and love. An enjoyable read for anyone.
June 17, 2023
Great
Great book very good story couldn't out it down. Best read for a long time. Great author hope there is a sequel.
Great book very good story couldn't out it down. Best read for a long time. Great author hope there is a sequel.
June 21, 2023
Loved this book
I love stories about WWII. The hardships that were overcome,the love that remained,and the hope of never giving up. Those are all inspirations for me.
I love stories about WWII. The hardships that were overcome,the love that remained,and the hope of never giving up. Those are all inspirations for me.
July 7, 2023
friends in another era
Author needs to be better aware of character names- Ross and Rachael are perhaps the worst name combination in any book since Friends.
Author needs to be better aware of character names- Ross and Rachael are perhaps the worst name combination in any book since Friends.
July 10, 2023
interesting
Different point of you for this historical read but I enjoyed it. You really are captured by the characters in this story.
Different point of you for this historical read but I enjoyed it. You really are captured by the characters in this story.
July 26, 2023
An Orphan Of Scotland
This was a wonderful book! Yes, at times it was heartbreaking but the love, courage and strength of this family and their friends was so uplifting!
This was a wonderful book! Yes, at times it was heartbreaking but the love, courage and strength of this family and their friends was so uplifting!
July 26, 2023
Outstanding work!
This book is a beautiful epic of life, love, loss, war, and people at their best and their worst. It's a history lesson without feeling like a history lesson.
This book is a beautiful epic of life, love, loss, war, and people at their best and their worst. It's a history lesson without feeling like a history lesson.
April 12, 2024
Interesting story about the lives of a farming couple in Scotland during the early 1900s.
July 27, 2024
An orphan of Scotland
Loved this book. Was sad when Alice died though. So relieved that Conan made it home safe. I can't wait to read book 2.
Loved this book. Was sad when Alice died though. So relieved that Conan made it home safe. I can't wait to read book 2.
October 31, 2025
A very enjoyable book looking forward to reading the rest of 4 book saga
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews