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Lochandee #1-4
The Complete Maxwell Family Quartet Books 1-4
Set in the enchanting Scottish countryside against the looming shadow of the Second World War, this unforgettable series follows the Maxwell family — and all their trials and tribulations — through the decades.
In this 4-book box set:
BOOK 1: AN ORPHAN OF SCOTLAND
Scotland, 1940s. After the unexpected death of her beloved father, sixteen-year-old Rachel O’Brian is sent to live with the Maxwell family. Life is hard for Rachel, toiling on the Maxwell farm under the hateful eye of Gertrude, the family’s matriarch. 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 and Rachel finds herself destitute and heartbroken once more.
BOOK 2: THE SECRETS THAT BIND US
Scotland, 1948. Young Bridie Maxwell has spent all her life on her family farm — the work is hard but love is plenty. When she meets her big brother Conan’s best friend, the dashing Nick, love blooms. But it’s not long before life tests them. Meanwhile, Bridie’s school friend Fiona Sinclair returns from the city to look after her dying mother. She’s comforted by a sea of familiar faces who welcome her home, but there’s one person in particular who catches her eye — Fiona’s childhood rival, Conan Maxwell . . .
BOOK 3: DREAMS OF THE VALLEY
Scotland, 1950. Rachel Maxwell’s two older children are happily married with prospering businesses and lives. But her youngest child Ewan is more naïve and sheltered. Ewan wanders through life carefree and without any direction. When a young woman named Gerda arrives at the Maxwell family party, she immediately catches Ewan’s eye. But Rachel can’t shake a feeling of unease . . . Ewan, blinded by love, marries Gerda, and their union soon sparks a terrible chain of events that threaten the entire family and community. Can Rachel save her family from Gerda’s malice before she changes their lives forever?
BOOK 4: SOMEWHERE TO CALL HOME
Scotland, 1980s. Following the death of her father, Tina Donnelly arrives on the Maxwell farm to nurse the family matriarch Rachel. She soon meets the devilishly handsome Paul Maxwell, Rachel’s grandson, and sparks fly between the two. But Tina is determined to keep things professional, which suits Paul just fine. Abandoned by his mother as a young boy, the last thing he wants is to fall in love and open his heart once more. Yet try as she might, Tina can’t help feeling drawn to the Maxwells and the peaceful Scottish lowlands. Can Tina and Paul heal from the scars of their past and find their way to each other?
In this 4-book box set:
BOOK 1: AN ORPHAN OF SCOTLAND
Scotland, 1940s. After the unexpected death of her beloved father, sixteen-year-old Rachel O’Brian is sent to live with the Maxwell family. Life is hard for Rachel, toiling on the Maxwell farm under the hateful eye of Gertrude, the family’s matriarch. 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 and Rachel finds herself destitute and heartbroken once more.
BOOK 2: THE SECRETS THAT BIND US
Scotland, 1948. Young Bridie Maxwell has spent all her life on her family farm — the work is hard but love is plenty. When she meets her big brother Conan’s best friend, the dashing Nick, love blooms. But it’s not long before life tests them. Meanwhile, Bridie’s school friend Fiona Sinclair returns from the city to look after her dying mother. She’s comforted by a sea of familiar faces who welcome her home, but there’s one person in particular who catches her eye — Fiona’s childhood rival, Conan Maxwell . . .
BOOK 3: DREAMS OF THE VALLEY
Scotland, 1950. Rachel Maxwell’s two older children are happily married with prospering businesses and lives. But her youngest child Ewan is more naïve and sheltered. Ewan wanders through life carefree and without any direction. When a young woman named Gerda arrives at the Maxwell family party, she immediately catches Ewan’s eye. But Rachel can’t shake a feeling of unease . . . Ewan, blinded by love, marries Gerda, and their union soon sparks a terrible chain of events that threaten the entire family and community. Can Rachel save her family from Gerda’s malice before she changes their lives forever?
BOOK 4: SOMEWHERE TO CALL HOME
Scotland, 1980s. Following the death of her father, Tina Donnelly arrives on the Maxwell farm to nurse the family matriarch Rachel. She soon meets the devilishly handsome Paul Maxwell, Rachel’s grandson, and sparks fly between the two. But Tina is determined to keep things professional, which suits Paul just fine. Abandoned by his mother as a young boy, the last thing he wants is to fall in love and open his heart once more. Yet try as she might, Tina can’t help feeling drawn to the Maxwells and the peaceful Scottish lowlands. Can Tina and Paul heal from the scars of their past and find their way to each other?
1340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
About the author
Gwen Kirkwood
51 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...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 5, 2024
Maxwell Family Quarter of books.
A wonderful set of books full of life, love and excitement. At times it felt I was living the times with the family and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
A wonderful set of books full of life, love and excitement. At times it felt I was living the times with the family and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
February 5, 2025
Excellent series
I loved this series of books.It was hard to put.It does.I wish you were to go on a little bit longer but it was so good.Good writing, good story line.You will not be disappointed if you read them
I loved this series of books.It was hard to put.It does.I wish you were to go on a little bit longer but it was so good.Good writing, good story line.You will not be disappointed if you read them
October 27, 2023
Maxwell Family Quartet Books 1 - 4
A compelling quartet of books, I really had to read on. I could not put it down as the storyline was so exciting.
A compelling quartet of books, I really had to read on. I could not put it down as the storyline was so exciting.
November 2, 2023
Every book was brilliant. Enjoyed them from start to finish. Great writer
January 11, 2024
Good family story.
Really enjoyed these four books rolled into one. All the Maxwell family's stories. I have i given it a five star, hope you will enjoy it too.
Really enjoyed these four books rolled into one. All the Maxwell family's stories. I have i given it a five star, hope you will enjoy it too.
April 9, 2024
Fantastic!!
Absolutely one of the best books I've read. A heart warming book that makes you feel part of the Maxwell family❤️
Absolutely one of the best books I've read. A heart warming book that makes you feel part of the Maxwell family❤️
January 15, 2025
Very much enjoyed Maxwell family books 1-4 couldn’t put it down, recommend these books
September 1, 2026
Well that’s me finished this set of books. It’s a brilliant story set in Dumfries and am hooked on all the characters. I have read quite a few of Gwen Kirwood book sets but this one is the best yet. The ups and downs of the characters and their lives through the years and the stories had me Ohing and aweing all the way through and that shows how I got into the characters. Brilliant absolutely brilliant. You don’t know how the last couple finish of their story till half way through the last chapter of the last book. Well done Gwen and a big thank you from me
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews