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Prime Time #1
Auld Acquaintance
First in a series of linked novels, Auld Acquaintance is the story of a woman in her 60s who has lost her confidence through life events, including a divorce. Anna has a part-time job in a library, and a group of good friends, but her hopes for a brighter future are growing dim.
Unexpectedly, she receives a legal letter informing her that she has inherited a piece of property in Scotland. Her first instinct is to ignore this letter as she has no knowledge of the person named as the owner.
Anna's friends persuade her to travel to Scotland and stay until she can decide how to dispose of the farm house near Oban. So begins an adventure which opens up prospects for Anna and introduces her to a new environment and new people who help her.
Will Anna adjust to living in a farm house with the minimum of amenities?
Will she solve the family mystery of the unknown relative who has bestowed this legacy on her?
Will she leave Canada for Scotland or return to her homeland and her safe life there?
Unexpectedly, she receives a legal letter informing her that she has inherited a piece of property in Scotland. Her first instinct is to ignore this letter as she has no knowledge of the person named as the owner.
Anna's friends persuade her to travel to Scotland and stay until she can decide how to dispose of the farm house near Oban. So begins an adventure which opens up prospects for Anna and introduces her to a new environment and new people who help her.
Will Anna adjust to living in a farm house with the minimum of amenities?
Will she solve the family mystery of the unknown relative who has bestowed this legacy on her?
Will she leave Canada for Scotland or return to her homeland and her safe life there?
270 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2010
1103 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hay
73 books40 followersWho is Ruth Hay?
I am a retired teacher-librarian who loves books, reading, writing and storytelling.
After a lifetime of writing for education purposes, I can now create the kind of family-friendly stories I have always loved to read.
I have been lucky enough to travel and those adventures feature in my Prime Time novel series.
Visit Scotland, England, Greece, Italy and Egypt with my heroine Anna Mason.
Have you ever known a family that didn't have some kind of mystery to solve? Anna Mason's family is no different. The thing that most surprises, and shocks, Anna, is how much was hidden from her.
How does she uncover the answers? That involves time, travels, a concealed journal and a new home in Scotland that gradually gives up its secrets. Not until the sixth, book, are the most unexpected developments revealed.
In 2016 I added a new chapter to Anna's life story. Read it in Return to Oban. Will there be more? I can't wait to find out!
Also in 2016 the Seven Days Series was completed. What a busy writing year! This series introduces four women who reunite in a luxurious holiday in the English Lake District. Of course, they have a wonderful time together but no one could have expected the surprising events that set off changes lasting far longer than just one week. There are six novels with the last having two sections. Lots of heartfelt reading for you. Which of the women will be your favourite; Zoe, Valerie, Corinne or Sandra?
In 2017 I am working on a new series. Sign up for my monthly Newsletter www.ruthhay.com to get updates.
Thank you for being one of Ruth's Readers.
I am a retired teacher-librarian who loves books, reading, writing and storytelling.
After a lifetime of writing for education purposes, I can now create the kind of family-friendly stories I have always loved to read.
I have been lucky enough to travel and those adventures feature in my Prime Time novel series.
Visit Scotland, England, Greece, Italy and Egypt with my heroine Anna Mason.
Have you ever known a family that didn't have some kind of mystery to solve? Anna Mason's family is no different. The thing that most surprises, and shocks, Anna, is how much was hidden from her.
How does she uncover the answers? That involves time, travels, a concealed journal and a new home in Scotland that gradually gives up its secrets. Not until the sixth, book, are the most unexpected developments revealed.
In 2016 I added a new chapter to Anna's life story. Read it in Return to Oban. Will there be more? I can't wait to find out!
Also in 2016 the Seven Days Series was completed. What a busy writing year! This series introduces four women who reunite in a luxurious holiday in the English Lake District. Of course, they have a wonderful time together but no one could have expected the surprising events that set off changes lasting far longer than just one week. There are six novels with the last having two sections. Lots of heartfelt reading for you. Which of the women will be your favourite; Zoe, Valerie, Corinne or Sandra?
In 2017 I am working on a new series. Sign up for my monthly Newsletter www.ruthhay.com to get updates.
Thank you for being one of Ruth's Readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
August 2, 2015
A lot of words, little plot or substance
From its description, I thought I'd really like this story. Anna, a 60-ish Canadian, is living a quiet, boring, dissatisfied life following a divorce years ago, when she receives a letter informing her she has been left a house in Scotland by a woman she has never heard of.
The first half of the book is simply her trying to decide whether or not to travel to Scotland to see the house, and talking with her friends about it. Of course she goes, and that's the second half. That moves along a bit more quickly, but still.
Surprise! She meets nice people! She makes new friends! The house is beyond rustic, but charming! Her life is just as quiet and boring, but she's happy. The big conflict? Should she stay or go back to Canada? She has good friends there too, after all. And Who is the mysterious benefactor? Who cares??? I just wanted it to be over.
It was an effort for me to finish this one. Parts were pleasant reading, ( spring flowers in Scotland) but tons of detail was given about completely inconsequential things that neither advanced the plot, enriched the narrative, showed any depth, demonstrated any insight, nor developed the characters. It is a classic example of telling, not showing. I kept hoping it would get better. But it really didn't. The writing was mediocre, except for the conversations, and especially the phone call dialog - which were execrable. Had I been reading a paper book instead of on my kindle, I'd have thrown across the room.
This is the first book in a series, and I'd rather have a root canal than read another. Don't worry - there is no cliffhanger ending.
From its description, I thought I'd really like this story. Anna, a 60-ish Canadian, is living a quiet, boring, dissatisfied life following a divorce years ago, when she receives a letter informing her she has been left a house in Scotland by a woman she has never heard of.
The first half of the book is simply her trying to decide whether or not to travel to Scotland to see the house, and talking with her friends about it. Of course she goes, and that's the second half. That moves along a bit more quickly, but still.
Surprise! She meets nice people! She makes new friends! The house is beyond rustic, but charming! Her life is just as quiet and boring, but she's happy. The big conflict? Should she stay or go back to Canada? She has good friends there too, after all. And Who is the mysterious benefactor? Who cares??? I just wanted it to be over.
It was an effort for me to finish this one. Parts were pleasant reading, ( spring flowers in Scotland) but tons of detail was given about completely inconsequential things that neither advanced the plot, enriched the narrative, showed any depth, demonstrated any insight, nor developed the characters. It is a classic example of telling, not showing. I kept hoping it would get better. But it really didn't. The writing was mediocre, except for the conversations, and especially the phone call dialog - which were execrable. Had I been reading a paper book instead of on my kindle, I'd have thrown across the room.
This is the first book in a series, and I'd rather have a root canal than read another. Don't worry - there is no cliffhanger ending.
November 22, 2015
Auld Acquaintance is book number one in the Prime Time series. This story, written by Ruth Hay, is about Anna Mason a divorced part time librarian from Ontario Canada. Upon receiving a mysterious bequest from an unknown relative, Anna visits Scotland. Her friends from Canada and her new friends in Scotland help Anna to become 'alive' again. The theme of family, friends and enjoying each day kept me engaged in this story to the last page. I kept wondering what I would have done if I was Anna. 4 stars
October 8, 2020
A charming tale, although flawed. I loved the idea of a retired Canadian librarian inheriting a farm in Scotland, but it took the first 50% of the book for the author to get her over there! There was even a long description of the Toronto airport. The second half picked up, but the dialogue overall was a little contrived. This self-published author needs the help of a professional editor, and a proofreader, to make her books shine.
September 10, 2015
Sweet story poorly written
This was a sweet story. The intended audience would appreciate the age and circumstances of the main characters. However, the writing is clunky at best and at worst, trite. A good editor was needed.
This was a sweet story. The intended audience would appreciate the age and circumstances of the main characters. However, the writing is clunky at best and at worst, trite. A good editor was needed.
November 17, 2015
In book #1 of the Prime Time series, Anna Mason is a sixty year old divorced part time librarian from Ontario Canada whose life is about to change. After receiving a mysterious letter from an unknown relative, she travels to Scotland to visit a secluded farmhouse which has been bequeathed to her.
Enjoyable Chick Lit of most interest to those of us over 55 who long for a kinder, simpler world . Read as a Buddy Read with senior club friends. 3 stars
Enjoyable Chick Lit of most interest to those of us over 55 who long for a kinder, simpler world . Read as a Buddy Read with senior club friends. 3 stars
September 12, 2015
No tolerance
Author can't construct a paragraph and has no concept of how to use quotation marks. I have no tolerance for a "writer" who can't be bothered with the most rudimentary skills of writing.
Author can't construct a paragraph and has no concept of how to use quotation marks. I have no tolerance for a "writer" who can't be bothered with the most rudimentary skills of writing.
July 15, 2015
Great Book!
Couldn't put it down. Characters well developed. I really enjoyed Anna's heart for her friends and theirs for her. Read it almost straight through AND even got the next book in the series which I usually wouldn't do. Thank you for such a great story!
Couldn't put it down. Characters well developed. I really enjoyed Anna's heart for her friends and theirs for her. Read it almost straight through AND even got the next book in the series which I usually wouldn't do. Thank you for such a great story!
September 16, 2015
doesn't make a ripple
Dull, sappy, stuff. Predictable in the extreme. There are so many "heartwarming" tales better told. The attempt at Scots accents.......too bad.
Dull, sappy, stuff. Predictable in the extreme. There are so many "heartwarming" tales better told. The attempt at Scots accents.......too bad.
July 6, 2013
This was what I call a "very comfortable" and also a very comforting read. Anna is in her sixties,has divorced and not fully recovered from the effects of that disturbance. Her friends comprise a group called Samba which is a name made from the first initial in each of the members' names. These friends and the rewards of a part-time library job bolster Anna's confidence and are particularly important when she gets a letter informing her that she has inherited a property in Scotland near a place called Oban north of Glasgow. The challenge of what to do about this as well as the mystery surrounding the legacy form the remainder of the story which the reader shares with Anna. Along the way there are many new people to meet, a new feline friend named Sylvester who needs serious help if he is to survive, a complete change of geographical surroundings as well as life style to adjust to and, of course, a major decision to make regarding the property in Scotland and her former life in London, Ontario. No heavy, complicated plot here, no gut wrenching emotional stress just solid, down to earth, life situations to contend with and sort out: one might say a late life sorting out of what a person wants. One could say it is a new take, if you like, on "coming of age". I am looking forward to the second book.
October 8, 2015
I'm not sure why this book got 4.5 stars on GoodReads. For the most part, I found it dull, ponderous and boring.
Anna Mason is a retired teacher who's been divorced from her distant, emotionally-abusive husband for 10 years. She leads a dull, if - to her - pleasant life as a part-time librarian who has a close group of friends for support.
One day, she receives a letter from a lawyer informing her that she has inherited an estate in Scotland, bequeathed by a woman she's never heard of. She wavers, should she just blow the lawyer off or investigate? The first half of the book was about her wavering.
She finally decides to go to Scotland to investigate and meets some lovely people, but is still undecided about what to do with her inheritance.
The book is mostly descriptive with little dialogue, which, for me, anyway, tends to make a book dull and ponderous. Anna's wavering was annoying. Oh, and this is the first in a series. I will not be reading the rest - I just didn't care enough about Anna and her friends to continue following them.
Anna Mason is a retired teacher who's been divorced from her distant, emotionally-abusive husband for 10 years. She leads a dull, if - to her - pleasant life as a part-time librarian who has a close group of friends for support.
One day, she receives a letter from a lawyer informing her that she has inherited an estate in Scotland, bequeathed by a woman she's never heard of. She wavers, should she just blow the lawyer off or investigate? The first half of the book was about her wavering.
She finally decides to go to Scotland to investigate and meets some lovely people, but is still undecided about what to do with her inheritance.
The book is mostly descriptive with little dialogue, which, for me, anyway, tends to make a book dull and ponderous. Anna's wavering was annoying. Oh, and this is the first in a series. I will not be reading the rest - I just didn't care enough about Anna and her friends to continue following them.
March 12, 2016
I have a problem with this book in that I enjoyed the story but found the writing style difficult. It was a freebie for my Kindle, and I did go on to get the second book in the series, so you might say it couldn't have been that bad, but I wanted to find out what happens to the main character (you don't really, by the way, it's only loosely linked).
The annoying things other reviews have already mentioned. The dialogue is incredibly stilted, and this is made worse by overusing people's names - we just don't do that in our speech.
Descriptions are very mundane, and could have done with an edit. It's self-published, and there's nothing wrong with that, but you do need to get other writers to read your work and pick up on these issues which creep in.
Ruth Hay is good at plotting though, and has created characters I quite liked, though I did find the idea of her little band of super friends annoying.
So I'm at a loss with this book. I liked it as a gentle (free) read, but don't expect too much from it.
The annoying things other reviews have already mentioned. The dialogue is incredibly stilted, and this is made worse by overusing people's names - we just don't do that in our speech.
Descriptions are very mundane, and could have done with an edit. It's self-published, and there's nothing wrong with that, but you do need to get other writers to read your work and pick up on these issues which creep in.
Ruth Hay is good at plotting though, and has created characters I quite liked, though I did find the idea of her little band of super friends annoying.
So I'm at a loss with this book. I liked it as a gentle (free) read, but don't expect too much from it.
November 13, 2015
The idea of inheriting property in Scotland from a long lost relative is intriguing, and led me to download the book. Sadly, that's where the intrigue ended. Anna, the main character is underdeveloped and comes off as a self-important wind bag who bustles around making big deals out of everything, and lecturing her fellow characters constantly. The plot has no real build up and climax, only a few melodramatic scenes that are not-so-interesting daily occurances blown way out of proportion. Ms. Hayes, the author seems to have produced this novel without the assistance of an editor. Most of her sentences are in the passive voice and her dialogue is dull and pedantic. There are five more titles in this series. I won't be reading them; I'm not even curious.
September 23, 2015
dnf'd shortly after reading the following sentence and realising that it wasn't going to get any better:
Sweeping the piled snow from the driver's window, Anna carefully opened the door far enough to let her sit inside and start the engine without flooding the interior of the car with snow that would melt uncomfortably during the drive downtown.
That's a sentence of 41 words. I had to read it twice in order to make some visual connection with what Anna was doing.
I carried on reading, but there were so many other examples of clunky and ponderous writing - including a change from third person to first at one point - that I gave up.
Sweeping the piled snow from the driver's window, Anna carefully opened the door far enough to let her sit inside and start the engine without flooding the interior of the car with snow that would melt uncomfortably during the drive downtown.
That's a sentence of 41 words. I had to read it twice in order to make some visual connection with what Anna was doing.
I carried on reading, but there were so many other examples of clunky and ponderous writing - including a change from third person to first at one point - that I gave up.
June 24, 2018
I so enjoyed this book. For starters this was a woman a little older than me so it was easy to relate to her. My back ground is Irish but the similarities are great. I have often wanted to kick myself for not asking questions of my parents life as young Irish people living in NY. And how easy was it to return to Ireland and start again. This book has encouraged me to start a diary for my nieces and nephew (since I have no children). Look forward to another book by Ruth!
August 1, 2018
I wonder how many people in their late 50s would move to a new country, if an inheritance of a house was offered as an incentive.
So, this is a story of such an event in a woman's life, a woman who has already gone through a lot, and has lost a lot her self-esteem and lust for life.
I do recommend reading this book, it may make someone look at their own life and give them the incentive to take the bull by it's horns and challenge life back.
So, this is a story of such an event in a woman's life, a woman who has already gone through a lot, and has lost a lot her self-esteem and lust for life.
I do recommend reading this book, it may make someone look at their own life and give them the incentive to take the bull by it's horns and challenge life back.
March 17, 2017
Such a pleasurable experience!
This book is a relaxing, curl up with a cup of tea, kind of read. It's intriguing enough to keep your interest without the edge of your seat stress. It's a beautiful yet often sad tale about how exciting life can be when you allow yourself to take chances and pursue the unknown adventures offered to you! I loved it and can't wait to read more!
This book is a relaxing, curl up with a cup of tea, kind of read. It's intriguing enough to keep your interest without the edge of your seat stress. It's a beautiful yet often sad tale about how exciting life can be when you allow yourself to take chances and pursue the unknown adventures offered to you! I loved it and can't wait to read more!
October 12, 2018
Good story
I like stories of women who regain their strength and sense of purpose, rising above disappointment, grief, and loss.
The book, however, needed a good proofreader and better formatting. I almost put it down because of the poor punctuation! Since proofreading is my business, I would love to reformat this book.
I like stories of women who regain their strength and sense of purpose, rising above disappointment, grief, and loss.
The book, however, needed a good proofreader and better formatting. I almost put it down because of the poor punctuation! Since proofreading is my business, I would love to reformat this book.
August 22, 2015
I liked the story line, but the dialogue was not believable and quite cringe-worthy. I actually skipped part of the story and didn't seem to miss anything. The one consolation was that it was a free book.
November 23, 2015
Loved it!!! Now I'm hooked on the series!!! Just bought the next book!!!
December 26, 2015
Very badly written. The dialogue between Anna and other characters in the book was painful to read. I couldn't finish it.
December 29, 2018
Nothing much happens in this book but it is a slow, cozy read.
October 21, 2019
Anna Mason is a middle-aged part time librarian who is "settled" into life as it is. She is divorced (about which she is still conflicted), but likes her quiet life with her close group of friends which calls itself Samba for the first initial of each of their names. When a letter from Scotland arrives informing her that she has inherited a farmhouse from an unknown benefactor, it rocks Anna's world. Who is Helen Dunlop and why did she leave Anna the house? Should she go to Scotland and investigate or just sell the property? Taking a chance on life, Anna makes the decision to go to Scotland where she learns more not only about herself but also her family history.
What a fun little book! I really liked the characters, and the descriptions of Oban, Scotland, are perfect. I found myself wondering how I would deal with the challenges Anna faced including learning how to heat the house and water using a monster of a stove that relied upon coal and peat! This is the first book in a series and I have bought more of them.
What a fun little book! I really liked the characters, and the descriptions of Oban, Scotland, are perfect. I found myself wondering how I would deal with the challenges Anna faced including learning how to heat the house and water using a monster of a stove that relied upon coal and peat! This is the first book in a series and I have bought more of them.
January 3, 2020
Eh, it was mildly entertaining. But utterly unbelievable. The woman worked part-time as a librarian but after she inherits a farm in Scotland, she starts throwing money around like she’s been printing it in her basement. With no explanation about why she was so flush. I I was a little disappointed that she had to dye her hair to start feeling good about herself. Also, it’s clear that you are meant to keep reading if you want to know the full story. There appear to be two possible love interests, but nothing developed with either in this book.
September 8, 2024
A light read with a touch of mystery and a rollicking through Scotland. While it’s focused should be on character development as that is what the book relies on, it is weak on that development and tris to create mystery around what will happen. The inclusion of a wild cat story as part of it was an unneeded side track.
February 9, 2023
Heartwarming
What a joyful novel of finding happiness later in life. The location is described beautifully, and to see the late in life empowerment of Anna was a joy. Definitely a good read for someone who loves women’s lit set in Scotland.
What a joyful novel of finding happiness later in life. The location is described beautifully, and to see the late in life empowerment of Anna was a joy. Definitely a good read for someone who loves women’s lit set in Scotland.
January 27, 2015
I did not realize this was part of a series till I got the book but even then as a stand alone it did fine.
Anna is in her sixties, independent with a full life (as it seems on the surface). Her marriage to Richard seemed to have destroyed her self confidence as a woman and also as a person and she fears that she should be better or prettier or whatever. Richard was very successful in battering her confidence and even years later despite the solid support of a small group of friends she is still shaky on this.
Out of the blue Anna gets a letter from a firm of solicitors in Scotland saying that a Helen Dunlop has gifted her a house in Scotland. At the same time her brother gets a letter indicating that he is the beneficiary of a legacy of cash. Dumbfounded as they cannot recollect anyone of that name in the family, Anna decides to go to Scotland to unravel the past. Her parents were rather self contained, never spoke of the family they left behind when they emigrated to Canada from Scotland so Anna with the help of the solicitor has to start from scratch.
In the present era of course with everyone cross referenced and registered somewhere for something this is not an insurmountable task. Anna discovers pleasant and not so pleasant events in her benefactor's past. Her search in Scotland also gives her comfort and grounding and she is extremely content at the step she has taken. Despite the lack of modern amenities, Anna decides to live in the farm house and see what happens and how she feels about living in Scotland even temporarily.
A very nice, warm story
Anna is in her sixties, independent with a full life (as it seems on the surface). Her marriage to Richard seemed to have destroyed her self confidence as a woman and also as a person and she fears that she should be better or prettier or whatever. Richard was very successful in battering her confidence and even years later despite the solid support of a small group of friends she is still shaky on this.
Out of the blue Anna gets a letter from a firm of solicitors in Scotland saying that a Helen Dunlop has gifted her a house in Scotland. At the same time her brother gets a letter indicating that he is the beneficiary of a legacy of cash. Dumbfounded as they cannot recollect anyone of that name in the family, Anna decides to go to Scotland to unravel the past. Her parents were rather self contained, never spoke of the family they left behind when they emigrated to Canada from Scotland so Anna with the help of the solicitor has to start from scratch.
In the present era of course with everyone cross referenced and registered somewhere for something this is not an insurmountable task. Anna discovers pleasant and not so pleasant events in her benefactor's past. Her search in Scotland also gives her comfort and grounding and she is extremely content at the step she has taken. Despite the lack of modern amenities, Anna decides to live in the farm house and see what happens and how she feels about living in Scotland even temporarily.
A very nice, warm story
July 29, 2018
Anna Mason, a 60-something woman, finds a mystery in her inheritance from a long lost relative (she frankly knew nothing about prior to the letter she received in the post).
Between her frumpish post-divorce days of lack of confidence in herself and her travel to Scotland to find our about this house she inherited, Anna finds comfort in her job at the library and her Samba friends (Susan, Alina, Maria, and Beverly). Now, with their help she travels to Oban, Scotland where she will discover her roots, new friends and acquaintances, and a mystery to be solved about her heretofore unknown aunt Helen Dunlop.
Slow to start, the story picks up near the end as she becomes enthralled with the Scottish home, flora and fauna of the region, her new friends, and the views from the Helen's Hill.
Just like Anna does throughout the story, there are constant questions for the reader and the character herself. Will she discover the story of Helen Dunlop? Will she keep the house she inherited? Will she stay? Will she go?
This is the first in a woman's fiction six-book saga, yet it is complete as is.
Favorite characters of Sylvester and Fiona (Fee) help the story.
Between her frumpish post-divorce days of lack of confidence in herself and her travel to Scotland to find our about this house she inherited, Anna finds comfort in her job at the library and her Samba friends (Susan, Alina, Maria, and Beverly). Now, with their help she travels to Oban, Scotland where she will discover her roots, new friends and acquaintances, and a mystery to be solved about her heretofore unknown aunt Helen Dunlop.
Slow to start, the story picks up near the end as she becomes enthralled with the Scottish home, flora and fauna of the region, her new friends, and the views from the Helen's Hill.
Just like Anna does throughout the story, there are constant questions for the reader and the character herself. Will she discover the story of Helen Dunlop? Will she keep the house she inherited? Will she stay? Will she go?
This is the first in a woman's fiction six-book saga, yet it is complete as is.
Favorite characters of Sylvester and Fiona (Fee) help the story.
May 8, 2018
I read this book from the Ruth Hay Reader Starter Set that contains 3 separate books.
"Auld Acquaintance" was a comfortable book. The book had no excitement and related the story of Anna, a divorced Canadian woman in mid-life who had lost some of her self-confidence because of a bad marriage and divorce, who suddenly finds herself the heir to a farm house in Scotland. She doesn't know anything about the woman who willed the house to her. Anna's friends encourage to explore this opportunity and their encouragement and help leads to a change in her attitude about herself. She decides to explore the idea of accepting the inheritance and travels to Scotland to investigate. The balance of the book is about her experiences in Scotland.
Much of the book reads like a travel guide and that was enjoyable. The story followed Anna's discoveries about the woman who willed her the house and her developing relationships with neighbors and others in Scotland but doesn't go too deep. I suppose that will come in subsequent oboks (this is, after all, "Prime Time #1."
"Auld Acquaintance" was a comfortable book. The book had no excitement and related the story of Anna, a divorced Canadian woman in mid-life who had lost some of her self-confidence because of a bad marriage and divorce, who suddenly finds herself the heir to a farm house in Scotland. She doesn't know anything about the woman who willed the house to her. Anna's friends encourage to explore this opportunity and their encouragement and help leads to a change in her attitude about herself. She decides to explore the idea of accepting the inheritance and travels to Scotland to investigate. The balance of the book is about her experiences in Scotland.
Much of the book reads like a travel guide and that was enjoyable. The story followed Anna's discoveries about the woman who willed her the house and her developing relationships with neighbors and others in Scotland but doesn't go too deep. I suppose that will come in subsequent oboks (this is, after all, "Prime Time #1."
January 19, 2016
I picked this book because the blurb and the picture makes you think, the book is entirely in Scotland. When I spent half the book reading about in Canada, I felt deceived. What could have been done, was the book could have started in Scotland and then flashbacked to her past. The secret donor who gives Anna the estate, has enough mystery built up in the beginning of the book, but fizzles at the end. Its a shame the author saved all the details for another book or the series, because this could have been a tighter read with Fiona, George and the plan for the online business and the accommodation business she wants to start all explained in this book. Instead you get the last ten pages, where all of a sudden, this plan comes about and she decided to stay. Also very little physical description of the other characters. It can be a comfort read to some, but it would require a lot of patience.
September 14, 2015
I really connected with Anna, the protagonist in this lovely book. I didn't like her at first,, a complainer beaten down by life following a nasty divorce. Out of the blue she received a letter informing her she had inherited a house in Scotland from someone she didn't know. Ultimately, with the support of good friends, she leaves Ontario and settles into the life of the rural community near Oban. Oban holds a special place in my heart as it was where I spent my first night in Scotland. The author captured this seaside town so that I felt I was back there. Anna has to make a decision about whether to keep the house or sell it. She also wants to discover the identity of her benefactrix. I read the book in one sitting and then bought the rest of the series. I hope to learn more about Anna.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews