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Flowers of Scotland #2
The Farm Girl's Dream
From the fields of Angus to the shores of Mexico, a family struggles to find their way home. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Rita Bradshaw and Kitty Neale.
To young Victoria Cameron, Angus, Scotland is the most beautiful place on earth and she wishes nothing more than to stay on her little farm for ever. But the death of her beloved grandfather leaves her and her mother without a farm and struggling to make ends meet.
Never one to give up, Victoria soon finds work in a Dundee mill, while her mother supports them by taking in lodgers. Neither ever expected one of those lodgers would be John Cameron, the father that walked out on them so many years ago.
Victoria is torn about how to receive this stranger, and torn about the other man in her life - a young boy she thinks she could love if only he comes back from the war.
What everyone's saying about Eileen Ramsay:
'This wonderful panoramic novel sweeps you up and carries you along to the end. Lovely!'
- Katie Fforde
'An unpredictable ending, a few surprises along the way and several tear jerkers - I enjoyed every minute of it.'
- Historical Novel Review
'Captivating romance . . .The beautiful Scottish setting only adds to this poignant and poetic journey . . . This book is as unique as it is exquisite.'
- Daily Record
Missed the first in Eileen Ramsay's Flowers of Scotland series? Rich Girl, Poor Girl is available now! Search 9781785762215 to get your copy.
MEMORY LANE
Introducing a new place for story lovers - somewhere to share memories, photographs, recipes and reminiscences, and discover the very best of saga writing from authors you know and love, and the new ones we simply can't wait for you to meet. Join us at www.MemoryLane.club.
To young Victoria Cameron, Angus, Scotland is the most beautiful place on earth and she wishes nothing more than to stay on her little farm for ever. But the death of her beloved grandfather leaves her and her mother without a farm and struggling to make ends meet.
Never one to give up, Victoria soon finds work in a Dundee mill, while her mother supports them by taking in lodgers. Neither ever expected one of those lodgers would be John Cameron, the father that walked out on them so many years ago.
Victoria is torn about how to receive this stranger, and torn about the other man in her life - a young boy she thinks she could love if only he comes back from the war.
What everyone's saying about Eileen Ramsay:
'This wonderful panoramic novel sweeps you up and carries you along to the end. Lovely!'
- Katie Fforde
'An unpredictable ending, a few surprises along the way and several tear jerkers - I enjoyed every minute of it.'
- Historical Novel Review
'Captivating romance . . .The beautiful Scottish setting only adds to this poignant and poetic journey . . . This book is as unique as it is exquisite.'
- Daily Record
Missed the first in Eileen Ramsay's Flowers of Scotland series? Rich Girl, Poor Girl is available now! Search 9781785762215 to get your copy.
MEMORY LANE
Introducing a new place for story lovers - somewhere to share memories, photographs, recipes and reminiscences, and discover the very best of saga writing from authors you know and love, and the new ones we simply can't wait for you to meet. Join us at www.MemoryLane.club.
- GenresAudiobook
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2017
9 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Ramsay
37 books35 followersEileen Ainsworth was born on 16 December 1940 in the South-West of Scotland, where she brought up. She wrote since she was seven, but she decided become a teacher. After graduating she went to teach in the USA for a year - and stayed 18 years. She married Ian Ramsay, a Scottish mathematics scientist working on the first moon shots. They had two chidren. They returned to their native Scotland.
Her writing for children and adults has won several awards, including the Constable and Pitlochry trophies from the Scottish Association of Writers and the Romantic Novelists' Association's Elizabeth Goudge Award. In 2004 she was short listed for the Romantic Novel of the Year award.
Eileen is an honorary member of the Angus Writers Circle, was vice-president of the Scottish Association of Writers, a member of the Society of Authors and was on the committee of the Scottish branch for about six years and for four was the Secretary, and she was elected the twenty-seventh Chairman (2015-2017) of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Her writing for children and adults has won several awards, including the Constable and Pitlochry trophies from the Scottish Association of Writers and the Romantic Novelists' Association's Elizabeth Goudge Award. In 2004 she was short listed for the Romantic Novel of the Year award.
Eileen is an honorary member of the Angus Writers Circle, was vice-president of the Scottish Association of Writers, a member of the Society of Authors and was on the committee of the Scottish branch for about six years and for four was the Secretary, and she was elected the twenty-seventh Chairman (2015-2017) of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 25, 2020
Not a bad read, though I did have problems with the Scottish dialect.
The main character is Victoria, who grew up on the family farm. When her beloved grandfather passed away Victoria and her mother are made homeless. This is because the farm ownership is passed to Victoria's father, John who has been absent all her life. Victoria and her mother are resilient and manage to make a new home. But John returns, causing trouble and leaving more problems behind him.
The main character is Victoria, who grew up on the family farm. When her beloved grandfather passed away Victoria and her mother are made homeless. This is because the farm ownership is passed to Victoria's father, John who has been absent all her life. Victoria and her mother are resilient and manage to make a new home. But John returns, causing trouble and leaving more problems behind him.
November 10, 2021
From the fields of Angus to the mills of Dundee, to Mexico, a family struggles to find their way home.To young Victoria Cameron, Angus, Scotland is the most beautiful place on earth and she dreams of staying on her little farm for ever. But the death of her beloved grandfather leaves her and her mother without a farm and without a home.Never one to give up, Victoria soon finds work in a Dundee mill, while her mother starts taking in lodgers. But always on her mind is the young man Victoria thinks she could love if only he comes back from the war.
Then, back into her life comes John Cameron, the father that walked out on his wife and daughter so many years ago.Can these two women overcome the odds and make their dreams come true?Harris Academy is a co-educational comprehensive school in the West End of Dundee, Scotland. Harris Academy was founded in 1885 and is the oldest and largest state school run in Dundee. It is known for being one of the most successful schools in Dundee and Scotland by record of attainment and exam result successes which are considered 'well above average'.Dundee is Scotland's 4th largest city.Within the boundaries of the historic county of Angus, the city developed into a burgh in the late 12th century and established itself as an important east coast trading port. Rapid expansion was brought on by the Industrial Revolution, particularly in the 19th century when Dundee was the centre of the global jute industry.The discovery that the dry fibres of jute could be lubricated with whale oil (of which Dundee had a surfeit, following the opening of its gasworks) to allow it to be processed in mechanised mills resulted in the Dundee mills rapidly converting from linen to jute, which sold at a quarter of the price of flax.The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The regiment was created as part of the Childers Reforms in 1881.It was known as The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) from 1881-1931.In WWI,they fought on the Western Front,and the Mesopotamia area now known as the Middle East.
Then, back into her life comes John Cameron, the father that walked out on his wife and daughter so many years ago.Can these two women overcome the odds and make their dreams come true?Harris Academy is a co-educational comprehensive school in the West End of Dundee, Scotland. Harris Academy was founded in 1885 and is the oldest and largest state school run in Dundee. It is known for being one of the most successful schools in Dundee and Scotland by record of attainment and exam result successes which are considered 'well above average'.Dundee is Scotland's 4th largest city.Within the boundaries of the historic county of Angus, the city developed into a burgh in the late 12th century and established itself as an important east coast trading port. Rapid expansion was brought on by the Industrial Revolution, particularly in the 19th century when Dundee was the centre of the global jute industry.The discovery that the dry fibres of jute could be lubricated with whale oil (of which Dundee had a surfeit, following the opening of its gasworks) to allow it to be processed in mechanised mills resulted in the Dundee mills rapidly converting from linen to jute, which sold at a quarter of the price of flax.The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The regiment was created as part of the Childers Reforms in 1881.It was known as The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) from 1881-1931.In WWI,they fought on the Western Front,and the Mesopotamia area now known as the Middle East.
March 13, 2018
Victoria Cameron is born on a farm in the early 1900’s. Her good for nothing father is gallivanting in France with his fancy piece. When her father John returns home, he is turned away by his own father and consequently leaves his family for good.
As Victoria grows, she is idolised by her mother Catriona and grandfather, and she is given a good life. Suddenly her beloved granddad passes away and Victoria and her mother have to leave the farm and set up a new home.
Shortly after, WWI obliterates all normalcy. Victoria has to go and work in a factory, and then she finds secretarial work via Dr Currie, her mother’s lodger.
Ramsay writes with real warmth. She creates such likeable characters and gives even the secondary characters like the formidable Dr Currie a great back story that you really become invested in.
I loved the women’s movement element of the story. Ramsay challenged the men in this book by giving her ladies real strength, thoughts and opinions. The era has been well researched and the plight and work of women has really come through in her story telling.
I must admit that I wouldn’t have picked this up if I had seen it in a book store, but I’m glad I did. I’ve been introduced to a new genre of reading and I’m enjoying it. The Farm Girl’s dream was a nice easy read for me.
A 3 star read for me.
I would like to thank Readers First for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
As Victoria grows, she is idolised by her mother Catriona and grandfather, and she is given a good life. Suddenly her beloved granddad passes away and Victoria and her mother have to leave the farm and set up a new home.
Shortly after, WWI obliterates all normalcy. Victoria has to go and work in a factory, and then she finds secretarial work via Dr Currie, her mother’s lodger.
Ramsay writes with real warmth. She creates such likeable characters and gives even the secondary characters like the formidable Dr Currie a great back story that you really become invested in.
I loved the women’s movement element of the story. Ramsay challenged the men in this book by giving her ladies real strength, thoughts and opinions. The era has been well researched and the plight and work of women has really come through in her story telling.
I must admit that I wouldn’t have picked this up if I had seen it in a book store, but I’m glad I did. I’ve been introduced to a new genre of reading and I’m enjoying it. The Farm Girl’s dream was a nice easy read for me.
A 3 star read for me.
I would like to thank Readers First for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
June 22, 2017
The whole story whisked me away to another time and a different way of life, the plot moved smoothly and kept my interest throughout. Victoria is a great character she is completely likeable and I loved her strong and determined nature as she tries her best to turn both her own situation and her mums for the better. It was great to see her character grow and although she didn't have things entirely easy I enjoyed seeing her meet any challenge and work through her families troubles. One of my favourite characters was Dr Currie she is independent and such a good friend to Catriona and Victoria.
The Farm Girl's Dream is emotional at times but has an almost uplifting aspect to it too and this for me was a winning combination. I became attached to the characters and their lives and I really hoped for a happy ever after. There are lovely themes of family, love and hope that really appealed to me. I also enjoyed the side story of Victoria's father it made an interesting aspect to the plot.
It was so easy to be swept up in this engaging and delightful story. It isn't all light hearted and there is a depth to the story that made for compelling reading. I have to admit I quickly read this story and would be more than happy to read more books by Eileen Ramsay.
Engaging and full of hope!
With thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Farm Girl's Dream is emotional at times but has an almost uplifting aspect to it too and this for me was a winning combination. I became attached to the characters and their lives and I really hoped for a happy ever after. There are lovely themes of family, love and hope that really appealed to me. I also enjoyed the side story of Victoria's father it made an interesting aspect to the plot.
It was so easy to be swept up in this engaging and delightful story. It isn't all light hearted and there is a depth to the story that made for compelling reading. I have to admit I quickly read this story and would be more than happy to read more books by Eileen Ramsay.
Engaging and full of hope!
With thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 19, 2019
The Farm Girl's Dream
(Flowers of Scotland #2)
by
Eileen Ramsay
The Farm Girl's Dream by Eileen Ramsay is the second of the Flowers of Scotland series; however, it was my first encounter with Eileen Ramsay and it was an enjoyable experience. I look forward to listening to Book 1 in the near future.
Set at the beginning of the twentieth century in Scotland and Mexico, The Farm Girl's Dream tells the story of young woman (Katrina) who marries an unfaithful husband and the trials and tribulations caused by that union. After granddaughter, Victoria, is born, her grandfather (Jock) disowns his son and promises to leave the farm to Victoria. All is well, until with his dying breath, Jock says ‘I always meant to change my will’. This leaves his Katrina and Victoria without a home. From there on, the struggle Katrina’s begins to earn a living and keep her daughter. To say much more would spoil the story.
I enjoyed The Farm Girl's Dream and am surprised that this book has been overlooked by so many readers, or read by so few.
At the time of writing my review other Goodreads readers had awarded The Farm Girl's Dream an average of 4.15 stars from 78 ratings and 4 reviews.
(Flowers of Scotland #2)
by
Eileen Ramsay
The Farm Girl's Dream by Eileen Ramsay is the second of the Flowers of Scotland series; however, it was my first encounter with Eileen Ramsay and it was an enjoyable experience. I look forward to listening to Book 1 in the near future.
Set at the beginning of the twentieth century in Scotland and Mexico, The Farm Girl's Dream tells the story of young woman (Katrina) who marries an unfaithful husband and the trials and tribulations caused by that union. After granddaughter, Victoria, is born, her grandfather (Jock) disowns his son and promises to leave the farm to Victoria. All is well, until with his dying breath, Jock says ‘I always meant to change my will’. This leaves his Katrina and Victoria without a home. From there on, the struggle Katrina’s begins to earn a living and keep her daughter. To say much more would spoil the story.
I enjoyed The Farm Girl's Dream and am surprised that this book has been overlooked by so many readers, or read by so few.
At the time of writing my review other Goodreads readers had awarded The Farm Girl's Dream an average of 4.15 stars from 78 ratings and 4 reviews.
July 8, 2017
If I had come across this book in a store I probably wouldn't have picked it, but I actually really enjoyed it. I wouldn't read it again as it definitely not my type but I'm glad I did.
The novel follows mainly the lives of Catriona Cameron and her teenaged Daughter Victoria, from their walnut days to the absolute worst. They manage to overcome some of the harshest situations and find the best in them that is possible. The Cameron girls are the embodiment of an positive strong relationship between mother and daughter but also with the others in their lives. It shows that despite the worst, they carry on and push through. I think that's why I became very fond of this novel despite never reading this type of genre before.. I definitely recommend giving it a try.
The novel follows mainly the lives of Catriona Cameron and her teenaged Daughter Victoria, from their walnut days to the absolute worst. They manage to overcome some of the harshest situations and find the best in them that is possible. The Cameron girls are the embodiment of an positive strong relationship between mother and daughter but also with the others in their lives. It shows that despite the worst, they carry on and push through. I think that's why I became very fond of this novel despite never reading this type of genre before.. I definitely recommend giving it a try.
March 24, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this.
Helen McAlpine brings the story to life with her voices for the characters.
Helen McAlpine brings the story to life with her voices for the characters.
October 19, 2018
The Farm Girl’s Dream is the second book in the Flowers of Scotland series, but it can be read as a standalone since the two novels aren’t connected with each other. I really liked the first one Rich Girl, Poor girl, but I really enjoyed this one better, so far it is my favourite and looking forward to reading the next book. I really like the author’s writing. It is a fast-paced historical romance novel, set in the 1900’s. It is a heartbroken story, I really liked the main characters and couldn’t help myself care for them.
Victoria’s father had left her and her mother, she grew up at the Prior Farm loved by both her mother and her grandfather. One day when her grandfather died Victoria and her mother was forced to leave their home, mother and daughter are forced to find work and fend for themselves. Would the two women find the courage to start again?
Victoria’s father had left her and her mother, she grew up at the Prior Farm loved by both her mother and her grandfather. One day when her grandfather died Victoria and her mother was forced to leave their home, mother and daughter are forced to find work and fend for themselves. Would the two women find the courage to start again?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews