Comraich

by Shani Struthers

No 1 Bestseller in Scottish Historical Romance!

A n extreme land breeds extreme emotions.

Comraich - Gaelic for Sanctuary - that's what this ancient fortress of a house in the Highlands of Scotland has offered its generations, a haven from the world beyond.

The nesting instinct kicking in, a pregnant Jessamin decides that Comraich, which she shares with her partner Fionnlagh Maccaillin, needs refreshing. Getting to work in one of the spare bedrooms she makes a startling discovery, one that pulls her into a world of the intense and disturbing passions of others that have been here before.

Jessamin has to decide.

Will delving deeper into Comraich's history bring hope and peace to this troubled house or return her to a darkness she's only recently left behind?

Praise for Jessamine:

"A haunting tale of lost love and guilt." Carol

"A beautiful ghost story which will make you cry." Amazon Customer

"When you start to read this prepare to put your life on hold.. you won't want to put it down until you've read the last page." Gill Gillies

"Reminiscent in parts of Wuthering Heights and even Jane Eyre in places." Laura Tawn

"I fell headlong in the story and nothing else mattered." Amazon Customer

Genres: Mystery

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2018

About the author

It's all about the ghosts...

Here's the order my books come in:

Psychic Surveys Series:

Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall

Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me

Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street

Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage

Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension

Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion

Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep

Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul

Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar

Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:

Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel

Blakemort (Corinna's story)

Thirteen (Ness's story)

Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)

Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)

This Haunted World Series:

This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian

This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor

This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate

This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise

Reach for the Dead Series:

Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy

Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm

Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker

Jessamine Series:

Jessamine

Comraich

Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller

Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.

Reviews

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jess and Finn have settled into life at Comraich, with all its history and the ghosts of relatives past. They are having their first child together and even though they are excited about it, the past has a way of impacting on the present too.

When Jess discovers some notes that belonged to the mysterious Beth, it unearths some skeletons in the family cupboard.

Even though this book doesn't have the strong supernatural bent as a lot of this author's other books, it has a gentle poignancy that is hard to beat. I loved it.

4.5 stars from me :)

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Jessamine when I read it a couple of years ago. At the time I wasn't sure whether the story was really over but, having loved this book just as much, I'm definitely glad the author continued. Obviously to get the best from this book you really do need to read Jessamine first although there is a bit of a recap, it's more of a memory jogger than anything else.
It was wonderful to reconnect with Jess and Finn, like getting back together with old friends. They are on the verge of welcoming their first child, something that fills them both with delight and trepidation and Jess has started nesting with a vengeance. Finn is being his strong silent type on the surface but there is definitely something under his stoicism, waiting to come to the surface. Jess has decided which room to use for the baby and starts to prepare it. It is there she find some papers and, on reading them, realises that they tell the story of the past of the house, of Finn's and her Grandparents and the truth of the tragedy that befell them. None of which I am prepared to even hint at in this review. Here our story splits as we see what is happening for Jess, Finn and their friends in the present, delving into the past every so often as Jess reads more of what she finds. It's a haunting tale indeed, one that with ghostly goings on, spills into the present. But will it help or hinder Jess and Finn, or can they help bring peace to Comraich once and for all?
As I started reading, I soon became totally immersed in the story. The characters, the setting, the emotion, it all just held me captive throughout the time I was reading, and also didn't really let me go on the occasions I had to put the book down. It was almost like the book itself enchanted me.
It's a very character driven book, with some really well described characters leading the way. All of whom were very easy to connect to / emote with and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with them and wholly invested in them. Which is probably why this was quite an emotional book for me as, well let's just say that some of the things they went through tugged at my heart-strings a tad.
Another thing I must mention is the wonderful setting. I'm not a very visual reader usually but the way that the author described some of the scenes in the book really brought the book to life, and had me actually being able to see the action being played out in my minds-eye. Something that happens so seldom that it really is quite powerful when it does and it gave me a little chilling feeling along the way with some of the things I saw.
All in all, a brilliant emotional rollercoaster of a story with characters that I thoroughly enjoying spending my time with. I do hope that I can reconnect with them in some way in the future as I'm not quite ready to leave them behind for good just yet.

[Heather Fitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED Jessamine when I read it, so when Comraich was published, I couldn't wait to get stuck in.

As I was reading it I realised I felt entirely comfortable: it was like being with old friends. In a way this was slightly disappointing actually; was looking forward to another suspense filled, scary ghost story, but that's not what this is. Don't get me wrong, this is certainly a supernatural book and there are ghosts, but not the kind to give you nightmares. I think because Jess was so comfortable with the ghostly characters, it made the reader comfortable too.

Whilst I don't think it had the suspense of Jassamine, it was a truly wonderful book to read. Jess and Finn are complex characters and I have always thought there was a certain skill and fine balance to writing characters in this way. Too much either way and you have characters who are unbelievable to the reader. Shane Struthers has written them perfectly.

Similarly, Shani's description of the Highlands means, even if you have never been there, you are transported in your mind to a rugged and beautiful countryside. Even though the weather is often bleak in Comraich, Shani has managed to portray the the Highlands as one of the most spectacularly stunning areas in the world – which it is!

A thoroughly enjoyable book – I would recommend that you read Jessamine first though.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comraich is a very enjoyable and fitting sequel to Jessamine by the same author. It’s a story about love, friendship and regrets set in the Scottish Highlands and it also contains a hint of the supernatural. Although both books can be read as stand alones, I am glad that I took the time to read Jessamine first as it gives a good backstory and is excellent in its own right.

Comraich is a beautifully written and touching tale. I love the setting which is vividly and evocatively described - I almost felt I was there inside the book, like a fly on the wall, standing on the shores of a loch. I enjoy a story about secrets and this one really drew me in, partly because I felt like I was visiting old friends and I was pleased to be spending time with them again. The characters are likeable and well rounded. I enjoyed reading about their individual histories. It’s quite a sad tale in places, full of misunderstandings and guilt, but the ending is an apt and mostly happy one.

An engaging and easy read which I can recommend.

[Kaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Shani Struthers has written a book that will leave you with your emotions in pieces, Comraiche is the sequel to the brilliant Jessamine.... Shani doesn’t fail in her style of writing, with reference to characters from Jessamine you feel a sense of closeness,like bumping into old friends. The story is set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands... which in turn become a dark and forbidding place to be, when the sun sets the atmosphere becomes electric and you almost feel part of the events unfolding, powerless to help Jessamine, as she discovers the truth from her and Fins past, will the forces around them bring more tragedy, and break the already fragile threads that hold their lives together, will the letter Jessamine found, written by Beth, Fins grandmother in the nursery, after laying undiscovered for years bring more heartbreak or finally, forgiveness...and will the forces around Jessamine let her finally find peace?... Comraiche is another emotional rollercoaster, but one that is so well worth the ride.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 5 out of 5]

So may different emotions

Wow absolutely loved it and couldn't put the book down. I felt so many different kinds of emotions while reading this and that alone tells me how much of a great book this is. I also liked that you got Minch point, the lighthouse on Skye from your previous book in there too from your book Thirteen. All I can say is amazing and look forward to the next book.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful follow-up

When I finished this book, I saw that this was written as requested by fans for a sequel to Jessamine . Thank you Shania Struthers. It is a great read. Sometimes I felt that I was reading 2 different books at the same as Jessamine read and involved herself in the "confession". Her intuition opened up to receiving impressions from the spirits of the manor. I have really enjoyed this read.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I loved the 1st book in this series and this 2nd doesn’t disappoint.
The best description is hauntingly lovely.
Jessamine & her love for her home & husband just comes over so well in the story.
The history & the ghostly mix go so well that I will listen to this book & read it over again.
Fabulous

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given a kindle copy of this book to review (and Jessamin)
I loved it! The whole book from start to finish really gripped me. I was lucky enough to have both books in the series to read so no sooner had I finished Jessamin than I was able to get straight on with Comraich.
I can’t adeq describe this series of books, I’m not sure I actually have the right words but they are enchantingly engaging. I loved the characters development through both books and the way in Comraich the way Shani manages to move away from the ghostly basis of Jessamin and into the beauty of the highlands.
If you are looking for a series to fall in love with and loose yourself for an afternoon this is for you!

[jhanami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start by admitting that this is absolutely not my usual genre and I was wondering if I might have made a terrible mistake to pick up not just one but both volumes in this series... but lo and behold, I really enjoyed myself and whisked through them in a couple of days. They are very well written, insightful but still entertaining, the setting is fabulous, the supernatural elements work extremely well, the characters are likeable and interesting and whilst they are true to what one expects from romantic leads, they also stay mercifully clear of being cliched cardboard characters.
Highly enjoyable and just the thing for a cosy night in!

[Betty Almes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, when is the next one out?

[Carol Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessamine is living in the 'Big House' with Finn now and is pregnant so she is looking to put a nursery together but while she is sorting things she finds some papers which are written by Beth (Finns grandmother) and which will hopefully put some things to rest about the disturbing past that surrounds the house and their lives. This is a fantastic follow on from Jessamine and I would think it is better to read that book first. Shani Struthers definitely knows how to write a haunting story and makes it very hard to put it down she has caught the emotions so well and the highlands come to life I can't wait to see if there is another book to follow.

[Arkgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent continuation of the story of Jessamine but it also unpacks the history of Comraich, the four young friends and the tragic story of a young life lost.
This doesn't have the suspense of the first book but it has a poignancy and a feeling of what might have been that gives a strong emotional punch as the story unfolds. I would definitely recommend reading Jessamine first and if you enjoy that first visit to that remote Scottish village community I am sure you will enjoy the second chance to come back to revisit them all.
There is a great sense of place and the central characters are well written being flawed, interesting and layered so you get a real feeling that you could visit them and would soon recognise the house, the people and the beautiful landscape.
A lovely, read and I am just disappointed we probably won't get to visit Comraich again.

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this story within a story. Even though I knew the ending from the first book, the nuances and depth of the characters kept me reading (and up too late). Highly recommended.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant follow up to Jessamine, there is so much depth to this story of love, loss, betrayal and hope. Two people madly in love, with a baby on the way still find it hard to come to terms with their past. There is also a glimpse into long gone days when Jess finds notes that Beth has written many years before, will this knowledge enable the ghosts to be laid to rest? I think to get the most out of the book it would be best to read Jessamine first as you can relate more to the other characters who are on the periphery of the story. I absolutely loved this book Shani Struthers is a great storyteller.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequel is just as Good as the original

I loved this book! Shani Struthers knows how to write a book that makes you become the characters in her books. The sequel to " Jessamin", "Comraich" loses nothing in the plot about a dead woman sharing the secrets of a horrifying accident that happened 60 years ago and how it
haunts Jessamin in the present. Struthers has to be magic, because as I was reading,I could feel the rain lashing and the Mysts curling and weaving along the hills. I can literally see the cottage where Jessamine loved when she first moved to the village. The story was flawless!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comraich, meaning Sanctuary in Gaelic is the home of Jessamin and her partner Fionnlagh Maccaillin, who is an injured ex-army man and Jessamin’s landlord from Skye Croft, which she rented, and is introduced in book one.
This is the Struthers sequal in her Jessamine series. I read it straight after reading the first story and it continues from book one nicely. Jessamin is now pregnant and decides to ‘refresh’ Comraich, this leads to new discoveries and the answers to old mysteries.
The blurb says Shani Struthers is the, “No 1 Bestseller in Scottish Historical Romance”. I recommend it to readers who have read and enjoyed Jessamine.

[Colin Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic

Both this and Jessamine are not my usual genre to select to read.
Only selected because I had read the psychic surveys series and boy am I glad I did.
Shan Struthers art as a story teller is second to none and her skill as a writer is something to behold.
Thank you once again for the world that is Comraich.

[Gina Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! An excellent follow on from the first book in the series. I love the characters in this series, a captivating tale. Highly recommended!

[Joanne Emily Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comraich

A great follow on story from Jessimne. A great romantic story which takes you back in time which sometimes can be very sad. Love love loved it

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comraich by Shani struthers.
I really enjoyed this book. Although jessamine was more eerie and scary I still enjoyed it. I have read most of shani books and I love them all. 4*.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it made me cry.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

We continue Jess's story a couple of years after we left the first novel. Her and Fin are expecting their first baby with excitement, but, mainly due to Jess's influence, they are not yet married, which has become a strain on them both at times living in such a small place. Jess is then totally thrown for six, after choosing Beth's old room at Comraich for the baby's nursery and getting it ready for redecoration, she discovers a hidden compartment in an old dressing table which contains a hand written diary of Beth's life and experiences. The story then continues from both Beth and Jess's perspectives, shedding the truth of the death of Beth's twin sister Flo, during the war years, whilst Jess struggles with a secret she discovers about Fin. I really enjoyed the story which had mystery, romance, dark desires, secrets, unrequited/forbidden love and ghosts of the past, all rolled into one. I listened to this second part on Audio Book again and felt immediately drawn into the story with the new narrator, Sheila Dearden, who did a great job of telling it.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comraich was a fantastic sequel and conclusion to the Jessamin story. Time has passed and the past is brought to the modern day when Jess finds letters that have been secreted away by Beth, Stan's deceased wife. She learns the story from the past from reading these letters and her now becomes easier for her to see how love turns an twists, and two loves can happen at Comraich the true Sanctuary.

[Sylvia Howie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read several of her book including all of the psychic survey series, Shank never disappoint me.

Both books in this series were a delight to read.

Thank you Shani. I nearly out the books down from start to finish. You are firmly one of my favourite authors

[Mrs Doreen A Broomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comraich book 2 the jassamine series

Another brilliant book I loved number 1 and this follow on is all I expected and more what wonderful story highly recommend Shani struthers is a wonderful writer I can’t wait to read another thank you

[Dawn Charlton-Strang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant yet again.

That’s me finished reading all of Shanis books and loved them all. Her characters are so well explained that you feel you know them. Cannot wait for the new Psychic Surveys.

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

I love all the books from this author, they are all page turner's.
The way the books are written it really feels like you're in the places the books are set.

[Lisa Osler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this