Lark Returning

by Elisabeth McNeill

Can Lark take the path of the woman who went before her and learn to follow her heart? Lark is a much-loved forces sweetheart spreading comfort as she sings in the music halls while Scotland’s sons fight in the Great War. But despite her fortune, Lark yearns for a life away from the crowds. She sets out to make a fresh start in the Border country seeking the contentment that has eluded her. Decades earlier, Lark’s great-grandmother, Jane , found herself in the same hills, in unhappy circumstances. Yet the beauty of the land brought peace to her when all hope seemed lost. A poignant and atmospheric multigenerational saga for fans of Val Wood and Tessa Barlcay.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

A pseudonym of Liz Taylor.
Elisabeth McNeill is a long-established freelance journalist and broadcaster who has written five non-fiction books and thirteen novels. She now lives with a miniature dachshund, who thinks he is a Great Dane, in the oldest inhabited village on the Scottish borders, where she spent most of her shcooldays.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

McNeill pens riveting stories set in the 18th century Scottish borderlands. Strongly character driven, this saga follows the matriarchal line of Jane, Aylie and Hannah. They scrabble out a living as bondswomen performing heavy farm labor for practically starvation wages. Their devotion, strength and resilience in the face of seemingly impossible odds is remarkable. The novel entranced this reader from page one to the last page. I’m so enjoying this author that I intend to read every one of her books I can get my hands on. *** Don’t be fooled by the “bodice ripper” covers, the novels are well researched historical fiction that are written by this author who is a gifted storyteller.

[Lucy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how many times I have read this book but each time I enjoy it just as much as the first time. This book til this day remains my favourite and is now permanently kept in my bedside to pick up again (as I will) and hasn't gone in my bookcase.
Following through the book with the characters that span throughout the decades makes you love and feel for them all. Thank you Elisabeth McNeill for writing this!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite books. I've had it on my shelf since my sister gave it to me in high school. I've read it lots of times & plan to read it again someday.