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Prior's Ford #2
Drama Comes to Prior's Ford
There are new arrivals at Priors Ford—Meredith and Genevieve Whitelaw—who are determined to shake things up. Meanwhile, Alastair Marshall finds he is missing Clarissa Ramsay, now traveling the world to recover from the shock of her husband's affair, more than he would like to admit. At Tarbethill Farm, the McNair family is struggling to make ends meet, and face the prospect of losing the livelihood that has been in their family for generations. And Jenny Forsyth is to be reunited with her stepdaughter Maggie—but Maggie is now a precocious teenager very unhappy at the idea of country life, and determined to cause trouble.
- GenresContemporaryScotland
Paperback
First published January 8, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 19, 2017
As other reviewers have noted, this series can in some ways be compared to a soap opera in book form. Individual stories about the various characters continue through the books with a focus in each book such as the plays being rehearsed by the amateur drama group in this book which is the second book of the series.
The different focus of each book allows new characters to be introduced while carrying on the stories of the people we've already got to know in the previous book. It feels rather like revisiting somewhere you're very familiar with to catch up with all the news - the focus is not on big dramatic events but on interesting insights into human nature and the workings of a small community.
The different focus of each book allows new characters to be introduced while carrying on the stories of the people we've already got to know in the previous book. It feels rather like revisiting somewhere you're very familiar with to catch up with all the news - the focus is not on big dramatic events but on interesting insights into human nature and the workings of a small community.
March 30, 2020
3.5 stars
This is an ok read - I became involved enough with some of the characters that I would consider reading more in the series to see what happens to them.
This is an ok read - I became involved enough with some of the characters that I would consider reading more in the series to see what happens to them.
February 20, 2018
Much like any newcomer, it takes time to get to know who's who, to form friendships and become immersed in the daily rhythms of life in a village. I particularly feel this has been the case with the Prior's Ford series. Homesick for Gervase Phinn's Little Village School - which I loved - I perhaps judged the first book unfairly. Having revisited the central characters in this second instalment, I admit to having developed a curiosity as to how their stories will develop. So much so, at the conclusion of this, I've dived straight into book 3.
May 17, 2026
This was the second book in a series. I really did not like the teenager in the story and yes I know she has problems and probably doesn't realise what a dick her dad was to Jenny when they were married but her storyline was just a bit annoying. Hopefully she gets the truth in the next book(s) in the series. The other characters were all interesting. Would I read the next in the series? Not sure.
September 10, 2024
Gentle cosy read but I felt a bit put off by some topics which I felt were a little bigoted against. The author seems to look down of certain ways of living or clothing for no reason than being a little snobbish.
July 25, 2018
A hugely delightful read, vividly depicting country life.
November 5, 2018
A gentle meandering book for a lazy not too taxing afternoon
June 5, 2019
I like these little town series and this is mostly full of caring families, friends, and neighbors with a few troublemakers to keep it interesting.
October 18, 2020
I have to admit i have not read the one prior to this as it was a book bought for me. I found it a bit of a slow burner but kept with it and the further i got into it the more i liked it.
October 29, 2020
Absolutely love this series, this is what I need to read right now.
May 10, 2021
Another thrilling book, twists and turns and difficult to put down
January 26, 2023
Holds a bit of mystery along with a sweet storyline. Easy read
November 1, 2024
Quite entertaining - a soap opera in book form
September 11, 2010
#2 in the Prior's Ford series, which is what I'd call a sort of cozy-ish Scottish village soap opera. Set in the fictional village of Prior's Ford, the series is about the live of various villagers--their ups and downs, joys and sorrows and struggles through life.
In this book, a famous actress rents Willow Cottage for a year (while the newly-widowed owner is on a year-long trip around the world.) Meredith Whitelaw is "resting" away from the London spotlight after having been killed off in a TV series, and gets involved with the Prior's Ford amateur drama group to the delight of some and the dismay of others. Jenny Forsyth and her husband Andrew take in Jenny's long lost stepdaughter Maggie when her aging grandfather becomes ill and her grandmother must devote all her energy towards nursing him. Helen Campbell starts a new career as an "agony aunt" for a local newspaper. Fliss and Hector Ralston-Kerr begin using the money they were given last book to get their manor home in repair and working for the first time in years.
This isn't the sort of book I normally read and was surprised at the end of the first one how much I'd enjoyed it. This one was much the same. At times cheesy and too-sweet, yet very endearing; a nice, calming read which makes a welcome change from some of the bloody, harsh mysteries I read. Looking forward to the next one!
In this book, a famous actress rents Willow Cottage for a year (while the newly-widowed owner is on a year-long trip around the world.) Meredith Whitelaw is "resting" away from the London spotlight after having been killed off in a TV series, and gets involved with the Prior's Ford amateur drama group to the delight of some and the dismay of others. Jenny Forsyth and her husband Andrew take in Jenny's long lost stepdaughter Maggie when her aging grandfather becomes ill and her grandmother must devote all her energy towards nursing him. Helen Campbell starts a new career as an "agony aunt" for a local newspaper. Fliss and Hector Ralston-Kerr begin using the money they were given last book to get their manor home in repair and working for the first time in years.
This isn't the sort of book I normally read and was surprised at the end of the first one how much I'd enjoyed it. This one was much the same. At times cheesy and too-sweet, yet very endearing; a nice, calming read which makes a welcome change from some of the bloody, harsh mysteries I read. Looking forward to the next one!
June 22, 2012
Ah life in a bucolic village in a Scottish village, Prior's Ford. I got, as a reader to enjoy the comings and goings of this calm (at least on the outside view) village. However, there are many waves underneath the ford.
Clarissa Ramsay, who is traveling the world, leases her house out to a television soap star, resting, and causes a mild uproar within the amateur theatre company.The star graciously agrees to direct and even star in one of three dramas...but what about the usual stars??? Not to mention the long suffering daughter of the star who just wants to putter about gardens.
The local artist, Alastair Marshall, finds he misses Clarissa too much. They exchange letters, one in words and Alastair in drawings. He receives an unexpected visit by Clarissa's Step Daughter, what is that about???
Then there is the heir to the Ralston-Kerr holdings, Lewis the son is a new parent, or is he? His Mother just isn't feeling too sure about this issue. Why can't he see the beauty in the girl in the garden...???
These and many other questions pepper this gentle flowing read. For me, who was attending a very stressful wedding, what a companion read. Enjoy!
Clarissa Ramsay, who is traveling the world, leases her house out to a television soap star, resting, and causes a mild uproar within the amateur theatre company.The star graciously agrees to direct and even star in one of three dramas...but what about the usual stars??? Not to mention the long suffering daughter of the star who just wants to putter about gardens.
The local artist, Alastair Marshall, finds he misses Clarissa too much. They exchange letters, one in words and Alastair in drawings. He receives an unexpected visit by Clarissa's Step Daughter, what is that about???
Then there is the heir to the Ralston-Kerr holdings, Lewis the son is a new parent, or is he? His Mother just isn't feeling too sure about this issue. Why can't he see the beauty in the girl in the garden...???
These and many other questions pepper this gentle flowing read. For me, who was attending a very stressful wedding, what a companion read. Enjoy!
January 11, 2012
Volume 2 in this series based in the Scottish Border town of Priors Ford, near Kirkcudbright (for those who have the misfortune not to be Scottish, this is pronounced Kirkoodbree) brings the advent of a TV star, a baby, a teen with hangups and the return of more than one resident. And I have to admit to asking myself why it is that everyone in this fictional little town only seems to drink instant coffee? Seems to me like Sam in his little shop should start selling coffee makers!
The story carries on where the previous one left off, but some new characters are introduced, some of whom got themselves into situations that made me laugh. It's a feel good story that often reminds me of the town I live in, which is also in the Scottish Borders. Gossip is rife, tensions are heightened and broken hearts are mending in this 300-odd page turner. I personally loved it, and am now about to commence on Volume 3, "Trouble in Priorsford". Wonder what the trouble is? Sam stocking coffee machines and banning instant coffee perhaps?!
The story carries on where the previous one left off, but some new characters are introduced, some of whom got themselves into situations that made me laugh. It's a feel good story that often reminds me of the town I live in, which is also in the Scottish Borders. Gossip is rife, tensions are heightened and broken hearts are mending in this 300-odd page turner. I personally loved it, and am now about to commence on Volume 3, "Trouble in Priorsford". Wonder what the trouble is? Sam stocking coffee machines and banning instant coffee perhaps?!
May 15, 2013
If like myself you haven't read the first book in Eve Houston's Prior's Ford series, Secret's In Prior's Ford, please don't be put off reading this, the second book, as it really does work perfectly well as a stand-alone novel.
A bit like becoming a newcomer to the village of Prior's Ford itself it took me a while to get to know my fellow villagers but once I did I found myself engrossed in the lives of characters such as the wonderfully out of touch (as for as teenagers go anyway) Andrew Forsyth and, my only criticism, the under-used Reverend Naomi Hennessey (think a Jamaican Vicar of Dibley type character with a son) who I hope we get to see lots more of in future books.
Warm, gentle, and yet with just enough soap opera type drama to make it feel realistic and not too sugary-sweet, this really is perfect armchair reading that because of the somewhat open ending will leave you wanting more.
Copyright: Petty Witter @ Pen and Paper.
A bit like becoming a newcomer to the village of Prior's Ford itself it took me a while to get to know my fellow villagers but once I did I found myself engrossed in the lives of characters such as the wonderfully out of touch (as for as teenagers go anyway) Andrew Forsyth and, my only criticism, the under-used Reverend Naomi Hennessey (think a Jamaican Vicar of Dibley type character with a son) who I hope we get to see lots more of in future books.
Warm, gentle, and yet with just enough soap opera type drama to make it feel realistic and not too sugary-sweet, this really is perfect armchair reading that because of the somewhat open ending will leave you wanting more.
Copyright: Petty Witter @ Pen and Paper.
March 10, 2013
Enjoyable series!
April 6, 2014
This is a fun cozy village book. I hope to read more.
March 12, 2016
Fun and entertaining human story
April 10, 2026
A bit too soap-opera for me. I can see why some people like this, it is good cosy fiction. However, I really prefer a good murder, some ghosts or a thriller.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews