Scarlet Ribbons

by Emma Blair

Sadie Smith, born with a degenerative hip, is unable to walk. Sent to a Dr Barnardo's home for treatment, she is so excited that she fails to realise she will never see her beloved family again. In 1927, once fully cured, Sadie is offered the opportunity of a lifetime; to start a new life in Canada. But when she arrives at the Trikhardts' farm in the heart of Ontario, her new life seems far from perfect. Worked from dawn to dusk, she treasures the scarlet ribbons her mother gave her and seeks solace in her friendship with fellow orphan, cheeky-faced Robbie. A freak hurricane finally provides Sadie with a lucky escape. From Canadian parlourmaid to pilot in Britain's Air Transport Auxillary, from office clerk to managing director, Sadie has to draw on her courage and strength in a determined struggle to find the lasting happiness that had eluded her as a child.

Genres: Fiction

576 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 1991

About the author

Iain Blair was born on 12 August 1942 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. He was an actor and writer, married with the also writer Jane Blanchard. Initially he wrote plays for theatre and television, but later began to write novels. He started out writing suspense novels as Iain Blair, but after being unsuccessful with this genre, switched to writing popular historical romance fiction sagas. But according to his Web site, Iain Blair's publishers decided he'd sell far more books simply by being published as a woman because is a women's fiction genre. "I was given absolutely no choice in the matter. They'd decided on a sex change and even the name. So that was that. Emma I became and Emma I've stayed." His true identity remained a secret until 1998 when his novel Flower of Scotland was nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association Awards, which required him to admit to being the author. He passed away on 3 July 2011 in Torquay, Devon, England.

Reviews

[Stephlightfoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book read it many years ago. it made me laugh and cry at times would like to reread and see how i feel about it as an adult

[Sarah Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never re-read books but I have read this book 3 times during my life so far and will no doubt read again in a few years. Such a great book that has truly imprinted in my heart

[charlene morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Another amazing book by Emma Blair Thankyou really really enjoyed scarlet ribbons !!! There is not an eb book I’ve not enjoyed!!

[нєνєℓ ¢ανα · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertainment, engaging and revealing...

[Neil Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first delve into "Romantic fiction". A very well told story.

[Sherry · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book promised so much and delivered nothing. The book started perfectly, deep, scarring, strong, practical and real enough for you to believe it. If I could, I wouldn't even give it a single star.


But then the writing, plot, plot twists, dialogues & characters all became so fake, pretentious, obvious, annoying and CLICHE. Even fiction has to be something you can believe in. I just HAD to stop it and jump read it through ending.

I read a review here, which stated a fact visible in almost all romance novels that the main character is always right. Hated that to bits.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book - a great read. If you like saga type novels you must read this.

Back Cover Blurb:
Born with a degenerative hip, Sadie grows up in a Barnado's home with only a pair of scarlet ribbons to remind her of her mother. In 1927, fully cured, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to start a new life in Canada. But life seems far from perfect on the Trikhardt's farm in Ontario.

[Sandra Riggans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping book that kept me interested right til the end

[Chloe Dorrington]

Brilliant....
Loved this book