As the title suggests, this is a novel about a relationship between a mismatched couple. Felicity, the daughter of a retired tea planter, is on holiday on the Isle of Skye in 1937 when she meets John Norman, a young fisherman. Their first encounter is a prickly one but when they later bump into each other during a London air raid, a tentative friendship begins. As a merchant seaman, John Norman is caught up in perilous convoy duties while Felicity finds a role at Bletchley Park. Their long-distance relationship falls prey to doubts and misunderstandings that have fateful consequences, not only for them but into the future.

The May-July edition of ‘Scottish Islands Explorer’ features an article about the history and geography of the island of Rona, off the Isle of Skye. This rugged and remote island plays a central role in my historical novel, ‘No Safe Anchorage’.

I spent a very enjoyable evening on 5 March at Kyle SWRI. We had a very lively discussion about books and there were some very perceptive questions that put me on my mettle. We ended in traditional fashion with tea and delicious cakes.

Do you know the beautiful  song by Robert Burns, ‘Ae Fond Kiss’?
‘Ae fond kiss and then we sever
Ae fareweel, and then for ever,
Deep in heartwrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and hopes I’ll wage thee.’

I’m using a line from the 4th verse – ‘Had we never loved so blindly’ as the title of my third historical novel, set during the Second World War. It should be published late this year. 

Events at Fort William and Edinburgh

As part of Book Week Scotland in November 2019 I gave a talk at Fort William Library and enjoyed some lovely cakes. This was followed by another talk at the Pentlands Book Festival in Edinburgh where I spoke about the influence of myths and legends on my writing. The Waters of Leith made a welcome break from the busy streets. This was followed by an enjoyable session at Dingwall library after driving through beautiful countryside.

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It’s always especially enjoyable doing book talks on home territory. This is some of the Sleat Book Group in South Skye. We had a lively discussion with plenty of laughs.

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I had a warm welcome from Dingwall Rotary Club. After a hot day we travelled back to Skye through a Wagnerian storm of thunder and lightning.

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I’ve now reached the extremities of Britain – Penzance in July 2018 and John O’Groats in April 2019. The dogs are playing on the sands at Dunnett Head, the most northerly promontory of Britain.

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 I gave a number of talks while I was down in Galloway in March. The first was at Lockerbie Library. The fine sheep sculptures are in the High Street. This was followed by a talk at the Beltie Book Shop and Café in Wigtown and I had to include a picture of the photogenic local cattle and lastly I did a book signing at WHSmith in Dumfries High Street. The antibiotics seem to be working and Steve is feeling more human now. We’ve got a big new screen which I’m enjoying using.

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