Lesley Mackie

Five young Ayrtons all grew up at Amberwell, playing in the gardens and preparing themselves to venture out into the world. To each of these children, Amberwell meant something different, but common to all of them was the idea that it was more than just where they lived - it was part of them.  Book 1 of series.

Balmoral Castle, 1905. For Rose McQuinn, a cottage on the Royal estate promises a summer of unaccustomed luxury. But the holiday takes a darker turn when Rose is warned not to interfere in two deaths that occur soon after her arrival. When the sinister tide of events threatens her own family, Rose is determined to track down the killer lurking among the sportsmen - a killer whose aim is to bring down more than just the game birds.

Maeve O'Donavan has arrived in Edinburgh from County Cork, and is shocked by the prejudice she encounters. When she loses her position as a maid, she is delighted to find a job as an assistant in the wardrobe department of the Queen's Theatre. She finds herself attracted to Harry Alpin, a theatre lighting man who harbours a desire to act. But will his prejudiced family ever be willing to accept an Irish girl as Harry's bride?

Sisters, Heather and Kirsty Grace are looking for adventure, away from their predictable lives in a small town near Glasgow. Then Kirsty, who sings with a band, is spotted by Larry Delaney. Is this their chance for a different kind of life?

Edinburgh, 1923. Bright, spirited Shona Murray has found her niche in a city florist's, where she excels and is content - until, suddenly, she must make decisions that will change everything. Fraser Kyle, the owner of the florist's, proposes marriage. Should she accept, or renew her love for Mark Lindsay, the doctor from the orphanage who first showed Shona the Handkerchief Tree that inspired her? Or will newly arrived Brett Webster steal her heart? Shona must find true courage to know where her happiness lies.

Kilt maker Kirsty Muir finds life hard in 1960s Edinburgh, where money is tight and excitement hard to find. When a charming Scottish fiddler, Jack MacIver, comes into her life and introduces her to a glamorous new world, it seems she has finally found her way out. But Kirsty is left broken-hearted, when he disappears off on tour. Her heart is mended by Andrew Macrae, owner of the kilt shop, and it seems as though Kirsty will find happiness after all. That is until the day when she finds Jake waiting outside her door, full of apologies and claims of love. Should Kirsty follow her first love or settle for the dependability of Andrew? Or is there another way..?

Since losing their parents, Kate and Andrew Dunbar have been living with their cold-hearted aunt and uncle within the vaults of Edinburgh's South Bridge. Worked relentlessly, Kate has little chance to secure a different way of life for herself and her brother. Until the day that Richard Hope walks into her life...

When intelligent, ambitious Elinor Rae leaves her crowded tenement family home to become a maid in an exclusive ladies' club in the idyllic Primrose Square, she doesn't look back. Then a chance meeting with, and subsequent attraction to the handsome, charming Barry Howat turns her life upside down.

Sequel to 'The Shimmer Of The Herring' (6190). After the death of her husband, Bethany Pate assumes that she will have control of their fish-curing business and be independent. To her horror she learns that her husband has left everything, including Bethany, to his brother, Nathan Pate.

As the daughter of the Stationmaster, Carrie Burgess has a charmed life, but when her father dies she and her mother are forced out of their home and money is tight. Ignoring her true feelings for labourer Ewan, Carrie marries Matt Campbell, but finds that his earlier devotion hides a violent man.

The continuing story of the lives and loves of the Ayrton family, in particular that of Major Roger Ayrton M.C. It begins as Roger is flying home to Amberwell on leave, full of plans for his family and home. Book 2 of series.

Rhoda, an artist from London and her childhood sweetheart James finally wed, following a lot of deliberation particularly on Rhoda?s side. Her love for James out-balances her career and she takes the plunge into living the life of a farmer?s wife at Boscath farm in Scotland. Arriving at Boscath, they employ a cook, Miss Flockie, who is exceptional in her duties and more importantly, a friend to Rhoda. Their new home, although quaint, is isolated, and Rhoda misses her life in London. With James tending to the farm, Rhoda impulsively decides she will start painting again and finds inspiration in her beautiful surroundings. Their marriage is strong and both James and Rhoda rise to the challenge of their life in rough weather.  Book 3 of series.