All books reviewed by Sharma Krauskopf and she has given the entire series

When Lillian Beckwith, a middle-aged teacher in a smoky north of England town, was ordered by her doctor to take a complete rest somewhere in the country, she advertised in a suitable magazine. Among many tempting offers came this letter from a Hebridean crofter: Dear Madam, Its just now I saw your advert when I got the book for the knitting pattern I wanted from my cousin Catriona. I am sorry I did not write sooner if you are fixed up if you are not in any way fixed up I have a good good stone house and tiles and my brother Ruari who will wash down with lime twice every year. Ruari is married and lives just by. She is not damp. I live by myself and you could have the room that is not a kitchen and a bedroom reasonable. I was in the kitchen of the lairds house till lately when he was changed God rest his soul the poor old gentleman. that he was. You would be very welcomed. I have a cow also for milk and eggs and the minister at the manse will be referee if you wish such. Yours affectionately, MORAG McDUGAN P.S. She is not thatched.

The book is made up of chapters on many serious subjects so we thought we would share one with you.

The Wife of Little Ian

Although it was some time before Angus could think of taking time off to get married the conversation when I called at Janet's a few nights later dwelt frequently on the subject of the forthcoming wedding. The general opinion was that, at twenty-four, Angus was 'gey young to be thinkin' of marryin',' but it was accepted that his earnings, legitimate and illegitimate, were good and that he could well afford the lavish entertainment he was promising.

'There'll likely be a dance afterwards?' One of the teenage lassies spoke up, her eyes glowing with excitement.

'Indeed there will so.' Janet was emphatic. 'Angus was tellin' me he's after speakin' to the piper that's to play the "Grand March", an' to a band that's to play for the dance afterwards.'

'There'll be a good drink in it, anyway,' confirmed Erchy with a happy wink that embraced the whole company. 'He was tellin' me he's reckonin' on a bottle of whisky for each man an' a half bottle of sherry for each woman.'

'That's goin' to cost him a penny,' said Morag.

'Aye, an' that'll not be includin' the food we get besides,' added Erchy. 'He's plannin' somethin' pretty good.' 'Wis drinks like tsat, who'd be wantin' food besides?' put in Hector in his lispy Highland voice. 'He can leave tse food out of it. Tsere's no sense in wastin' money, after all.'

'It's time we had a good weddin' hereabouts,' said old Murdoch. 'It's long enough since the last one. 'You should get married yourself if you're that keen on weddin's,' Johnny told him.

The old man's face crinkled in a sad smile. 'Ach, the sun is too far in the west for those games now, I'm thinkin',' he said regretfully, and comforted himself by vigorously knocking out his pipe.

Bean Ian Beag (the wife of little Ian) stood up. 'There's some folks finds it easy enough to make money,' she observed pettishly. 'An' they find plenty things to waste it on.' She sniffed.

Ach, you'll no say that when you're enjoyin' yourself at the weddin',' old Murdoch soothed.

'I'll not be goin' to any weddin'.' There was a bitter edge to her voice as she made the announcement. 'Not goin'?' exclaimed the jovial Anna Vic. 'Why ever not? It's a shame not to go if you're invited.' She centred her large backside more comfortably on the inadequate kitchen chair. 'There's nothin' will keep me from goin',' she added firmly, and then, catching Morag's eyes, added uneasily, 'Unless I break my neck first.'

'I don't see the sense of wastin' money on big swanky weddin's,' pursued Bean Ian Beag disapprovingly, but Erchy cut her short.

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