The Stolen Hours

The Stolen Hours by Karen Swan transports readers to the summer of 1929, where the windswept landscapes of St Kilda set the stage for a poignant tale of love, obligation, and self-discovery.

The Plot

Mhairi MacKinnon, the eldest of nine siblings, finds herself under immense pressure from her father to secure a husband before winter descends. In a world where options are limited and familial duty reigns supreme, Mhairi's path seems predetermined. A plan is forged for her neighbour, Donald, to escort her to Harris to meet a potential fiancé. However, upon returning with an engagement ring, Mhairi discovers her heart has chosen a different path entirely.

The story deftly navigates the waters of forbidden romance and the secrets that linger within the island's rugged beauty. As Mhairi grapples with her emotions and choices, the narrative explores themes of love versus duty, the quest for personal happiness, and the complexities of relationships.

Themes

• Forbidden Love: The tension between societal expectations and personal desires.
• Family Obligations: The weight of familial duty and its impact on individual choices.
• Isolation vs. Connection: The challenges of finding love in a remote setting.

“A beautifully woven tale that captures the essence of longing and the heart's true desires.”

Fans of Karen Swan's previous works, as well as readers of romantic historical fiction, will find much to cherish in this evocative narrative that lingers long after the final page is turned.