A dramatic start to a gripping new series set on the Scottish island of St Kilda. The Last Summer is meticulously researched and beautifully told by one of our most prolific and talented writers. It contains all the ingredients of a wonderfully satisfying read: love, passion, drama, violence, menace and peril, and characters you fall in love with - and some you hate! Happily, this is the start of a series so your longing for more will be fulfilled. -- Santa Montefiore, author of Flappy Investigates on The Last Summer

I was extremely excited to read this second book in Karen's Swan's series. The first showed what a departure it was from her usual stand-alone stories. However, the level of detail and evident research made that a compelling read. The most exciting, enchanting and evocative story of forbidden love I've ever read. I truly loved it and am waiting feverishly for the second instalment." —Cathy Bramley Wonderfully romantic and epic in feel, this beautiful historical novel is a fascinating and deliciously escapist read -- Tasmina Perry, author of Guilty Pleasures and Perfect Strangers

Summary

A bitter winter in a harsh unforgiving land and a village that works as one; betrothals, secrets, death, superstitions, loyalty and friendships, The Stolen Hours is a must read.

The previous book The Last Summer unlike Swan's usual happy ending finished on a cliffhanger after the death of a central character. What a great adventure! The perfect way to tell the tale of the St Kilda's population in fiction form. History fans will love the fascinating St Kilda detail woven throughout this thrilling romance. Wonderful!" —Jennifer Ryan, author of The Chilbury Ladies Choir and The Kitchen FrontThe most exciting, enchanting and evocative story of forbidden love I've ever read. I truly loved it and am waiting feverishly for the second instalment -- Cathy Bramley, author of The Summer That Changed Us Met een schrijfstijl die inmiddels voelt als thuiskomen, zie je in dit boek ook alles weer levendig voor je. Het is een oase van rust die over je heen komt. Pure ontspanning. The writing is expressive and rich. The characters are hardworking, fierce, and loyal. And the plot is an enchanting tale of life, loss, family, friendship, community, drama, mystery, intrigue, responsibilities, expectations, heartbreak, and forbidden love. When Duffy promises to keep Natasha updated with pictures, a correspondence begins that soon becomes more meaningful. Sometimes, Natasha feels this stranger half way across the world understands her more than the man lying next to her. The Stolen Hours was no different. Written at a parallel time to the first, we see events unfold through the eyes of the second of a trio of friends from St Kilda. The first was Effie's view. This time we learned more about Mhaira.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, romance, or stories set in Scotland. It is a captivating and emotional read that will keep you hooked until the end. The Last Summer is meticulously researched and beautifully told . . . a wonderfully satisfying read' – Santa Montefiore A delicious romantic tale of wild 1930s Scotland...Perfect for everyone dreaming of summer." —Rachel HoreThe vivid beauty and danger of St. Kilda only enhances Swan’s effortlessly intricate plotting. Toeing the line between romance and historical fiction, this gorgeous story and its unconventional heroine are sure to win hearts... A promising new series." — Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW The last third of the book felt a bit repetitive, it is the moment when the evacuation is mentioned - it feels a bit the same but also bit differently, told through different point of view. The author had my emotions all over the place. Tears and laughter were all there. I am eager to read Effie’s story so that I am clued up with her POV. I can’t wait for the rest of the series. I loved being a part of the St. Kilda community. She meets him and finds some attraction, but confusion sets in as certain feelings she experiences may not be appropriate, especially as they are not all for the man to be her intended.