The Stolen Hours: An epic romantic tale of forbidden love, book two of the Wild Isle Series

In 1929, Mhairi MacKinnon is in need of a husband, so her father arranges for her to marry Donald, a business acquaintance on distant Harris. Mhairi returns as an engaged woman but has lost her heart to the wrong man. When St Kilda is to be evacuated, the lovers are granted a few months reprieve, but those last days bring trauma and heartache. When a dead body is found on the abandoned isle, all three are under suspicion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

A captivating new series unfolds, intricately woven by the masterful pen of one of our most prolific and talented writers, Santa Montefiore. The Last Summer introduces us to Mhairi MacKinnon, a reluctant bride caught in a forbidden romance on the enchanting island of St Kilda.

As the eldest daughter among nine children, Mhairi faces the impending winter with a heavy burden on her shoulders. Her father has made it clear that he cannot support her beyond that point. With limited options on the small Scottish island, Mhairi's fate seems sealed. However, her neighbor, Donald, has a business acquaintance on distant Harris who is also in search of a spouse. A clever plan is hatched for Donald to chaperone Mhairi and make the introduction on his final crossing of the year, before the autumn seas close them off from the outside world.

Mhairi returns as an engaged woman, yet her heart has been captured by someone other than her fiancé. Deeply in love with the wrong man, she knows that their union is impossible, yet she cannot resist the pull of their connection. As the spring approaches, Mhairi dreads the impending departure from home, knowing that she will be forced to become a stranger's wife.

However, a glimmer of hope emerges when word spreads that St Kilda is to be evacuated. The lovers are granted a few precious months of reprieve, allowing them to enjoy a summer of stolen hours together. But those last days on St Kilda bring with them a mix of trauma and heartache, as Mhairi and her friends, Effie and Flora, face their own challenges.

When a dead body is discovered on the abandoned isle, all three women find themselves under the shadow of suspicion. As they navigate the treacherous waters of mystery and intrigue, they must unravel the truth behind the tragedy and confront the dark secrets that lie within the island's shores.

The Stolen Hours is the second installment in Karen Swan's bestselling Wild Isle Series. It continues to captivate readers with its powerful writing, captivating premise, and intricate characters. The novel seamlessly blends romance, mystery, and historical detail, transporting readers to the enchanting island of St Kilda and immersing them in a tale of love, loss, and redemption.

Praise for The Last Summer (Book One):

"Powerful writing and a wonderful premise make this a novel you'll simultaneously want to savour and race through." - Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You?

"The most exciting, enchanting, and evocative novel I've read in a long time." - Goodreads reviewer

"A beautifully written and captivating story that will keep you hooked until the very end." - Amazon reviewer

"A must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance." - Booklist reviewer

As Mhairi and Donald navigate the complexities of their relationship and the treacherous waters of St Kilda, they must confront their own demons and learn to trust each other. The island's secrets and the dark forces that lurk within its shores continue to threaten their happiness, and they must find a way to overcome them before it's too late.

The Last Summer is a testament to Santa Montefiore's talent as a storyteller. Her vivid descriptions and intricate plotlines transport readers to the heart of St Kilda and keep them engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, with their flaws and strengths making them relatable and compelling. The historical setting adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the story, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the era and experience the joys and challenges of a bygone era.

In conclusion, The Last Summer is a gripping and captivating novel that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Wild Isle Series. Santa Montefiore's masterful writing and intricate plotlines make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance. Prepare to be transported to the enchanting island of St Kilda and immerse yourself in a tale of love, loss, and redemption that will stay with you long after the last page.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529084412