The Island Cottage

When Brid Harcus is sent to the Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland, she has high hopes for her trip being short, straightforward and lucrative.

Her mother has inherited a cottage from her Great Aunt Jennet which has been unlived in and unloved for decades, and the time has come to make it habitable and saleable. Easy, right?

But Midness Cottage has other ideas. For one thing it’s rather more ‘fixer upper’ than Country Living, with a resident goose and her goslings who have made themselves at home. And Brid definitely hadn’t planned for the strongly-held local belief that the cottage is meant to be the home of the Orkney Witch, and whomever lives in it must fulfil this role. Not the best message for the estate agent brochure and of course Brid doesn’t believe in magic, let alone have healing powers.

But Orkney does have healing powers. Its beauty and peace are enchanting, its people welcoming, and Brid’s handsome new friend Magnus is rather charming too. When her life back in York starts calling her home, will Brid sell up and ship out? Or did the last Orkney Witch cast a spell and leave a legacy of love if only Brid believed in magic…

Praise for Jane Lovering:

'I adored the dual timeline aspect of this gorgeous story and discovering the secrets from the past. Beautifully written and both heartbreaking and heartwarming' Jessica Redland

'A funny, warm-hearted read, filled with characters you'll love.' Matt Dunn on A Country Escape

What readers are saying about Jane Lovering:

‘I love a Jane Lovering book, she writes so wonderfully about real lives, relatable characters and situations. They are full of humour, as well as serious issues too but always the perfect balance so drama/sadness and joy/humour. Jane has her own unique style, one that I find full of heart, emotion, so engaging and enjoyable her books are just full of love.’

‘This was another wonderful read from an author who never disappoints – and yes, you’ve guessed it, it might just be my new favourite. Go on, add it to your reading list – you’re going to love it too!’

‘This is a sensitively written masterpiece and it grieves me to only award five stars because it truly deserves a 10 plus! Having finished it in less than a day, I am off to read it a second time because it is simply just that good!’

‘Jane has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Jane's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Jane's love for her characters shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I.’

‘Another well written and cunningly contrived book from Jane. Once more she combines humour, sensitivity and serious social issues with her well drawn and filled out characters.’