The Stolen Hours: An epic romantic tale of forbidden love, book two of the Wild Isle Series: 2

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As a fan of Karen Swan, I eagerly awaited the publication of. The Stolen Hours, the second book in the Lost Isles series. These books are set on the remote Hebridean Isle of St Kilda just before and after it's abandonment by the islanders in 1930. Thanks to Net Galley and Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read an advance copy of The Stolen Hours by Karen Swan in exchange for an honest review. I’ve long been a huge fan of this author and having already read The Lost Summer, the first of the series. I was eager to dive into this book. Overall, The Stolen Hours is another mysterious, captivating, highly immersive tale by Swan that kept me engaged from start to finish with its rugged depictions of island living and layered, complex, romantic entanglements and even though it’s only the second book in The Wild Isle trilogy, I can already tell this is definitely going to be one of my favourite historical fiction series of all time. The Stolen Hours is from Effie's good friend Mhairi's point of view. Mhairi takes a trip to the island of Harris to meet a farmer in need of a wife. Whilst away from her family Mhairi falls in love; but not with the man she is now obligated to marry. Christianity and God's wrath weigh in heavily in this novel and Mhairi's concerns for her virtue are real. She feels like a fallen woman, through no fault of her own, and these feelings go on to manufacture the course of her last few months on St Kilda. I was, however, a little less…engaged? Maybe? In Mhairi’s story. I loved her, don’t get me wrong. But there were a ton of aspects about that time period that just drove me (and my modern sensibilities) bonkers. I tried to temper that because it’s not fair to put my beliefs and expectations onto characters whose lives are very, very different from my own. When I was able to tamp down my 2023 expectations, I was glad to get a glimpse of what life was/could have been like for women on St. Kilda at that time. I don’t think I would have dealt with it well for all kinds of reasons!

I thought I had it all worked out at the end of the first book however this startling new story, set over the same time period, only from a different character's POV, left me with more questions and serious doubt as to my previous thoughts. This sweeping love story gripped us from the start, so we can't wait for the next in the series. Best historical romance * Independent on The Last Summer * The book is full of romance, heartache, drama, mystery, and adventure. The writing is engaging and atmospheric, making the reader feel immersed in the story. Karen Swan masterfully creates suspense and intrigue as the reader wonders how this relationship will end. 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.This series opener features an uncommon heroine and a fascinating historical setting that readers will enjoy." — Library Journal Powerful writing and a wonderful premise make this a novel you’ll simultaneously want to savour and race through. I loved it and can’t wait for the next in the series!' - Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You? The queen of destination books...exciting...beguiling...The first in a new series, we're already looking forward to meeting these characters again . . . * Woman and Home * The Last Summer is meticulously researched and beautifully told . . . a wonderfully satisfying read' – Santa Montefiore When word comes that St Kilda is to be evacuated, the lovers are granted a few months’ reprieve, enjoying a summer of stolen hours together. Only, those last days on St Kilda will also bring trauma and heartache for Mhairi and her friends, Effie and Flora. And when a dead body is later found on the abandoned isle, all three have reason enough to find themselves under the shadow of suspicion . . .

Set in a snow-covered Cotswolds village, The Christmas Postcards is a cosy, escapist festive delight about distant connections from Sunday Times bestselling author of The Stolen Hours, Karen Swan. 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 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, author of The Summer That Changed Us Although I have read a fair few Karen Swan novels I missed the first of the Wild Isle trilogy. This wasn't a problem as "The Stolen Hours" can be read as a standalone novel.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. Since the island is small and there are scarce prospects, a man is suggested from one of the neighbouring isles. The book also explores the history and culture of St Kilda, a fascinating place that was evacuated in 1930 due to harsh living conditions and dwindling population. The author vividly describes the island’s beauty and challenges, as well as the customs and traditions of its inhabitants.

When word comes that St Kilda is to be evacuated, the lovers are granted a few months' reprieve, enjoying a summer of stolen hours together. Only, those last days on St Kilda will also bring trauma and heartache for Mhairi and her friends, Effie and Flora. And when a dead body is later found on the abandoned isle, all three have reason enough to find themselves under the shadow of suspicion . . . 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. I so enjoyed The Last Summer by Karen Swan, which provides fascinating details about life on St Kilda prior to the evacuation of its inhabitants from the island. Powerful writing and a wonderful premise make this a novel you'll simultaneously want to savour and race through. I loved it and can't wait for the next in the series! -- Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You? Summer on St Kilda – a wild, remote Scottish island. In the 1930s, t wo strangers from drastically different worlds meet . . . This sweeping love story gripped us from the start, so we can't wait for the next in the series. Best historical romance of 2022." — The Independent

Advance Praise

The previous book The Last Summer unlike Swan's usual happy ending finished on a cliffhanger after the death of a central character. She also portrays the impact of the evacuation on the people, who had to leave behind their ancestral home and adapt to a new world. 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.