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#HistFicThursdays - Things to Inspire - Religious Artefacts

 Writing historical fiction, it is impossible to ignore the overwhelming impact religion had on people's lives. It was not only the structure of organised religion, but the interwoven beliefs which dominated people's lives. Christianity, the religion which runs through most of my historical fiction, grew and survived with its ability to adapt as it spread from place to place and culture to culture, absorbing certain traditions as it powered on. I love Theology. I did my undergraduate degree in it, and it continues to remain a real interest of mine. I also love the idea of holding hands across history, seeing what my characters saw, and holding the same objects in my own hands as they or their peers did. Given the significance of religion and superstition throughout history, these things were common - although not necessarily accessible - and would have been understood by all. Religious iconography dominated Pre-Reformation Europe, speaking as a universal language to all. These

"Hebridean Storm" Book Review

Book Review

"Hebridean Storm" by Libby Patterson

☆☆☆


Something that I really loved about “Hebridean Storm” was the way the characters were developed. Matt went on a very clear journey from the beginning of the novel, but most of all, I loved how the baddies were portrayed. The main baddy was clearly really bad but the two henchmen could be identified with. I think the passages written from their point of view really helped with this, and it showed them as real-life 3D characters.

The plot was very exciting and had me sitting on the edge of my seat at times. Although I’m from Scotland, I’m not used to the Hebrides (being more of a north coast girl!) but I found the references to the geography very interesting. Being very familiar with an island community, I could recognise some of the characters clearly!

The book does, however, need proofreading. There are a lot of errors – mostly with speech marks. It’s very easy for an author to read over these so it’s handy to get the opinion and help from someone else. It doesn’t have to be a professional – just someone who can distance themselves from the plot.

The Gaelic works well in the speech but I’d avoid using it in the narrative.

I’m saying these constructive comments because I think this book really deserves the time these amendments will take. This is a really good book! I’m looking forward to reading the next one!

Blurb from Goodreads

Matt MacAulay is a disheartened, medically retired Royal Marine, who feels trapped, back at home on the Scottish Island of South Uist, in the Outer Hebrides. His self esteem and drive abandoning him as he felt the Navy had. Travelling to Glasgow on family business, he intervenes to help a woman; Marieke and her small child who he thinks are being mugged. He is unwittingly dragged into their nightmare, being hunted down by ruthless villains led by Nick Parson, a bent London copper, who will stop at nothing to silence her and recapture the evidence she holds against him.

To keep them safe, Matt brings her home to Uist, thinking no one will find them in the peaceful hills of the remote community. But he underestimates Parson, who follows them home like an unrelenting Hebridean Storm. They hide, but even here, nowhere is safe. Matt seeks help from friends and family, but will it be enough to escape with their lives and to protect the safety of those they love?

(Buy it here!!)

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