The Wind from the Hills

Rating:
Summary: Good read-excellent characters
Review: By 1891 in the Scottish Hebrides Islands, Biddy Campbell is a wealthy widow. Her marriage left her without children and nothing to do with her deceased husband's family. Biddy tests perspective mates seeking a fertile future.

On the other hand also on the "Western Islands," her sister Innis remains married to ultra-pious Michael Tarrant. They have three children, but Innis buries her feelings to remain faithful and loyal to her demanding, acerbic husband, who once was her sister's lover.

The mix abruptly changes when widower Gillies Brown and his horde of children arrive in town. Innis finds herself extremely attracted to the new schoolmaster while pressure mounts for Biddy to remarry. As Innis relooks her marital and religious vows, Biddy takes in her teenage nephew with an uncertain future awaiting the two siblings.

The second installment in Jessica Sterling's highly regarded "The Isle of Mull" trilogy is a fabulous period piece that makes the late nineteenth century Scotland feel so vividly and passionately real. The story line centers on the differences and similarities of the two sisters. However, as expected from this wonderful author, the characters make the tale. Each individual (primary, secondary, and other) seems so complete and genuine, the audience will think they know everyone. THE WINDS FROM THE HILLS is not just sterling silver, it is 24K gold.

Harriet Klausner