King Oak debut novel by Catherine Arthur
George Hogtrough is risking his neck.
When his friend lures him into the murky world of smuggling, unexpected events unfold. Fearful of destitution, his wife Molly turns to drink, and her attention soon wanders towards her husband’s hated brother. Jesse is everything George is not – sober, hardworking, God-fearing. Should George discover her eye has strayed all hell will break loose.
However, hell has been weaving its mischief through the splintered family for years, and a dark secret between the brothers threatens to turn everyone’s lives upside down.
Follow the twisted tales and they all lead back to the King Oak.
The Common, September 1781
Marrying Hal Archer was a gamble, but as Annie was already carrying his child, she had little choice. A year on from her marriage and with her child thriving, Annie is more than content. That is, until she sees something which turns her world upside down.
Hal’s past is finally catching up with him and threatens to bring down the perfect world he has created for his family. He needs the support of his friends and kinsmen more than ever.
But will they be willing, or even able, to protect the family and save Hal from a dreadful fate?
When a blizzard cuts off the remote village of Carraigfola, little do the inhabitants know what mischief arrived ahead of the storm. Accusations and incarceration follow, but all is not quite as it seems.
The tiny chapel of St Julian serves as both prison and house of God. Chained to its wall, one man believes it will be his last resting place unless the thaw comes and by some miracle he is released. However, not everyone is so sure of his guilt. Fighting against the prejudice and fears of the other villagers, Bébinn Ó Cuilinn and Gráinne MacCrory struggle to keep him from freezing to death. Set at the beginning of 1801 in Northern Ireland,
Winter’s Hiding is a tale of desperation and indecent deviltry, of vindictive acts and hasty recriminations. But among the darkness, grace and generosity of spirit shine bright.