I’m so thrilled to be staying in with Anne Stormont today because I feel as if I’ve ‘known’ Anne forever. She has been such a wonderful supporter of Linda’s Book Bag that I’m delighted to welcome her here today.
If you’re an author who’d also like to stay in with me to tell me about one of your books, please click here for more details.
Staying in with Anne Stormont
Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag, Anne. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me as I feel I’ve known you for ever.
Which of your books have you brought along to share with me and why have you chosen it?
I’ve chosen Displacement. I chose it as I still feel very close to it and its characters. This could be because I’m currently writing its sequel, Settlement. And I’d like to introduce readers of this blog to the main characters Rachel and Jack and their story.
(Brilliant – so blog readers can soon get their hands on two books featuring Rachel and Jack.)
What can we expect from an evening in with Displacement?
You’ll be transported to the beautiful and wild landscape of the Isle of Skye and then to the heat and edginess of the contested land of Israel-Palestine.
(Crikey – that’s some journey!)
You’ll spend time with former Edinburgh policeman Jack, and with children’s book writer, illustrator and crofter Rachel. And you’ll follow the growing relationship between this – on the face of it – mismatched pair.
The supporting cast should prove good company too. They include Jack’s six-year-old granddaughter Poppy, and Rachel’s good friend, Morag, who are keen to see Jack and Rachel get together. Then there’s Jack’s friend and sometime lover, Bridget, and Rachel’s Israeli suitor, Eitan, who’d like to keep them apart.
Because the theme of the book is displacement, you’ll be prompted to think about certain political issues such as the plight of refugees and the consequences of war, but you’ll also be confronted by personal issues such as bereavement and divorce. All-in-all you can expect an emotional and hopefully heart-warming time in two relatively unusual settings – from a book that’s probably best described as contemporary fiction in the romance-plus genre.
(I love the sound of Displacement Anne. I think it sounds a perfect book for me.)
What else have you brought along and why?
Two things:
I’ve brought a bottle of Talisker malt whisky from the distillery on Skye. This is a favourite drink of Jack’s and I’m rather partial to it myself. I’ll pour us a wee dram each and we’ll say the Scots Gaelic toast – Slainte Mhath (pronounced slanje va) which means Good Health – before enjoying this smoky, peaty flavoured amber liquid.
(I’m not a big spirits drinker Anne but this does sound delicious.)
And I’ve also brought along some delicious Middle-Eastern snacks. There are olives, homemade hummus and falafels and some tasty bread. They actually go rather well with the whisky. Enjoy!
(Now you’re talking. I love Middle-Eastern food!)
Thanks so much for staying in with me to tell me all about Displacement Anne. It sounds a wonderful read.
Displacement
A story of love, courage and hope
Divorce, the death of her soldier son and estrangement from her daughter, leave Hebridean crofter, Rachel Campbell, grief stricken, lonely and lost.
Forced retirement due to a heart condition leaves former Edinburgh policeman Jack Baxter needing to take stock and find a new direction for his life.
When the two of them meet in dramatic circumstances on a wild winter’s night on the island of Skye, a mutually supportive friendship develops between them, despite their very different personalities.
But with Rachel due to be in the Middle East for several months and Jack already in a relationship, it seems unlikely they’ll get the chance to take their relationship any further – much as they might want to.
Set against the contrasting and dramatic backdrops of the Scottish island of Skye and the contested country of Israel-Palestine, this book tells a story of love, home and heritage and what happens when these are threatened at a political and a personal level.
Displacement is available for purchase on Amazon UK and Amazon US
About Anne Stormont
Anne Stormont writes contemporary women’s fiction. So far she has published two novels Change of Life and Displacement. She is currently working on a sequel to Displacement which will be out in 2018. She has also written a children’s novel called The Silver Locket published under the name of Anne McAlpine.
Anne is a Scot and she has recently moved from the Isle of Skye to the Scottish Borders. She has travelled the world and has visited every continent except Antarctica –where considering her penchant for penguins she really must go. Anne was a primary school teacher for 36 years and is also a wife, mum and grandma.
She says she is a subversive old bat but maintains a kind heart.
You can find out more about Anne on her author websites: Anne Stormont and Anne McAlpine. She has an excellent Blog. You’ll also find Anne on her Facebook Author pages: Anne Stormont and Anne McAlpine and can follow Anne on Twitter @writeanne.
Displacement has a stunning cover! Makes you wonder 🙂
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Isn’t it brilliant? Happy Friday Pat x
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Yes, looks like the perfect storm, an intriguing concept and two very different locations, which makes me wonder what inspired the author to set part of the story in Palestine.
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Good point. Thanks for calling by and making it!
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Thank you do much Linda for inviting me over for our evening in. And thanks to Claire and Patricia for their comments. I love Displacement”s cover but can’t take any credit. The design is the work of fab graphic designer JD Smith.
And as to why Palestine? Well the reason for Rachel going there is clear from the story. As to why I wanted this location, it’s a country I have connections with and have visited several times. I have friends fighting for a peaceful settlement for Israel-Palestine and it’s a fascinating and wonderful country full of amazing people on all sides.
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That’s made Displacement even more intriguing Anne. Thanks for being on the blog!
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I really like the sound of this one. As soon as the Isle of Skye was mentioned it had me.
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Reblogged this on Put it in Writing and commented:
I was delighted to be invited to spend a virtual evening in with Linda over at her Linda’s Book Bag blog. We chatted about my novel Displacement and a bit about its sequel Settlement due out later this year. We also enjoyed a wee dram and some tasty snacks – appropriate to the setting of the book. You can read all about it in Linda’s post which I’ve reblogged here.
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Hurrah! Thanks for dropping by x
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Yet another wonderful guest, Linda. Do like the sound of the book. I know Anne says she can’t take the credit for the book cover but she still chose it in the end and it’s sure to draw in readers.
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I agree. I love the cover and the sound of the contents.
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I enjoyed reading more about Anne’s books. In fact, I just ordered The Silver Locket. Displacement sounds like a great read as well. Good luck on the sequel.
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Hurrah! And thanks so much for calling by Darlene.
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And it was lovely to host you x
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Thank you Judith. What a nice thing to say.
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