Drumveyn

Having read just about all of Brit writer Alexandra Raife's other books, I finally treated myself to her very first, "Drumveyn," and I was simply enchanted.Here is a deceptively simple tale of a modern Scottish family, far-flung and near to home, facing the typical stresses of everyday life, from divorce to infertility to adoption and all the rest. The home base is Drumveyn, a family seat fairly crumbling under the moldy tapestry of its ancient past--and the borderline cruel rules and regulations of the domineering father, Sir Charles Napier, who has just died when the book opens. Charles' widow, Madeleine, is a forty-something attractive woman whose true nature has been beaten down over the years not only by her husband, but by her horrid (and thankfully dead) mother-in-law, Lady Napier, and even the servants.Madeleine's life is stifling, which is why her two married children have long-ago escaped the home front. But suddenly, everything changes, as circumstances bring first an orphaned aristocratic South American child, and then a surprisingly refreshing cast of characters, to Drumveyn. Madeleine begins to come alive--and the resulting story is wonderful. I was sad when the book ended, and glad to know that Raife has written a sequel, which I missed, and plan to order immediately!

I thought the book was quite a find. Scotland comes alive in this book. The story line is quite delightful I couldn't put it down. I felt sad when it was over. I don't generally read love stories, and bought this book because it took place in Scotland, I consider it a gift, I loved it.

If I could rate this book at over 5 stars I would....it is so well written and deals with relationships with family members in an honest and loving way. Totally took me away -- and in this day and age what a blessing......keep writing those novels.....wonderful !

What a wonderful book! Endearing characters, warm story. I look forward to reading other books by this author.