I liked reading Out in The Country by Kate Hewitt and also reviewed it on this blog earlier. Far Horizons couldn’t be any more different. For starters, it begins in Scotland and is set in 1819. If I had to sum up the story in a few words, I’d say it’s a game of tag!
The Macdougalls and Campbells are kin and have lived on the island of Mull for generations. Alan MacDougall and Harriet Campbell have been inseperable since childhood. Everyone thinks of them as a couple, but Alan himself has never made his intentions clear, much to Harriet’s chagrin. The economic climate of Scotland is changing. Sandy MacDougall, Alan’s father is a tacksman for Sir James Riddell but hates being beholden to someone. He dreams of going to Canada or New Scotland, or Nova Scotia, I presume. The time to leave arrives and the two youngest MacDougall kids are left behind with the Campbells.
Alan makes a haphazard promise to Harriet, or rather explains why he cannot marry her at the time. He asks her to wait for him. The MacDougalls arrive at Prince Edward Island and have their share of settlers’ problems in a new land with a much harsher climate than they are used to. Harriet and Alan promise to write to each other but no letters arrive for Harriet, making her doubt Alan’s sincerity.
Alan’s father Sandy faces opposition for his high handed ways. One son goes off to join the army. Alan himself wants something to call his own. Harriet starts giving piano lessons to Sir Riddell’s niece. She meets Andrew, his nephew, who tries to court her. Harriet’s father falls ill and the whole family falls on hard times. Meanwhile, Margaret, Alan’s sister meets a handsome sea captain who gives her lessons.
I love reading about Scotland, whether it is a romance set on Skye, a red haired policeman or another emigrant tale.
Far Horizons tells us a lot about the early settlers in Canada. But it is Alan and Harriet’s story. They face obstacles at every turn and doubt themselves, doubt each other and doubt their fate. Will they ever be united? You need to read the book to find out. The latter part of the book had some editing mistakes but overall the book is definitely worth a read.
Far Horizons is the first of a trilogy and is free for Kindle. I am looking forward to reading more of the Campbell/ MacDougall saga.
Leave a Reply