This is the story of one woman’s hopes, poverty, struggle and survival. It is a story of life, love and finally, of choice.

The more Willie tests her mettle the fiercer grows her love for her dead soldier, a man she barely know. As a marriage built on lies, drink, and fiddle music chips away at her dignity, the past becomes a happier country.

COMING SOON📚 The Watchmaker's Wife by Janis Mackay✨ After ten years in doestic service Johanna is determined to make the best of her marriage to watchmaker Willie Lockhart, but is haunted by memories of the man she loved, and lost to the Great War.

Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Thurlow uncovers the human stories behind the headlines, revealing acts of bravery, sacrifice and moral struggle of the war. This is a powerful exploration of ideology, identity and the enduring impact of civil war.

Clifford Thurlow's new book HEROES OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR will be out at the end of October. He is pictured here on Sunday at an anti-fascist march through East London to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street.

Are you reading along with us?📚

🐏Moilidh agus Doilidh – a story from Maoilios Caimbeul aimed at children learning Gaelic following two sheep against the backdrop of the Highland Clearances. ⛰️ An Taobh Dorcha – Seonaidh Charity's thrilling historical fiction set against the moody landscape of Loch Broom.

✨ Peggy and the Fairy Knolls – magical realism steeped in the folklore of the Outer Hebrides from award-winning novelist Angus Peter Campbell.

Some perfect October reads... ✊Heroes of the Spanish Civil War – Clifford Thurlow's timely and thought provoking exploration of the ordinary civilians who risked their lives for democracy.

Want to find out more of Helen's animal wisdom? Grab your copies of Skirly Crag and Whistlebare from Luath Press and all good bookshops.

🌿Did you know that rhododendrons are poisonous to sheep? Bucketloads of coffee is the cure! 🐎Native horses know to avoid boggy ground – but 'shoeing' these horses confuses their natural instincts.

🕊️Doves pair up for life. The female lays two eggs and then they take it in turns to incubate them. The hen does the long night shift and the cock bird sits from 10am til 6pm. You can almost set your clock by him.