Product Description

On the brink of a disastrous marriage Nicola Templeton finally rebels, and flees to Edinburgh to seek refuge with her sister. Charlotte's own runaway marriage has already turned their father into an implacable foe and it seems that Nicola too may be cut off from her share of the Craigiehall estate if she does not bow to his will. The bustling Georgian city, a hotbed of intrigue and corruption, draws Nicola swiftly into its web. She is courted by Grant's dashing young brother, Gillon, fresh home from fighting in the American wars. Innocent country girl or not, she is not dazzled by Gillon's wit or deceived by his promises, for Gillon is penniless, if no less ambitious than his brother. Meanwhile, though, incensed by his daughters' ingratitude, Lord Craigiehall has plans of his own for the future of the Ayrshire estates. Plans that involve him with the notorious society hostess, Lady Valerie Oliphant, and a pretty little actress from London whose wiles are more than equal to his own.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1479986 in Books
• Published on: 2007-12-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 464 pages

Scottish Daily Record
'Jessica Stirling is one of Scotland's most prolific and best-loved authors.'

Review
'Jessica Stirling's high reputation is well deserved.' (Manchester Evening News )

'She writes in bright colours with bold, confident strokes.' (Glasgow Herald )

‘Jessica Stirling is one of Scotland’s most prolific and best-loved authors.’ (Scottish Daily Record )

'One of the best.' (Bookseller )

Glasgow Herald
'She writes in bright colours with bold, confident strokes.'

Customer Reviews

The Fields of Fortune--a great read!
What a treat to find Jessica Stirling's new book, The Fields of Fortune. I knew immediately I was in for another great read. She writes with such wit, and the first pages alone set up so many expectations! The story takes place in the late 1700s, starting in Ayrshire country when an important judge and laird tries to "sell" his daughter Nicola to an elderly neighbor in exchange for land, reputedly a rich coalfield. But Nicola rebels, much like her sister, Charlotte. Now trouble begins to brew--especially when the story moves to high-toned Edinburgh, and three brothers, one by one, enter the picture. The first is Charlotte's husband, an ambitous young lawyer. Then,a rakish sort of brother appears, fresh from fighting in the American war. That was a surprising connection. The third brother (who harbors a dark secret) lives and works in earnest on the land.
Well, I loved this book! Even as I was caught up by the story, I found the historical details fascinating. They really brought the early days of Edinburgh alive for me--along with the vibrant characters, of course. They drive an intriguing plot that weaves in and out of Scottish traditions, treachery, greed, and passion. In the end, their stories are complete, rounded out by love--many kinds of love. I think the new Jessica Stirling, The Fields of Fortune, is a great read!

Jessica at her verfy best!
There is more intrigue and latent villainy in this book than in anything since 'Lantern for the Dark'! It's amazing - and very, very readable. And the girl shows a fighting spirit from the moment she defies her father... On each page, the plot twists just a little more as each of the well-crafted characters add their own agenda to the plot. Thank you, Jessica - can't wait for the next one!

Jessica Stirling does it again
Jessica Stirling is not known as Scotland's greatest storyteller for nothing. Her novels never disappoint, and this has got to one of the best yet. The plot is her most intriguing since "Lantern for the Dark", and keeps you guessing right to the end.

The period and place (18th century Edinburgh) are brought vividly to life, and the characters are both believable and interesting. This is a first-class historical novel by any standards.