You’ll remember the Hens. Jen, Tess, Della, Pam and Rose. They went to Paris in Five French Hens for Jen’s hen do several years ago, when Jen was engaged to Eddie.
Of course, it all ended unexpectedly for Jen. And Tess discovered what a rat her husband Alan was. Wel,l not a rat – some people find them lovely pets. Della came home to her beloved husband Sylvester. Pam returned to Elvis her dog. And Rose stayed in Paris to work in a drag bar under the name of Rose on Wye. If you haven’t read it, now’s time.
Because the follow-up is about their trip to Skye, and it’s published in December, just in time for Christmas. It’s called The Silver-Haired Sisterhood, and it unites the five friends again.
Three years after the French holiday, Tess is feeling a bit low. Her friends are going to interesting places. Pam is off to Greece, Della back to Paris, Jen to Iceland. And she’s worried she might be spending the festive period alone. So she decides to take off to the inspirational Isle of Skye because she wants to see the northern lights.
Of course, you’ll have to read the book to see what happens and why all the Hens end up on Skye together.
I went to the Isle of Skye to research the book. There’s a story attached to my journey. I damaged my index finger on a kitchen grater and I couldn’t type. The wonderful Mr McKerlie emailed me with, ‘There’s a bed made up for you here in Skye.’ I bought a ticket and I was off.
I stayed in a beautiful cottage in Staffin with great people, log fires and sheep in the garden. Through the window I could see mountains. I was so lucky to be able to research the incredible places in the book – Portree, Dunvegan, Sleat, The Old Man of Storr. At times my novel will read like a travel guide – Tess has so much fun there.
When I arrived the locals – particularly this delightful lady called Donna who deserves a mention for her inspirational stories – told me it didn’t snow much on Skye. The next day, I was snowbound. Three days, tramping across thick drifts that crunched underfoot, no cars moving anywhere on the island. It was silent, beautiful and very humbling.
It really helped me to place my characters, as Tess and her friends experience the power of the weather too. And then there are parties. And Christmas. And a bit of unexpected romance. And a twist at the ending. And one at the beginning.
I hope that’s whetted your appetite for the book. And for Skye. It’s such a beautiful, inspirational place to be.
And if you can’t go there yet, you can always travel by book.
