From the blurb:

Eilidh Lawson’s life has hit crisis point. Years of failed fertility treatments, a cheating husband and an oppressive family have pushed her to the limit. Desperate for relief, Eilidh seeks solace in the only place she’s ever felt at home – a small village in the Scottish Highlands. There, Eilidh slowly begins to mend her broken heart but soon learns she is not the only one in the village struggling to recover from a painful past.

Jamie McAnena, Eilidh’s childhood friend, is trying to raise his daughter Maisie alone. After Maisie’s mother left to pursue a career in London and Jamie’s own mother, Elizabeth, passed away, he has resigned himself to being a family of two.

But sometimes there is more to a story than meets the eye. Despite their reluctance, curious circumstances keep bringing Jamie and Eilidh together. For even when it seems all is lost, help can come from the most surprising places.

An ethereal and beautifully written debut novel, Watch Over Me is a poignant story about letting go and moving on – with a little bit of help from beyond the grave.

I bought this book for three reasons:

The title, which has that warmth and romance I like.

The cover, whose colours drew me in.

The blurb, which suggested it’s a heart-warming story.

The price! At £0.30 for the Kindle copy, it seemed ridiculous not to give this book a try.

Clearly, the publisher is exploring a marketing angle with this book, and the pricing has certainly paid off judging by the 1,409 reviews to date on Amazon, the vast majority of which are positive. And quite right, I think.

I really enjoyed this book.  The beginning I found to be quite dark – necessary for appreciation of the later light – and overall I found the story to be profoundly moving, and one that stayed with me long after I finished the book.

I do not usually read romances with a paranormal edge, but in this the content is subtle and very much supports the plot development. It contributes greatly to the poignancy of the book, and I think whatever your beliefs, it could not offend.

The love story is realistic, and I loved the caution the author took in moving the lead characters along their journey, which felt right for the circumstances. And I was delighted by the ending – just right for the book.

I loved the Highlands setting for the book, and the cultural references. Indeed, following one I found myself looking up the poem ‘Hallaig’ on the internet and discovering a beautiful work I’d never read before.

The ideal reader for this book is, I think, a romantic at heart, and someone who enjoys a book that really explores emotional issues with maturity. It’s also a wonderful book on motherhood, and the meaning of family.

Definitely one to add to your ‘to read’ list, and, if you’re a Kindle owner, to grab for your bookshelf during its low-price promotion!

Watch Over Me is available now from Amazon; click on the book cover below to visit the store.