Birds in the Spring

By Evelyn Hood

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It is 1920 and women are no longer prepared to take a back seat in business. Fiona MacDowell is determined to inherit her father’s furniture emporium in spite of opposition from her half brother, Alex. Whilst Alex’s wife, Rose is running the thriving dressmaking business called Harlequin. Conflict between the women flares, and further trouble brews with the arrival of Irish cabinetmaker, Joe McCart. Maybe the arrival of an unplanned baby will ensure the inheritance goes one way or another.

There is nothing more compelling than a writer describing places she knows well. When Evelyn Hood writes about Paisley, she does so with such obvious affection that it is a joy to read. From her opening description of Hogmanay celebrations the reader knows they are in safe hands. Birds in the Spring is compulsive reading throughout.