Praise for Catherine Czerkawska’s writing

‘A powerful story about love and obligation…a persuasive novel, very well written.’ John Burnside

‘Moving, poetic and quietly provocative.’ Independent

‘Clear-eyed, succinct…a much more substantial piece of work than its slim page count suggests.’ Rosemary Goring, National

‘Take any aspect of the novelist’s art and you’ll find it exemplified here to perfection.’ Bill Kirton, Booksquawk

‘Heart-warming, realistic and page-turning.’ Lorraine Kelly

‘Beautiful – lyrical and sensual by turns.’ Hilary Ely

‘Blisteringly eloquent.’ Joyce Macmillan, Scotsman

‘A romance of Scotland’s great Romantic. There is a pastoral beauty… their courtship is drawn gorgeously. The Jewel finally gives voice to Jeany Armour, the girl who sang as sweetly as the nightingale, who was muse, mother, wife and lover to Scotland’s national poet. This is her song.’ Sunday Mail

‘Uplifting…does much to put right the wrongs of historians. The characters come to life beautifully on the page…Serves as a superbly researched biography of a deeply admirable woman who until now has been…unjustly neglected.’ Undiscovered Scotland 

‘Beguiling and enchanting…Czerkawska is an excellent storyteller…Full of suspense…and lush sensuality, so you can almost feel the grass brushing against your skin, and smell the honeysuckle in summer evenings.’ Scottish Review

‘A beautiful historical novel.’ Edinburgh City of Literature

‘Czerkawska tells her tale in a restrained, elegant prose that only adds to its poignancy.’ Sunday Times (season’s best historical fiction)

‘A compelling read, with a satisfying blend of history, nature and romance.’ Amanda Booth, The Scots Magazine