The Mill Owner

An intriguing family saga with many twists and turns, with some unexpected surprises and many unforeseen happenings lingering within the pages of this absorbing tale.

In part one we meet the first mill owner; Alexander Hamilton, his family and workforce.

Three friends who work under dangerous conditions at the Closeburn grain mills have untimely incidents, which change the course of their lives.

Seth, Arthur, and Louis live with their families in cramped conditions in the tiny run-down cottages in Closeburn close.

When Seth Bartholomew a political up-start upsets his employer, Lord Hamilton, he finds himself out of work and without a home. His wife Lily and their children are forced to find alternative accommodation.

Arthur Donaldson meets with an accident at the Mill that will change the families’ lives forever.

Louis Murdoch is promoted to overseer making his wife Molly proud of him, but with the advancement, comes a price to pay.

Lady Hamilton and Lady Docking Lord Hamilton’s cousin are heavily involved with work for the poor. They both employ two unlikely women to help with their important duties.

Part two continues in 1869, and follows the lives of the Hamilton's, Murdoch’s, Donaldson’s and Bartholomew’s.

Seth Bartholomew upholds his belief in better working conditions and carries on his fight, by rising through the political ranks to achieve his goals.

When Molly Murdoch’s father dies, her husband Louis and their daughter Beth, find their lives take a turn for the better.

William Patterson, has taken over the Mills, and proposes to change the fates of all his workers.

Eva Donaldson is thrown into turmoil, when events once again change her life. She becomes so wrapped up in her duties that she fails to notice her children growing away from her.

In the final part of this trilogy we unfold the destinies of the families whom we met in parts one and two and move forward to 1901..............

When invalided Rosanna Keating reveals her desire to become a nurse; Clara her mother is reluctant, but Tom Harrison, who is besotted with Rosanna encourages her to follow her dreams.

William Patterson becomes too tired to work and suffers the consequences. Janet is concerned about their errant son, David, but when he meets a French debutante, Janet hopes she will have a calming influence on him.

Joey and Rosie Donaldson escape the possibility of being evicted, when they unexpectedly inherit another property.
Suffering another breakdown, Kaitlin Bartholomew is forced to consult the doctor; Seth does not know which way to turn.

As War breaks out in Europe, most of the able bodied men, join up to fight for King and Country. Some never return home; others are left badly injured. Many broken hearted women are forced to cope alone.