“Every once in a while, a romance writer like Robin Pilcher comes along with a story that is just plain fun to read, that introduces characters that are worth getting to know, and that isn’t necessarily predictable, even though it may tell a story we already know on some level . . . it is not surprising, then, that he clearly understands the expectations of the romance novel. What is also clear is that Pilcher, the son, understands much about families . . . and he encourages us with the thought that, even in the worst of times, there is the hope of starting over.”

—Anniston Star

AN OCEAN APART

“Warm and readable.”

—The Washington Post

“With . . . Scottish sensibility and captivating wordplay, Pilcher crafts a fine and fulfilling novel that will please fans not only of [Rosamunde Pilcher]’s books, but of Maeve Binchy’s as well.”

—Booklist

“[Robin Pilcher] shares . . . a warmth that seems quite genuine, a real fondness for . . . characters, a reverence for family that’s rare these days.”

—Orlando Sentinel

“[A] long, full tale . . . AN OCEAN APART is told by a born storyteller.”

—San Diego Union-Tribune

“Pilcher’s Scotland [is] peopled with faithful retainers, loyal workers, doughty veterans, cricketers, and dog lovers . . . it’s a land Pilcher knows intimately.”

—Los Angeles Times

“AN OCEAN APART engages you from the start . . . the plot benefits from a nice touch of humor. A good easy read.”

—Greensboro News & Record

“Rosamunde’s fans will not be disappointed . . . An enjoyable read.”

—Chattanooga Times

“A fast, easy read with the happy ending the reader wants.”

—Knoxville News-Sentinel

St. Martin’s Paperbacks Titles
by Robin Pilcher

An Ocean Apart

Starting Over

A Risk Worth Taking

A Risk
Worth Taking

ROBIN PILCHER

St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Dedication

For Oliver, Alice, Hugo, and Florence.
And for Tia Buffy,
who has always been my brilliant first-time reader.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My greatest appreciation goes to Nick Tudor, whose stories inspired the writing of this book.

Thanks also to Pippa and Kirsty, who gave the world the comfort of Tinkers, Pedlars, and Pippers clothing; to Graham and Sandra, who acted as the Railway Children, waving me on along the track to completion; to Flora and Rosannagh, who so tunefully sang to me one of Mr. Boom’s greatest hits; to the staff at Fastnet, Fort William; and to Lisa Keany, Caroline Charles, Christo Sharpe, Jim Best, Charlie Cox, and Chris Clyne for keeping me straight on all things technical.

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