Third in the four books series, "The Lost Lover" is a heart - breaking as I have expected it to be.
Although I must admit that it is the second half that feels quick, addictive, pacy and simply gorgeous - because the first part feels like repetition of the first two books. I mean, each book is always told from another point of view of course, nevertheless those are the same situations and events and sometimes I had this feeling that we are moving in circles. It is also why the second half feels a bit too rushed and abrupt compared to the first half. However, there were many clues and informations that the previous books didn't reveal and it was an absolute wow - effect for me.

Nevertheless - I simply adored this story. As always, beautifully written, with characters that will immediately grow on you. If you had read the previous books, you already feel like a part of the community, you know the characters and you root for them. I couldn't stop thinking how unfair life is for the girls, all they needed was love and security and life was throwing them only curveballs and they had to fought for their luck.

This book was, as usually, meticulously researched and wonderfully written, easily transporting the reader into the setting and time. I absolutely adored the dialogues between the characters, they were so lively and real, completely bringing the times to the pages. All the important details are so seamlessly woven into descriptions, Karen Swan's has really a great talent and this series will stay one of my most favourite ones in historical fiction. Heart - breaking, poignant, full of emotions and outstanding characters, original, feeling like a breath of fresh air - I can only speak in superlatives about this book.

I am really not sure how I'm going to survive without book 4 right now - "The Lost Lover" ended with a brilliant cliff - hanger and I am sure all the loose threads will be brilliantly solved - there is the mystery to be solved! I just can't wait! I am desperate for a happy end for all the girls, though knowing Karen Swan, everything is possible.

The Lost Lover is the third instalment in Karen Swan’s series set in St Kilda. It could be read as a stand-alone. The main character is Flora, and the story follows her as she prepares to leave the island a make a new life on by the main land. It also links back to the previous books in the series and provides further details, but I think could be read and enjoyed. Without reading the previous novels ( I have read the first but not the second and had no problem following the story). This book is a great read, with more depth than many others of its type. It has clearly been very carefully researched (it has piqued my interest in finding out more about the evacuation of St Kilda) and the more in-depth plot has kept me hooked. I would definitely recommend.

Another great instalment of the St Kilda saga. I love seeing the same events from different perspectives each time whilst also seeing new aspects of the story moving forward. Looking forward to the next one.

Overall good read, but a slow burner. Some areas of the story I recall from previous books in this series from other characters, but would not affect your reading of this book if you’ve not read the others. Leaving you on a cliff hangar wanting to know what happens next….

Not my usual genre of book, but I’ve enjoyed this series so far.

I've loved the Wild Isles books and this is no exception. Flora wants to leave St. Kilda to see more of the world. She meets James Callaghan when he comes ashore on his friends boat. She thinks things have finally changed for her and then tragedy hits .Hopefully there's another instalment.

Who doesn't love Karen Swan, she's got this way of hooking you in and leaving you wanting the story to never end. Beautiful and a wonderful place to lose yourself to. Recommended.

Third book in the series, Flora's story. Naïve and beautiful, she finds love with a visitor to the Island but tragedy strikes and we follow her life to fame .

Thank you Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review!

I was eagerly anticipating the release of Flora's book and to learn more about the ongoing mystery that Karen Swan has been building up in the previous two books of this series (Effie and Mhairi's books). It was great to be reunited with the entire cast of St. Kildan's. We got to learn more details about certain characters we hadn't learned in the previous two books, and it was interesting to see the different perspectives on similar events.

On the outset Flora's character didn't initially seem as if she had as much depth as Effie and Mhairi. But as the novel progresses we see her character grow, mature, and come face to face with some challenging decisions and hardships. The romance between Flora and James felt a bit quick, and she seemed to be riding through the earlier bits of the pre-evacuation with ease. But as one of Flora's learnings goes: 'luck never gives, it only lends' .

As we're in the third novel now, more of the mystery has been revealed and different motives for who committed the crime. One of the main obstacles for James and Flora felt a bit contrived and out of character (i.e. based on what we understand of their personalities, it felt like the challenge could have been overcome sooner).

A bit akin to the first novel, this one had a mix of both the ruggedness of St. Kilda for the first portion of the novel, with glamour mixed in later on as our female lead ventures out into the wider world.

But ah! The cliffhanger! I knew not to expect anything less based on the other two novels but still the ending and abruptness did leave me ruminating long after I should have gone to sleep. I did find some of the trauma of this novel to be more triggering to me which may have contributed to this.

I saw the next installment will be Jayne's (The Hidden Heart') and based on what we've seen of her character so far, her novel's sure to be another thoroughly absorbing read.

Overall rating this one 4 out of 5.

I have really enjoyed the previous books in this series and was thrilled to be offered a chance to read this latest book in this story of young people growing up on St Kilda, then moving to the mainland.
In this novel we follow the story of Flora MacQueen, the island’s most beautiful young woman. She meets 2 young men, both of whom profess their love to her. Only one is the one she wants, and they get engaged before he leaves for the Antarctic. When it seems like he has perished Flora must use her beauty to make her way in the world.
Each of these novels advances the storyline of the last, but in a way which overlaps with previous strands. I wondered if this third book might resolve one of the mysteries of the series but it looks like there is more to come,which I’m very much looking forward to.
Thanks to the publishers and to NetGalley for this reading opportunity.

This is the third book in the saga set on St Kilda. This book is Flora's story.
Flora falls in love with James Callaghan, a visitor to St Kilda and soon they plan to marry. However, before they can James embarks on an expedition and disappears.
The residents of St Kilda are moved to the mainland. Following this, Flora's family suffer a trauma that leaves them in need of money.
Flora ends up in Paris where she is an overnight sensation as a performer, but her home and family are always at the back of her mind. Very soon, events from her past life catch up with her.
This is a great story that ends with room for more!!

Although this is the third book in the Wild Isle series it is still a stand alone story.
From the very first page it draws you in and you just can’t put it down.
It is an emotional rollercoaster story of a young girl whose beauty has always been her greatest asset but also her biggest downfall especially where men were concerned.
A brilliant story with a cliffhanger ending just can’t wait for the next book
Five stars all the way

Heartbreaking, poignant, compelling: an epic page turner I thoroughly enjoyed.
Great characters, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

If you have read the previous two books in the series then you need to read a this one. However, if this is your first read, then lucky you, you have two more excellent books to discover. These books can be read out of sequence, but the are best read in the order they were written..
This is Flora’s story in depth with snippets from friends Mhairi and Effie.
The relocation of the islanders of St Kilda I’d part of history and the descriptions of the way of life, the disruption and the island itself are amazing.
Initially I thought that this was the final book in the series, and was pleased to find there was to be another, but disappointed to find that some questions were not answered in this book and that the ending seemed rushed. I found some of Flora’s decisions strange, especially as her upbringing on St Kilda was strict and sheltered.
However, with so many threads still to be resolved, we have a treat to look forward to in book 4. Cannot wait!

This third in the series is written from the perspective of Flora MacQueen - a beauty - who has always wanted more than St Kilda can offer. Flora and James met, fell in love but all is not smooth. James disappears and Flora is left pregnant and faced with the dilemma of how to keep her reputation and build a future for herself.

As the inhabitants of St Kilda are evacuated to the mainland, Flora finds herself trading on her beauty and becoming a Parisian star in a theatre show. Secrets are uncovered and book 3 left on a cliff-hanger.

It was lovely to meet the same main characters but this time hear the story from Flora’s viewpoint.

Life on St Kilda’s is beautifully portrayed - its harshness and natural beauty.

All done with a sting in the tail!

The third book in The Wild Isles series.

As the book kept reviewing the past, I did find it difficult to get into at first, but the brilliant writing of Karen Swan enabled me to get fully engrossed in the story,

Flora MacQueen, the dreamer of the girls always expected a better life than living on the Island. she meets a Scottish businessman James Callaghan and they fall in love......tragically on one of his adventures he disappears, and is presumed dead....

When the Island is evacuated, Flora faces a tough time, her father is injured in an accident, and Flora is persuaded to sell her beautiful hair to raise some money.... her life changes when she meets a theatre impresario who tempts her to become a dancer in Paris.

A very special, moving story set on a Scottish island- St KIlda and then onto the mainland when everyone had to evacuate it. Daily life is dependant on the weather which can be very harsh at times, but the community usually pull together. Love, friendship and heartache abound, with secrets along the way. I enjoyed it, but was disappointed with the very abrupt ending- I wasn’t aware that it was a series, so am really looking forward and cant wait to read the next book.

Grateful to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for an ARC. I continue to enjoy this series and feeling drawn into the life of the community on St Kilda.

As I’ve read both the second and third instalments, I’ve swung between frustration at not being able to remember everything from the earlier books and SF light irritation at reading the same story again and again… but overall I think it balances out with the different perspectives filling in enough of the gaps. I think reading the books too close together would exacerbate the feeling of repetition.

I love Karen Swan’s writing and the detailed research she has clearly conducted to write her stories. These books make me wish I could time travel and be a fly in the wall of life in St Kilda just for a few hours… just as the tourists used to do in Flora, Effie and Mairie’s day.

I was surprised that this book wasn’t a conclusion to all that has gone before but searching the internet yesterday, I think the deal was for a 6 book series! I hope the remaining books do not all cover the same ground again… but I’d love to know more of what became these girls.

This is the third book in this series and what a great book it is. You will feel emotional in all ways as you enjoy reading this. I didn't want to put this down, if I could I would have read this through the night. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

Another great read. When Flora fall for the Handsome James they soon become engaged but a tragic accident leaves her bereft and she also faces another problem that will change her life. After the islanders of St Kilder are forced to leave she and her family fall on hard times after her father has an accident and Flora has a change of fortune but their are still many obstacles to overcome as she tries to adjust to her new life but can she let go of the past or will the secrets she holds eventually come out. A story of love, deception and relationships that will make you want to keep reading and I can't wait for the next book in the series what a cliffhanger at the end.

Having read and enjoyed the first two books in this series I was very pleased to receive an ARC of this… the third book. Another brilliant addition to this series with great characters making it a wonderful saga. I could not put this one down.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.