Old Annie
In Old Annie, the resilient Annie MacPherson faces the challenges of carving out a new life in the rugged wilderness of Prince Edward Island. Having arrived alone after a perilous Atlantic voyage, Annie must rely on the healing skills passed down by her mentor, Belle, to serve her new community. As she navigates the hardships of pioneer life—from bitter winters to the strains of isolation—she discovers that while her past on the Isle of Skye shaped her, it is her spirit of service and connection to the land that will define her future.
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What if your greatest strength was the very thing that set you apart?
Annie MacPherson, the unforgettable heroine first introduced in An Irregular Marriage, returns in this captivating standalone novel from Margaret Westlie. With a trunk full of herbs, her gazing ball, a healer’s touch, and a spirit forged by hardship, Annie arrives on Prince Edward Island determined to build a new life from the ashes of the old.
In a land both welcoming and wild, she must navigate unfamiliar terrain, earn the trust of wary neighbours, and embrace the quiet power that sets her apart. As she finds her place in a tight-knit pioneer community, Annie’s story becomes one of quiet courage, everyday magic, and the enduring strength of women who refuse to be forgotten.
Old Annie is a beautifully told tale of resilience, renewal, and the deep roots of healing—perfect for readers who believe the most extraordinary stories are often found in the lives of the seemingly ordinary.
FOR FANS OF…
The resilient journey in Old Annie echoes the medical heart of the pioneer wilderness in Diana Gabaldon’s The Fiery Cross, focusing on a traditional healer’s struggle to carve out a sanctuary on the rugged red soil of Prince Edward Island.
IN MARGARET’S WORDS – THE BACKSTORY
“This book is a sequel to An Irregular Marriage. When I finished writing that story, the character of Annie kept asking me questions. How did she survive the hardships of the pioneer era? How did she fit in with the established Scottish community on Prince Edward Island? Did she ever find love or marry again? These questions all had to be answered to understand her journey from a wilful child to a respected traditional healer. I kept writing to see where her healing skills and her resilience would lead her, and the result is the story of her later years in Old Annie.”
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“As a follower of Westlie’s Selkirk Stories, I found “Old Annie” a deeply satisfying addition. It beautifully expands on the themes of resilience and community seen in her previous works, offering a touching, grounded look at the life of a beloved village healer.”
BOOK DETAILS:
- Series: Other Novels
- Genre: Historical Fiction / Canadian Fiction
- Themes: PEI Pioneer Life, Traditional Healing, Scottish Immigration, Resilience, Aging
- ISBN-13: 978-1-926494-55-5
- Publisher: Selkirk Stories Book Publishing