Terracotta Summer takes the O'Shea family from the security of family life in Manchester, England, and, like the seeds of a dandelion blowing in the wind, disperses them to Scotland, Northern Ireland and across the Atlantic Ocean. The title, Terracotta, symbolizes both the warm stability of clay pots, and the tenacious instincts of the vibrant Terracotta Rock Rose.
Feisty and beautiful young Ruth O'Shea, a strong-willed survivor, leaves Britain in the hope of turning her life around. The rest of the O'Sheas, including adult nephews, Ken and Patrick, have no idea as to Ruth's whereabouts. They have troubles of their own. Patrick decides not to emigrate to Northern Ireland with his family and begins a downward path that takes him out of his depth. Meanwhile, up in Scotland, his brother Ken faces conflict and trials on a scale he'd never imagined. [Author website]