Ellen and Arbor is an uplifting, imaginative debut novel about overcoming fear and finding belonging in the world. As Ellen, an isolated young woman, fights to save the struggling art gallery she works for, her life collides with that of Arbor, a bright yet neglected dog whose difficult background mirrors her own.
Can Ellen liberate both Arbor and herself from the past - and create a new future for the gallery before it is too late? A subtly empowering tale (or tail!) with a twist, Ellen and Arbor reflects on the link between art and nature, and on the possibilities that grow when we combine creativity with compassion.
As with all my creative work, 10% of profits from the sale of every copy of Ellen and Arbor will be donated to the Scottish SPCA: in celebration of Gypsy's memory and to protect and rehome animals like her.
Praise from readers for Ellen and Arbor:
'What a beautiful, visual and powerful story...'
'This is a beautifully written story about a young woman's fierce journey to heal the wounds of her past... MacQuarrie writes with an artist's eye for colour, light, movement and atmosphere that brings the Scottish towns and countryside vividly and often hauntingly to life.'
'I smiled, cried, was outraged, heartened and entranced by the pictures she painted with words.'
'I couldn't put it down... the descriptive writing is magical and the plot gripping.'
'Visual, lyrical... I fell in love with Arbor immediately.'
'I thought it was a beautiful book to read and took me on quite an emotional journey.'
'Loved it. It's heartwarming, inspiring and beautifully written.'
'What a beautiful book! I want to reread it, as I think that knowing what the destination is will make the journey even more enjoyable.'
'A beautiful, descriptive story about reaching inwards to find the strength and courage to face your fears ... a heartwarming tale to restore your faith in human nature.'
'It's beautiful ... Ellen is just a person we all aspire to be: creative, strong and true!'
'As well as poignant moments, I smiled a lot too, and laughed out loud at Arbor's asides!'
