It’s such a pleasure to feature the brand new book in the Talbot Saga Series from Allie Cresswell today. Allie has been on Linda’s Book Bag before in posts you’ll find here, and her latest book The Standing Stone on the Moor sounds absolutely brilliant and is out today, 17th June 2025.
Let’s find out more:
The Standing Stone on the Moor
Yorkshire, 1845.
Folklore whispers that they used to burn witches at the standing stone on the moor. When the wind is easterly, it wails a strange lament. History declares it was placed as a marker, visible for miles—a signpost for the lost, directing them towards home.
Forced from their homeland by the potato famine, a group of itinerant Irish refugees sets up camp by the stone. They are met with suspicion by the locals, branded as ‘thieves and ne’er-do-wells.’ Only Beth Harlish takes pity on them, and finds herself instantly attracted to Ruairi, their charismatic leader.
Beth is the steward of nearby manor Tall Chimneys—a thankless task as the owners never visit. An educated young woman, Beth feels restless, like she doesn’t belong. But somehow ‘home’—the old house, the moor and the standing stone—exerts an uncanny magnetism. Thus Ruairi’s great sacrifice—deserting his beloved Irish homestead to save his family—resonates strongly with her.
Could she leave her home to be with him? Will he even ask her to?
As she struggles with her feelings, things take a sinister turn. The peaceable village is threatened by shrouded men crossing the moor at night, smuggling contraband from the coast. Worse, the exotic dancing of a sultry-eyed Irishwoman has local men in a feverish grip. Their womenfolk begin to mutter about spells and witchcraft. And burning.
The Irish refugees must move on, and quickly. Will Beth choose an itinerant life with Ruairi? Or will the power of ‘home’ be too strong?
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Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
The Standing Stone on the Moor is available for purchase on Books, Amazon UK, Amazon US and directly from Allie here.
About Allie Cresswell
Allie Cresswell was born in Stockport, UK and began writing fiction as soon as she could hold a pencil.
She did a BA in English Literature at Birmingham University and an MA at Queen Mary College, London.
She has been a print-buyer, a pub landlady, a bookkeeper, run a B & B and a group of boutique holiday cottages. She taught literature to lifelong learners but nowadays she writes full time.
She has two grown-up children, three granddaughters, two grandsons and two cockapoos—but just one husband—Tim. They live in Cumbria, NW England.
The Standing Stone on the Moor is her sixteenth novel.
For further information, visit Allie’s website, or follow Allie on Facebook and Instagram.
English (US) · 