Scotland Adventure - The Elen Chronicles --Of Love and Blood

Sharon Brubaker Start Date: Oct 13, 2024 - End Date: Sep 11, 2025
  • Scotland, United Kingdom

My Travel Story

by: Sharon Brubaker Start Date: Oct 13, 2024 - End Date: Sep 11, 2025
Help nationally award-winning author Sharon Brubaker and her son and co-author James travel to Scotland to complete their research for their upcoming book The Elen Chronicles – Of Love and Blood. Healer Elen, shocked at the travesty of loss of life at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, returns home to find her young daughter, Helen, and her friend, Flora, have been taken prisoner by British soldiers. Elen seeks her daughter through war-torn Scotland, battling prejudice and whispers of witchcraft. After years of searching with few clues, she continues to hope, with an inner knowing Helen is alive somewhere. When America faces war with Britain in the fight for Independence, Elen must decide whether to use her healing gift for good or revenge. Thrust back into the horrors of war, will she finally find her daughter?

Sharon and James plan to travel to Scotland in September 2025 for hands-on research at Culloden Battlefield, various libraries, and museums. They also plan to follow Elen’s path through Scotland to 18th-century Liverpool, where Elen leaves for America.

Sharon and James are researching and writing the 18th-century American portion of the novel, which is slated for publication in 2026. Donors can follow along on social media and via the blog at www.sharon-brubaker.com.
  • Scotland, United Kingdom

Updates

21

  • Day 1 - Scotland 2025

    Day 1 - Scotland 2025
    Scotland 2025 – Day 1
    Thanks to American Airlines in keeping us safe despite 5.5 hours of moderate to severe turbulence of our six hour flight. Needless to say, James and I are exhausted as we could not sleep on the overnight flight.
    We made our way to Edinburgh via the bus, proud of ourselves remembering how to maneuver the bus system and our luggage. Edinburgh is not a city for the faint of heart when it comes to walking with its hills, bricks, and cobblestones!
    We landed back in one of our favorite spots as our Air BnB is in Portobello, Edinburgh, UK. Portobello is a seaside resort that is reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel with the golden, sandstone buildings. Once settled, we took a walk, reacquainting ourselves with the community and taking the bus to Musselburgh, UK.
    Musselburgh is a seaside town famous for its seafood, and, you guessed it, mussels! It’s a fascinating town — see: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musselburgh. This is one of my favorite beaches to go sea glassing. The glass is mostly whites, but I found some lovely aquamarines, olives, and teals.
    We also enjoy the smoked salmon at Clarks Bros. Fish https://clarkbrothers.uk. We’ve been dreaming of their smoked salmon since our last visit. If you’re a seafood lover, we HIGHLY recommend this market!
    So, comfort food for these tired two from being awake for thirty plus hours. We found macaroni pies at Barnes Bakery in Portobello. We had to purchase some as they were featured in Ben Aaronovich’s latest Peter Grant book Stone and Sky. We are huge Ben Aaronovich fans in this family!
    So, the sun’s not quite setting in Portobello, but our eyes are at half-mast. It’s been an incredible first day on our return trip to Scotland.

  • Scotland Bound!

    Scotland bound!
    The day is here! In the next few hours, we’ll be boarding the plane for Edinburgh, Scotland! Many thanks to all who have donated and to those who have lent a listening ear. We so appreciate you! And, a special, heartfelt thanks to our supportive family and friends.

    Tomorrow morning, we’ll be landing in Edinburgh. We’ll need to make our way to downtown Edinburgh by either train or bus. Likely the next stop will be breakfast. James, I’m sure, will enjoy a “full English,” while I look forward to the many vegan and vegetarian options the UK has to offer. Afterwards, we’ll toddle to Portobello and check into our lovely Airbnb. Clarks Fish Shop in Musselburgh is on our list to pick up fresh seafood to cook for dinner. I hope to get a little sea glassing in as well before we pass out from our lengthy day of travel.
    Photos coming! Stay tuned.
    Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash

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