They loved to the full - and fought to the death... Like his father before him, Andrew Maclaren was born to lead the 148th Foot Regiment. But his life changed forever when he found Maud Westburn brutalised and homeless in the horror of the Indian mutiny. Society decreed that he give her up. But his heart insisted that he keep her... THE MACLARENS is the first part of a compelling series which traces the fortunes of a family and a regiment - a novel of passionate love and ultimate sacrifice.

As the twentieth century approaches, this is a story of blood and battle, of love and passion The new generation serving with Scotland's proudest Regiment are destined to lead a life of action every bit as far-flung and exciting as their fathers'. For Donald Bruce, this turbulent time begins when he is unable to order the death of one of his own men; for Ian Maclaren, when he falls in love with the beautiful but illegitimate Naomi. From the burning deserts of the Sudan to the infinite veldt of South Africa, from the windswept Highlands to fashionable London, this is the second part of a powerful series following the Maclaren family.

The magnificent Maclarens march to war... The year is 1914: the last summer of innocence before the outbreak of the Great War, a time for frivolity and flirting. For Naomi Bruce there is a chance to plot and scheme; for Rebecca Galloway a chance to win a man's heart; for the Maclarens - family, clan and regiment - a last chance to savour the joys of summer in the Scottish Highlands. But when the storm of war breaks over Europe, old plans must be abandoned and new ones must be made, because Scotland's proudest regiment is heading off to battle... Beloved Soldiers is the triumphant climax of an epic saga which traces the fortunes of a family and a regiment - a novel of love, passion, bravery and sacrifice.