The Grasping Root brings to life the family I secretly dream is my early North American-Scottish ancestry. Muirne, Neil, Sheena and Alisdair each do battle with their hopes and fears, big and small, guided if not protected by the quiet strength of their Mam. They weave a drama of exiled pioneers navigating the narrow ridge that would lead them to security, resolution and perhaps even happiness…if they can keep their footing. Pinard will never let you forget the razor thin line between the MacLean’s tentative progress on the homestead and mortal disaster in the wilderness. It was all I could do not to skip ahead to find out whether they’d make it, but I didn’t want to miss the taste of the blackberry preserves, the smell of the wood chips, the feel of the icy wind, or the sound of an old Scottish love song that transported me long ago and far away.”