Description

Book Synopsis

AN INSPIRING STORY OF STARTING OVER
'We all need a Devorgilla Cottage somewhere in our hearts' - KIRSTY WARK
'Beautifully written' - ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG 'A magical and beautifully written memoir and so evocative of Wigtown and its landscape' - RUTH HOGAN

This is a story about uncovering the things that really matter, and discovering what makes us feel alive. It is a story about finding that inner strength and resilience, and never giving up hope.

Eight years ago, Kathleen Hart was diagnosed with breast cancer. Further complications led to a protracted recovery and months spent in hospital, where Kathleen had to learn how to walk again. While recuperating, she came across a small whitewashed cottage for sale in Wigtown, Scotland. Driving hundreds of miles on nothing more than a few photographs and an inkling, she bought it that very same day, and named it Devorgilla after the formidable 13th century Scottish princess.

Devorgilla Days is the story of how Kathleen left behind her old life to begin again in Scotland's book capital. From renovating her cottage to exploring the seemingly quiet, but actually bustling town, she encounters a whole community of book lovers, beekeepers, artists and writers - and Lobster Fishermen. Kathleen starts wild swimming, a ritual that brings peace and clarity to her mind as her body heals. And, with the support of her virtual worldwide community who know her as PoshPedlar on Instagram, she rebuilds her life again.

Heartwarming and deeply moving, Devorgilla Days is an inspiring tale of one woman's remarkable journey, a celebration of community, and a call-to-arms for anyone who has ever dreamt of starting over.



Trade Review
We all need a Devorgilla Cottage somewhere in our hearts and in our imaginations. This is a book about survival and renewal and sheer willpower. -- Kirsty Wark
So beautifully written and so enchanting I feel quite bereft having reached the end... So many achievements all wrapped in one beautiful narrative. It's heaven. -- Alexander Armstrong
A magical and beautifully written memoir and so evocative of Wigtown and its landscape. * Ruth Hogan, author of THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS *
From renovating her cottage to exploring the seemingly quiet, but actually bustling town, she encounters a whole community of book lovers, beekeepers, artists and writers and lobster fishermen throughout the book. Furthermore, Kathleen starts wild swimming, a ritual that brings peace and clarity to her mind as her body heals. * Irish Times *

Devorgilla Days: finding hope and healing in

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 16 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Kathleen Hart

    3 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Devorgilla Days: finding hope and healing in by Kathleen Hart

      Publisher: John Murray Press
      Publication Date: 14/04/2022
      ISBN13: 9781529300420, 978-1529300420
      ISBN10: 1529300428

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      AN INSPIRING STORY OF STARTING OVER
      'We all need a Devorgilla Cottage somewhere in our hearts' - KIRSTY WARK
      'Beautifully written' - ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG 'A magical and beautifully written memoir and so evocative of Wigtown and its landscape' - RUTH HOGAN

      This is a story about uncovering the things that really matter, and discovering what makes us feel alive. It is a story about finding that inner strength and resilience, and never giving up hope.

      Eight years ago, Kathleen Hart was diagnosed with breast cancer. Further complications led to a protracted recovery and months spent in hospital, where Kathleen had to learn how to walk again. While recuperating, she came across a small whitewashed cottage for sale in Wigtown, Scotland. Driving hundreds of miles on nothing more than a few photographs and an inkling, she bought it that very same day, and named it Devorgilla after the formidable 13th century Scottish princess.

      Devorgilla Days is the story of how Kathleen left behind her old life to begin again in Scotland's book capital. From renovating her cottage to exploring the seemingly quiet, but actually bustling town, she encounters a whole community of book lovers, beekeepers, artists and writers - and Lobster Fishermen. Kathleen starts wild swimming, a ritual that brings peace and clarity to her mind as her body heals. And, with the support of her virtual worldwide community who know her as PoshPedlar on Instagram, she rebuilds her life again.

      Heartwarming and deeply moving, Devorgilla Days is an inspiring tale of one woman's remarkable journey, a celebration of community, and a call-to-arms for anyone who has ever dreamt of starting over.



      Trade Review
      We all need a Devorgilla Cottage somewhere in our hearts and in our imaginations. This is a book about survival and renewal and sheer willpower. -- Kirsty Wark
      So beautifully written and so enchanting I feel quite bereft having reached the end... So many achievements all wrapped in one beautiful narrative. It's heaven. -- Alexander Armstrong
      A magical and beautifully written memoir and so evocative of Wigtown and its landscape. * Ruth Hogan, author of THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS *
      From renovating her cottage to exploring the seemingly quiet, but actually bustling town, she encounters a whole community of book lovers, beekeepers, artists and writers and lobster fishermen throughout the book. Furthermore, Kathleen starts wild swimming, a ritual that brings peace and clarity to her mind as her body heals. * Irish Times *

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