A Basketful of Snowflakes: One Mallorcan Spring - Couverture souple

Peter Kerr, the best-selling Scottish author, was born in Lossiemouth, Morayshire, in 1940. His award-winning 'Snowball Oranges' series of five Mallorcan-based books have sold in large numbers worldwide and have been translated into eleven languages. They recount the often hilarious adventures experienced by Peter and his family while running a small orange farm on the Spanish island during the 1980s. 'Thistle Soup' is a prequel to these books and is a humorous though sometimes poignant account of his boyhood in East Lothian, 'The Garden of Scotland', where he eventually followed in his farming grandfather's footsteps. Peter now concentrates on writing fiction. His first novel, 'The Mallorca Connection', was a rare mix of suspense and comedy and has been followed to date by four other equally quirky yarns, with both Spanish and Scottish settings. In the 1960s, Peter was a jazz musician - the clarinettist-leader of Scotland's premier jazzband, 'The Clyde Valley Stompers', with whom he recorded the hit version of 'Peter and the Wolf' for Beatles producer George Martin. From 1970 onwards, Peter combined farming beef and barley in East Lothian with freelance record production, hitting the jackpot with the biggest-selling instrumental single of all time, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards 'Amazing Grace'. He also wrote the music and lyrics (some say bizarrely!) for The Krankies' trademark song, 'Fan-Dabi-Dozi'. Peter, married with two sons, now lives in East Lothian and has recently published his first historical novel, 'Song of the Eight Winds', which is set in 13th century Mallorca. Website: www.peter-kerr.co.uk

This is the fourth book in the award-winning 'Snowball Oranges' series of humorous travelogues set in 1980s Mallorca. It's the peak of the orange-harvesting season at the Kerr's little farm in the Tramuntana Mountains, and the intrepid Scots family are trying to relax into their new life on this sunny Spanish island. But it's also crunch time, because, after the excitement and euphoria of a roller coaster first year, hard facts now have to be faced. Will all the work they've put into improving the neglected orchards provide them with a decent living, or will their dream turn into a nightmare? Will Peter's new-found aptitude for manananess be the last straw for the long-suffering Ellie, and will elder son Sandy return to Scotland, while young Charlie is seduced by Mallorca's super-rich yachting set? As the entrancing 'snowfall' of almond blossom heralds the arrival of spring, the Kerrs' sense of humour remains irrepressible through thick and thin - as well it may! Full of life and colour, hilarious and revealing, and set against a backdrop of the breathtaking beauty of Mallorca.