The Lonely Stronghold

"The Lonely Stronghold" by Mrs. Baillie Reynolds is a fiction novel that follows Olwen Innes, a young woman in early 20th century England, who feels stuck in her dull bank job. Driven by a desire for adventure and greater fulfillment, she finds herself in new and surprising situations. Olwen wrestles with what society expects of her and what she truly wants for herself. The story kicks off at the Palatine Bank, where Olwen's boredom with her routine and the gloomy weather makes her restless. Visits with the Holroyd family spark conversations about finding something more meaningful, pushing her to seek change. As bad weather rolls in, Olwen bravely sets off for the faraway Guysewyke Pele encountering Ninian Guyse, beginning a journey filled with adventure and trials as she struggles to figure out who she is meant to be.