"Sweethearts at Home" by S. R. Crockett is a heartwarming romance novel set in the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. Crockett, known for his mastery of Scottish literature, delivers a captivating tale of love, loyalty, and family dynamics. In this charming story, Crockett explores the lives of ordinary people living in rural Scotland, highlighting the joys and challenges they face in their everyday lives. Through vivid descriptions and rich character development, Crockett transports readers to a world of rolling hills, quaint villages, and cozy cottages, where the bonds of family and community reign supreme. At its core, "Sweethearts at Home" is a celebration of love in all its forms – from the tender romance between sweethearts to the enduring affection shared between family members. Crockett's evocative prose captures the essence of Scottish culture and tradition, infusing the narrative with warmth and authenticity. As the plot unfolds, readers are drawn into a tapestry of emotions, as the characters navigate the complexities of relationships and the inevitable trials of life. Through it all, Crockett's keen insight into human nature shines through, making "Sweethearts at Home" a timeless story that resonates with readers of all ages.
Samuel Rutherford Crockett was a Scottish novelist who published under the pen name "S. R. Crockett". He was born on September 24, 1859, in Little Duchrae, Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Galloway, as the illegitimate son of dairymaid Annie Crocket. His Cameronian grandparents nurtured him on the tenanted farm until the family relocated to Cotton Street, Castle Douglas in 1867 (later fictionalized as Cairn Edward). In 1876, he obtained the Galloway bursary at Edinburgh University, where he earned an MA. He began his journalistic career in 1877 to support his bursary by writing for journals. He left the university in April 1879 without receiving a diploma. From 1879 to 1881, he traveled throughout Europe as a tutor before returning to Edinburgh's New College to prepare for the ministry. The Crocketts had four children: Maisie Rutherford, Philip Hugh Barbour, George Milner, and Margaret Douglas, all of whom appeared in his children's stories. In 1906, the family relocated from Bank House in Penicuik to Torwood House in Peebles, but Crockett spent much of the year overseas and made frequent trips back to Galloway. In 1886, he released a volume of poetry under the alias Ford Brereton, titled Dulce Cor (Latin for Sweet Heart). Dulce Cor is a ruined abbey in Galloway. In the late 1880s, he was a regular contributor to The Christian Leader magazine, edited by W.H. Wylie.
