The first volume of the story Maddie on the Island Hue is set in July 1985 and follows the adventures of 17-year-old Madison “Maddie” Stephanie Grey, an upper class girl from Plymouth in Devon who moves with her parents to the remote Scottish island of Hue due to her marine biologist father getting a job there. Although initially having trouble adjusting due to the remoteness and lacking most of her high class luxuries, Maddie is quick to befriend a few of the island’s residents: Siobhan Pattinson, a nervous but well meaning girl who sold her their new house on the island (due to being the daughter of Hue’s estate agent), Andy Taylor, the island’s wild mechanic who lives next door to Maddie, Ebony Larsson, an upbeat sheep farmer and an open lesbian, and Matthew “Matt” O’Rourke, the son of the island’s priest and Andy’s best friend.

However, though her new neighbours are all pleasant and friendly people, it becomes quickly apparent that there are notable personal problems among them, particularly between Siobhan and Ebony. Seeing that this is causing Siobhan emotional distress, Maddie takes it upon herself to help resolve the issue between the two, having faced similar heartache herself before.