1870 Scotland
Fleeing from Peterhead, Margaret Law makes Aberdeen her refuge. Menial jobs keep her and her toddler son fed– till an unusual tutoring task boosts her finances, and self-worth. Letters to best friend Jessie contain the absolute truth, especially when Johnny Fraser re-enters her life. Is he the man for Margaret to grow old with? When better employment emerges in St. Andrews, Margaret is torn. Will the move mean losing Johnny?
When Johnny follows Margaret to St. Andrews, their life together is idyllic. But when menacing secrets unfold, will Johnny’s past indiscretions be their undoing? Will he lose the cherished family he is establishing with Margaret?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐FIVE STARS for
Fraying Skeins by Nancy Jardine
One of the things that really struck me while reading Fraying Skeins was how much Margaret has had to teach herself about the world. She is intelligent and curious, but being a woman without the right background or qualifications means there are always doors that aren't quite open to her. Even something as simple as borrowing a library book isn't necessarily straightforward.
I also found the Scottish Christmas traditions fascinating. I hadn't realised quite how little Christmas was still observed in Scotland during this period. There is a lovely scene where Margaret talks about Prince Albert and the Christmas traditions he brought with him, and the children are fascinated by the idea of a decorated tree. Then almost immediately everyone is talking about Hogmanay and Ne'erday, which are clearly far more familiar and important celebrations to them.
These were actually some of my favourite parts of the book. I love historical fiction that makes me stop and think, ‘I didn't know that,’ without feeling as though I've suddenly wandered into a history lesson.
There is romance in the story, but Margaret herself was the reason I kept reading. She is curious about everything and determined to make something of the opportunities that come her way. I finished the book feeling as though I really should go back and discover how her story began.
A very enjoyable historical read, and one that had me looking up Scottish Christmas traditions afterwards. Five stars.
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