Review: Fraying Skeins by Nancy Jardine
Fraying Skeins
Silver Sampler Series, Book #3
by Nancy Jardine
Review:
I've enjoyed reading the first two novels in this remarkable series – Novice Threads and Tailored Truths – so I was looking forward to reading more of Margaret Law's adventures in Victorian Scotland.
Now widowed, Margaret faces a stark choice – stay in Peterhead and continue working for her dodgy father-in-law, or start afresh, again. Not a great choice at all, given his unsavoury intentions towards her. She flees to Aberdeen, where she finds lodgings for herself and her young son, Jamie. Work is hard to come by, yet her varied experience pays off. What begins as a job cleaning students’ lodgings soon sees her helping those same young men with their studies. And her life changes again, as unexpected opportunities arise that she never dreamed of.
In the meantime, she meets Johnny again, a former friend of her late husband's and aspiring tailor. Despite being nine years older than him, they soon grow close. A move to the seaside student town of St.Andrews sees her settle in a new place of her own.
But fate has an unsettling shock in store for Margaret, and she must face yet another great upheaval. Where will it take her next?
Fraying Skeins is a warm, comforting read that draws you into a story full of kindness, friendship, hope, and love, but also with a strong sense of realism. Margaret is a wonderful character – intelligent, friendly, quick to learn, with a plethora of worthy skills some men of her era would envy. But, as a woman, there is no certificate she can gain as proof of her knowledge. Yet Margaret never gives up, and she doesn't shy away from hard work to make ends meet, and not to rely on her savings.
Like in the first two novels, Ms Jardine is putting her heroine through the paces, and through no fault of her own, Margaret's future is once more uncertain. As readers, we sympathise greatly with her, but each event moves the plot forward in unexpected ways. I'd love for Margaret to find her happy-ever-after, but not quite yet...
The research undertaken is breathtaking, and places, people, and social norms are described realistically in great detail. I found it fascinating to read about the building works happening across Aberdeen – I city I lived in for five years. I recognised the streets Margaret walks, and concert halls she visits, so in my head, I followed her step by step.
One area I thoroughly enjoyed is the use of local speech in dialogue – we get plenty of Scots, and even a smidgen of the Doric, the language of the north-east. Ms Jardine also makes sure to hint at the class system in terms of 'proper’ Queen's English used by upper class Scots. The language and the characters’ expectations detailed in this enthralling novel show us the real historic Scotland.
Fraying Skeins is a wonderful novel, its warmth enveloping you as you read. And if you ever lived in north-eastern Scotland, you'll finish reading the book with a strong sense of nostalgia.
And after that dramatic cliffhanger ending, I now can't wait for the next instalment in Margaret's adventures.
Please, hurry up, Ms Jardine!
Please, hurry up, Ms Jardine!
Highly recommended!
Blurb:
An engrossing Victorian Scotland Saga (Silver Sampler Series Book 3)
Escape In Paradise Evasion
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?
Buy Link:
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Nancy Jardine
Nancy Jardine writes historical adventure fiction, historical saga, time travel historical adventure and contemporary mysteries. Research gobbles up lots of time but it’s a delight, and never a chore. Her garden wouldn’t win any prizes but tending it is a great way to unwind and gives her some lovely plants to post on Instagram!
When not creating her novels, or promoting her writing, she loves to interact with readers at Book and Craft Fairs where she signs / sells paperback versions of her novels. Recently she’s taken part in author panels at Book Festivals.
Memberships include: Historical Novel Society; Society of Authors; Scottish Association of Writers; Federation of Writers Scotland; Romantic Novelists’ Association; and Alliance of Independent Authors. She’s self-published with Ocelot Press.
Connect with Nancy:
Website • Facebook • Bluesky • Instagram • Twitter / X
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