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Tuesday's Socks
Founder and sole employee of Mere Accounting, Jeffrey Mere is a solitary man. He has spent his entire life close to home, in the picturesque Scottish town of Pitlochry. After sixty-four years of playing it safe, with retirement looming, Jeffrey resolves to climb Ben Macdhui, Britain's second highest peak. His decision sets off a chain of events that changes his life forever.
Challenging weather on the mountain, and an encounter with a mysterious stray dog, leave him exhilarated and inspired. When he gets home to share the news of his achievements with his ninety-one year old mother Agnes, who lives in the old-folks home in town, Jeffrey discovers that nothing is as he left it.
When a fire threatens the street where he lives Jeffrey’s selfless act of bravery transforms him from a no-body to a local hero. His renewed confidence nudges him towards Mary Ferguson, Agnes’s favorite nurse at the home, a trip to the ancient streets of Rome and a brush with the Italian underworld. Facing the possibility of losing the only woman he has ever loved, Jeffrey takes a leap of faith towards a future that he could never have imagined for himself.
Challenging weather on the mountain, and an encounter with a mysterious stray dog, leave him exhilarated and inspired. When he gets home to share the news of his achievements with his ninety-one year old mother Agnes, who lives in the old-folks home in town, Jeffrey discovers that nothing is as he left it.
When a fire threatens the street where he lives Jeffrey’s selfless act of bravery transforms him from a no-body to a local hero. His renewed confidence nudges him towards Mary Ferguson, Agnes’s favorite nurse at the home, a trip to the ancient streets of Rome and a brush with the Italian underworld. Facing the possibility of losing the only woman he has ever loved, Jeffrey takes a leap of faith towards a future that he could never have imagined for himself.
313 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
152 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Alison Ragsdale
16 books454 followersAlison's Amazon best sellers include: TUESDAY'S SOCKS, THE FATHER-DAUGHTER CLUB, FINDING HEATHER, A LIFE UNEXPECTED, THE ART OF REMEMBERING, DIGNITY AND GRACE, HER LAST CHANCE, SOMEONE ELSE'S CHILD, THE CHILD BETWEEN US, AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE, and MY HUSBAND'S CHILD.
Originally from Edinburgh, Alison now lives in the US with her husband and dogs. Educated in England, she holds an MBA from Leicester University.
For more information: www.alisonragsdale.com.
Originally from Edinburgh, Alison now lives in the US with her husband and dogs. Educated in England, she holds an MBA from Leicester University.
For more information: www.alisonragsdale.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 7, 2016
Restrained, refreshingly so.
The settings, both in Scotland and in Europe lent a welcome backdrop to a worthy and touching story. No crassness, no cliche, no nonsense. Jeffrey Mere is a believable character whose common decency prevents him from reaching for the stars, even though we desperately want him to.
Mary as his elderly mother's nurse and caregiver is both compassionate and believable as she learns to accept Jeffrey on his own terms. There is an element of magic reality in the story, which lends to the low-key quality of the story and without which the story would suffer from being somewhat prosaic. Congratulations to the author for finding that balance.
The settings, both in Scotland and in Europe lent a welcome backdrop to a worthy and touching story. No crassness, no cliche, no nonsense. Jeffrey Mere is a believable character whose common decency prevents him from reaching for the stars, even though we desperately want him to.
Mary as his elderly mother's nurse and caregiver is both compassionate and believable as she learns to accept Jeffrey on his own terms. There is an element of magic reality in the story, which lends to the low-key quality of the story and without which the story would suffer from being somewhat prosaic. Congratulations to the author for finding that balance.
April 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this feel-good tale of a lonely Scottish man of 64. Like me, he broke his jaw in an over-the-handlebars bike crash, so I immediately related to him. The story was reminiscent of A Man Called Ove for me, but I enjoyed it more. It's a simple, clean (no sex, cursing, and only very mild violence) story in which bad things happen to good people, but all turns out well in the end when love flourishes. It's a bit predictable, but I didn't mind that -- I found it refreshing and sweet. Disclaimer: I received a Kindle copy of this book free thanks to Goodreads and the publisher. Thank you!
December 6, 2016
Similar to The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry. A feel good story that traces the transformation of its main character, Jefferey Mere from a kind but a meek Momma's boy to more worldly small town hero. I picked this up as it is set in Pitlochry, Scotland near where I vacationed last year. A wonderful area where I had the best time.
Ms. Ragsdale's writing is excellent. She communicates real care and compassion for her characters and a real feel for and love for her Scots homeland. Tuesdays Socks builds slowly allowing the reader to cosy up to Jeffery, his love Mary, their friends and neighbors, much like one would get to know new friends relaxing around a warm fire with a bottle of wine.
Jefferey's courtship of Mary is charming. Jefferey at 64 years old is in love for the first time in his life. He reacts with all the awkwardness of a teenage boy courting his first girlfriend. The more experienced Mary wants their relationship to move faster but doesn't want to scare Jeffery away. Their slow circling felt authentic and reminded me of my own nervousness courting my wife. Delightful.
My only compliant with Tuesdays Socks is the second act where Jeffery travels to Italy. Its purpose seems to be to highlight Jeffery's naiveté in the ways of the world--which was already clearly established in Act 1--and second to further Jeffery's realization that he is truly in love with Mary--which wasn't necessary, as he was already well down the path in Act 1. I would have preferred a more natural realization versus the push provided by the exotic Lucia.
The introduction in Act 2 of the mystical dog also felt incongruous with the rest of the story. Jefferey's character is too pragmatic to hallucinate his mother reincarnated as a dog. The dream sequences in this act and later are more true to Jeffery's character and could have been expanded on to the same purpose. Thankfully the novel returns to its roots in Act 3 and ends beautifully.
Tuesday's Socks is a sweet, enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
Ms. Ragsdale's writing is excellent. She communicates real care and compassion for her characters and a real feel for and love for her Scots homeland. Tuesdays Socks builds slowly allowing the reader to cosy up to Jeffery, his love Mary, their friends and neighbors, much like one would get to know new friends relaxing around a warm fire with a bottle of wine.
Jefferey's courtship of Mary is charming. Jefferey at 64 years old is in love for the first time in his life. He reacts with all the awkwardness of a teenage boy courting his first girlfriend. The more experienced Mary wants their relationship to move faster but doesn't want to scare Jeffery away. Their slow circling felt authentic and reminded me of my own nervousness courting my wife. Delightful.
My only compliant with Tuesdays Socks is the second act where Jeffery travels to Italy. Its purpose seems to be to highlight Jeffery's naiveté in the ways of the world--which was already clearly established in Act 1--and second to further Jeffery's realization that he is truly in love with Mary--which wasn't necessary, as he was already well down the path in Act 1. I would have preferred a more natural realization versus the push provided by the exotic Lucia.
The introduction in Act 2 of the mystical dog also felt incongruous with the rest of the story. Jefferey's character is too pragmatic to hallucinate his mother reincarnated as a dog. The dream sequences in this act and later are more true to Jeffery's character and could have been expanded on to the same purpose. Thankfully the novel returns to its roots in Act 3 and ends beautifully.
Tuesday's Socks is a sweet, enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2022
Alison Ragsdale is a wonderful storyteller! I absolutely loved everything about this book, from the rich and complex central characters to the multi-layered stories of their lives as they unfolded bit by bit over the course of the story, much like the peeling back of an onion's skin. I fell in love with all the main characters, including Mr. Giacomo, who was a more tangential character, but one who was yet richly deliniated. At the heart of this story (which is one truly rich in heart) is the premise that it is never too late to begin again or to take the first step in living the life we had long imagined, but, for one reason or another, had not dared to embark upon. Although I was pleased with the way the drama of the story unfolded, there were times that I held my breath in fear and other times when the story carried me away with pleasure and the rightness of it all. Although I am most grateful to have received this book as a Goodreads giveaway as an e-book, I am eager to purchase and read anything else this author has written and have just downloaded a sample of her book, Finding Heather. Another wonderful aspect of Ms. Ragsdale's writing is her rich descriptions of Scotland, including Scottish colloquialisms and terms that are incorporated into her writing and with which she is obviously familiar. (I learned at least a few of them during my reading of this book!) P.S. I also loved the character and presence of the large dog and how she figured into the story.
February 5, 2017
Jeffery Mere had played it safe for about 52 years, ever since his bike accident. As a CPA, he even had a safe job. He lived where he was born. His mom was now in a nursing home, but he saw her daily. He was ready to retire and had decided to celebrate by doing something adventurous. He was going to climb Ben Macdui. Planning, researching, and buying prepares him for this great adventure. He goes climbing. He is exhilarated. He considers more and more adventures. But while he is off adventuring, his Mom dies. Tailspin...how he gets out of it and how his Mom and Mary and Lucia do so is why you will want to read this adult coming of age story.
October 16, 2016
A quietly written story of a seemingly simple life. A man retires, he takes loving care of his elderly mother: it seems pretty mundane. But then he climbs a mountain, becomes a hero, and takes a dangerous holiday in Rome. There is nothing ordinary about this book, and you like Alexander Mccall Smith, you will like this one very much.
July 27, 2016
4.5. So lovely. I hadn't read a book in so long where I cared so deeply about the characters. This story is sweet and loving. I actually got physical chills at times. Just lovely. Love. Love love.
January 2, 2020
Alison Ragsdale has written a charismatic feel-good novel with “Tuesday’s Socks”.
Jeffrey’s transition throughout the novel was relatable and heartwarming. Mary and Agnes and the other characters were just as charming.
I absolutely loved the shaggy dog in the story!!!
This was a truly enchanting novel and I highly recommend you read this or get the Audible version !!!!
I had the pleasure of listening to the Audible version. I absolutely loved the narration and the accents were impeccable which made me feel like I was back in Scotland again. I have visited Scotland twice for holiday and this brought back such great memories!!!!
Don’t Miss this chance to see that you can still have a coming of age story late in life!! This was fabulous!
I received a copy of this Audible book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
Jeffrey’s transition throughout the novel was relatable and heartwarming. Mary and Agnes and the other characters were just as charming.
I absolutely loved the shaggy dog in the story!!!
This was a truly enchanting novel and I highly recommend you read this or get the Audible version !!!!
I had the pleasure of listening to the Audible version. I absolutely loved the narration and the accents were impeccable which made me feel like I was back in Scotland again. I have visited Scotland twice for holiday and this brought back such great memories!!!!
Don’t Miss this chance to see that you can still have a coming of age story late in life!! This was fabulous!
I received a copy of this Audible book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
November 29, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, thanks to Alison Ragsdale for taking me on a journey with Jeffery :-)
July 9, 2018
Tuesday's Socks Are Going Somewhere
Thoroughly enjoyable. An old fashioned love story that delights and never bores at all. Will read more of Alison Radcliffe.
Thoroughly enjoyable. An old fashioned love story that delights and never bores at all. Will read more of Alison Radcliffe.
October 17, 2023
One reviewer characterized this story as “refreshingly restrained”, as apt a description as I could conceive. Both the setting and every one of the characters are entirely believable, keeping the entire work grounded in reality. All of which is elegantly offset by shades of magical realism, thereby adding much needed color and intrigue to what might otherwise have been lacking in much-needed inventive spark.
Right from the outset, we’re told that Jeffery Mere is a “nice” man who lives a “nice” life, but, as his aging mother admits, “nice was not all it was cracked up to be.” Something of interest definitely needs to happen here; and bit by bit, it does. One cannot avoid comparing this with books such as The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, or perhaps some of Mitch Albom’s parables. These are stories of ordinary people who find themselves at some point taken entirely out of their comfort zone; they undergo tests of character or they break loose from a set pattern of behavior and experiences; we find ourselves bound up in their journey and the pages fly by. The result, when written as unassumingly as it is here, can be very satisfying. No rockets or anthems, no resounding glory or bitter defeat, just a bit of goodness, a commodity that seems to be in short supply nowadays.
Right from the outset, we’re told that Jeffery Mere is a “nice” man who lives a “nice” life, but, as his aging mother admits, “nice was not all it was cracked up to be.” Something of interest definitely needs to happen here; and bit by bit, it does. One cannot avoid comparing this with books such as The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, or perhaps some of Mitch Albom’s parables. These are stories of ordinary people who find themselves at some point taken entirely out of their comfort zone; they undergo tests of character or they break loose from a set pattern of behavior and experiences; we find ourselves bound up in their journey and the pages fly by. The result, when written as unassumingly as it is here, can be very satisfying. No rockets or anthems, no resounding glory or bitter defeat, just a bit of goodness, a commodity that seems to be in short supply nowadays.
February 7, 2019
My book group is reading "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" and this book has a similar theme: a retired English gentleman who widens his very narrow world by setting out on new journeys. Both have a grief theme. Both stretch belief although Tuesday's Socks really takes it to the limit. This isn't a great book. The writing is choppy at times. I didn't like the change in the character of Mary at the end. She was such a strong, admirable woman at the beginning. And yet, for all its weaknesses, I had a hard time putting it down. The ending was predictable but I still felt compelled to read it. I guess I love the idea that life isn't over at 65. New adventures, even if they are fantastical , are available at any time if you look for them.
May 3, 2020
Jeffrey Mere is a 64 year old solitary man. He has never taken a chance, and is encouraged by his elderly mother to step out and stop playing it safe. After retirement, he challenges himself to climb to the top of a mountain, and then rescues his next-door neighbor from a house fire. As he gains more confidence, he challenges himself to pursue the love of his life. This fresh debut novel by Ms Ragsdale is a heart warming love story with likable characters that will draw you in from the start. I especially appreciate the fact there are no sex or violent scenes. If you’re looking for a light story during this pandemic, this is the book for you.
May 26, 2021
Such a lovely read
Well this book certainly made me smile. I loved Jeffrey and his cat!
Jeffrey loves his mother so much and he visits her everyday in the care home. He also loved bumping into Mary, blushing each time he saw her. Mary looks after his mum so well and are really good friends.
Jeffrey is retiring and has made a plan to go walking up a mountain! What happened a up the mountain is so amazing.
I won't tell you anymore as it will spoil the book.I would say that I loved this story and the other large character that appears from time to time.
A lovely well written first novel for the writer !
Well this book certainly made me smile. I loved Jeffrey and his cat!
Jeffrey loves his mother so much and he visits her everyday in the care home. He also loved bumping into Mary, blushing each time he saw her. Mary looks after his mum so well and are really good friends.
Jeffrey is retiring and has made a plan to go walking up a mountain! What happened a up the mountain is so amazing.
I won't tell you anymore as it will spoil the book.I would say that I loved this story and the other large character that appears from time to time.
A lovely well written first novel for the writer !
December 30, 2020
Listened to Tuesday’s Socks while taking my strolls or folding laundry, (found cooking or doing dishes too noisy to thoroughly encompass the story). Gordon narrated the story beautifully as I was able to picture each character emphatically. I loved the overall story line of Jeffrey overcoming his fears to embrace life, even at an older age. Bringing the “hint” of Jeffrey’s mother, Agnes, into the story was brilliant. I felt her presence and guidance along all of Jeffrey’s journeys. If you’re looking for a light hearted, yet soulful story, then Tuesday’s Socks is for you!
August 7, 2024
Great story!
What a fun whimsical story! Very nice book which I really enjoyed! We're heading back to Italy very soon to celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary and my 75th birthday! We are so blessed to have had many joyful celebrations in my favorite place, Italia!
What a fun whimsical story! Very nice book which I really enjoyed! We're heading back to Italy very soon to celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary and my 75th birthday! We are so blessed to have had many joyful celebrations in my favorite place, Italia!
September 28, 2025
Lovely story
Such a feel good, lovely story. I could not wait to see what Jeffrey would do next. I loved Agness, Mary and the dog. Ok, the cat too. I smiled often thinking about this book, looking forward to sitting down and having a good read with a nice wee dram.
Such a feel good, lovely story. I could not wait to see what Jeffrey would do next. I loved Agness, Mary and the dog. Ok, the cat too. I smiled often thinking about this book, looking forward to sitting down and having a good read with a nice wee dram.
February 27, 2018
Nice light read, I was hoping for more of the mountain climbing but still enjoyed it #goodreadsgiveaway #arcbook
June 3, 2020
Very good book with a fun storyline. Once we got to Rome I couldn’t put it down and read to the wonderful end.
November 16, 2021
Love without regrets
Really enjoyed this novel for so many reasons. Never too late to give your heart away. Loved the relationship this gentle man had with his mom.
Really enjoyed this novel for so many reasons. Never too late to give your heart away. Loved the relationship this gentle man had with his mom.
April 2, 2022
A heartwarming story that shows we are never too late for a brave, new beginning.
April 4, 2022
Cute....a 64 year single man, his 90 something mom who knits socks, - he retires and decides to do stuff...climb a mountain, travel...finds love with his moms nurse
September 15, 2022
Good bedtime reading
An interesting story, well written to keep your interest. A little predictable but heart warming and very easy to read.
An interesting story, well written to keep your interest. A little predictable but heart warming and very easy to read.
November 27, 2022
Mon-Fri
I have daily socks. I will think of this book everytime I wear a pair. Entertaining. And kept me
interested throughout to the end.
I have daily socks. I will think of this book everytime I wear a pair. Entertaining. And kept me
interested throughout to the end.
December 26, 2022
Excellent book
Excellent book. Enjoyed it and really like the characters. Alison Ragsdale is a great writer, have enjoyed her books so far.
Excellent book. Enjoyed it and really like the characters. Alison Ragsdale is a great writer, have enjoyed her books so far.
January 18, 2026
Nice light read, I was hoping for more of the mountain climbing but still enjoyed it #goodreadsgiveaway #arcbook
September 15, 2016
Sweet read
Overall I enjoyed this book and its quirky characters, especially the main character Jeffrey. He was a man who didn't really begin to let go and live till his sixties in fact his own elderly mother had to push him into the arms of another women...lol..although she was still happy he continued to wear the socks she knit for him with the days of the week on them. I told you it was full of somewhat strange characters didn't I. Most of the characters grew on me except for a main character, Mary. The author choose to have this middled aged woman giggle quite frequently, too frequently!!! The author's editor really should have mentioned that. Anyway it was a sweet read and most of the characters have stuck with me like that strange neighbor or coworker that you can't help but love after a while. Oh I also loved the book cover...nicely done.
Overall I enjoyed this book and its quirky characters, especially the main character Jeffrey. He was a man who didn't really begin to let go and live till his sixties in fact his own elderly mother had to push him into the arms of another women...lol..although she was still happy he continued to wear the socks she knit for him with the days of the week on them. I told you it was full of somewhat strange characters didn't I. Most of the characters grew on me except for a main character, Mary. The author choose to have this middled aged woman giggle quite frequently, too frequently!!! The author's editor really should have mentioned that. Anyway it was a sweet read and most of the characters have stuck with me like that strange neighbor or coworker that you can't help but love after a while. Oh I also loved the book cover...nicely done.
February 23, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale set in Scotland about a 64 year old man who upon retirement finally steps out from his very restrictive life. He starts out by climbing a nearby mountain, saves a neighbor´s life in a fire, travels to Rome, and finally has the courage to approach the woman he has been secretly smitten with for some time. It´s a low key tale, but all the people appealing and it´s lovely to see him find happiness at last. And there´s a ghost dog who appears when he most needs support!
August 5, 2016
This is still my favorite of Alison Ragsdale's books so far. The writing style of this novel is both original and comforting, symbolic as a short story might be, but psychologically satisfying as the novel it is. The characters are so engaging I wanted to meet them. The tone reminded me of "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye" by Rachel Joyce, but more immediate, and the atmosphere reminded me of Mary Wesley's novels, though more contemporary - which is to say that the book is a sort of highly re-readable friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews