What do you think?
Rate this book
The Howdie's Apprentice
Scotland, 1789. Bloodied, pregnant and with nowhere left to turn, young Jane stumbles onto the sands of Myreton. Taken in by three reclusive brothers and tended by Grace, the village healer, she begins to imagine a future beyond the cruelty she has fled. In Grace’s herb garden and healing room, Jane discovers a gift for tending the sick – a calling that could finally grant her purpose and belonging.
But the past is not easily outrun. Stoked by a sanctimonious church elder, whispers of scandal spread quickly through the village. And in the shadows beyond Myreton, the man who once held Jane in his grip is determined to reclaim her.
Set between the peaceful coastal parish of Myreton and the seedy underworlds of Edinburgh and Leith, The Howdie’s Apprentice paints a vivid portrait of life in 18th-century Scotland. Atmospheric and gripping, it is both a coming-of-age story and a gothic tale of survival, resilience, and the struggle for freedom against those who would see it stolen.
But the past is not easily outrun. Stoked by a sanctimonious church elder, whispers of scandal spread quickly through the village. And in the shadows beyond Myreton, the man who once held Jane in his grip is determined to reclaim her.
Set between the peaceful coastal parish of Myreton and the seedy underworlds of Edinburgh and Leith, The Howdie’s Apprentice paints a vivid portrait of life in 18th-century Scotland. Atmospheric and gripping, it is both a coming-of-age story and a gothic tale of survival, resilience, and the struggle for freedom against those who would see it stolen.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
33 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Andy Marr
4 books1,168 followersAndy Marr was born and raised on the east coast of Scotland. After finishing a degree in History at the University of Edinburgh, he took a job in a bank, but he hated it, so he stopped and became a writer instead. He is the author of two acclaimed coming-of-age novels, the top-10 bestselling 'Hunger for Life' and the international bestseller 'A Matter of Life and Death', as well as 'Not MY Birthday!', a picture book for young children. His new novel, 'The Howdie's Apprentice', was released in November 2025.
When he is not writing in his favourite coffee shop, Andy enjoys reading, spending time with his wife and daughters, and writing short biographies about himself in the third person. Visit him online at www.andymarr.org and www.facebook.com/AndyTheActualAuthor
Praise for 'Hunger for Life' -
'A remarkable novel, with vibrant and deeply developed characters, taut and nuanced relationships, and simply lovely prose... A life-affirming and powerful read.'
Marya Hornbacher, Pulitzer-nominated author of 'Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia'
Praise for 'A Matter of Life and Death' -
'The funniest book about death, loss, and angry peacocks you’ll read all year.'
David Sodergren, bestselling author of 'Maggie's Grave' and 'The Haar'.
When he is not writing in his favourite coffee shop, Andy enjoys reading, spending time with his wife and daughters, and writing short biographies about himself in the third person. Visit him online at www.andymarr.org and www.facebook.com/AndyTheActualAuthor
Praise for 'Hunger for Life' -
'A remarkable novel, with vibrant and deeply developed characters, taut and nuanced relationships, and simply lovely prose... A life-affirming and powerful read.'
Marya Hornbacher, Pulitzer-nominated author of 'Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia'
Praise for 'A Matter of Life and Death' -
'The funniest book about death, loss, and angry peacocks you’ll read all year.'
David Sodergren, bestselling author of 'Maggie's Grave' and 'The Haar'.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 27, 2025
Well, I finally made use of that history degree.
November 19, 2025
In this past year I have read a few historical novels that took place in small seaside villages, in Norway, Ireland, and now Scotland…these have been favorite reads of mine.
This story begins in 1789, in a peaceful coastal town where a runaway named Jane… 14 yrs old and pregnant, is found by local fishermen brothers…she had collapsed from exhaustion and a head wound.
She woke up in their small dwelling, these brothers… along with Grace, the local healer nursed her back to good health.
They let Jane stay with them and as time goes on they all become a chosen family.
There is action in this story as the person and situation that Jane had fled from is trying to find her.
There are also the stories of some of the other village residents that is entertaining and pertinent to the main story.
I found this a very touching read, with fantastic characters!
This story begins in 1789, in a peaceful coastal town where a runaway named Jane… 14 yrs old and pregnant, is found by local fishermen brothers…she had collapsed from exhaustion and a head wound.
She woke up in their small dwelling, these brothers… along with Grace, the local healer nursed her back to good health.
They let Jane stay with them and as time goes on they all become a chosen family.
There is action in this story as the person and situation that Jane had fled from is trying to find her.
There are also the stories of some of the other village residents that is entertaining and pertinent to the main story.
I found this a very touching read, with fantastic characters!
November 21, 2025
Gripping, moving, tense, captivating, and atmospheric! Andy Marr has delivered yet again with The Howdie's Apprentice! I love books that contain mystery, secrets, survival tales, found family, community, and people overcoming obstacles. These are on display in The Howdie's Apprentice. I found this book to be wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced, and intriguing.
Jane is fourteen years old and pregnant when she stumbles and collapses in the sand of Myreton, Scotland. Luckily, she was found by three brothers, John, Alex, and Robbie. The reclusive brothers bring her to their home so that their siter, Grace, a local healer can tend to her. It is there, in the home, where Jane will find safety, comfort, normalcy, and found family. But being young with a new baby, has the villagers' tongues wagging and gossip being whispered in the wind. Who is this mysterious young girl and where did she come from?????
This book also takes readers to Edinburgh, Scotland where a newly married couple lives in discomfort and bleakness. The husband gets himself into a bit of a pickle and finds himself desperate and a wee bit testy - okay, massively testy.
I thought the author did a tremendous job with time and place. I was instantly carried away to 1789, Scotland. I loved the atmosphere and settings in this book. With the vivid descriptions I felt as if I was right there in the scenes as a silent observer.
This book is full of both likeable and unlikeable characters. The ones who were likeable were very likeable and I enjoyed getting to know them and spending time with them. Alex became a favorite as his hard exterior melted and he proved to be one of my favorite characters in the book. Many of the characters go through transformations in this book - some for the better and some for the worst.
I also enjoyed how the author unraveled Jane's backstory as well as the backstories of several of the key characters. As I mentioned, I loved the found family aspect in this book. I also enjoyed how Jane became a member of the community and the bonds she made with Grace and her reclusive brothers.
A gripping coming of age tale of survival, found family, and healing.
4.5 stars
Thank Andy Marr who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Jane is fourteen years old and pregnant when she stumbles and collapses in the sand of Myreton, Scotland. Luckily, she was found by three brothers, John, Alex, and Robbie. The reclusive brothers bring her to their home so that their siter, Grace, a local healer can tend to her. It is there, in the home, where Jane will find safety, comfort, normalcy, and found family. But being young with a new baby, has the villagers' tongues wagging and gossip being whispered in the wind. Who is this mysterious young girl and where did she come from?????
This book also takes readers to Edinburgh, Scotland where a newly married couple lives in discomfort and bleakness. The husband gets himself into a bit of a pickle and finds himself desperate and a wee bit testy - okay, massively testy.
I thought the author did a tremendous job with time and place. I was instantly carried away to 1789, Scotland. I loved the atmosphere and settings in this book. With the vivid descriptions I felt as if I was right there in the scenes as a silent observer.
This book is full of both likeable and unlikeable characters. The ones who were likeable were very likeable and I enjoyed getting to know them and spending time with them. Alex became a favorite as his hard exterior melted and he proved to be one of my favorite characters in the book. Many of the characters go through transformations in this book - some for the better and some for the worst.
I also enjoyed how the author unraveled Jane's backstory as well as the backstories of several of the key characters. As I mentioned, I loved the found family aspect in this book. I also enjoyed how Jane became a member of the community and the bonds she made with Grace and her reclusive brothers.
A gripping coming of age tale of survival, found family, and healing.
4.5 stars
Thank Andy Marr who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 11, 2025
Andy Marr has done well with this novel. He is a storyteller through and through.
He offers us a late 18th Century coastal Scottish village, vividly described, and a band of characters, some loveable and nurturing, others questionable, then throws in some monsters from the festering big smoke.
What more could a reader want?
I’m impressed.
No hesitation giving this a full-star rating.
He offers us a late 18th Century coastal Scottish village, vividly described, and a band of characters, some loveable and nurturing, others questionable, then throws in some monsters from the festering big smoke.
What more could a reader want?
I’m impressed.
No hesitation giving this a full-star rating.
November 13, 2025
The Howdie's Apprentice is my third Andy Marr novel. The action in this novel begins in 1789, rather than the present. Of the three Andy Marr novels I've read, this one is perhaps the most complex. It's also my personal favorite. It contains characters that I could happily follow into a sequel or two. (I find the idea of a triology written by Andy Marr somewhat titillating. Hopefully, I will still be around when Andy finishes his next novel.)
I felt a personal connection with the characters in this novel both because of the quality of the writing and my family's genealogical history. You see my most famous ancestors came from the Scottish lowlands, so while reading The Howdie's Apprentice I frequently felt like I was reading about folks very similar to my own kinfolk.
I'll write a bit more about my kinfolk when I review two or more other books: including one written by William Earl Dodge and one written by David Low Dodge.
Quote from The Howdie's Apprentice:
And now here he was -- trapped on the biggest day of his life, in some filthy, bloody cow town at the arse end of nowhere. (p. 61 of 268 in ebook)
Unquote
Quote from The Howdie's Apprentice:
‘It’s no[t]’ France the Scottish people want – just fairness.’
Matthew scoffed. ‘Fairness. Life isn’t fair!’
‘I know that,’ Alex said. ‘But it neednae stop us from trying to make it fairer in the ways that we can.’ (p. 165 of 268 in ebook)
Unquote
I felt a personal connection with the characters in this novel both because of the quality of the writing and my family's genealogical history. You see my most famous ancestors came from the Scottish lowlands, so while reading The Howdie's Apprentice I frequently felt like I was reading about folks very similar to my own kinfolk.
I'll write a bit more about my kinfolk when I review two or more other books: including one written by William Earl Dodge and one written by David Low Dodge.
Quote from The Howdie's Apprentice:
And now here he was -- trapped on the biggest day of his life, in some filthy, bloody cow town at the arse end of nowhere. (p. 61 of 268 in ebook)
Unquote
Quote from The Howdie's Apprentice:
‘It’s no[t]’ France the Scottish people want – just fairness.’
Matthew scoffed. ‘Fairness. Life isn’t fair!’
‘I know that,’ Alex said. ‘But it neednae stop us from trying to make it fairer in the ways that we can.’ (p. 165 of 268 in ebook)
Unquote
November 24, 2025
See novel synopsis above.
4.5 rounded up
First of all, having read all the Poldark novels I can completely see why Andy says if you like those, you’ll like this and he’s right. I do and I did!
Although I enjoy all the sections in the book, my favourite centre around Jane, ‘her uncles’ the wonderful Robbie, Alex and John and the howdie,* Grace and the village of Myreton. Grace is fabulous and her remedies, her knowledge of plants and her medical understanding are of great benefit to the people. Here you get a terrific sense of community and the reality of life in the late 1780’s and just how tough that can be. There’s kindness, care and acceptance with some ‘hiccups’ along the way.
The villagers lives contrast with the landowners, The Campbells, with Campbell senior being a very fair man but the less said about his son Charles, the better. Distasteful though he is, his way of life and attitudes are not untypical of the times nor is his treatment of his long suffering wife.
The historical context is excellent, it’s richly atmospheric and has many ingredients to make it an absorbing read from survival to belonging to the darker side of life in Edinburgh. It builds to a tense ending where I hold my breath and have my fingers crossed but where we learn much about Jane.
Overall, a cracking read, it’s very well written, it’s lively and told at a good pace.
I received a copy from Andy Marr in return for an honest review- thanks Andy.
*A howdie in Scotland was traditionally an unqualified midwife and many had knowledge and skills beyond that just like Grace in the novel.
4.5 rounded up
First of all, having read all the Poldark novels I can completely see why Andy says if you like those, you’ll like this and he’s right. I do and I did!
Although I enjoy all the sections in the book, my favourite centre around Jane, ‘her uncles’ the wonderful Robbie, Alex and John and the howdie,* Grace and the village of Myreton. Grace is fabulous and her remedies, her knowledge of plants and her medical understanding are of great benefit to the people. Here you get a terrific sense of community and the reality of life in the late 1780’s and just how tough that can be. There’s kindness, care and acceptance with some ‘hiccups’ along the way.
The villagers lives contrast with the landowners, The Campbells, with Campbell senior being a very fair man but the less said about his son Charles, the better. Distasteful though he is, his way of life and attitudes are not untypical of the times nor is his treatment of his long suffering wife.
The historical context is excellent, it’s richly atmospheric and has many ingredients to make it an absorbing read from survival to belonging to the darker side of life in Edinburgh. It builds to a tense ending where I hold my breath and have my fingers crossed but where we learn much about Jane.
Overall, a cracking read, it’s very well written, it’s lively and told at a good pace.
I received a copy from Andy Marr in return for an honest review- thanks Andy.
*A howdie in Scotland was traditionally an unqualified midwife and many had knowledge and skills beyond that just like Grace in the novel.
November 23, 2025
What a lovely cover for this book that evokes the main character of Jane, an injured girl of 14 that turns up on land owned by 3 brothers who live together. She also happens to be pregnant. Her past is mysterious, but they take her in and in time they become a family, completed by the arrival of the infant Mary. Grace is the local medicine woman who helps the sick and injured, the "Howdie" of the title.
This one has it all, adventure, danger, secrecy, lies, love, friendship, and characters who appear to be one thing until their real personality is revealed. Enough fast action at the end to keep you busy turning pages. If you like historical fiction give this one a try.
This one has it all, adventure, danger, secrecy, lies, love, friendship, and characters who appear to be one thing until their real personality is revealed. Enough fast action at the end to keep you busy turning pages. If you like historical fiction give this one a try.
November 11, 2025
In the family homes, wives took pride in keeping their dwellings spic and span. Cooking utensils, tables and chairs were all scoured with white sand. Walls and firesides were whitewashed, the swye and crook blackleaded. But the brothers’ home had received no such care; the roof leaked, the curtains were torn, and the rooms, with their floors of well-trodden earth, were barely furnished. Grace had offered for years to help them improve the place, but the brothers were perfectly content to live in their dust and disorder.
A young woman arrives in the sleepy coastal town of Myreton, Scotland under mysterious circumstances. Injured and exhausted, she’s tended to by the village healer and left in the care of three brothers with some mysterious history of their own...
This cozy piece of historical fiction oozes Scottishness, with eighteenth century atmosphere that really puts you there. From the foggy farmlands to the smoky gambling halls of Edinburg, where debauchery abounds, The Howdie’s Apprentice delivers a motley crew of well-drawn and interesting characters; some of whom you’ll root for and others you’ll despise.
An outstanding read from start to finish. Well done, Mister Marr.
A young woman arrives in the sleepy coastal town of Myreton, Scotland under mysterious circumstances. Injured and exhausted, she’s tended to by the village healer and left in the care of three brothers with some mysterious history of their own...
This cozy piece of historical fiction oozes Scottishness, with eighteenth century atmosphere that really puts you there. From the foggy farmlands to the smoky gambling halls of Edinburg, where debauchery abounds, The Howdie’s Apprentice delivers a motley crew of well-drawn and interesting characters; some of whom you’ll root for and others you’ll despise.
An outstanding read from start to finish. Well done, Mister Marr.
December 4, 2025
Andy Marr graciously offered me the opportunity to read this novel before its release last month, and I am so very grateful. I genuinely adore his two previous contemporary books, which I will continue to praise from the rooftops. But now he has wowed me again by writing in my favourite genre, historical fiction. The Howdie’s Apprentice is an utterly absorbing read, set in the late Georgian period, with well-placed references to the revolution and upheaval of the time. I was utterly captivated.
He has artfully crafted perfect pacing and an ideal balance of intrigue, romance, and just enough sly humour to keep the darker moments from overwhelming the reader. Though distinctly different in tone and setting from Middlemarch (a personal favourite), I was reminded of it in the way Marr builds his narrative on textured, vivid depictions of village life that never feel overwritten. The setting is alive with mud, midwives, gossip, and grief, yet remains rooted in the deeply human.
I was especially drawn to the moral complexity of the characters, flawed, inconsistent, and achingly real. So many unexpected surprises. It was pure entertainment with a heart. A book worth revisiting. So I did, and gave it a second read one week later!
He has artfully crafted perfect pacing and an ideal balance of intrigue, romance, and just enough sly humour to keep the darker moments from overwhelming the reader. Though distinctly different in tone and setting from Middlemarch (a personal favourite), I was reminded of it in the way Marr builds his narrative on textured, vivid depictions of village life that never feel overwritten. The setting is alive with mud, midwives, gossip, and grief, yet remains rooted in the deeply human.
I was especially drawn to the moral complexity of the characters, flawed, inconsistent, and achingly real. So many unexpected surprises. It was pure entertainment with a heart. A book worth revisiting. So I did, and gave it a second read one week later!
November 23, 2025
My goodness, it is refreshing to spend time in the work of a writer who has taken enormous pains to craft sharp characters. To the casual reader, it will be the ease in which one can quickly recognize, follow and find relatable traits for each character through language, motivation and plot development. On the other hand, to the reader who has faced the daunting task of "building character" in writing themself, this is the kind of book that makes one sigh with respect and glance at their pile of story notes with angst [because I'm going to get to those notes after I take a break with this book, damn it!!]
Realizing the book was going to focus on village life in the 1700s, I was prepared with notepad and pen to keep track. Since I was Kindle-ing, I didn't want to keep going back and forth for remember who was who. But I didn't have to. Mr. Marr did his job: he painted his people brilliantly and uniquely. And this is what makes this a very nice read for a cold foggy day with a cup of tea.
Robbie, John and Alex...I'm so glad they stayed throughout. Who could not love characters who are slapped with the insult of following the philosophy of "Hume and their ilk" by a weaselly priest?
Their acceptance and care of Jane is no less surprising given their position in the village.
Grace as the steady and dependable character in the story is subtle and understated. No cliche! How nice!
The villainous characters [no dearth of them] are the usual suspects in this era of Scotland. Landed gentry or simple misfits who try to take advantage of kindness. Again, to be expected for this era.
While there is some predictability in the plot, this is no way diminished the story for this reader. Too many times have I dived into books where the plot begins very pleasantly then suddenly it's Game of Thrones meets Diana Gabaldon with a shocking revelation that, while interesting, feels pressured.
I have to admit wondering if Jane was going to be a time traveler or some kind of mythical incarnation. Instead, she was a woman of her time with a sad, harrowing backstory that she overcomes.
A joyous read with delicious descriptions and some of the best dialog I've read in a while.
A brave and successful change of genres for Mr. Marr. Good on ya!
Realizing the book was going to focus on village life in the 1700s, I was prepared with notepad and pen to keep track. Since I was Kindle-ing, I didn't want to keep going back and forth for remember who was who. But I didn't have to. Mr. Marr did his job: he painted his people brilliantly and uniquely. And this is what makes this a very nice read for a cold foggy day with a cup of tea.
Robbie, John and Alex...I'm so glad they stayed throughout. Who could not love characters who are slapped with the insult of following the philosophy of "Hume and their ilk" by a weaselly priest?
Their acceptance and care of Jane is no less surprising given their position in the village.
Grace as the steady and dependable character in the story is subtle and understated. No cliche! How nice!
The villainous characters [no dearth of them] are the usual suspects in this era of Scotland. Landed gentry or simple misfits who try to take advantage of kindness. Again, to be expected for this era.
While there is some predictability in the plot, this is no way diminished the story for this reader. Too many times have I dived into books where the plot begins very pleasantly then suddenly it's Game of Thrones meets Diana Gabaldon with a shocking revelation that, while interesting, feels pressured.
I have to admit wondering if Jane was going to be a time traveler or some kind of mythical incarnation. Instead, she was a woman of her time with a sad, harrowing backstory that she overcomes.
A joyous read with delicious descriptions and some of the best dialog I've read in a while.
A brave and successful change of genres for Mr. Marr. Good on ya!
December 10, 2025
It's an odd thing in life. Judging others harshly and often does speak volumes about ourselves instead.
The raw winds and rain of Scotland in 1789 force the footsteps of a young girl into the village of Myreton. Jane is but fourteen years old and weighed down emotionally and physically by her pregnant condition. The extreme kindness of three fisherman brothers opens their home to the unfortunate girl.
They call in Grace who is the town's midwife, herbalist and healer. And within time, Jane gives birth to a baby girl named Mary. But the comfort and safety of the brothers' cottage is soon short lived. The town's people begin to spark rumors about Jane until Jane's own gentle demeanor defuses the gossip. She soon becomes an apprentice to Grace.
Andy Marr then layers his story with a newlywed couple living in Edinburgh. Louise is subjected to the drinking and heavy debt that they find themselves in. Charles will get under your skin. His story will thread its way into Jane's.
The Howdie's Apprentice bears a gorgeous cover and a riveting story within. Marrs is a master of characterizations. He knows just how to carve the good, the bad, and the ugly into this story. I promise that you'll be caught up in the midst of them. He sets the atmosphere with the frigid cliffs of Scotland and the intensity of someone who is looking for Jane with horrific intentions. Marrs knows his way around that atmosphere. He's from the east coast of Scotland himself. It all comes alive with its mighty dialogue and sharp-ended situations. Bravo, Andy Marrs, just bravo.
The raw winds and rain of Scotland in 1789 force the footsteps of a young girl into the village of Myreton. Jane is but fourteen years old and weighed down emotionally and physically by her pregnant condition. The extreme kindness of three fisherman brothers opens their home to the unfortunate girl.
They call in Grace who is the town's midwife, herbalist and healer. And within time, Jane gives birth to a baby girl named Mary. But the comfort and safety of the brothers' cottage is soon short lived. The town's people begin to spark rumors about Jane until Jane's own gentle demeanor defuses the gossip. She soon becomes an apprentice to Grace.
Andy Marr then layers his story with a newlywed couple living in Edinburgh. Louise is subjected to the drinking and heavy debt that they find themselves in. Charles will get under your skin. His story will thread its way into Jane's.
The Howdie's Apprentice bears a gorgeous cover and a riveting story within. Marrs is a master of characterizations. He knows just how to carve the good, the bad, and the ugly into this story. I promise that you'll be caught up in the midst of them. He sets the atmosphere with the frigid cliffs of Scotland and the intensity of someone who is looking for Jane with horrific intentions. Marrs knows his way around that atmosphere. He's from the east coast of Scotland himself. It all comes alive with its mighty dialogue and sharp-ended situations. Bravo, Andy Marrs, just bravo.
November 18, 2025
Got to say 18th Century Scottish historical novels are not my usual ‘go to reads’ but having enjoyed the authors previous 2 books ( and anno a lot of you also enjoyed them ) I decided to give it a go
And what a surprise I had, I found myself in the small village of Myreton where Jane, heavily pregnant has also found herself and finds herself rescued then cated for by 3 reclusive brothers, all with stories to tell…and this is the basis for the rest of the book, every character has a tale to tell and all fit in to the sleepy but not uneventful as folk would think village
As time goes on and Mary is born the man’s ( who thinks he has ‘the rights’ to Mum and child ) henchmen eventually find them and a battle is on to save them from an evil and very dark life
You know I really got into this book ( I even came across a new saying ‘as sour as earwax’ ) the characters, their lives and even their sometimes mundane existence was interesting to read about as it is so very different to our lives now, some of the characters could easy have a book just to themselves ( I think especially of the brothers and Matthew the Schoolteacher )
Really good, some vast research has gone into this book and the author again proves his worth as a storyteller, glad took a chance on this, worth every pageW
And what a surprise I had, I found myself in the small village of Myreton where Jane, heavily pregnant has also found herself and finds herself rescued then cated for by 3 reclusive brothers, all with stories to tell…and this is the basis for the rest of the book, every character has a tale to tell and all fit in to the sleepy but not uneventful as folk would think village
As time goes on and Mary is born the man’s ( who thinks he has ‘the rights’ to Mum and child ) henchmen eventually find them and a battle is on to save them from an evil and very dark life
You know I really got into this book ( I even came across a new saying ‘as sour as earwax’ ) the characters, their lives and even their sometimes mundane existence was interesting to read about as it is so very different to our lives now, some of the characters could easy have a book just to themselves ( I think especially of the brothers and Matthew the Schoolteacher )
Really good, some vast research has gone into this book and the author again proves his worth as a storyteller, glad took a chance on this, worth every pageW
December 9, 2025
Well done Andy! What a great story! Beautifully written and researched. I just love that cover too!
The story takes place in the 18th century in Scotland in a coastal town. Jane is a 14 year old girl who is found by some local fishermen - three brothers named John, Alex and Robbie. The girl has collapsed and appears to have a head wound. They take her into their home and the local healer, Grace begins to tend to her. The townspeople do wonder about her but they concoct a story and the brothers decide to take her in as she is all alone and pregnant. Over time as her child grows they become like a close-knit family and Jane begins to help Grace in her healing but Jane's past comes back to haunt her in a very dramatic way.
The author vividly describes the time period and I was immediately immersed. The story centres around family and survival and healing. There's much drama and excitement in the last few chapters and I like how the mystery of where Jane came from unravelled.
Many thanks to my GR friend the author who graciously sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story takes place in the 18th century in Scotland in a coastal town. Jane is a 14 year old girl who is found by some local fishermen - three brothers named John, Alex and Robbie. The girl has collapsed and appears to have a head wound. They take her into their home and the local healer, Grace begins to tend to her. The townspeople do wonder about her but they concoct a story and the brothers decide to take her in as she is all alone and pregnant. Over time as her child grows they become like a close-knit family and Jane begins to help Grace in her healing but Jane's past comes back to haunt her in a very dramatic way.
The author vividly describes the time period and I was immediately immersed. The story centres around family and survival and healing. There's much drama and excitement in the last few chapters and I like how the mystery of where Jane came from unravelled.
Many thanks to my GR friend the author who graciously sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
The time frame is the end of the 18th century, the Romantic period. Jane is a very young girl who has run away from the place where she was held captive and is found by three older fisherman brothers who allow her to stay with them. They live in a small Scottish village near the sea. Jane stays with them long term but it remains to be seen if she will be safe of what she has fled from.
This was the third book that I read by Andy Marr. It's completely different from the other two but just as well written, so I hope that he's thinking about his next book already.
This was the third book that I read by Andy Marr. It's completely different from the other two but just as well written, so I hope that he's thinking about his next book already.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews