Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Format: eBook
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.
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.
