1840s Scotland - A book I didn’t put down until I had finished it. Two best friends, one able to go to school, the other a maid. Their lives come back together as tragedy strikes. Loved it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am reviewing this for Net Galley.

In this story we are following Margaret and Jessie who are two best friends. When Jessie's grandma passed away, Jessie went to work as a scullery maid caring for a young child named Charlotte. Margaret and Jessie remain friends, sending letters to each other on a regular basis. Overtime, Margaret recognizes Jessie's speech and penmanship get better.

Margaret decides to work at the same place as Jessie. She will be teaching those how to read and
write. This way she can also be closer to her closest friend Jessie. While there, Margaret has her fair share of suitors. Than is surprised to find out that her close friend Jessie also has a suitor. Jessie is being very secretive about him.

Jessie finds out news that is troublesome to her but she does not want Margaret to worry. When the time came that they found out the news, this will lead to changes in their lives. One change that Margaret did not see coming. Will she be able to move forward from this change?

I really enjoyed this book. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre. I enjoyed reading about the friendship between Margaret and Jessie. Even though things do not work out as planned these two still find a way to keep their friendship. You don't see friendships like this anymore. I didn't care for the wife of the husband the girls worked for but no one really cared for her. I was glad the husband stepped up in the end. Otherwise I for the most part enjoyed the story.

Margaret and Jessie are best friends in a small Scotland village, even though their family circumstances are vastly different. Margaret leads a privileged life, while Jessie’s family barely scrapes by. When the girls reach school age, Jessie receives unexpected tuition to attend the same costly school as Margaret due to an unknown benefactor. As the story unfolds, readers learn more about why both girls end up in Edinburgh as preteens, working for a wealthy family. Relationships develop, family drama takes place, and there are both happy and sad times in this interesting depiction of life in 1800s Scotland. Warning: This is the first book in a series, so there are loose ends at the conclusion of this enjoyable read.