Evelyn Hood (1936–2023)

November 2013
I really enjoyed this book on two levels. This is the sort of historical novel that I enjoy with strong characters and a good solid story line. But Kirstie is also a needlewoman, the granddaughter of a weaver, and her skills are an important part of her story.

October 2024
I apparently read this a decade ago. Right up to last night I was planning on reducing the stars and rewriting the review. Now I think I'd rather leave them.

The Shopkeeper’s Heartbreak by Evelyn Hood took me to Greenock, Scotland in 1900. The characters are developed and realistic. I liked Lessie who is a strong, hardworking, and practical woman. The author effectively conveyed both the setting and the historical context. She portrayed the adversities and the blessings. Evelyn Hood’s writing is engaging and well-researched. I was dismayed by the abrupt ending (one way to ensure that I read the sequel). The detailed intimate scenes were not show more consistent with the overall tone and style of the saga. The Shopkeeper’s Heartbreak is a touching tale with a widowed woman, an obliging brother, a coy crumpet, a beneficial inheritance, an unexpected pregnancy, and a world war. show less

Hope for the Future by Evelyn Hood is the second book in The Lowrie Family series. While Hope for the Future could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Echoes of the Past before embarking on this story. This story begins when the two brothers return to Scotland after World War I. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. It is an emotional story. The author vividly depicts the realities faced by those who depend on the sea for their livelihood. The temporal show more shifts within the narrative prompted reflection, and the conclusion was particularly moving and poignant. Hope for the Future is an agreeable and touching Scottish saga. show less

Echoes of the Past by Evelyn Hood is the inaugural volume in The Lowrie Family series. The author's straightforward style makes the story easy to read. She effectively brings Buckie in 1912 to life and clearly researched the setting as well as the time period well. The characters are well-developed and portray life by the sea accurately, with particularly notable details about the women’s experiences. I liked visiting Buckie in Echoes of the Past and am eager to see what comes next in Hope show more for the Future. show less