Hooks & Eyes: Part 1 of The Ambition & Destiny Series by VL McBeath

This is the story of a widow back in Victorian days.  She has two children and she's living with her aunt.  She decides to get a job so she will have some spending money to use for her children's clothes and shoes.  Her aunt isn't sure she approves but she allows it.  Before the story is done, she's going to regret that decision.

BooksGoSocial and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can pick up a copy now.

I never would have made it in this day and age.  Doing what my husband told me doesn't sit right with me.  In our household, duties are negotiated.  Back then, you had no choice.  You couldn't raise children on your own, women didn't make enough money.  That's still a bit true today, which is a shame.

Mary begins work in a shop where they make hooks and eyes.  She's good at it and does it proficiently to get bonuses.  She uses the money for new shoes and clothes for her little ones.  The owner of the shop has his eye on her and he's interested in her.  Her aunt thinks he just wants a companion, but he offers marriage despite her two children.  She says yes after a long engagement.  They are happy in the beginning.

Life goes on.  Mary loses some babies, her husband is always working late, and things get tense between them.  Her oldest son is going to work for a toolmaker and neither of them want him to do that.  He walks out anyway.  It will be interesting to see if he gets back together with his mother in the next book in the series.  He has his eye on a girl she wishes he wouldn't marry, so I'm not hopeful.  But only the author knows for sure...