As you may know, I’ve recently finished reading Ours, Yours and Mines by Carmel McMurdo Audsley. I knew that I’d enjoy this book as soon as I read the book description. And so I couldn’t wait to start reading.

This beautifully written historical novel centers around the McMurdo family – spanning four generations between 1861 and 1913. During those years, you’ll fall in love with the members of this brave family. You’ll be there as the McMurdo children are born, grow up, and move out on their own. You’ll also be there as family members are lost and laid to rest. As the family mourns, so will you.

The McMurdos are a mining family that live in the miners’ rows of Ayrshire, Scotland. The living conditions are miserable, but the McMurdo family never allows it to get the better of them. They face their many hardships with strength, love, courage, and dignity. I was humbled as I read how well they managed to cope despite those hardships.

The story centers around Mary who married into the family. I grew to love Mary as I read the book. Mary embodies the strength, love, courage, and dignity that I just mentioned. I don’t want to include too many spoilers, but no woman should have to experience what Mary went through. I wanted to cry a number of times. Although I could hear Mary saying there’d be none of that. She was also a proud woman who didn’t like charity.

There were also moments that made me laugh. There was one scene in particular in which I felt as though I was sharing a private joke with Mary. A feisty woman that Mary. There was another scene that gave me goosebumps. I’m wishing now that I had taken advantage of Kindle’s highlighting feature, so I could tell you more about that scene. I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out more. Hint, hint. Nudge, nudge, and a little wink. 😉

The story is told using the Scottish dialect of the time. It gives the book a charm all its own. I’m from Newfoundland which counts English, Irish, Scottish, and French settlers as part of its colorful history, so some of the words were familiar to me. Depending on which part of Newfoundland you’re from, ‘dinner’ and ‘supper’ are still used in reference to meal times. I personally still use ‘ye’ as the plural form of ‘you’ on many occasions. Although in the book ‘ye’ is also used as a singular form of address. I love the fact that the author provides us a list of words with their modern equivalent at the end of the book. A nice reference tool.

As I was nearing the end of the book, the battery in my Kindle died. I plugged it in and continued reading at the kitchen counter until supper was ready. While I was tidying up after supper, I looked at the orange light on my Kindle which was taunting me by then. I wanted to curl up on my couch and finish the book. Once again, I could hear Mary saying there’d be none of that. She’d never let something as trivial stop her. So when I was finished in the kitchen, I found an extension cord to plug in my Kindle next to the couch. My dear husband was more than a little amused. He knew how much I was enjoying the book. I had shared several tidbits as the story progressed.

When I finished the book, I discovered that the remaining two books in the series are also available. Yay! I will be reading the rest of this series down the road. And when I do, it’ll feel as though I’m being reunited with old friends. I’m certain there will be lots of new friends as well.

I should also mention Ours, Yours and Mines is based on the true story of the author’s ancestors. Mary is the author’s great-great-grandmother. Through her book, Carmel shares her family’s legacy. A legacy definitely worth reading.

I’m including the link below from Amazon. It allows you to preview, purchase, or add the book to your wish list. Or you could add it to your TBR list on Goodreads. If you do end up reading this wonderful book, please feel free to come back and share your thoughts. Until next time, be kind to yourself.