Scottish book of the week

A Cut Above

Millie Gray, Black & White Publishing, £7.99 Millie Gray wrote her first book at the age of 75 and has since gone on to become a best-selling author. A Cut Above, her eighth book, is set in Edinburgh in the 1960s and 70s. Freda Scott and her five schoolfriends can’t wait to grow up. Madly in love with the unattainable Ewan, Freda instead throws herself into a hairdressing career, and soon she and her best friend Robin have established a flourishing business.

The future looks rosy, until Freda’s life is turned upside down by a brutal attack. As Freda struggles to come to terms with what has happened to her, she relies on her old friends more than ever.

However, a chance meeting with Ewan brings a potentially life-changing dilemma. Does Freda dare to finally put herself and her own desires first? Or should she simply accept her lot in life?

The consequences of her decision could change all of their lives forever...

Millie Gray recreates the atmosphere of the era with all the hardships and struggles as well as the fun, warmth and humour of everyday life. Easy reading and perfect for fans of period romances, it is a charming read about enduring friendship and love, and the lengths that true friends will go to for each other.

Millie was born and raised in Leith and lives in Edinburgh. A self-confessed ‘people-watcher’, she is often inspired by snippets of conversations she overhears on the bus.

9/10