Ayoh - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$3.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

VL McBeath
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Hooks & Eyes: Part 1 of The Ambition & Destiny Series. A Historical Family Saga. Kindle Edition

by VL McBeath (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 2,082 ratings

To start again, Mary must leave the past behind...

With no husband and two small children to care for, survival is Mary’s only concern.

She needs money … and can’t be too choosy about the job.

Mr Wetherby doesn’t need any more workers for his expanding business, but as a favour to an old acquaintance, he’ll make an exception ... for Mary.

He wants her.

She needs him.

Can they build the foundations of a happy life together? Or will a web of lies and deceit be their undoing?

Inspired by a true story, Hooks & Eyes begins an epic saga of one family’s trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.

Get your copy today

Books in The Ambition & Destiny Series:

A prequel Short Story: Condemned by Fate
Part 1: Hooks & Eyes
Part 2: Less Than Equals
Part 3: When Time Runs Out
Part 4: Only One Winner
Part 5: Different World
Standalone Novel: The Young Widow

Please Note: The Ambition & Destiny Series consists of 5 books that form one story. Each ends with a cliffhanger, and it is recommended that the series is read in sequential order. The books are written in UK English.

GOLD Quality Mark "Well constructed with strong characters and an interesting storyline and is deserving of a gold standard.” BooksGoSocial

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 2 of 7
    The Ambition & Destiny Series
  2. Print length
    434 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 8, 2017
  6. File size
    4.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 7 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  4. Like Family
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  6. This Savage World
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  7. The Beauty Doctor: A Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  8. Mrs. Winchester's Biographer
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  11. Cambridge Street
    Kindle Edition
    $7.99
  13. The Butcher on Colfax
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  18. The Romany Princess
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

The Ambition and Destiny Complete Series
To start again, Mary must leave the past behind...
Books Go Social Gold Standard Review
Condemned by Fate
Less Than Equals
When Time Runs Out
Only One Winner
Different World
The Young Widow
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars 179
4.4 out of 5 stars 837
4.4 out of 5 stars 774
4.5 out of 5 stars 777
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,029
4.2 out of 5 stars 418
Price $2.99 $4.99 $4.99 $5.99 $5.99 $3.99
Available as Ebook ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Available in Paperback ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Available in Large Print ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Editorial Reviews

Review

IHIBRP 5 star book review: "Hooks & Eyes" is a period piece that true romance lovers will completely enjoy, filled with characters whose larger-than-life personalities range from the wicked and the scheming, to the lovelorn and sublime. From the callous and domineering Mister Wetherby, to the cool and calculated [Sarah Ann], McBeath arranges a chessboard of characters who each have hidden agendas and aspirations that will impact the future of everyone around them, including the oldest of men to the most innocent of young women and children. INDIES HELPING INDIES BOOK REVIEW PROJECT

GOLD Quality Mark: "Well constructed with strong characters and an interesting storyline and is deserving of a gold standard." BooksGoSocial

"A gripping tale, all the more fascinating knowing it's based on real-life people and tells a true story of the author's family history."

"Recommend to fans of history, romance, suspense and anyone just looking for an interesting and good read."

"Excellent storyline. The characters and plot are well developed."

"This promises to be a fantastic family saga series."

"An enthralling read..."

From the Author

From start to finish, the process of writing these books has been an enlightening experience. Not only has it given me a more detailed understanding of the extraordinary lives of my ancestors, it has highlighted how tough it was to live in 19th-century England.

The first book, Hooks & Eyes, was inspired by the early life of my great, great, great grandmother, Mary. Widowed at the age of twenty-three and with two young children, I wondered how she would have survived in 1840's England. 

I don't suppose I will ever truly understand the hardship she experienced, but I hope the story I've revealed (and embellished with a fair amount of fiction), goes some way to doing her story justice.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XHKYX8C
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Valyn Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 8, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 434 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0995570818
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 7 ‏ : ‎ The Ambition & Destiny Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 2,082 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
VL McBeath

VL McBeath

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), VL McBeath (Val) initially trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years.

It was only more recently she developed a passion for writing.

Her first series, The Ambition & Destiny Series, arose out of Val's interest in her family's history. After many years it developed into an epic family saga. Spanning over seventy years, it tells the story of one family’s trials, tribulations and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era, England.

Once their tale was told, Val was eager to see if there were other ancestors worth writing about. That was when she stumbled across Nell. As a woman living in the late nineteenth century she was not your typical Victorian housewife, which made her the prefect person to write about. Her story is told in The Windsor Street Family Saga.

In addition to her family sagas, Val also has a series of historical murder mysteries: Eliza Thomson Investigates. This is currently a series of seven standalone books set in the early 20th century. Eliza is a fictional amateur sleuth who makes the most of her position being married to the village doctor. Along with her best friend Connie and occasionally her son, Henry, Eliza likes to help the police with their murder enquiries - whether they want her to or not!

Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, Stuart. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music, Liverpool Football Club and visiting her two grown-up daughters!


For further information about any of Val’s work, visit her website at: www.vlmcbeath.com


Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
2,082 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and enjoy its readability, though opinions are mixed. The storyline receives mixed reactions, with some finding it engaging while others note it lacks a proper conclusion. Customers disagree on the character development, with some finding them relatable while others find them unlikeable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted, with one customer noting it reads like real life.

"...I have read in the series I was able to follow along and was written by expert Ms Mc Beath is extremely talented author I really could have read it..." Read more

"...Wareham’s characters though flawed, are much more driven and relatable as they deal with the pitfalls of changing life and society beginning in the..." Read more

"With this being based in a true story, it was even harder to read. Men ruled their wives in the Victorian Era...." Read more

"...Glad I stayed with it. Very enjoyable series. Written more to real life than fast paced ever quirky changes. Enjoyed it very much." Read more

34 customers mention "Readability"22 positive12 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some enjoying it and finding every book in the series holds their interest, while others find it not the greatest.

"I really enjoyed reading this book while on a trip to see our son. Sure kept my interest as the pages flipped so quickly. Hard to put down!" Read more

"...Still the plot was good and I enjoyed it. Thanks to the author for a good read and for sharing the talent. PDO" Read more

"This book drags on endlessly and even though events happen, there is a sameness to it all that makes you feel as if time has stopped...." Read more

"...I almost stopped reading the first book. Glad I stayed with it. Very enjoyable series. Written more to real life than fast paced ever quirky changes...." Read more

32 customers mention "Storyline"21 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the storyline of the book, with some enjoying it and finding it fast-paced, while others complain that it has no end and lacks a proper conclusion.

"...this book it’s the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along and was written by expert Ms Mc Beath is extremely talented..." Read more

"...Still the plot was good and I enjoyed it. Thanks to the author for a good read and for sharing the talent. PDO" Read more

"I just couldn't go on with this book.it was poorly plotted and predictable. I had the other books in the series on my wish list, but I deleted them...." Read more

"I read the book quickly. It kept my attention and I enjoyed the basic storyline. However, the life situations were repetitive and became monotonous." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"9 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some finding them relatable while others describe them as unlikeable.

"...The characters were interesting and at times not as one would expect and then turn around to what one would hope they would be...." Read more

"...To me, she seems very weak of character with ideas of what she wants but clueless about how her actions sabotage her own happiness...." Read more

"...It was well-written and edited, the characters are well defined and have depth. However, the book just stops with no closure...." Read more

"But it was strange to say the least. Almost no likable characters. The more I read the more disappointed I was in the story line...." Read more

Wonderful read
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful read
I didn’t dislike anything I would highly recommend this book it’s the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along and was written by expert Ms Mc Beath is extremely talented author I really could have read it in 3 days and I’m not a speed reader I liked it that much I even took it on vacation when I had a little down I would read lol
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ruthie ann rigger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I didn’t dislike anything I would highly recommend this book it’s the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along and was written by expert Ms Mc Beath is extremely talented author I really could have read it in 3 days and I’m not a speed reader I liked it that much I even took it on vacation when I had a little down I would read lol
    Customer image
    Ruthie ann rigger
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Wonderful read

    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2024
    I didn’t dislike anything I would highly recommend this book it’s the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along and was written by expert Ms Mc Beath is extremely talented author I really could have read it in 3 days and I’m not a speed reader I liked it that much I even took it on vacation when I had a little down I would read lol
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Helpful
     Report
  • Whaskin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hard To Put Down
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book while on a trip to see our son. Sure kept my interest as the pages flipped so quickly. Hard to put down!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tabby1249
    3.0 out of 5 stars Victorian soap opera
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    It’s hard to know what to say about a book when the author creates well developed characters that fall on the scale from unlikable to loathsome. Such is the case with Hooks & Eyes set in mid-Victorian era England, where women are little more than chattel to be acquired, ordered about, used to whatever advantage, and then alternately adored or ignored as the father, brother, or husband sees fit.

    Such is the case with the female protagonist, Mary. I can honestly say that I have seldom disliked a female main character as much as Mary. To me, she seems very weak of character with ideas of what she wants but clueless about how her actions sabotage her own happiness. There were a couple of times that she developed a backbone but those were fleeting. Indeed, with the exception of a couple of spinster aunts, all the female characters are much like Mary.

    Mary’s husband William Weathers is also a piece of work as the stereotypical Victorian husband. He is controlling, conniving, unfaithful, and manipulative. His wife, as with all women, are there to cater to his needs. However, the author also has him engage in periodic self-reflection and symbolic self-flagellation. This seems to have little overall effect because he very soon goes back to being an ass. I got whiplash from it.

    Bottom line, this book reminds me of a sudsy, soap opera version of Andrew Wareham’s beautifully researched Poor Man at the Gate series. The difference? Wareham’s characters though flawed, are much more driven and relatable as they deal with the pitfalls of changing life and society beginning in the late 1700s. Author McBeath’s characters are almost cartoonish in their deviousness and I had great difficulty whipping up much in the way of sympathy for any of them. To reiterate, this is a Victorian era soap opera and like modern televised soap operas, I frequently find myself wanting to ask the characters, “What the hell is wrong with you?”
    39 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting read!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book because it had some twists and turns that were so in unexpected. The characters were interesting and at times not as one would expect and then turn around to what one would hope they would be. I love a happy ending and this kept me wondering if I were to come to that end, kept it interested to the very end. Still the plot was good and I enjoyed it. Thanks to the author for a good read and for sharing the talent. PDO
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Love2read
    4.0 out of 5 stars Stay With It
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Starts a bit slow. I almost stopped reading the first book. Glad I stayed with it. Very enjoyable series. Written more to real life than fast paced ever quirky changes. Enjoyed it very much.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Diane Markarian
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hooks & Eyes
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Writing is so good I can hardly put it down
    Helpful
     Report
  • djw
    2.0 out of 5 stars I always finish what I start
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I just couldn't go on with this book.it was poorly plotted and predictable. I had the other books in the series on my wish list, but I deleted them. I'm sad that I had to break my own rule. Don't clutter your Kindle with this series.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I read the book quickly. It kept my attention and I enjoyed the basic storyline. However, the life situations were repetitive and became monotonous.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Sharon Williamson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hooks and Eyes by VL McBeath
    Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It's such a wonderful atmospheric book. I can't wait to continue with the next book in the series. Love the characters. A truly enjoyable read.
    Report
  • Cooper Yellow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interessante Studie zum viktorianischen England
    Reviewed in Germany on October 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Ich habe dieses Buch zunächst gewählt, um mein Englisch zu festigen und täglich ein paar Seiten gelesen. Es wurden täglich mehr, weil einfach zu interessant. Die Entwicklung einer gewissen Unabhängigkeit der Frauen im viktorianischen England und die Beschreibung der familiären Strukturen in verschiedenen Gesellschaftsschichten ist unterhaltsam und anschaulich. Ich werde die Serie fortsetzen.
    Report
  • jennifer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the story line how things were back in the day. I would recommend this read to any reader that enjoys Victorian times.
    Report
  • Wendy L
    4.0 out of 5 stars A real life story brought to life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    In point of fact, I have to say I preferred the prequel to this first full book, insofar as I found myself empathising more with the characters in that, especially Charles, and the story seemed to flow better.

    I appreciate that this was a very formal era, but I found the writing in this book rather stilted and the characters rather one-dimensional. and thus I found it difficult to connect with them. However, after reading the Character Profiles provided by the author, as offered at the end of this book, I understood a little better what she was trying to achieve. It must be difficult writing about real people and incorporating them into a true albeit partly fictional story when you have researched their real characters.

    I found it rather irksome that Mr Wetherby was always referred to in this formal manner, but Ms McBeath explained that with several Williams in the story, she decided to keep him as Mr Wetherby throughout to identify him from the others.

    I enjoy reading family sagas and it will be interesting to discover how the characters develop as the saga continues.
    Report
  • Sugarplum
    5.0 out of 5 stars Escapism
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Good companion book the world goes to sleep whilst I’m engrossed with the lively characters I got lost in the well written story the author knows how to engage with the readers I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series .
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report