The Carnegie Girls by Jane Anderson | Bookstagram Tour
What if a library could change the course of your life?
For generations, libraries have offered more than books. They’ve opened doors to education, independence, opportunity and dreams that might otherwise have remained out of reach.
In The Carnegie Girls by Jane Anderson, readers are transported to Victorian Scotland, where the opening of Andrew Carnegie’s first public library becomes the beginning of two women’s extraordinary journeys.
Set against the historical backdrop of Dunfermline and Scotland’s remarkable library heritage, this captivating novel explores family secrets, forbidden ambitions, love and the courage it takes to build a different future.
We’re delighted to be featuring The Carnegie Girls, published by Howe Street Publishing, on a Love Books Tours Bookstagram tour from 18th to 26th November 2026.
Throughout the tour, our wonderful book reviewers will be sharing their thoughts on Jane Anderson’s historical novel. We’d love you to follow along, discover their reviews and perhaps find your next favourite read.
About The Carnegie Girls
Title: The Carnegie Girls
Author: Jane Anderson
Series: The Scottish Library Series, Book 2
Publisher: Howe Street Publishing
Genre: Women’s Fiction | Romance | Historical Fiction | Historical Romance
Pages: 367
Publication Date: 14th November 2026
Bookstagram Tour: 18th–26th November 2026
Book Blurb
Wealthy industrialist Andrew Carnegie began his philanthropy in Dunfermline. In 1881, he returned to his birthplace for the foundation of his first public library.
Middle-aged Elma Dewar had a secret childhood friendship with him. She’s thrilled when Carnegie recognises her at the ceremony with her young niece, Violet. He hasn’t forgotten.
Carnegie’s library inspires Violet Dewar to defy Victorian convention and become a librarian. However, her work at Innerpeffray Library puts her in danger. Violet’s whole future is threatened when Jock, her beloved father, involves her in a terrible deceit, putting her life at risk. One young man is determined to keep her safe.
When Elma loses the last happy thing in her Dunfermline life, it is Andrew Carnegie who reaches out to her, but family obligations and personal hopes seem impossible to reconcile.
Can Elma change her life at fifty?
Will Violet survive? Must she choose between love and ambition?
A Story of Libraries, Ambition and Second Chances
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Carnegie Girls is its connection to the history of Scotland’s libraries.
Andrew Carnegie’s commitment to making books and learning accessible provides a compelling backdrop for a story about women whose ambitions challenge the expectations of their time.
For Violet, the opportunity to become a librarian represents far more than a career. It offers independence, purpose and the possibility of shaping her own future.
For Elma, an unexpected reunion with Andrew Carnegie brings a different set of possibilities. With family obligations weighing heavily upon her, she must consider whether she can pursue happiness and change her life at fifty.
Through these two women, Jane Anderson explores the choices, sacrifices and opportunities that can define a lifetime.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters, family drama and romantic elements will find plenty to intrigue them in this Scottish setting.
Follow The Carnegie Girls Bookstagram Tour
We love introducing readers to new books through our Bookstagram tours, and we’re especially excited to share this historical novel with our community.
Our reviewers will be exploring The Carnegie Girls and sharing their independent reading experiences throughout the campaign.
Whether you’re already a fan of Jane Anderson’s writing or discovering her work for the first time, we’d love you to follow the tour and see what our hosts think.
Bookstagram Tour Schedule
Wednesday 18th November 2026
- Portobello Book Blog
- @marbooks88
- @_lozzieloves
Thursday 19th November 2026
- @the_bookmagnet
- @bookwormwhitlock86
- @footpadnomadbooks
Friday 20th November 2026
- @pattierwr
- @bookerellas
- @bluefairybugsbooks
- @fatguyreading
Monday 23rd November 2026
- @novelhabit
- @book.lover1486
- @thebookhide
Tuesday 24th November 2026
- @bookaddict.twylie68
- @londonpageturner
- @readabookandlearnanewword
Wednesday 25th November 2026
- @stacybradley8124
- @pugwash18
- @amysreadingranch
- @Booksbybindu
Thursday 26th November 2026
- @sg2_reads
- @epicreadsandcoffee
- @lornabookfan
Follow @LoveBooksTours on Instagram to discover the reviews and explore the different perspectives our wonderful hosts bring to Jane Anderson’s novel.
Meet the Author: Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson is an Edinburgh-based writer of historical fiction.
Born in Fife, she studied English Literature at Edinburgh University.
Jane spent much of her life living overseas in countries as far-flung as Vietnam, Azerbaijan and Egypt.
Travel continues to inspire her writing, while retelling history from the perspectives of women is where her passion for storytelling truly comes alive.
In The Carnegie Girls, Jane brings readers into the lives of two women navigating the opportunities and restrictions of Victorian society, against the fascinating backdrop of Scotland’s library history.
Why Add The Carnegie Girls to Your Reading List?
If you enjoy historical fiction that combines compelling characters with fascinating real-world history, The Carnegie Girls could be a wonderful addition to your bookshelf.
The novel brings together several appealing elements: a Scottish Victorian setting, the history of public libraries, women pursuing independence, complicated family relationships and the possibility of finding love and happiness at different stages of life.
At its heart are two women facing very different challenges, yet united by their determination to shape their own futures.
Whether you’re drawn to historical romance, women’s fiction or stories celebrating the importance of books and education, Jane Anderson’s novel offers an intriguing reading experience.
Where to Buy The Carnegie Girls
Ready to travel back to Victorian Scotland and discover the stories of Violet and Elma Dewar?
Buy The Carnegie Girls by Jane Anderson here:
Follow Along with the Bookstagram Tour
We’d love you to follow along as our Bookstagram hosts explore The Carnegie Girls and share their reviews with readers around the world.
Visit the accounts listed in our tour schedule, discover their thoughts and join the conversation about this historical novel.
Perhaps their reviews will inspire you to add The Carnegie Girls to your own reading list!
You can also connect with the author and our tour team on Instagram:
Author: @Jane.S.Anderson.Writer
Tour Host: @LoveBooksTours
Bookstagram Community: @LBT.Crew
Discover the book:
https://mybook.to/IaRdm
Happy reading!
Love Books Tours
Connecting readers with wonderful books, one tour at a time.
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