Without A Mother's Love

by Catherine King

Olivia Copley is an orphan. Sent to love with her uncle, the ruthless mine owner Hesley Mexton, she soon discovers that a house ruled by men can not only be desperate; it can be cruel.
A new governess, Harriet Trent, offers Olivia a glimpse of hope. But Harriet's past is full of secrets and, alone and without protection., Olivia realises that Hesley Mexton will take full advantage of her vulnerability - despite her governess's protests.
Starved of love, Harriet and Olivia form a close bond. But when forced to fight for their freedom, will they find the courage to defy the man who seeks to hold them captive?

Genres: Fiction

485 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[mckailer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit, that when I first started to read this story I wasn't entirely hooked. But after a couple of chapters, I started to get more into it, I found the plot interesting, and some what unexpected. This book was a good read, but not an amazing one.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free at a local bookstore, and with extra time this winter break, I picked it up to read. I jumped in without knowledge of the author's previous works and with just the brief summary on the back cover, so I was caught off guard when I came across R-rated (16/18+) material. I didn't mind, but it was unexpected. I thought the story was decent. Two orphaned young women bond and strive for freedom in a time and place where the laws do little to help the abused. The writing was easy to follow, and I do not agree with the one or two reviewers who said the story had a lot going on and could be confusing. The book ended without complete closure, but also without cliffhangers, which was nice. I took the book out on my walks and finished quickly. This book isn't the type to become someone's favorite read, but it is pleasant enough.

[Heidi Shinchan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional....my most favourite character is Miss Trent.....this book depicts the value of love , courage and survival ....the two main characters has gone through lots of stuff (sexually)and emotionally but they have the leap of hope somewhere ...so they destined together and change there brutal life to better at the end ....it's not the wow one but it's not the bad one tooo

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart from a couple of times that I got confused over parts of the story (when things from the past were explained) and also some sexual violence (it was relevant) I enjoyed this book. I feel as though I now need to know what happens next. Not sure if there is a follow up.

[Liz Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read but had a struggle with the last few pages which got a bit boring.

[Christina Rochester · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really don't recommend this book at all. Its extremely rapey, the ending ties up far too nicely and the characters are just unlikeable.

Given that this book gave me nightmares it's a no from me.

[readwithme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is are and heart breaking—yet a satisfying read.

[Anne Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this historical family saga very absorbing. There is so much going on - why is it that the poor heroines of these books have so much thrown at them? I know why of course. It's so that the heroines can rise above such setbacks and become stronger women. In that respect, I found some parts of this book disturbing (cannot say what because of spoilers). One wonders why one of our heroines - for there are two in this book - stays in such circumstances. This only becomes clear at the very end. Briefly, it is the ongoing stories of a governess engaged to teach a wayward orphan. It is set in the early 19th century in the coal fields and iron forges of the South Riding of Yorkshire. There is so much going on in this book, I found it hard to review.

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I wouldn't have chosen this book to read; somebody gave me a batch of books and this was among them. It is not my cup of tea. The story and characters are ok (there is some sexual violence) but I found both story and characters somewhat formulaic. I'm sure lots of people like this style of writing, but it isn't for me,

[Honeybee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novel of 1830-1837 era in England in the coal mine era...A troubling story of a young girl sent off to a home where things go wrong..the book is very well written and I feel the emotions come through perfectly! A highly recommended read! To watch Olivia come from a child up to a mature woman was the main point-even how she dealt with some shady people. Highly recommend this book!

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book so much that I was sorry when it came to an end. this author is a favourite of mine and well up and beyond her standard.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book.

[Sarah Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far fetched, just not believable.