The Nursemaid's Journey

by Sheila Newberry

Previously published as Molly Sparkes and in ebook as Mollly's Journey

For fans of Katie Flynn, The Nursemaid's Journey is an uplifting novel from the Queen of family saga, and author of The East End Nurse, Sheila Newberry.

1906

A high-spirited, unconventional girl who can turn her hand to anything, Molly Sparkes is on the verge of a big adventure. At just eighteen, she is leaving her convent school in the heart of rural Kent to accompany the formidable Mrs Alexa Nagel on a tour of Australia, acting as her companion and nursemaid to Alexa's motherless granddaughter, Fay.

After a long voyage at sea, they finally arrive In New South Wales. Living in rural Australia and far away from everything she knows, Molly is forced to do some rapid growing up. Fascinated by a cool, laconic stockman, Molly is heartbroken when he tells her he is about to return to his native Denmark. Desperate to forget him, she turns her attentions to Rory Kelly, a circus acrobat. Will Molly flout convention and be tempted by the romance of a circus life? And what does the future hold for the irrepressible Molly Sparkes?

'Reading a Sheila Newberry book is like having dinner with your mother in her warm and cosy kitchen. You can feel the love and care put into every juicy morsel' - Diane Allen, bestselling author of For the Sake of Her Family

'I have long been a fan of Sheila Newberry's novels. I love their wonderful warmth and charm.' Maureen Lee, bestselling author of The Seven Streets of Liverpool

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2023

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was previously published as Molly Sparks and in ebook Milly's Journey.

1906. A high-spirited unconventional girl who can turn her hand to anything, Molly sparks is on the verge of a big adventure. At just eighteen, she is leaving her convent school in the heart of rural Kent to accompany the formidable Mrs Alexa Nagel on a tour of Australia, acting as her companion and nursemaid to Alexa's motherless granddaughter Fay. After a long voyage at sea, they finally arrive in New South Wales. Living in rural Australia and far away from everything she knows, Molly is forced to do some rapid growing up. Fascinated by a cool laconic stockman, Molly is brokenhearted when he tells her he is about to return to his native Denmark. Desperate to forget him, she turns her attention to Rory Kelly, a circus acrobat. Will Molly flout convention and be tempted by the romance of circus life?

We follow young Molly's journey from the UK to Australia, and her hopes and dreams for romance. The characters are well developed and likeable. Molly is a companion to Alexa Nagel and nursemaid to her granddaughter, Fay. This is a well written piece of historical fiction. Living in rural Australia is different to what Molly was used to, and she has to quickly grow up. I really like Molly and I felt for her when she got her heartbroken. I quickly flew through the pages of this easy to read book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BonniesBooks #Zaffre and the author #SheilaNewberry for my ARC of #TheNursemaidsJourney in exchange for an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts in 1906 and spans many years and two continents. I loved everything about this book, the details and descriptions made me feel as if I was on the long arduous journey to Australia. I particularly liked the love aspect which didn't dominate the book. but certainly added to the enjoyment for me.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Sparks is a young girl full of ambition to be a performer. At eighteen she takes a job as a Nanny for Alexa looking after her granddaughter Fay as they travel to Australia. Molly really likes Alexa and she meets lots of people during her time working her that end up playing important roles in Molly’s life. We follow Molly’s life as she travels with the circus. Molly falls pregnant and nearly dies during a difficult birth but nothing keeps Molly down for long. I enjoyed reading this book with lots of great characters that draw you into the story.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 4 out of 5]

 

Molly Sparkes eighteen years old a high spirited girl is heading for a big adventure.As she leaves Kent England sailing to Australia with Mrs Alexa Nagel and been nurse maid to her granddaughter Fay. Its a long voyage. Molly has only one aim in life and that's to go on stage could her dreams come true. This was such an enjoyable read. As Molly is taking through a lot of tough times in her adult life,but there is so rewarding times too. A lovely read to be enjoyed.

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this new saga from Sheila new berry and it did not disappoint. follow follow Molly on her new life in Australia and absorb yourself in all her hopes and dreams for the future. It was a good read

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical fiction featuring well developed and interesting characters. It kept me reading and i liked the vivid historical background and the setting.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this new saga from Sheila new berry and it did not disappoint. follow follow Molly on her new life in Australia and absorb yourself in all her hopes and dreams for the future. It was a good read

[Lorraine Joad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. An historical journey from the UK to Australia following Molly’s up and downs, hopes and dreams. A brilliant family saga.

[Linda Hobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasnt impressed by this book

[Catherine Hutton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wrong choice of book for me but stuck with it 😀