Reach for Tomorrow

by Rita Bradshaw

When everyone's deserted her, can she find the strength to go on?

Reach for Tomorrow is a heart-warming saga of a young woman's indomitable spirit and determination to survive no matter what, from much-loved author Rita Bradshaw. Perfect for fans of Annie Murray and Rosie Goodwin.

'What an emotional rollercoaster ride of a book! It grabs your attention from page one and does not let go until the end' - Sunderland Echo

Rosie Ferry is hardly more than a child when her father and brothers are lost in a pit disaster. She has to grow up fast when her mother falls apart, leaving Rosie in charge of her two sisters. It's Rosie who finds them lodgings, Rosie who tramps the streets looking for work. Without her friends Davey and Flora, Rosie doesn't know how she'd cope.

Then Davey - the boy Rosie always thought she'd marry - abruptly leaves Sunderland, and to make matters worse her mother turns to drink. It's almost more than she can bear, but Rosie is tougher than she looks, and she's determined to keep the family together.

What readers are saying about Reach for Tomorrow :

'I felt as though I was transported in time . I found the book very emotive in places and extremely easy to read'

'Another lovely story from this very talented writer . The characters are vivid and believable , the storyline keeps you guessing'

' Hard to put down and at times will make you cry and in the next minute heart-burstingly happy '

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 1999

About the author

Rita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, whichat the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who wouldmake a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep thehouse buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it anyother way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Althoughhaving enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted tolive anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday homeclose to the sea one day.

Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)

For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.

Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.

Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.

Reviews

[Louise Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it reminds me that when you fall in love there will always be part of you that still loves that person no mAtter if you think you have moved on also reminds me that's kids can be stronger than we think they r and can cope with more than we think they can

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I don't like spoiling a story, but would recommend this book, definitely a page turner!

[Sue Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I would definitely recommend this book. Couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns. One not to miss.

Amazing.

[Julie Eccleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book couldn’t put it down

[Jean P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as other books I have read by this author. Yes the stories all follow a similar path but this was disappointing.

[Carolanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Janet Randon]

Really enjoyed.

[Michelle Binner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story, couldn't put it down! Up's & downs of family life in the mining north east after the 1st WW. Rosie struggles to keep her family going, but love conquers eventually.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always like a good North East story from the 1920's, my Guilty Pleasure :)

[Cherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can recommend this book if you are fans of Lyn Andrews but I found it was a bit predictable but still a lovely story.

[LINDA HADDOCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reach for tomorrow

Another excellent story from Rita Bradshaw. All about a young girl who's father died, her mother went to pieces and turned to drink. It left Rosie to support her mother and siblings. Also there was a man who wanted Rosie to be his and only his, and would go to whatever lengths it took to get what he wanted. Rosie manage to find lodgings for her family and eventually fell in love and married her landlord. This other man was very jealous and set out to murder Rosie's husband.. Also Rosie had another man who had strong feelings for her.