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The Innkeeper's Daughter
For thirteen-year-old Bella, life isn'’t turning out quite as she’'d hoped. She lives at The Woodman Inn in Holderness, – the public house run by her family, but she is surrounded by two older brothers who never pull their weight and a younger sister who is in a world of her own. When their mother, Sarah, tells Bella not only that their father is seriously ill, but that she is also expecting a fifth child, all responsibility falls on the trustworthy and sensible Bella, for whom the dream of becoming a teacher is soon a long-lost memory.
Times are extremely hard. One brother starts drinking heavily from the family'’s own supplies; the other is merely passing his time lazing around until he'’s old enough to join the army. When their father dies, Sarah takes little interest in the newborn Henry, and Bella takes on the role of mother to him. Bella'’s days are brightened by the odd visit from Jamie Lucan, the eighteen-year-old son of a wealthy landowner in a neighbouring town. From a very modest upbringing and also grieving the loss of a parent, Jamie has more in common with Bella than she thinks.
Several years pass and Sarah announces that the family are to move to Hull -- it is where she herself was raised and wants to return, and she has arranged to take over a public house there. Bella is beside herself at the thought of giving up their family home. And, more importantly, she told Jamie Lucan that if he should return to Holderness from university, she would still be there.
When Bella visits Hull and sees the dilapidated inn they are about to take over in one of the roughest areas of the city, she is shocked. Could things get any worse? Or could this move actually be a blessing in disguise for Bella, allowing her the opportunities to reach her full potential?
Times are extremely hard. One brother starts drinking heavily from the family'’s own supplies; the other is merely passing his time lazing around until he'’s old enough to join the army. When their father dies, Sarah takes little interest in the newborn Henry, and Bella takes on the role of mother to him. Bella'’s days are brightened by the odd visit from Jamie Lucan, the eighteen-year-old son of a wealthy landowner in a neighbouring town. From a very modest upbringing and also grieving the loss of a parent, Jamie has more in common with Bella than she thinks.
Several years pass and Sarah announces that the family are to move to Hull -- it is where she herself was raised and wants to return, and she has arranged to take over a public house there. Bella is beside herself at the thought of giving up their family home. And, more importantly, she told Jamie Lucan that if he should return to Holderness from university, she would still be there.
When Bella visits Hull and sees the dilapidated inn they are about to take over in one of the roughest areas of the city, she is shocked. Could things get any worse? Or could this move actually be a blessing in disguise for Bella, allowing her the opportunities to reach her full potential?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2012
238 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Val Wood
45 books94 followers Valerie Wood
Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk
Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 22, 2017
Really love the books by Val Wood and this one was no exception. The stories are usually set in areas local to me and are brilliantly written. Recommended.
May 26, 2014
Really good read like reading this book a heartwarming story well written.
January 10, 2025
Loved this book, I felt as if I was there.
July 20, 2024
I really enjoy historical fiction, I especially loved this book, since I recognised lots of the locations! Need to go for a wander round Hull to see if the streets really exist! Was a good read!
November 4, 2017
Loved this book from start to finish. Bella has to grow up fast and help her mother and brothers run a Inn. The 2 brothers want to have the control of the Inn. Found this book very hard to put down.
May 8, 2014
A charming story reminiscent of the work of Catherine Cookson and Josephine Cox.
Bella Thorp and her family run the Woodman inn in Holderness until disaster strikes and her father who has a weak heart dies and her bereft, pregnant mother is left to keep things going with the rest of her children to help but some are more reluctant to muck in and keep the family business going than others.
The eldest girl Bella is expected to make all the sacrifices and give up her teaching dream which she dutifully does.
Over the years they finally come to terms with their father's death and they make a success of the inn between them and Bella even makes the acquaintance of the "toff" as Joe Puts it, Jamie Lucan who sometimes drinks at the Woodman which develops further to friendship.
Things are running well until things start to unravel, her eldest brother Joe is drinking heavily, William leaves to be a soldier and her flighty sister Nell leaves home for a life on the stage.
Sarah her mother has a hankering to leave Holderness and return to her childhood home of Hull.
She asks her errant brother to secure a new inn for them in that town and when they finally move in their dreams of a new start are shattered by the dreadful state of the place Bart has found for them who had his own hopes of reviving the dog and cockfighting practices that the Martitime inn their new home was known for.
Against all odds the family make a miraculous turn around of their fortunes and resurrect the dead reputation of the Maritime.
Though outwardly their trappings of life are now more prosperous than ever Bella still yearns for the "toff" of earlier years and unbeknownst to her though struggling to gain a career as a doctor against his father's wishes Jamie feels the same and still thinks of the charming girl who served him years before at the Woodman.
But as their fortunes have apparently reversed and due to the family move can they find each other again and ever find true happiness?
Well written, believable characters and a real feel good factor this is a wonderful historical novel and is well worth reading.
Bella Thorp and her family run the Woodman inn in Holderness until disaster strikes and her father who has a weak heart dies and her bereft, pregnant mother is left to keep things going with the rest of her children to help but some are more reluctant to muck in and keep the family business going than others.
The eldest girl Bella is expected to make all the sacrifices and give up her teaching dream which she dutifully does.
Over the years they finally come to terms with their father's death and they make a success of the inn between them and Bella even makes the acquaintance of the "toff" as Joe Puts it, Jamie Lucan who sometimes drinks at the Woodman which develops further to friendship.
Things are running well until things start to unravel, her eldest brother Joe is drinking heavily, William leaves to be a soldier and her flighty sister Nell leaves home for a life on the stage.
Sarah her mother has a hankering to leave Holderness and return to her childhood home of Hull.
She asks her errant brother to secure a new inn for them in that town and when they finally move in their dreams of a new start are shattered by the dreadful state of the place Bart has found for them who had his own hopes of reviving the dog and cockfighting practices that the Martitime inn their new home was known for.
Against all odds the family make a miraculous turn around of their fortunes and resurrect the dead reputation of the Maritime.
Though outwardly their trappings of life are now more prosperous than ever Bella still yearns for the "toff" of earlier years and unbeknownst to her though struggling to gain a career as a doctor against his father's wishes Jamie feels the same and still thinks of the charming girl who served him years before at the Woodman.
But as their fortunes have apparently reversed and due to the family move can they find each other again and ever find true happiness?
Well written, believable characters and a real feel good factor this is a wonderful historical novel and is well worth reading.
May 7, 2016
I enjoyed this evocation of the life of innkeeping families in Yorkshire in the nineteenth century. Through the person of Bella, whose father is an inn tenant, we see the rural life as farm labourers are fed and put up during harvest season, travellers are warmed and refreshed, and local people come for a quiet pint and game of dominoes. Innkeeping is profitable enough if the landlord can just refrain from drinking his stock.
With the early death of Bella's father, she, her brothers, little sister and pregnant mother, are left to run the business as best they can. Then her mother becomes homesick for Hull, the port town where she was brought up, and decides to move the family here to take on a pub instead, thus giving us a good contrast.
We also meet a young man James, second son from the manor family, who trains to become a doctor with the aim of helping the people around him, and becomes caught up in the streams of wounded from the Crimean war. Medicine is changing as new treatments and ideas are proven; theories about cholera, wound infection and ether for women in labour have arisen.
This tale is less a romance than a depiction of the times. We see perhaps too easy a path for Bella's family, as the pub owners don't cavil at dealing with women, they don't need to incur debt and Bella, oddly, is not beset by admirers nor considered a loose woman because she works in an inn. The lesson that hard work, clean living and treating others with respect will help you prosper is excellently conveyed and it's good to see a social history that is not about squalor and abusive parents.
Other books I've read by Val Wood include The Hungry Tide and The Doorstep Girls and I find her a very good writer. She says that an inn was owned by some of her forebears but has been demolished to make way for a road.
With the early death of Bella's father, she, her brothers, little sister and pregnant mother, are left to run the business as best they can. Then her mother becomes homesick for Hull, the port town where she was brought up, and decides to move the family here to take on a pub instead, thus giving us a good contrast.
We also meet a young man James, second son from the manor family, who trains to become a doctor with the aim of helping the people around him, and becomes caught up in the streams of wounded from the Crimean war. Medicine is changing as new treatments and ideas are proven; theories about cholera, wound infection and ether for women in labour have arisen.
This tale is less a romance than a depiction of the times. We see perhaps too easy a path for Bella's family, as the pub owners don't cavil at dealing with women, they don't need to incur debt and Bella, oddly, is not beset by admirers nor considered a loose woman because she works in an inn. The lesson that hard work, clean living and treating others with respect will help you prosper is excellently conveyed and it's good to see a social history that is not about squalor and abusive parents.
Other books I've read by Val Wood include The Hungry Tide and The Doorstep Girls and I find her a very good writer. She says that an inn was owned by some of her forebears but has been demolished to make way for a road.
October 9, 2024
As a fan of historical fiction starring young, downtrodden women I had mid-high hopes for 'the innkeepers daughter'. Unfortunately I can only describe it as low-mid value entertainment. Starting with the descriptive language I have no complaints - it was satisfying and really painted the picture of 19th century Hull (not that this is a picture many dream to see). The plot made sense in terms of everything EXCEPT the main love story which was teased for 48 chapters before the couple met and became engaged having spent about 3 hours in each other's company in nearly 10 years. Their relationship wasn't developed and honestly Jamie's chapters were completely irrelevant and so boring. He might be the most boring character I have ever read which was made worse because he was meant to be such a valuable pioneer of the struggling. I genuinely think this book would be better if you ONLY read the chapters about Bella and the other Thorpes who all had interesting storylines, especially Joe. It did drag at points and there was not very much 'drama' so I struggled to stay hooked but perservered because I was interested in Joe mainly. To summarise this book was the least romantic romance I have ever read, and I can't really recommend it as it was a personal achievement that I made it to the end due to the general dullness. If you love extremely slow burn romance that never really peaks and business this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2019
I was given this book by s friend who said she really enjoyed it.
It's a very enjoyable book. The book central character is a young girl named Bella who lives with parents and siblings in an Inn.. After her father dies she gives up her dream of wanting to become a teacher to support her mother.
The other main character is a boy who lives on a estate who wants to become a doctor their paths cross and the story is about their lives..
Would highly recommend this book..
It's a very enjoyable book. The book central character is a young girl named Bella who lives with parents and siblings in an Inn.. After her father dies she gives up her dream of wanting to become a teacher to support her mother.
The other main character is a boy who lives on a estate who wants to become a doctor their paths cross and the story is about their lives..
Would highly recommend this book..
November 15, 2021
Decent read, not exceptionally good. I enjoyed Bella's resourcefulness, frustrated by Nell and the mother. Mostly I really enjoyed how the relationship between Bella and her lazy brother improved and matured. It was so unlike a Cookson book, where bad people stay bad and grow vindictive. You really saw Joe grow up. I like seeing how their inn developed.
May 6, 2022
This is my First Val Wood novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “ The Innkeepers Daughter..”Bella is an excellent example of a woman of courage. Women were lucky to survive hardship, poverty, and childbirth during the 19th century; let alone dubious medical practices of the time. Bella’s perseverance as dutiful daughter;sister and-businesswoman shines a light on girls everywhere thru the ages.
I will definitely be reading more of her books.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “ The Innkeepers Daughter..”Bella is an excellent example of a woman of courage. Women were lucky to survive hardship, poverty, and childbirth during the 19th century; let alone dubious medical practices of the time. Bella’s perseverance as dutiful daughter;sister and-businesswoman shines a light on girls everywhere thru the ages.
I will definitely be reading more of her books.
May 27, 2017
After a few chapters I was still waiting for something to happen. Something to get you interested and want more. Found the story a bit dull. I finished the book. Very predictable. I have another Val wood novel to read and I hope that it will be a better story.
October 24, 2020
Really good
Once l started l couldn't put it down. 2differing stories brought together with ease giving a glimpse into life as it was. Kept me interested from the first page to the last
Once l started l couldn't put it down. 2differing stories brought together with ease giving a glimpse into life as it was. Kept me interested from the first page to the last
March 27, 2022
Great Read
Enjoyed this beautifully written book. First time reading this author, and hope to read many more books by her. Learned so much more about the hardships and joys of working of pubs and inns owned by everyday people during Queen Victoria 's time. Read and enjoy.
Enjoyed this beautifully written book. First time reading this author, and hope to read many more books by her. Learned so much more about the hardships and joys of working of pubs and inns owned by everyday people during Queen Victoria 's time. Read and enjoy.
March 28, 2022
The Innkeeper’s Daughter
Two stories running parallel, one of a young girl and one of a young man. They go separate ways for years, then become reacquainted in the end. Most of the characters are good if ordinary people. There is a villain. Enjoy this story. I did.
Two stories running parallel, one of a young girl and one of a young man. They go separate ways for years, then become reacquainted in the end. Most of the characters are good if ordinary people. There is a villain. Enjoy this story. I did.
July 11, 2022
Good story
Truly enjoyed reading this book. Through Bella 's sacrifice the whole family flourished. And was rewarded with loyal friends and true love. Found Jamie's medical schooling to be a bit of a bore but once he finished his side of the story perks up.
Truly enjoyed reading this book. Through Bella 's sacrifice the whole family flourished. And was rewarded with loyal friends and true love. Found Jamie's medical schooling to be a bit of a bore but once he finished his side of the story perks up.
June 19, 2018
The second time I've read this novel, such a wonderful tale, full of family truths, lies, drama and, better than anything, hope and trust. A wonderful ending. A definite staple in my book cupboard.
April 18, 2019
Extremely inspirational book 👍
April 25, 2022
Lovely
I was drawn in to this family. Their hard work and loyalty was refreshing. I enjoyed the history of that time period. I appreciate that their was no sex or foul language!
I was drawn in to this family. Their hard work and loyalty was refreshing. I enjoyed the history of that time period. I appreciate that their was no sex or foul language!
April 26, 2022
Enjoyed the book. Was slow and almost gave up but reviews were encouraging. Glad I finished.
June 6, 2022
A very Good Book
I enjoyed the storyline.
The characters were always interesting.
I will read more of this authors books.
I do recommend this writer.
I enjoyed the storyline.
The characters were always interesting.
I will read more of this authors books.
I do recommend this writer.
June 9, 2022
Enjoyed this book!
June 14, 2022
Loved this book from start to finish hard to put down
October 17, 2022
A lovely story :)
December 1, 2022
Took forever
It took some time for this to get interesting. The beginning seemed to drag. Alk in all it was kind of bland.
It took some time for this to get interesting. The beginning seemed to drag. Alk in all it was kind of bland.
January 17, 2023
Another good book by Val Wood
November 11, 2024
Easy to read romance set in the 19th century
December 19, 2025
A heartwarming family saga set during the 19th century, easy to read and wonderful characters
January 4, 2026
2nd time I have read the book, relatable has close to my home town
October 1, 2014
This is the first Val Wood book I've read but I was very impressed. I'm a big fan of family/regional sagas but one of the things I've noticed is that they can be quite depressing. This one is different. Although there are the inevitable setbacks, there's a positive aspect throughout with all the characters rising above setbacks to surge ahead. Bella is the eponymous daughter of the title, her father keeping an inn in Holderness, East Yorkshire. Although her one desire is to be a schoolteacher, she is forced, through circumstances, to help out at the inn. After her father's death, the family move to the centre of Hull where they take on a derelict public house. Throughout the book, we also follow the fortunes of a young landowner's son who is training to be a doctor. A splendid novel of ordinary people who rise above misfortune
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews