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For the Sake of Her Family
1912 in the Yorkshire Dales and Alice Bentham and her brother Will have lost their mother to cancer. Money is scarce and pride doesn’t pay the doctor or put food on the table. Alice gets work at Whernside Manor looking after Lord Frankland’s fragile sister Miss Nancy. Meanwhile Will and his best-friend Jack begin working for the Lord of the Manor at the marble mill. But their purpose there is not an entirely honest one. For a while everything runs smoothly, but corruption, attempted murder and misplaced love are just waiting in the wings. Nothing is as it seems and before they know it, Alice and Will’s lives are entwined with those of the Franklands' and nothing will ever be the same again.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
About the author
Diane Allen
26 books24 followersDiane Allen was born in Leeds, but raised at her family’s farm deep in the Yorkshire Dales. After working as a glass engraver, raising a family, and looking after an ill father, she found her true niche in life, joining a large print publishing firm in 1990.
Rising through the firm, she is now the general manager and has recently been made Honorary Vice President of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She is the author of For a Father’s Pride and The Mistress of Windfell Manor, and its sequel, The Windfell Family Secrets.
Diane and her husband Ronnie live in Long Preston in the Yorkshire Dales, and have two children and four beautiful grandchildren.
Rising through the firm, she is now the general manager and has recently been made Honorary Vice President of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She is the author of For a Father’s Pride and The Mistress of Windfell Manor, and its sequel, The Windfell Family Secrets.
Diane and her husband Ronnie live in Long Preston in the Yorkshire Dales, and have two children and four beautiful grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 20, 2018
2.5 stars
October 23, 2019
I did enjoy reading this book, BUT I found myself feeling frustrated by the main character, Alice. She made so many bad decisions, time and time again I questioned her behaviour. Other characters also seemed to change during the story. There were also issues such as why Nancy never leaves the manor because of her scarred face, but in a short time she goes shopping in the nearest town without any mention of her problems. Loved the descriptions of the dales, and the historical aspect.
March 23, 2014
For the Sake of Her Family
Unreliable instincts cause heartache
Alice was just sixteen when her life was turned upside down. She had to forge her own way with little more than unreliable instincts. She was a real battler through many difficult situations.
An interesting read.
Jasmine Sparks
Unreliable instincts cause heartache
Alice was just sixteen when her life was turned upside down. She had to forge her own way with little more than unreliable instincts. She was a real battler through many difficult situations.
An interesting read.
Jasmine Sparks
June 25, 2014
Whilst I found the ending a little rushed, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and a good strong story of family, heartache and love.
August 26, 2025
Most hated book I ever blind dated in a book shop cus it was tied with one of the "5 books for 300 pesos" and trade it away- i won't spoilt he fun but tall I can say it's like character ai or any role plays and the ending was rush ((not suprised :-( )) the leading character sucks- EVERYONE SUCKS AND ACTS LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED okay maybe this is how they behaved back then but still even classics like jane eyre raised some eyebrows around the character...for people who have fetishes in heated parts of books like nsfw this is your vibe probably but to me OFCOURSE NOT it's so messed up and characters just digusted me...or maybe I just not ready to face the past and this is really what happened back then- but I just really want to say this isn't for starters and the writing is so...so plain- fot me ofcourse.
August 28, 2026
I’ve now read 14 books by Diane Allen, with only Village Scandal left on my list — which I will definitely read when i can get my hands on. I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one.
I’ve loved being taken on a journey through different stories and characters, from the 1800s right through to 1938. Diane Allen has a wonderful way of bringing the past to life and making you feel completely immersed in the time period.
If you enjoy historical fiction, strong characters, family stories, hardship, love and life in years gone by, I definitely recommend giving Diane Allen a try.
I’m almost at the end of my Diane Allen journey now… and I’m honestly not sure what I’m going to read next! ❤️📚
I’ve loved being taken on a journey through different stories and characters, from the 1800s right through to 1938. Diane Allen has a wonderful way of bringing the past to life and making you feel completely immersed in the time period.
If you enjoy historical fiction, strong characters, family stories, hardship, love and life in years gone by, I definitely recommend giving Diane Allen a try.
I’m almost at the end of my Diane Allen journey now… and I’m honestly not sure what I’m going to read next! ❤️📚
June 11, 2025
Honestly, I was so glad that Gerald Frankland showed up to her wedding with Jack, but I WAS SO WRONG FOR DOING THAT. I feel sorry and I’m so sorry for Alice. Jack was the right one after all. I admire Alice’s strength to face these tremendous challenges in her life, if I’d be Alice I wouldn’t survived from the very start. From the day she took care of Nancy and her baby, I already knew that Alice could be a great mom someday.
Alice Bentham herself is the best example that no matter how hard and how frustating our current chapter in life, it’s okay to cry, be alone, grieve, and lose someone. There is indeed a rainbow after the rain.
Alice Bentham herself is the best example that no matter how hard and how frustating our current chapter in life, it’s okay to cry, be alone, grieve, and lose someone. There is indeed a rainbow after the rain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
Lost family and friends
Having lived in York for many years, I can easily visualize the area and landscape
I thought it a good read until the last chapters, which seemed rather hurried over time and place.
Having been very descriptive in the main part of the book, I felt it deserved a more tantalizing end.
Having lived in York for many years, I can easily visualize the area and landscape
I thought it a good read until the last chapters, which seemed rather hurried over time and place.
Having been very descriptive in the main part of the book, I felt it deserved a more tantalizing end.
December 17, 2020
Not sure about this one.
Although it is the type of story I usually like, there was something about this I couldn't really take to; probably because the author kept changing the character of her progenitors. Will not read this author again, partly because of the vile language she used.
Although it is the type of story I usually like, there was something about this I couldn't really take to; probably because the author kept changing the character of her progenitors. Will not read this author again, partly because of the vile language she used.
December 25, 2019
Riveting
I enjoyed this book. It kept me captivated for a few days until I finally finished it on Christmas morning Now I can open my premises and start preparing dinner Thank God for the happy ending
I enjoyed this book. It kept me captivated for a few days until I finally finished it on Christmas morning Now I can open my premises and start preparing dinner Thank God for the happy ending
July 9, 2019
Good
First time with this author.
Good storyline and easy to read
Found hard to put down nearer the end
Will read more of her books
First time with this author.
Good storyline and easy to read
Found hard to put down nearer the end
Will read more of her books
January 28, 2020
I enjoyed this book but then again I love reading books by this author.
November 20, 2020
Really loved this book and seeing how Alice dealt with all the blows life dealt her in such a short time.
Ultimately she finds happiness in the place she was destined to be.
Ultimately she finds happiness in the place she was destined to be.
January 14, 2021
excellent read
September 2, 2023
Excellent read
October 18, 2023
Kept me occupied when travelling. Good enough yarn for holidays.
Read
July 28, 2026Read 04/07/2024
December 12, 2017
Yorkshire, Dales 1912........
Alice and her brother lost their mother because of cancer. Their father can be called a typical man whom holds the refuge on alcohol. He does not bother about his two children or their future which is lying on his hands.
Money is scarce and soon they understand that their pride does not give them food for their table. After understanding the reality, they are left with no other choice but the hard way. Alice who always dreams of a living a high life finds work at Whernside Manor, to look after Lord Frankland and his very fragile sister. In the meantime Will and his best friend Jack finds work in the Lord Franklands Marble Mill. Soon they understand that their service rendered for the Lord is not an entirely pure or honest one.
For some time things flow very smoothly and everything looks so fine. At the climax of the story things starts to go downwards very fast and Alice and Will's lives are entangled with Franklands' and things will never seems to be the same again.
I must state that I am a great fan of these war time novels. The book took me back in time and each word made me visualize the events that took place in every scene, which I find quite interesting. I must mention a few words about the character, Alice. She actually spoke to my heart.
She is a very young girl, who loses her mother at very young age. I think it affected her immensely in her later life. She lacks the love of her mother and her father was unable to proved the love, affection and the protection she expected. Poverty makes her want to live a happy and a wealthy life like any other girl in the world. After finding work at the manor her life takes a leap that changes it, entirely. All I can say is, she like any other ordinary girl, had dreams, needed love and caring. Lack of guidance and support made her to take wrong decisions. The story ends with a lesson to all of us.
If I speak about the writing skills of the author, all I can say is she is 100% successful in her job. Diana Allen has shown her writing skills. My rating is 4.5/5 (stars)
The book took my heart and it is amazing!!!!!
Alice and her brother lost their mother because of cancer. Their father can be called a typical man whom holds the refuge on alcohol. He does not bother about his two children or their future which is lying on his hands.
Money is scarce and soon they understand that their pride does not give them food for their table. After understanding the reality, they are left with no other choice but the hard way. Alice who always dreams of a living a high life finds work at Whernside Manor, to look after Lord Frankland and his very fragile sister. In the meantime Will and his best friend Jack finds work in the Lord Franklands Marble Mill. Soon they understand that their service rendered for the Lord is not an entirely pure or honest one.
For some time things flow very smoothly and everything looks so fine. At the climax of the story things starts to go downwards very fast and Alice and Will's lives are entangled with Franklands' and things will never seems to be the same again.
I must state that I am a great fan of these war time novels. The book took me back in time and each word made me visualize the events that took place in every scene, which I find quite interesting. I must mention a few words about the character, Alice. She actually spoke to my heart.
She is a very young girl, who loses her mother at very young age. I think it affected her immensely in her later life. She lacks the love of her mother and her father was unable to proved the love, affection and the protection she expected. Poverty makes her want to live a happy and a wealthy life like any other girl in the world. After finding work at the manor her life takes a leap that changes it, entirely. All I can say is, she like any other ordinary girl, had dreams, needed love and caring. Lack of guidance and support made her to take wrong decisions. The story ends with a lesson to all of us.
If I speak about the writing skills of the author, all I can say is she is 100% successful in her job. Diana Allen has shown her writing skills. My rating is 4.5/5 (stars)
The book took my heart and it is amazing!!!!!
August 21, 2014
Pašā sākumā Alise likās pamatīgi izlutināta zemnieku meitene, kuras dzīves mērķis bija iegūt statusu sabiedrībā un dzīvot pārticīgu dzīvi. Ļoti kaitināja viņas seklums. Bet stāsta tālākajā attīstībā viņas brālis kļuva vēl alkatīgāks par viņu un aizēnoja Alisi. Lubenes cienīgs sižets. Bet vismaz katrs dabūja, ko pelnīja un kaut kur beigās visam murgam bija arī sava veida morāle. 2 zvaigznes, jo ātri izlasīju.
April 21, 2014
Really enjoyed this book.
May 11, 2014
Good story
August 24, 2014
A good and easy read
August 12, 2019
A nice easy read along the lines of Catherine Cookson. Happy ending for our heroine.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews