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The Winter Widow
From the bestselling author of The Slum Angel When the hand of friendship is everything...
York, England, 1852.
When Caroline Lawson becomes a young widow, her grief is deepened by the loss of her farm. A rash decision to travel to York to find work doesn’t turn out as she expected. Alone and vulnerable, she is unprepared for the harshness of the narrow dirty streets. With money running low and work difficult to come by, Caroline fears she will soon have no choice but to knock on the dreaded workhouse door.
However, she is not without hope, and with her new friends, feisty Trixie, and her two little sisters and the unique Mussy, Caroline learns she is stronger than she realised and that even in the worst of times, friendship is all you need.
Only Trixie and Mussy each have their own secrets, ones which will test their newly formed bonds with Caroline.
When tragedy strikes again, and secrets are revealed, Caroline knows she must protect her friends and get them out of the dangerous city to the countryside she loves, but will she find there the happiness she once had?
Or has the past destroyed any dreams for a happy future?
York, England, 1852.
When Caroline Lawson becomes a young widow, her grief is deepened by the loss of her farm. A rash decision to travel to York to find work doesn’t turn out as she expected. Alone and vulnerable, she is unprepared for the harshness of the narrow dirty streets. With money running low and work difficult to come by, Caroline fears she will soon have no choice but to knock on the dreaded workhouse door.
However, she is not without hope, and with her new friends, feisty Trixie, and her two little sisters and the unique Mussy, Caroline learns she is stronger than she realised and that even in the worst of times, friendship is all you need.
Only Trixie and Mussy each have their own secrets, ones which will test their newly formed bonds with Caroline.
When tragedy strikes again, and secrets are revealed, Caroline knows she must protect her friends and get them out of the dangerous city to the countryside she loves, but will she find there the happiness she once had?
Or has the past destroyed any dreams for a happy future?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2024
340 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
AnneMarie Brear
74 books291 followersAustralian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 3, 2026
Poor but alive
This was a depressing story but a page turner. Caroline was only married 2 years when her husband died. She struck out on her own to York where she struggled to survive. Making unusual friends kept her alive.
This was a depressing story but a page turner. Caroline was only married 2 years when her husband died. She struck out on her own to York where she struggled to survive. Making unusual friends kept her alive.
October 27, 2024
Key take-aways
Key take-aways:
- A sad opening as a woman named Caroline is made a widow and thrown out of her home by her brother in law.
- Caroline moves to the city in an attempt to create a new life for herself.
- She experiences the horrors of the brothel and its owner Dolman who is self-absorbed, a cheat and a criminal.
- This book portrays the difficulties those in the slums experience and the dangerous jobs that these people do to survive which includes women of the night. (But young girls and orphans also take up these positions).
- Those in any advantageous position are more honourable if they can help those in need. We see different characters throughout the book who help Caroline in whatever way they can.
- There are good and bad people in every class of society. Caroline was saved by Trixie who lived in the slums and Trixie also offered Caroline a space in her little home (which was only a small room).
- Life can be tough. Some have it easier than others but you have to make do with what you have. One must work hard to survive or flourish. Trixie and all the people in the slums had a choice of dwelling in their misery and drowning in the river or getting up every day to make ends meet.
- Caroline knew that she had to toil day and night to keep her tenancy which she was determined to do to avoid poverty.
Key take-aways:
- A sad opening as a woman named Caroline is made a widow and thrown out of her home by her brother in law.
- Caroline moves to the city in an attempt to create a new life for herself.
- She experiences the horrors of the brothel and its owner Dolman who is self-absorbed, a cheat and a criminal.
- This book portrays the difficulties those in the slums experience and the dangerous jobs that these people do to survive which includes women of the night. (But young girls and orphans also take up these positions).
- Those in any advantageous position are more honourable if they can help those in need. We see different characters throughout the book who help Caroline in whatever way they can.
- There are good and bad people in every class of society. Caroline was saved by Trixie who lived in the slums and Trixie also offered Caroline a space in her little home (which was only a small room).
- Life can be tough. Some have it easier than others but you have to make do with what you have. One must work hard to survive or flourish. Trixie and all the people in the slums had a choice of dwelling in their misery and drowning in the river or getting up every day to make ends meet.
- Caroline knew that she had to toil day and night to keep her tenancy which she was determined to do to avoid poverty.
November 7, 2024
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this read and l and looking forward to reading the next book in the series which I have already purchased. I warmed to Caroline the main character and also really liked the other characters so this for me is always very important in a novel. There were equal hardships and joys outlined throughout this story and following the growth in resilience and character of the protagonists was very inspiring.
"Her shoulders slumped. Tea? No, she didn't want tea. She wanted a tenancy agreement in her hands with her name on it.
She kept strong for Annie who wept for the man she loved and never got to marry and although Caroline cried, it seemed a kind of healing cry.
Annie had picked this precise moment to leave to lessen the painful tug of goodbyes. Annie had thought that one day she'd be married to Howard, and she'd be living on this farm, but all those dreams had vanished when Howard died. The poor woman had to go home and re-adjust to the old life she once lived.
"Well", Doctor Pike removed his glasses and cleaned them on a square of velvet from his pocket. 'your friends are in no immediate threat of meeting their maker. Mr Adams has suffered a terrible beating, I fear he has broken ribs"
I really enjoyed this read and l and looking forward to reading the next book in the series which I have already purchased. I warmed to Caroline the main character and also really liked the other characters so this for me is always very important in a novel. There were equal hardships and joys outlined throughout this story and following the growth in resilience and character of the protagonists was very inspiring.
"Her shoulders slumped. Tea? No, she didn't want tea. She wanted a tenancy agreement in her hands with her name on it.
She kept strong for Annie who wept for the man she loved and never got to marry and although Caroline cried, it seemed a kind of healing cry.
Annie had picked this precise moment to leave to lessen the painful tug of goodbyes. Annie had thought that one day she'd be married to Howard, and she'd be living on this farm, but all those dreams had vanished when Howard died. The poor woman had to go home and re-adjust to the old life she once lived.
"Well", Doctor Pike removed his glasses and cleaned them on a square of velvet from his pocket. 'your friends are in no immediate threat of meeting their maker. Mr Adams has suffered a terrible beating, I fear he has broken ribs"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
the winter widow
A beautiful story, of one woman's trials, trauma and determination to make a better life,for herself and her newfound friends. A life of utter poverty, and through sheer hard work, make a life for themselves, in what was deemed a man's world, farming, was deemed not for women. To prove that women are just as capable, as men. If not better. Another beautiful story from AnneMarie
A beautiful story, of one woman's trials, trauma and determination to make a better life,for herself and her newfound friends. A life of utter poverty, and through sheer hard work, make a life for themselves, in what was deemed a man's world, farming, was deemed not for women. To prove that women are just as capable, as men. If not better. Another beautiful story from AnneMarie
March 4, 2024
She did it again….A Great Book
I love AnneMarie Brear books, she can bring back a certain period of time with the realities of that time and put it to story.
This one in particular shares with the reader the harsh realities for Women from loosing a Mother and a women who lost her husband in turn loosing the life she loved.
I love AnneMarie Brear books, she can bring back a certain period of time with the realities of that time and put it to story.
This one in particular shares with the reader the harsh realities for Women from loosing a Mother and a women who lost her husband in turn loosing the life she loved.
April 9, 2024
I loved this story like so many other great books by Annemarie Brear. My only criticism is that I would have liked the characters so beautifully portrayed to have a much more of a “happy ending” feel. I thought maybe there would be a follow up book to continue this story to see where the characters go from here.
July 21, 2024
A lovely story
This was a lovely story of strength from hardship. It takes place around York and the countryside. Caroline is a young widow left destitute and alone in York but finds strength to keep going and eventually returns home to take over the family farm. You're willing her on all the way.
This was a lovely story of strength from hardship. It takes place around York and the countryside. Caroline is a young widow left destitute and alone in York but finds strength to keep going and eventually returns home to take over the family farm. You're willing her on all the way.
January 5, 2024
A heart stopping story
Another great story ,filled with ups and downs. I didn’t want it to end . It kept me wanting to keep reading . I can’t wait to read AnneMarie Brear’s next book
Another great story ,filled with ups and downs. I didn’t want it to end . It kept me wanting to keep reading . I can’t wait to read AnneMarie Brear’s next book
January 7, 2024
Have your tissue ready
This is a sensitive heartwarming story. The trials that our heroine goes through pull at the heartstrings but her tenacity and courage shine through. A story worth reading.
This is a sensitive heartwarming story. The trials that our heroine goes through pull at the heartstrings but her tenacity and courage shine through. A story worth reading.
March 30, 2024
Lovely story
I enjoyed this book so much. A lot of happenings and also lots of love and care. I plays in the worst part of the city and people get hurt but there is always a helping hand available. Very strong women and lots of hurt but also lots of love. Very well written.
I enjoyed this book so much. A lot of happenings and also lots of love and care. I plays in the worst part of the city and people get hurt but there is always a helping hand available. Very strong women and lots of hurt but also lots of love. Very well written.
November 25, 2025
i read one book from this author and really enjoyed it, however when i moved on to others books they all same to be basically the same, extreamley predictiable, and its always the last chapter she gets the guy in every boook.
January 3, 2024
Good read
Couldn't put it down really good story line kept you interested with a few twists a d firms fat wait for the next one
Couldn't put it down really good story line kept you interested with a few twists a d firms fat wait for the next one
January 6, 2024
Great read
Another great read by this author. She never fails to capture your interest and make you keep reading. Hoping this has a sequel.
Another great read by this author. She never fails to capture your interest and make you keep reading. Hoping this has a sequel.
February 15, 2024
Fantastic
Love loved it wanted to keep on reading sadly it was finished great written made you believe you were actually with the characters
Love loved it wanted to keep on reading sadly it was finished great written made you believe you were actually with the characters
February 28, 2024
Just loved this book,another lovely story from Annemarie Brear. This is about loss, new friends, heartbreak and hope. The story of Caro and Trixie and how they saved each other
March 28, 2024
Okay
Very disappointed at the end of the book it ended far to abruptly, otherwise I had enjoyed it up to that point
Very disappointed at the end of the book it ended far to abruptly, otherwise I had enjoyed it up to that point
May 1, 2024
Well written
The story moved smoothly, repeated instances several and but kept it interesting. There were not so many characters that the reader lost track.
The story moved smoothly, repeated instances several and but kept it interesting. There were not so many characters that the reader lost track.
May 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Found it difficult to put down and looked forward to my next opportunity to pick it up. Such a well written story!
June 7, 2024
the winter widow
Very good book , I couldn’t put it down . Hope to read more books by the author AnneNmarie Brear
Very good book , I couldn’t put it down . Hope to read more books by the author AnneNmarie Brear
July 18, 2024
Looking forward to the next one in the series coming out!
Read
August 4, 2024I just love her books. I finish one and read another one of hers. They are all such good reads. I just can’t put them down.
September 15, 2024
kept my attention!!
Life seemed very arduous in those times but very worthwhile &everyone had apart to play and enjoyed every minute to the last page
Life seemed very arduous in those times but very worthwhile &everyone had apart to play and enjoyed every minute to the last page
September 19, 2024
I so enjoyed reading this book. It felt you were there with them
September 26, 2024
couldn’t put it down!!
Thoroughly enjoyed every page. A gripping story of highs and lows, love and loss. With a happy ending. A beautiful story.
Thoroughly enjoyed every page. A gripping story of highs and lows, love and loss. With a happy ending. A beautiful story.
November 5, 2024
brilliant book
Started this book and couldn’t wait until the end. Excellent read. Now waiting for book 2 to start reading. Brilliant author
Started this book and couldn’t wait until the end. Excellent read. Now waiting for book 2 to start reading. Brilliant author
March 23, 2025
A lovely book to read
I loved reading this book a good down to earth story. I can't wait to start the next part of this. There was nothing to not like
I loved reading this book a good down to earth story. I can't wait to start the next part of this. There was nothing to not like
June 1, 2025
Review of this book.
I enjoyed this book and found it very interesting. I have enjoyed all of Annemarie Brear’s books. She is a good author.
I enjoyed this book and found it very interesting. I have enjoyed all of Annemarie Brear’s books. She is a good author.
June 1, 2025
Fantastic the first book I have read of this ladies
She has you capture within a few pages
I would tell my sister about the book
Can't wait to read the following book
I'm a big fan
She has you capture within a few pages
I would tell my sister about the book
Can't wait to read the following book
I'm a big fan
November 24, 2025
Not long enough!
Loved this book but wish the story had carried on longer.it left too many loose ends and tol many questions unanswered.
Loved this book but wish the story had carried on longer.it left too many loose ends and tol many questions unanswered.
Read
February 11, 2024AnneMarie Brear has done it once again with another well written story, once you start it you just cannot put down. This story was left open and hopefully there will be another following Caroline Lawson's and Trixie's stories. A brilliant 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews