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A Woman of Courage
A gripping, moving story of love, tenacity and the right to be heard by bestseller Tania Blanchard, inspired by a true story
1890, Northern England. Hannah Todd dreams of a future where women have the right to vote. Fresh from her teaching studies in Durham, the university city, she joins her parents in a rural village, brimming with newly found passion and the groundswell towards women's suffrage unfolding in London. Working tirelessly to help women and children in the county, Hannah is determined to make the fight for the vote her life's work, adding her voice to the rising chorus across the nation and hopes of a new world and a new way of thinking.
But soon she must fight a new, unexpected battle - that of the yearning of her own heart - and discovers that when power is threatened, darkness, brutality and dangerous, closely guarded secrets are never too far from the surface. How far can she go to fight for what's right?
From the exciting, progressive hive of London to the traditional villages of the rural north, A Woman of Courage rings with the strength and struggles of women at time of momentous change ... and the choices one woman must make to help forge a new future.
1890, Northern England. Hannah Todd dreams of a future where women have the right to vote. Fresh from her teaching studies in Durham, the university city, she joins her parents in a rural village, brimming with newly found passion and the groundswell towards women's suffrage unfolding in London. Working tirelessly to help women and children in the county, Hannah is determined to make the fight for the vote her life's work, adding her voice to the rising chorus across the nation and hopes of a new world and a new way of thinking.
But soon she must fight a new, unexpected battle - that of the yearning of her own heart - and discovers that when power is threatened, darkness, brutality and dangerous, closely guarded secrets are never too far from the surface. How far can she go to fight for what's right?
From the exciting, progressive hive of London to the traditional villages of the rural north, A Woman of Courage rings with the strength and struggles of women at time of momentous change ... and the choices one woman must make to help forge a new future.
435 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2023
62 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Tania Blanchard
10 books230 followersTania lives in Sydney with her husband and three children. Coming from a family with rich cultural heritage with a German mother and Italian father, stories have always been in her blood. Following a career in physiotherapy, it was only when she had her family that she decided to return to her passion of writing.
Her debut novel is The Girl from Munich, the story she has always wanted to write, inspired by the fascinating stories told by her German grandmother, and she is currently working on the sequel, set in Australia in the 1950s.
Tania is excited to have found her light bulb moment, her love for writing historical fiction. She looks forward to delving further into her interests of history and family stories to enrich and bring to life the many ideas inspired by the amazing tales she has gathered over the years.
Her debut novel is The Girl from Munich, the story she has always wanted to write, inspired by the fascinating stories told by her German grandmother, and she is currently working on the sequel, set in Australia in the 1950s.
Tania is excited to have found her light bulb moment, her love for writing historical fiction. She looks forward to delving further into her interests of history and family stories to enrich and bring to life the many ideas inspired by the amazing tales she has gathered over the years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 5, 2023
Hannah Todd has just finished her teaching studies in Durham, when her parents buy a public house called The Ox and Plough in Ebberfield, in Northern England. Hannah joins them, they need help due to her father's health problems and she’s going to teach at the parish school.
Hannah is horrified when some of her students arrive at school hungry and don’t have decent footwear and warm clothing. Hannah decides to hold meeting and a small group of women gather, and they want to improve the lives of the children in the district, they come up with some excellent ideas and a wealthy patron provides the funds.
Hannah dreams of living in London and wants to be a Suffragette, her idol is Millicent Fawcett and she later forms The National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies. They lobby for women to have marital and parenting rights, protect children, improve literacy and adult education, public health and sanitation, and for Parliament to give women the right to vote and pass the bill.
Hannah discovers women in Ebberfield are being abused by their husbands, she can’t understand why they stay with the men that hurt them, it’s because a man has his rights and women don't have money of their own or a safe place to go. Hannah's shocked to discover domestic abuse is happening in all walks of life and you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors or is hidden by long sleeves and dresses.
Women bore the brunt of life’s hardest trials and yet they were seen as the weaker sex and not fit to fulfil the full duties of citizenship and be able to vote.
I received a copy of a Woman of Courage from NetGalley and HaperCollins Publishers Australia in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Blanchard is one of my favourite Australian historical fiction authors, this book is set in a different era to her others and it's magnificent and makes you think about what it was like to be a woman in the 1890's.
The beginning of social change in England, women are questioning what they can and cannot do, deciding if they want to marry and constantly being pregnant, be financially independent and are starting to speak up and find their voice.
Things like vaccination is in it's infancy, theories about germs, illness and where to go for treatment and what's available, and people having access to books, adult education and a clean water supply in country towns are all mentioned. For me the characters in the narrative are diverse and suit the time period, Hannah is the leading lady and a trail blazer, a perfect example of why women should be given the right to vote, she's smart, looks at things from a different perspective and comes up with an alternative solution to issues and problems. Five big stars from me, superb and I can't wait to read the sequel next year.
Hannah is horrified when some of her students arrive at school hungry and don’t have decent footwear and warm clothing. Hannah decides to hold meeting and a small group of women gather, and they want to improve the lives of the children in the district, they come up with some excellent ideas and a wealthy patron provides the funds.
Hannah dreams of living in London and wants to be a Suffragette, her idol is Millicent Fawcett and she later forms The National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies. They lobby for women to have marital and parenting rights, protect children, improve literacy and adult education, public health and sanitation, and for Parliament to give women the right to vote and pass the bill.
Hannah discovers women in Ebberfield are being abused by their husbands, she can’t understand why they stay with the men that hurt them, it’s because a man has his rights and women don't have money of their own or a safe place to go. Hannah's shocked to discover domestic abuse is happening in all walks of life and you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors or is hidden by long sleeves and dresses.
Women bore the brunt of life’s hardest trials and yet they were seen as the weaker sex and not fit to fulfil the full duties of citizenship and be able to vote.
I received a copy of a Woman of Courage from NetGalley and HaperCollins Publishers Australia in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Blanchard is one of my favourite Australian historical fiction authors, this book is set in a different era to her others and it's magnificent and makes you think about what it was like to be a woman in the 1890's.
The beginning of social change in England, women are questioning what they can and cannot do, deciding if they want to marry and constantly being pregnant, be financially independent and are starting to speak up and find their voice.
Things like vaccination is in it's infancy, theories about germs, illness and where to go for treatment and what's available, and people having access to books, adult education and a clean water supply in country towns are all mentioned. For me the characters in the narrative are diverse and suit the time period, Hannah is the leading lady and a trail blazer, a perfect example of why women should be given the right to vote, she's smart, looks at things from a different perspective and comes up with an alternative solution to issues and problems. Five big stars from me, superb and I can't wait to read the sequel next year.
October 9, 2023
Another outstanding historical fiction novel from Tania Blanchard. I've read all but one of Tania's books and thoroughly enjoyed them all. This time she steps back into the 1800's and tells the story of Hannah who comes from a working class family and has ambitions to bring the vote to women and push women's rights. I find this a cross between a family saga and historical fiction which I really enjoyed. Thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2025
Big thanks to Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
Tania Blanchard is part of this country’s historical fiction royalty.
A leader in bringing amazing stories to the reading public.
This book is lavish and brilliant.
I was lucky to go on a reading holiday recently and I took this novel (reading in less than 24 hours) and the sequel which I read straight after.
A Woman Of Courage is inspired by the author’s family ancestors and is a delight to read.
We begin our story in 1890 in England and Hannah Todd wants a life where women have more rights and are able to vote.
She arrives back in her parent’s village hoping to spread the word.
Making this her life’s work, her ambition to push the vote and fight for what’s right.
Unexpectedly she meets a suitor who captures her heart.
Now she must battle between the two amongst the melodrama of life.
An awesome tale which is rich in detail and the storytelling is glorious.
Hannah, as a main character, is an inspiration and admirable heroine.
Her actions, honesty and courage are prominent.
The ambience is addictive and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as the plot was engaging.
An historical fiction offering that’s won a place in my heart.
Tania Blanchard is part of this country’s historical fiction royalty.
A leader in bringing amazing stories to the reading public.
This book is lavish and brilliant.
I was lucky to go on a reading holiday recently and I took this novel (reading in less than 24 hours) and the sequel which I read straight after.
A Woman Of Courage is inspired by the author’s family ancestors and is a delight to read.
We begin our story in 1890 in England and Hannah Todd wants a life where women have more rights and are able to vote.
She arrives back in her parent’s village hoping to spread the word.
Making this her life’s work, her ambition to push the vote and fight for what’s right.
Unexpectedly she meets a suitor who captures her heart.
Now she must battle between the two amongst the melodrama of life.
An awesome tale which is rich in detail and the storytelling is glorious.
Hannah, as a main character, is an inspiration and admirable heroine.
Her actions, honesty and courage are prominent.
The ambience is addictive and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as the plot was engaging.
An historical fiction offering that’s won a place in my heart.
January 17, 2024
Concept great but poor execution. Too many minor characters and the ending was a non event. Could have been so much more. Suspect there is a sequel but wont hurry to read it
December 16, 2023
This was a hard slog for me. Didn’t really care about the characters for some reason - forced myself to finish it. Won’t be reading the follow up book.
April 7, 2024
Another great book by Tania Blanchard. This was a great story set back in time. Wow how hard did women have it then. Now I can understand the fight and the reason for the suffragette movement. A great story and wonderful characters. Looking forward to the second book.
November 1, 2023
‘The world was changing fast as we crept toward the new century and we were immersed in new modern ideas and opportunities. I for one was determined to evolve to live the life I wanted.’
A Woman of Courage is the fifth novel by Aussie author Tania Blanchard and I was excited to read it as I have very much enjoyed her previous offerings. This is such a well researched tale of the fight for the right to vote. Set in such a different era from her previous works, Tania makes it so personable that the reader cannot help but become immersed in what life must have been like for women during this period.
‘Is this suffrage talk?’ ‘Don’t, Mama!’ I said sharply. She just didn’t understand that I wanted a different life, a life where I could choose how I lived it.’
Set in northern England in the 1890s, the reader follows Hannah’s struggles between her dreams and her family’s wishes. The 1890s is a period of social change in England with women asking questions and wanting more from their life - more freedom to choose its direction. Whether that be to marry or not, or whether to have children or not, or how to remove oneself from dangerous situations. Tania also touches on social changes in light of vaccinations, mental illness and things as basic to us as education for both the young and older generations.
‘I was part of a new generation who wanted to be at the forefront of change.’
The story moves in a different direction from Tania’s previous novels, on this occasion she is said to be inspired by her husband’s family stories. Once more she does another sensational job of melding fact and fiction. As in her previous works, Tania blends the events of the rights of women beautifully with a story bringing real heart and soul to a momentous period in history for women. With themes of family and ambition, dreams and heartbreak, I recommend lovers of historical fiction to take this journey with all the drama that this period brings with it. Looks like Hannah will get another opportunity to pursue the rights of women with Tania alluding to a follow up book in 2024 where Hannah’s passionate journey to achieve the vote for women will continue.
“… remember why you’re doing this. Not just for your own sanity and sense of self but for Annie. We’re doing this for the future of our daughters. One day they’ll understand and be proud of what we’ve done, no matter how difficult it might have been for us.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
A Woman of Courage is the fifth novel by Aussie author Tania Blanchard and I was excited to read it as I have very much enjoyed her previous offerings. This is such a well researched tale of the fight for the right to vote. Set in such a different era from her previous works, Tania makes it so personable that the reader cannot help but become immersed in what life must have been like for women during this period.
‘Is this suffrage talk?’ ‘Don’t, Mama!’ I said sharply. She just didn’t understand that I wanted a different life, a life where I could choose how I lived it.’
Set in northern England in the 1890s, the reader follows Hannah’s struggles between her dreams and her family’s wishes. The 1890s is a period of social change in England with women asking questions and wanting more from their life - more freedom to choose its direction. Whether that be to marry or not, or whether to have children or not, or how to remove oneself from dangerous situations. Tania also touches on social changes in light of vaccinations, mental illness and things as basic to us as education for both the young and older generations.
‘I was part of a new generation who wanted to be at the forefront of change.’
The story moves in a different direction from Tania’s previous novels, on this occasion she is said to be inspired by her husband’s family stories. Once more she does another sensational job of melding fact and fiction. As in her previous works, Tania blends the events of the rights of women beautifully with a story bringing real heart and soul to a momentous period in history for women. With themes of family and ambition, dreams and heartbreak, I recommend lovers of historical fiction to take this journey with all the drama that this period brings with it. Looks like Hannah will get another opportunity to pursue the rights of women with Tania alluding to a follow up book in 2024 where Hannah’s passionate journey to achieve the vote for women will continue.
“… remember why you’re doing this. Not just for your own sanity and sense of self but for Annie. We’re doing this for the future of our daughters. One day they’ll understand and be proud of what we’ve done, no matter how difficult it might have been for us.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 14, 2024
Overall, this was a good book. I usually feel bad about writing these reviews cause it comes across as a lot of criticism. Don’t get me wrong, writing a book is an INCREDIBLE feat, and there is absolutely no way I could accomplish that, let alone writing such engaging books as these wonderful authors do. For me, three stars is a book that I think was good, but not exceptional or life altering for me personally. A lot of the time, that is mainly due to personal taste and preferences and has nothing at all to do with the actual book or author themselves.
That said, there was a lot I liked about the book. The storyline had so many facets and kept you engaged throughout the entire thing. I did feel like it was a bit slow at parts, but then the last 100 pages flew by, so it all kinda balanced itself out. The characters were really well written, however I did feel like a bunch were introduced at the same point so sometimes I struggled to keep the minor characters straight (this is a me problem again, not the authors issue).
I did think it seemed a little unlikely that all of Hannah’s family were not only extremely supportive of her pregnancy out of wedlock, but were also comfortable talking about it? I would have assumed just a little bit of pushback or secrecy at least. Also the whole town would have certainly questioned the dates if she miraculously have birth like 5 months after they got married to a healthy child, but that’s not mentioned despite kitty being shunned and many mentions of avoiding scandal.
Also it was kinda sad because the first part of the book she doesn’t achieve her dreams cause she’s restrained by her parents, and then the second half she is constantly flip flopping from joy at her family and wishing for nothing more, and then sadness at never being able to achieve her dreams. I think I’m just a little jaded with this point though, cause I agree it’s important to show that not every heroine has the easy smooth sailing hero storyline, but I’m also not a huge fan of the unexpected pregnancy trope.
Excited to read the sequel since this one sort of felt like the author ran out of room to finish the book cause there is just so much to cover, so I’m hoping the sequel has a good ending to round out the story. Like I say, good book, enjoyable, not my favourite of all time though.
That said, there was a lot I liked about the book. The storyline had so many facets and kept you engaged throughout the entire thing. I did feel like it was a bit slow at parts, but then the last 100 pages flew by, so it all kinda balanced itself out. The characters were really well written, however I did feel like a bunch were introduced at the same point so sometimes I struggled to keep the minor characters straight (this is a me problem again, not the authors issue).
I did think it seemed a little unlikely that all of Hannah’s family were not only extremely supportive of her pregnancy out of wedlock, but were also comfortable talking about it? I would have assumed just a little bit of pushback or secrecy at least. Also the whole town would have certainly questioned the dates if she miraculously have birth like 5 months after they got married to a healthy child, but that’s not mentioned despite kitty being shunned and many mentions of avoiding scandal.
Also it was kinda sad because the first part of the book she doesn’t achieve her dreams cause she’s restrained by her parents, and then the second half she is constantly flip flopping from joy at her family and wishing for nothing more, and then sadness at never being able to achieve her dreams. I think I’m just a little jaded with this point though, cause I agree it’s important to show that not every heroine has the easy smooth sailing hero storyline, but I’m also not a huge fan of the unexpected pregnancy trope.
Excited to read the sequel since this one sort of felt like the author ran out of room to finish the book cause there is just so much to cover, so I’m hoping the sequel has a good ending to round out the story. Like I say, good book, enjoyable, not my favourite of all time though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2024
“As women, we bear the brunt of life's difficulties, while men, often the cause of our troubles, live with a freedom we can only imagine”
This was 424 pages of women supporting women, and I enjoyed it. Based on a true story, it was very touching to see just how much women have had to overcome since the 1800s - but also a reminder that in some ways, humanity still has not evolved at all.
This was 424 pages of women supporting women, and I enjoyed it. Based on a true story, it was very touching to see just how much women have had to overcome since the 1800s - but also a reminder that in some ways, humanity still has not evolved at all.
November 7, 2023
While I enjoyed A Woman of Courage and found the historical setting interesting, this has not been my favourite Tania Blanchard book. For me it seemed at times to lapse into a history book rather than a novel written in a historical setting and the pace tended to the slower side of things. That said, I enjoyed reading about early women’s suffrage in the UK, particularly as this story is set in the small town of Ebberfield, rather than in London, where most of the histprical focus on the suffrage movement is placed.
Hannah Todd is an excellent heroine and I loved her strength of character as well as her sensible approach to improving the lot of the poor in her town. I laso loved the way she was able to rally others to her cause. Living conditions, other characters in the story, both likeable and otherwise, and the sense of community were all brought to life and overall this was an entertaining read.
Hannah Todd is an excellent heroine and I loved her strength of character as well as her sensible approach to improving the lot of the poor in her town. I laso loved the way she was able to rally others to her cause. Living conditions, other characters in the story, both likeable and otherwise, and the sense of community were all brought to life and overall this was an entertaining read.
November 21, 2023
A Woman of Courage by Tania Blanchard is a great new novel expressing the voices of women in the 1890's.
Set in Northern England in a pub setting, The Ox and Plough in Durham, Hannah dreams of women having the right to vote one-day and add her voice to parliament.
Through her own trials and tribulations, Hannah with the help of other women in front of her finds her way.
It's a deep, dark story well-worth reading, easy to read; best with a strongly brewed pot of tea ~ preferably served with freshly made lemon-cake.
* Finding her voice will change her world forever and that of others.
I really enjoyed a Woman of Courage by Tania Blanchard and look forward to the sequel coming in 2024, An Undeniable Voice.
Set in Northern England in a pub setting, The Ox and Plough in Durham, Hannah dreams of women having the right to vote one-day and add her voice to parliament.
Through her own trials and tribulations, Hannah with the help of other women in front of her finds her way.
It's a deep, dark story well-worth reading, easy to read; best with a strongly brewed pot of tea ~ preferably served with freshly made lemon-cake.
* Finding her voice will change her world forever and that of others.
I really enjoyed a Woman of Courage by Tania Blanchard and look forward to the sequel coming in 2024, An Undeniable Voice.
December 7, 2023
I have to say I am a big fan of Tania Blanchford and this book didn't disappoint. I loved it! This is a story of women, strong women making changes that would make the world a fairer and better places. This is the story of their lives, the hard work they did, the hardships they faced yet they never gave up.
Set in Northern England in 1890 we start with Hannah Todd, a woman who doesn't want to marry, who wants to be independent, who wants to make a difference and most important of all wants to work towards the day women are allowed to vote. But of course not all goes according to plan.
I love the story, the way these strong and courageous women come together, how they support each other and how the people around them love and support them as well. This is a very emotional read, the strength of community, family and friendship yet the heartache of a society that doesn't want change and thinks women are only good for looking after the home and family.
Such a well written and researched book it kept me reading from start to finish. I never got bored as there was always something more from page to page. Dramatic, heart-warming, intriguing, interesting and at times quite tense - this is book that has it all. It really does make you think about how the past has made us what we are today.
A Woman of Courage
Tania Blanchard
HarperCollins
Set in Northern England in 1890 we start with Hannah Todd, a woman who doesn't want to marry, who wants to be independent, who wants to make a difference and most important of all wants to work towards the day women are allowed to vote. But of course not all goes according to plan.
I love the story, the way these strong and courageous women come together, how they support each other and how the people around them love and support them as well. This is a very emotional read, the strength of community, family and friendship yet the heartache of a society that doesn't want change and thinks women are only good for looking after the home and family.
Such a well written and researched book it kept me reading from start to finish. I never got bored as there was always something more from page to page. Dramatic, heart-warming, intriguing, interesting and at times quite tense - this is book that has it all. It really does make you think about how the past has made us what we are today.
A Woman of Courage
Tania Blanchard
HarperCollins
January 2, 2024
As a 23 year old young woman I found this book very informative, engaging and encouraging. Honestly the title says it all.
This was the first book I had read from the incredible Tania Blanchard and it definitely won’t be the last. It was a beautiful yet confronting illustration of what life would have been like for many women in the late 1800’s. It paints a very clear picture of the impacts of inequality and the enormous amount of courage it took to challenge/and change it.
One of my favourite quotes of all from the book was
‘I was playing my part, and to me, it was the most important part of all.
It was an honour to learn about the story of Hannah and her incredible friends and family.
Would definitely recommend!
This was the first book I had read from the incredible Tania Blanchard and it definitely won’t be the last. It was a beautiful yet confronting illustration of what life would have been like for many women in the late 1800’s. It paints a very clear picture of the impacts of inequality and the enormous amount of courage it took to challenge/and change it.
One of my favourite quotes of all from the book was
‘I was playing my part, and to me, it was the most important part of all.
It was an honour to learn about the story of Hannah and her incredible friends and family.
Would definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
For Jess: I have read several books by this author and this has probably been my favourite. The main themes are around women’s suffrage and suffrage in society (in Victorian England). The story is also a reminder that sometimes in life you can find fulfilment when you expect little. Plus author uses words like “besmirch” which I really like!
September 1, 2024
2.75. Not bad, but could’ve been much better
December 22, 2024
Yawn. Amateurish, absolutely dead boring plot. Would not recommend.
February 17, 2024
Slow read but easy read. I enjoy true stories and felt empowered as a woman grateful for the efforts of generations of women before me.
July 14, 2024
I have to admit to being disappointed with this novel, and am finding it difficult to say why. I enjoyed Blanchard's earlier historical fiction books based on of WW2, and found the characters to be engaging and sympathetic. However, in this book I found Hannah to be "preachy" and almost too perfect. The concept was good, but to me, failed to live up to its promise.
A gripping, moving story of love, tenacity and the right to be heard by bestseller Tania Blanchard, inspired by a true story
1890, Northern England. Hannah Todd dreams of a future where women have the right to vote. Fresh from her teaching studies in Durham, the university city, she joins her parents in a rural village, brimming with newly found passion and the groundswell towards women's suffrage unfolding in London. Working tirelessly to help women and children in the county, Hannah is determined to make the fight for the vote her life's work, adding her voice to the rising chorus across the nation and hopes of a new world and a new way of thinking. But soon she must fight a new, unexpected battle - that of the yearning of her own heart - and discovers that when power is threatened, darkness, brutality and dangerous, closely guarded secrets are never too far from the surface. How far can she go to fight for what's right? From the exciting, progressive hive of London to the traditional villages of the rural north, A Woman of Courage rings with the strength and struggles of women at time of momentous change ... and the choices one woman must make to help forge a new future.
A gripping, moving story of love, tenacity and the right to be heard by bestseller Tania Blanchard, inspired by a true story
1890, Northern England. Hannah Todd dreams of a future where women have the right to vote. Fresh from her teaching studies in Durham, the university city, she joins her parents in a rural village, brimming with newly found passion and the groundswell towards women's suffrage unfolding in London. Working tirelessly to help women and children in the county, Hannah is determined to make the fight for the vote her life's work, adding her voice to the rising chorus across the nation and hopes of a new world and a new way of thinking. But soon she must fight a new, unexpected battle - that of the yearning of her own heart - and discovers that when power is threatened, darkness, brutality and dangerous, closely guarded secrets are never too far from the surface. How far can she go to fight for what's right? From the exciting, progressive hive of London to the traditional villages of the rural north, A Woman of Courage rings with the strength and struggles of women at time of momentous change ... and the choices one woman must make to help forge a new future.
February 8, 2024
I loved Hannah’s passion for teaching and the suffragette movement within Victorian England. This book shines in telling a story from a working-class women’s perspectives and how they might have tirelessly contributed to the freedoms women experience today. Hannah has some aspirations which do not eventuate and she comes to terms with her new role in life. Although I adored reading from Hannah’s perspectives about her musings on injustice for women and her desires for a better life for women and children, at times it felt overdone and I felt like I was reading the same musings in multiple chapters. Although Hannah has good intentions with her aspirations she also comes across as naive and resigned herself to her fate without the reader knowing what she truly thinks of her life and the multiple challenges presented within it. As a reader, I would have liked to explore these complexities in greater detail as they were challenges multiple women experienced, as I felt like they were glossed over, in conjunction with Hannah’s suffragette aspirations.
January 10, 2025
When I first started this book I didn't like it. I found the writing to be cliched, the characters to be a bit 2 dimensional and it was a bit preachy I felt at times - you don't need to convince me that woman should have the vote. Also the dialogue - people just don't talk like that. But, the historian in me found the story really interesting. I'm forever grateful for those woman that fought so strongly for rights that I have today and I'm very glad I didn't live in those days where women were treated so poorly simply because of their sex. It scares me that there are still people out there today that continue to have these views.
February 14, 2024
Easy read
Bit slow at the start but it gets there
Not sure if I will the follow up.
One to read if you just want to fill in time between things
Bit slow at the start but it gets there
Not sure if I will the follow up.
One to read if you just want to fill in time between things
October 25, 2024
This was an interesting story. It was obviously challenging for the author to separate her own modern perspectives and opinions and step into the world of 1890s England, and while she did achieve that to some degree, you can see the strong 21st century feminist voice here, clothed in 1890s garb. This detracted from the story somewhat. I liked the characters and the hopeful suffragists, despite the difficult and prolonged process of their battle.
December 30, 2023
A nice story about the struggles of women’s empowerment. Even though we’ve made significant progress since 1896 we still have a way to go before we truly are equal.
December 8, 2023
This is a lovely read that brings to light the plight of women who in the late 1800's started the push for the right to vote and equality. The polite way of trying for change, i.e appealing to the better side of the male population, local government and members of parliament was never going to work. Men fearful of the loss of control over women saw many objecting openly, some by ignoring the cause. Not until the marches and demonstrations, the locking up of women did change come, although this read doesn't go as far as that, rather, it outlines the imposition put on one woman, that of the main character of Hannah, who is qualified as a school teacher and passionate about the need for change for women and children. Children come to school without shoes or warm clothing and are hungry for which she works hard at organising a breakfast club of sorts and sport for the boys and nature walks for girls. Hannah is determined not to marry, the reason being that as a married woman she would not be able to continue teaching, something that she loves doing. Beholden to her husband, her life would change dramatically.
Hannah's father, William, contracted a work illness and for which has meant a change in the course of her parent's lives, for which they bought a country pub, The Ox and Plough. This seemed a good idea, a source of income and a reasonable house to live in. Like all good ideas, there is always a flip side and for which the family find themselves embroiled in the demands by the brewery representative who gives them unreasonable quotas to fill and the obvious conniving by a mean and powerful competitor. The stress, compounded with his illness from working in the steel industry sees William's decision to move to an asylum (now it would be a convalescent home, aged care facility etc, as Parkinsons is the name now known for such a condition). Hannah, the only one of his daughters not married, is pressured into taking over the running of the pub. Hannah is torn, her mother is unable to fill the management shoes due to her own age leaving Hannah little choice, all her dreams of going to London and being fully involved with campaigning for women to have the vote come tumbling down. Compounding her problems is her ever increasing feelings she has for the brother of one of her pupils, Roger.
As determined as Hannah is to combine her teaching, the overseeing of the pub and her campaigning for the change for women, her increased feelings toward Roger who now helps out in the pub finds her in conflict with herself and her original aims. To add to the pressure, warnings from her sisters and friends, that any passion with Roger could so easily turn into an unwanted pregnancy for which with the disdain from the general community, the accusations of being a loose woman and the future of the pub and her future life, Hannah is forced to cut all ties with him.
While trying to avoid Roger as much as possible, the charade fails and their romance is rekindled with Hannah becoming pregnant. Roger is elated as he has always wanted Hannah to be his wife. Her teaching job is finished but a small daughter takes over some of this disappointment.
As the story progresses, the small sisterhood of friends around Hannah are exposed to the misogynistic and cruel behaviour of two of the town’s male population, the constant brutality of one and the rape of others along with murder. For such a dull little town, the inhabitants certainly have hidden secrets and women who are afraid to speak out
Hannah's father, William, contracted a work illness and for which has meant a change in the course of her parent's lives, for which they bought a country pub, The Ox and Plough. This seemed a good idea, a source of income and a reasonable house to live in. Like all good ideas, there is always a flip side and for which the family find themselves embroiled in the demands by the brewery representative who gives them unreasonable quotas to fill and the obvious conniving by a mean and powerful competitor. The stress, compounded with his illness from working in the steel industry sees William's decision to move to an asylum (now it would be a convalescent home, aged care facility etc, as Parkinsons is the name now known for such a condition). Hannah, the only one of his daughters not married, is pressured into taking over the running of the pub. Hannah is torn, her mother is unable to fill the management shoes due to her own age leaving Hannah little choice, all her dreams of going to London and being fully involved with campaigning for women to have the vote come tumbling down. Compounding her problems is her ever increasing feelings she has for the brother of one of her pupils, Roger.
As determined as Hannah is to combine her teaching, the overseeing of the pub and her campaigning for the change for women, her increased feelings toward Roger who now helps out in the pub finds her in conflict with herself and her original aims. To add to the pressure, warnings from her sisters and friends, that any passion with Roger could so easily turn into an unwanted pregnancy for which with the disdain from the general community, the accusations of being a loose woman and the future of the pub and her future life, Hannah is forced to cut all ties with him.
While trying to avoid Roger as much as possible, the charade fails and their romance is rekindled with Hannah becoming pregnant. Roger is elated as he has always wanted Hannah to be his wife. Her teaching job is finished but a small daughter takes over some of this disappointment.
As the story progresses, the small sisterhood of friends around Hannah are exposed to the misogynistic and cruel behaviour of two of the town’s male population, the constant brutality of one and the rape of others along with murder. For such a dull little town, the inhabitants certainly have hidden secrets and women who are afraid to speak out
December 21, 2023
This novel was a highly enjoyable story weaved with strong female characters trying to empower/champion women and each other to determine their own futures by making choices and being a voice for issues that effect them and attempt to influence social change at a time when women where a lot were treated appallingly by men and seen as only being good for being wives and mothers.
We meet central character Hannah Todd, who has returned home to a small rural town in England in the 1890s. She is a school teacher whose parents have recently bought a pub. Hannah has big aspirations to help pave the way to bettering the lives of the local women for which, life is particularly tough during this time period in history. Hannah is therefore determined not to marry and have children because women do not have a family and a career, and as a teacher, Hannah would be required to leave her job which she adores, if she was ever to marry. Women of this time can’t even own property in their name when they are married.
Hannah and a few of her close friends begin a local suffrage society, and they want to petition to parliament for laws for women to get the vote. But it is a tough road as what they propose often gets knocked down at every turn as ‘male’ dominated attitudes of the time, don’t want women to have any say because they think no good can come of it. They prefer women to keep quiet and be submissive and not l stand up or question them. In essence they only feel threatened by any advancement of women.
Hannah’s drive to suceed becomes stronger due to the hardships of women that she witnesses, as was common for husbands to beat their wives. She also helps establish a breakfast club for kids who have no food to bring to school. Other issues are raised including the need for further education for women, and staying in school longerer and also having access to study at university, as well as compulsory vaccination for children and better healthcare for women.
Of course Hannah’s life goes slightly off course when she meets and falls in love with Roger, and she ends up pregnant and has to take over the running and managing of the pub. This was not what she wanted for herself, but ultimately in the end she realises she can still help women through her suffrage work and as the local publican offering refuge and a place for women.
Ultimately, life for women seems to have come a long way in over 120 years. We now have the vote, have fought for women’s equality and equal pay with men and so forth but it also begs the question, while our lives have essentially improved, are we still living in a ‘male’ dominated world with some of these old attitudes toward women as second or less worthy where violence toward women still exist? The answer is absolutely. Whilst there has been progress, we still have a way to go toward improving the lives of ‘all’ women.
Thank you to Net galley and publisher Harper Collin’s Australia for an early digital copy to read and review.
We meet central character Hannah Todd, who has returned home to a small rural town in England in the 1890s. She is a school teacher whose parents have recently bought a pub. Hannah has big aspirations to help pave the way to bettering the lives of the local women for which, life is particularly tough during this time period in history. Hannah is therefore determined not to marry and have children because women do not have a family and a career, and as a teacher, Hannah would be required to leave her job which she adores, if she was ever to marry. Women of this time can’t even own property in their name when they are married.
Hannah and a few of her close friends begin a local suffrage society, and they want to petition to parliament for laws for women to get the vote. But it is a tough road as what they propose often gets knocked down at every turn as ‘male’ dominated attitudes of the time, don’t want women to have any say because they think no good can come of it. They prefer women to keep quiet and be submissive and not l stand up or question them. In essence they only feel threatened by any advancement of women.
Hannah’s drive to suceed becomes stronger due to the hardships of women that she witnesses, as was common for husbands to beat their wives. She also helps establish a breakfast club for kids who have no food to bring to school. Other issues are raised including the need for further education for women, and staying in school longerer and also having access to study at university, as well as compulsory vaccination for children and better healthcare for women.
Of course Hannah’s life goes slightly off course when she meets and falls in love with Roger, and she ends up pregnant and has to take over the running and managing of the pub. This was not what she wanted for herself, but ultimately in the end she realises she can still help women through her suffrage work and as the local publican offering refuge and a place for women.
Ultimately, life for women seems to have come a long way in over 120 years. We now have the vote, have fought for women’s equality and equal pay with men and so forth but it also begs the question, while our lives have essentially improved, are we still living in a ‘male’ dominated world with some of these old attitudes toward women as second or less worthy where violence toward women still exist? The answer is absolutely. Whilst there has been progress, we still have a way to go toward improving the lives of ‘all’ women.
Thank you to Net galley and publisher Harper Collin’s Australia for an early digital copy to read and review.
September 15, 2023
Another superb read by Tania Blanchard. Hannah Todd dreams of a world where women are treated as equals but she is living in Northern England in the late 1800s. The suffragette movement has begun and Hannah is keen to enlist as many women from her community as possible.
Hannah’s parents have moved to a small rural village Ebberfield due to her fathers ill health with manganese poisoning . Her father has become the publican of The Ox and Plough with Hannah’s mother cooking the meals and assisting with the running of the pub. Hannah joins her parents after studying teaching in Durham and finds life in the small community stifling but she takes her teaching position seriously and strives to do the best for her students. She improves the school and the lives of the children through innovative programs for that period of time - sports games, breakfast and lunch clubs, a library, warm clothes for those children who need them and a vaccination program.
Her initiatives with the women of the community see her enlisting the local suffrage group as a member of the National Society for Women’s Suffrage. There was always going to be resistance to the suffrage movement from the men but she “hoped her community projects would show them we could make positive change in our village and should be given the chance to do more at a national level. Suffrage was about women lending their voices to issues that were important to them. The world outside of the town was changing and soon that change would be knocking on our own doors, whether people liked it or not.”
Hannah’s life takes a turn in a different direction when she meets Roger. Her thoughts of remaining unmarried and being a suffragette are challenged. Can she be a married woman with children running a pub or should she remain a staunch supporter of women’s rights. Maybe she can have both?
This is a well researched story of the women who fought for their right to vote - “women who quite literally changed the world”. A truly great read and I look forward to the sequel.
Hannah’s parents have moved to a small rural village Ebberfield due to her fathers ill health with manganese poisoning . Her father has become the publican of The Ox and Plough with Hannah’s mother cooking the meals and assisting with the running of the pub. Hannah joins her parents after studying teaching in Durham and finds life in the small community stifling but she takes her teaching position seriously and strives to do the best for her students. She improves the school and the lives of the children through innovative programs for that period of time - sports games, breakfast and lunch clubs, a library, warm clothes for those children who need them and a vaccination program.
Her initiatives with the women of the community see her enlisting the local suffrage group as a member of the National Society for Women’s Suffrage. There was always going to be resistance to the suffrage movement from the men but she “hoped her community projects would show them we could make positive change in our village and should be given the chance to do more at a national level. Suffrage was about women lending their voices to issues that were important to them. The world outside of the town was changing and soon that change would be knocking on our own doors, whether people liked it or not.”
Hannah’s life takes a turn in a different direction when she meets Roger. Her thoughts of remaining unmarried and being a suffragette are challenged. Can she be a married woman with children running a pub or should she remain a staunch supporter of women’s rights. Maybe she can have both?
This is a well researched story of the women who fought for their right to vote - “women who quite literally changed the world”. A truly great read and I look forward to the sequel.
September 6, 2024
**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)**
Tania Blanchard, an Australian author known for her captivating historical fiction, delivers a stunning novel in *A Woman of Courage*. Set in 1890s Northern England, this story follows the life of Hannah, a fierce and determined young woman driven by her passion for women’s rights and the suffrage movement. Inspired by true events, the novel brings to life the struggles and triumphs of women fighting for equality during a time when their voices were barely heard.
Hannah's fight for justice and women's rights is at the heart of this story. She refuses to be confined by societal expectations, challenging the roles imposed on women and standing up for what she believes in. Her courage and resilience make her a deeply relatable and inspiring protagonist. While the story slows down in the middle, Blanchard's detailed portrayal of Hannah’s journey and the rich historical setting keeps readers engaged.
The novel’s feminist themes shine through in powerful quotes like:
*"A woman’s worth isn’t defined by her husband or her children but by the fire that burns within her to make a difference."*
This reflects Hannah’s unwavering commitment to the cause and her refusal to settle for anything less than true equality. Another moving line is:
*"If we stay silent, nothing will change. It’s our duty to stand, to fight, and to speak for those who cannot."*
Hannah’s voice becomes a rallying cry for women's suffrage and justice, underscoring her passion for the movement.
Though the pace may slow midway, *A Woman of Courage* is a gripping and empowering read that beautifully captures the essence of the women’s suffrage movement. Hannah’s journey is a testament to the strength of women who dared to fight for their rights, making this book not only historically significant but deeply inspiring.
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Tania Blanchard, an Australian author known for her captivating historical fiction, delivers a stunning novel in *A Woman of Courage*. Set in 1890s Northern England, this story follows the life of Hannah, a fierce and determined young woman driven by her passion for women’s rights and the suffrage movement. Inspired by true events, the novel brings to life the struggles and triumphs of women fighting for equality during a time when their voices were barely heard.
Hannah's fight for justice and women's rights is at the heart of this story. She refuses to be confined by societal expectations, challenging the roles imposed on women and standing up for what she believes in. Her courage and resilience make her a deeply relatable and inspiring protagonist. While the story slows down in the middle, Blanchard's detailed portrayal of Hannah’s journey and the rich historical setting keeps readers engaged.
The novel’s feminist themes shine through in powerful quotes like:
*"A woman’s worth isn’t defined by her husband or her children but by the fire that burns within her to make a difference."*
This reflects Hannah’s unwavering commitment to the cause and her refusal to settle for anything less than true equality. Another moving line is:
*"If we stay silent, nothing will change. It’s our duty to stand, to fight, and to speak for those who cannot."*
Hannah’s voice becomes a rallying cry for women's suffrage and justice, underscoring her passion for the movement.
Though the pace may slow midway, *A Woman of Courage* is a gripping and empowering read that beautifully captures the essence of the women’s suffrage movement. Hannah’s journey is a testament to the strength of women who dared to fight for their rights, making this book not only historically significant but deeply inspiring.
Please visit my Facebook page and blog to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/kyliesbookad...
https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...
October 1, 2023
Making a change from her usual World War II novels, Blanchard tells the story of Hannah Todd and her fight for women’s right to vote. Set in 1893 in the Northern English town of Ebbefield, Blanchard makes the small village surrounded by mining towns come to life. Meticulously researched I appreciated the attention to detail- streets lamps lit by gas lighting, the pub being the center of the town, the scandal of women rising in pantaloons and bathing machines for modesty!
Hannah was an amazing, strong female character, ahead of her time. She came to the small village with her parents to take up teaching position. Just her work with ensuring a decent education for the kids in town in a time where schooling was only compulsory until the age of eleven and girls weren’t encouraged to go on after that was an interesting story. On top of all that she worked to ensure the kids had access to school lunches and vaccinations as well as tirelessly campaigning for women’s rights. Blanchard really captured the feeling of the time well. It was so frustrating seeing the attitudes of some of the males and sad to see several smart women who weren’t able to succeed because of their gender.
Intertwined with Hannah’s story and village life, I also enjoyed her relationships with her family and Roger. Parts of the story played out in letters to and from her sisters. Her father’s fight with manganese poisoning was interesting- the lack of worker’s rights and knowledge on such things and then treatment choices- he was sent to a lunatic asylum for palliative care. I am glad to see times have changed. Her relationship with Roger really illustrated what it was like at the time for women- to marry meant giving up her dream job and her decision not to marry was met with resistance from family. I did enjoy seeing how it all played out. When finishing the novel I was pleased to see there is more of Hannah’s lately to come and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Hannah was an amazing, strong female character, ahead of her time. She came to the small village with her parents to take up teaching position. Just her work with ensuring a decent education for the kids in town in a time where schooling was only compulsory until the age of eleven and girls weren’t encouraged to go on after that was an interesting story. On top of all that she worked to ensure the kids had access to school lunches and vaccinations as well as tirelessly campaigning for women’s rights. Blanchard really captured the feeling of the time well. It was so frustrating seeing the attitudes of some of the males and sad to see several smart women who weren’t able to succeed because of their gender.
Intertwined with Hannah’s story and village life, I also enjoyed her relationships with her family and Roger. Parts of the story played out in letters to and from her sisters. Her father’s fight with manganese poisoning was interesting- the lack of worker’s rights and knowledge on such things and then treatment choices- he was sent to a lunatic asylum for palliative care. I am glad to see times have changed. Her relationship with Roger really illustrated what it was like at the time for women- to marry meant giving up her dream job and her decision not to marry was met with resistance from family. I did enjoy seeing how it all played out. When finishing the novel I was pleased to see there is more of Hannah’s lately to come and I can’t wait for the sequel.
December 15, 2025
3.5 stars
I loved the concept of this book - its about the women's suffrage movement and women's rights in the north of England in the 1890s. The story was reminiscent of My Brilliant Career, but where Miles Franklin had her protagonist spurn marriage in favour of her career, Tanya Blanchard created a love story and supportive husband for her protagonist Hannah Todd. Hannah gives up her career and dreams of going to London to be more involved in the suffrage movement when she falls pregnant. Instead she ends up staying in the rural village, running the family pub with her husband and growing brood. She continues to be actively involved in local politics - suffrage and domestic violence are aspects she focuses on. The tale takes a dark turn and Blanchard shows that you never really know what goes on in the privacy of a home - respectable men can be monsters behind closed doors.
The characters were all really well developed but I found it was long-winded. The narrative was also interesting - at times it was written in first person with dialogue etc but at other times it felt more like memoir writing - this may be because the author wanted to explain how committee meetings went in a summary paragraph without doing a blow by blow account of the meeting or developmemts happening in the suffrage movement. At around 430 pages I think it could have been edited more heavily to tighten the storyline and reduce pages. I think I would have rated it more highly if I had read it more quickly but I found it dragged at times.
Trigger warnings - illness and death of a parent, Miscarriage, domestic violence, rape, death of a child, vaccinations
I loved the concept of this book - its about the women's suffrage movement and women's rights in the north of England in the 1890s. The story was reminiscent of My Brilliant Career, but where Miles Franklin had her protagonist spurn marriage in favour of her career, Tanya Blanchard created a love story and supportive husband for her protagonist Hannah Todd. Hannah gives up her career and dreams of going to London to be more involved in the suffrage movement when she falls pregnant. Instead she ends up staying in the rural village, running the family pub with her husband and growing brood. She continues to be actively involved in local politics - suffrage and domestic violence are aspects she focuses on. The tale takes a dark turn and Blanchard shows that you never really know what goes on in the privacy of a home - respectable men can be monsters behind closed doors.
The characters were all really well developed but I found it was long-winded. The narrative was also interesting - at times it was written in first person with dialogue etc but at other times it felt more like memoir writing - this may be because the author wanted to explain how committee meetings went in a summary paragraph without doing a blow by blow account of the meeting or developmemts happening in the suffrage movement. At around 430 pages I think it could have been edited more heavily to tighten the storyline and reduce pages. I think I would have rated it more highly if I had read it more quickly but I found it dragged at times.
Trigger warnings - illness and death of a parent, Miscarriage, domestic violence, rape, death of a child, vaccinations
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
I love historical fiction, especially books centred around women’s rights. I was so excited to receive this book and it really did not disappoint!
Hannah Todd has recently completed her teaching qualification in Durham when she moves to a small town in the north of England to help her ailing father run his public house.
While working at the local school, Hannah sees the injustices facing woman and children every day and is determined to do something about it.
Going on her knowledge of the Suffrage movement from her time in Durham, Hannah sets up her own local branch looking to make positive changes to her local community as well as adding her voice to the rally for women’s voting rights.
I really enjoyed this book. The historical accounts of women living at this time were accurate and brings to light the difficulties women faced at this time.
I did find parts of the book to be a little predictable but I think that’s in the nature of the story and I thought overall it was very well written. This was my first book by Tania Blanchard but it definitely won’t be my last!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins AU and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Hannah Todd has recently completed her teaching qualification in Durham when she moves to a small town in the north of England to help her ailing father run his public house.
While working at the local school, Hannah sees the injustices facing woman and children every day and is determined to do something about it.
Going on her knowledge of the Suffrage movement from her time in Durham, Hannah sets up her own local branch looking to make positive changes to her local community as well as adding her voice to the rally for women’s voting rights.
I really enjoyed this book. The historical accounts of women living at this time were accurate and brings to light the difficulties women faced at this time.
I did find parts of the book to be a little predictable but I think that’s in the nature of the story and I thought overall it was very well written. This was my first book by Tania Blanchard but it definitely won’t be my last!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins AU and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
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