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The Corset Factory, Book 1: Threads of Destiny
In the heart of Victorian London lies a tale of two women … bound by their stations, yet worlds apart.
Lottie Crawford's life in poverty sharply contrasts with the luxurious existence of Elizabeth Gilbert, daughter of a wealthy industrialist. While Lottie toils long hours in low-paying jobs as her family descends into despair, Elizabeth yearns for a life beyond the gilded cages of high society.
In "The Corset Factory," their worlds collide amidst secrets and scandals. Lottie, a girl of quiet strength and compassion, struggles under the weight of her family's crumbling world. Her brother's criminal acts and a looming eviction threaten to shatter their lives. Elizabeth, fiercely intelligent and desperate for power, crafts a dark plan to secure her freedom. Their paths intertwine at Mr. Gilbert’s new corset-making factory, a place of harsh realities and hidden truths.
As Lottie uncovers shocking secrets about her own identity and battles for justice in the oppressive factory, Elizabeth's sinister plot to gain control unfolds. In a world where a woman's fate is often tightly laced by society's expectations, both must fight for their destiny.
"The Corset Factory, Book 1: Threads of Destiny" weaves a captivating tale of determination, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of one's place in a world that often seems predetermined. What will the fates hold for Lottie and Elizabeth?
The answer lies in the turning of these pages, where every thread of destiny is intertwined.
Lottie Crawford's life in poverty sharply contrasts with the luxurious existence of Elizabeth Gilbert, daughter of a wealthy industrialist. While Lottie toils long hours in low-paying jobs as her family descends into despair, Elizabeth yearns for a life beyond the gilded cages of high society.
In "The Corset Factory," their worlds collide amidst secrets and scandals. Lottie, a girl of quiet strength and compassion, struggles under the weight of her family's crumbling world. Her brother's criminal acts and a looming eviction threaten to shatter their lives. Elizabeth, fiercely intelligent and desperate for power, crafts a dark plan to secure her freedom. Their paths intertwine at Mr. Gilbert’s new corset-making factory, a place of harsh realities and hidden truths.
As Lottie uncovers shocking secrets about her own identity and battles for justice in the oppressive factory, Elizabeth's sinister plot to gain control unfolds. In a world where a woman's fate is often tightly laced by society's expectations, both must fight for their destiny.
"The Corset Factory, Book 1: Threads of Destiny" weaves a captivating tale of determination, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of one's place in a world that often seems predetermined. What will the fates hold for Lottie and Elizabeth?
The answer lies in the turning of these pages, where every thread of destiny is intertwined.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2023
181 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 9, 2024
This was the first book I have read by this author but it will definitely not be my last. I loved this book. The two parallel stories were great. I thought of one as an Angel and the other as a Demon. It did start a little slow for me but I am blaming me and not the author or the book but the frame of mind I was in. However, I loved everything about this and I am so looking forward to reading the second book in the series. It was wonderful being transported back to the City of my birth although many many years before I was born. Reading this book reminded me of some of the books we read and movies we watched during History lessons. The author portrayed a very accurate view. If you are a historical fiction fan I would recommend this book. It has many different genres that it are covered not just historical fiction with a little bit of everything for everyone.
April 13, 2024
3.9 stars
I began reading this book as it was historical fiction and I was curious about it when I signed up for something called voracious reader. The book follows two characters Lottie, a girl who grew up in poverty and Elizabeth the daughter of a wealthy industrialist. Both girls are from two completely different worlds but are brought together through the corset factory. A few things about this book:
I enjoyed it heavily as it gave very good descriptions of two different lives. However there are a few things that were bothering me. For starters the characters namely Elizabeth Gilbert. She is in my opinion a spoiled rich girl who doesn’t know the first thing about empathy. She doesn’t see everything that’s happening to her due to the fact that she is focused on ONE THING trying to own the business her father ran. She doesn’t care at all about her family and she couldn’t care less about the less fortunate. Her and her brother are never close and she just hates the lower class because they didn’t run in her social circle. Seeing as how her father refused to hand over the business to his daughter she had to find other ways to get into the business. This was done by seducing Harry who owned multiple businesses as well. So when she joined her father at the corset factory she saw the maid that she SACKED. It was so obnoxious that it wasn’t funny. Still seeing that her plan wasn’t working out the way she had hoped the woman decided to free Lottie’s brother (which at first I thought was at least the kindest thing she’d done) only to use him to kill her own brother. I see where the author was coming from. Two women from different worlds and the showing of how women should have a better say than being in the house. But there could have been different ways of doing it.
Now we got Lottie and her siblings. I’ll go in order starting with Miles.
Miles to me felt like an unnecessary character as he seemed to only be there. The only time he ever did anything was killing Elizabeth’s brother through the use of poison in return for his freedom. After that we don’t really see him again.
Next we have Violet. I mean really? At first I didn’t really like her but as the story progressed she began to grow on me. Her character development was good as she at least began to care about her sister and her mother. But after her wedding she only showed up in a few scenes but that was about it.
Now there’s Lottie. The youngest out of her siblings and the illegitimate daughter of Mr. Gilbert. Lottie is probably my favorite character out of the book as she works really hard trying to take care of her mother. Working at the house of her father was nothing short of a torture. Most of the people seemed to not care. When I was reading through it I wanted her so badly to stand up against the upper class. So when she is sacked by Elizabeth her and her mother go through the struggle of living in the slums and living on the streets. It was interesting to see how she got from point A to point B.
When her and her mother get caught in the worst boarding house ever, she meets a young man and a newspaper reporter named Ben. Now Ben is someone who I really like. Through spending time with him, Lottie begins to become braver and bolder than she was before. When she is sacked from the corset factory, a few others joined her. Moreover when she and her mother go to the gravesite of her father, she learned the most astonishing thing. That she was related to Mr. Gilbert. Oh how I was expecting her to reveal that her and Elizabeth were related. Unfortunately they decided to keep it between them. I hope it’s revealed to Elizabeth in the next book. I also enjoyed how Lottie went from living in the slums to becoming the manager at the corset factory over Elizabeth. That was a joy to read.
The story overall, in my opinion shows how someone can come from nothing and become a part of something bigger vs. plotting and killing your way in as it shows that things don’t go the way they wanted it to.
I honestly will read the second book and I highly recommend this one to people who like a scheming woman and a woman who knows what it’s like to work hard and come out on top.
I began reading this book as it was historical fiction and I was curious about it when I signed up for something called voracious reader. The book follows two characters Lottie, a girl who grew up in poverty and Elizabeth the daughter of a wealthy industrialist. Both girls are from two completely different worlds but are brought together through the corset factory. A few things about this book:
I enjoyed it heavily as it gave very good descriptions of two different lives. However there are a few things that were bothering me. For starters the characters namely Elizabeth Gilbert. She is in my opinion a spoiled rich girl who doesn’t know the first thing about empathy. She doesn’t see everything that’s happening to her due to the fact that she is focused on ONE THING trying to own the business her father ran. She doesn’t care at all about her family and she couldn’t care less about the less fortunate. Her and her brother are never close and she just hates the lower class because they didn’t run in her social circle. Seeing as how her father refused to hand over the business to his daughter she had to find other ways to get into the business. This was done by seducing Harry who owned multiple businesses as well. So when she joined her father at the corset factory she saw the maid that she SACKED. It was so obnoxious that it wasn’t funny. Still seeing that her plan wasn’t working out the way she had hoped the woman decided to free Lottie’s brother (which at first I thought was at least the kindest thing she’d done) only to use him to kill her own brother. I see where the author was coming from. Two women from different worlds and the showing of how women should have a better say than being in the house. But there could have been different ways of doing it.
Now we got Lottie and her siblings. I’ll go in order starting with Miles.
Miles to me felt like an unnecessary character as he seemed to only be there. The only time he ever did anything was killing Elizabeth’s brother through the use of poison in return for his freedom. After that we don’t really see him again.
Next we have Violet. I mean really? At first I didn’t really like her but as the story progressed she began to grow on me. Her character development was good as she at least began to care about her sister and her mother. But after her wedding she only showed up in a few scenes but that was about it.
Now there’s Lottie. The youngest out of her siblings and the illegitimate daughter of Mr. Gilbert. Lottie is probably my favorite character out of the book as she works really hard trying to take care of her mother. Working at the house of her father was nothing short of a torture. Most of the people seemed to not care. When I was reading through it I wanted her so badly to stand up against the upper class. So when she is sacked by Elizabeth her and her mother go through the struggle of living in the slums and living on the streets. It was interesting to see how she got from point A to point B.
When her and her mother get caught in the worst boarding house ever, she meets a young man and a newspaper reporter named Ben. Now Ben is someone who I really like. Through spending time with him, Lottie begins to become braver and bolder than she was before. When she is sacked from the corset factory, a few others joined her. Moreover when she and her mother go to the gravesite of her father, she learned the most astonishing thing. That she was related to Mr. Gilbert. Oh how I was expecting her to reveal that her and Elizabeth were related. Unfortunately they decided to keep it between them. I hope it’s revealed to Elizabeth in the next book. I also enjoyed how Lottie went from living in the slums to becoming the manager at the corset factory over Elizabeth. That was a joy to read.
The story overall, in my opinion shows how someone can come from nothing and become a part of something bigger vs. plotting and killing your way in as it shows that things don’t go the way they wanted it to.
I honestly will read the second book and I highly recommend this one to people who like a scheming woman and a woman who knows what it’s like to work hard and come out on top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
This book, The Corset Factory, Book 1: Threads of Destiny by Valerie Anne Hudson, is my favourite. First, I want to comment on the author's simplicity in telling this story. Simple English and illustrations depicted that the story occurred in the 18th century, the Victorian Era, and revolved around making corsets.
It all started with Lottie, a fierce but determined young woman who had said no to failure. She had the roughest life and the roughest situations presented to her, from broke parents to indifferent siblings to bad employers, and things just kept getting worse. But as the saying goes, there is always light at the end of the tunnel; lots of hard work and diligence came through for her, and life found its own to send her help at the very point of her life when she needed it the most, especially through Ben, who helped her and her mother in what seemed to have been their worst-case Scenario. Then we have Elizabeth, who, in my own words, I call Lottie's nemesis. Elizabeth is a manipulative and greedy woman who wishes to have everything: money, respect, business, etc. Their fates are intertwined as they both keep crossing paths in a fight to get what each wants.
What I loved the most about this book is that it was told when women were subjected to being just wives and living under the shadows of their fathers, husbands, or brothers. It was written when a woman's greatest achievement was marrying into a respectable home. Despite Elizabeth being manipulative and Lottie being resilient, I love that both ladies were smart enough and willing to do whatever it took to get whatever they wanted.
The one thing I did not like about the book is that it needed to shed more light on the whereabouts of Williams, Elizabeth's brother, and Miles, Lottie's brother. Aside from that, this book is just perfect.
This book was perfectly edited, and no errors were found as I read through it, which shows how meticulously it was edited. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to people who love stories about the 18th century and women who would like to rebuild their lives from scratch.
It all started with Lottie, a fierce but determined young woman who had said no to failure. She had the roughest life and the roughest situations presented to her, from broke parents to indifferent siblings to bad employers, and things just kept getting worse. But as the saying goes, there is always light at the end of the tunnel; lots of hard work and diligence came through for her, and life found its own to send her help at the very point of her life when she needed it the most, especially through Ben, who helped her and her mother in what seemed to have been their worst-case Scenario. Then we have Elizabeth, who, in my own words, I call Lottie's nemesis. Elizabeth is a manipulative and greedy woman who wishes to have everything: money, respect, business, etc. Their fates are intertwined as they both keep crossing paths in a fight to get what each wants.
What I loved the most about this book is that it was told when women were subjected to being just wives and living under the shadows of their fathers, husbands, or brothers. It was written when a woman's greatest achievement was marrying into a respectable home. Despite Elizabeth being manipulative and Lottie being resilient, I love that both ladies were smart enough and willing to do whatever it took to get whatever they wanted.
The one thing I did not like about the book is that it needed to shed more light on the whereabouts of Williams, Elizabeth's brother, and Miles, Lottie's brother. Aside from that, this book is just perfect.
This book was perfectly edited, and no errors were found as I read through it, which shows how meticulously it was edited. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to people who love stories about the 18th century and women who would like to rebuild their lives from scratch.
January 10, 2024
In two different situations in Victorian England, two girls, Elizabeth and Lottie, have had tremendous changes in their lives.
Lottie Crawford is a young English lady who works as a servant for the Gilberts in their Belvedere House. Despite living in poverty, she always tries her best to do her job well. However, one day, one of the people Lottie was working for, William Gilbert, got her in trouble by asking her for a drink when she wasn't supposed to do that for him. Elizabeth Gilbert, William's sister, accused Lottie of stealing from the Gilberts, and as a result, she was fired from her job. Lottie's life became more challenging after losing her job, but she found work in the corset factory owned by Mr. Gilbert. However, unfairness and injustice were prevalent at every corner of the factory. Meanwhile, Elizabeth wanted to take control of her father's factory and Henry Bertram's textile warehouse. When the two situations collided, it was entirely up to these girls to determine what would happen next.
The vivid portrayal of Victorian England in this book left me stunned. This story sheds light on the living conditions of the common people during that time and how they were constantly oppressed by the rich.
The book follows the journey of two girls, Lottie and Elizabeth. Lottie's persistence and bravery made her my favorite character. Her unwavering determination in the face of adversity was truly inspiring. On the other hand, Elizabeth's arrogance and manipulative nature made her my least favorite character.
The book also switches perspectives between Lottie and Elizabeth, which adds a unique and exciting element to the story.
It reminded me of a mix between Enola Holmes and Alias Grace (which took place in Canada around the same period and was also amazing!)
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves inspiring stories of girls fighting for what's right, especially those fascinated by Victorian England.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @booksirens, for the complimentary ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lottie Crawford is a young English lady who works as a servant for the Gilberts in their Belvedere House. Despite living in poverty, she always tries her best to do her job well. However, one day, one of the people Lottie was working for, William Gilbert, got her in trouble by asking her for a drink when she wasn't supposed to do that for him. Elizabeth Gilbert, William's sister, accused Lottie of stealing from the Gilberts, and as a result, she was fired from her job. Lottie's life became more challenging after losing her job, but she found work in the corset factory owned by Mr. Gilbert. However, unfairness and injustice were prevalent at every corner of the factory. Meanwhile, Elizabeth wanted to take control of her father's factory and Henry Bertram's textile warehouse. When the two situations collided, it was entirely up to these girls to determine what would happen next.
The vivid portrayal of Victorian England in this book left me stunned. This story sheds light on the living conditions of the common people during that time and how they were constantly oppressed by the rich.
The book follows the journey of two girls, Lottie and Elizabeth. Lottie's persistence and bravery made her my favorite character. Her unwavering determination in the face of adversity was truly inspiring. On the other hand, Elizabeth's arrogance and manipulative nature made her my least favorite character.
The book also switches perspectives between Lottie and Elizabeth, which adds a unique and exciting element to the story.
It reminded me of a mix between Enola Holmes and Alias Grace (which took place in Canada around the same period and was also amazing!)
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves inspiring stories of girls fighting for what's right, especially those fascinated by Victorian England.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @booksirens, for the complimentary ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2024
Actual Rating 1.5
Lottie was born and raised in poverty in Victorian London and is no stranger to hard work. But when her mother is let go from her position sewing corsets at home, Lottie decides to find a job at the new corset factory. Elizabeth has never known a day of work in her life and was raised in luxury, but still feels trapped by her life. She comes up with a scheme that may just give her the freedom she yearns for. The two women’s lives begin to intertwine as they both fight for freedom in very different ways.
This historical fiction was told from a dual POV. I was excited by the premise of it as it had several ideas/themes that I’m interested in. However, the execution was lacking.
The author’s writing style didn’t work for me. First, the author relied on telling rather than showing. This not only made the writing feel boring, but it also did away with most of the immersion that could have been present in the setting or with the characters. It did seem like the author did some decent historical research, but it wasn’t incorporated in a way that brought the settings or characters to life. There were also many, many exclamation points used throughout text, which became frustrating.
Unfortunately, the characters weren’t strong either. They read like caricatures or bare outlines of a person. They weren’t fleshed out well and often we weren’t given compelling reasons for their actions, even actions that went against their character. Some horrible and sad things happened in this book, but as there was no emotional connection to the characters, it didn’t make me feel anything.
Overall, this historical fiction just didn’t work for me. If you enjoy historical fiction set in Victorian England, you may enjoy this one. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lottie was born and raised in poverty in Victorian London and is no stranger to hard work. But when her mother is let go from her position sewing corsets at home, Lottie decides to find a job at the new corset factory. Elizabeth has never known a day of work in her life and was raised in luxury, but still feels trapped by her life. She comes up with a scheme that may just give her the freedom she yearns for. The two women’s lives begin to intertwine as they both fight for freedom in very different ways.
This historical fiction was told from a dual POV. I was excited by the premise of it as it had several ideas/themes that I’m interested in. However, the execution was lacking.
The author’s writing style didn’t work for me. First, the author relied on telling rather than showing. This not only made the writing feel boring, but it also did away with most of the immersion that could have been present in the setting or with the characters. It did seem like the author did some decent historical research, but it wasn’t incorporated in a way that brought the settings or characters to life. There were also many, many exclamation points used throughout text, which became frustrating.
Unfortunately, the characters weren’t strong either. They read like caricatures or bare outlines of a person. They weren’t fleshed out well and often we weren’t given compelling reasons for their actions, even actions that went against their character. Some horrible and sad things happened in this book, but as there was no emotional connection to the characters, it didn’t make me feel anything.
Overall, this historical fiction just didn’t work for me. If you enjoy historical fiction set in Victorian England, you may enjoy this one. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 31, 2025
Told, Not Sewn.
A vaguely pleasant if not, honestly, dull read. Leaning hard into cliché and “tell and don’t show”, we are gifted ample exposition by every. Single. Character.
Nothing is ever foreshadowed well, and when it is it’s as if the author has placed an enormous neon sign and raising eyebrows continuously at a surprising reveal. They aren’t.
Threads dangle loose to be addressed in later volumes, but otherwise everything is so neatly packed away it makes one.. Yawn a little. Aside from a little hint of haunting, and an unresolved disappearance that barely marks mentioning from major supporting characters, everything winds up ever so peachy keen.
Our main character, Lottie, is a simpering ever suffering saint. She has no ill thoughts towards anyone, and aside from meeting bare bones needs throughout she doesn’t seem to have much thought behind her.
Elizabeth, her— Counterpoint? — moans and berates society for ignoring women and then decides to be the Evilest Evil Possible. She’s a cackle and a dagger short of a pantomime character. She didn’t kick any puppies, but she did want to rid of a cat so I’d argue it’s the same.
Corset enthusiasts: Don’t. Continual “oh, they can’t breathe!” Commentary and rudimentary knowledge of factory work, corsetry and basic storytelling convention thrum at the pace of a dying sewing machine.
Societal traditions are flounced so hard in this novel that they bounce, and no consequences are marked when they are. Just disapproval and moving on. Even the lowest lows for our heroic Saint Lottie are weathered with little remark.
The names are all a pick-a-mix of your favorite, stronger literary characters. It’s a grab bag of a “Victorian name generator”.
I finished this in a few scant hours and was left wanting for an allusion, a metaphor, or any action not directly telegraphed at me at a rudimentary level.
If you need something to occupy your time, I suppose this could do.
A vaguely pleasant if not, honestly, dull read. Leaning hard into cliché and “tell and don’t show”, we are gifted ample exposition by every. Single. Character.
Nothing is ever foreshadowed well, and when it is it’s as if the author has placed an enormous neon sign and raising eyebrows continuously at a surprising reveal. They aren’t.
Threads dangle loose to be addressed in later volumes, but otherwise everything is so neatly packed away it makes one.. Yawn a little. Aside from a little hint of haunting, and an unresolved disappearance that barely marks mentioning from major supporting characters, everything winds up ever so peachy keen.
Our main character, Lottie, is a simpering ever suffering saint. She has no ill thoughts towards anyone, and aside from meeting bare bones needs throughout she doesn’t seem to have much thought behind her.
Elizabeth, her— Counterpoint? — moans and berates society for ignoring women and then decides to be the Evilest Evil Possible. She’s a cackle and a dagger short of a pantomime character. She didn’t kick any puppies, but she did want to rid of a cat so I’d argue it’s the same.
Corset enthusiasts: Don’t. Continual “oh, they can’t breathe!” Commentary and rudimentary knowledge of factory work, corsetry and basic storytelling convention thrum at the pace of a dying sewing machine.
Societal traditions are flounced so hard in this novel that they bounce, and no consequences are marked when they are. Just disapproval and moving on. Even the lowest lows for our heroic Saint Lottie are weathered with little remark.
The names are all a pick-a-mix of your favorite, stronger literary characters. It’s a grab bag of a “Victorian name generator”.
I finished this in a few scant hours and was left wanting for an allusion, a metaphor, or any action not directly telegraphed at me at a rudimentary level.
If you need something to occupy your time, I suppose this could do.
March 24, 2024
Threads of Destiny was appropriately named. The story is of 2 women in Victorian London, one from a wealthy and well connected family, the other struggling to keep a roof over her and her mother’s head. Their lives intertwine at every turn, and the upper hand goes to the wealthy, or does it?
It shines a light on the class distinction of the time and the huge gap between the wealthy and the destitute. The way the factory workers were treated is despicable, yet their desperation kept them coming back for more say after day.
“Society dictates that it would be improper, unsuitable, and even unseemly for a young lady like my self to even consider such a thing. My life should be focused on becoming a suitable wife and mother, along with practicing my French, music, and embroidery.”
“The books are still on the shelves, I notice with relief. Mum knows how much they mean to w, but when it comes to keeping them or paying the rent, what choice would she have?
I like the idea of women standing up for themselves,
regardless of the ‘women are inferior’ mentality they bought into the factory. Women CAN make a difference.
There were a lot of loose ends, it seemed like the story ended abruptly. It definitely makes you want to read the 2nd in the series.
I received an ebook from the publisher for my honest opinion.
It shines a light on the class distinction of the time and the huge gap between the wealthy and the destitute. The way the factory workers were treated is despicable, yet their desperation kept them coming back for more say after day.
“Society dictates that it would be improper, unsuitable, and even unseemly for a young lady like my self to even consider such a thing. My life should be focused on becoming a suitable wife and mother, along with practicing my French, music, and embroidery.”
“The books are still on the shelves, I notice with relief. Mum knows how much they mean to w, but when it comes to keeping them or paying the rent, what choice would she have?
I like the idea of women standing up for themselves,
regardless of the ‘women are inferior’ mentality they bought into the factory. Women CAN make a difference.
There were a lot of loose ends, it seemed like the story ended abruptly. It definitely makes you want to read the 2nd in the series.
I received an ebook from the publisher for my honest opinion.
May 19, 2024
“The Corset Factory” transports readers to Victorian England’s heart, where Elizabeth and Lottie emerge as strikingly different characters woven into the intricate societal fabric. Lottie, depicted as a resilient servant, fiercely battles against poverty, while Elizabeth, entrenched in privilege, cunningly seeks to expand her family’s influence. Their convergence sets the stage for a gripping narrative that unveils the harsh realities of the era.
The book’s vivid portrayal of the period sheds light on the challenges faced by the common people, offering a dynamic backdrop for Lottie’s unwavering determination and Elizabeth’s calculated actions. Alternating perspectives enhance the narrative’s complexity, enriching the storytelling experience.
Crafted with compelling prose, “The Corset Factory” delves into themes of resilience and empowerment, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the protagonists’ triumphs and trials. As Lottie and Elizabeth navigate the turbulent landscape, readers are drawn into their struggles to overcome societal barriers. An engaging option for those intrigued by Victorian England’s historical context and attracted to stories highlighting themes of female resilience and justice.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
The book’s vivid portrayal of the period sheds light on the challenges faced by the common people, offering a dynamic backdrop for Lottie’s unwavering determination and Elizabeth’s calculated actions. Alternating perspectives enhance the narrative’s complexity, enriching the storytelling experience.
Crafted with compelling prose, “The Corset Factory” delves into themes of resilience and empowerment, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the protagonists’ triumphs and trials. As Lottie and Elizabeth navigate the turbulent landscape, readers are drawn into their struggles to overcome societal barriers. An engaging option for those intrigued by Victorian England’s historical context and attracted to stories highlighting themes of female resilience and justice.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
March 12, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this read! Hudson has done a fantastic job place the reader right in the middle of Victoria England, and right on Lottie’s doorstep.
I honestly started this novel with sympathy for both characters – both bound by their station and only “allowed” to do, and say, so much. However, as the book progressed, I started liking Lottie more and more, and Elizabeth less and less. Lottie, who is poor, faces unemployment and homelessness more than once and still, remains strong and fights for the betterment of herself and others. On the other hand, Elizabeth was been born into a life of privilege, but even with her advantages in life, she consistently only thinks of herself. Entitlement and greed go hand in hand with the chip on her shoulder as she manipulates and lies to get what she wants.
I had a great time reading this book. I was invested from the first chapter and despite how awful Elizabeth is, I can kind of understand where she’s coming from. Regardless, now that I’ve finished, I am eagerly waiting for the next one. I need to know what happens next!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Valerie Hudson for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
I honestly started this novel with sympathy for both characters – both bound by their station and only “allowed” to do, and say, so much. However, as the book progressed, I started liking Lottie more and more, and Elizabeth less and less. Lottie, who is poor, faces unemployment and homelessness more than once and still, remains strong and fights for the betterment of herself and others. On the other hand, Elizabeth was been born into a life of privilege, but even with her advantages in life, she consistently only thinks of herself. Entitlement and greed go hand in hand with the chip on her shoulder as she manipulates and lies to get what she wants.
I had a great time reading this book. I was invested from the first chapter and despite how awful Elizabeth is, I can kind of understand where she’s coming from. Regardless, now that I’ve finished, I am eagerly waiting for the next one. I need to know what happens next!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Valerie Hudson for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 13, 2025
Dickensian images of 19th century Britain replete with “The Stink”—coal fire fumes, miasma of the Thames used as a dumping point for waste and the fog;
Thieves, beggars, pickpockets and murderers;
The streets muddy and littered with horse droppings;
The privileged insulate themselves from this reality where most are barely able to earn a daily crust of bread.
Lottie—barely scraping by-caring for her sick mother and trying to keep a job.
Elizabeth—rich, spoiled, scheming, heartless, rejects the Victorian role of women—seeking independence and power.
I appreciate that author Hudson has populated the novel with more villains than heroes and is disinclined to indulge in fussy details or romance.
Reading was a delight for me, a lover of Historical Fiction. The Victorian era is fascinating and the theme of worker abuse in the garment industry, mostly women and girls is a worthy topic to be examined and reimagined.
This is a two part series. Looking forward to indulging in the follow up novel.
Thieves, beggars, pickpockets and murderers;
The streets muddy and littered with horse droppings;
The privileged insulate themselves from this reality where most are barely able to earn a daily crust of bread.
Lottie—barely scraping by-caring for her sick mother and trying to keep a job.
Elizabeth—rich, spoiled, scheming, heartless, rejects the Victorian role of women—seeking independence and power.
I appreciate that author Hudson has populated the novel with more villains than heroes and is disinclined to indulge in fussy details or romance.
Reading was a delight for me, a lover of Historical Fiction. The Victorian era is fascinating and the theme of worker abuse in the garment industry, mostly women and girls is a worthy topic to be examined and reimagined.
This is a two part series. Looking forward to indulging in the follow up novel.
January 2, 2026
The Corset Factory was a story that did keep me reading. I finished it after 2 sessions. I think Lottie was a great character to read through and Elizabeth was a bit... difficult to spend time with but I think that was the goal of showing their duality. All in all though, the setting and characters are a nice read as a historical fiction.
I struggled a bit with how shallow the story could be at times (mostly the last quarter of the book) when it spends time building up just to let things fall flat when they happen cause it is predictable. Also, this might be personal preference but I think it wrapped up way too quickly. For the slow burn the whole first 75% of the book is, the last 25% was very fast.
I will be reading the second one despite that rating cause I do enjoy what has been laid out for us and look forward to what is next for the corset factory . Elizabeth... I guess we will see what she does! At about the same page length, I am hoping to see some of the story get more attention that felt missing in the first (:
I struggled a bit with how shallow the story could be at times (mostly the last quarter of the book) when it spends time building up just to let things fall flat when they happen cause it is predictable. Also, this might be personal preference but I think it wrapped up way too quickly. For the slow burn the whole first 75% of the book is, the last 25% was very fast.
I will be reading the second one despite that rating cause I do enjoy what has been laid out for us and look forward to what is next for the corset factory . Elizabeth... I guess we will see what she does! At about the same page length, I am hoping to see some of the story get more attention that felt missing in the first (:
December 8, 2023
The Corset Factory is book 1 in the Threads of Destiny Series by Valerie Anne Hudson. I thought that this was a very interesting and different story. Lottie is poor but smart and has integrity. Elizabeth is a rich business owner's daughter and a snake in the grass. Both are excellent characters and I liked that each chapter is told from one of their perspectives. The story left me wanting to know what was going to happen next… quickly! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 17, 2023
Val’s novels have had strong willed female characters. In this novel, Elizabeth—a narcissistic, cruel, self-absorbed woman of privilege infuriated me! Lottie, on the other hand, an underprivileged young women with a strong work ethic just trying to make enough money working at the corset factory for food and housing, elicited sympathy. The future looks interesting, and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 13, 2024
Full disclosure I did receive this book free as a voracious readers member.
This was a 4.75 stars for me.
I do love historical fiction, I love these two sides that you saw (good vs evil, rich vs poor).
I was at times a little frustrated with the rich character as she just seemed so malicious and hurtful towards the poor character, that’s my personal bias and I just felt like that dynamic was stretched out a little too long in the middle.
Anxiously waiting for the second book!
This was a 4.75 stars for me.
I do love historical fiction, I love these two sides that you saw (good vs evil, rich vs poor).
I was at times a little frustrated with the rich character as she just seemed so malicious and hurtful towards the poor character, that’s my personal bias and I just felt like that dynamic was stretched out a little too long in the middle.
Anxiously waiting for the second book!
May 23, 2024
In the book "The Corset Factory, Book 1: Threads of Destiny, "amidst the challenging atmosphere of Victorian London, Valerie Ann Hudson crafts a captivating story about two women from completely different backgrounds whose paths cross at a corset factory. Lottie Crawford, born into poverty, grapples with the battle for survival, while Elizabeth Gilbert, the daughter of an affluent industrialist, craves power and freedom beyond her luxurious confines.
September 11, 2025
The Corset Factory
What a story! A young woman in late 1800s, I think is tasked with working g her fingers to the bone, literally to provide shelter for herself and her Mother. Even working almost 60 hours a week was not quite enough. The diabolical daughter of the owner does all she can o to make Lottie's life hellish. Still Lottie trudges on
for a big surprise at the end.
What a story! A young woman in late 1800s, I think is tasked with working g her fingers to the bone, literally to provide shelter for herself and her Mother. Even working almost 60 hours a week was not quite enough. The diabolical daughter of the owner does all she can o to make Lottie's life hellish. Still Lottie trudges on
for a big surprise at the end.
Read
February 10, 2024OMG!!! Talk about a book that is impossible to put down! I am so excited that there is (at least ?) one more book to this promised sequel! I like nothing better than when a book proves that justice (usually) prevails, and this book and its sequel is sure to deliver!
February 28, 2024
The story sucked me in and I finished it in one sitting! The writing was descriptive and I could picture many of the scenes as they were happening. I was so into it that the cliffhanger surprised me and now I’ll be anxiously awaiting book 2.
The antagonist. Whew. I don’t wish ill on people but goodness, I hope she is held accountable! The Corset Factory made for a good read and an enjoyable afternoon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The antagonist. Whew. I don’t wish ill on people but goodness, I hope she is held accountable! The Corset Factory made for a good read and an enjoyable afternoon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2024
The book was a rather long read but the events were entertaining through it all. The well captured historical setting, the engaging plot and the book’s touch on worker’s rights and labor exploitations is commendable.
September 8, 2025
interesting subject
The corset industry is something I never would have imagined an interesting story about! But bringing forth the period in London and factory workers and well to do families, it made for an enjoyable read.
The corset industry is something I never would have imagined an interesting story about! But bringing forth the period in London and factory workers and well to do families, it made for an enjoyable read.
January 5, 2024
An amazing story
It was amazing to see a mix of many personnalities and two worlds. I loved this book and the beautiful story of it. I can't wait to read the second book!
It was amazing to see a mix of many personnalities and two worlds. I loved this book and the beautiful story of it. I can't wait to read the second book!
January 21, 2024
A real page turner
Fell in love with the characters and hope that I can know what the future holds for them in book 2
Fell in love with the characters and hope that I can know what the future holds for them in book 2
May 9, 2024
Great story
This has been the most interesting book I have read in a while. I loved the story its clean,old fashion and interesting!
This has been the most interesting book I have read in a while. I loved the story its clean,old fashion and interesting!
December 26, 2024
This is one of the first first-person and dual point of view books that I have read, but I LOVED it! To the point, that I could not wait to read more of it everyday. Honestly, it is one of my favorite historical fiction books of all time, and I cannot wait to read the sequel.
I received this book as an ARC, but with no expectation for a positive review.
I received this book as an ARC, but with no expectation for a positive review.
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