The Woman Who Left

by Josephine Cox

Louise and Ben Hunter have a happy, loving marriage, marred only by their unfulfilled longing for a child. Working together on the family farm for Ben's father, Ronnie, they watch the seasons pass with joy, especially now Ben's lazy and lustful elder brother has left to set up his own business. But Ronnie's death brings Jacob home, sure he will profit from his family's grief - and hoping to find some way to steal Louise from his brother.

When Jacob realises Ben will inherit the farm, he is furious, but determined to reverse his father's last wish. As his plot to seize Ben's livelihood takes shape, Jacob's selfish greed threatens to destroy everything the Hunters hold dear - their home and their family, their friends, their marriage and even their lives...

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Josephine Cox was born in Blackburn, one of ten children. At the age of sixteen, Josephine met and married her husband Ken, and had two sons. When the boys started school, she decided to go to college and eventually gained a place at university but was unable to take this up as it would have meant living away from home. Instead, she went into teaching – and started to write her first full-length novel. She won the ‘Superwoman of Great Britain’ Award, for which her family had secretly entered her, at the same time as her novel was accepted for publication. She is now a No.1 bestselling author with over 40 books to her name.

She wrote dark psychological thrillers under the name Jane Brindle.

Reviews

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was in my 20's I enjoyed lighter reads and Josephine Cox was one of my go-to light fiction authors. You know the kind of read - nothing too heavy, with fairly predictable characters and a plot that I could easily jump in and out of between my interpreting gigs.

I've had this book on my shelves for many years and finally got around to reading it in my feeble attempt to 'read what I own'. While I admit that the Light Historical Fiction genre is no longer my 'cuppa tea', The Woman Who Left still falls considerably short for me in terms of plot and character development. There's light fiction and then there's weak fiction and this book, unfortunately, falls into the latter category.

While I appreciated how tertiary characters introduced certain scenes and gave the
book a small town feel, the characters were cliched, one-dimensional and behaved exactly as you'd expect. When you add in the plot that didn't have a lot of meat to it and the overabundance of banal dialogue sprinkled throughout, it's not surprising that I wasn't a fan of this book.

Preferences change over time and I can't say that I continue to be a big reader of the Light Historical Fiction genre. That said, this book was weak in too many ways making my lack of enthusiasm for the book more than just a genre issue.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable and thought provoking story that I really enjoyed. Recommended.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. It is the story of Ben and Louise and the hurdles they face after Ben's father dies.

They are forced to sell the family farm after being deceived by Ben's brother (and quintessential villain) Jacob. Ben isn't equipped to town-living so life isn't so rosy for them.

There is a colourful cast of characters in this story including Louise's sister, Susan. Susan is headstrong, somewhat naive and selfish but there are glimpses of a softer side to her nature. Sal is Ben and Jacob's mother, a practical realist who sees both her sons characters very clearly.

A lovely read and I look forward to finding a copy of the sequel "Jinnie".

[Elaine Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off in the usual way where everything is idyllic but then someone comes along and ruins it all - will things ever be the same? you'll have to read it to find out!!

[Greta Nicholls · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too old fashioned for me, and too much local dialect. The story itself was OK but it was just too drawn out and took too long to get to the end.

[Claire Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt a bit contrived in places

[LAURA JONES · Rating 5 out of 5]

if its Josephine Cox then i know its going to be a good story she is definitely one of my favourite authors
Louise and Ben have a quiet but happy marriage living with his parents but when his father dies things fall apart as Jacob Bens brother appears thinking he will inherit the farm and any money. he also has plans to take Louise from Ben by fair means or foul.
Realising Ben will inherit everything Jacob is incensed and sets out to do what he can to change it. his actions resulting in everything they know being blown apart.
its a really good read and very believable. you really get into the story and cant believe the lengths Jacob goes to to get what he wants both the farm and Louise.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start?
I have been upset angry and hurt, but survived? You have done it again Josephine Cox, I felt everything that Louise went through, and it has certainly been a rough ride, but nonetheless I loved every minute of this 📚 book! I could not wait to see the outcome, so I am now reading Jinnie

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I can say is a predictable outcome to a very standard story. I found the characters without much to draw them to me and the writing very mundane. In saying this I kept going until the end as I was desperate for a general easy read at the moment. I can’t say I shall be reading any more of this authored writings. I have given a generous 3 star rating.

[emma ellingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as fulfilling as her other books

All seemed a bit far fetched, with very little depth to the characters. Josephine Cox, normally grips with a good emotional story line, this fell flat after a good beginning. Almost like it was disjointed. Quite disappointed really.

[wilhelmina posa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is possibly the worst book I've read
It's so predictable and more importantly unbelievable
It was boring, boring and would not read anymore of her books at all
Sorry but no need saying it was good as it would only confuse future readers

[donna Hehir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

I do love all Josephine cox's books. I've read so many now, there can't be many more left. Love the characters, the years they are set in, the good and bad Times, and struggles. But they all have a happy ending

[Joanne Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An audio book that I found was just too much
Relationships breaking down too easily and not believable
Brothers fighting too much and a plot that was just too much
Plus a big part of the whole start of the story never resolved or brought to justice

[Mrs J M Burkle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

This book was ok until the latter part when it became too far fetched and predictable. Made reading the beginning a waste of time,

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started but couldn't finish. A quarter of the way in I'd read that Jacob was a devil one too many times and the rest of the characters were just irritating me.
Not my kind of read at all.

[Christine Doohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great plot and couldn't put the book down.

[Jane Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

A comfortable read. Story line ok but characters not very convincing.

[Denise Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of reading, thoroughly engrossed throughout.

[Charlotte Affleck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the beginning, and then it twisted into something cruel and sad for the characters. I didn't really like the ending, but I'm a fan of happy endings, where everyone survives and thrives.

[Carol G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. Entertaining story with a few twists I didn’t see coming.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too slow for me... but got it done.

[Jane Woodcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a light easy read. Josephine Cox is a good story teller. A few twists in there that I hadn't predicted. Storyline not bad with likeable characters.

[Patricia Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The woman who left

Very good book about life love and heartache and then peace and a loving future great book not to be missed 🙂

[Julie Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read lovely storyline 5*

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing

True to form another engrossing book by Josephine Cox. Covering all sentiments including love, hate and suspicion this book is well written and easy to read.

[Valerie McGurk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author doesn’t disappoint in this story about family, love, loss and jealousy. Easy to read, I couldn’t put it down.

[Lynne Horner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

[linda flute · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic story

Josephine cox is a fantastic writer I start her books and cannot put them down this was a really good read

[Anne Marie Wallage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Read very enjoyable

[Charmaine Saliba · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is my favourite by Josephine Cox, through the years she has become one of my favourite authors. Her novels are heart-warming and leave you to feel sorry that you finished the book because it is like saying goodbye to dear friends. The Woman Who left is no exception, it has everything you look in a family Drama, love, betrayal, friendship and courage, and this time also a murder. It is a fast-paced novel that was hard to put down, looking forward to reading the sequel Jinnie.
Ben and Louise are a happily married couple who work hard on the family farm but when Ben’s father died all their happiness is shattered. Ben’s brother, Jacob is a cunning man who wants to destroy Ben. It will Jacob success in his plan?