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The Workhouse Lass
Emotional, heart-warming, captivating and uplifting, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Kitty Neale. Seven-year-old Lissie Fairweather is the apple of her father’s eye, but when a tragedy strikes their family, Lissie must make her own way in the world.
Dora Fairweather wasn’t cut out to be a wife and mother, and as soon as she’s able, she turns her back on her young daughter Lissie. With no parents to protect her, Lissie has no option but the dangerous streets of soot-sodden Bradford or the workhouse orphanage. Life in the orphanage is bleak and Lissie longs for the warm embrace of her beloved father.
As the years pass, Lissie learns to enjoy the camaraderie of the other girls in the workhouse, and when she’s taken under the wing of matron Connie Briggs, things begin to look up. A move to the seaside of Scarborough, friends and even love are finally within Lissie’s grasp.
But she can never forget her father, cobbler Tom Fairweather, and the terrible secret she has carried all these years. Can her heart ever truly be at peace unless she finally discovers his fate? And with the drumbeats of war on the horizon, what will be the fate of the lass who survived the workhouse...
Chrissie Walsh’s brilliant stories are perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Kitty Neale.
Dora Fairweather wasn’t cut out to be a wife and mother, and as soon as she’s able, she turns her back on her young daughter Lissie. With no parents to protect her, Lissie has no option but the dangerous streets of soot-sodden Bradford or the workhouse orphanage. Life in the orphanage is bleak and Lissie longs for the warm embrace of her beloved father.
As the years pass, Lissie learns to enjoy the camaraderie of the other girls in the workhouse, and when she’s taken under the wing of matron Connie Briggs, things begin to look up. A move to the seaside of Scarborough, friends and even love are finally within Lissie’s grasp.
But she can never forget her father, cobbler Tom Fairweather, and the terrible secret she has carried all these years. Can her heart ever truly be at peace unless she finally discovers his fate? And with the drumbeats of war on the horizon, what will be the fate of the lass who survived the workhouse...
Chrissie Walsh’s brilliant stories are perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Kitty Neale.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2024
258 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 6, 2024
Lissie Fairweather was only seven years old when her mother dragged her away from their home, and the father she loved dearly. Tom Fairweather and Lissie were close and his lessons on life stayed in Lissie's mind when tragedy struck. Her mother, Dora, didn't want Lissie and after Lissie had spent hours, days and weeks cleaning, washing, doing dishes and keeping the fire going, Dora took Lissie to the workhouse, dumping her there and turning her back on her daughter. Frightened, lonely and missing her Dad desperately, Lissie gradually settled in, making a few friends along the way. And as the years went by, the friendship of matron Connie Briggs, kept her sane.
When Lissie left the workhouse, Connie took her to her sister-in-law's place in Scarborough, where Lissie worked in Patience's drapery, and was a companion to Patience. Things looked up for Lissie, but she still thought of her father, and wondered where he was, if he was even alive. What would be the future for Lissie, especially as war was on the horizon?
The Workhouse Lass is a heartwarming, yet heartbreaking historical novel by Chrissie Walsh which I thoroughly enjoyed! Set before and leading into WWI, the characters are well written, especially those who are in the forefront of the story. This is my first by Chrissie Walsh and I'll be checking out her back log. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
When Lissie left the workhouse, Connie took her to her sister-in-law's place in Scarborough, where Lissie worked in Patience's drapery, and was a companion to Patience. Things looked up for Lissie, but she still thought of her father, and wondered where he was, if he was even alive. What would be the future for Lissie, especially as war was on the horizon?
The Workhouse Lass is a heartwarming, yet heartbreaking historical novel by Chrissie Walsh which I thoroughly enjoyed! Set before and leading into WWI, the characters are well written, especially those who are in the forefront of the story. This is my first by Chrissie Walsh and I'll be checking out her back log. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
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November 4, 20241903 Bradford
Lissie Fairweather ends up in the workhouse after what happened to her beloved father cobbler Tom, her mother Nora doesn't want her.
A tragic tale of the fate of the lass who survived the workhouse.
With no parents to protect her Lissie has to learn to fend for herself.
Oh such a heartbreaking story that readers will love.
This author truly writes from the heart. let's her readers go into another time zone with superb historical stories.
It's a must read with tissues needed.
I loved it.
Lissie Fairweather ends up in the workhouse after what happened to her beloved father cobbler Tom, her mother Nora doesn't want her.
A tragic tale of the fate of the lass who survived the workhouse.
With no parents to protect her Lissie has to learn to fend for herself.
Oh such a heartbreaking story that readers will love.
This author truly writes from the heart. let's her readers go into another time zone with superb historical stories.
It's a must read with tissues needed.
I loved it.
October 29, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this novel.
Young Lissie Fairweather was born into a poor but respectable family in late Victorian England, in the industrializing north where mills and mines polluted the air and long hours at low wages meant that many families needed several earners to survive. Tom, her own ‘lovely father’ as she calls him, is a cobbler by trade, but now mostly mends boots and furniture. He is a good man, well liked about town, a doting father, and an extremely patient husband. Tom and Lissie, barely 5 as the story begins, are very close.
Mother Dora, on the other hand, is lazy, promiscuous and selfish. Returning from a delivery trip to town, Lissie and Tom take a short cut through the woods. What they witness shocks them both. Dora attacks Tom, leaving him for dead, then flees with the heartbroken and unwilling Lissie. After much neglect and abuse when they find a new home in a mill slum in Bradford, Dora heeds her new man’s warning to get rid of her daughter. And so Lissie, bright and beautiful and mourning her father, is dumped at the orphanage attached to the local workhouse.
Although there are definite Dickensian elements, and hunger, hard work and arbitrary punishments are common, there is hope in the person of Mrs Connie Gibbs, a widow and workhouse employee who comes to dote on Lissie and takes action to rid the place of its most abusive employees. Lissie also finds comfort in the sympathetic friends she makes among the other girls. After 7 years, during which she hears nothing from her mother but never stops hoping her father survived her attack, Connie arranges an apprenticeship for Lissie with her brother’s widow at the drapery shop she owns in the lively seaside resort of Scarborough. She proves herself to the older woman in every way, and soon finds herself in a loving community, respected for her sewing skills, with good friends and even a kind and protective beau.
Of course, the story is not one big happy fairytale. Lissie was very young when her small world turned upside down. Turn of the century England spared little thought for the poor, and those, especially the young, who were left without family suffered especially. She is plagued by guilt and anxiety for having witnessed the attack on her father. She fears her mother might show up and ruin her life again. And then the Great War happens and Flynn and countless other young men are off to the front. They were to marry. Would that ever happen?
I found the writing and characterization to be excellent, though the author tends to make the main characters all good or all bad. Lissie and Tom are saintly, especially the all-forgiving Tom. Dora is a bit too slatternly even for a Victorian-era slattern, when it didn’t take much. I liked the careful historical detail, and the plausible positioning of the characters within it.
Young Lissie Fairweather was born into a poor but respectable family in late Victorian England, in the industrializing north where mills and mines polluted the air and long hours at low wages meant that many families needed several earners to survive. Tom, her own ‘lovely father’ as she calls him, is a cobbler by trade, but now mostly mends boots and furniture. He is a good man, well liked about town, a doting father, and an extremely patient husband. Tom and Lissie, barely 5 as the story begins, are very close.
Mother Dora, on the other hand, is lazy, promiscuous and selfish. Returning from a delivery trip to town, Lissie and Tom take a short cut through the woods. What they witness shocks them both. Dora attacks Tom, leaving him for dead, then flees with the heartbroken and unwilling Lissie. After much neglect and abuse when they find a new home in a mill slum in Bradford, Dora heeds her new man’s warning to get rid of her daughter. And so Lissie, bright and beautiful and mourning her father, is dumped at the orphanage attached to the local workhouse.
Although there are definite Dickensian elements, and hunger, hard work and arbitrary punishments are common, there is hope in the person of Mrs Connie Gibbs, a widow and workhouse employee who comes to dote on Lissie and takes action to rid the place of its most abusive employees. Lissie also finds comfort in the sympathetic friends she makes among the other girls. After 7 years, during which she hears nothing from her mother but never stops hoping her father survived her attack, Connie arranges an apprenticeship for Lissie with her brother’s widow at the drapery shop she owns in the lively seaside resort of Scarborough. She proves herself to the older woman in every way, and soon finds herself in a loving community, respected for her sewing skills, with good friends and even a kind and protective beau.
Of course, the story is not one big happy fairytale. Lissie was very young when her small world turned upside down. Turn of the century England spared little thought for the poor, and those, especially the young, who were left without family suffered especially. She is plagued by guilt and anxiety for having witnessed the attack on her father. She fears her mother might show up and ruin her life again. And then the Great War happens and Flynn and countless other young men are off to the front. They were to marry. Would that ever happen?
I found the writing and characterization to be excellent, though the author tends to make the main characters all good or all bad. Lissie and Tom are saintly, especially the all-forgiving Tom. Dora is a bit too slatternly even for a Victorian-era slattern, when it didn’t take much. I liked the careful historical detail, and the plausible positioning of the characters within it.
October 22, 2024
This is a review of my 100th book this year! Woohooo!
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So funny story - I requested three at one time from NetGalley, assuming I would not get them all and hoped for at least one. I was approved for two immediately and then the third a week later. Oi!
I contacted my mom - we share our Kindle account - want to book club one of them? Sure. Ok, I will choose.
I started this one and the first chapter nearly scared me away. It started with young Lissie at home with her father and abusive mother. Her father is lying dead on the floor from what we can tell through the eyes of a 4-year-old. Mom takes Lissie and flees the scene. Awful woman. Hmmm
I read the other book's first chapter, and it had a more solid start, so I said, "Let's try this one" but I really got it wrong. This book was far better!
First, look at the cover. What a beautiful girl and those eyes! The description intrigued me because I love stories about orphans. Trust me, even though the first chapters are hard to read - such cruelty little Lissie experienced - it really does get better. She eventually falls under the care of a good person in the orphanage, Connie, who becomes the matron of the orphanage. When she "ages out" at age 14, she goes to live with Connie's sister, Patience, in a town not far away. At first, the relationship is strained, but the story briefly became reminiscent of "Anne of Green Gables" once the childless Patience learns how to interact with a "child" they grow to love each other as if they were mother and daughter.
The setting is mostly in Scarborough, England, yet for the longest time I thought we were in Ireland. Some fo the language was pretty hard to decipher at times - for example:
"Aw, it's oreight, Jimmy, man. Tek no notice of me. Emmy didn't mean to upset me, did you? Aah took offence, but it w' over summat an' nowt." Some parts you might get and others I wasn't 100% sure but no matter - it still made send to me.
It's a coming of age novel complete with first love, drama, relationships, betrayals, death and so much more. It was a novel of HOPE and encouragement. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So funny story - I requested three at one time from NetGalley, assuming I would not get them all and hoped for at least one. I was approved for two immediately and then the third a week later. Oi!
I contacted my mom - we share our Kindle account - want to book club one of them? Sure. Ok, I will choose.
I started this one and the first chapter nearly scared me away. It started with young Lissie at home with her father and abusive mother. Her father is lying dead on the floor from what we can tell through the eyes of a 4-year-old. Mom takes Lissie and flees the scene. Awful woman. Hmmm
I read the other book's first chapter, and it had a more solid start, so I said, "Let's try this one" but I really got it wrong. This book was far better!
First, look at the cover. What a beautiful girl and those eyes! The description intrigued me because I love stories about orphans. Trust me, even though the first chapters are hard to read - such cruelty little Lissie experienced - it really does get better. She eventually falls under the care of a good person in the orphanage, Connie, who becomes the matron of the orphanage. When she "ages out" at age 14, she goes to live with Connie's sister, Patience, in a town not far away. At first, the relationship is strained, but the story briefly became reminiscent of "Anne of Green Gables" once the childless Patience learns how to interact with a "child" they grow to love each other as if they were mother and daughter.
The setting is mostly in Scarborough, England, yet for the longest time I thought we were in Ireland. Some fo the language was pretty hard to decipher at times - for example:
"Aw, it's oreight, Jimmy, man. Tek no notice of me. Emmy didn't mean to upset me, did you? Aah took offence, but it w' over summat an' nowt." Some parts you might get and others I wasn't 100% sure but no matter - it still made send to me.
It's a coming of age novel complete with first love, drama, relationships, betrayals, death and so much more. It was a novel of HOPE and encouragement. I really enjoyed it!
November 12, 2024
The Workhouse Lass by Christie Walsh. While it is true that Lissie spent some years in an orphanage connected to a workhouse, it is by no means her whole story. She adored her father. Her mother was another story. When she was a very small child her parents had a fight, one of many, and her mother hit him with something. He fell to the floor, blood flowing from his head. She and her mother ran. She was worried about her father, but there was not much she could do. They had very little money so sleeping was a problem. Her mother quickly met a man, and they moved in with him. He was awful and his place was worse, but she soon met people who lived in the same alley and they took her in. She went to school, and she had warm meals. Life was good. Then, for no apparent reason, her mother took her to the orphanage and before she could give them any information at all, she left and ran, leaving Lissie there. As with all things, life was bearable and Lissie made friends, one a woman who worked there who found her a spot with her sister-in-law when Lissie was old enough to leave. From there her life took off.
This was a poignant tale, pretty unrealistic in many ways, about a terrible mother and person and a very lucky girl who escaped the miserable life she had with her mother. The people running the orphanage were far from saintly, but life could have been worse. After she left, she met people who would be her friends for their lifetimes and she met the man she was to marry. It was a slice-of-life kind of story, and a good one, giving the reader glimpses into how life was then. The orphanage was probably painted more kindly than it really was but life after the orphanage was pretty accurate. It was a good story with good characters, well developed and personable. The story took us through a war and some of its ramifications. I enjoyed reading of Lissie and her life and her friends. Good book.
I was invited to read The Workhouse Lass by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #ChrissieWalsh #TheWorkhouseLass
This was a poignant tale, pretty unrealistic in many ways, about a terrible mother and person and a very lucky girl who escaped the miserable life she had with her mother. The people running the orphanage were far from saintly, but life could have been worse. After she left, she met people who would be her friends for their lifetimes and she met the man she was to marry. It was a slice-of-life kind of story, and a good one, giving the reader glimpses into how life was then. The orphanage was probably painted more kindly than it really was but life after the orphanage was pretty accurate. It was a good story with good characters, well developed and personable. The story took us through a war and some of its ramifications. I enjoyed reading of Lissie and her life and her friends. Good book.
I was invited to read The Workhouse Lass by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #ChrissieWalsh #TheWorkhouseLass
October 24, 2024
Dora Fairweather wasn't cut out to be a wife and mother, and as soon as she was able, she turns her back on her young daughter Lissie. With no parents to protect her, Lissie has no option but the dangerous streets of soot-sodden Bradford or the workhouse orphanage. Life in the orphanage is bleak and Lissie longs for the warm embrace of her beloved father. As the years pass, Lissie learns to enjoy the camaraderie of the girls in the workhouse, and when she's taken under the wing of matron Connie Briggs, things begin to look up.
Lissie and her father suffered the abuse and beatings they got from her mother Dora, until the night she went too far, and she flew from her marital home taking young Lissie with her. But Dora didn't care much for Lissie, and she was left to fen for herself. She ends up in the workhouse orphanage where matron Connie Briggs takes her under her wing.
This is a well-written, easy to read, and at times, a heartbreaking read. I was fully committed to this story, and I read well into the night to see how things would work out for Lissie. I loved this book.
Published 9th November 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ChrissieWalsh for my ARC of #TheWorkhouseLass in exchange for an honest review.
Lissie and her father suffered the abuse and beatings they got from her mother Dora, until the night she went too far, and she flew from her marital home taking young Lissie with her. But Dora didn't care much for Lissie, and she was left to fen for herself. She ends up in the workhouse orphanage where matron Connie Briggs takes her under her wing.
This is a well-written, easy to read, and at times, a heartbreaking read. I was fully committed to this story, and I read well into the night to see how things would work out for Lissie. I loved this book.
Published 9th November 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ChrissieWalsh for my ARC of #TheWorkhouseLass in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2025
In this new historical fiction novel from Chrissie Walsh, she brings seven-year-old Lissie Fairweather after a family tragedy to life. Left in a workhouse orphanage by her mother Dora Fairweather, readers follow Lissie as she learns to live in and adapt to the workhouse, where she is taken under matron Connie Briggs’ wing, and after as she moves to the seaside town of Scarborough where friends, family, and stability are in her grasp. Unwilling to forget her father and the secrets from her past even in the face of war, readers join Lissie to see what her future will look like and if there is even more happiness in her future. With a cast of great characters, a series of obstacles, and a great emotional storyline, readers will love this early twentieth century historical fiction novel and the world that Walsh has brought to life. Lissie is a complex and strong protagonist whose internal dialogue and life experiences really add to the novel’s great historical setting. Well-written and incredibly detailed, this novel’s atmosphere and character relationships really make the novel stand out, and readers will love Lissie and her life as brought to life by Walsh in this brilliant and emotional new release.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
November 10, 2024
Lissie Fairweather is only a young child when her beloved father is killed and her mother takes her away. However, her mother is abusive and promiscuous, and soon tires of having little Lissie cramping her style, so she is left in the workhouse orphanage to fend for herself, with a severe teacher who takes against the pretty child. Lissie is very fortunate that one of the other staff takes to her, and manages to keep her safe until she is old enough to go out into the world, where she certainly falls on her feet, working in a drapery shop.
But Lissie's past will haunt her in many ways, and as war approaches, her life will change.
The story is a little saccharine, but well told and as a reader I enjoyed rooting for Lissie. I thought the plot was fun to read, although fairly grim whenever the mother appeared, as her attitude and addictions were heartrending.
A good read, I'll certainly look for more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But Lissie's past will haunt her in many ways, and as war approaches, her life will change.
The story is a little saccharine, but well told and as a reader I enjoyed rooting for Lissie. I thought the plot was fun to read, although fairly grim whenever the mother appeared, as her attitude and addictions were heartrending.
A good read, I'll certainly look for more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2025
Seven-year-old Lissie Fairweather is the apple of her father’s eye until tragedy strikes him. Unfortunately, her mom Dora isn't a nurterer. So when Lissie is abandonded in a workhouse orphanage, she must find her own way in the world. Thankfully, she gains an education and a helping hand until she moves to the seaside Scarborough. Here, she works with fabrics, makes friends and even finds young love. But she still longs for her beloved father.
This novel unfolds at a pleasing pace. I stayed engaged as I read and didn't want to skip any parts.
There's also plenty of drama alongside sweet moments. I kept feeling like Lissie was doomed until something good happened to her. This strategy kept my attention.
The title is a bit deceptive. While Lissie could have spent years in the workhouse, she didn't. I would rename the novel something like "The Abandoned Lass" since that title fits the story better.
I will definitely read more books by this author.
Note: includes emotional, mental and physical abuse, sexual content, some profanity
This novel unfolds at a pleasing pace. I stayed engaged as I read and didn't want to skip any parts.
There's also plenty of drama alongside sweet moments. I kept feeling like Lissie was doomed until something good happened to her. This strategy kept my attention.
The title is a bit deceptive. While Lissie could have spent years in the workhouse, she didn't. I would rename the novel something like "The Abandoned Lass" since that title fits the story better.
I will definitely read more books by this author.
Note: includes emotional, mental and physical abuse, sexual content, some profanity
November 25, 2024
Oh my goodness what a book this is. It had everything romance, heartbreak and emotional events.
Lissie lives with her parents. They so different to each other her Father is a loving person and dotes on his daughter, while her Mother is not very nice to her. An unfortunate incident happens and Lissie is taken away from her Father by her Mother. Lissie is abandoned in a workhouse by her Mother. Years later Lissie ends up working in a drapers shop and she meets Flynn who is a wonderful person.
I could not put this book down I cannot say there was anything bad about it I loved every minute of reading it and there was happy moments in the book and also bits where I had tears in my eyes with the hardship.
I certainly would recommend this book. Every book I have read of this author never disappoints.
Lissie lives with her parents. They so different to each other her Father is a loving person and dotes on his daughter, while her Mother is not very nice to her. An unfortunate incident happens and Lissie is taken away from her Father by her Mother. Lissie is abandoned in a workhouse by her Mother. Years later Lissie ends up working in a drapers shop and she meets Flynn who is a wonderful person.
I could not put this book down I cannot say there was anything bad about it I loved every minute of reading it and there was happy moments in the book and also bits where I had tears in my eyes with the hardship.
I certainly would recommend this book. Every book I have read of this author never disappoints.
October 25, 2024
Lissie Fairweather has the most despicable mother who abandons Lissie at the orphanage. Lissie is devastated and longs for her beloved father as she worries about what happened to him and if they will ever be reunited. Lissie makes quite a few good friends on her journey but they are not her father. The plot is enchanting and had me captivated as tears streamed down my face it took me on a emotional ride. The author has written a well represented story of the times and although the way some of the characters talk was hard to understand at times it was easier to hear them and by the end I was trying to speak like them but I don't think I can get the accent right! This historical saga drew me in straight away and even though I cried a lot I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
November 9, 2024
This is an emotional, often heartbreaking read set between 1903 and 1919. Our heroine is 7 at the start of the story when disturbing events unfold. There’s some enjoyment as Lissie makes the best of the life that’s dealt her. As the story progresses things are more interesting. Then the war years. Those years were harrowing. I did not know about the events of 1914, at the beginning of World War One, where Lissie lived. This is historical fiction and it probably portrayed the events and people of the time accurately for readers.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & Boldwood Books. I am writing a voluntary, honest review.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & Boldwood Books. I am writing a voluntary, honest review.
November 1, 2024
What an amazing story The Workhouse Lass is. The characters are well thought out, and each one, even the wicked ones, intrigued me. Lissie's life and relationships were told throughout the years; despite the hardships she went through, she remained a kind and likeable person. I ran the gamut of emotions, especially during Lissie's time in the Workhouse, and then when she was older, when her love interest was fighting in the war. The book was beautifully written and I couldn't read it quickly enough to find out if Lissie had her happy ever after.
January 16, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. As the author of 'The History of Scarborough and its People, ' I could identify with the places in Scarborough mentioned in the book.
I did find the plot a little predictable and thought the author could have expanded more on Lissie's experiences in the workhouse.
I also think there was too much emphasis on Lissie wanting to use the toilet at the beginning of the book. Overall, it was a good read. Recommended.
I enjoyed this book. As the author of 'The History of Scarborough and its People, ' I could identify with the places in Scarborough mentioned in the book.
I did find the plot a little predictable and thought the author could have expanded more on Lissie's experiences in the workhouse.
I also think there was too much emphasis on Lissie wanting to use the toilet at the beginning of the book. Overall, it was a good read. Recommended.
November 13, 2024
Lissie Fairweather is adored by her father but same can’t be said about her mother Dora . There are dark and difficult times ahead for Lissie. This book had a great cast of characters but some were a lot nicer than others.
I was invested in this story from the very beginning and was so eager to know how everything would work out for Lissie. This is the second book I’ve recently read based around the late Victorian years and going into the First World War and it’s such an interesting and at times heartbreaking era to read about. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction saga .
I was invested in this story from the very beginning and was so eager to know how everything would work out for Lissie. This is the second book I’ve recently read based around the late Victorian years and going into the First World War and it’s such an interesting and at times heartbreaking era to read about. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction saga .
January 23, 2025
Fantastic
What an absolutely amazing read right from the beginning to the end. Everything about it was great as well as the characters playing their parts well. It had me quickly turning over the pages quickly to see what would happen next. I’m thoroughly thrilled at the outcome. Unfortunately the slight swearing which was totally unnecessary received one star removed. However saying that it gave me great pleasure over quite a few days to enjoy its contents.😊
What an absolutely amazing read right from the beginning to the end. Everything about it was great as well as the characters playing their parts well. It had me quickly turning over the pages quickly to see what would happen next. I’m thoroughly thrilled at the outcome. Unfortunately the slight swearing which was totally unnecessary received one star removed. However saying that it gave me great pleasure over quite a few days to enjoy its contents.😊
March 29, 2025
Lissie fairweather Loved her dad, but heartbreaking, she watches as her mother attacks her father, and then she is dragged away thinking her father is dead and she is partly to blame. Lissie enters the workhouse after her mother dumps her. Lissie soon gets a job in a haberdashery shop right on the coast, She forms new friendships and adventures, but her dad is still always on her mind, As she remembers the kitchen scene with her dad laying there covered in blood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
A wonderful read
I loved this book from start to finish. Heart wrenching in places and bringing a big smile in others. It was a nice surprise that much of the book is based in Scarborough, which is a place I am very familiar with and fond of. This was my first Chrissie Walsh book, but certainly not my last.
I loved this book from start to finish. Heart wrenching in places and bringing a big smile in others. It was a nice surprise that much of the book is based in Scarborough, which is a place I am very familiar with and fond of. This was my first Chrissie Walsh book, but certainly not my last.
February 6, 2025
A journey through life from a wee neglected bairn and the people who influenced her.
Left in a workhouse by an uncaring, selfish mother Lissie manages to survive. But it’s the turn of the 1900s and there are many trials yet to go through.
Interesting facts about Scarborough at the start of World War 1.
Left in a workhouse by an uncaring, selfish mother Lissie manages to survive. But it’s the turn of the 1900s and there are many trials yet to go through.
Interesting facts about Scarborough at the start of World War 1.
April 9, 2025
Absolutely amazing - a must read !!
I can’t say enough positives about this book , I couldn’t wait to get back to it every night . Every character held their own & the story was excellent you will be able to follow the story easily & understand what they are going through - definitely recommend this book . Been an absolute joy to read I’m just sorry it’s finished.
I can’t say enough positives about this book , I couldn’t wait to get back to it every night . Every character held their own & the story was excellent you will be able to follow the story easily & understand what they are going through - definitely recommend this book . Been an absolute joy to read I’m just sorry it’s finished.
July 22, 2025
The workhouse lass.. absolutely brilliant.love this author
I'm 78 and born in Bradford and I could relate to this story line from the first chapter coming up through the slums and having to struggle for a living it was so easy to follow and be a part of.Thank you for sharing this tremendous
read.
I'm 78 and born in Bradford and I could relate to this story line from the first chapter coming up through the slums and having to struggle for a living it was so easy to follow and be a part of.Thank you for sharing this tremendous
read.
October 21, 2024
A lovely story for the heart! Easy to read, easy to like the characters who are not particularly complex but it works here. The plot is ok , even though one might guess how it will all end...
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
October 22, 2024
Firstly thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book . I love Christie’s books they’re well written with great storylines and great characters. This was a good easy read and I would recommend.
February 9, 2025
So good from start to finish I couldn't put it down.
This book is a great read the story with the twists and turns was so good I couldn't put it down and spent the day reading from beginning to end. Highly recommend
This book is a great read the story with the twists and turns was so good I couldn't put it down and spent the day reading from beginning to end. Highly recommend
April 19, 2025
Well written book full of character.
Couldn't put this book down. The characters were so believable. One of the best books I have read for a long time.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys romance with drama.
Couldn't put this book down. The characters were so believable. One of the best books I have read for a long time.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys romance with drama.
April 25, 2025
Loved this book laughter, anger & tears (happy ones mainly). Lissie turned out to be a lovely young g woman after her rotten childhood. This was the first time reading a book by Chrissie Walsh, I enjoyed it that much I’ve got some more written down to download.
November 11, 2024
نوڤمبر ٢٠٢٤
عادية جداً .. خفيفة للفصل بين كتابين تقال
عادية جداً .. خفيفة للفصل بين كتابين تقال
December 5, 2024
OMG Heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. Human nature showing true grit through great adversity. I loved it The Workhouse Lass would make a great film.
December 18, 2024
An ok read
Quite a nice read however, i found myself skipping through some parts as it did ramble on a bit in places.
Quite a nice read however, i found myself skipping through some parts as it did ramble on a bit in places.
January 15, 2025
Brilliant read.
I loved the characters in this book. Very true to life and an excellent description of life at the turn of the century
I loved the characters in this book. Very true to life and an excellent description of life at the turn of the century
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews