What do you think?
Rate this book
A Love Undivided
Torn between duty and desire, will love find a way?
The first eighteen years of Violet Eastbourne’s life have been small yet secure—until her father’s sudden death unravels everything. When unexpected debts claim both her father’s business and their home, Violet’s family is forced to leave the comfort of London for the rough, unfamiliar world of a Lancashire mill town. Determined to provide for her family, Violet takes a job at Hunscott Mills, only to find herself an outcast among the workers—everyone, that is, except for David Cavanagh. David, her employer’s sharp-witted, book-loving secretary, knows all too well what it means to be an outsider.
As Violet struggles to create stability for her family, David becomes both her anchor and the one man she can’t stop thinking about. But when the wealthy and charming Robert Hunscott sets his sights on her, Violet is faced with an impossible security for her family or the man who truly holds her heart.
With financial ruin looming and tragedy striking at the mill, Violet and David must decide if love is enough to overcome the barriers between them, or if the weight of reality will force them apart forever.
The first eighteen years of Violet Eastbourne’s life have been small yet secure—until her father’s sudden death unravels everything. When unexpected debts claim both her father’s business and their home, Violet’s family is forced to leave the comfort of London for the rough, unfamiliar world of a Lancashire mill town. Determined to provide for her family, Violet takes a job at Hunscott Mills, only to find herself an outcast among the workers—everyone, that is, except for David Cavanagh. David, her employer’s sharp-witted, book-loving secretary, knows all too well what it means to be an outsider.
As Violet struggles to create stability for her family, David becomes both her anchor and the one man she can’t stop thinking about. But when the wealthy and charming Robert Hunscott sets his sights on her, Violet is faced with an impossible security for her family or the man who truly holds her heart.
With financial ruin looming and tragedy striking at the mill, Violet and David must decide if love is enough to overcome the barriers between them, or if the weight of reality will force them apart forever.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
3 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 29, 2025
Beautiful historical romance that gave North and South vibes! Violet has been forced from her comfortable life in London but selflessly finds work at a mill to support her family where she is an outcast. David, her employer's secretary, becomes her friend and feelings grow between them. It was a satisfying slow burn. Then she catches the attention of a wealthy man and she has to choose between security or deeper feelings. I loved how the story played out. You will feel all the emotions.
Content: just kisses, no language, peril
Content: just kisses, no language, peril
May 7, 2025
4.5 stars
If you love North & South, you might love A Love Divided. I know I love them both.
Set in the backdrop of a mill town in Industrial Englan, this book doesn't shy away from the danger and difficulty of mill life.
The romance in this is solid and built on mutual respect and affection.
This was billed as "Sense and Sensibility meets North and South," although I didn't really notice much by way of S&S in the story. The North and South presence looms large, however.
Read this if you love a slow burn romance, family responsibility, star-crossed lovers, and an accurate depiction of Industrial life.
I really loved the first person POV. It made the stakes much higher to only have access Violet's thoughts and experiences.
"I love our life," I insisted, leaning forward to press my forehead against his. "I know exactly who I am, and I am content--happy. I may not have fine jewelry or dresses or pearls, but I have true friendship and hard work and the man I love beside me. I want for nothing."
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are mine. Publishes 6/3/25.
If you love North & South, you might love A Love Divided. I know I love them both.
Set in the backdrop of a mill town in Industrial Englan, this book doesn't shy away from the danger and difficulty of mill life.
The romance in this is solid and built on mutual respect and affection.
This was billed as "Sense and Sensibility meets North and South," although I didn't really notice much by way of S&S in the story. The North and South presence looms large, however.
Read this if you love a slow burn romance, family responsibility, star-crossed lovers, and an accurate depiction of Industrial life.
I really loved the first person POV. It made the stakes much higher to only have access Violet's thoughts and experiences.
"I love our life," I insisted, leaning forward to press my forehead against his. "I know exactly who I am, and I am content--happy. I may not have fine jewelry or dresses or pearls, but I have true friendship and hard work and the man I love beside me. I want for nothing."
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are mine. Publishes 6/3/25.
May 29, 2025
Oh. My. Word. This was the most delightful romance I’ve read in a good while! From page one, I was rooting for Violet and David as they navigated their love story. I experienced visceral frustration every time they faced obstacles and squealed in joy so many times. I was almost convinced things might go differently than I wanted at the end, but I was not disappointed :) 10/10 would recommend
June 2, 2025
A Love Undivided
by: Rachel Nickle
@authorrachelnickle
•I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚-Book Release Date: June 3, 2025!
~Finding love while being torn between duty and desire…
“You’re more capable than you know.”
-A Love Undivided, is a heartwarming story with dear characters that will face great odds, sith an impossible security for loved ones and with finding love. With great financial ruin looming and heartbreaking tragedy striking at the local mill, it will come down to characters having to decide if love is enough to overcome the barriers or if the weight of reality will force a breakage apart! This story will immediately grab your attention and take you on a quite the moving journey with all the feels, leading to such a satisfying and beautiful conclusion. The romance in this is solid and built on mutual respect and affection, and you can’t help but cling to hope and root for things to work out so there can be a happily ever for dear Violet and David who sacrifice so much for those they love. This my friends, is a dear story worth the beautiful stirring first person point of view. The writing has the ability to draw you right in and will make your heart happy. Choosing love sometimes can be a great feat but, oh what beauty it can lead to! Worth the read!❤️📚💯
“There would likely be chaos, no matter how we planned and prepared. But if we faced that chaos together, using both our wits and our devotion to one another, then there was nowhere else I would rather be than at his side.“
•Content: closed door. death (in past of family members), explosion at the mill, loss, horrible accident but handled tastefully, kisses only.
“I know exactly who I am, and I am content-happy. I may not have fine jewelry or dresses or pearls, but I have true friendship and hard work and the man I love beside me. I want for nothing.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I’d much rather work hard with you than live idle without you.”
#aloveundivided
#authorrachelnickle
#worththedearread
#allaboutthebestreads
by: Rachel Nickle
@authorrachelnickle
•I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚-Book Release Date: June 3, 2025!
~Finding love while being torn between duty and desire…
“You’re more capable than you know.”
-A Love Undivided, is a heartwarming story with dear characters that will face great odds, sith an impossible security for loved ones and with finding love. With great financial ruin looming and heartbreaking tragedy striking at the local mill, it will come down to characters having to decide if love is enough to overcome the barriers or if the weight of reality will force a breakage apart! This story will immediately grab your attention and take you on a quite the moving journey with all the feels, leading to such a satisfying and beautiful conclusion. The romance in this is solid and built on mutual respect and affection, and you can’t help but cling to hope and root for things to work out so there can be a happily ever for dear Violet and David who sacrifice so much for those they love. This my friends, is a dear story worth the beautiful stirring first person point of view. The writing has the ability to draw you right in and will make your heart happy. Choosing love sometimes can be a great feat but, oh what beauty it can lead to! Worth the read!❤️📚💯
“There would likely be chaos, no matter how we planned and prepared. But if we faced that chaos together, using both our wits and our devotion to one another, then there was nowhere else I would rather be than at his side.“
•Content: closed door. death (in past of family members), explosion at the mill, loss, horrible accident but handled tastefully, kisses only.
“I know exactly who I am, and I am content-happy. I may not have fine jewelry or dresses or pearls, but I have true friendship and hard work and the man I love beside me. I want for nothing.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I’d much rather work hard with you than live idle without you.”
#aloveundivided
#authorrachelnickle
#worththedearread
#allaboutthebestreads
May 28, 2025
“Then why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you draw this blasted line before my heart was engaged?” “Our hearts, It was too late for me, almost from that first meeting.”
What do you get when you mix family responsibility, mill work, and two possible suitors? This wonderful story.
Violet is determined to provide for her family. She is not afraid of hard work even having grown up as a gentleman’s daughter. Through her story we are shown the realities of the danger mill workers faced and the poverty they endured. I enjoyed her personal growth and her seeing life through a new lense. I loved Violet’s relationship with her sister Anna and their Irish friends Clara and Amy. David is a sweet, gentle man who always seems to show up when he’s needed. He struggles with following his desires and his commitment to helping his family. I loved the friendship that blossomed between Violet and David. Theirs was definitely a star-crossed lovers situation.
A few more quotes:
“Your face looks as gloomy as these gray skies.” I whirled about, a smile already breaking across my face. “And quick as you like, there’s the sun.”
“I can assure you that nothing has ever been so difficult as walking away from you will be.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
What do you get when you mix family responsibility, mill work, and two possible suitors? This wonderful story.
Violet is determined to provide for her family. She is not afraid of hard work even having grown up as a gentleman’s daughter. Through her story we are shown the realities of the danger mill workers faced and the poverty they endured. I enjoyed her personal growth and her seeing life through a new lense. I loved Violet’s relationship with her sister Anna and their Irish friends Clara and Amy. David is a sweet, gentle man who always seems to show up when he’s needed. He struggles with following his desires and his commitment to helping his family. I loved the friendship that blossomed between Violet and David. Theirs was definitely a star-crossed lovers situation.
A few more quotes:
“Your face looks as gloomy as these gray skies.” I whirled about, a smile already breaking across my face. “And quick as you like, there’s the sun.”
“I can assure you that nothing has ever been so difficult as walking away from you will be.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
June 3, 2025
Torn between duty and desire, will love find a way?
✨“In my experience, when one’s heart is in the right place, understanding and compassion will naturally follow.”✨
A Love Undivided is a beautifully written story of the lower and working class of 1856 Lancashire England. A wonderfully heart gripping story that truly made me think about the working conditions the mill workers faced and opened my eyes to learn more of the history in that part of England.💔
Violet and David’s story is one of strength, a determination to overcome hardships, and a love story that proves hard work is a part of any relationship. 🤍
“I can assure you that nothing has ever been so difficult as walking away from you will be.”
Favorite moments:
🧵 Meet cute 🥰
🌊 Instant chemistry
🧵 Outing to the sea
🌊 The books ♥️
🧵 David’s help at the cottage
🌊 The mild love triangle
🧵 Amy and Clara’s introduction 🤭
🌊 David’s protectiveness
🧵 Robert Hunscott at the millinery
🌊 The famous scones
If you like the BBC series North and South, you would like this story. ♥️
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
✨“In my experience, when one’s heart is in the right place, understanding and compassion will naturally follow.”✨
A Love Undivided is a beautifully written story of the lower and working class of 1856 Lancashire England. A wonderfully heart gripping story that truly made me think about the working conditions the mill workers faced and opened my eyes to learn more of the history in that part of England.💔
Violet and David’s story is one of strength, a determination to overcome hardships, and a love story that proves hard work is a part of any relationship. 🤍
“I can assure you that nothing has ever been so difficult as walking away from you will be.”
Favorite moments:
🧵 Meet cute 🥰
🌊 Instant chemistry
🧵 Outing to the sea
🌊 The books ♥️
🧵 David’s help at the cottage
🌊 The mild love triangle
🧵 Amy and Clara’s introduction 🤭
🌊 David’s protectiveness
🧵 Robert Hunscott at the millinery
🌊 The famous scones
If you like the BBC series North and South, you would like this story. ♥️
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
May 21, 2025
What a beautiful read! I really enjoyed this historical romance that definitely gave North and South vibes. The romance between the FMC and MMC was perfect.
I appreciate that the story added the historical elements of working in a mill town and the struggle that the working class experienced. This struggle was shown well through the story and the romance as well.
Violet begins as a naïve oldest daughter trying to help her family overcome their recent downfall in society and income. I really appreciate her arc as she grows through the book and learns more about life around her.
David is a sweet gentle MMC. His reliable friendship throughout the book built a beautiful slow build romance. He gently pushes Violet to see herself as the strong woman she is.
Highly recommend for fans of clean romance!
I appreciate that the story added the historical elements of working in a mill town and the struggle that the working class experienced. This struggle was shown well through the story and the romance as well.
Violet begins as a naïve oldest daughter trying to help her family overcome their recent downfall in society and income. I really appreciate her arc as she grows through the book and learns more about life around her.
David is a sweet gentle MMC. His reliable friendship throughout the book built a beautiful slow build romance. He gently pushes Violet to see herself as the strong woman she is.
Highly recommend for fans of clean romance!
May 29, 2025
3.5 stars
This book takes us through Violet’s journey from having a comfortable and sheltered life in London to working in a mill in Lancashire. It shows how Violet grows as a person in the challenging circumstances she faces.
The writing is vivid and did a good job of transporting me to these places and making me feel Violet’s emotions. I personally would have liked more interactions between Violet and David to feel the depth of their affections for each other. However, the author does a good job of weaving the love story through other aspects of Violet's life such as family obligations, her job, and friendships while she perseveres and makes tough choices through it all.
Would recommend to fans of clean historical fiction.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book takes us through Violet’s journey from having a comfortable and sheltered life in London to working in a mill in Lancashire. It shows how Violet grows as a person in the challenging circumstances she faces.
The writing is vivid and did a good job of transporting me to these places and making me feel Violet’s emotions. I personally would have liked more interactions between Violet and David to feel the depth of their affections for each other. However, the author does a good job of weaving the love story through other aspects of Violet's life such as family obligations, her job, and friendships while she perseveres and makes tough choices through it all.
Would recommend to fans of clean historical fiction.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2025
This book. Y'all, it stole my heart! I mean I was hooked from page one and had the hardest time putting it down to get things done!
Violet is such an endearing lead. She was determined and courageous while also being aware that she was in a bit over her head with the new circumstances that she found herself in.
David. He was a such a sweet and charming hero. I loved the way showed a softer side to Violet and wanted to take care of her as much as he could.
These two were truly so romantic to read about! I will definitely be coming back to reread this one!
I was getting North & South vibes and I loved it! The setting was so unique and I just want more! I loved reading about this time period but from more of the working class perspective and I really can't say how much I enjoyed it.
I have loved everything I have read from @authorrachelnickle but this is my favorite!
Violet is such an endearing lead. She was determined and courageous while also being aware that she was in a bit over her head with the new circumstances that she found herself in.
David. He was a such a sweet and charming hero. I loved the way showed a softer side to Violet and wanted to take care of her as much as he could.
These two were truly so romantic to read about! I will definitely be coming back to reread this one!
I was getting North & South vibes and I loved it! The setting was so unique and I just want more! I loved reading about this time period but from more of the working class perspective and I really can't say how much I enjoyed it.
I have loved everything I have read from @authorrachelnickle but this is my favorite!
June 20, 2025
This was a sweet historical romance with all of the love, heartache, and pure determination for a setting such as this. I very much enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing their ending play out. I loved the mix of an industrial town and the trials the people there had to endure. David and Violet had a lot of ups and downs throughout but as always, love conquered all!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 20, 2025
I really like the way the author brought out the poverty of the time period and the dangers workers in the factories faced on a daily basis. I also liked that one of the love interests was not of the status where he could sweep her off her feet with a luxurious lifestyle and the FMC didn’t immediately write him off for that.
For me, the style of writing was slightly off-putting. It was written in first person in a factual manner. Although many really like this style of writing, I prefer a little more emotion written in.
For me, the style of writing was slightly off-putting. It was written in first person in a factual manner. Although many really like this style of writing, I prefer a little more emotion written in.
June 1, 2025
4.5/5
This book was so different from the rest of the regency romances I have been reading recently.
I loved the story line and the way the characters grew through the book, and the simple way Violet and David came together was so beautiful.
I did feel the end was a little rushed, but overall the book is highly recommended.
This book was so different from the rest of the regency romances I have been reading recently.
I loved the story line and the way the characters grew through the book, and the simple way Violet and David came together was so beautiful.
I did feel the end was a little rushed, but overall the book is highly recommended.
November 4, 2025
Wow!
What a book to remember count your blessings! Beautifully written and the characters are very real and honest about life and responsibilities. Really makes you think about the blessings that we have in the advanced technology.
What a book to remember count your blessings! Beautifully written and the characters are very real and honest about life and responsibilities. Really makes you think about the blessings that we have in the advanced technology.
July 4, 2025
My favorite of Rachel’s books so far!
January 23, 2026
I absolutely loved it! It pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me wanting to know what happened next.
June 13, 2025
Every time I pick up a book from Rachel Nicole, I am so glad I did! Her ability to write a stirring first person point of view brings me right into the characters thoughts and world in a way that makes my heart soar.
If you love North and South, then you will adore this book! Violet and her family are thrown into life in a factory town, and violet finds work in a mill, completely different from the refined way of life she enjoyed in her childhood.
The book shares Violet’s fight for survival, her innovation, her mom’s influence over her dating life, and her journey to finding true love. I loved the tension between taking care of your family and choosing your love.
The romance is completely clean, and is kept to kisses only. I would give this book to a young teenager and anyone older. Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.
If you love North and South, then you will adore this book! Violet and her family are thrown into life in a factory town, and violet finds work in a mill, completely different from the refined way of life she enjoyed in her childhood.
The book shares Violet’s fight for survival, her innovation, her mom’s influence over her dating life, and her journey to finding true love. I loved the tension between taking care of your family and choosing your love.
The romance is completely clean, and is kept to kisses only. I would give this book to a young teenager and anyone older. Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.
January 2, 2026
I loved this book!
It grabbed me immediately and the pace of the story flows perfectly, making for an enjoyable read.
I like to learn as I read, and there is a lot of historical information in this book, the industrial revolution in Victorian England, the growing cotton mill industry mainly in Lancashire, which is where the story takes place.
Having a glimpse of the working class in this industry, the conditions in which they fared was a good element of the book.
And amongst all this, a beautiful love story!
Violet Eastbourne had to leave London with her family after her father passed away and they lost everything.
Although they did not belong to the upper classes, they lived in comfort. Now in a small town in Lancashire, Violet works hard to provide for her mother and younger sisters, but she is caught between two worlds.
Here she meets David Cavanagh, a handsome Irishman who is also not accepted by the locals. She finds a supporter in him and without being able to help it, her feelings grow quickly.
But circumstances for both are difficult and Violet will have to choose between her heart or duty to her family.
You will find:
🕯️FMC feisty and caring
🕯️Singular POV
🕯️Change of social position
🕯️Irish charmer
🕯️Love triangle
I loved this beautiful story of striving and finding a place to belong. And I loved David!
I completely recommend this book!
• Closed door Level 1
🕰️ Release on June 3
Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.
Follow for more 💐 Bookstagram: @sina.venus.booklover
It grabbed me immediately and the pace of the story flows perfectly, making for an enjoyable read.
I like to learn as I read, and there is a lot of historical information in this book, the industrial revolution in Victorian England, the growing cotton mill industry mainly in Lancashire, which is where the story takes place.
Having a glimpse of the working class in this industry, the conditions in which they fared was a good element of the book.
And amongst all this, a beautiful love story!
Violet Eastbourne had to leave London with her family after her father passed away and they lost everything.
Although they did not belong to the upper classes, they lived in comfort. Now in a small town in Lancashire, Violet works hard to provide for her mother and younger sisters, but she is caught between two worlds.
Here she meets David Cavanagh, a handsome Irishman who is also not accepted by the locals. She finds a supporter in him and without being able to help it, her feelings grow quickly.
But circumstances for both are difficult and Violet will have to choose between her heart or duty to her family.
You will find:
🕯️FMC feisty and caring
🕯️Singular POV
🕯️Change of social position
🕯️Irish charmer
🕯️Love triangle
I loved this beautiful story of striving and finding a place to belong. And I loved David!
I completely recommend this book!
• Closed door Level 1
🕰️ Release on June 3
Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.
Follow for more 💐 Bookstagram: @sina.venus.booklover
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews