The Lonely Wife

by Val Wood

Brought to you by Penguin.

1850: Beatrix Fawcett is just 18 when her father tells her she is to marry a stranger. Hesitant, but with little choice, she agrees to the match - with hope for a good husband in Charles and the surprising delight of a lovely Yorkshire house in which they are to live.

As Beatrix sets to making the house a home, she falls in love with it and the countryside nearby. But she does not fall in love with her husband.... It's clear Charles has chosen her simply to meet the requirements of his inheritance and has little interest in his young wife.

Soon, the only spark in Beatrix's lonely life is her beloved children. But when Charles threatens to take them away from her, Beatrix must find strength in desperate times. Can she fight against her circumstances and keep what is rightfully hers?

A powerful story about a woman's struggle in a loveless marriage, from the Sunday Times best-selling author Val Wood.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

Audible Audio

Published November 13, 2020

About the author

Valerie Wood

Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk

Reviews

[Hidayatul Husna · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say that I was putting this off for way too long is an understatement. Because I certainly did, it hit home a little too close🙃

A woman set in the Victorian era=powerless, discriminated and only merited for breeding qualities like we are some freaking cows😡 Forced to marry a total stranger but this little girl(she’s only 19 fgs) had hope for happiness, just a sliver.

But the husband issa pig i’m so glad he’s dead🙄 Tho the ending with Edward was a bit forced? Like there shouldn’t even be one imo he could have been secretly loved Beatrix all his life, that’s a bit real lol

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lonely Wife is a lovely story by Val Wood.
It's tells the story of Beatrix, who at the start if the tale is still in her teenage years, and naive about all that adult life entails. She is fortunate to have well off parents and spends her days reading and meeting friends for tea. Her father arranges for her to meet Charles Dawley, who has expressed an interest in marrying Beatrix. She gets swept up in the proposal and marriage preparations and before long finds herself married and whisked off to a large house inherited by Charles located in Yorkshire.
Beatrix falls in love with Yorkshire, the beautiful house and estate.
All is not how it first seems, secrets are slowly revealed and Beatrix has many lessons to learn.
Very well written, a pleasure to read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Val Wood accidentally when I picked up a book some years ago from a book exchange in Lanzarote. I now look forward to seeing new books by her become available. This was not the usual rags to riches , or vice versa story, but a well crafted story of the lack of rights for young women in the past. I enjoyed the main character enormously and would love it if there could be a sequel.

[Eowynselixure_book Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow build but so immersive. The author goes into a lot of detail about how Beatrix manages Old Stone Hall and what a wonderful mother she is.

Watching her grow from a naive young girl into a strong and capable woman was magical. There were some very good side characters in the plot, well-rounded and like a found family.

Charles was a pig but I felt sorry for him at times and I even grew to like Beatrix's parents as misguided as they had been.

The author showed literary prowess in the restraint she showed on the topics she handled. Charles wasn't unbelievable in his selfishness and Beatrix wasn't too much of a feminist which would have been quite out of historical context given the time period and the limited options she had as a woman of the gentry.

A beautiful story.

[Anita Pal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one of these cases where you shouldn't judge a book by its cover or title. From a storytelling point of view, this was a well-written and engaging novel that highlights how difficult it was for women to make their own choices in life. I definitely enjoyed how the character grew throughout the novel, going from a naïve bride to a mother who would do anything to protect her children.

Definitely worth a read.

[Susan Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Hull, 1856, the story begins when James Ripley rescues a young child from a flood. When it becomes apparent the young girl's mother has gone missing he can't bear to leave her so takes her in for him and his wife to look after. Will her real mother ever be found and will the mystery of what happened to her ever be solved? A heart-warming story and some lovely characters within this historical novel.

[joyce brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love and compassion amid troubled times.

Val Wood always writes excellent books and brings her characters to life. I could not put this book down, It was a compelling read. A mother's love never fails and abides over all other things. Looking forward to reading more books by Val Wood soon.

[sandy hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid story.

I enjoy Val Woods' novels. I've read several of them and her characters are appealing and interesting. I knew that women had few rights in6th the early and mid 1800s but I had no idea how bad it was. Arranged marriages were the norm then I guess. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Jennifer Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved the relationship between Beatrice and Edward. I literally was wanting them to get together. I could care less about Charles as he was horrible to his wife and didn't care about his children. But I have to give grace s it was a arranged marriage which either wanted.

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lonely

From the first page of this stunning story I have loves it. Val is an amazing lady who helps us to fall in love with the people in her book. This is well worth reading it. You will never feel forgotten about.

[MRS L S HEWER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Brilliant book by Val Wood

Again, another Brilliant book from Vall Wood. I was hooked from start to finish. Even reading whilst stuck in traffic... 20 mins of my lunch break each day. Totally brilliant.

[dave jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second read

This is the second time I’ve read the book as wanted just to recap at first ready for the second instalment but couldn’t put it down. Val wood never fails, now onto the next….

[Lesley Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read every Val Wood book since her first. Re-read this again as the new book is the sequel and wanted to refresh my memory. As always a very good book especially if you live in the area of East Yorkshire and know the places mentioned - excellent local history and a good plot too.

[Sally Spoelstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lonely Wife

The novel is good historical fiction. This is a very enjoyable read. I knew early in the book the villain had to die. How was the author going to kill him? Too bad real life isn’t so convenient!!

[Mrs Margaret Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Book

I loved this book the writer has looked well into the Victorian ways of the time. It was another don't lay down book. I loeb

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about Beatrix, a young girl whose father arranges her marriage to a friends son Charles who has to marry and produce a male heir to inherit his uncles fortune.

[Robin Betz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Its a rral how did that happen. Had you guessing upto the end.

[Carole Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written quietly paced story

[Sherelyn Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read...

I enjoyed reading this book although Charles really ticked me off. The devotion and strength of Beatrice made up for it.

[Emma grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read :)

[Juanita Erkenbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

This book was wonderful, it kept you guessing throughout. The characters are well thought out and powerful. I enjoyed it.

[De Beresford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lonely wife

I was so engrossed with this novel. It took me into the story. The author is brilliant in letting you visualize the characters and surroundings.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very easy read about a young girl who is separated from her mother and a family take her in. Set in Victorian times. Then a house for homeless is set up.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant entertaining read from Val Wood from beginning to the End. A recommended read.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book set around 1850. This was different to the other books I've read by Val Wood in that it's from the perspective of a well to do woman. It highlights the deep inequalities women suffered and the story and characters are very engaging. I wanted to read more after it ended.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have only read 'Winter's Daughter' once. 'The Lonely Wife' is a completely different story by Val Wood. I'm not sure how this has happened as I checked the ISBN number.