No Greater Love

by Margaret Dickinson

No Greater Love is a powerful, heartwarming family drama set in Derbyshire around WW1, from bestselling author and Queen of the Saga, Margaret Dickinson.

A troubled family. A young woman seeking refuge . . .

Derbyshire, 1904. After a family tragedy and a broken engagement dramatically alter her circumstances, Lady Elizabeth Ingham seeks employment by training to be a nanny. Known only as Lizzie, she secures a post at Alstone-in-the-Dale Manor to care for a four-year-old boy, Charlie Spendlove, who badly needs her kindness and understanding.

When Lizzie arrives at the manor, she is appalled at Charlie’s condition. He is a little wild thing; his hair is a tangled mass of ringlets, and he does not speak but screams and kicks most of the time. The family and staff are at their wits’ end and no one expects Lizzie to stay long.

But with patience and love, Lizzie soon brings a change and the attitude of the staff towards her alters. As Charlie gradually improves, Lizzie begins to feel at home at Alstone-in-the-Dale Manor, and new love enters her life when she meets James, the master of the house’s brother.

But as the First World War looms and young men from the village begin to enlist – can Lizzie’s new-found happiness withstand the hardships of war?

A powerful historical tale of courage, love and found family

Genres: Historical Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Margaret Dickinson moved to the coast at the age of seven and so began her love for the sea and the Lincolnshire landscape. Her ambition to be a writer began early and she had her first novel published at the age of twenty-five. This was followed by many further titles including Plough the Furrow, Sow the Seed and Reap the Harvest, which make up her Lincolnshire Fleethaven Trilogy. She is also the author of Fairfield Hall, Jenny's War and The Clippie Girls. Margaret is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller.

Reviews

[Julie Stevens]

I really loved this book, the characters and the plot but more than anything, how hard everybody worked and the lovely qualities they showed towards each other. The very opposite of always out for number one.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. The story is so good. The characters are strong and interesting.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit like secret garden, a children centred story.

[Justine Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

l really love Margaret Dickinson books and this one was a treasure. I loved all of the characters x

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novel begins with a measured pace, drawing the reader into its world with rich descriptions, layered themes, and characters that feel fully realized. There is a sense that every moment, every line of dialogue, is carefully constructed to build emotional depth and connection with the characters. However, somewhere in the second half, the storytelling takes a sharp turn. Instead of the steady rhythm established early on, the pacing accelerates noticeably, as if the author is rushing to wrap things up and condense event of WW1. This sudden shift created for me an uneven reading experience. Where the promise of deep, rewarding storytelling in the first half doesn’t quite carry through to the end.

[Trudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie, daughter of an Earl has the perfect life, fiance etc until one day it all disappears and she has to fend for herself. She becomes Nanny to a little boy called Charlie and begins to enjoy her simple life until ww1 starts. I absolutely loved this. I got way too emotional reading some bits and found I had to stop/start so that I didn't read with tears in my eyes. my favourite book so far this year!

[Christine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book full of emotions

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and beautiful

[Sharon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual a great read from Margaret Dickinson

[Shirley Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, from a wonderful author

[Katie Awdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book. I warmed to all the main characters. My only criticism is that I wish it had been a series as I was so sorry to finish the book!

[Julie Homer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story a lovely book to read

[Lesley Puncher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Margaret Dickinson book I've read!