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The Coal Miner's Wife
The BRAND NEW gripping and emotional historical saga novel from Lynette Rees. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Sheila Newberry. All she wanted was a loving husband to provide for her…
South Wales, 1889 - As the wife of a coal miner, Elin Edwards is no stranger to poverty, but when her husband squanders their last few savings at the betting tables, Elin’s world begins to crumble.
Determined to pay off her husband’s debts, she finds herself making a deal with one of the worst sorts. The agreement is innocent, Elin’s baking services to reduce the money owed, but the minute she steps into Morgan Griffin’s pub, she fears trusting this man.
Drawn into a world of darkness and deceit, she learns there are other ways for a woman to earn a living – and seeing the dangers these poor girls face, Elin can’t help but feel protective.
For a violent brute walks the streets of Merthyr Tydfil, and he’s preying on the innocent women. But how far is Elin prepared to go to help them before she herself becomes a victim?
A gritty and courageous story of one woman’s determination to survive.
Praise for Lynette
'A Victorian saga that will definitely appeal to fans of Rosie Goodwin' Lizzie Lane
'...flows from the heart, and is rich in period detail. Another fabulously enjoyable read from Lynette Rees, I loved it.' Sheila Riley
'A gripping historical saga well worth reading!' AnneMarie Brear
'...a gripping tale of love prevailing despite hardship. Lynette Rees has done it again! Brilliant!' Mary Wood
South Wales, 1889 - As the wife of a coal miner, Elin Edwards is no stranger to poverty, but when her husband squanders their last few savings at the betting tables, Elin’s world begins to crumble.
Determined to pay off her husband’s debts, she finds herself making a deal with one of the worst sorts. The agreement is innocent, Elin’s baking services to reduce the money owed, but the minute she steps into Morgan Griffin’s pub, she fears trusting this man.
Drawn into a world of darkness and deceit, she learns there are other ways for a woman to earn a living – and seeing the dangers these poor girls face, Elin can’t help but feel protective.
For a violent brute walks the streets of Merthyr Tydfil, and he’s preying on the innocent women. But how far is Elin prepared to go to help them before she herself becomes a victim?
A gritty and courageous story of one woman’s determination to survive.
Praise for Lynette
'A Victorian saga that will definitely appeal to fans of Rosie Goodwin' Lizzie Lane
'...flows from the heart, and is rich in period detail. Another fabulously enjoyable read from Lynette Rees, I loved it.' Sheila Riley
'A gripping historical saga well worth reading!' AnneMarie Brear
'...a gripping tale of love prevailing despite hardship. Lynette Rees has done it again! Brilliant!' Mary Wood
- GenresHistorical Fiction
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2026
About the author
Lynette Rees
37 books68 followers"My favourite author - this lady has just overtaken Catherine Cookson - I can't wait to read more!" ~ Amazon Reviewer
Lynette Rees lives in Wales and has been writing since she was a child. She's in the fortunate position of being a hybrid author - as well as independently publishing some of her novels, she's also published with Quercus Books/Hachette UK. Currently, her most popular novels with readers are: The Governess, Ada the Coster Girl, The Cobbler's Wife and The Ragged Urchin.
Lynette's historical fiction novel, 'The Workhouse Waif', hit the number one spot on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in 'Victorian Historical Romance' during October of 2016 - it remains one of her favourite books to date. Much to her delight at the time, she was contacted by the commissioning editor of Quercus Books who had downloaded the book from Amazon Prime and loved the story so much that she devoured it all in one sitting! The Workhouse Waif was one of the first books ever enrolled on the then, new Amazon Prime Reading programme. The commissioning editor went on to offer Lynette a traditional publishing deal for that book and three others in the series which were published during 2018 and 2019.
Lynette enjoys the freedom of writing in a variety of genres including: crime fiction and contemporary romance, though her first love is historical fiction which complements her interest in local history and genealogy. When she's not writing, or even when she is writing, Lynette enjoys a glass of wine and the odd piece of chocolate as she creates stories where the characters guide her hand. She honestly has no idea how a story will turn out until the characters tell their own tales in their own unique ways.
The most important thing to Lynette is her family and her stories illustrate this with their warm characters who often show a great deal of compassion for others and the plight they find themselves in.
Praise for Lynette Rees:
The Matchgirl: "Beautifully written and imagined, this is both an entertaining story and a fascinating slice of life-changing history..." - book review - The Lancashire Post
Beneath a Sicilian Sun (retitled: Seduced by the Sicilian): "I was seeing everything described in this. This story is also very emotional and touching with everything that happens. The emotions that they feel are expressed beautifully..." - Sanfrancisco Review of Books
Lynette Rees lives in Wales and has been writing since she was a child. She's in the fortunate position of being a hybrid author - as well as independently publishing some of her novels, she's also published with Quercus Books/Hachette UK. Currently, her most popular novels with readers are: The Governess, Ada the Coster Girl, The Cobbler's Wife and The Ragged Urchin.
Lynette's historical fiction novel, 'The Workhouse Waif', hit the number one spot on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in 'Victorian Historical Romance' during October of 2016 - it remains one of her favourite books to date. Much to her delight at the time, she was contacted by the commissioning editor of Quercus Books who had downloaded the book from Amazon Prime and loved the story so much that she devoured it all in one sitting! The Workhouse Waif was one of the first books ever enrolled on the then, new Amazon Prime Reading programme. The commissioning editor went on to offer Lynette a traditional publishing deal for that book and three others in the series which were published during 2018 and 2019.
Lynette enjoys the freedom of writing in a variety of genres including: crime fiction and contemporary romance, though her first love is historical fiction which complements her interest in local history and genealogy. When she's not writing, or even when she is writing, Lynette enjoys a glass of wine and the odd piece of chocolate as she creates stories where the characters guide her hand. She honestly has no idea how a story will turn out until the characters tell their own tales in their own unique ways.
The most important thing to Lynette is her family and her stories illustrate this with their warm characters who often show a great deal of compassion for others and the plight they find themselves in.
Praise for Lynette Rees:
The Matchgirl: "Beautifully written and imagined, this is both an entertaining story and a fascinating slice of life-changing history..." - book review - The Lancashire Post
Beneath a Sicilian Sun (retitled: Seduced by the Sicilian): "I was seeing everything described in this. This story is also very emotional and touching with everything that happens. The emotions that they feel are expressed beautifully..." - Sanfrancisco Review of Books
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 26, 2026
This was another great historical saga read by Lynette Rees. Elin was such a strong woman and considering all she suffered she got on with her life. I really enjoyed this one
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In 1889 in the coal mining town of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, Elin Edwards, a determined wife and mother, struggles to keep her family afloat amidst poverty. When her husband gambles away their savings, the family faces eviction, hunger, and the threat of the workhouse.
Desperate to protect her children and home, Elin accepts an offer from Morgan Griffin, the ruthless owner of a local pub. In exchange for her exceptional baking, Morgan clears her husband’s debts. What begins innocently reveals its darker side.
Elin is drawn into the town’s underbelly: late-night deliveries, whispered conversations, and glimpses of exploitation and danger. She witnesses vulnerable women being manipulated, threatened and abused by powerful men.
A violent predator stalks the streets, preying on those unprotected. As Elin’s involvement deepens, she relies on courage, quick wits, and maternal instinct to shield the women around her, even as danger closes in.
This moving historical saga highlights the resilience and quiet heroism of Victorian women, portraying the poverty, gender inequality, and precariousness of life in late 19th century Welsh coal mines. Elin’s journey is one of heartbreak, moral courage and hard won strength in a world that offers little mercy.
**I’m grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#TheCoalMiner’sWife
Desperate to protect her children and home, Elin accepts an offer from Morgan Griffin, the ruthless owner of a local pub. In exchange for her exceptional baking, Morgan clears her husband’s debts. What begins innocently reveals its darker side.
Elin is drawn into the town’s underbelly: late-night deliveries, whispered conversations, and glimpses of exploitation and danger. She witnesses vulnerable women being manipulated, threatened and abused by powerful men.
A violent predator stalks the streets, preying on those unprotected. As Elin’s involvement deepens, she relies on courage, quick wits, and maternal instinct to shield the women around her, even as danger closes in.
This moving historical saga highlights the resilience and quiet heroism of Victorian women, portraying the poverty, gender inequality, and precariousness of life in late 19th century Welsh coal mines. Elin’s journey is one of heartbreak, moral courage and hard won strength in a world that offers little mercy.
**I’m grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#TheCoalMiner’sWife
March 26, 2026
It's February 1889 in Merthyr Tydfil in Wales and Elin Edwards is living with her in-laws and her husband Wyndham. This is the time of Jack the Riper, and the notorious murders going on in the Whitechapel area of London.
But Elin has her own troubles to deal with, mainly her husband, he was out gambling and drinking the night his mother unexpectedly died, and when Elin eventually caught up with him he was none too pleased and ending up hitting her in the face, causing a nasty bruise and cuts to her face. Elin has to take some time off work, hoping her employer Mrs Langton would not be too cross with her absence, but she was pleased to return and everyone seemed to have missed her. But it's not long before Elin is really fed up with her husband and at times even hating him for what he has done to her, and when he asked her to steal for him she is appalled at the idea. But what can she do, they desperately need the money! She does take on a different job in a place where she never thought she would be working, but will she find the love from a man that she wants.
I found myself engrossed in this book from the very first few pages and it certainly kept my attention throughout. You can't help but root for Elin and wonder if she will eventually find the love and happiness she so desperately wants. A lovely five-star read from me.
#BoldwoodBooks
#LynetteRees
#Netgalley
#TheCoalMinersWife
But Elin has her own troubles to deal with, mainly her husband, he was out gambling and drinking the night his mother unexpectedly died, and when Elin eventually caught up with him he was none too pleased and ending up hitting her in the face, causing a nasty bruise and cuts to her face. Elin has to take some time off work, hoping her employer Mrs Langton would not be too cross with her absence, but she was pleased to return and everyone seemed to have missed her. But it's not long before Elin is really fed up with her husband and at times even hating him for what he has done to her, and when he asked her to steal for him she is appalled at the idea. But what can she do, they desperately need the money! She does take on a different job in a place where she never thought she would be working, but will she find the love from a man that she wants.
I found myself engrossed in this book from the very first few pages and it certainly kept my attention throughout. You can't help but root for Elin and wonder if she will eventually find the love and happiness she so desperately wants. A lovely five-star read from me.
#BoldwoodBooks
#LynetteRees
#Netgalley
#TheCoalMinersWife
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
South Wales, 1889: As the wife of a coal miner, Elin Edwards is no stranger to poverty, but when her husband squanders their last few savings at the betting tables, Elin's world begins to crumble. Determined to pay off er husband's debts, she finds herself making a deal with one of the worst sorts. The agreement is innocent, Elin's baking services to reduce the money owed, but the moment she walks into Morgan Griffin's pub, she fears trusting this man. Drawn into a world of darkness and deceit, she learns there are other ways for a woman to earn a living - and seeing the dangers these poor girls face, Elin can't help feel protective.
Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, 1889: Elin Edwards struggles to make ends meet, especially after her husband gambles with the last of their savings. Morgan Griffin offers Elin a deal, she provides the baking and he will clear her husband's debts. There was also a predator stalking the streets, preying on the women.
I quite enjoyed this quick read. The characters were well-portrayed in this well-written story. Elin is a likeable and strong character who deals head on with all the problems that come her way.
Published 18th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LynetteRees for my ARC of #TheCoalminersWife in exchange for an honest review.
Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, 1889: Elin Edwards struggles to make ends meet, especially after her husband gambles with the last of their savings. Morgan Griffin offers Elin a deal, she provides the baking and he will clear her husband's debts. There was also a predator stalking the streets, preying on the women.
I quite enjoyed this quick read. The characters were well-portrayed in this well-written story. Elin is a likeable and strong character who deals head on with all the problems that come her way.
Published 18th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LynetteRees for my ARC of #TheCoalminersWife in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2026
In a new novel set in the nineteenth century from Lynette Rees, readers follow Elin Edwards, the wife of a coal miner who loses their savings at the betting tables, as she tries to keep her life together. Determined to pay her husband’s debts, she makes a deal with local criminal Morgan Griffin and fears the consequences of trusting his word. After learning how other women in Merthyr Tydfil earn their livings, Elin soon becomes protective of these women, especially when a violent brute walks the village and preys on innocent women, so she must decide how far she will go to protect these girls before she is the next target? The historical details are fantastic, and Rees has really captured the small mining town atmosphere of Merthyr Tydfil in this novel. The characters’ relationships are complicated, and readers should be prepared for discussions of sex work and violence against women (including domestic violence and financial abuse) throughout the book. Elin is a competent and powerful protagonist, and readers will appreciate her strength of character and determination as she deals with a variety of challenges both personal and professional over the course of this new historical fiction novel from Lynette Rees.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
June 25, 2026
Absolutely Marvelous!!!
Oh my - what an amazing adventure! There were a couple of scenes in the story where I wanted to shake sense into Elin, our lovely stubborn protagonist. This novel is tastefully and well-written, and has a simple, yet inspiring storyline. The characters are so well crafted that I felt as if they were actual people I've met. A nice sense of hope, ambition, compassion, striving to over life's obstacles, redemption, and "never judge a book by its cover" lives within its pages. I highly recommend this book.
Oh my - what an amazing adventure! There were a couple of scenes in the story where I wanted to shake sense into Elin, our lovely stubborn protagonist. This novel is tastefully and well-written, and has a simple, yet inspiring storyline. The characters are so well crafted that I felt as if they were actual people I've met. A nice sense of hope, ambition, compassion, striving to over life's obstacles, redemption, and "never judge a book by its cover" lives within its pages. I highly recommend this book.
March 22, 2026
Brilliant storyline
I loved reading this book it got me hooked poor Elin who would have thought her husband being a wife beater lady beater and nearly a murderer then the twists and turns of Mr Griffiths from the pub didn't see that one coming but so glad Lawrence got his fair lady and one that can bake fans of Rosie Goodwin Katie Flynn would enjoy this book would highly recommend it five gold stars
I loved reading this book it got me hooked poor Elin who would have thought her husband being a wife beater lady beater and nearly a murderer then the twists and turns of Mr Griffiths from the pub didn't see that one coming but so glad Lawrence got his fair lady and one that can bake fans of Rosie Goodwin Katie Flynn would enjoy this book would highly recommend it five gold stars
April 23, 2026
A wonderful book that had my attention from the start.
This book had a bit of everything romance, a bit of mystery and sadness bits. The main character certainly was strong and not a woman who would not keep anything that happened would keep her down. I liked how anything she put her hand to was successful. The book flowed along nicely and I kept wanting to read on to find out what happened.
It was well written and would recommend the book.
This book had a bit of everything romance, a bit of mystery and sadness bits. The main character certainly was strong and not a woman who would not keep anything that happened would keep her down. I liked how anything she put her hand to was successful. The book flowed along nicely and I kept wanting to read on to find out what happened.
It was well written and would recommend the book.
February 14, 2026
Love when these group of ladies come out with new series. This one didn’t disappoint. The Victorian era has some much wealth of stories and Lynette Rees does a fantastic job of bringing the storyline of Elin Edward’s. This book brings women issues that needed to be addressed during that time. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 stars
Merthyr Tydfil south Wales 1889
Elin Edwards paying off her husband Wyndham debts working for the Langtons.
All about abusive relationships, with trust and friendship is greatly entailed in this story.
The courage of a strong woman finding happiness in the goodness of a man, to become a beloved wife again.
Such a beautiful read.
Merthyr Tydfil south Wales 1889
Elin Edwards paying off her husband Wyndham debts working for the Langtons.
All about abusive relationships, with trust and friendship is greatly entailed in this story.
The courage of a strong woman finding happiness in the goodness of a man, to become a beloved wife again.
Such a beautiful read.
July 23, 2026
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
This but was just blah. I usually really like these type of books but the I was just not drawn into the story. I didn't really like the MFC and it was just kind of a long dragged out story line with nothing really happening.
This but was just blah. I usually really like these type of books but the I was just not drawn into the story. I didn't really like the MFC and it was just kind of a long dragged out story line with nothing really happening.
March 20, 2026
South Wales in the late 1800’s. A well researched historical story. After her husband loses all their money, she finds herself doing all she can to survive. Highly recommended.
April 9, 2026
Thank you
I have enjoyed reading this book so much. It is so well written and descriptive of the life of the people living at that time
I have enjoyed reading this book so much. It is so well written and descriptive of the life of the people living at that time
July 29, 2026
Thoroughly recommend this book, I really enjoyed it. The end wasn't what I expected, I didn't think she'd end up with the man she did. First time I've read this writer, will be looking for more now.
August 6, 2026
Great story. Kept me reading all evening.
Enjoyed all characters and could have enjoyed to read much more about them. Would love to hear how the story continued.
Enjoyed all characters and could have enjoyed to read much more about them. Would love to hear how the story continued.
August 25, 2026
Fabulous read, ive found another Author to follow.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews