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The Girl from the Queen's Head
The BRAND NEW heartbreaking historical saga from bestselling author Lindsey Hutchinson đź’” Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews!
Jess Lacey can’t remember a day when she wasn’t hiding the bruises and cuts inflicted on her by her drunken husband Bill. 💔
Every day is a struggle and when Bill’s violence reaches new heights, Jess knows she has to get away just to survive. So, with the help of her best friend Peg, she makes a plan to escape.
Away from her home in Wednesbury, protected by the hustle and bustle of Birmingham, Jess is finally safe from Bill. But she soon realises that being alone in the big city is dangerous. She needs a job, a home and she desperately needs some friends, so when she is taken in by local philanthropist Ellen Marsh and given sanctuary at her pub The Queen's Head, Jess can’t believe her luck, especially when she meets handsome cellar man Carter Adams.
As Jess gradually builds a new life away from the terror of her marriage, she dares to dream of a happy-ever-after, surrounded by the friendship and fun of the pub. But, back in Wednesbury, Bill Lacey has other ideas. He’s determined to track down his missing wife and will do whatever it takes to get her back – dead or alive…
Can Jess ever be free or will she be forced to run from her past forever?
The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with an unforgettable story of bravery, heartbreak, community and new love.
Jess Lacey can’t remember a day when she wasn’t hiding the bruises and cuts inflicted on her by her drunken husband Bill. 💔
Every day is a struggle and when Bill’s violence reaches new heights, Jess knows she has to get away just to survive. So, with the help of her best friend Peg, she makes a plan to escape.
Away from her home in Wednesbury, protected by the hustle and bustle of Birmingham, Jess is finally safe from Bill. But she soon realises that being alone in the big city is dangerous. She needs a job, a home and she desperately needs some friends, so when she is taken in by local philanthropist Ellen Marsh and given sanctuary at her pub The Queen's Head, Jess can’t believe her luck, especially when she meets handsome cellar man Carter Adams.
As Jess gradually builds a new life away from the terror of her marriage, she dares to dream of a happy-ever-after, surrounded by the friendship and fun of the pub. But, back in Wednesbury, Bill Lacey has other ideas. He’s determined to track down his missing wife and will do whatever it takes to get her back – dead or alive…
Can Jess ever be free or will she be forced to run from her past forever?
The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with an unforgettable story of bravery, heartbreak, community and new love.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jess Lacey can't remember a day when she wasn't hiding the bruises and cuts inflicted on her by her drunken husband Bill. Every day is a struggle and when Bill's violence reaches new heights, Jess knows she has to get away just to survive. So, with the help of her best friend Peg, she makes a plan to escape. Away from her home in Wednesbury, protected by the hustle and bustle of Birmingham, Jess is finally safe from Bill. But she soon realises that being alone in the big city is dangerous. She needs a job, a home, and she desperately needs new friends, so when she's taken in by local philanthropist Ellen Marsh and given sanctuary at her pub The Queen's Head, Jess can't believe her luck, especially when she meets handsome cellar man Carter Adams.
I always look forward to reading a new Lindsey Hutchinson book and I've never been disappointed. She deals with the hardships and the violence some women suffered from their drunken, abusive husbands.
Jess had to flee from the home she shared with her abusive husband before he killed her. When she gets to Birmingham, her luck changes when the kind cab driver takes Jess to her sister Eileen's pub, where she uses The Queen's Head as a refuge for women.
This is a quick and easy book to read. There is a mix of good and bad characters. I'm hoping there is a follow up story to find out how the characters are developing.
Published 8th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #TheGirlFromTheQueensHead in exchange for an honest review.
I always look forward to reading a new Lindsey Hutchinson book and I've never been disappointed. She deals with the hardships and the violence some women suffered from their drunken, abusive husbands.
Jess had to flee from the home she shared with her abusive husband before he killed her. When she gets to Birmingham, her luck changes when the kind cab driver takes Jess to her sister Eileen's pub, where she uses The Queen's Head as a refuge for women.
This is a quick and easy book to read. There is a mix of good and bad characters. I'm hoping there is a follow up story to find out how the characters are developing.
Published 8th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #TheGirlFromTheQueensHead in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always look forward to a book by Lindsey Hutchinson as I did for those by her mother. She has taken on the legacy and excelled herself in my opinion.
Like her Mum’s book Lindsey’s often deal with domestic abuse and cruelty, either in society or within the home. The Girl from The Queen’s Head is not an exception.
Jess is beaten mercilessly by her husband -partly because he needs to exert control and partly because Jess has not had a child. Of course, it couldn’t possibly be down to him.
She flees her home and friend Peg, in Wednesbury and ends up in Birmingham where a kindly cab driver takes her to Ellen and the Queen's Head.
Personally I would have liked more of Ellen’s back story, why does she just keep the Queens Head as a refuge although she owns other public houses and where did she get her money.
Two characters meet untimely ends - and this is slightly glossed over as if it’s the most normal thing in the world to murder someone. Perhaps it was more common in the late 1880s?
Jess meets Carter’ a cellar man. Unfortunately Kathy thinks that Carter is hers and hers alone and resorts to blackmail to get her own way.
The book is well written, there are a lot of characters and lots of social pressures to contemplate but in the end it was a wonderful read.
If this was a standalone then it was a great read. If it’s part of series then bring on the next one please.
Like her Mum’s book Lindsey’s often deal with domestic abuse and cruelty, either in society or within the home. The Girl from The Queen’s Head is not an exception.
Jess is beaten mercilessly by her husband -partly because he needs to exert control and partly because Jess has not had a child. Of course, it couldn’t possibly be down to him.
She flees her home and friend Peg, in Wednesbury and ends up in Birmingham where a kindly cab driver takes her to Ellen and the Queen's Head.
Personally I would have liked more of Ellen’s back story, why does she just keep the Queens Head as a refuge although she owns other public houses and where did she get her money.
Two characters meet untimely ends - and this is slightly glossed over as if it’s the most normal thing in the world to murder someone. Perhaps it was more common in the late 1880s?
Jess meets Carter’ a cellar man. Unfortunately Kathy thinks that Carter is hers and hers alone and resorts to blackmail to get her own way.
The book is well written, there are a lot of characters and lots of social pressures to contemplate but in the end it was a wonderful read.
If this was a standalone then it was a great read. If it’s part of series then bring on the next one please.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found this book to be very light - everything happened quickly. Jess gets beat up one last time and she packs her suitcase the next morning and leaves. She heads to a new town to be miraculously picked up the brother of a rich benefactor who plucks forlorn women from the streets and provides food, shelter, and wages.
The entire style was simplistic. The premise was convoluted at best.
All through the book plotlines resolved with very little complication - in the very ways the characters would want the situation to play out. Multiple people were murdered and it was treated as if it were totally fine because they were bad people in the first place -- no one was ever even seriously considered as a perpetrator. The major love plot came into being after approximately 36 hours of the Jess and Carter being introduced.
Kathy, the mentally unstable "cleaner", was completely unrealistic and frankly, became laughable in her machinations and thought processes.
Oh, and then, Jess and Carter are magically allowed to be quasi-police and run around falling deeper and deeper in love while playing Robin Hoods.
Too many aspects of this were far too unbelievable.
1 star rounded down from 1.5. I appreciate receiving this advanced copy from NetGalley.
The entire style was simplistic. The premise was convoluted at best.
All through the book plotlines resolved with very little complication - in the very ways the characters would want the situation to play out. Multiple people were murdered and it was treated as if it were totally fine because they were bad people in the first place -- no one was ever even seriously considered as a perpetrator. The major love plot came into being after approximately 36 hours of the Jess and Carter being introduced.
Kathy, the mentally unstable "cleaner", was completely unrealistic and frankly, became laughable in her machinations and thought processes.
Oh, and then, Jess and Carter are magically allowed to be quasi-police and run around falling deeper and deeper in love while playing Robin Hoods.
Too many aspects of this were far too unbelievable.
1 star rounded down from 1.5. I appreciate receiving this advanced copy from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Girl from The Queen's Head by Lindsey Hutchinson gives the reader another resourceful, resilient character who defies the odds stack against her. An abuse husband causes Jes Lacey to run, trying to start a new life in Birmingham, she begins to feel safe. Trouble follows but then there is more. Others could be in danger, enemies have been made and life does not look so rosy. I appreciate how hard Jess worked, trying to remain safe. Several events happen so that each time she feels the worst is over more trouble pops up.
There were a couple of reservations I had with this story that I didn’t remember in the past when reading the Birmingham stories by Lindsey Hutchinson. First there is a case of taking justice into the common man’s hands which I wasn’t sure I agreed with happening. However, it likely did happen just like that when loved ones were in severe danger. As for the police allowing Jess and Carter to help them, well, I am not sure about that either but found it to be a nice thought. What I did like is the fact that the main characters made a better life for themselves without robbing, blackmailing or causing problems for others.
There were a couple of reservations I had with this story that I didn’t remember in the past when reading the Birmingham stories by Lindsey Hutchinson. First there is a case of taking justice into the common man’s hands which I wasn’t sure I agreed with happening. However, it likely did happen just like that when loved ones were in severe danger. As for the police allowing Jess and Carter to help them, well, I am not sure about that either but found it to be a nice thought. What I did like is the fact that the main characters made a better life for themselves without robbing, blackmailing or causing problems for others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review: The Girl from Queen’s Head
by Lindsay Hutchinson
The Girl from Queen’s Head is a gentle, straightforward story of escape, safety, and new beginnings. Jess’s journey away from an abusive marriage and toward the warmth of community at The Queen’s Head pub is told in a simple, accessible way that makes the book easy to read and emotionally clear.
The plot is light and the writing style very direct, which gives the story an almost youthful, coming-of-age feel. While the narration and dialogue are basic, the themes of resilience, kindness, and found family come through clearly. The pub setting provides a comforting backdrop, and the promise of hope and romance adds to the story’s appeal.
This novel ends on a reassuring note and, while uncomplicated, offers a pleasant and compassionate read for those who enjoy gentle sagas and hopeful endings.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a digital advance review copy. This is my honest review.
by Lindsay Hutchinson
The Girl from Queen’s Head is a gentle, straightforward story of escape, safety, and new beginnings. Jess’s journey away from an abusive marriage and toward the warmth of community at The Queen’s Head pub is told in a simple, accessible way that makes the book easy to read and emotionally clear.
The plot is light and the writing style very direct, which gives the story an almost youthful, coming-of-age feel. While the narration and dialogue are basic, the themes of resilience, kindness, and found family come through clearly. The pub setting provides a comforting backdrop, and the promise of hope and romance adds to the story’s appeal.
This novel ends on a reassuring note and, while uncomplicated, offers a pleasant and compassionate read for those who enjoy gentle sagas and hopeful endings.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a digital advance review copy. This is my honest review.
Read
April 23, 2026What a delightful book from Lindsey Hutchinson! Whenever I start to read one of her novels, I know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy it. This story was no exception.
It follows the main character, Jess Lacey, who is living a nightmarish life under her husband’s control. He physically abuses her for no apparent reason, leaving her bruised and in pain for his own entertainment. With the help of her neighbor, Peg, Jess manages to escape and flees to Birmingham. There, a cab driver who recognizes that she is in trouble takes her to his sister’s pub, the Queen's Head, which serves as a refuge for those in need.
At the pub, we meet a variety of well-drawn characters, making it easy to visualize who is who. This book tells a story filled with love, stress, and friendship, but it also delves into the darker themes of jealousy.
I highly recommend this great read!
It follows the main character, Jess Lacey, who is living a nightmarish life under her husband’s control. He physically abuses her for no apparent reason, leaving her bruised and in pain for his own entertainment. With the help of her neighbor, Peg, Jess manages to escape and flees to Birmingham. There, a cab driver who recognizes that she is in trouble takes her to his sister’s pub, the Queen's Head, which serves as a refuge for those in need.
At the pub, we meet a variety of well-drawn characters, making it easy to visualize who is who. This book tells a story filled with love, stress, and friendship, but it also delves into the darker themes of jealousy.
I highly recommend this great read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a story about second chances. Jess runs away from her husband, who has beaten her up too often. She finds refuge at the Queen’s Head hotel, and finds a career and a new love. But things aren’t all plain sailing, as her husband is on the war path, and once that problem is solved, Jess faces being blackmailed by another woman at the hotel. There was suspense as the worries about the husband and the blackmail escalated. This is a feel good story, as eventually the issues get resolved, although I did have some reservations about the way that was done. However, Jess is a resilient and likeable main character, and it is easy to read along hoping for a happy ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this book for my perusal.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved The Girl from The Queen’s Head by Lindsey Hutchinson. From the very first chapter, I was completely gripped and found it incredibly difficult to put down. The story draws you in straight away and keeps you fully invested throughout.
The characters are wonderfully written and truly brought to life on the page. I felt fully immersed in their world. .Lindsey has a real talent for creating believable, relatable characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.
An engaging and emotional read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Lindsey Hutchinson for this Arc.
The characters are wonderfully written and truly brought to life on the page. I felt fully immersed in their world. .Lindsey has a real talent for creating believable, relatable characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.
An engaging and emotional read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Lindsey Hutchinson for this Arc.
Read
March 19, 2026Last night I started this book. I thought I would read a few chapters. Â
What a story! I was on the edge of my seat (really bed). I was so concerned for Jess' safety. Will her husband find her? Will a co-worker cause more problems?
I'm not as patient and kind as some of these wives. Fortunately, Jess made a decision to save herself. But trouble follows where ever she goes.
Jess made friends so easily. Her friends became family. I loved the friendship with Peg. They would do anything for each other. No judgment. No questions asked. I have friends like that. I am thankful and blessed.
I loved the book. It was romantic. It was frightening. It was a great read.
What a story! I was on the edge of my seat (really bed). I was so concerned for Jess' safety. Will her husband find her? Will a co-worker cause more problems?
I'm not as patient and kind as some of these wives. Fortunately, Jess made a decision to save herself. But trouble follows where ever she goes.
Jess made friends so easily. Her friends became family. I loved the friendship with Peg. They would do anything for each other. No judgment. No questions asked. I have friends like that. I am thankful and blessed.
I loved the book. It was romantic. It was frightening. It was a great read.
June 21, 2026
Jess Lacy is living with an abusive husband. After one of her beatings her best friend and next door neighbor, Peg, convinces her she has to leave before he kills her. She goes to Birmingham and finds refuge at the Queen's Head. The owner, Ellen, has a reputation for helping people down on their luck. It was an interesting cast of characters, and it was a bit of a page turner to see what was going to happen next. Throughout the book I didn't find it predictable but the end did wrap up rather neatly. I do see where there could be another book in a series and I look forward to reading it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood for providing me with a digital copy.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood for providing me with a digital copy.
June 13, 2026
A Recommended Novel
The storyline had plenty to entertain the reader's attention with its interesting characters, conundrums, and unsavory people. But there were even more lovely people, with hearts of compassion, strength, happiness, and determination. I was snookered by Kathy's demise, since I envisioned her losing her self-control in front of the constabulary (with a little help from her co-workers) and ending up in a mental asylum with her credibility up in smoke. All in all, this was a novel about second chances, redemption, and new beginnings.
The storyline had plenty to entertain the reader's attention with its interesting characters, conundrums, and unsavory people. But there were even more lovely people, with hearts of compassion, strength, happiness, and determination. I was snookered by Kathy's demise, since I envisioned her losing her self-control in front of the constabulary (with a little help from her co-workers) and ending up in a mental asylum with her credibility up in smoke. All in all, this was a novel about second chances, redemption, and new beginnings.
July 24, 2026
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version.
I am very confused about this book. I feel like this is a rough draft and not finished. I feel like is skips forward to much I feel like it skips a bunch of chapters.
The MFC is absolutely annoying. I don't get her character at all. You would think with her escaping a horrible marriage where she gets beat up and her husband is a drunk she would not make such a fool of herself causing scenes and talking back to drunk men to start drawing attention to herself. And all in the name of feminism! Just so stupid.
I am very confused about this book. I feel like this is a rough draft and not finished. I feel like is skips forward to much I feel like it skips a bunch of chapters.
The MFC is absolutely annoying. I don't get her character at all. You would think with her escaping a horrible marriage where she gets beat up and her husband is a drunk she would not make such a fool of herself causing scenes and talking back to drunk men to start drawing attention to herself. And all in the name of feminism! Just so stupid.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Can she ever escape the secrets from her past?
Jess Lacey struggles with her drunken husband Bill she needs to escape Wednesbury.
Heading and in hiding in Birmingham she is given sanctuary in the safe hands of Ellen Marsh at the Queens Head.
Can this be a new start, away from her marriage terrors, will she ever be free, to a future happiness.
I totally was engrossed in this book, so emotional, in many ways bringing out so many heartwrenching chapters right till the perfect end.
Jess Lacey struggles with her drunken husband Bill she needs to escape Wednesbury.
Heading and in hiding in Birmingham she is given sanctuary in the safe hands of Ellen Marsh at the Queens Head.
Can this be a new start, away from her marriage terrors, will she ever be free, to a future happiness.
I totally was engrossed in this book, so emotional, in many ways bringing out so many heartwrenching chapters right till the perfect end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Two and a half stars rounded up to three. Jess Lacey is abused by her husband, Bill, and Peg, her best friend, convinces her to leave him. She's taken in by a kind pub owner.
This wasn't a very good book. If I hadn't wanted to review it for NetGalley, I wouldn't have finished it. Everything happened very quickly, and the murders of two of the characters were glossed over because the individuals were bad people. The writing was simplistic and uninteresting. I cannot recommend this book.
This wasn't a very good book. If I hadn't wanted to review it for NetGalley, I wouldn't have finished it. Everything happened very quickly, and the murders of two of the characters were glossed over because the individuals were bad people. The writing was simplistic and uninteresting. I cannot recommend this book.
March 27, 2026
Brilliant book well worth reading
Well done Lindsey another enthralling book from being battered and abused to being saved with great friends always having your back Jess rose to every challenge her drunken hubby getting his just deserts along with manipulative Kathie this book is riviting from the first chapter to the well deserved ending Lindsey at her best would definitely recommend this book and give it more than five stars
Well done Lindsey another enthralling book from being battered and abused to being saved with great friends always having your back Jess rose to every challenge her drunken hubby getting his just deserts along with manipulative Kathie this book is riviting from the first chapter to the well deserved ending Lindsey at her best would definitely recommend this book and give it more than five stars
April 1, 2026
Oh my goodness what can I say about this book really enjoyed it from the moment I started to read it and knew immediately I was going to like it.
The book has everything romance and also abusive people. I liked how the main character after her hardship seemed to land on her feet and circumstances got better for there were still ups and downs for her along way.
The book flowed well and the characters all worked well together.
Would recommend this book.
The book has everything romance and also abusive people. I liked how the main character after her hardship seemed to land on her feet and circumstances got better for there were still ups and downs for her along way.
The book flowed well and the characters all worked well together.
Would recommend this book.
July 3, 2026
Readers really need to be warned about this book. This is the most immature writing style since I read stories written by 4th grade kids. It's one thing to write out a plot, and completely another thing to develop it with skill that draws in the reader, enables them to picture the scenes in their mind and feel the emotions and personalities of the characters. Transitions and timing are the skills of an intelligent and accomplished writer. This book has none of this from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, The Girl from The Queen's head, by Lindsey Hutchinson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jess Lacey decides to leave her abusive husband Bill, but he wont make it easy. I thought it was a nice read, I just think Jess moved on way to fast.
February 11, 2026
Interesting read about abuse, neglect, and brutality. Jess is courageous to build a new life away from that life and start a new. There is also wonderful friendships made and romance all roll into one book!
July 27, 2026
Felt like I was reading a book for a child
Really poor plot and no character building whatsoever. the story was so boring and there was just nothing in it to keep the reader plugged in. I couldn’t wait to finish the book because I don’t like to leave anything halfway. I just ended up skimming through because it was quite boring
Really poor plot and no character building whatsoever. the story was so boring and there was just nothing in it to keep the reader plugged in. I couldn’t wait to finish the book because I don’t like to leave anything halfway. I just ended up skimming through because it was quite boring
March 10, 2026
A touching story about a woman escaping her husband’s abuse. As she builds a new life she is always wondering if she is safe. Loved it!
March 19, 2026
Wonderful book just could not put it down love this author you know you are going to enjoy any book by Lindsey so happy reading
March 24, 2026
A very enjoyable read. I liked that Jess and everyone had a good outcome in the end.
May 30, 2026
Rainy Day Read.
I fancied a light read and this ticked all the boxes. Decent storyline, nice characters, (well…some), and will probably read more from this author.
I fancied a light read and this ticked all the boxes. Decent storyline, nice characters, (well…some), and will probably read more from this author.
June 5, 2026
A good quick read
Enjoyable read.. A good quick one sitting read would recommend very easy to follow and to become part of the story
Enjoyable read.. A good quick one sitting read would recommend very easy to follow and to become part of the story
June 15, 2026
Absolutely loved this book, highly recommend.
As with all her books, I find them hard to put down.
As with all her books, I find them hard to put down.
July 21, 2026
Mundane!
I didn’t like this story and the way it was written. I just skipped pages hoping it would get better, but it certainly didn’t. Sorry, just not my sort of reading.
I didn’t like this story and the way it was written. I just skipped pages hoping it would get better, but it certainly didn’t. Sorry, just not my sort of reading.
April 4, 2026
A brilliant well told unusual story by Lindsay Hutchinson. I enjoyed it immensely. Well worth the five stars.
June 1, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel and found it difficult to put down. The author did a wonderful job bringing the time period to life, creating a vivid atmosphere that made the story feel immersive and authentic. The characters were engaging, and I became invested in their struggles, relationships, and personal growth throughout the book.
The historical details added depth without overwhelming the story, and the pacing kept me turning the pages. While there were a few moments that felt slightly predictable, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. This was a compelling and memorable read that left me eager to explore more of the author's work.
The historical details added depth without overwhelming the story, and the pacing kept me turning the pages. While there were a few moments that felt slightly predictable, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. This was a compelling and memorable read that left me eager to explore more of the author's work.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews