The Midwinter Daughter

by Dilly Court

Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary new historical two-part series from the acclaimed bestselling author of over fifty novels. In her latest, Dilly weaves a mesmerizing tale that follows the lives of two spirited sisters navigating the tumultuous world of a traveling circus.

Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of Dorset and the atmospheric charm of Portland, this first novel in her new series promises to be a page-turner filled with romance and adventure. Readers will be drawn into the sisters' journey as they face challenges, forge unbreakable bonds, and pursue their dreams amidst a vibrant, yet unpredictable life.

Dilly new story is poised to delight both her loyal fans and new readers alike. Join these courageous heroines as they give their all for family and true love. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Five Million Books Sold!

Every story is UNFORGETTABLE!

Dilly Court's book 'The Snow Angel' was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-10-14.

Genres: Historical Fiction

461 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2026

About the author

Dilly Court grew up in North-east London and began her career in television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband. She is the author of eighteen novels and also writes under the name of Lily Baxter.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read from this author, I enjoy reading the victorian era...this book starts at the circus two twin sisters Eliza&Angerlica work with their father in a magic act they have outgrown the act.their father decides on getting two new twins for his act.and moving the older twins to a household to work house duties.Eliza had the worst of it with her sister looking after a sick girl.its about the struggles..a fantastic read..I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. Five star cosy read.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born into a travelling circus, she knows that fate can turn on a sixpence - but but nothing prepares her for the day her father casts Eliza and her sister Angelica out. forced into service for the Wildblood family, Eliza endures cruelty as their scullery maid. She finds a friend in Captain Luke Wildblood, and when disaster falls, he turns to her for help. As snow falls on the clifftop walls of Crow Castle on the wild Dorset coast, the Wildblood mysteries pull eliza ever closer - or is it the man that holds the key to them all?

When twin sisters, Eliza and Angelica, outgrow the circus act they perform with their father, he decides to get a new set of twins to take their place from the orphanage, and Eliza and Angelica have to go into service. He finds them employment with the Wildblood family. Angelica is a companion for the daughter who doesn't keep well, and Eliza works as a scullery maid, where she is treated badly by the rest of the staff. And it's not long before things go from bad to worse.

90% of the characters in this book are likeable. I enjoyed meeting them all, (even the bad). This is the first book in a new series by Dilly, and I'm sure we are in for a treat.

Published 15th October 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #Dilly Court in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midwinter Daughter by Dilly Court

Eliza and Angelica are twins who have grown up with a circus and known no other life. But just before their birthday, their dad drops a bombshell: he isn’t their true father. He has also found positions for both girls in service.

As they struggle to come to terms with the revelation about their parentage, the twins are taken to Mrs Wildblood’s house. Angelica becomes a companion to Mrs Wildblood’s daughter, while Eliza works in service. Unfortunately for Eliza, the household staff are far from welcoming and make her life increasingly difficult.

This is a great story with a lovely mix of characters and an engaging storyline. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested, and I really enjoyed seeing how the girls coped with their new lives and the secrets surrounding their past.

Well written and thoroughly enjoyable, The Midwinter Daughter is a lovely historical family drama and an easy, absorbing read.

[Teresa Holgado · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Dilly Court writes a really easy to read book. Loved Waldo the lion

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Dilly Court.

In many ways it’s a predictable tale - twins Eliza and Angelica Brown have been brought up in circus life and its itinerant style. Then their father drops a bombshell -now that they can’t portray young girls anymore and like they were foundlings he’s found another pair of orphan twins to take their places.

So they are forced into domestic work, Eliza as a skivvy and Angelica a companion to the families invalid daughter.

Of course one of them is bound to fall in love with an unsuitable person and there will be many a twist and turn to get to the end. What secrets do the Wildblood family hold

Well written this draws you in to want to read a little more and find out what happens

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC - all opinions are mine and mine alone

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely read from Dilly Court, this is the story of Lizzie and Angel who go from being circus performers to a castle. It’s a tale of twin daughters from a circus family turned out by their father and how they found the next stage of their lives in service and how that led to a completely different path.. It is about strength, persistence and courage and a little bit of love thrown in and of course the lovely Waldo 🙂

My thanks to NetGalley and Publisher HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins for the chance of the early read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Dilly Court! I’m never left dissatisfied by her books; she delivers every time. The narrative revolves around twin sisters Angelica and Eliza Brown, who were born into the circus world. Their act involved assisting their father with his magic performances. However, as they grew older, they were no longer suitable for the role of assistants, and he ultimately fired them, leaving them to fend for themselves. This is where the story begins to unfold.

[irene currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent

As always with Dilly Court,s books you are drawn in from the beginning I've not been able to put this book down from the horrid Marianne and Gregory to the triumphs of Angelica and Eliza along with Luke and his family along with waldo and the rest of the circus troupe if you haven't already read this book then I highly recommend reading five stars and above

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midwinter Daughter

Fabulous story making you want to turn every page to find out what happens. I wanted to get to the end but now I have I'm sorry and need to read more.
Thank you Dilly Court for another amazing story ❤

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read from Dilly Court, The Midwinter Daughter was such a good book cant waitfor her next one . The Spring Bride.

[Pam Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

story

A fantastic story with wonderful characters with some great descriptions. A story that keeps you very engaged all the through.

[Denise Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dilly Court never disappoints me. I just love her books I’ve read so many now, they come out I read them then I wait for the next book. Just such an easy read.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sucess!!

[Sue Hickling]

Love Dilly Coufts books.l