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27 Church Street: The Gathering Storm
Kidderminster Town Hall, July, 1910
A glittering family celebration
The Stretton family spare no expense as the heads of their medical dynasty, Samuel and Kate, mark their golden wedding anniversary at Kidderminster Town Hall. Daughter Katie fights to ensure everything goes to plan. But family divisions soon come to the fore in a very public way, fueling gossip that will keep the town talking for weeks.
A transatlantic threat
Meanwhile, the social fabric of this famous carpet-making town is being threatened by a surprise arrival. Ambitious American carpet-tycoon Calvin Whitmore has designs on disrupting the established order. Whitmore’s son Charles is far from convinced about his father’s plans. Can Katie support him to find the courage to finally face down his father?
A lethal epidemic
As the future of Kidderminster is being fought over, the town’s population is threatened by a deadly outbreak of smallpox. Principal surgeon Lionel Stretton, son of Samuel, must inspire his hard-pressed team at the infirmary to save as many people as possible. Under the strain, more buried family secrets emerge, secrets that threaten to destroy the family’s unity and reputation forever…
27 Church The Gathering Storm is a sweeping family saga of frustrated love, medical innovation, industrial rivalry, civic unrest and family fracture.
A glittering family celebration
The Stretton family spare no expense as the heads of their medical dynasty, Samuel and Kate, mark their golden wedding anniversary at Kidderminster Town Hall. Daughter Katie fights to ensure everything goes to plan. But family divisions soon come to the fore in a very public way, fueling gossip that will keep the town talking for weeks.
A transatlantic threat
Meanwhile, the social fabric of this famous carpet-making town is being threatened by a surprise arrival. Ambitious American carpet-tycoon Calvin Whitmore has designs on disrupting the established order. Whitmore’s son Charles is far from convinced about his father’s plans. Can Katie support him to find the courage to finally face down his father?
A lethal epidemic
As the future of Kidderminster is being fought over, the town’s population is threatened by a deadly outbreak of smallpox. Principal surgeon Lionel Stretton, son of Samuel, must inspire his hard-pressed team at the infirmary to save as many people as possible. Under the strain, more buried family secrets emerge, secrets that threaten to destroy the family’s unity and reputation forever…
27 Church The Gathering Storm is a sweeping family saga of frustrated love, medical innovation, industrial rivalry, civic unrest and family fracture.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 2, 2026
1910, Kidderminster in Worcestershire.
The Stretton family are celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of Samuel and Kate. Samuel is the head of the medical family with his son, Lionel, and grandson, John, following in his footsteps.
The celebrations are paused by the arrival of the wayward grandson, Sammy, a mill worker, who detests his family for their hypocrisy and wealth.
Next thing, a band appears outside the Town Hall, marking the arrival of Calvin Whitmore, a self proclaimed “Carpet King” from Yonkers, America.
With tensions running high between the local mill owners and Calvin, the town faces a crisis of its own: a smallpox outbreak.
What a fabulous story!
I was mesmerised by the Stretton family, the disagreements, but also the sheer amount of love and understanding when it came to their medical profession.
The women in this story were remarkable, especially Katie and Lily. I can’t wait to discover what will happen to them next.
This book portrays the sheer contrast between the rich and the poor. In 1910 there was no NHS and you had to pay for the medical treatment. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for those who couldn’t afford to pay for basic healthcare.
I’m so happy that there will be more books in the series and I already can’t wait for the second one.
The Stretton family are celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of Samuel and Kate. Samuel is the head of the medical family with his son, Lionel, and grandson, John, following in his footsteps.
The celebrations are paused by the arrival of the wayward grandson, Sammy, a mill worker, who detests his family for their hypocrisy and wealth.
Next thing, a band appears outside the Town Hall, marking the arrival of Calvin Whitmore, a self proclaimed “Carpet King” from Yonkers, America.
With tensions running high between the local mill owners and Calvin, the town faces a crisis of its own: a smallpox outbreak.
What a fabulous story!
I was mesmerised by the Stretton family, the disagreements, but also the sheer amount of love and understanding when it came to their medical profession.
The women in this story were remarkable, especially Katie and Lily. I can’t wait to discover what will happen to them next.
This book portrays the sheer contrast between the rich and the poor. In 1910 there was no NHS and you had to pay for the medical treatment. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for those who couldn’t afford to pay for basic healthcare.
I’m so happy that there will be more books in the series and I already can’t wait for the second one.
May 6, 2026
The story is based around the Stretton family of surgeons based in Kidderminster in 1910. A medical dynasty with three generations who end up working together to battle against a smallpox epidemic. Sammy Stretton to the chagrin of his father and grandfather doesn’t see his future in medicine but wants to be a working man. This is no rebellion of youth though; he is serious and will soon face changes. A newcomer to town promises to change the lives of the working man.
A brash American Calvin Whitmore, the self-styled Carpet King of Yonkers (New York) rides into town and threatens to shake up the local carpet makers. He plans to get a factory up and running in double quick time and show the Brits how it’s done. To ensure he gets the pick of the experienced workers, he offers double pay, to the consternation of his competitors. A wonderful character, as contemptable as he is colourful, but he is steadfast in his opinions and a man of his word though.
Conflict arises with the outbreak of smallpox. A highly contagious and deadly disease requiring isolation and lockdown of the population to avoid catastrophic spreading. The Stretton’s take charge much to Whitmore’s disgust, who barricades his workers inside his factory to keep working and start paying back on his outlay. This cavalier approach leaves a difficult situation to be resolved.
Family relationships and love is what holds the story together. From the beginning when it is Samuel and Kate’s Golden Wedding party it becomes clear that a family hierarchy exists. Sammy wants to escape its shackles, whereas Katie as a woman has accepted her place, but is at an age where the chance finding love might have passed her by. Calvin’s son Charles is railing against his position too. He’s being groomed to run the UK operation, but he is happiest working on art, the designs and patterns rather than getting rich. The characterisation is superb with the strong Katie and the creative but downtrodden Charles particularly engaging.
There is certainly no shortage of drama, but it’s always believable and never overplayed, making it hard to determine where facts have been dramatized. The author has also managed to capture the sense that change is coming and cleverly plants the seeds for future drama.
An engrossing historical drama with engaging central characters.
A brash American Calvin Whitmore, the self-styled Carpet King of Yonkers (New York) rides into town and threatens to shake up the local carpet makers. He plans to get a factory up and running in double quick time and show the Brits how it’s done. To ensure he gets the pick of the experienced workers, he offers double pay, to the consternation of his competitors. A wonderful character, as contemptable as he is colourful, but he is steadfast in his opinions and a man of his word though.
Conflict arises with the outbreak of smallpox. A highly contagious and deadly disease requiring isolation and lockdown of the population to avoid catastrophic spreading. The Stretton’s take charge much to Whitmore’s disgust, who barricades his workers inside his factory to keep working and start paying back on his outlay. This cavalier approach leaves a difficult situation to be resolved.
Family relationships and love is what holds the story together. From the beginning when it is Samuel and Kate’s Golden Wedding party it becomes clear that a family hierarchy exists. Sammy wants to escape its shackles, whereas Katie as a woman has accepted her place, but is at an age where the chance finding love might have passed her by. Calvin’s son Charles is railing against his position too. He’s being groomed to run the UK operation, but he is happiest working on art, the designs and patterns rather than getting rich. The characterisation is superb with the strong Katie and the creative but downtrodden Charles particularly engaging.
There is certainly no shortage of drama, but it’s always believable and never overplayed, making it hard to determine where facts have been dramatized. The author has also managed to capture the sense that change is coming and cleverly plants the seeds for future drama.
An engrossing historical drama with engaging central characters.
May 12, 2026
Hobeck don't just publish good books, they write them too! 27 Church Street: The Gathering Storm is Adrian Hobart's (the Ho in Hobeck) debut novel and it is absolutely brilliant.
Set at the beginning of the 20th century in Kidderminster, I was immediately transported back in time and across the miles by the evocative and atmospheric writing. It's quite a busy novel with a lot of characters and a setting that takes the reader on a trip to the carpet mills and the town's hospital but I was completely invested in the Stretton family's story and couldn't put the book down. I did sometimes mix up the characters though, as the upper class did like to use the same names and I often mixed up Katie with her mother Kate.
I love that some of the characters are based on real people and I enjoyed learning about the Stretton family. I hadn't heard of the Stretton surgeons (Samuel, Lionel and John) before but what an amazing legacy they have left the medical world. Lionel introduced the use of tincture of iodine for skin sterilisation and anyone who has had surgery and been left with yellow-tinged skin has Lionel Stretton to thank for keeping their skin clean and germ-free.
As well as being a medical drama with an outbreak of smallpox, it's also very entertaining with the arrival of a brash American carpet-tycoon who plans to take over all of the mills and even smallpox isn't going to get in his way. Calvin's antics really did make me laugh out loud - what a fabulously bonkers character!
Atmospheric, evocative and moving, 27 Church Street: The Gathering Storm is an outstanding debut novel and a fantastic start to an exciting new series about the Stretton family. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and I can't wait to read more.
Set at the beginning of the 20th century in Kidderminster, I was immediately transported back in time and across the miles by the evocative and atmospheric writing. It's quite a busy novel with a lot of characters and a setting that takes the reader on a trip to the carpet mills and the town's hospital but I was completely invested in the Stretton family's story and couldn't put the book down. I did sometimes mix up the characters though, as the upper class did like to use the same names and I often mixed up Katie with her mother Kate.
I love that some of the characters are based on real people and I enjoyed learning about the Stretton family. I hadn't heard of the Stretton surgeons (Samuel, Lionel and John) before but what an amazing legacy they have left the medical world. Lionel introduced the use of tincture of iodine for skin sterilisation and anyone who has had surgery and been left with yellow-tinged skin has Lionel Stretton to thank for keeping their skin clean and germ-free.
As well as being a medical drama with an outbreak of smallpox, it's also very entertaining with the arrival of a brash American carpet-tycoon who plans to take over all of the mills and even smallpox isn't going to get in his way. Calvin's antics really did make me laugh out loud - what a fabulously bonkers character!
Atmospheric, evocative and moving, 27 Church Street: The Gathering Storm is an outstanding debut novel and a fantastic start to an exciting new series about the Stretton family. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and I can't wait to read more.
April 28, 2026
Perhaps I shouldn’t start my review by saying that I can’t wait for the second book, but there it is. The writing is gorgeous, the descriptions are vivid, and the dialogue is believable, as we follow three generations of the Stretton family. Grandfather Samuel and his wife Kate. His son, Lionel, and his sister, Katie. Lionel’s two sons, John and Sammy. As Lionel and his son John have all followed in Grandfather Samuel’s footsteps and become doctors/surgeons, poor Sammy takes a different path, shocking his upper-class family by deciding to work in one of the local mills in their hometown of Kidderminster. Throw into this mix the tensions between the rich mill owners and the sudden and calamitous arrival of a new, brash American mill owner, the stark differences between the well-educated upper-class and the poor workers, the inappropriate relationships, the secrets, and the overwhelming need of some of the female characters to prove themselves more than just ‘trophy wives and eye candy’, you have a stonker of a book. Then add in smallpox, a dreadful and highly contagious disease. The book ramps up as people start to die; measures have to be put in place that do not go down well in some quarters, and fear, suspicion and anger fuel motives. What an explosive end to this fabulous book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📗📗BOOK REVIEW📗📗
27 Church Street, The Gathering Storm by A J Hobart
Happy Publication Day
An historical fiction novel based on the lives of three generations of the Stretton family, and in particular three eminent surgeons from this same family, Samuel, Lionel and John Weston Stretton. Set in Kidderminster the story begins in July 1910 where Samuel and Kate Streeton are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in the town hall.
Briefly, Kidderminster is known for its high quality carpets and American carpet-tycoon Calvin Whitmore has arrived in the town determined to start up a factory that will rival and undercut the existing factories. He brings his son Charles with him but Charles is not as ruthless as his father and can see how his father’s methods are going to ruin this town. Meanwhile an outbreak of smallpox challenges Samuel and his son Lionel as they fight to save as many lives as they can.
I enjoy fictional books based on fact and this certainly is a fascinating story. It had me googling repeatedly to read about this amazing and prominent family! An interesting and enjoyable book that left me lots of questions which no doubt will be covered in the next book. A good read.
27 Church Street, The Gathering Storm by A J Hobart
Happy Publication Day
An historical fiction novel based on the lives of three generations of the Stretton family, and in particular three eminent surgeons from this same family, Samuel, Lionel and John Weston Stretton. Set in Kidderminster the story begins in July 1910 where Samuel and Kate Streeton are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in the town hall.
Briefly, Kidderminster is known for its high quality carpets and American carpet-tycoon Calvin Whitmore has arrived in the town determined to start up a factory that will rival and undercut the existing factories. He brings his son Charles with him but Charles is not as ruthless as his father and can see how his father’s methods are going to ruin this town. Meanwhile an outbreak of smallpox challenges Samuel and his son Lionel as they fight to save as many lives as they can.
I enjoy fictional books based on fact and this certainly is a fascinating story. It had me googling repeatedly to read about this amazing and prominent family! An interesting and enjoyable book that left me lots of questions which no doubt will be covered in the next book. A good read.
April 29, 2026
What an utterly gorgeous read. Ive thoroughly enjoyed spending the last day and a bit with the Strettons and Charles. Absolutely not Calvin, the worst kind of person possible.
It follows 3 generations starting with a family celebration, and the arrival of 2 Americans, father and son, aiming to take over the carpet manufacture in the town.
Then there is a smallpox outbreak and things become incredibly tense. Echoes of covid very much in evidence.
I was gripped from the start which is no mean feat and hardly wanted to put it down. I read the vast majority in one go, only stopping because I could literally no longer keep my eyes open.
The family dynamics, the rich vs poor, secrets, expectations, disappointment are all here, both in well off and the poor.
There are some fantastic strong women and you see why they stepped up during the war. This is set in 1910. Every single character is fleshed out and I particularly liked Nessie, aside from the Strettons, who was very observant and not afraid to say her bit.
Im thrilled to know there will be more, and cannot wait. I suspect this is going to stay with me for a while, and find itself in my top 10 reads of 2026.
It follows 3 generations starting with a family celebration, and the arrival of 2 Americans, father and son, aiming to take over the carpet manufacture in the town.
Then there is a smallpox outbreak and things become incredibly tense. Echoes of covid very much in evidence.
I was gripped from the start which is no mean feat and hardly wanted to put it down. I read the vast majority in one go, only stopping because I could literally no longer keep my eyes open.
The family dynamics, the rich vs poor, secrets, expectations, disappointment are all here, both in well off and the poor.
There are some fantastic strong women and you see why they stepped up during the war. This is set in 1910. Every single character is fleshed out and I particularly liked Nessie, aside from the Strettons, who was very observant and not afraid to say her bit.
Im thrilled to know there will be more, and cannot wait. I suspect this is going to stay with me for a while, and find itself in my top 10 reads of 2026.
May 1, 2026
I am absolutely delighted to find, after finishing this wonderful book, that there will be more books in this series.
Adrian has done an exceptional job in portraying the Stretton family, using first hand knowledge gained from Lionel Stretton’s memoirs. He has done a great and well deserved justice to the important part the Strettons played in medical advancements in Kidderminster.
The huge wealth gap between the rich Strettons and the poor was very evident. The stark reality of a time when there was no NHS made me appreciate how good we have it now. In Victorian England treatment had to be paid for.
When there is a smallpox outbreak, a lockdown is put in place to prevent the spread outside of the city.
Around the same time, a wealthy carpet maker arrives in Kidderminster, complete with a marching band, from the US. With his son, he aims to put the Kidderminster carpet makers out of business.
Completely immersive and I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one.
Adrian has done an exceptional job in portraying the Stretton family, using first hand knowledge gained from Lionel Stretton’s memoirs. He has done a great and well deserved justice to the important part the Strettons played in medical advancements in Kidderminster.
The huge wealth gap between the rich Strettons and the poor was very evident. The stark reality of a time when there was no NHS made me appreciate how good we have it now. In Victorian England treatment had to be paid for.
When there is a smallpox outbreak, a lockdown is put in place to prevent the spread outside of the city.
Around the same time, a wealthy carpet maker arrives in Kidderminster, complete with a marching band, from the US. With his son, he aims to put the Kidderminster carpet makers out of business.
Completely immersive and I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 28, 2026
1910. The Stretton family is holding a party to celebrate Samuel’s and Kate’s golden wedding anniversary for family, friends and town dignitaries. Not all goes well though – grandson Sammy causes a scene, a special car won’t start, the door isn’t wide enough for the car anyway and an American marching band arrives in town, followed by the self-styled ‘King of Carpets’, Calvin Whitmore.
A slow start, as characters are introduced, but the story soon gets into its stride and becomes compelling. Based on real people, it’s a fascinating story full of family drama, medical drama and industrial espionage, giving a look at life in that period. This is the first of a trilogy and I can’t wait to read the remaining books to find out what happens to everyone.
Thanks to Hobeck Books for an ARC for my honest review.
A slow start, as characters are introduced, but the story soon gets into its stride and becomes compelling. Based on real people, it’s a fascinating story full of family drama, medical drama and industrial espionage, giving a look at life in that period. This is the first of a trilogy and I can’t wait to read the remaining books to find out what happens to everyone.
Thanks to Hobeck Books for an ARC for my honest review.
May 5, 2026
The story is about 3 generations of surgeons set in Kidderminster - the 1st surgeon is Samuel Stretton followed by the 2nd John 'Leonard' Stretton then the 3rd the grandson John Weston Stretton. This medical dynasty lasts for nearly 100 years from the mid 1850's to the 2nd world war. We meet the family and their friends at a glittering Gold Wedding Anniversary party for Samuel and Kate Stretton at Kidderminster Town Hall, where an evening has been planned by their daughter Katie! The story revolves around family, an epidemic and factory owners' rivalries. It was dark, entertaining, great characters, gripping, gritty, informative, secrets, suspicions, tense and very descriptive. I look forward to book 2 in the series.
August 14, 2026
I've long been a reader of historical fiction, particularly set in smaller towns and villages that can sometimes be overlooked, but usually have far more compelling drama! This novel delivers on that.
What I enjoyed...vivid characters whom I felt invested in, slowly building conflicts, and, frankly, the storytelling - I could visualize and feel the scenes, the character's emotions and struggles. Overall, an intriguing story that seems to hint at a series? I'll look forward to the next one!
What I enjoyed...vivid characters whom I felt invested in, slowly building conflicts, and, frankly, the storytelling - I could visualize and feel the scenes, the character's emotions and struggles. Overall, an intriguing story that seems to hint at a series? I'll look forward to the next one!
July 6, 2026
I couldn't put this book down. Fascinating read about the Stretton family from Kidderminster. I can't wait to read the next book in this series
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really do enjoy a historical family saga and knowing this novel is loosely based on three generations of real-life families and surgeons who led medical services in Kidderminster from the mid-1800s, made the reading experience all the more remarkable. The introduction by Chris Stretton - a descendant of the family at the heart of the story - adds a fascinating layer of authenticity. By outlining the history behind each of the three central characters, it helps the reader form a clear picture of them before the story even begins, drawing you in from the outset.
It’s rare for a book to captivate my mind so vividly as “27 Church Street” did. The atmospheric detail and depth of the many characters, truly brought the era of the 1910 setting and the intriguing story instantly to life, immersing me in the world of industrial rivalry and medical innovation - even playing out in my mind when I wasn’t even reading it!
The denouement is an emotional experience, bringing the story to a powerful close while leading perfectly into the second book in this three-part saga - “27 Church Street - The Price of Honour”. With the first chapter thoughtfully included at the end, I found myself more than ready to keep on reading. An exceptional story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m already eagerly anticipating the publication of book two!
#27ChurchStreetTheGatheringStorm - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s rare for a book to captivate my mind so vividly as “27 Church Street” did. The atmospheric detail and depth of the many characters, truly brought the era of the 1910 setting and the intriguing story instantly to life, immersing me in the world of industrial rivalry and medical innovation - even playing out in my mind when I wasn’t even reading it!
The denouement is an emotional experience, bringing the story to a powerful close while leading perfectly into the second book in this three-part saga - “27 Church Street - The Price of Honour”. With the first chapter thoughtfully included at the end, I found myself more than ready to keep on reading. An exceptional story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m already eagerly anticipating the publication of book two!
#27ChurchStreetTheGatheringStorm - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from the publisher.
Samuel and Kate Stretton are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. It’s 1910 in Kidderminster, and celebrations are in full swing with family and friends, with their daughter, Katie, ensuring all goes well.
American carpet-tycoon, Calvin Whitmore, has arrived in Kidderminster, disrupting the festivities with his loud pomp and ceremony. With Kidderminster being the home of carpet making, everyone is worried about his ideas. Calvin’s son, Charles, has come over with his father, but doesn’t agree with his plans.
Lionel Stretton has followed in his father, Samuel’s footsteps and is a surgeon. With an outbreak of smallpox in the area, the family work together to try to save the locals.
This was an intriguing and interesting story, that is based on the real Stretton family dynasty.
The story flowed smoothly and effortlessly, and I found myself immersed back in the Edwardian era.
It is a fascinating story of secrets and rivalry, as well as love. I also found it to be emotional at times, and I did have a tear in my eye on occasions.
An outstanding debut and I cannot wait to read the second book in the series.
Samuel and Kate Stretton are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. It’s 1910 in Kidderminster, and celebrations are in full swing with family and friends, with their daughter, Katie, ensuring all goes well.
American carpet-tycoon, Calvin Whitmore, has arrived in Kidderminster, disrupting the festivities with his loud pomp and ceremony. With Kidderminster being the home of carpet making, everyone is worried about his ideas. Calvin’s son, Charles, has come over with his father, but doesn’t agree with his plans.
Lionel Stretton has followed in his father, Samuel’s footsteps and is a surgeon. With an outbreak of smallpox in the area, the family work together to try to save the locals.
This was an intriguing and interesting story, that is based on the real Stretton family dynasty.
The story flowed smoothly and effortlessly, and I found myself immersed back in the Edwardian era.
It is a fascinating story of secrets and rivalry, as well as love. I also found it to be emotional at times, and I did have a tear in my eye on occasions.
An outstanding debut and I cannot wait to read the second book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews