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Gold May Not Glitter
Alys is an orphan, raised by her grandfather in a mining town in South Wales. Determined to escape her fate, she believes she has found the means when she meets and falls in love with the son of the mine owner.
But when Monsieur de Rohan has his son kidnapped and shipped to New Zealand, Alice is left at the altar, alone and miserable.
Then she meets Tom, a Geordie who has come to Merthyr Tydfil on his way to Barry, who falls in love with Alys and marries her in the knowledge that she carries another man’s child.
But the birth of her twins comes with complications, and as the girls get older, things start to fall apart. Will their family ever be able to rebuild their relationships? And will Alice ever be able to stop looking back at what might have been?
But when Monsieur de Rohan has his son kidnapped and shipped to New Zealand, Alice is left at the altar, alone and miserable.
Then she meets Tom, a Geordie who has come to Merthyr Tydfil on his way to Barry, who falls in love with Alys and marries her in the knowledge that she carries another man’s child.
But the birth of her twins comes with complications, and as the girls get older, things start to fall apart. Will their family ever be able to rebuild their relationships? And will Alice ever be able to stop looking back at what might have been?
616 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
May 17, 2026
Gold May Not Glitter is a warm, thoughtful historical novel set mainly in South Wales, beginning during the First World War and continuing through several decades of family life.
A story rooted in Wales, with New Zealand appearing as part of the wider world that affects the characters’ lives. The story centres on Alys, a young orphan who grows up with her grandfather in a coal mining town. Life is hard, and Alys dreams of something better. When she falls in love with a wealthy young man, she believes she has found her way out of poverty.
However, life doesn’t turn out as she expects. Events beyond her control change her future, and Alys must build a new life with Tom, a kind and steady man who offers her support when she needs it most.
The book follows Alys and her family over many years, showing how choices made in youth can shape an entire lifetime.
I found this book to be moving and thoughtful about ordinary people living through challenging times. It reminds us that happiness does not always come from wealth or ambition, but often from kindness, patience, and human connection.
A story rooted in Wales, with New Zealand appearing as part of the wider world that affects the characters’ lives. The story centres on Alys, a young orphan who grows up with her grandfather in a coal mining town. Life is hard, and Alys dreams of something better. When she falls in love with a wealthy young man, she believes she has found her way out of poverty.
However, life doesn’t turn out as she expects. Events beyond her control change her future, and Alys must build a new life with Tom, a kind and steady man who offers her support when she needs it most.
The book follows Alys and her family over many years, showing how choices made in youth can shape an entire lifetime.
I found this book to be moving and thoughtful about ordinary people living through challenging times. It reminds us that happiness does not always come from wealth or ambition, but often from kindness, patience, and human connection.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review