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Another Man’s Child
Another best-selling family drama from the author of If You Were the Only Girl and A Strong Hand to Hold.
Celia Mulligan is in love with farm hand Andy McCadden, but when Andy asks her to marry him and she accepts, her father is furious – no daughter of his will marry a mere hireling. Celia elopes with Andy and they make their way by ship to England. While on board, Celia meets a demure young woman called Annabel who tells her in confidence that a friend of her father forced himself upon her and she has since fallen pregnant.
Annabel plans to throw herself on her brother’s mercy and asks Celia if she will accompany her to Birmingham as her ladies maid. Without a job and with nothing to offer her, Andy encourages Celia to accept – he can find employment for himself and save for their future. But neither of them can foresee the events that will follow, and soon Celia will be forced to choose between the man she loves, and the love of a vulnerable child…
Celia Mulligan is in love with farm hand Andy McCadden, but when Andy asks her to marry him and she accepts, her father is furious – no daughter of his will marry a mere hireling. Celia elopes with Andy and they make their way by ship to England. While on board, Celia meets a demure young woman called Annabel who tells her in confidence that a friend of her father forced himself upon her and she has since fallen pregnant.
Annabel plans to throw herself on her brother’s mercy and asks Celia if she will accompany her to Birmingham as her ladies maid. Without a job and with nothing to offer her, Andy encourages Celia to accept – he can find employment for himself and save for their future. But neither of them can foresee the events that will follow, and soon Celia will be forced to choose between the man she loves, and the love of a vulnerable child…
432 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2015
29 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 12, 2020
***Warning: book contains rape (rape scene not described graphically)***
Well, this was different from the books I usually read. Not a bad plot. I can't even delve into details because the plot is literally how it is described in the blurb, very predictive and straightforward. The only reason I read this book was that it was a birthday gift. I like how the author has adequately brushed upon the sexism that was rampant in the late 19th century without making it seem like she actually supports it. Also, she made her female characters reasonably strong, which is why this got 3 stars.
I might read again from this author but not anytime soon. I would definitely recommend it to hard-core New Adult/Romance/Medieval Romance fans.
Well, this was different from the books I usually read. Not a bad plot. I can't even delve into details because the plot is literally how it is described in the blurb, very predictive and straightforward. The only reason I read this book was that it was a birthday gift. I like how the author has adequately brushed upon the sexism that was rampant in the late 19th century without making it seem like she actually supports it. Also, she made her female characters reasonably strong, which is why this got 3 stars.
I might read again from this author but not anytime soon. I would definitely recommend it to hard-core New Adult/Romance/Medieval Romance fans.
January 14, 2018
A brilliant story by Anne Bennett that I really enjoyed. Recommended.
December 20, 2015
It's a long long time since I last read a book by Anne Bennett, when I look back at my reading list, I see that it's been almost ten years ... crikey, where does time go to? Years ago, most of my reading was made up of romance and sagas, I inherited that love from my Mother who introduced me to Catherine Cookson and Josephine Cox many many years ago. In recent years, especially since I began this blog, my reading has changed considerably, and my old favourites have been left along the way side.
I know it's the weekend before Christmas, and we are all supposed to be rushing around the shops in a frantic panic; making sure that we have satsumas, brussels sprouts and dates, but I've spent most of Saturday evening and Sunday morning wrapped up in Another Man's Child. It has been the perfect story for me; easy to read with warm and comforting characters and an opportunity to revisit my mother's homeland of County Donegal, Ireland too.
Another Man's Child is based on a true story from Anne Bennett's family history, and it is this that adds another layer to the telling. The heart of the story is that age-old romantic problem; that of the disapproving father and the lovers who are determined to be together, what ever it takes. Celia and Andy are very much in love, but Andy is just a poor farmhand and Celia's father is furious at the thought of his daughter lowering herself by marrying him. Celia and Andy do what many have done before them, and more will do in the future. They take a boat to England, a place that promises them a future together, with nobody to judge them or their love.
Whilst travelling, Celia forms a friendship with Annabel; a lady who has found herself in a terrible situation. Annabel offers Celia a job as her maid, and Andy, knowing that this will help him to find work once in England encourages her to accept.
The story takes many twists and turns, and Celia's strength as a character shines through, her fortitude and resilience are tested and proved by events that none of them could foresee.
Another Man's Child is a story of hope and loyalty and overcoming the odds. Anne Bennett has a real skill, and creates warm and lifelike characters who the reader can relate to and cheer on. Her settings are fabulous; from the small town in the rugged Donegal countryside, to the sprawling city of Birmingham.
The writing is powerful and the imagery is wonderful. This story flows seamlessly and the author has no trouble at all in engaging the reader, and sweeping them along as the characters play out a very moving and emotional story.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
I know it's the weekend before Christmas, and we are all supposed to be rushing around the shops in a frantic panic; making sure that we have satsumas, brussels sprouts and dates, but I've spent most of Saturday evening and Sunday morning wrapped up in Another Man's Child. It has been the perfect story for me; easy to read with warm and comforting characters and an opportunity to revisit my mother's homeland of County Donegal, Ireland too.
Another Man's Child is based on a true story from Anne Bennett's family history, and it is this that adds another layer to the telling. The heart of the story is that age-old romantic problem; that of the disapproving father and the lovers who are determined to be together, what ever it takes. Celia and Andy are very much in love, but Andy is just a poor farmhand and Celia's father is furious at the thought of his daughter lowering herself by marrying him. Celia and Andy do what many have done before them, and more will do in the future. They take a boat to England, a place that promises them a future together, with nobody to judge them or their love.
Whilst travelling, Celia forms a friendship with Annabel; a lady who has found herself in a terrible situation. Annabel offers Celia a job as her maid, and Andy, knowing that this will help him to find work once in England encourages her to accept.
The story takes many twists and turns, and Celia's strength as a character shines through, her fortitude and resilience are tested and proved by events that none of them could foresee.
Another Man's Child is a story of hope and loyalty and overcoming the odds. Anne Bennett has a real skill, and creates warm and lifelike characters who the reader can relate to and cheer on. Her settings are fabulous; from the small town in the rugged Donegal countryside, to the sprawling city of Birmingham.
The writing is powerful and the imagery is wonderful. This story flows seamlessly and the author has no trouble at all in engaging the reader, and sweeping them along as the characters play out a very moving and emotional story.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
November 21, 2015
Celia is used to a secluded life on an Irish farm. Her parents are strict and she doesn't go out much. When she meets farmhand Andy who's working on the farm next door she instantly likes him. Only Celia's father doesn't approve of him, because he is the second son of a farmer and therefore not the one who will inherit his father's farm. Celia's father goes quite far in preventing his daughter from seeing Andy. She's unhappy at home and because they don't see any other way to be together Celia and Andy elope.
On the boat to England Celia meets lady Annabel, who's younger than she is and who has a problem. She's on her way to see her brother and asks Celia to be her ladies maid. That means Celia already has a job before she even sets foot in England, but it doesn't mean the months that will follow are going to be easy and carefree. There's trouble ahead for Celia and Andy and there are several tough choices they need to make...
Another Man's Child is a great story about a strong girl with a good heart. I love the way Anne Bennett tells her stories. They're always so complete and I admire her skill. I really like the twists and turns she comes up with. This story managed to surprise me plenty of times. I enjoyed reading about Celia's life, both on the farm in Ireland and in England. Celia and Andy are young when they're leaving Ireland and they have to grow up quickly. I loved the way Anne Bennett describes both of their paths and the obstacles they come across. I was completely engrossed in their story and couldn't put it down.
The main characters all have distinctive personalities. Because of how well Anne Bennett makes them come to life, I felt like I really got to know them. That also made me feel for them. The story is set in the twenties and it's just after the war which was a chaotic and difficult time for many people. I think the historical background was well researched and used in a really good way. It was like I was seeing a movie because of all the vivid descriptions. Anne Bennett is a writer who has a lot of experience and it shows. She also keeps finding new and original angles. I like that combination a lot. I think Another Man's Child is a fantastic book and I had such a wonderful time reading it.
On the boat to England Celia meets lady Annabel, who's younger than she is and who has a problem. She's on her way to see her brother and asks Celia to be her ladies maid. That means Celia already has a job before she even sets foot in England, but it doesn't mean the months that will follow are going to be easy and carefree. There's trouble ahead for Celia and Andy and there are several tough choices they need to make...
Another Man's Child is a great story about a strong girl with a good heart. I love the way Anne Bennett tells her stories. They're always so complete and I admire her skill. I really like the twists and turns she comes up with. This story managed to surprise me plenty of times. I enjoyed reading about Celia's life, both on the farm in Ireland and in England. Celia and Andy are young when they're leaving Ireland and they have to grow up quickly. I loved the way Anne Bennett describes both of their paths and the obstacles they come across. I was completely engrossed in their story and couldn't put it down.
The main characters all have distinctive personalities. Because of how well Anne Bennett makes them come to life, I felt like I really got to know them. That also made me feel for them. The story is set in the twenties and it's just after the war which was a chaotic and difficult time for many people. I think the historical background was well researched and used in a really good way. It was like I was seeing a movie because of all the vivid descriptions. Anne Bennett is a writer who has a lot of experience and it shows. She also keeps finding new and original angles. I like that combination a lot. I think Another Man's Child is a fantastic book and I had such a wonderful time reading it.
June 8, 2020
Enjoyed this book.
I found the characters easy to get to know. Celia is brought up strictly on a farm in Ireland. She meets Andy who is hired to help on a neighboring farm and they are immediately attracted to each other, unfortunately Celia's parents are against the match and they are forbidden to see each other. This situation sparks the rest of the story, a plan is hatched, abetted by Norah, Celia's sister and the pair are soon sailing away to England.
Although I thought this story a bit unlikely I did enjoy it and was so relieved what all the secrets and lies were out in the open.
I found the characters easy to get to know. Celia is brought up strictly on a farm in Ireland. She meets Andy who is hired to help on a neighboring farm and they are immediately attracted to each other, unfortunately Celia's parents are against the match and they are forbidden to see each other. This situation sparks the rest of the story, a plan is hatched, abetted by Norah, Celia's sister and the pair are soon sailing away to England.
Although I thought this story a bit unlikely I did enjoy it and was so relieved what all the secrets and lies were out in the open.
February 11, 2019
Great story and great characters, I just felt it was dragged out towards the end and very repetitive, I skimmed through the last few chapters because it was basically just a retelling of the whole book. Really did enjoy the story though
March 7, 2021
This book has such a beautiful story, and so true to life for when it's set in! I'm giving it 4 stars because it finished with being unfinished! There's so much more to tell of Celia, Norah, Andy and Henry's stories! I need more!!!
August 28, 2023
This isn't really about another man's child - nor even about that child's mother. It does present some of the socio-economic aspects of life in post-WWI Ireland/England - social norms and ways of life all wrapped up in a love story. The writing seemed inconsistent to me. There's repetition - even a recap of the story towards the end. The voice of the main character doesn't seem to resonate with her social level or upbringing nor even her seemingly timid and compliant nature. In all, it was a simple read but not a bad one.
December 24, 2023
An insight into attitudes and treatment that is such a contrast to today's attitudes. The fates of several of the book's characters are decided by one man - Dan. Luckily the daughters are strong and ultimately capable. Some luck and fortune plus lots of forgiveness help the story to its conclusion.
March 15, 2019
Very good if this is how the Irish where treated back in those days very cruel, wonder why the Catholic Church has problems if they were like that
May 28, 2019
Sadly, I didn't find the characters believable.
February 26, 2021
A good saga
June 4, 2021
Beautiful writing, well etched characters. Great end to a story. I was just hoping for Norah and Henry to develope liking for each other.
March 7, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! Really felt for the characters and lived the story with them, definitely recommend this one
April 29, 2023
A gripping story and edict I’ve
March 17, 2025
mmmm not really sure how to feel about this book , all i can say is that it was very predictable and yeah thats it lol
May 4, 2020
Amazing! I absolutely loved this book! So sad yet a good ending! Very satisfying ending too!
April 15, 2016
This was a good book that kept me engrossed until I'd it finished,the time just flew away with me. Good interesting characters from tho not all were so likeable. I liked Norah as she was gutsy and independent whereas Celia started out that way but at times she was weak and annoyed me over stupid things.
I never really liked Annabel as she was very above herself but then she was a lady tho the spiteful things she did out of insecurity were unforgivable.
I thought your man McCadden(have totally forgot his name) was ok if not rather dumb at times and rather pathetic.
The storyline was good but it was rather predictable most of the time,you knew what would happen before they did.
All in all not a bad wee read :-)
I never really liked Annabel as she was very above herself but then she was a lady tho the spiteful things she did out of insecurity were unforgivable.
I thought your man McCadden(have totally forgot his name) was ok if not rather dumb at times and rather pathetic.
The storyline was good but it was rather predictable most of the time,you knew what would happen before they did.
All in all not a bad wee read :-)
December 30, 2015
It was a start to this book but think that may have been because of my frame of mind and not the book think with the rush to get ready for christmas maybe when I started reading and though my mind was on it it was really... but wow once I got christmas done I got fully into and really enjoyed it and was so glad I didnt give up on it...
December 16, 2016
An excellent read as always.
As per usual I got drawn it to the storyline via the characters, who are so real and down to earth.
My only point of criticism would be that I would love to have read what happened when they went back to Ireland for Christmas and just how their parents would have reacted.
Well unless there will be a sequel lol hint hint
As per usual I got drawn it to the storyline via the characters, who are so real and down to earth.
My only point of criticism would be that I would love to have read what happened when they went back to Ireland for Christmas and just how their parents would have reacted.
Well unless there will be a sequel lol hint hint
March 31, 2016
Good book.
January 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this and devoured it in one sitting! Very moving
March 22, 2016
another good book by anne bennett
March 4, 2016
Enjoyed this book- rather an abrupt ending, felt it left you still waiting for a bit more!
March 12, 2016
Another great read from this author, a story based from her own family history with a few twists. All families have history but to turn then into a story is a rare gift.
May 15, 2016
Really enjoyable read like to read more books from this author,love the Victorian times great storyteller.recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews