What do you think?
Rate this book
To Gain What's Lost
She thinks her life has changed for the better, her dark secrets hidden, but little does she know…
The daughter of a wealthy landowner in Yorkshire, England in 1864, Anna Thornton leads a privileged life. But she is not content. She wants her life to mean something and longs to be accepted for the free-thinking, independent woman she is. When the dashing, adventurer Matt Cowan sweeps her off her feet, she thinks she has finally met her soul mate. However, he’s not the man she thinks he is. After he sails for South America, leaving her behind in England, Anna discovers she’s pregnant. Heartbroken she flees her family home, determined to keep her child’s illegitimacy a secret.
He has a few dark secrets of his own…
Brenton O’Mara is a strong, independent man who wants to make his own way without relying on his father’s wealth. He comes to Anna’s new home looking for work and convinces the reluctant woman to hire him. But Anna's wary of men, of love, and treats him as nothing more than the penniless labourer she believes him to be. Then, just when Anna seems to feel she is getting on with her new life, and Brenton believes he is breaking down her barriers, the past rears up to confront them and their future hangs in the balance.
The daughter of a wealthy landowner in Yorkshire, England in 1864, Anna Thornton leads a privileged life. But she is not content. She wants her life to mean something and longs to be accepted for the free-thinking, independent woman she is. When the dashing, adventurer Matt Cowan sweeps her off her feet, she thinks she has finally met her soul mate. However, he’s not the man she thinks he is. After he sails for South America, leaving her behind in England, Anna discovers she’s pregnant. Heartbroken she flees her family home, determined to keep her child’s illegitimacy a secret.
He has a few dark secrets of his own…
Brenton O’Mara is a strong, independent man who wants to make his own way without relying on his father’s wealth. He comes to Anna’s new home looking for work and convinces the reluctant woman to hire him. But Anna's wary of men, of love, and treats him as nothing more than the penniless labourer she believes him to be. Then, just when Anna seems to feel she is getting on with her new life, and Brenton believes he is breaking down her barriers, the past rears up to confront them and their future hangs in the balance.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2008
About the author
Anne Whitfield
17 books64 followersAnne Whitfield/Anne Brear is an Australian author. Born to Yorkshire parents, her passions, apart from writing, are reading, researching, genealogy, roaming historical sites, buying books and gardening. She is an author of historical women's fiction, contemporary romance and several short stories and writes under two names Anne Whitfield and Anne Brear.
For more about Anne and her books visit her website -http://annebrear.blogspot.com
I've had to make a new author page for my pen name Anne Brear, as my other author page wouldn't allow two names, sigh. So here's the new page. https://www.facebook.com/annebrearauthor
Published novels:
To Gain What's Lost, historical.
The House of Women, historical.
Kitty McKenzie, historical.
Kitty McKenzie’s Land, (sequel)
Long Distance Love, modern romance.
Broken Hero, WWII romance.
Hooked On You, romantic comedy.
New Beginnings: short story anthology.
What He Taught Her, short story.
My books can be purchased from Amazon.com or Amazon UK
For more about Anne and her books visit her website -http://annebrear.blogspot.com
I've had to make a new author page for my pen name Anne Brear, as my other author page wouldn't allow two names, sigh. So here's the new page. https://www.facebook.com/annebrearauthor
Published novels:
To Gain What's Lost, historical.
The House of Women, historical.
Kitty McKenzie, historical.
Kitty McKenzie’s Land, (sequel)
Long Distance Love, modern romance.
Broken Hero, WWII romance.
Hooked On You, romantic comedy.
New Beginnings: short story anthology.
What He Taught Her, short story.
My books can be purchased from Amazon.com or Amazon UK
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 4, 2024
Beautiful story
I enjoyed this story nd loved the characters in it. The are vey strong and true to life. They are all willing to help one another and bring love in desperate s
ituations. Very well written.
I enjoyed this story nd loved the characters in it. The are vey strong and true to life. They are all willing to help one another and bring love in desperate s
ituations. Very well written.
May 5, 2019
Wonderful plot, very interesting and heart-warming!
I've become a fan of Annemarie Brear's books. They are great reads for historical fiction fans, and this one is no exception. Like many of her stories (if not all), the book features a strong female character, together with others along the way, who band together to survive and succeed in a society that condemned them to failure. It's a light read with an important message--that problems are not nearly as important as how you deal with them. Attitude makes the greatest difference of all!
I've become a fan of Annemarie Brear's books. They are great reads for historical fiction fans, and this one is no exception. Like many of her stories (if not all), the book features a strong female character, together with others along the way, who band together to survive and succeed in a society that condemned them to failure. It's a light read with an important message--that problems are not nearly as important as how you deal with them. Attitude makes the greatest difference of all!
April 10, 2020
Wiggy.
I have admired, and I have enjoyed what I have read of this author. It is my kind of book to read. Unfortunately, now I am starting to read the same kind of things in each book. Rich family has a daughter, who has left under bad circumstances, no money now. Then good things happen to her. She buys a rundown farm, and get's it up and running to what it was before.. That is why I have it a four star rating. When I started reading the first few chapters, I thought it was a book I had read before.
I have admired, and I have enjoyed what I have read of this author. It is my kind of book to read. Unfortunately, now I am starting to read the same kind of things in each book. Rich family has a daughter, who has left under bad circumstances, no money now. Then good things happen to her. She buys a rundown farm, and get's it up and running to what it was before.. That is why I have it a four star rating. When I started reading the first few chapters, I thought it was a book I had read before.
June 5, 2025
Excellent research of the era
I read or listen to novels/audios by Annamarie Brea as often as possible. She has the ability to give the reader a bird's eye view of historical settings that always helps the storyline ring true. The characters are true depictions of the era with societal norms that gives pause and wonder to the strength of the human will to survive in such hardships or customs.
I read or listen to novels/audios by Annamarie Brea as often as possible. She has the ability to give the reader a bird's eye view of historical settings that always helps the storyline ring true. The characters are true depictions of the era with societal norms that gives pause and wonder to the strength of the human will to survive in such hardships or customs.
September 15, 2020
Love this book
Couldn't put this book down from beginning to end Annemarie Brear is my new favorite author i am reading her books one after the other some were in Australia and others in York and because I myself live in Scarborough which is a of course a borough of York i can definitely relate
Couldn't put this book down from beginning to end Annemarie Brear is my new favorite author i am reading her books one after the other some were in Australia and others in York and because I myself live in Scarborough which is a of course a borough of York i can definitely relate
December 22, 2017
Pulls on your heartstrings...
Anna knows what she doesn't want: a life of convention. When a dashing man comes along and then breaks her heart, Anna must go beyond the boundaries of herself to find love in unexpected places.
Great read for lovers of good writing and romance.
Anna knows what she doesn't want: a life of convention. When a dashing man comes along and then breaks her heart, Anna must go beyond the boundaries of herself to find love in unexpected places.
Great read for lovers of good writing and romance.
December 11, 2019
Love found
I choose the five stars because I have loved this story from the first page. It's been great to read about the two different lives. Would love to find out what happens next. Thank you for another fabulous book xx
I choose the five stars because I have loved this story from the first page. It's been great to read about the two different lives. Would love to find out what happens next. Thank you for another fabulous book xx
October 8, 2021
Brilliant
I so enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it! I don't like to reveal anything about the story in case I spoil it for others. I can assure readers t has an ending ...which some hasn't ...so enjoy the journey!
I so enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it! I don't like to reveal anything about the story in case I spoil it for others. I can assure readers t has an ending ...which some hasn't ...so enjoy the journey!
October 20, 2021
Another Winner
It is a really good read. You will love the lives and the characters.
This book and a storyline that completely develops the characters was a fun read. As always this lady tells a really good story.
It is a really good read. You will love the lives and the characters.
This book and a storyline that completely develops the characters was a fun read. As always this lady tells a really good story.
November 27, 2024
A Really Enjoyable Book.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
One small criticism-there were several grammatical errors which grated on me. Proofreading could have been better.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
One small criticism-there were several grammatical errors which grated on me. Proofreading could have been better.
February 8, 2025
Good read
I really enjoyed this book, living in York, born and raised on a farm several miles away, even many years after the period this book was written, I can recall working really long days, nothing has really changed in some respects to farming life.
I really enjoyed this book, living in York, born and raised on a farm several miles away, even many years after the period this book was written, I can recall working really long days, nothing has really changed in some respects to farming life.
October 17, 2017
A Victorian Saga
This is the first book I have read of Annemarie Bread and I enjoyed this story. It kept you interested all the way through. Will read more of this author.
This is the first book I have read of Annemarie Bread and I enjoyed this story. It kept you interested all the way through. Will read more of this author.
November 30, 2018
Lovely read .
Enjoyed the way the book unfolded. The characters were well described. The only fault I found was to me the ending seemed a little rushed.
Enjoyed the way the book unfolded. The characters were well described. The only fault I found was to me the ending seemed a little rushed.
August 31, 2019
A brilliant five star read and a very enjoyable book by AnneMarie Brear. This book has you drawn into the story right from the beginning to the end. A recommended read.
April 16, 2022
to Gain What is Lost
Another great story to keep me reading. Of how women struggled to be recognised as equals to men, and how some get to achieve independence in the Victorian era
Another great story to keep me reading. Of how women struggled to be recognised as equals to men, and how some get to achieve independence in the Victorian era
July 3, 2022
Wonderful read
Great story and loved the i dependence of Anna. A.woman ahead of her time.
Brilliant
Great characters and story lines
Great story and loved the i dependence of Anna. A.woman ahead of her time.
Brilliant
Great characters and story lines
December 14, 2022
Good Read
Kept your interest. Felt compassion for the characters. Very easy reading. Loved reading about strong women. Realistic characters and storyline.
Kept your interest. Felt compassion for the characters. Very easy reading. Loved reading about strong women. Realistic characters and storyline.
March 14, 2023
Masterful writing!
I chose to give this book five stars because it was fast moving and kept drawing me on to the next page. Excellent characters to get to know.
I chose to give this book five stars because it was fast moving and kept drawing me on to the next page. Excellent characters to get to know.
September 26, 2023
A good read but needs work on editing
There were far too many typos/spelling mistakes to let me get totally into the story. I suggest more stringent proofreading...
There were far too many typos/spelling mistakes to let me get totally into the story. I suggest more stringent proofreading...
May 8, 2024
Well written
My second Annemarie Great book and it's even better than expected. A good love story after a terrible, traumatic life.
My second Annemarie Great book and it's even better than expected. A good love story after a terrible, traumatic life.
October 1, 2024
Beautiful
A beautiful book you can get lost in. Great characters. I love this era too you write it so well
A beautiful book you can get lost in. Great characters. I love this era too you write it so well
November 26, 2024
It was rather dull
Not really the page turner I was hoping for. No twists and turns or excitement. A bit boring really. I usually love the author’s books but not this one.
Not really the page turner I was hoping for. No twists and turns or excitement. A bit boring really. I usually love the author’s books but not this one.
April 29, 2026
Predictable
A very easy to read story but also predictable. And a feel good story. There were typos that kept this reader annoyed. So I knocked off a point for that.
A very easy to read story but also predictable. And a feel good story. There were typos that kept this reader annoyed. So I knocked off a point for that.
June 18, 2026
Enjoyable
September 25, 2026
excellent read
Believable story with engaging characters. Tender romance. Satisfying ending. Quality writing. This is another winner from Ms. Brear, a splendid writer.
Believable story with engaging characters. Tender romance. Satisfying ending. Quality writing. This is another winner from Ms. Brear, a splendid writer.
August 9, 2024
Just beautiful
Anne Marie Brear has done it again! Such a beautiful story of love, and loss and finding happiness again. Highly recommend!
Anne Marie Brear has done it again! Such a beautiful story of love, and loss and finding happiness again. Highly recommend!
August 2, 2023
Feminine side
As a man Anna keeps me in touch with my feminine side.
Essential when I have three ladies in my life my lovely wife and
Two equally lovely daughters and even the dog was a bit lady
Dog once again a beautiful read from anna
As a man Anna keeps me in touch with my feminine side.
Essential when I have three ladies in my life my lovely wife and
Two equally lovely daughters and even the dog was a bit lady
Dog once again a beautiful read from anna
January 26, 2013
To Gain What's Lost, this is a lovely story by a great author. Set in Northern England, a privileged young lady is forced to live her own life away from her family. Her mother has never liked her and treats her badly infront of her sisters. Only her younger sister and father show her any love, along with her maid, until she moves away and forges her own life.
Anne writes lovely stories, with warm characters. She brings life to them, and sets them in beautiful surroundings and all we as a reader has to do is read and enjoy.
Anne writes lovely stories, with warm characters. She brings life to them, and sets them in beautiful surroundings and all we as a reader has to do is read and enjoy.
May 12, 2016
Second book I have read from this author
and I must say that once again I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The characters come alive and the descriptions are good without getting boring. The two books I have read so far have both been totally different. Eventually I can get bored with an author as sometimes the stories are the same old same old. Leaving now to download another by this author.
and I must say that once again I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The characters come alive and the descriptions are good without getting boring. The two books I have read so far have both been totally different. Eventually I can get bored with an author as sometimes the stories are the same old same old. Leaving now to download another by this author.
February 17, 2012
Brear writes wonderful Victorian Drama. I am a fan of hers but hadn't read this and was pleased when I was offered a copy to review. It doesn't disappoint. Strong characters, the devastation of an unwed mother whose family have turned away from her. Her writing always tugs the heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews