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A Shilling for a Wife
The bestselling debut saga novel of 2017.
Powerful, absorbing storytelling that fans of sagas by Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Maggie Hope will adore.
Sally Swann thought life couldn't get much worse. Then a single coin changed hands.
A dismal cottage in the heart of Bolton, Lancashire, has been Sally's prison since Joseph Goden 'bought' her from the workhouse as his wife. A drunkard and bully, Joseph rules her with a rod of iron, using fists and threats to keep her in check.
When Sally gives birth, however, she knows she must do anything to save her child from her husband's clutches. She manages to escape, and taking her baby, flees for the belching chimneys of Manchester, in search of her only relative.
But with the threat of discovery by Joseph, who will stop at nothing to find her, Sally must fight with every ounce of strength she has to protect herself and her son, and finally be with the man who truly loves her. For a fresh start does not come without a price . . .
Powerful, absorbing storytelling that fans of sagas by Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Maggie Hope will adore.
Sally Swann thought life couldn't get much worse. Then a single coin changed hands.
A dismal cottage in the heart of Bolton, Lancashire, has been Sally's prison since Joseph Goden 'bought' her from the workhouse as his wife. A drunkard and bully, Joseph rules her with a rod of iron, using fists and threats to keep her in check.
When Sally gives birth, however, she knows she must do anything to save her child from her husband's clutches. She manages to escape, and taking her baby, flees for the belching chimneys of Manchester, in search of her only relative.
But with the threat of discovery by Joseph, who will stop at nothing to find her, Sally must fight with every ounce of strength she has to protect herself and her son, and finally be with the man who truly loves her. For a fresh start does not come without a price . . .
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2016
217 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hornby
12 books59 followersMother-of-three Emma Hornby was born and raised in Bolton, England.
History has always been her passion and she grew up with her nose buried in sagas. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She later wrote short stories and non-fiction pieces for the internet, print and stage and also worked as a freelance poet.
Emma's books are gritty historicals set in Victorian and WWII Bolton and Manchester, which she began writing after researching her family history. The colourful folk she unearthed gave her plenty of inspiration; like the characters in her novels, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums. Her first book, A Shilling for a Wife, was the bestselling debut saga novel of 2017. Her subsequent titles regularly appear in the official bestsellers' charts.
Visit Emma's website at emmahornby.com for more.
History has always been her passion and she grew up with her nose buried in sagas. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She later wrote short stories and non-fiction pieces for the internet, print and stage and also worked as a freelance poet.
Emma's books are gritty historicals set in Victorian and WWII Bolton and Manchester, which she began writing after researching her family history. The colourful folk she unearthed gave her plenty of inspiration; like the characters in her novels, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums. Her first book, A Shilling for a Wife, was the bestselling debut saga novel of 2017. Her subsequent titles regularly appear in the official bestsellers' charts.
Visit Emma's website at emmahornby.com for more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 8, 2019
This is a very strong written book from its genre. With very strong characters.
We’ve all heard of the workhouses back in those years that are the most atrocious places for anyone to land up in.
But they didn’t have a welfare system back then.
You had to survive.
Sally gets bought from the workhouse by Joseph for a shilling.
She belongs to him, now she’s his wife, and now they have a child.
Sally’s life with Joseph was only one step removed from the workhouse, swapping problems for different ones.
There are hardships, secrets, aggression and a fear of being hunted down by Joseph as she manages to escape.
The anxiety that caused me while she was in fear is no bars to none. I felt for her and her child.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Highly recommend to historical fiction readers, and those who like this kind of thrilling read.
We’ve all heard of the workhouses back in those years that are the most atrocious places for anyone to land up in.
But they didn’t have a welfare system back then.
You had to survive.
Sally gets bought from the workhouse by Joseph for a shilling.
She belongs to him, now she’s his wife, and now they have a child.
Sally’s life with Joseph was only one step removed from the workhouse, swapping problems for different ones.
There are hardships, secrets, aggression and a fear of being hunted down by Joseph as she manages to escape.
The anxiety that caused me while she was in fear is no bars to none. I felt for her and her child.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Highly recommend to historical fiction readers, and those who like this kind of thrilling read.
January 18, 2018
This book tells the story of Sally, a young woman living in the early 19th century. She is married to a brute of a man that bought her from the workhouse for a shilling. The novel starts with her about to give birth and being attacked by her husband. It certainly isn't for the faint-hearted, as it deals with subjects such as mental, physical and sexual abuse. It also paints a bleak picture of poverty in the UK in the 1800's.
I did like the character of Sally and felt for her plight. The author also did a great job of writing the antagonist as a cruel and selfish man.
Worth reading.
I did like the character of Sally and felt for her plight. The author also did a great job of writing the antagonist as a cruel and selfish man.
Worth reading.
January 20, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down.
February 23, 2017
Sally's husband bought her for a shilling from the workhouse and she suffers a terrible existence with him. When she has her baby son she knows that she has to get away to keep them both safe.
This book was a wonderful read. Some very strong friendships enhance the story and you really feel for the characters. It makes you appreciate modern times- the whole workhouse idea sounds terrible in every book I've read. The people who found themselves on hard times could sign themselves into the workhouse- but few ever made it out again. They were separated from their children and had to work hard for a very bleak life.
Sally is a strong character but has reason to fear that her husband will seek her out- and you feel her tension throughout the book even when things seem to be looking up for her. I loved her neighbours- they were real salt of the earth characters.
Lots of secrets were being kept by various characters which are revealed along the way - in some cases bring more heartbreak in others explain troubled relationships.
You really experience the hardships with them- trying to eke out food, take in friends in need, even travel was an ordeal. I love historical stories and this was a new author to me and I will definately be adding her to my list of authors to watch for new releases.
This book was a wonderful read. Some very strong friendships enhance the story and you really feel for the characters. It makes you appreciate modern times- the whole workhouse idea sounds terrible in every book I've read. The people who found themselves on hard times could sign themselves into the workhouse- but few ever made it out again. They were separated from their children and had to work hard for a very bleak life.
Sally is a strong character but has reason to fear that her husband will seek her out- and you feel her tension throughout the book even when things seem to be looking up for her. I loved her neighbours- they were real salt of the earth characters.
Lots of secrets were being kept by various characters which are revealed along the way - in some cases bring more heartbreak in others explain troubled relationships.
You really experience the hardships with them- trying to eke out food, take in friends in need, even travel was an ordeal. I love historical stories and this was a new author to me and I will definately be adding her to my list of authors to watch for new releases.
November 23, 2020
I like all of emma's books , Nice read reads for a winters night. real page turners.
April 17, 2017
Joseph bought Sally from the workhouse and Sally had no choice but to marry him. Joseph is a coldhearted and aggressive man. He drinks too much and lets his wife starve, while giving her beating after beating. When one night Joseph goes too far Sally manages to escape. She doesn't want him to harm their baby and vouches to stay away from Joseph. She flees her home in Bolton and travels to Manchester to find her only living relative. Will Sally find protection and peace there or will Joseph discover where she is and come after her?
Sally finds a job in Manchester and for a while everything is going well. She doesn't have any permanent luck though, as Joseph is cunning and he's determined to make her pay for leaving him. Fortunately Sally isn't alone any longer. She has friends and family who are looking after her, but are they strong enough to protect her and save her from his evil clutches?
A Shilling for a Wife is an incredibly impressive story. Sally is a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She's generous, caring and kind. She shares whatever she has, even if that means she doesn't have anything left for herself. When she loves someone she does it with all her heart and she's an amazing friend. I immediately loved her and my heart ached for her because of everything she has to go through. Emma Hornby describes Sally's troubles in an honest and raw way that kept me on the edge of my seat. Joseph is a truly horrible man, but fortunately after leaving him Sally finally finds good people who care about her as well, which she very much deserves. She has such a sweet and selfless personality and I found that absolutely wonderful.
There's a big contrast between good and evil in A Shilling for a Wife and that made the story really interesting. I kept hoping Sally could get rid of Joseph somehow and couldn't wait to find out what would happen to her. I loved how gripping A Shilling for a Wife is. It was hard for me to read about Joseph's behavior, his violent and cruel nature literally made me sick. Emma Hornby describes him in such a realistic way that I felt genuinely scared. I loved this multilayered aspect of the story and her vivid descriptions are making the story come to life in a terrific, but also emotional and creepy way.
A Shilling for a Wife is a shocking story with a heartwarming romantic ending. Emma Hornby has a gorgeous compelling writing style and I loved how versatile her story is. There's plenty of depth, the characters are multidimensional and I liked the fast pace. I was surprised by most of the twists and turns and while some parts of the book are difficult to read due to Joseph's sadistic nature, I also couldn't stop reading because I was so intrigued. Every element of the story is exactly as it should be and the result is a fantastic strong story. A Shilling for A Wife is a brilliant novel, I highly recommend this moving book.
Sally finds a job in Manchester and for a while everything is going well. She doesn't have any permanent luck though, as Joseph is cunning and he's determined to make her pay for leaving him. Fortunately Sally isn't alone any longer. She has friends and family who are looking after her, but are they strong enough to protect her and save her from his evil clutches?
A Shilling for a Wife is an incredibly impressive story. Sally is a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She's generous, caring and kind. She shares whatever she has, even if that means she doesn't have anything left for herself. When she loves someone she does it with all her heart and she's an amazing friend. I immediately loved her and my heart ached for her because of everything she has to go through. Emma Hornby describes Sally's troubles in an honest and raw way that kept me on the edge of my seat. Joseph is a truly horrible man, but fortunately after leaving him Sally finally finds good people who care about her as well, which she very much deserves. She has such a sweet and selfless personality and I found that absolutely wonderful.
There's a big contrast between good and evil in A Shilling for a Wife and that made the story really interesting. I kept hoping Sally could get rid of Joseph somehow and couldn't wait to find out what would happen to her. I loved how gripping A Shilling for a Wife is. It was hard for me to read about Joseph's behavior, his violent and cruel nature literally made me sick. Emma Hornby describes him in such a realistic way that I felt genuinely scared. I loved this multilayered aspect of the story and her vivid descriptions are making the story come to life in a terrific, but also emotional and creepy way.
A Shilling for a Wife is a shocking story with a heartwarming romantic ending. Emma Hornby has a gorgeous compelling writing style and I loved how versatile her story is. There's plenty of depth, the characters are multidimensional and I liked the fast pace. I was surprised by most of the twists and turns and while some parts of the book are difficult to read due to Joseph's sadistic nature, I also couldn't stop reading because I was so intrigued. Every element of the story is exactly as it should be and the result is a fantastic strong story. A Shilling for A Wife is a brilliant novel, I highly recommend this moving book.
May 2, 2018
Good read
A good story - not keen on the "accent" content but obviously that was how they spoke. Nevertheless worth reading.
A good story - not keen on the "accent" content but obviously that was how they spoke. Nevertheless worth reading.
April 1, 2024
fantastic
A amazing story .Shall be buying more books from this author .Highly recommend..A story of survival and overcoming with a amazing ending .
A amazing story .Shall be buying more books from this author .Highly recommend..A story of survival and overcoming with a amazing ending .
November 12, 2016
i loved this read. a heartbreaking story of sally after been sold out of the workhouse for a shilling to a cruell twisted man joseph goden. after the birth of her son and thanks to friends she mananged to escape. lots of twists and heartache along the way and after finding family and love her life becomes complete. family saga readers will not be dissapointed with this first novel by this author
February 3, 2018
Cruel husband
From a cruel marriage , the young wife is rescued while giving birth, even then her disgusting husband still went after her, finding her, he deals her a terrible blow, all he wants is to torture her then kill her, but events don't go his way.
From a cruel marriage , the young wife is rescued while giving birth, even then her disgusting husband still went after her, finding her, he deals her a terrible blow, all he wants is to torture her then kill her, but events don't go his way.
September 13, 2023
I whipped through this book ... it was an easy and very entertaining read. The setting is the area around Manchester, England in the 1800s. The author is very good at keeping the anticipation up and the reader completely engaged. I didn't give this book a 5 because I would consider it "historical fiction light." There were no references to people or events of the time. It was more like a soapy kind of story set back in that time period. As typical, there is an abused woman, a horrible drunk abusive husband, a couple of murders, a new baby, a woman ahead of her time, and lots of action in the story. Sally is the protagonist, and she is "bought" by a man to be his wife from a workhouse. He beat her senselessly multiple times and treated her terribly until she finally had enough and escaped. That is just the beginning of the story!
July 15, 2017
This is the first book I have read of Emma Hornby and i have to admit i was pleasantly surprised. Although this story didn't wow me as such, it was a pleasant read and did bide my time. It had me reading from finish to start.
I have to admit her writing style is similar to Maggie Hope (my favourite historical romance author) and Dilly Court, but also the story's plot did remind me a bit of previous books I have read from Maggie Hope; but then again they were not identical (so who am i to complain).
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Maggie Hope and Dilly Court books.
I have to admit her writing style is similar to Maggie Hope (my favourite historical romance author) and Dilly Court, but also the story's plot did remind me a bit of previous books I have read from Maggie Hope; but then again they were not identical (so who am i to complain).
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Maggie Hope and Dilly Court books.
March 11, 2018
That were bloody brilliant
Loved every word of this book. Well written easy to read, even if you have very little knowledge of any Lancashire dialect. Just the right amount to drag you into the past. I was hooked from the first two pages. Can't wait to read further books by Emma Hornby. Story follows are Sally and evil basterd of a husband, And all the characters sally meets and helps, changing their lives for the better. If it isn't your usual genre of reading material give it a go you may be very surprised.
Loved every word of this book. Well written easy to read, even if you have very little knowledge of any Lancashire dialect. Just the right amount to drag you into the past. I was hooked from the first two pages. Can't wait to read further books by Emma Hornby. Story follows are Sally and evil basterd of a husband, And all the characters sally meets and helps, changing their lives for the better. If it isn't your usual genre of reading material give it a go you may be very surprised.
May 25, 2018
A good read
First time in reading this author's work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not my usual genre but I'm so glad I tried it anyway. Sally is such a loving, beautiful soul and married to Joseph who bought her from the workhouse for a shilling. What that poor girl goes through at his hands is shocking and hard to read at times, he's so evil. Her story is told in great detail, it's highs and lows make this a thoroughly enjoyable book to read. I would highly recommend this book to all.
First time in reading this author's work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not my usual genre but I'm so glad I tried it anyway. Sally is such a loving, beautiful soul and married to Joseph who bought her from the workhouse for a shilling. What that poor girl goes through at his hands is shocking and hard to read at times, he's so evil. Her story is told in great detail, it's highs and lows make this a thoroughly enjoyable book to read. I would highly recommend this book to all.
June 3, 2022
A bit of a bodice ripper but set in the poverty of Bolton and Manchester. Sally swan has a hellish marriage to Joseph who is a cruel bully and uses his fists against his wife. One day she runs away and what follows is Joseph’s bitter hatred to find his wife and make her suffer for his humiliation. But sally manages to fall on the right side, finds her family and after a series of adventures it all turns out happy and she ends up with the love of her life. I don’t really enjoy these stories but it was quite well written with a lot of coincidental events which I don’t like
August 1, 2017
This is another case of picking a random book of the library shelf and it proving to be a good read.
SO MUCH happens in this book. And what a wonderful read it was - full of heart-warming friendships, tough times, but even tougher people.
Sally was bought from a workhouse by Joseph, a cold, horrible heavy drinker with heavy fists. Eventually Sally escapes and through the help of her neighbours and distant family, manages to avoid Joseph, if only narrowly at times.
SO MUCH happens in this book. And what a wonderful read it was - full of heart-warming friendships, tough times, but even tougher people.
Sally was bought from a workhouse by Joseph, a cold, horrible heavy drinker with heavy fists. Eventually Sally escapes and through the help of her neighbours and distant family, manages to avoid Joseph, if only narrowly at times.
June 5, 2017
Wow what a great book, this is a debut book by Emma Hornby and she has got it spot on, this book is full of everything, love, hatred, sadness and joy and most of all bucket loads of Northern grit. I didn't want this book to end and she is definitely an author to look out for and read, read, read. Absolutely loved it 5*.
September 6, 2017
Enjoyed it very much, all the more because I was brought up not too far from Bolton, so the dialect was familiar from my childhood. A good read about poor folks and their tribulations, well written (with good grammar which is sadly often not the case) and engaging. Would definitely read more from this author.
Review of an advance copy from the publisher.
Review of an advance copy from the publisher.
August 26, 2018
Brilliant
I loved this book as it kept me gripped from beginning to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance but with a thrilling story line and even some horror. I was sorry to finish this book as it was so interesting I looked forward to sitting down at night and picking up were I,d left off.
I loved this book as it kept me gripped from beginning to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance but with a thrilling story line and even some horror. I was sorry to finish this book as it was so interesting I looked forward to sitting down at night and picking up were I,d left off.
August 5, 2020
Took a while for me to engage with the story as there was far too many characters at the begining and none of whom I could connect with
However I'm so glad I held on and kept page turning as the tale that unravelled I would never have guessed it to play out the way it did!
Such a strong tale and that of a bond between a mother and her child!
However I'm so glad I held on and kept page turning as the tale that unravelled I would never have guessed it to play out the way it did!
Such a strong tale and that of a bond between a mother and her child!
April 17, 2024
This was a good book. Set in the 19th century it gives insight into the workhouse and plight of vulnerable women. The book has strong characters such as Tommy, Con, Ivy, Grace, Sally and so on. I found it predictable at times. Like it wasn’t too difficult to guess why Rose and Grace fell out. Some parts were surprising. Overall enjoyable read.
January 22, 2018
Story of turmoil and heartache
Sally is having to endure a life with a horrible husband. This story sees domestic violence murder and love triangles yet Sally braves on through it all. Fantastic book.
Sally is having to endure a life with a horrible husband. This story sees domestic violence murder and love triangles yet Sally braves on through it all. Fantastic book.
April 29, 2018
Historical tearjerker
Great book beautifully written full of empathy for the heroine. Intriguing story laced with just enough historical content. Held my interest with the many twists in the tale right up to the end. Sorry when I had turned the last page.
Great book beautifully written full of empathy for the heroine. Intriguing story laced with just enough historical content. Held my interest with the many twists in the tale right up to the end. Sorry when I had turned the last page.
August 19, 2018
Lovely read
I loved this book it’s twists, surprises, sadness and happiness all intermingled into a riveting story. Written so well it gave a true insight to all the places visited and the people involved.
I didn’t want to stop reading and eagerly awaited the outcome.
I loved this book it’s twists, surprises, sadness and happiness all intermingled into a riveting story. Written so well it gave a true insight to all the places visited and the people involved.
I didn’t want to stop reading and eagerly awaited the outcome.
August 21, 2018
Highly enjoyable
Nicely written book, characters very engaging and plot thoroughly enjoyed.
Once again a feel good read by Emma with a happy ending that warmed the heart.
Both Emma’s books very enjoyable waiting for her third
Nicely written book, characters very engaging and plot thoroughly enjoyed.
Once again a feel good read by Emma with a happy ending that warmed the heart.
Both Emma’s books very enjoyable waiting for her third
September 11, 2018
Good story telling had me feeling i was there
A well told story that was gripping .really enjoyed the way it drew you in .first book i have read by this author but it won't be the last.looking forward to reading another .
A well told story that was gripping .really enjoyed the way it drew you in .first book i have read by this author but it won't be the last.looking forward to reading another .
August 11, 2019
This is the second book by Emma Hornby that I have read. The reason I have given it a 4 star and not 5 is I enjoyed Manchester Moll better, I thought there was more of a story to it. That is not to say that this is not a page turner, it is and well worth reading.
May 22, 2021
First time reading a book like this. It's obviously a popular genre, but I am not sure how I feel about it. Liked the drama, but it all felt cliche and dragged out. I have some more novels by Hornby, so I'll see how I fare. Glad I'm trying out different genres, though.
May 18, 2017
Brilliant
So many twists and turns that keep you guessing and being from breightmet the places are familiar to me. Brilliant book
So many twists and turns that keep you guessing and being from breightmet the places are familiar to me. Brilliant book
May 24, 2017
Not bad, but the characters were a bit flat and unbelievable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews