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Margaret of Milton #1
Common Ground: A North and South Continuation
John and Margaret are engaged, but they still have challenges to face. Can Hannah ever accept Margaret as her son's wife? How will Margaret's investment affect John's business? Is Watson's investment scheme as profitable as it first appears? What will a future together look like between two people from such different backgrounds? Follow John and Margaret through their engagement and into their marriage in this charming North and South continuation.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2016
68 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Owen
11 books48 followersElaine Owen was born in Seattle, Washington and was a precocious reader from a young age. She read Pride and Prejudice for the first time in ninth grade, causing speechless delight for her English teacher when she used it for an oral book report. She practiced writing in various forms throughout her teen years, writing stories with her friends and being chief editor of the high school yearbook. She moved to Delaware when she married.
In 1996 she won a one year contract to write guest editorials in the Sunday edition of The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, and she continued her writing habit in political discussion groups and occasional forays into fiction.
In 2014 she began to write Pride and Prejudice fan fiction and decided to publish her works herself to see if she might possibly sell a few copies. Thousands of books later, the results have been beyond her wildest hopes, and she plans to continue writing fiction for the foreseeable future.
When she's not writing her next great novel, Elaine relaxes by working full time, raising two children with special needs, and earning a third degree black belt in karate. She can be contacted at elaineowen1@lycos.com. Look for her on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ElaineOwenAu...
In 1996 she won a one year contract to write guest editorials in the Sunday edition of The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, and she continued her writing habit in political discussion groups and occasional forays into fiction.
In 2014 she began to write Pride and Prejudice fan fiction and decided to publish her works herself to see if she might possibly sell a few copies. Thousands of books later, the results have been beyond her wildest hopes, and she plans to continue writing fiction for the foreseeable future.
When she's not writing her next great novel, Elaine relaxes by working full time, raising two children with special needs, and earning a third degree black belt in karate. She can be contacted at elaineowen1@lycos.com. Look for her on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ElaineOwenAu...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 2, 2020
A surprisingly good continuation of North and South by Elisabeth Gaskell.
June 4, 2016
Nice sequel to mini series(which I loved).
October 9, 2024
Status: Read January 27-29, 2017
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
Common Ground: A North and South Continuation (Margaret of Milton, #1)
by Elaine Owen
Kindle Edition, First Edition, 153 pages
Published April 18, 2016
ASIN: B01EHT4N98
Original Title: On The Northbound Train
[ kindle unlimited ]
After the train platform . . . after the kiss . . . .
John and Margaret are engaged, but they still have challenges to face. Can Hannah ever accept Margaret as her son's wife? How will Margaret's investment affect John's business? Is Watson's investment scheme as profitable as it first appears? What will a future together look like between two people from such different backgrounds? Follow John and Margaret through their engagement and into their marriage in this charming North and South continuation.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
Common Ground: A North and South Continuation (Margaret of Milton, #1)
by Elaine Owen
Kindle Edition, First Edition, 153 pages
Published April 18, 2016
ASIN: B01EHT4N98
Original Title: On The Northbound Train
[ kindle unlimited ]
After the train platform . . . after the kiss . . . .
John and Margaret are engaged, but they still have challenges to face. Can Hannah ever accept Margaret as her son's wife? How will Margaret's investment affect John's business? Is Watson's investment scheme as profitable as it first appears? What will a future together look like between two people from such different backgrounds? Follow John and Margaret through their engagement and into their marriage in this charming North and South continuation.
October 3, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
This is a sequel based on the ending of the movie with the couple meeting on the train station platform and becoming engaged. Margaret travels home with John and dwells with him and his mother instead of finding a hotel room.
This story is more about the financial situation of not only John as his mill is closed but also that of his sister's husband, Watson, and the 9 day wonder/success of his speculation. In this tale that speculation is investing in a rebellion in South America, investing money in weapons, etc. with a promise of grand returns as the rebel leader takes over. When Watson learns of this venture failing the whole of Milton is threatened with ruin: Watson's investors will face ruin and the employees of those additional mills are sure to have a response to losing jobs and income.
We read of John's stubborn insistence that he be the sole provider in their marriage and then his realization that his refusal to invest in his brother's-in-law speculation is seen as a slap in the face with some retaliation coming to bear. So does family stand together and does Margaret's inheritance have any use in solving John's, and even Milton's, business future.
The story goes on into the future and sees John's (and Margaret's) reputation bearing success in new ventures. We do read of the relationships with both Hannah Thornton and the Watsons changing as the value of ODC becomes recognized by more than just family and close friends, i.e., Higgins.
I was a little disturbed to read of the use of gas during a birthing event...knowing what we know about its dangers...but all was well in the end.
This is a sequel based on the ending of the movie with the couple meeting on the train station platform and becoming engaged. Margaret travels home with John and dwells with him and his mother instead of finding a hotel room.
This story is more about the financial situation of not only John as his mill is closed but also that of his sister's husband, Watson, and the 9 day wonder/success of his speculation. In this tale that speculation is investing in a rebellion in South America, investing money in weapons, etc. with a promise of grand returns as the rebel leader takes over. When Watson learns of this venture failing the whole of Milton is threatened with ruin: Watson's investors will face ruin and the employees of those additional mills are sure to have a response to losing jobs and income.
We read of John's stubborn insistence that he be the sole provider in their marriage and then his realization that his refusal to invest in his brother's-in-law speculation is seen as a slap in the face with some retaliation coming to bear. So does family stand together and does Margaret's inheritance have any use in solving John's, and even Milton's, business future.
The story goes on into the future and sees John's (and Margaret's) reputation bearing success in new ventures. We do read of the relationships with both Hannah Thornton and the Watsons changing as the value of ODC becomes recognized by more than just family and close friends, i.e., Higgins.
I was a little disturbed to read of the use of gas during a birthing event...knowing what we know about its dangers...but all was well in the end.
July 24, 2021
Beautiful ending to a story I loved. John and Margaret Thornton will live forever in my memory as one of my favorite couples. Even as I missed more tender scenes between them, the novel emphasizes Margaret's determined character, the unconditional love that exists between them, and the surrender of the righteous John to his beloved wife.
August 24, 2021
Short but incredibly enjoyable. The main plot revolved around the pitfalls of speculation, and trying to find business solutions that helped both industry and the workers. In this, it was very much a continuation of the original book. It was a shame that this was not explored from working class characters' POVs as this would have made it more like North and South. That said, the inclusion of social (and financial) issues made this book feel more true to the original book.
The characters' voices were well-written too. No southern English characters endlessly saying, "Ah, lass", or "what a bonnie wee bairn" which is one of my pet peeves.
The rating's 4/5 because I would have loved the story to be longer, with extra chapters exploring the workers' POV as mentioned above. It would also have been nice to have a few chapters set in London (poking fun at the foibles of old money and their world) and expanding to show the change in how Margaret's family interacts with Thornton. Overall, I loved it though!
The characters' voices were well-written too. No southern English characters endlessly saying, "Ah, lass", or "what a bonnie wee bairn" which is one of my pet peeves.
The rating's 4/5 because I would have loved the story to be longer, with extra chapters exploring the workers' POV as mentioned above. It would also have been nice to have a few chapters set in London (poking fun at the foibles of old money and their world) and expanding to show the change in how Margaret's family interacts with Thornton. Overall, I loved it though!
April 12, 2020
For the love of John and Margaret
At least once a year or two, I do a reread of North and South. I love the story of John and Margaret. I happened upon this modern continuation of their story, which I found to be well thought out, and well written. My only complaint is that the author played off of the movie instead of the circumstances in the book. But, I really enjoyed it and would recommend this to North and South fan who wants to read what happened after they finally got together.
At least once a year or two, I do a reread of North and South. I love the story of John and Margaret. I happened upon this modern continuation of their story, which I found to be well thought out, and well written. My only complaint is that the author played off of the movie instead of the circumstances in the book. But, I really enjoyed it and would recommend this to North and South fan who wants to read what happened after they finally got together.
November 23, 2020
This is a relatively short extension of N&S that starts at the end of the 2004 miniseries with Margaret and John meeting and reconnecting on a train platform. The two marry and have to work together to save Milton.
There is a pretty extensive plot here beyond the couple, so the HEA really takes a backseat to the drama of the plot. Readers looking for more interactions with the couple may be disappointed, but it is a nice story with M & J solving problems together. I enjoyed it.
There is a pretty extensive plot here beyond the couple, so the HEA really takes a backseat to the drama of the plot. Readers looking for more interactions with the couple may be disappointed, but it is a nice story with M & J solving problems together. I enjoyed it.
September 30, 2018
Not one of thr best sequals
I read anything about N&S but I found this book lacked authenticity of characters. Margaret was too submissive, Hannah too ready to make amends. None of them stayed really true to the original characters. The writing is ok but essentially it's a happy ever after story with a tiny bit of angst.
I read anything about N&S but I found this book lacked authenticity of characters. Margaret was too submissive, Hannah too ready to make amends. None of them stayed really true to the original characters. The writing is ok but essentially it's a happy ever after story with a tiny bit of angst.
April 25, 2025
Fanfic sequel to North & South. It had potential but he seemed manipulative. He should have had the confidence to face her cousin/husband (I think that's who it was, it's been too long since I read this, I can't remember) and get their approval instead of pressuring her to get married before the couple arrived.
September 3, 2017
Very satisfying conclusion...
...to North and South. Highly enjoyable read. I loved getting to follow John and Margaret after the most romantic ending I've ever seen in a film or miniseries.
...to North and South. Highly enjoyable read. I loved getting to follow John and Margaret after the most romantic ending I've ever seen in a film or miniseries.
August 12, 2019
After watching the miniseries, I was interested to read some continuation stories but this one missed the mark for me. I enjoyed some of the scenes between Margaret and John but the overall plot seemed underdeveloped. I would have liked more fully developed scenes of their marriage versus outside drama taking up so much of the story.
February 18, 2020
Was a quick easy read, well written story but not great as a follow on from north and south. The story is to fast paced and the characters especially Mrs Thornton do not reflect the characters in the book. Is enjoyable to read just not brilliant
August 24, 2020
I love North and South, and this was a sweet adaptation that continued the story. While I always thought it would have continued in a different direction, Owen had done a terrific job writing her vision.
May 25, 2021
Enjoyed it
A charming, heartwarming continuation.Alas, the ending felt a little rushed and authors superb writing weakened near the stories finish but overall a very satisfying, enjoyable read.
A charming, heartwarming continuation.Alas, the ending felt a little rushed and authors superb writing weakened near the stories finish but overall a very satisfying, enjoyable read.
May 26, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Interesting story line where Margaret has a very powerful and active role in saving the town of Milton from utter ruin due to Watson’s scheme. Made for a rather unique and different story line. If it wasn’t for this (plus a nice epilogue) I would have given 3 stars.
Interesting story line where Margaret has a very powerful and active role in saving the town of Milton from utter ruin due to Watson’s scheme. Made for a rather unique and different story line. If it wasn’t for this (plus a nice epilogue) I would have given 3 stars.
November 10, 2024
Lovely retelling of Norrh and South
While this book did no exactly stay faithful to the BBC production, it is a good read. You will appreciate the character development of Margaret and John. Wonderful happy ever after.
While this book did no exactly stay faithful to the BBC production, it is a good read. You will appreciate the character development of Margaret and John. Wonderful happy ever after.
November 15, 2017
A delightful read
I had just finished watching North and South, the movie, when I came across this book. It was a wonderful continuation of Thornton and Margaret's story!!
I had just finished watching North and South, the movie, when I came across this book. It was a wonderful continuation of Thornton and Margaret's story!!
December 4, 2017
This was such a splendid continuation. Ideal for those that wants to know what happens after the train. Perfection!
August 9, 2019
Wonderful story
I greatly enjoyed this continuation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North & South. I loved the developing relationship of John & Margaret.
I greatly enjoyed this continuation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North & South. I loved the developing relationship of John & Margaret.
Read
August 4, 2020I thought this book was great-It picked up right where the movie left off and completed the story for Margaret & John.
February 25, 2017
An interesting continuation
I enjoyed this continuation of the North & South story; however, it was too short and lacked details. That being said, it was an enjoyable quick read.
I enjoyed this continuation of the North & South story; however, it was too short and lacked details. That being said, it was an enjoyable quick read.
September 10, 2016
A very pleasing continuation of Margaret and John's story
This was a well written story. It was a satisfying conclusion to a great story. The original storyline left you wanting to know what next.
This was a well written story. It was a satisfying conclusion to a great story. The original storyline left you wanting to know what next.
March 22, 2020
The plot is interesting, and very much in line with the original characters. But I miss the depth in the intellectual conversations over religion and social issues you can find in the original North and South.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews