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East End Daughters #2
A Daughter’s Choice
Heartache and hardship in London’s East End, from the bestselling author of The Orphans of Halfpenny Street
Kathy Cole, is a determined young woman. She refuses to stay at home with her bitter, drunken father and is instead determined to do her bit for the men in the Great War by training to be a nurse.
While in training, she meets up with a face from the past – Tom O’Rourke – now a doctor with many responsibilities. He doesn't initially take much notice of the young, innocent Kathy and she knows it’s wrong to think of Tom as anything other than a friend, especially as she's promised to Billy Ryan back home in the East End.
However, Kathy and Tom find themselves thrown together and, like so many other young couples during the war, they become closer than they should. But when the war is finally over, Kathy makes a life-changing decision about her future, believing it to be the only possible solution…with disastrous effects.
Kathy Cole, is a determined young woman. She refuses to stay at home with her bitter, drunken father and is instead determined to do her bit for the men in the Great War by training to be a nurse.
While in training, she meets up with a face from the past – Tom O’Rourke – now a doctor with many responsibilities. He doesn't initially take much notice of the young, innocent Kathy and she knows it’s wrong to think of Tom as anything other than a friend, especially as she's promised to Billy Ryan back home in the East End.
However, Kathy and Tom find themselves thrown together and, like so many other young couples during the war, they become closer than they should. But when the war is finally over, Kathy makes a life-changing decision about her future, believing it to be the only possible solution…with disastrous effects.
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2020
47 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Sharp
29 books43 followersCathy Sharp is happily married and lives with her husband in a small Cambridgeshire village. They like visiting Spain together and enjoy the benefits of sunshine and pleasant walks, while at home they love their garden and visiting the Norfolk seaside.
Cathy loves writing because it gives pleasure to others, she finds writing an extension of herself and it gives her great satisfaction. Cathy says, 'There is nothing like seeing your book in print, because so much loving care has been given to bringing that book into being.'
Cathy loves writing because it gives pleasure to others, she finds writing an extension of herself and it gives her great satisfaction. Cathy says, 'There is nothing like seeing your book in print, because so much loving care has been given to bringing that book into being.'
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 30, 2019
I enjoyed reading this story, it was an easy read, jam packed with interest and secrets. I immediately felt drawn to Kathy, although a times I felt frustrated with her for her bad choices. Unfortunately, I have read these books in the wrong order, it didn't matter but perhaps in the future I'll go back and read them again in order. I love Cathy Sharp' s easy way with writing, she has the power to draw you into a story.
June 30, 2021
Nice and easy to get me back into reading again 👌
July 16, 2025
I must say that I enjoyed the first novel in this series more than this one. It did give an honest representation of life during this era which was so difficult for women and children to have to survive in. She certainly made a lot of bad life choices....she always turned left at the cross road when she should have turned right. I started to get bored with everyone taking advantage of her and her just taking it. I do understand that was the mentality of females and society at the time, thankfully I wasn't born then. If I heard her beg or say "please don't tell", "I hope he doesn't tell" one more time I was ready to slam the book shut and walk away. I just received the 3rd book in this series and will give it a chance.
July 1, 2020
I picked up this book at a sale. First of all it doesn't say on it that it's the second of a series. Good thing a previous reviewer mentionned that the order makes barely any difference; otherwise it would have been a dust collector.
This book is weird. It is a mix of historical fiction and a bad soap opera. There is always something happening; way to quickly. One line Kathy is somewhere, the next she is beaten somewhere else. It should have been better devided.
Also, it is a british book with british 'dialect". I struggled with the "accent" for a while. Weirdly a 2 year old (in the book) speaks very well with full sentences and correct grammar.
Overall, It was ok
This book is weird. It is a mix of historical fiction and a bad soap opera. There is always something happening; way to quickly. One line Kathy is somewhere, the next she is beaten somewhere else. It should have been better devided.
Also, it is a british book with british 'dialect". I struggled with the "accent" for a while. Weirdly a 2 year old (in the book) speaks very well with full sentences and correct grammar.
Overall, It was ok
January 6, 2025
This book is a delightful read for fans of historical fiction. It wonderfully captures Kathy's journey through the lanes and presents her story with a vibrant pace, weaving a complex narrative of lies and marriage. I found myself wholeheartedly supporting Kathy as she sought to fulfill her desires. The writing is thoughtfully crafted, with a lovely tone that reflects the East End of London during The Great War. One aspect I felt could have been improved was the pacing of the final chapter, which seemed to rush through the conclusion of the story. Overall, however, it remains an engaging read.
June 8, 2020
Cathy Sharp’s book “A daughter’s choice” had so many great and unexpected twists. I was saddened by some of the choices made by the main character Kathy, but it also made me realize that during that time period they didn’t always have a choice. 10/10!
September 1, 2019
A brilliant book by Cathy Sharp.
May 27, 2020
Enjoyed this book.
January 23, 2021
Loved this book from start to finish, gripping story with unexpected twists. A short but sweet book.
March 8, 2022
Loved this book by Cathy Sharp. Couldn't put it down because I was gripped by every page in the story!
September 24, 2022
Wonderful read.
November 1, 2022
Good reading heartaches and sadness
June 10, 2023
Sorry Goodreads people! Not a five star read for me. Although not a bad story and an easy read I thought the writing was rather weak. Give me a Catherine Cookson book any day!
February 28, 2024
As always, a great follow on from the first read of the series. Looking forward to seeing how the series ends!
May 8, 2025
beautiful story
August 19, 2025
Was hoping for the nursing experience during WWI instead an unbelievable romance.
October 26, 2020
A highly enjoyable read for the historical fiction lovers.
This book is fabulous and tells the story of Kathy's life in the lanes beautifully. The story moves quickly, in a spiral of lies and marriage. I found myself rooting for Kathy to do what she always wanted to do.
I think this books is creatively written and has a wonderful register that is closely linked to the East End of London during The Great War.
The only part of the book which I didnt enjoy was how true last chapter rushed through everything that happened. But personally, I believe the positives outweigh the negatives. 5 stars!
This book is fabulous and tells the story of Kathy's life in the lanes beautifully. The story moves quickly, in a spiral of lies and marriage. I found myself rooting for Kathy to do what she always wanted to do.
I think this books is creatively written and has a wonderful register that is closely linked to the East End of London during The Great War.
The only part of the book which I didnt enjoy was how true last chapter rushed through everything that happened. But personally, I believe the positives outweigh the negatives. 5 stars!
January 7, 2024
Was not what I expected. It’s fast paced at times but still has twists and turns
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews