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Ellindale Saga #1
One Quiet Woman
'One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read! 5 STARS' - Between the PagesLancashire, 1930.Leah Turner's father has been killed in an accident at the laundry, and since her mother died years ago it falls to her to become sole provider for her little sister. But women's wages are half those of men and pawning the few belongings she has left will only keep their vicious rent collector at bay for a few weeks, so even if she finds a job, they'll lose their home.Out of the blue Charlie Willcox, the local pawnbroker, offers her a deal. His brother Jonah, an invalid since being gassed in the Great War, needs a wife. Charlie thinks Leah would be perfect for the job.The idea of a marriage of convenience doesn't please Leah, but she finds Jonah agreeable enough and moving with him to the pretty hamlet of Ellindale may be the only chance of a better life for her sister.But other people have plans for the remote Pennine valley, and the two sisters find themselves facing danger in their new life with Jonah. Can the three of them ever look to a brighter future?Further praise for ONE QUIET WOMAN'A book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. 5 STARS' - Stardust Book Reviews'I was gripped from the very first word on the very first page and I wasn't released until the last word on the last page . . . When I finished I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer. 5 STARS' - Ginger Book Geek'Yet another brilliant book' - 5-star reader review
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2017
326 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
231 books511 followersAnna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 9, 2017
I have to admit, I haven’t read a family saga novel for a long time; many years ago, they were my staple diet, alongside historical novels. So, when I was asked if I would like to review “One Quiet Woman” by Anna Jacobs for a blog tour, I wondered if I would enjoy this genre again.
This novel, the first in a new saga by this author, is set in the 1930s in Lancashire, so I suppose it would fall into the historical genre as well. Anna Jacobs had obviously researched this between the wars era thoroughly and the poverty and despair that were prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the north, are well depicted. Many families had to make do with very little food and men, unable to find work locally, would “go on the tramp”.
This is the back drop to the story of Leah Turner, the “Quiet Woman” of the title and her arranged marriage to Jonah Willcox. These two likeable characters make many plans for their life together in the small village of Ellindale and I look forward to finding out how many come to fruition in future installments of the saga.
I have to say that I did enjoy this book. The opening chapter drew me in at once and there were enough twists and turns in the plot to keep me interested. All in all, a pleasant, undemanding way to spend several hours of reading time.
This novel, the first in a new saga by this author, is set in the 1930s in Lancashire, so I suppose it would fall into the historical genre as well. Anna Jacobs had obviously researched this between the wars era thoroughly and the poverty and despair that were prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the north, are well depicted. Many families had to make do with very little food and men, unable to find work locally, would “go on the tramp”.
This is the back drop to the story of Leah Turner, the “Quiet Woman” of the title and her arranged marriage to Jonah Willcox. These two likeable characters make many plans for their life together in the small village of Ellindale and I look forward to finding out how many come to fruition in future installments of the saga.
I have to say that I did enjoy this book. The opening chapter drew me in at once and there were enough twists and turns in the plot to keep me interested. All in all, a pleasant, undemanding way to spend several hours of reading time.
July 14, 2018
Love a good saga series and Anna Jacobs does this very well.
January 19, 2019
I was told about this series by a friend who had discovered it by accident. As I like these types of books I decided to give it a go. I am really glad that I did. This was a wonderful story and the characters were well developed. It was a lovely easy read and I will be reading the rest of the series...
September 5, 2017
I first came across Anna Jacobs's books quite by chance whilst looking for a good read amongst the books in my local library 6 years ago. This is the third Anna Jacobs novel I have read after Cherry Tree Lane (Wiltshire Girls #1) (which was the library book) and An Independent Woman, which was an ARC.
The story of One Quiet Woman takes place in the northern village of Birch End where 22-year-old Leah lives with her younger sister, Rosa, who is only 10 but very chatty and mature for her age.
Their parents died and she's all her sister has. They don't have much, and struggle to make ends meet like so many people in this story set after world war 1. This is made worse in their case by problems paying the rent where they are living not helped by a nasty rude landlord, and so they are forced to look for somewhere else.
Charlie's brother Jonah was gassed in the war and has breathing problems. Charlie is going to marry soon and so Jonah has to move out so Charlie and his wife can live in the house. With his health condition, Jonah needs some care and Charlie mentions this to Leah, who at first is reluctant as she already has to do all the chores in their current home plus be there for her sister. She's the kind of person who loves helping people but is torn between loyalties: does she work at the laundry firm where she has worked for a long time and which was where her father was working when he died, or does she take up Chalie's offer?
The decision becomes easier when she loses her job and, buoyed on by the hope of a better quality of life for Rosa and herself, she accepts. There's another condition tied to Charlie's offer: he thinks Jonah will be better off married as he fears he may feel alone and not be able to manage without his brother's help. Leah is against marrying for convenience, but she sees that if she goes ahead, they will all benefit from the situation in their own way, so she accepts the offer as she dreams of a better life for her and Rosa.
After a small ceremony which is more extravagence than she and Rosa have ever been used to, she and her sister move to Ellindale, a town on the Moors, but will their lives change for the better? I loved Leah and Rosa's joy at having dresses for the wedding and new clothes in general. The sense of excitement and anticipation during the wedding preparations is really lovely and touching to see. It got me excited too!
This book is full of a sense of sheer gratitude for life and the small things, both on Leah's and Rosa's part for the new luxuries and comfort in life they experience because of Charlie's offer, and the fact their lives are made richer by Jonah's company, as his is by theirs.
It is a book of contrasts. We see Leah and Rosa's humble home at the beginning of the book, and hear of economic difficulties, not just theirs but those of the population in general at this particular time in history. There's hardship generally, not helped by "means testing," which resulted in many people having their belongings taken away and having to resort to desperate measures to get money to live off (for example pawning any objects of value they may have).
Some parts and themes of the book are quite sad, but are nonetheless the reality of the time and place in which the book is set (1930's Lancashire and some parts of Yorkshire). There are many references to the "north/ south divide" in the UK, in which poverty was rife in the north, with people from the south (or "southeners" as people in the north called them, and still do today) enjoying more feeedom and a lot less hardship.
As a geographer with a degree in Human Geography, the "how people lived and how they changed society" years ago really does fascinate me, and I was drawn into how hard people worked to make a living any way they could. References to tourism interest and traveling in the north by people from the south and the rise of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) in England was interesting, too.
What really touched me about One Quiet Woman, though, were the characters. Every single one was so vivid and had something special to offer the story. Leah is caring and forward-thinking as well as ambitious and passionate with a huge drive to help those less fortunate than herself.
Rosa has the enthusiasm of a 10 year old to want to discover new things and an eagerness to be treated as a person older than her years but we see she still has the vulnerability of a person her age and there are some "pre-teen" moments, but I put those down to everything she's already been through in her short life.
Jonah is caring and does everything he can to make people feel at ease with his lavish offers and conversation. Even Ben was a character I liked, as he showed his gratitude to Leah and the others during his stay with them.
All in all, One Quiet Woman was a hugely enjoyable page-turner for me which I never wanted to end, and which I loved so much I'll have to give 5 stars.
Thanks to Anna Jacobs and her publisher for this ARC. Anna Jacobs is my favorite historical fiction writer and my goal is to read all her books. Every one I have read so far has made a huge impression on me. Although full of complex historical and social issues, her books make for very easy reading and always completely absorb me in their words.
One Quiet Woman is no exception to this rule. Don't forget to have the tissues ready. It's an emotional read. I felt I was there with the characters. Anna Jacobs has a real talent for showing hardship and joy but most of all for representing parts of northern England in her writing so accurately. As someone who was born and bred in the south of England but who has family and friends from the north, I'd say no other author does this better than Anna Jacobs.
Highly recommend this book! Very pleased to be able to participate in the blog tour for this title.
The story of One Quiet Woman takes place in the northern village of Birch End where 22-year-old Leah lives with her younger sister, Rosa, who is only 10 but very chatty and mature for her age.
Their parents died and she's all her sister has. They don't have much, and struggle to make ends meet like so many people in this story set after world war 1. This is made worse in their case by problems paying the rent where they are living not helped by a nasty rude landlord, and so they are forced to look for somewhere else.
Charlie's brother Jonah was gassed in the war and has breathing problems. Charlie is going to marry soon and so Jonah has to move out so Charlie and his wife can live in the house. With his health condition, Jonah needs some care and Charlie mentions this to Leah, who at first is reluctant as she already has to do all the chores in their current home plus be there for her sister. She's the kind of person who loves helping people but is torn between loyalties: does she work at the laundry firm where she has worked for a long time and which was where her father was working when he died, or does she take up Chalie's offer?
The decision becomes easier when she loses her job and, buoyed on by the hope of a better quality of life for Rosa and herself, she accepts. There's another condition tied to Charlie's offer: he thinks Jonah will be better off married as he fears he may feel alone and not be able to manage without his brother's help. Leah is against marrying for convenience, but she sees that if she goes ahead, they will all benefit from the situation in their own way, so she accepts the offer as she dreams of a better life for her and Rosa.
After a small ceremony which is more extravagence than she and Rosa have ever been used to, she and her sister move to Ellindale, a town on the Moors, but will their lives change for the better? I loved Leah and Rosa's joy at having dresses for the wedding and new clothes in general. The sense of excitement and anticipation during the wedding preparations is really lovely and touching to see. It got me excited too!
This book is full of a sense of sheer gratitude for life and the small things, both on Leah's and Rosa's part for the new luxuries and comfort in life they experience because of Charlie's offer, and the fact their lives are made richer by Jonah's company, as his is by theirs.
It is a book of contrasts. We see Leah and Rosa's humble home at the beginning of the book, and hear of economic difficulties, not just theirs but those of the population in general at this particular time in history. There's hardship generally, not helped by "means testing," which resulted in many people having their belongings taken away and having to resort to desperate measures to get money to live off (for example pawning any objects of value they may have).
Some parts and themes of the book are quite sad, but are nonetheless the reality of the time and place in which the book is set (1930's Lancashire and some parts of Yorkshire). There are many references to the "north/ south divide" in the UK, in which poverty was rife in the north, with people from the south (or "southeners" as people in the north called them, and still do today) enjoying more feeedom and a lot less hardship.
As a geographer with a degree in Human Geography, the "how people lived and how they changed society" years ago really does fascinate me, and I was drawn into how hard people worked to make a living any way they could. References to tourism interest and traveling in the north by people from the south and the rise of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) in England was interesting, too.
What really touched me about One Quiet Woman, though, were the characters. Every single one was so vivid and had something special to offer the story. Leah is caring and forward-thinking as well as ambitious and passionate with a huge drive to help those less fortunate than herself.
Rosa has the enthusiasm of a 10 year old to want to discover new things and an eagerness to be treated as a person older than her years but we see she still has the vulnerability of a person her age and there are some "pre-teen" moments, but I put those down to everything she's already been through in her short life.
Jonah is caring and does everything he can to make people feel at ease with his lavish offers and conversation. Even Ben was a character I liked, as he showed his gratitude to Leah and the others during his stay with them.
All in all, One Quiet Woman was a hugely enjoyable page-turner for me which I never wanted to end, and which I loved so much I'll have to give 5 stars.
Thanks to Anna Jacobs and her publisher for this ARC. Anna Jacobs is my favorite historical fiction writer and my goal is to read all her books. Every one I have read so far has made a huge impression on me. Although full of complex historical and social issues, her books make for very easy reading and always completely absorb me in their words.
One Quiet Woman is no exception to this rule. Don't forget to have the tissues ready. It's an emotional read. I felt I was there with the characters. Anna Jacobs has a real talent for showing hardship and joy but most of all for representing parts of northern England in her writing so accurately. As someone who was born and bred in the south of England but who has family and friends from the north, I'd say no other author does this better than Anna Jacobs.
Highly recommend this book! Very pleased to be able to participate in the blog tour for this title.
November 17, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers, Hodder & Stoughton for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’m ashamed to admit that this is my first Anna Jacobs book! I work in a library, and the shelves are full of her books, but I’ve never read them! This book seemed like a good place to start. It is the first book in a new series based in the 1930’s in Ellindale, Lancashire.
Leah is left looking after her younger sister Rosa after her father dies in an accident whilst working in the local laundry business. Her mother died several years before, so it’s down to Leah to raise Rosa and to bring home the money to be able to keep a roof over their heads. The owner of the laundry feels bad for Leah as the accident happened at his business and vows that he will give her a job and make sure that she is not put out on the streets, but his wife is the landlord of the house that Leah lives in and plans to evict Leah and Rosa as they do not have the rent money.
Leah gets a visit from Charlie Willcox, the local pawnbroker. His brother Jonah is disabled due to being gassed in the war and Charlie is looking for a wife to look after him and feels that Leah would be perfect. After Jonah and Leah meet and enjoy each other’s company, they agree to get married and move to Jonah’s cottage in the tiny village of Ellindale. Leah settles into married life, comfortable in the knowledge that Jonah is wealthy enough to support them all. One night though, some men from a local rough family take Rosa and try to assault her. Leah and Jonah rally help from the local people in the village to help protect them from this danger.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Like I said, I’ve never read an Anna Jacobs book before, and I’m not sure what I expected but it certainly wasn’t this. This was a book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. Set in the times before the Second World War but as the country was still feeling the after effects of the First World War, you realise the hardships that people still had to make. Leah was left on her own, a young woman with an even younger sister to bring up with no government help and obviously facing the difference in wages between men and women that they experienced in those time. Thankfully, finding Jonah, Leah was able to have a comfortable life, financially, but all this money couldn’t buy the safety they needed when there were no telephone lines in the village and no electricity. Things that we take for granted now were a luxury then. I also liked the way, if like is the right word, that references are dropped into conversations about how another war is unlikely and the First World War was the war to end all wars, almost to the point of being blissfully ignorant that it could happen again….if only they knew what was to happen to them and the country over the forthcoming years.
As the book is being marketed as part of a series I expected a cliff-hanger at the end. There is no cliff hanger which means that this book can be read as a standalone if wanted. It does however leave it open for the story to continue and expand on some of the characters that we have met in this book, and hopefully to continue Leah’s story in the hope that she gets what she really wants.
An enjoyable book, not my usual read, but will definitely be looking out for the next in the series. I may also pick one of the books of the shelf at the library as well to see if the other books are just as good!
Five Stars!
I’m ashamed to admit that this is my first Anna Jacobs book! I work in a library, and the shelves are full of her books, but I’ve never read them! This book seemed like a good place to start. It is the first book in a new series based in the 1930’s in Ellindale, Lancashire.
Leah is left looking after her younger sister Rosa after her father dies in an accident whilst working in the local laundry business. Her mother died several years before, so it’s down to Leah to raise Rosa and to bring home the money to be able to keep a roof over their heads. The owner of the laundry feels bad for Leah as the accident happened at his business and vows that he will give her a job and make sure that she is not put out on the streets, but his wife is the landlord of the house that Leah lives in and plans to evict Leah and Rosa as they do not have the rent money.
Leah gets a visit from Charlie Willcox, the local pawnbroker. His brother Jonah is disabled due to being gassed in the war and Charlie is looking for a wife to look after him and feels that Leah would be perfect. After Jonah and Leah meet and enjoy each other’s company, they agree to get married and move to Jonah’s cottage in the tiny village of Ellindale. Leah settles into married life, comfortable in the knowledge that Jonah is wealthy enough to support them all. One night though, some men from a local rough family take Rosa and try to assault her. Leah and Jonah rally help from the local people in the village to help protect them from this danger.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Like I said, I’ve never read an Anna Jacobs book before, and I’m not sure what I expected but it certainly wasn’t this. This was a book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. Set in the times before the Second World War but as the country was still feeling the after effects of the First World War, you realise the hardships that people still had to make. Leah was left on her own, a young woman with an even younger sister to bring up with no government help and obviously facing the difference in wages between men and women that they experienced in those time. Thankfully, finding Jonah, Leah was able to have a comfortable life, financially, but all this money couldn’t buy the safety they needed when there were no telephone lines in the village and no electricity. Things that we take for granted now were a luxury then. I also liked the way, if like is the right word, that references are dropped into conversations about how another war is unlikely and the First World War was the war to end all wars, almost to the point of being blissfully ignorant that it could happen again….if only they knew what was to happen to them and the country over the forthcoming years.
As the book is being marketed as part of a series I expected a cliff-hanger at the end. There is no cliff hanger which means that this book can be read as a standalone if wanted. It does however leave it open for the story to continue and expand on some of the characters that we have met in this book, and hopefully to continue Leah’s story in the hope that she gets what she really wants.
An enjoyable book, not my usual read, but will definitely be looking out for the next in the series. I may also pick one of the books of the shelf at the library as well to see if the other books are just as good!
Five Stars!
January 2, 2024
Full review to follow on my blog tour date
May 31, 2019
It was a great read
May 21, 2019
It was a nice easy read and I enjoyed it but I suppose I’m used to thrillers so I was almost waiting for something to really happen but actually it was pleasant to read and get a picture of how life was in the 1930s. I will continue to read the ellindale series!
September 30, 2017
This is a great book and in my view worth more than five stars. Set in the depression after the first world war it has great characters and all of them are believable. Even the baddies come across as believable even though we may wish such people never existed. The very credible story line starts with a brother desperate to do the best for his brother who had been gassed in WW1 and has trouble breathing, He finds a lady who's life has been turned upside down when her father is killed at the laundry where he worked, Leah has a much younger sister that she has to bring up as her mother had died several years back on top of the loss of her loving father. Then in the same day she is given two offers that could prove the answer to her problems but neither are wonderful at first sight. This is such a good book and should be at the top of your must read list in my view, that is taking in view some of the story is definitely for adults but dealt with in a real but sensitive manner.
I have been given a free copy of this book in return for a honest review from NetGalley.
I have been given a free copy of this book in return for a honest review from NetGalley.
May 23, 2023
This is the first book in a new series based in the 1930’s in Ellindale, Lancashire. It is the story of Leah Turner, the “Quiet Woman” of the title and her arranged marriage to Jonah Willcox. It is a good introduction to the series and to the characters and lives of the people of Ellindale and its nearby village Rivenshaw. The author gives a very realistic and accurate account clearly well researched of this period between the wars with unsettling depictions of poverty and despair that were prevalent in many parts of the country during the era of depression, especially in the north of England. Many families had to make do with very little food and men absent from the home searching for jobs. This is a very enjoyable read.
December 24, 2017
I love family sagas and I have really enjoy Anna Jacobs' other books. This was no exception - I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book in the series.
This is the first book in the series set in Lancashire just before the second world war. It is a story of contrasts - with people living in poverty and those living in luxury. I loved all of the central characters in the story particularly Leah. It is a story of love, family, friendship and loyalty.
I was hooked into the story straight away and couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the series set in Lancashire just before the second world war. It is a story of contrasts - with people living in poverty and those living in luxury. I loved all of the central characters in the story particularly Leah. It is a story of love, family, friendship and loyalty.
I was hooked into the story straight away and couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2019
Another exciting and gripping novel from this much loved author . This is the first in a trilogy . Set during the start of the depression in the 1930's . Leah turner struggles to provide for her much younger sister , Rosa so when an offer of marriage comes she agrees to marry local man Jonah . This begins as a purely business relationship but Leah soon starts to feel more than gratitude towards her husband . Life would be perfect if only she had not made enemies along the way . They might destroy any hope of happiness she has .
June 15, 2017
A Great Read and I can highly recommend
I enjoyed this novel and could not put it down,now I am waiting for the following novel in this series.
Leah was a really amazing woman especially in the hard times after the world one war
As I have got older and read about conditions of what the soldiers experienced I can relate now to what my father was going through whilst I was a child.
I enjoyed this novel and could not put it down,now I am waiting for the following novel in this series.
Leah was a really amazing woman especially in the hard times after the world one war
As I have got older and read about conditions of what the soldiers experienced I can relate now to what my father was going through whilst I was a child.
November 22, 2018
Fantastic story, set in the 1930's. Jacobs sets the theme perfectly in England after the war. This is a family series, with community spirit. It is not a hard luck, woe is us novel. It does not focus on the negativity of poverty, but how people just get on with life, band together in good & bad times.
I will continue to read the next few books, enjoying the lives of the characters bought to life in this book.
I will continue to read the next few books, enjoying the lives of the characters bought to life in this book.
August 25, 2017
An interesting story set in the 1930s in Lancashire. I was interested by the 'means tests' as according to family legend when my grandfather was out of work in the 30s my grandmother applied for help and was told to sell her house! They were very hard times.
September 22, 2017
I absolutely loved this book, I am a big fan of Anna’s books in general but this one was another fantastic read and is amongst the top favourites of Anna’s books! I loved the Characters, the setting and storyline, I just can’t wait for the next instalment of the Ellindale saga!
February 3, 2018
Ellindale
Another fabulous read from Anna I love the way she can write a book about love and loyalty and also bring in the suspense it's another winner for Anna now to start book 2
In Ellindale series 5 STARS .
Another fabulous read from Anna I love the way she can write a book about love and loyalty and also bring in the suspense it's another winner for Anna now to start book 2
In Ellindale series 5 STARS .
July 9, 2018
A lovely story with strong characters i loved this book about two young girls left alone and poor following their fathers death.Some people they know try to help but others are dangerous,then along comes Charlie with an idea to help the girls.I can highly recommend this book well worth 5*
February 20, 2019
One brave but quiet woman
Fantastic read twists and turns didn't want the story to end and great characters good clean storytelling well done Anna Jacobs looking forward to reading book 2 of the series
Fantastic read twists and turns didn't want the story to end and great characters good clean storytelling well done Anna Jacobs looking forward to reading book 2 of the series
April 4, 2019
Excellent writing. I have read many books, this being the first by Anna Jacobs in this saga. I was enthralled throughout the book.
Previously I read the Peppercorn saga, absolutely fantastic and made me get some more of her sagas.
Previously I read the Peppercorn saga, absolutely fantastic and made me get some more of her sagas.
October 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Such an easy relaxing read
February 3, 2018
Brilliant
As usual another brilliant read from Anna Jacobs, I love all her books and looking forward to the next one
☺☺
As usual another brilliant read from Anna Jacobs, I love all her books and looking forward to the next one
☺☺
March 18, 2018
Brilliant
I couldn't put this book down. Such a lovely heart warming story. Loved it. Always enjoy Anna Jacobs books. Will definitely read more of her books.
I couldn't put this book down. Such a lovely heart warming story. Loved it. Always enjoy Anna Jacobs books. Will definitely read more of her books.
March 24, 2018
I really enjoyed the start of this series set in the 1930’s
June 16, 2018
brilliant! absolutely loved this
August 27, 2018
Love a good saga series . Not read one by this author before & I wasn’t disappointed. Will be looking for more by this author
January 29, 2019
One quiet woman
From the first page I have been hooked. Anna Jacobs has a wonderful way of telling stories. I'm now looking forward to the next one.
Thank you Anna xxxxx
From the first page I have been hooked. Anna Jacobs has a wonderful way of telling stories. I'm now looking forward to the next one.
Thank you Anna xxxxx
April 7, 2019
A really warm and quiet fiction
A wonderful book. Felt so good and never wanted to keep the book down. NowcwNtbto read the next book in this series
A wonderful book. Felt so good and never wanted to keep the book down. NowcwNtbto read the next book in this series
April 14, 2023
Not for me. I found the whole book stiff and awkward.
The little miss perfect persona of the protagonist Leah got old, quickly. It seemed like on every page there was a not so subtle mention of how lovely and kind Leah was. 'You'd be pretty with or without glasses, because your kind nature and your... your decency show in your face. And you have really lovely hair.' She replies, without sarcasm (if you can believe it), with 'what a nice compliment'. The dialogue was painful and stiff.
Not only that, but there was no actual detail to follow any of it up. Sure, Jacobs explicitly says on (seemingly) every page that Leah is determined to help locals by creating jobs, but very rarely do we actually see any evidence to back up these claims that are so obviously shoved down our throats. We don't experience who this job goes to or what positive effect she has on anyone's lives, beyond someone SAYING how generous Leah is. It felt shallow and as a result, my feelings for the character did not develop as I got further into the book.
Mr Harris is likeable and portrayed as someone high in moral standards. And yet he says his wife 'murdered' his baby when she had an abortion. I take it given his portrayal as a kind and moral man, this is not meant as a glimpse into views in 1900s, but in fact a reflection of the moral compass of the author. That's a big no from me.
I won't be reading the sequel.
The little miss perfect persona of the protagonist Leah got old, quickly. It seemed like on every page there was a not so subtle mention of how lovely and kind Leah was. 'You'd be pretty with or without glasses, because your kind nature and your... your decency show in your face. And you have really lovely hair.' She replies, without sarcasm (if you can believe it), with 'what a nice compliment'. The dialogue was painful and stiff.
Not only that, but there was no actual detail to follow any of it up. Sure, Jacobs explicitly says on (seemingly) every page that Leah is determined to help locals by creating jobs, but very rarely do we actually see any evidence to back up these claims that are so obviously shoved down our throats. We don't experience who this job goes to or what positive effect she has on anyone's lives, beyond someone SAYING how generous Leah is. It felt shallow and as a result, my feelings for the character did not develop as I got further into the book.
Mr Harris is likeable and portrayed as someone high in moral standards. And yet he says his wife 'murdered' his baby when she had an abortion. I take it given his portrayal as a kind and moral man, this is not meant as a glimpse into views in 1900s, but in fact a reflection of the moral compass of the author. That's a big no from me.
I won't be reading the sequel.
May 12, 2024
Read if you like:
- Post war
- Small village
- Family saga
I really didn’t enjoy this book. It certainly wasn’t for me. It had such great potential but just didn’t deliver.
Leah is struggling in a period post First World War. Her father is dead, she and her sister hungry and rent is due. A marriage of convenience is her only option. In her new life, she has everything she has dreamt of yet danger still lurks.
I found the writing really stiff and childish. It had a whole load of tell not show that I was never left guessing and felt as though I was talked at for the whole novel rather than immersed in it. The characters were likeable enough but were just not real to me. Their dialogue was awkward and their descriptions repetitive. At what point was I supposed to believe Leah was kind? I was told on every page how kind she was yet this wasn’t backed up with any evidence really. All she did was make ginger beer.
The plot line was so repetitive I ended up just skimming over most chapters. And with that, half the book was just dull. Do I really need to read 30 pages of someone getting glasses? The ending was rushed and no atmosphere was created at all. I literally felt NOTHING when reading this book and usually I’d sob at storylines like this.
My only silver lining was the storyline of Mr Harris and Ethel but that was so minor that it wasn’t even worth the read. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t just DNF it but the goodreads reviews had me hoping 😢
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