Stella

by Lilly Adam

Set at the end of the nineteenth century, a gripping story of Stella, a beautiful young woman in her twenties. Already the Lady of the grand Sunny Meadow House on the outskirts of Oxford, due to her marriage to the wealthy and much senior James Headly, when James suddenly becomes bankrupt Stella is faced with some devastating changes in her life. During a journey to London in search of work, James is set upon, robbed and left for dead. Taking advantage of James’s loss of memory, the evil Claudia Wiggins, sets out to achieve her lifelong dream. Stella’s discovery that she is with child, shortly before learning that she is a widow, makes her determined to find a way to financially support herself and her unborn child. With the help of Hetty, Stella’s former maid, Glorious Bakes is opened in Oxford’s High Street, but life for Stella is never without its traumas and complications.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2017

About the author

Lilly Adam, wife, mother, grandmother and author, has lived in Oxfordshire for nearly forty years. She was born in London and also resided in parts of Surrey and Sussex. Her passion for writing was put on hold while she was busy raising her large family. Lilly Adam has a keen interest in history, especially the Victorian era; she also loves to write poetry. Her debut novel, May of Ashley Green was published in early 2017, and she has since written sixteen more; Stella, Poppy Woods, The Whipple Girl, Rose, DaisyGrey, Beneath the Apple Blossom Tree, Faye, Secrets of the Gatehouse and her latest novel, Searching for Eleanor (Book One) with the concluding sequel, Loving August due for release on 20th August 2021.

Reviews

[Julia Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much and found myself carried along by the trials and tribulations of Stella and James. I know that Claudia had intended hurt to the pair and yet I found myself drawn to her too. Her life hadn't been all roses and although what she did was unforgivable, I was rooting for her to find happiness and forgiveness.
There were a few typos and spelling mistakes, but my only quibble is that perhaps the story needed a little more formatting. Indents for paragraphs and speech and line breaks for the change of scene parts would have added to the story, since presentation compliments the narrative.
Otherwise, a well deserved four-star story that I can recommend.

[Alyssa Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous historical fiction. Ms. Adam is a deft storyteller. Her novel is as cozy, warm and comforting as a hand-knit blanket. As a reader, you feel entirely comfortable that this author will keep you safe on your literary journey. The loss is acute and heartbreaking from the start of this novel. You immediately empathize with the young wife Stella, her burdened James and even their suffering housekeeper Ms. Wiggins. Learning of each characters journey to the first page, you understand how hearts can grow cold and hard. The mystery of the story is soft but compelling. The unfolding is realistic without being predictive. The language of the narration and the dialogue is a beautiful gift, spanning the highs and lows of England. Overall, such a wonderful journey.

[Celia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of the books by Lilly Adam, Stella is enchanting. Lilly builds her characters well and makes it easy to sympathize with them as they go through various mishaps. I like too, the way she makes even the villain have a human side. You cannot really hate her and at times can even empathize with her. The bond between Stella and her maid Hetty that develops is heart warming and helps keep the horrors that Stella must face at bay. When Stella's husband mysteriously disappears, the two young women work together to not only survive, but to prosper. Lilly throws in the occasional unexpected twist that keeps things hopping, but the reader can count on a happy ending, and that is what I like.
Celia Martin

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book once I got into it and could not put it down! I feel that there should be a follow on book telling how they picked up their lives and moved on.

[Allie Cresswell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get beyond the first two or three pages of this book. Awkward writing and poor grammar made me put it to one side.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great read.

[Tia Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, quick read.

[Elizabeth Cleland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book!

Love these books read straight through till finished! Helping me cope with all things going on for everybody at present time.

[Sharon]

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