One Kind Man

Ellindale Saga #2

by Anna Jacobs

Just one man can make all the difference . . .

1931,
When Finn Carlisle loses his wife and unborn child, he spends a few years travelling to keep the sad memories at bay. Just as he's ready to settle down again, his great-uncle dies and leaves everything to him. This includes Heythorpe House in Ellindale just down the road from Leah Willcox and her little fizzy drink factory.

Finn finds a village of people in dire need of jobs, a house that hasn't been cleaned or lived in for thirty years and Reggie, an eleven-year-old who's run away from the nearby orphanage and its brutal Director Buddle. When Finn sees the marks left by regular beatings, he decides Reggie will never go back there.

But Buddle has other plans for the child, and will stop at nothing to get Reggie back in his cruel grasp. Finn's new neighbours help him save Reggie but other surprises throw his new plans into turmoil.

***********

Praise for the Ellindale series

'One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read!' - 5 STARS - Between the Pages

'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

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What readers are saying about ONE KIND MAN

'Brilliant' - 5-STARS

'Loved it, can't wait for the next one' - 5-STARS

'Another excellent read from Anna Jacobs' - 5-STARS

Genres: Historical, Romance, Fiction

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2018

About the author

Anna 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.

Reviews

[Alla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid one in the series.
I wouldn´t recommend this as a standalone, though you probably can read it as such. But apparently there are 4 books in the series and even though they are following mostly different main characters in each one, they all intertwine and we get previous characters pov´s regularly. So I would read them in order to get the "whole" story.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and hope you do as well. Finn a married man waiting for the arrival of their first child and a good Policeman a great life, then his wife dies along with their unborn child. A heart broken man falls pieces then after a few years tramping Finn is shocked to discover he has inherited his Uncle's House also money and then on top of it all he finds the most amazing addition to his life but i don't want to ruin the surprise. This is very much a stand alone novel if you haven't read "One Quiet Lady" which is also a fantastic book and a shame not to read. There is lots of suspense, action and some romance it is one of those books you truly won't want to put to down.

Buy this Book on

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Beth

I've been waiting to read this book and I wasn't disappointed what a great story about Finn and his inheritance and his love for Beth and Reggie plus all the old regulars Leah, Jonah ,Charlie ,Sgt Deemer . This book had it all abduction ,attempted murder. a great read can't wait for the next one to come out 5 STARS.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 of the Ellindale series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. Based in the years between World War I and II, we are taken back to the Lancashire town of Ellindale. We meet characters from the previous book, but this book primarily focusses on Finn Carlisle, an ex-policeman who has inherited his Great-Uncle’s estate and run-down Heythorpe House in the town. When he visits the house, he finds 11-year-old Reggie hiding. Reggie has escaped from the local orphanage, and is showing signs that he has been the victim of physical abuse by the people who run the orphanage. Finn takes a shine to Reggie and vows to keep him safe, along with helping the other residents of the town.

I loved the first book of the series, which told the story of Finn’s new neighbours, Leah and Jonah Wilcox. I also loved the return to the little town, and it was great to meet some new characters, as well as reconnecting with some familiar faces. Finn has suffered tragedy in his life, but he is such a likeable character, and the inheritance proves to be a new start for him. Needing help to fix up the house, it was heart-warming to see Finn employing some of the residents of Ellindale, and providing them with some financial security in the difficult times between the wars. I loved how Finn took Reggie into his care, but was saddened at how Reggie had been treated whilst at the orphanage.

There is lots of drama within the pages, mainly surrounding young Reggie, and this grabbed my interest right from the beginning. Mysterious people keeping an eye on Heythorpe House from the shadows, corrupt police officers and the suspense of Reggie’s storyline kept me turning the pages right through to the very end. Full of mystery, intrigue and a little bit of romance, this was an easy-to-read story of likeable characters in pre-war times. I’m looking forward to now reading the next two books of the series to meet up again with the residents of Ellindale! Would recommend!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Anna Jacobs- I love everything she writes. This is the second in a new saga. It is packed full of heartbreak, suspense, family, romance and building new lives. She builds such fascinating characters that you grow to love throughout the book. SHe has such an engaging writing style that you can't help but be drawn deep into the heart of the book. I can't wait to read the next book in this saga.

[poppie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the first two books of the Ellindale Saga, but at present I am not sure whether I want to purchase #3 and 4 as I don't think I'm curious enough to know what happened to Leah, Jonah and their various acquaintances. I have many other books on my shelves that I would prefer to read. I do enjoy Anna Jacobs novels and this did hold my interest and keep me wanting to go on but I want to get my teeth into something different now.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fab book 2 in the Ellindale series things have moved on and people are thrilled to be part of the Ellindale Family.I have loved reading these books now i wait for book 3 excellent story well worth 5*

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fanastic read from Anna Jacobs. One Kind Man is the second book in the Ellindale Series set in 1930s Lancashire. This book introduces new characters but it is also great to catch up with characters from the first book. I think this could be read as a standalone novel but I highly recommend reading One Quiet Woman first.

A lovely heartwarming read which I really enjoyed. An easy cosy type of book with a lovely community setting and a fantastic cast of characters. I enjoyed the suspense, action and romance in the book.

Highly recommended, I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Yvonne Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieselblackcat

It was a good read but it keep going back to tell people what had happen in the other books ALOT. I feel that could have been done in the first part of the book before the story had begun. A brief comment of what had been going on but over all a good read. I like the characters of Finn, Beth and Reggie.

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series, really enjoyed it a lot. The characters are very well developed and although the story is mainly based around a group of main characters it is great to see how the rest of the community pulls together and helps someone in need. The bonds of the people in the village are really touching. Can't wait to meet the next set of characters in book three...

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I didn’t read this in one day, I forgot to update goodreads! Another very good book in the Ellimdale series. Jacobs is very good at weaving the characters from the previous book into the new story. Looking forward to book 3 in September 2018.

[Maureen Constable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as a!l the rest.

Lovely spin off from One quiet Women.
I look forward to a third one in the Ellinda!e series.
Thank you once again Anna.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Ellindale series, Anna Jacobs creates lovely characters but her storyline was very similar to the previous book ! This is supposed to be a quiet Lancashire village in the early 1930s, I have no doubt that her picture of the poor people was true, I have been told similar accounts from family members, however its the criminal elements I take issue with. I really don't think that Buddle from the orphanage would have been able to manipulate the magistrate and police sergeant in the way that he did, would he really have persisted in his attempt to abduct Reggie?? What was his reason? I also feel that Finn's cavalierly taking charge of Reggie would have caused some raised eyebrows, could a single man foster a child just like that??? Its a bit too 'Enid Blyton' for me.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and hope you do as well. Finn a married man waiting for the arrival of their first child and a good Policeman a great life, then his wife dies along with their unborn child. A heart broken man falls pieces then after a few years tramping Finn is shocked to discover he has inherited his Uncle's House also money and then on top of it all he finds the most amazing addition to his life but i don't want to ruin the surprise. This is very much a stand alone novel if you haven't read "One Quiet Lady" which is also a fantastic book and a shame not to read. There is lots of suspense, action and some romance it is one of those books you truly won't want to put to down.

Buy this Book on

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book but I didn't enjoy it as much as thought I would. I read the first one in the series so I was familiar with some of the characters but it felt very much like half the other books I had read by the author, maybe now is the time for me to stop.

It was a lovely slow pace with different characters and for those who like historical fiction and maybe haven't read too much of Anna Jacobs before it would probably be a good read

[Elizabeth Grieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, a tale set in 1930s Lancashire, about a small community and how they are affected by the arrival of Finn Carlisle, who inherits a house there. He adopts a boy who was being ill-treated at the orphanage, and together with his neighbours fights to keep the boy out of the hands of the cruel warden and his cronies. Sounds boring, but isn't! I wasn't aware that it was part of a series, but works well as a stand-alone book.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

[Louise Marshall-jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read book! Although this is part of a saga it was easy to read as a book on its own. It’s not something I would usually read but I was passed it by a colleague and have to say I did enjoy it and look forward to reading more of Anna’s work.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation
4.5 stars

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the 2nd book in the Ellindale series and I haven't read the 1st yet it doesn't matter. I thought this book was really good and enjoyed reading it.

[Lynda Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

a nice steady read which I enjoyed but wldnt rate as anything special

[Cherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Disappointing Sequel Lost in a Sea of Character Bloat — A slog to get through due to an overcrowded cast and sidelined leads)

[The Overcrowded Cast Problem]
Following a brilliant first book that drew readers in through the grounded, compelling bond between Leah and Jonah, One Kind Man stumbles significantly by attempting to juggle far too many perspectives. When authors build a saga series, maintaining focus on the central characters is essential for reader immersion. Here, the sheer volume of old and returning figures creates constant background noise, diluting the narrative impact and leaving no room to form a deep connection with the core leads. Without a dedicated dramatis personae or character list, keeping track of every sub-thread quickly becomes a chore.

[Sidelined Heart & Skim-Reading]
At its core, the promising storyline belonging to Finn and Reggie contains the genuine warmth and community spirit that fans expect from Anna Jacobs. However, their narrative arc gets completely buried beneath unnecessary subplots. Rather than eagerly turning pages, reading becomes an exercise in willpower—forcing a push to the end and skipping large chunks of text purely to resolve the plot before moving on to book three.

[Pacing & Page Count]
Clocking in at 356 pages, the novel feels bloated and unnecessarily stretched. Had the narrative been tightly edited to prioritize Finn and Reggie while trimming the surrounding fluff, it could have recaptured the magic of the series opener. Instead, it stands as a sluggish, frustrating middle entry that relies too heavily on setup rather than character-driven storytelling.

[The Verdict]
A disappointing 2-star read. While the foundational village setting and Finn and Reggie's core storyline had real potential, the overwhelming character bloat renders it a slog. Here's hoping the third book on the shelf gets the series back on track.

[Shirley Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is apparently number 2 in a series but the only one I've read. I liked it but didn't love it. A good story and with good characterisation but it just didn't grip me. At first it was a little confusing with so many local characters introduced all at once. As the story developed with the criminals and the strange goings on in the night, it all got a bit much and I found I was skipping bits. There were one or two pieces of the story outstanding at the end so I assume they will get cleared up in part 3.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series

I can hardly think where to begin. From page one until the last I was emerged in the entire story. But my heart hurts knowing Jonah has little time left. I just know his end days are upon us.

I absolutely fell head over heels in love with Finn and Beth and was desperate to get to the end.

I loved all the new characters and hope to see them in the later books.

Now straight to book 3.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd novel in Jacobs Ellindale Saga has heartbreak, suspense, family, romance and a continuing theme of building new lives. She depicts such fascinating characters that you grow to love throughout each book. Her writing style is so engaging that you can't help but be drawn into the heart of the book and invest yourself in each character. It is reminiscent of Catherine Cookson at her best.

[Tina Milledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't yet read an Anna Jacobs book that I haven't enjoyed and this one is no exception. She'a a great story writer. It didn't matter that this was book 2 of a series and that I haven't yet read the first. Thanks due to Net Galley and publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 fantastic read yet again from Anna Jacobs really enjoyed the lovely story of Finn and Reggie and how through the horrors of the orphanage and the villagers of Ellindale and wonderful family is formed and the strength of the community together wins through the nasty evil men who try to destroy it
Can’t wait to read Book 3 in the Ellindale saga Brilliant stories fabulously written

[Roz Radmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Ellindale saga and it is just as good as the first book .
Full of familiar characters like Leah and Jonah and young Rosa and new just as likeable characters .
Reading a book by Anna Jacobs is like meeting old friends !

[Pamela Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarmiing

A really heartcatching story of friendship and coming together to make a real close knit village. The added people have their own stories to tell and I can't wait for the story to evolve

[MRS S PUSEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant story

The rating is well deserved i loved every bit of this story such a lot of very kind people especially Finn with a few nasties along the way.The village of Ellindale sounds like a good place to live can't wait to read book no3.

[josephine Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good

.I have just read this story again because it is so entertaining, it is a story that makes you keep turning the pages to read the next part. I now have to look for the next book.