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The New Zealand Immigrant Collection
Gwenna The Welsh Confectioner
Against overwhelming odds, can she save her legacy?
Amid the bustling vibrancy of Auckland’s Karangahape Road Gwenna Price is troubled. For all her youth, she is now the master confectioner in the family business since her father died. She promised to fulfil her Pa’s dreams and open a shop, but with her domineering and incompetent stepbrother Elias in charge, the operation is on the brink of collapse.
In an era when women were expected to stay at home, Gwenna is a plucky young woman with uncommon ambition. She is determined to save her legacy. Despite the obstacles put in her way, and throughout the twists and turns of love and tragedy, Gwenna is irrepressible. She refuses to relinquish her dreams and lets nothing stand in her way. Blind to anything that distracts her, Gwenna risks losing the one person who matters most.
Winner of a IndieBRAG and a Chill with a Book Readers' Award plus
a BGS Gold Quality Mark
Amid the bustling vibrancy of Auckland’s Karangahape Road Gwenna Price is troubled. For all her youth, she is now the master confectioner in the family business since her father died. She promised to fulfil her Pa’s dreams and open a shop, but with her domineering and incompetent stepbrother Elias in charge, the operation is on the brink of collapse.
In an era when women were expected to stay at home, Gwenna is a plucky young woman with uncommon ambition. She is determined to save her legacy. Despite the obstacles put in her way, and throughout the twists and turns of love and tragedy, Gwenna is irrepressible. She refuses to relinquish her dreams and lets nothing stand in her way. Blind to anything that distracts her, Gwenna risks losing the one person who matters most.
Winner of a IndieBRAG and a Chill with a Book Readers' Award plus
a BGS Gold Quality Mark
396 pages, ebook
Published July 24, 2017
49 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Adin
13 books163 followersVicky Adin is the author of the New Zealand Immigrant Collection, a set of six suspenseful family historical fiction stories about overcoming the odds and three dual-timeline family sagas about finding your roots in The Art of Secrets series.
Five of Vicky's books are recipients of the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion - a reader's award for excellence.
https://www.bragmedallion.com/award-w...
She is a family historian in love with the past.
Like the characters in her stories, she too is an immigrant to New Zealand, arriving a century after her first protagonists, and ready to start a new life.
Born in Wales, she grew up in Cornwall until aged 12. Her family emigrated to New Zealand, a country she would call home. Vicky draws on her affinity for these places, in her writing. Fast forward a few years, and she marries a fourth-generation Kiwi bloke with Irish, Scottish and English ancestors and her passion for genealogy flourishes.
The further she digs into the past, the more she wants to record the lives of the people who were the foundations of her new country. Not just her own ancestors, but all those who braved the oceans and became pioneers in a raw new land. Her research into life as it was for those immigrants in the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s gave her enough material to write for many years about the land left behind and the birth of a new nation.
Her first book, The Disenchanted Soldier, is the most biographical of all her books, inspired by her husband’s great-grandfather. For the rest, while the history of the time is accurate, the characters are fictionalised to fit with the events and happenings as they occurred.
Vicky holds an MA(Hons) in English, is a lover of art, antiques, gardens, good food and red wine. She and her husband travel throughout New Zealand in their caravan and travel the world when they can. She hopes younger generations get as much enjoyment learning about the past through her stories, as she did when writing about it.
For more information, visit her website http://www.vickyadin.co.nz
If you have any questions, email vicky@vickyadin.co.nz
Five of Vicky's books are recipients of the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion - a reader's award for excellence.
https://www.bragmedallion.com/award-w...
She is a family historian in love with the past.
Like the characters in her stories, she too is an immigrant to New Zealand, arriving a century after her first protagonists, and ready to start a new life.
Born in Wales, she grew up in Cornwall until aged 12. Her family emigrated to New Zealand, a country she would call home. Vicky draws on her affinity for these places, in her writing. Fast forward a few years, and she marries a fourth-generation Kiwi bloke with Irish, Scottish and English ancestors and her passion for genealogy flourishes.
The further she digs into the past, the more she wants to record the lives of the people who were the foundations of her new country. Not just her own ancestors, but all those who braved the oceans and became pioneers in a raw new land. Her research into life as it was for those immigrants in the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s gave her enough material to write for many years about the land left behind and the birth of a new nation.
Her first book, The Disenchanted Soldier, is the most biographical of all her books, inspired by her husband’s great-grandfather. For the rest, while the history of the time is accurate, the characters are fictionalised to fit with the events and happenings as they occurred.
Vicky holds an MA(Hons) in English, is a lover of art, antiques, gardens, good food and red wine. She and her husband travel throughout New Zealand in their caravan and travel the world when they can. She hopes younger generations get as much enjoyment learning about the past through her stories, as she did when writing about it.
For more information, visit her website http://www.vickyadin.co.nz
If you have any questions, email vicky@vickyadin.co.nz
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 16, 2019
4☆ An Endearing Historical Romance
Gwenna lives at home with her step mother, younger brother Charlie and step brother Elias.
Since Gwenna's father passed away her brother Elias has become head of the house and the boss of the homemade confectionery business.
Elias is horrific and a bully to Gwenna and his mother Bethan. He regularly beats Gwenna and scolds her verbally.
I just can't believe a son would push his mother about. I was shocked.
Gwenna knows she must escape but on her father's death bed he made her promise to look after Bethan and his youngest Son Charlie and the confectioner business.
But Gwenna has fallen in love with Johnno.
Who she has been in love with forever.
Their secret rendezvous are become more frequent, he so desperately wants her to run away with him. But she's petrified of Elias.
But when she finds herself in the family way she has no choice but to leave taking her baby brother Charlie.
Johnno and Gwenna are to wed and she plans to open a confectioners of her own and go in competition with her brother.
But will Elias let this happen without putting up a fight, or is there more drama, heartbreak and trouble coming Gwenna's way?
Gwenna is such a wonderful and endearing character. She is kind, warm, passionate and loyal and very brave.
I loved watching her relationship with Johnno blossom.
Elias made my blood boil. The events in his past does not excuse his violent behaviour towards his sister and mother.
I also adored Behan, my heart melted for her character. She is warm, loveable, protective, kind and strong.
She tried so very hard to protect her children and at times rightly or wrongly see the best in them, as a mother does.
It took me a lil while to get into the writing style and i appreciated the Glossary.
The writing is authentic and endearing and once I got into the story the pace flowed along beautifully.
The Characters are complex, strong, well developed. Not all are likeable but they are not meant to be, I really felt Gwenna's fear and heartache towards Elias.
The story is well researched and I loved all the special little touches that made the book authentic.
Gwenna the Welsh Confectioner is a captivating read about a young lady's struggles with family life, relationships, love, marriage, setting up a confectioners, heartbreak, drama, new beginnings and the ups and downs of trying to make a career in an era where women wasn't particularly respected yet.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of romance and drama, with endearing characters then you will really enjoy Gwenna the Welsh Confectioner.
Thank you to Shannon at R&R Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Gwenna lives at home with her step mother, younger brother Charlie and step brother Elias.
Since Gwenna's father passed away her brother Elias has become head of the house and the boss of the homemade confectionery business.
Elias is horrific and a bully to Gwenna and his mother Bethan. He regularly beats Gwenna and scolds her verbally.
I just can't believe a son would push his mother about. I was shocked.
Gwenna knows she must escape but on her father's death bed he made her promise to look after Bethan and his youngest Son Charlie and the confectioner business.
But Gwenna has fallen in love with Johnno.
Who she has been in love with forever.
Their secret rendezvous are become more frequent, he so desperately wants her to run away with him. But she's petrified of Elias.
But when she finds herself in the family way she has no choice but to leave taking her baby brother Charlie.
Johnno and Gwenna are to wed and she plans to open a confectioners of her own and go in competition with her brother.
But will Elias let this happen without putting up a fight, or is there more drama, heartbreak and trouble coming Gwenna's way?
Gwenna is such a wonderful and endearing character. She is kind, warm, passionate and loyal and very brave.
I loved watching her relationship with Johnno blossom.
Elias made my blood boil. The events in his past does not excuse his violent behaviour towards his sister and mother.
I also adored Behan, my heart melted for her character. She is warm, loveable, protective, kind and strong.
She tried so very hard to protect her children and at times rightly or wrongly see the best in them, as a mother does.
It took me a lil while to get into the writing style and i appreciated the Glossary.
The writing is authentic and endearing and once I got into the story the pace flowed along beautifully.
The Characters are complex, strong, well developed. Not all are likeable but they are not meant to be, I really felt Gwenna's fear and heartache towards Elias.
The story is well researched and I loved all the special little touches that made the book authentic.
Gwenna the Welsh Confectioner is a captivating read about a young lady's struggles with family life, relationships, love, marriage, setting up a confectioners, heartbreak, drama, new beginnings and the ups and downs of trying to make a career in an era where women wasn't particularly respected yet.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of romance and drama, with endearing characters then you will really enjoy Gwenna the Welsh Confectioner.
Thank you to Shannon at R&R Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
July 26, 2017
I loved this book. It's the first Vicky Adin book I've read and will now have to get onto the rest! Gwenna is plucky, emotional, and thoroughly enjoyable. There are a few dark bits, but there's adversity in real life and how boring would a heroine be if she didn't have to overcome obstacles. Gwenna shows us how it's done. A great read!
October 7, 2018
Gwenna is a talented and determined sweet maker, a very young woman intent on making her deceased father's dreams a reality in the late nineteenth century. Set in and around Auckland, New Zealand, the characters throughout the novel are rich, flawed, and interesting.
Gwenna's challenges are real and heart-felt as she faces life with little money and societies restrictions of the time, from the obstacles put up by some family members, to the constant self-questioning, which makes her strive harder. There are moments of despair, joy, fear, and daring.
Vicki Adin has written a deeply moving story based upon real people and events. Beautifully researched, it will take you on an intriguing and emotional journey.
Gwenna's challenges are real and heart-felt as she faces life with little money and societies restrictions of the time, from the obstacles put up by some family members, to the constant self-questioning, which makes her strive harder. There are moments of despair, joy, fear, and daring.
Vicki Adin has written a deeply moving story based upon real people and events. Beautifully researched, it will take you on an intriguing and emotional journey.
May 13, 2023
Vicky Adin’s ability to research relevant historical events and weave them into the story of her character's everyday life does not disappoint. Her writing style captivates and engages me. Gwenna is a young woman from Wales, curious about life, adventurous, and controlled by male family members and the expectations of society. Yet, Gwenna’s story is never without hope as the author crafts events and characters in a totally believable way to bring Gwenna to ultimate confidence in her future.
I’ve come to appreciate this author's writing and know that I can rely on her to entertain and educate me with a story that is timeless in its subject and enthralling in its insights into the early days of a setting that I am not unfamiliar with today. Now I'm anticipating the fifth novel in her PastFinders series!
I’ve come to appreciate this author's writing and know that I can rely on her to entertain and educate me with a story that is timeless in its subject and enthralling in its insights into the early days of a setting that I am not unfamiliar with today. Now I'm anticipating the fifth novel in her PastFinders series!
March 1, 2019
Vicky Adin's book Gwenna The Welch, takes place in New Zealand from 1899 to 1902. During this time, women weren't typically in charge of a family business. After her father died, however, Gwenna Price's dream is to keep his business of boiling and stretching sugar to make medicinal lozenges and a variety of sweets going and eventually to open a shop. Unfortunately she has to overcome several obstacles and challenges if she wants to make that happen. She is young, has a disfunctional family, and responsibilities. But she is determined and a capable confectioner. I enjoyed visiting the past and watching the characters change throughout this book. It's nice to read about a strong female character!
February 15, 2019
Gwenna the Welsh Confectioner is a captivating novel filled with fantastic characters, a moving plot, and beautiful writing.
I love how real this feels. The time period and everyday life of Gwenna felt extremely real. I love Vicky Adin's writing style. She crafted a beautiful story about life, adventure, and expectations of society that transported me there.
I highly recommend checking this one out. You won't be disappointed.
*I read this as part of a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
I love how real this feels. The time period and everyday life of Gwenna felt extremely real. I love Vicky Adin's writing style. She crafted a beautiful story about life, adventure, and expectations of society that transported me there.
I highly recommend checking this one out. You won't be disappointed.
*I read this as part of a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
December 28, 2017
Very good tale set in turn of the century (19th to 20th) Auckland. New Zealand. The story follows the title character as she escapes from the household of her stepbrother to a marriage that ends in heartbreak and then tries to bring her father's dreams to reality by opening a sweet shop and selling her handmade sweets. Her trials and troubles are realistically brought to life within an era where young single females did not have much of a chance to make a life for themselves in business.
October 30, 2018
This was a good book. Gwenna is the kind of heroine that will fight through adversity to accomplish what she sets her mind to and we need more female characters like that, who's not afraid to feel and not afraid to keep going and be human in a world where being female is seen as something unworthy and wrong. We need more characters like here.
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
February 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Gwenna and her sweet making. The author has obviously done a lot of research into the subject. Having six sisters myself, I loved the interaction between the girls, each one portrayed marvellously with their own skills and strengths. I can't wait to read more books by this author.
October 13, 2017
Like THE GIRL FROM COUNTY CLARE Vicky Adin's book GWENNA is an 'unput down' read. A lovely record of early Auckland New Zealand. I thoroughly enjoyed it and as a measure of a story I enjoy, I want to know what happens to the characters next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2017
I loved this book! I did not want the story of Gwenna to end.
December 28, 2017
We are proud to announce that GWENNA by Vicky Adin is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
September 12, 2017
Gwenna by Vicky Adin has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
"This book was such a good read. I will definitely recommend. I will also read other books by this author."
"I very much enjoyed it, light reading but engaging, the characters especially were very believable."
"A lovely story."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
"This book was such a good read. I will definitely recommend. I will also read other books by this author."
"I very much enjoyed it, light reading but engaging, the characters especially were very believable."
"A lovely story."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
October 7, 2017
Never mind the typos (plenty of them in the copy I had), even though the book had factual material in it, it didn't blend well with the story of the disjointed characters. A friend gave me the book and from the blurb I was expecting more. What was with the two points of view but no real explanation or loose-thread tie up? WHY was the brother violent? You get into his head for a strange bit, but WHY, when you get no explanation? There were slim parts I liked, and possibly a small reference to my own family history that intrigued, but overall disappointed sorry. Unofficially 1-&-a-half stars. But everyone else gave it five stars so far, so go figure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
stubbian to the core!
Her courage and strength gets her through when others give her their support. Many family lives entangled with love. Together
Her courage and strength gets her through when others give her their support. Many family lives entangled with love. Together
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews