For fans of Poldark, Downton Abbey, Tracy Rees & Philippa Gregory. A gripping read. Sometimes you need to discover your own strength in order to survive … After a family tragedy, Janey Carhart was forced from her comfortable life as a captain’s daughter into domestic service. Determined to make something of herself, Janey eventually finds work as a lady’s maid at the imposing Bosvenna Manor on the edge of Bodmin Moor, but is soon caught between the two worlds of upstairs and downstairs, and accepted by neither, as she cares for her mistress. Desperately lonely, Janey catches the attention of two men – James Brockenshaw and Daniel Kellow. James is heir to the Bosvenna estate, a man whose eloquent letters to his mother warm Janey’s heart. Daniel Kellow is a neighbouring farmer with a dark past and a brooding nature, yet with a magnetism that disturbs Janey. Two men. Who should she choose? Or will fate decide.
Victoria Cornwall grew up on a farm in Cornwall and can trace her Cornish roots as far back as the 18th century. It is this background and heritage which is the inspiration for her Cornish based novels.
Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession finally allowed her the time to write. She initially self-published two novels, Old Sins Long Shadows and The Gossamer Trail under the name B.D.Hawkey. In 2016, award winning publisher, Choc Lit, acquired both novels as part of a four book deal. Old Sins Long Shadows is now published under a new title, The Captain's Daughter, and The Gossamer Trail has been released under the new title The Daughter of River Valley.
Victoria is married and has two grown up children. She likes to read and write historical fiction with a strong background story, but at its heart is the unmistakable emotion, even pain, of loving someone.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
After Janey Carhart’s fortunes changed considerably when she was just thirteen, her uncle sent her into domestic service. It was hard being an orphan after the happy family life she’d been living, but Janey was well educated as well as well spoken and after a time achieved the position of lady’s maid at Bosvenna Manor. Lady Brockenshaw was almost blind and Janey was to be her eyes; a position Janey loved. She became close to her mistress, but unfortunately not so much toward the other staff. The housekeeper especially, was particularly nasty toward Janey.
But it was when she encountered the son of the Manor, James Brockenshaw that trouble loomed. James had been spoiled all his life through being an only child, and had no concept of money, gambling everything away, always expecting his father to bail him out. In the meantime, a nearby hardworking farmer, Daniel Kellow, would help his neighbours with all manner of problems, including James Brockenshaw and his horses. The brooding nature of Daniel and the smarmy, overconfident nature of James – Janey felt a strange attraction to the both…
The Captain’s Daughter (Janey) is the 2nd in the Cornish Tales by Victoria Cornwall and I quite enjoyed it. Although the story was very predictable, I found the setting in Cornwall back in the 1800s intriguing. The difficulties Janey faced in her role as lady’s maid set her above the kitchen staff but below the housekeeper, therefore she felt increasingly lonely until she managed to find a way to combat that. Recommended.
With thanks to Choc Lit publishers for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is a tale of obsession, jealousy and love, set in Cornwall. Another great read from Victoria Cornwall - though I do believe that the book was published previously by the author under the title of Old Sins Long Shadows under the name of B.D. Hawkey. Therefore, some people may have already read this book previously.
The tale involves Janey Carhart (the Captain's Daughter) whose father and siblings passed away a number of years previously. Janey has been forced to fend for herself and has been in service for quite a few years. Being well educated and well spoken, she has risen through the ranks and has now decided to apply for the position of ladies maid at the Bosvenna Estate. Lady Brockenshaw agrees to employ Janey much to the dismay of the housekeeper.
Janet's path crosses with Daniel Mellow, a neighbouring farmer and James Brockenshaw, son of Lord and Lady Brockenshaw. James has been ruined by his parents and tends to get everything that he asks for. Daniel on the other hand is a hard working soul, but rumours are rife that he is a murderer.
The story evolves into a tangled web and Janet's emotions are all over the place. The witch of a housekeeper wants Janey to fail and tries to make her life hell. Does Janey manage to overcome all the obstacles? You'll have to read the book to find out!
Cornwall describes the characters very well. Yes, in some ways the story is predictable, but is still enjoyable to read. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long before Cornwall publishes her next novel.
This is a love story set in Cornwall from publishers Choc Lit. I've read a few of their books now but this is the first from this author...and I'm sure it won't be the last. Janey Carhart has gained a new job as a lady's maid, a rarity for someone so young and ends up torn between the two worlds of service and gentry. I've seen comparisons to Poldark as both books are set in Cornwall however I only managed one series of that so for me it reminded me of the firsts series of Downton Abbey (where the daughter ran off with her father's driver) again though a positive comparison.
I really enojoyed this. It flows quite smoothly, it's lovingly written and I loved all the characters. I found it hard to put down and would highly recommend it
After her mother and sisters die and her father dies of a broken heart directly caused by their deaths Janey Carhart is forced into life as a domestic servant. Being a ladies maid to the mother in a prominent family at the imposing Bosvenna Manor on the edge of Bodmin Moor. She is thrust into the upstairs downstairs lives of the servants and trusted by neither. Her life is comfortable there and she soon catches the eye of two men, James Brockenshaw who is the son of the Lord of the Manor and Daniel Kellow. There is a rumor that Daniel committed a murder years ago, but did her really? Tragedy strikes Janey again and again and the manor as well. Since the lady of the manor is blind it's Janey's duty to read her correspondence to her daily. It's always full of cheerful correspondence from her son, James and he seems like such a fine gentleman. Who will Janey choose for a love match? The murder trial comes up for Daniel will he be imprisoned for life? Hard struggles here that make the book feel realistic. Set in Cornwall. Pub Date 03 Oct 2017 Thank you to NetGalley and Choc Lit for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Janey Carhart has been working in service since the death of her mother and sisters to fever, and her father’s (a merchant sea captain) from grief. Her only living relation, her uncle, blamed her for the loss of her father, and placed her in service as soon as she came to his guardianship. A well-to-do middle class girl, educated as both a woman of her time would be with her father’s peculiar insistence that she also have access to ‘boy’s subjects’, Janey is a bit of a misfit. Not well to do enough to be with the titled, too well educated and mannered to be a servant. But, in service she is, and the opportunity to become a lady’s maid, even at her young age of 20, is her desire. The lady of Boswenna Manor is older and blind, desiring a companion that will care for her, read to her and describe the world she cannot see with flair. Janey’s own personal style, position and looks all spurn jealousy and snitty behavior from the housekeeper, and suspicion (and trickery) from the maids. But, while lonely, Janey discovers a sort of friendship with the lady of the house, loves being at the edge of Bodwin Moor – and frequently explores the area around the Manor house as she walks her ladyship’s dog.
But things are not entirely smooth: Janey finds herself disconcerted and flustered by the sight and attention from Daniel Kellow, a farmer whose lands border Boswenna and his manner and forthright stare have her shook. In turn, she is intrigued (and more than a bit flattered) by the attentions shown her from the son of the house, James Brockenshaw, and finds herself dreaming of the possibility (however slight) that her position and lower birth may not matter. Despite several well-placed warnings, and the obvious (to everyone) mercurial and spoilt nature of James – she’s still intrigued until he takes liberties and she is only saved by the appearance of Daniel. From that point on, Janey is convinced that James is to be avoided, and somehow, she has disturbed Daniel and their butting friendship is at risk.
Back and forth, with fortunes and futures put in danger and lost, Janey is steadfast in her desire to be ‘the good one’ and ‘do the right thing’. But when James, drunk and angry attacks and rapes her, shattering her sense of security and surety, and the house is set to be sold to pay off debts – she is stuck with multiple problems. No job, a reputation soon to be ruined with the birth of a child, and her only option the workhouse: she is saved from horrors by an unusual offer from Daniel – marriage. See, Daniel has never been able to forget her – or stop wanting her, despite the fact they always seemed to be at odds. Now, to keep her close (and safe) he’s hoping that providing her with safety, security and his name, in the little hodgepodge family he has built will strengthen what he never had, and return to Janey the family she lost.
Like the first book, and with a surprise moment of ‘aha’ that references Janna, the story here gives us characters to love and hate, a late-blooming series of tense moments that effect future and happiness, the growth of Janey, the reliance of Daniel on his connection to Janey and his desire for her, and the small moments of growth that allow her to find her voice as she realizes she is worthy of asking for and demanding consideration and respect are wonderful. Daniel is sweetly gentle, a surprising thing from a man who is more comfortable with acts that show he cares than the words. A great opportunity to see some of the societal changes in the area, as well as capturing the unique beauty that is Cornwall, the story can be read alone without issue, but is a solid companion to the first.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I’ve spent the day captivated by these characters and this story. I couldn’t put it down! Now I’m going through a book hangover. Set in the Bodmin Moors, the book evokes Daphne du Maurier and is a cross between Wuthering Heights with a touch of Downton Abbey. The hero, Daniel Kellow, is brooding and compelling and just jumps off the page. I haven’t been so drawn to a hero as I have Daniel for a long time. The heroine and MC is Janey who has landed a position as a lady’s maid has to manoeuvre the tricky social hierarchy between upstairs and downstairs. I found her to be courageous and resilient and realistically drawn. The story was at times heartbreaking. I felt like I went through the ringer, but I was rewarded with an emotionally satisfying ending. Highly recommended!
Wonderful, heart warming story. Perfect book to curl up with on a lazy Sunday afternoon. This book was published by Choc Lit, an independent publisher who advertises that the heroines are like chocolate- irresistible. This was certainly true in this book. I will definitely be looking for more by this author and publisher. Thank you Netgalley and Choc Lit for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
For me the essence of a good book is one which you can completely immerse yourself in and forget about everything else. And Victoria Cornwall's second novel The Captain's Daughter is just that.
Daughter of a sea captain, Janey Carhart has had a difficult upbringing. Alone at thirteen after the death of her family she found herself with no alternative but to go into service. Now at twenty she is a newly employed maid to Lady Brockenshaw of Bosvenna Manor. It is a role she has always wanted, but brings with it alienation and jealousy from some members of the staff there. Although socially out of her reach, Janey is attracted to James, the Brockenshaw's only son. He's handsome, educated and charming – the perfect gentleman. Daniel Kellow, a local farmer, has taken an interest in Janey. Not only does he unsettle her with his familiarity, she is aware of the rumours that surround him. The locals believe he may have been involved in the accident years ago that killed his employer Zachariah Trebilock - one which gained him ownership of the farm. And that's it...no more spoilers other than to say it's a plot, full of twists, turns and surprises.
I love historical romantic fiction and have to confess I was hooked from page one. It was difficult to put down and I really resented having to stop when other 'must do' things intruded. Janey is a great heroine; competent, determined and sensible except, it appears, where affairs of the heart are concerned. Daniel is a gorgeous hero - but then I've never been able to resist handsome dark eyed men - and blond charismatic James?...well you'll just have to read the book to find out how both these men influence Janey's future. A very worthy five star read....
I would like to thank Choc Lit for an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say that I absolutely love The Thief’s Daughter. This book is so different. There are just so many misunderstandings and miss-communications! Every time our couple overcomes one misunderstanding, there comes another one. It’s a very angsty roller coaster ride.
Second, be warned, there’s a RAPE scene and it’s traumatic. Well, I would have skipped the book had I known about it. What’s even worse, the rape is coordinated by another woman who is jealous of Janey. UGH!!!
What do I love? Everything else!!Especially Janey and Daniel and side characters, Cornwall scenery and the ending.
Beautiful and compelling story of Daniel and Janey. How could this couple, Daniel, a farmer and accused murderer and Janey, ladies maid, ever overcome the countless conflicts that kept them from seeing each other's true selves? I hope others enjoy this novel as much as I did. It is a fantastic, atmospheric story set in Cornwall where the author helps the reader experience the hardships of life and the sweetest of moments between Janey and Daniel.
First timer reading this author. Book well written with plots and characterisations. Both H&H has great character strengths and their journey is intense. Great account of village life, its trials, struggles and triumphs. Will definitely read another book of Ms Cornwall.
I have enjoyed British historical novels for Manchester am very happy to give this one the five star rating!!?the story is well written and I had to read it through to the end I one sitting. Looking forward,Victoria, to more books from your pen!!
I didn't think Victoria could top her first novel The Thief's Daughter, which was brilliant, however I'm pleased to say she has. This story based around the central characters Janey, Daniel and the Brockenshaws is a must read and I found myself taking every opportunity to read it. Janey is the Captain's Daughter who begins working for the Brockenshaw's and essentially this story is about the relationship with the two men she meets, James and Daniel, with jealousy and obsession from both of them but which one will capture her heart and turn out to be the one for her, will it be aristocratic James or farmer Daniel? Thanks to Choc-Lit for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review which is completely my own opinion.
This is a historical novel, set in Poldark time and place.
Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, 1868
Janey Carhart is the middle-class daughter of a captain, but a family tragedy for which she was blamed led to her being cast out by her one remaining relative. Determined to make something of herself, Janey finds work as a lady’s maid at the imposing Bosvenna Manor on the edge of Bodmin Moor.
Janey lives a lonely existence caring for Lady Brockenshaw who is blind and is shunned by the other serving staff. Without even meaning to, Janey catches the attention of two men – James Brockenshaw and Daniel Kellow.
James is Lady Brockenshaw’s son, whose eloquent letters to his mother warm Janey’s heart. Janey reads all of his letters out loud to Lady Brockenshaw - he sounds the perfect gentleman.
Daniel works on a neighbouring farm. On the surface, his rugged looks and the lascivious rumours that surround him suggest he is nothing but trouble.
But are appearances deceptive? Will Janey find out the hard way that not everything is what it seems? Will the wicked housekeeper be victorious in making Janey's life a misery .... i wont spoil it for you.
I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this by Choc Lit, in return of an honest review.
I found this difficult to put down and it always left me guessing what would happen next. Yes some areas were hopeful wishes and quite obvious, others were a complete surprise. It has a genuine feel good feeling to it and I could easily form images of each of the characters. ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆