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Glovemaker's Daughter
FROM THE ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF THE LAST PEARL AND DANCING AT THE VICTORY CAFE , this is a beautiful novel about dark family secrets, betrayal, love and redemption. 1666. A child is born in the farmhouse at Windebank, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Named Rejoice (Joy) by her dying father, Joy grows up witness to the persecution of the farming community for following a banned faith. Defying the authority of the local priest, she joins a group of Yorkshire pioneers travelling to the New World to form a colony close to Philadelphia - a passionate, rebellious and courageous woman fighting against the constraints of the time. Will she find peace and love? 2014. A leather-bound book is found buried in the walls of the Meeting House in Good Hope, Pennsylvania. Its details trace the owner back to a Yorkshire farm in the Dales. And so a correspondence begins between Rachel Moorside and the man who found the journal, Sam Storer, as Rachel uncovers the tumultuous secrets of her family’s history. Praise for Leah Fleming 'I enjoyed it enormously.It's a moving and compelling story about a lifetime's journey in search of the truth' RACHEL HORE 'A born storyteller' KATE ATKINSON
432 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2017
108 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Leah Fleming
33 books202 followersLeah Fleming was born in Lancashire and is married with three sons and a daughter. She writes from an old farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales and an olive grove in Crete.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com.a...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com.a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 28, 2018
3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley for an e- ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the mid-to late 17th century( with a very small portion happening in the 21st century), The Glovemaker's Daughter tells us the story of Rejoice( Joy) Mooreside, a young Quaker woman that loses both her parents on the day of her birth. Joy grows up in the home of her uncle and aunt, who do their best to teach their niece the Quaker life. However, dark clouds are forming over England and the Quakers soon find themselves heading across the sea to a new life in the Americas.
As I reflect on Leah Fleming's story, I think my biggest take-away is that this story really is set on one women's journey to choose the type of life she would like to lead. Joy spends a great portion of the story trying to live up to the martyrdom of her own parents. Many other characters try and help Joy to see the many lessons of their faith, but she will struggle with this ethical dilemma for many years as she records the trials and tribulations of the Quakers.
My rating is right in the middle as I did read the majority of the story in one sitting and I would recommend it, but I am not sure I am drawn to re-reading it again.
Thanks to Netgalley for an e- ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the mid-to late 17th century( with a very small portion happening in the 21st century), The Glovemaker's Daughter tells us the story of Rejoice( Joy) Mooreside, a young Quaker woman that loses both her parents on the day of her birth. Joy grows up in the home of her uncle and aunt, who do their best to teach their niece the Quaker life. However, dark clouds are forming over England and the Quakers soon find themselves heading across the sea to a new life in the Americas.
As I reflect on Leah Fleming's story, I think my biggest take-away is that this story really is set on one women's journey to choose the type of life she would like to lead. Joy spends a great portion of the story trying to live up to the martyrdom of her own parents. Many other characters try and help Joy to see the many lessons of their faith, but she will struggle with this ethical dilemma for many years as she records the trials and tribulations of the Quakers.
My rating is right in the middle as I did read the majority of the story in one sitting and I would recommend it, but I am not sure I am drawn to re-reading it again.
July 31, 2017
4.5★s
It was 2014 when Sam Storer was notified of a carefully wrapped parcel which had been buried within the walls of the Meeting House in Good Hope, Pennsylvania, and his excitement rose immediately. With professional care, the book which was enclosed in wrap had its pages painstakingly separated. What was revealed between those pages was the life of Rejoice Moorside (Joy) which began in 1666 at a farmhouse in Windebank, Yorkshire. Sam contacted a woman by the name of Rachel Moorside and together they explored the history of the journal; the harsh lives of the Quakers and as it turned out, Rachel’s own family history from the long ago past.
When Joy was only fifteen years old, she left the care of her aunt and uncle who had been her only parents since birth. The Friends faith was deeply indoctrinated into her being, and she was horrified and overwhelmed at the prejudice and persecution of her family and friends at the following of their beliefs. The beatings; being thrown into a cell; the fines which most were unable to pay – defiant and angry, she was eventually removed from the family. But it was when Joy was twenty two years of age that she joined the travellers who embarked on a journey to the New World of America.
With trials and tribulations, Joy and the group of Friends made their way to Philadelphia – their granting of land and the forming of a township nearby was mired by hardship; but they worked together as was their way. But would Joy eventually find peace and contentment? Or was her constant rebellion set to continue?
The Glovemaker’s Daughter by Leah Fleming is a fascinating look at the harsh, terrible times and lives of the Quakers in the seventeenth century. Trauma and tragedy were a part of their lives on an almost daily basis; but though they didn’t understand why, they knew they had no choice but to put up with it. An exceptional, moving and emotional novel, The Glovemaker’s Daughter is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
It was 2014 when Sam Storer was notified of a carefully wrapped parcel which had been buried within the walls of the Meeting House in Good Hope, Pennsylvania, and his excitement rose immediately. With professional care, the book which was enclosed in wrap had its pages painstakingly separated. What was revealed between those pages was the life of Rejoice Moorside (Joy) which began in 1666 at a farmhouse in Windebank, Yorkshire. Sam contacted a woman by the name of Rachel Moorside and together they explored the history of the journal; the harsh lives of the Quakers and as it turned out, Rachel’s own family history from the long ago past.
When Joy was only fifteen years old, she left the care of her aunt and uncle who had been her only parents since birth. The Friends faith was deeply indoctrinated into her being, and she was horrified and overwhelmed at the prejudice and persecution of her family and friends at the following of their beliefs. The beatings; being thrown into a cell; the fines which most were unable to pay – defiant and angry, she was eventually removed from the family. But it was when Joy was twenty two years of age that she joined the travellers who embarked on a journey to the New World of America.
With trials and tribulations, Joy and the group of Friends made their way to Philadelphia – their granting of land and the forming of a township nearby was mired by hardship; but they worked together as was their way. But would Joy eventually find peace and contentment? Or was her constant rebellion set to continue?
The Glovemaker’s Daughter by Leah Fleming is a fascinating look at the harsh, terrible times and lives of the Quakers in the seventeenth century. Trauma and tragedy were a part of their lives on an almost daily basis; but though they didn’t understand why, they knew they had no choice but to put up with it. An exceptional, moving and emotional novel, The Glovemaker’s Daughter is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
March 1, 2018
Four and a half stars
The story starts in 2014 with a discovery in a Quaker meeting house in Good Hope Pennsylvania. Well preserved, the enclosed journal is dated 1725 and is the account of one person’s journey from Yorkshire, England to Pennsylvania. But the story begins earlier in 1666, when Rejoice is born and named by her dying father after the deprivation he and his wife have suffered. Rejoice (known as Joy) grows up with her Aunt Margery, Uncle Roger and her cousins. She is distressed at the treatment meted out to the Quaker people by others who are under the authority of the local priest. The persecution of these people who were following their beliefs to the best of their understanding was appalling. It included beatings, imprisonment, fines and loss of property with no recourse. Joy is a feisty rebellious young woman. She has one thing of value, an elaborate pair of gloves given by her grandmother to her mother. It is the remnant of the prosperous life her mother had given up when she joined the Friends faith and married Joy’s father. These gloves play a critical role throughout the story.
A group of these Quakers leave Yorkshire to travel to the New World. Given the conditions that people endured on these ships it is a miracle any survived. Life in the New World is also harsh and had its own dangers, some more subtle than others.
I have to say that before reading this book practically the total extent of my knowledge about Quakers came from the old film Friendly Persuasion, which is a favourite film of mine. This gives a much more detailed picture, of their ways, beliefs and suffering. Even though the times and treatment were harsh and it was hard to read of cruelty inflicted on other human beings, I loved this book. It had me firmly in its grasp with Joy all the way.
My one little quibble is that I thought the ending tried to cover too many years all in a rush. But that point aside, this is a readable, well researched historical novel with a main character you can’t help but empathise with. Anyone who loves historical fiction should definitely enjoy this well construction novel that definitely engages the emotions throughout. And who could resist this cover?
The story starts in 2014 with a discovery in a Quaker meeting house in Good Hope Pennsylvania. Well preserved, the enclosed journal is dated 1725 and is the account of one person’s journey from Yorkshire, England to Pennsylvania. But the story begins earlier in 1666, when Rejoice is born and named by her dying father after the deprivation he and his wife have suffered. Rejoice (known as Joy) grows up with her Aunt Margery, Uncle Roger and her cousins. She is distressed at the treatment meted out to the Quaker people by others who are under the authority of the local priest. The persecution of these people who were following their beliefs to the best of their understanding was appalling. It included beatings, imprisonment, fines and loss of property with no recourse. Joy is a feisty rebellious young woman. She has one thing of value, an elaborate pair of gloves given by her grandmother to her mother. It is the remnant of the prosperous life her mother had given up when she joined the Friends faith and married Joy’s father. These gloves play a critical role throughout the story.
A group of these Quakers leave Yorkshire to travel to the New World. Given the conditions that people endured on these ships it is a miracle any survived. Life in the New World is also harsh and had its own dangers, some more subtle than others.
I have to say that before reading this book practically the total extent of my knowledge about Quakers came from the old film Friendly Persuasion, which is a favourite film of mine. This gives a much more detailed picture, of their ways, beliefs and suffering. Even though the times and treatment were harsh and it was hard to read of cruelty inflicted on other human beings, I loved this book. It had me firmly in its grasp with Joy all the way.
My one little quibble is that I thought the ending tried to cover too many years all in a rush. But that point aside, this is a readable, well researched historical novel with a main character you can’t help but empathise with. Anyone who loves historical fiction should definitely enjoy this well construction novel that definitely engages the emotions throughout. And who could resist this cover?
December 14, 2018
Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter was a slow read for me. And although I love a good historical fiction and found the portrayal of Quakers in the 17th century a fascinating plot topic, I wasn’t able to connect with the characters or care about their plight. For me, the plot development was too simplistic and did not require much if any investment from the reader. I was also a little confused by the brief modern day time line that didn’t seem to add anything to the overall story.
With that said, the book has much potential to appeal to other readers who enjoy a slow methodical plot development. If you are a patient reader who enjoys knowing a character’s every thought and hearing every conversation, this writing style may appeal to you much more than me. The persecution of the Quakers and their escape to America for a new life was not something I’d read about before and I appreciated the novel idea. I even learned many fascinating details about the Quakers. I just wish I had been able to connect better to the characters and story.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter was a slow read for me. And although I love a good historical fiction and found the portrayal of Quakers in the 17th century a fascinating plot topic, I wasn’t able to connect with the characters or care about their plight. For me, the plot development was too simplistic and did not require much if any investment from the reader. I was also a little confused by the brief modern day time line that didn’t seem to add anything to the overall story.
With that said, the book has much potential to appeal to other readers who enjoy a slow methodical plot development. If you are a patient reader who enjoys knowing a character’s every thought and hearing every conversation, this writing style may appeal to you much more than me. The persecution of the Quakers and their escape to America for a new life was not something I’d read about before and I appreciated the novel idea. I even learned many fascinating details about the Quakers. I just wish I had been able to connect better to the characters and story.
January 2, 2019
historical fiction of a quaker womans travels from Yorkshire to the new world in the late 17th century , found it interesting but felt however the ending was a bit rushed
December 4, 2017
**RATING 4.5**
I have to start by saying that the cover of this emotional story is absolutely stunning and it is one I find myself looking at often on my bookshelf. When I picked up THE GLOVEMAKER'S DAUGHTER by Leah Fleming I knew absolutely nothing about the Quakers or their history, but as this beautiful and at times harrowing story flowed effortlessly from the very first page, I was captivated by this compelling historical tale.
In 1666, Rejoice who is known as Joy embarks on a dangerous journey to the New World in the hopes of finding peace and spreading the word of her faith. Having never known her parents, she is stronger than many women of her time and as she faces so many hardships head on and which such spirit, we are completely caught up in her life.
In 2014 Rachel Moorside is contacted by Sam Storer about an old book that has been found in Pennsylvania. As Sam and Rachel try to place together the pieces from the past, they will both uncover so much more than they planned as a time in history comes alive in the here and now.
THE GLOVEMAKER'S DAUGHTER by Leah Fleming is richly detailed and will paint a picture of a ruthless time in history, but it is also an emotional tale of a young woman who yearns for love and to find the inner peace that has eluded her for some time. This story will set your senses alight as you read each page and I thoroughly enjoyed this historical tale.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
I have to start by saying that the cover of this emotional story is absolutely stunning and it is one I find myself looking at often on my bookshelf. When I picked up THE GLOVEMAKER'S DAUGHTER by Leah Fleming I knew absolutely nothing about the Quakers or their history, but as this beautiful and at times harrowing story flowed effortlessly from the very first page, I was captivated by this compelling historical tale.
In 1666, Rejoice who is known as Joy embarks on a dangerous journey to the New World in the hopes of finding peace and spreading the word of her faith. Having never known her parents, she is stronger than many women of her time and as she faces so many hardships head on and which such spirit, we are completely caught up in her life.
In 2014 Rachel Moorside is contacted by Sam Storer about an old book that has been found in Pennsylvania. As Sam and Rachel try to place together the pieces from the past, they will both uncover so much more than they planned as a time in history comes alive in the here and now.
THE GLOVEMAKER'S DAUGHTER by Leah Fleming is richly detailed and will paint a picture of a ruthless time in history, but it is also an emotional tale of a young woman who yearns for love and to find the inner peace that has eluded her for some time. This story will set your senses alight as you read each page and I thoroughly enjoyed this historical tale.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
January 8, 2019
Original review can be found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
The Glovemaker's Daughter was the story of Rejoice (Joy) who was born in 1666 in a Quaker community. Her mother died giving birth and her father shortly after, having just enough time to give her a name. Her community practised a faith that was banned and there were consequences for everything they did.
I was not overly familiar with Quaker history so I was really intrigued by this story. Although fictional it still gave me some insight as to how that population lived, survived and persevered in a time that was difficult and challenging for them all. It was this that kept me turning the pages.
This book had elements of a sweeping, epic story that spanned decades. However, I couldn't help but feel that it was missing that certain something that made it a truly epic story. This bothered me a lot as I followed Joy through her journey because I couldn't figure out what it was. It wasn't until the final few pages that I figured it out. Although the story followed Joy through time and horrendous challenges, I felt like the story was somewhat simplified. Her challenges seemed condensed and quick and then it was on to the next adventure. For this reason it was hard to get caught up in all of the emotions that accompany a truly epic story. I was reading her story but I wasn't feeling her emotions to the extent that I wanted to.
The Glovemaker's Daughter was an enjoyable read and a quick one as well. Although I craved more emotion it was still a pretty solid read for fans of historical fiction. I will definitely e checking out more work by Leah Flemming.
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
The Glovemaker's Daughter was the story of Rejoice (Joy) who was born in 1666 in a Quaker community. Her mother died giving birth and her father shortly after, having just enough time to give her a name. Her community practised a faith that was banned and there were consequences for everything they did.
I was not overly familiar with Quaker history so I was really intrigued by this story. Although fictional it still gave me some insight as to how that population lived, survived and persevered in a time that was difficult and challenging for them all. It was this that kept me turning the pages.
This book had elements of a sweeping, epic story that spanned decades. However, I couldn't help but feel that it was missing that certain something that made it a truly epic story. This bothered me a lot as I followed Joy through her journey because I couldn't figure out what it was. It wasn't until the final few pages that I figured it out. Although the story followed Joy through time and horrendous challenges, I felt like the story was somewhat simplified. Her challenges seemed condensed and quick and then it was on to the next adventure. For this reason it was hard to get caught up in all of the emotions that accompany a truly epic story. I was reading her story but I wasn't feeling her emotions to the extent that I wanted to.
The Glovemaker's Daughter was an enjoyable read and a quick one as well. Although I craved more emotion it was still a pretty solid read for fans of historical fiction. I will definitely e checking out more work by Leah Flemming.
January 6, 2021
3.5★
This was a slow start, and not as good as the first I read of Leah Fleming's several years ago, but it was still a good read.
I wanted more of the current day story in there than we got, and I did wonder how a hand-written journal of such a length - because that is what the majority of the book was - could have been hidden in the walls of a building, but it is just a story!
This was a slow start, and not as good as the first I read of Leah Fleming's several years ago, but it was still a good read.
I wanted more of the current day story in there than we got, and I did wonder how a hand-written journal of such a length - because that is what the majority of the book was - could have been hidden in the walls of a building, but it is just a story!
October 13, 2022
Well researched story about a young orphan girl growing up within a Quaker community. It was quite slow-moving in the first half but the pace improved once she got to America. While I appreciate the historical details and the education about this very strict brand of Protestants, I did grow frustrated with a number of issues. *Slight Spoilers* Firstly, the concept of this being a written memoir left by Rejoice (Joy) did not work at all because we've got detailed dialogues recalled decades later and inner-most thoughts of the 'impure' kind intended to be read by other Friends. The coincidences that piled up with Joy repeatedly encountering the same people (good and bad) again and again. How small is her world even after she has crossed the Atlantic? The painfully slow personal growth of Joy before she finally declared her independence of mind and spirit.
Superior narration.
Superior narration.
January 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this. Not an author I’ve read before but clearly she does her research
Set in the 1660s onwards it follows Joy who is a member of the Quakers. This follows her journey and is an interesting insight to how life was for them. Loved this. Joy is born in Yorkshire but this follows her eventful life ending in America.
Brilliantly written and I’d read more of her books
Set in the 1660s onwards it follows Joy who is a member of the Quakers. This follows her journey and is an interesting insight to how life was for them. Loved this. Joy is born in Yorkshire but this follows her eventful life ending in America.
Brilliantly written and I’d read more of her books
January 31, 2018
Good book, a very enjoyable read. Starts in Yorkshire in the 1660s with the birth of a baby, named Rejoice by her parents as they died. She is brought up in the Quaker religion and the descriptions of the persecution of the Friends at that time are disturbing. Story then moves on as Rejoice ,known as Joy, joins a group of settlers travelling to a new life in Philadelphia and all the difficulties that come with this change in her life.
February 25, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel
What a lovely and poignant story. Very unique and very special. I’ve not read many stories set within the Quaker community and nothing with a main character such as Rejoice. I found myself cheering her on in many ways and admired her for what she did and believe in. The conditions that she and others must have gone through were harsh and at times hard to read. There was no role for women at that time and it was admirable that she was the person she was.
The times may have been ruthless but Leah’s portrayal of it was evocative and lusciously descriptive. Immersive is a word that only some historical novels really achieve but this was one one them. It wasn’t just the historical part of the weave which made this story however. The modern day threads were equally as strong and oh – that book being found – love stories like this where diaries, walls are whispering to us from the past. This one is really well woven.
Joy is joy of a character to go on a journey with and what a journey it was!
Recommended
January 23, 2018
I had very low expectations for this book for two reasons:
1. I had just finished reading an extremely crappy book by a different author which put me in a grim sort of mood.
2. Quakers.
I love historical fiction above all genres but I'm not an expert in history nor a fact checker so I cannot critique any historical aspects of this book.
What I can tell you is that when I read a book I want to be entertained. I want to forget about my reality for the duration of the book and live the life of it's subjects temporarily. While reading The Glovemakers Daughter over this past weekend I neglected my house, my family and my personal hygiene. I was so emotionally involved with the main character that when I finished the book I felt lost and almost ripped off that it was over and now I have to find something else to read. I didn't want it to end. In my opinion THAT is what makes a book good, great!! I will be reading more from this author immediately.
1. I had just finished reading an extremely crappy book by a different author which put me in a grim sort of mood.
2. Quakers.
I love historical fiction above all genres but I'm not an expert in history nor a fact checker so I cannot critique any historical aspects of this book.
What I can tell you is that when I read a book I want to be entertained. I want to forget about my reality for the duration of the book and live the life of it's subjects temporarily. While reading The Glovemakers Daughter over this past weekend I neglected my house, my family and my personal hygiene. I was so emotionally involved with the main character that when I finished the book I felt lost and almost ripped off that it was over and now I have to find something else to read. I didn't want it to end. In my opinion THAT is what makes a book good, great!! I will be reading more from this author immediately.
October 15, 2017
I absolutely love books set in the 1600’s so when a Goodread’s friend put this on her highly recommended list it was a must for me. I found it a little slow mainly in the first half, but it picked up and captivated me for the second half where I just wanted to keep reading. The Glovemaker’s Daughter by Leah Fleming is filled with lovely descriptive writing that has the ability to transport you to the lives of the Quakers and their exploration to new lands in a time that was hard – so to actually feel the dirt under your fingernails when forging a new town, the loss of loved ones and the trials, tribulations and judgement of the Quakers was fascinating. I really enjoyed this book. A solid four – maybe even 4 and a half!
November 18, 2018
I enjoy historical fiction as it gives me opportunities to learn about different people in various periods of history. I have friends who are Quakers and so it was intriguing to learn a bit more about their history and parts of their lives between England and America.
This book, however, started too slow for my liking. It was really hard to get into at first. As the story went on, I was intrigued to see where Joy would end up. She takes a while to make up her mind and as a reader I thought her shift toward the end of the book was too sudden. I saw how the narrative led to her shift but the story seems rushed at the end without giving enough words to her doubts and inner struggle. It seemed to wrap up a bit too abruptly.
I have read numerous books that are framed within a present day where individuals are learning about figures in the past along with the reader. This book followed this format as a man finds Joy’s journal in the walls of an old Quaker chapel in the prologue and connects with one of her descendants. I thought this part could have been done much better- there were only short and sporadic accounts throughout the book and it didn’t add to the story. I also was left wondering how the woman was related to Joy as that also didn’t seem clear.
So while I appreciated the glimpse into Quaker life as it began in America, this book was lacking in a lot of other areas and I struggled to get through it.
This book, however, started too slow for my liking. It was really hard to get into at first. As the story went on, I was intrigued to see where Joy would end up. She takes a while to make up her mind and as a reader I thought her shift toward the end of the book was too sudden. I saw how the narrative led to her shift but the story seems rushed at the end without giving enough words to her doubts and inner struggle. It seemed to wrap up a bit too abruptly.
I have read numerous books that are framed within a present day where individuals are learning about figures in the past along with the reader. This book followed this format as a man finds Joy’s journal in the walls of an old Quaker chapel in the prologue and connects with one of her descendants. I thought this part could have been done much better- there were only short and sporadic accounts throughout the book and it didn’t add to the story. I also was left wondering how the woman was related to Joy as that also didn’t seem clear.
So while I appreciated the glimpse into Quaker life as it began in America, this book was lacking in a lot of other areas and I struggled to get through it.
February 14, 2020
I don’t have to finish every book I start. I must keep reminding myself of this. Quakers in 17th century Yorkshire. I thought this would be an interesting read. It wasn’t.
April 11, 2020
This book starts very slowly and I'm sure many readers would not persevere with it but it does improve.
August 21, 2022
This is fairly gripping historical fiction which entertained and informed throughout. I would certainly consider another of her novels.
February 26, 2018
I am sorry to say this but dear god this book is awful painful and all the characters are well just plain stupid. All of them though set in the ‘16th’ century feel too modern and gah it just feels very naïve and the history is awful. Very disappointing and not one I will recommend to anyone
December 21, 2023
Really deeply enjoyed this book. Feeling as if being transported into the era with the main character. Her lessons are all still very relevant today. Thank you to the author.
May 24, 2020
I must admit I did not know much about the Quakers before I read this so it was an education as well as a really good read. Some of it reminded me of the Outlander books, which is a good thing, believe me. I really did enjoy this book and didn't want it to end.
December 4, 2018
I tried real hard on this one. I really wanted to enjoy The Glovemaker's Daughter, but I struggled to connect with the protagonist and plot in general. However, I really enjoyed the representation and portrayal it gave to 17th century Quakers. This was a different characterization and one I had not seen before. This book was evidently well-researched, however, it was slow and plodding and I found it difficult to read. I tried valiantly to enjoy it, but in the end, gave up. For those who enjoy a slower read, this may be the book for them. Unfortunately, not for me!
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
March 4, 2018
I didn't finish the book.
October 22, 2018
4/5*
Full review here: https://www.allcharacterswanted.com/b...
Thank you Simon & Schuster for sending me this digital book in return for an honest review!
This book caught my eye because of the dramatic cover; after reading the synopsis, I was doubly hooked. I don't have a ton of knowledge about Quakers and settlement in the New World, so I was interested to see what this story brought us. It was different then I had anticipated (more time in the 1600s than in the 2000s) but that wasn't a bad thing. Instead, I found myself falling deeper into Joy's story and waiting to find out if she would get her happy ending.
Different Quakers Than Anticipated
The only thing I knew about Quakers before this book is their role in the Underground Railway; they were responsible for so many slaves finding their way to freedom. I remember reading stories as a child about their good deeds and support for anyone who needed it, so I definitely walked into this book with some preconceptions about what the Quakers in this novel would be like. I was really surprised that they often came across more Puritan than Quaker in many instances. They were often quick to judge, unforgiving, and outright cruel to anyone who dared to question them.
Surprising Ending
I LOVED the last few chapters of this book; the adventure that Joy finds herself in (kidnapping, escaping, almost being tortured) and her ultimate decision to chose love over loyalt was everything I wanted and hoped for for Joy. I didn’t expect Joy’s story to end the way it did, and I’m so happy with how it happened.
The Present Day Was Unnecessary
I won’t ramble on about this, but I really did not see the purpose of having characters from the present day find Joy’s diary. While I’m happy her story was told, I didn’t think it made sense the way Rachel and Sam were included into this book. Their relationship meant nothing to me (although it is sweet that these two retirees are hinted to be falling in love by the end) and I was usually annoyed to find that I had to read a bit about them before I could jump back into Joy’s story.
This book stayed with me for days after reading it, as I continued to think about Joy's journey and struggles. I felt so connected to her story that I was really disappointed when it ended! I’d recommend this book to anyway who likes Historical Fiction or wants to get a more personal insight into Quaker life.
Full review here: https://www.allcharacterswanted.com/b...
Thank you Simon & Schuster for sending me this digital book in return for an honest review!
This book caught my eye because of the dramatic cover; after reading the synopsis, I was doubly hooked. I don't have a ton of knowledge about Quakers and settlement in the New World, so I was interested to see what this story brought us. It was different then I had anticipated (more time in the 1600s than in the 2000s) but that wasn't a bad thing. Instead, I found myself falling deeper into Joy's story and waiting to find out if she would get her happy ending.
Different Quakers Than Anticipated
The only thing I knew about Quakers before this book is their role in the Underground Railway; they were responsible for so many slaves finding their way to freedom. I remember reading stories as a child about their good deeds and support for anyone who needed it, so I definitely walked into this book with some preconceptions about what the Quakers in this novel would be like. I was really surprised that they often came across more Puritan than Quaker in many instances. They were often quick to judge, unforgiving, and outright cruel to anyone who dared to question them.
Surprising Ending
I LOVED the last few chapters of this book; the adventure that Joy finds herself in (kidnapping, escaping, almost being tortured) and her ultimate decision to chose love over loyalt was everything I wanted and hoped for for Joy. I didn’t expect Joy’s story to end the way it did, and I’m so happy with how it happened.
The Present Day Was Unnecessary
I won’t ramble on about this, but I really did not see the purpose of having characters from the present day find Joy’s diary. While I’m happy her story was told, I didn’t think it made sense the way Rachel and Sam were included into this book. Their relationship meant nothing to me (although it is sweet that these two retirees are hinted to be falling in love by the end) and I was usually annoyed to find that I had to read a bit about them before I could jump back into Joy’s story.
This book stayed with me for days after reading it, as I continued to think about Joy's journey and struggles. I felt so connected to her story that I was really disappointed when it ended! I’d recommend this book to anyway who likes Historical Fiction or wants to get a more personal insight into Quaker life.
November 1, 2022
This was my first encounter with Leah Fleming as I picked up The glovemakers Daughter in a charity shop. I thought it was an excellent read. It didn't race along madly but there was good pace - sometimes slower , sometimes faster with real drama when you couldn't see what was coming next.
What I really liked was the inner life of the central protagonist Joy/Rejoice and her struggles with beliefs within her given strand of faith. It was to her credit that she really tried hard to hold onto the Quaker principles but I rejoiced with her when she eventually followed her own light, not abandoning her faith altogether but the particular strand which denied her the chance of marrying for love and other things such as the joy of dancing.
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres as I value learning something more about a different era and culture. I didn't know very much about the oppression imposed on early Quakers and now I understand more of the pros and cons of Quakerism.
All credit to Leah Fleming for not ladling on the happy ending. However there was a slightly gooey romantic edge which was unnecesary regarding the contemporary story which envelops the historical one. I'm often not convinced by the need for the modern envelope in a lot of current historical fiction. I think as readers, we are perfectly able to cut to the chase.
January 2, 2019
The Glovemaker's Daughter begins in Good Hope Township, Pennsylvania, 2014. After seeing a ghost in a three-hundred-year-old Meeting House (Quaker Church), Sam finds a notebook hidden in the walls. He connects with Rachel Moorside, a descendant of the person who wrote the ledger, in order to find out more about the Meeting House and the people who built it. Through mainly journal entries from the 17th century ledger, we are told the story of a young woman named Rejoice (Joy) who embarks on an epic journey from England to the New World.
Fleming creates incredible characters filled with personality, description, and emotions that they feel like real people that I actually know. I found Joy to be annoying, but I appreciated that she always learned from her mistakes, and I admire her perseverance.
Joy's story grabbed me from the very beginning. I love Fleming's writing style and definitely want to read more by her.
Some readers have described this as a mystery, but it doesn't feel like one. The present day part of the book doesn't really serve a purpose to the plot. I think if there had been more from Rachel and Sam's perspectives it could have been more exciting. The ending feels incredibly rushed as well.
The Glovemaker's Daughter is a slow-burn historical tale about a young girl's epic journey discovering family secrets, peace, and love. I recommend this one to readers sixteen-years-old+ who enjoy slow-paced stories filled with tons of description and history.
Setting: 3/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Message: 2.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Fleming creates incredible characters filled with personality, description, and emotions that they feel like real people that I actually know. I found Joy to be annoying, but I appreciated that she always learned from her mistakes, and I admire her perseverance.
Joy's story grabbed me from the very beginning. I love Fleming's writing style and definitely want to read more by her.
Some readers have described this as a mystery, but it doesn't feel like one. The present day part of the book doesn't really serve a purpose to the plot. I think if there had been more from Rachel and Sam's perspectives it could have been more exciting. The ending feels incredibly rushed as well.
The Glovemaker's Daughter is a slow-burn historical tale about a young girl's epic journey discovering family secrets, peace, and love. I recommend this one to readers sixteen-years-old+ who enjoy slow-paced stories filled with tons of description and history.
Setting: 3/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Message: 2.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2017
I adored this page turner. Perfectly wrapped in historical fact, this lovely novel ticked all of my boxes. Accurate, well researched, just brimming with fact, the storyline coddles history with the yearnings of a young woman who's destiny was not of her own choosing, defined by a chain of events that began, prior to her untimely and tragic arrival on earth. Born to a Quaker community, Rejoice eventually embarks on an epic sea journey, which heralds a new journey for our girl. A new chance at life perhaps? Or will destiny have other plans for her?
Like so many women of my years, who were raised in an ever changing world, with goalposts and standards shifting by the minute, while traditionalists clung to the tired, old, and sometimes disciplinarian strategies of coping with life, I could relate totally to our heroine's struggle to find her place in her world, albeit, Joy's struggle is penned around life three hundred years prior.
A very good read, worthy of your time to discover this very well written and unusual literary diversion. A gem.
Like so many women of my years, who were raised in an ever changing world, with goalposts and standards shifting by the minute, while traditionalists clung to the tired, old, and sometimes disciplinarian strategies of coping with life, I could relate totally to our heroine's struggle to find her place in her world, albeit, Joy's struggle is penned around life three hundred years prior.
A very good read, worthy of your time to discover this very well written and unusual literary diversion. A gem.
May 27, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one - the back blurb makes it sound much more exciting than it really is. For all the mention of "dark secrets", it's actually fairly gentle and not as gruesome as that description makes it sound. The central character is brought up in a strict Quaker community and finds it stifling. Eventually she emigrates to America where again she is caught between the rules of her community and her own independent mind.
As someone who's not remotely religious, you sympathise with Joy, who seems very modern for someone living in the late 17th century. I did get a bit annoyed with the stubbornness of some of the Quaker characters, but the author is presumably reflecting what she found in her research. Thankfully, you don't feel like the Quaker characters are preaching at the reader. The framing device of the modern researchers feels fairly unnecessary, but on the whole it's a decent read. As I said, not as gruesome or salacious as the blurb might make it seem, but a gentle tale of 17th century religion and colonists.
As someone who's not remotely religious, you sympathise with Joy, who seems very modern for someone living in the late 17th century. I did get a bit annoyed with the stubbornness of some of the Quaker characters, but the author is presumably reflecting what she found in her research. Thankfully, you don't feel like the Quaker characters are preaching at the reader. The framing device of the modern researchers feels fairly unnecessary, but on the whole it's a decent read. As I said, not as gruesome or salacious as the blurb might make it seem, but a gentle tale of 17th century religion and colonists.
February 1, 2018
17th Century Yorkshire is a difficult place to live if your family practices the 'banned faith'. Coming from a family of Quakers, Joy knows all about persecution. Raised by her extended family after being orphaned at a very young age, Joy decides that the only way she can actively worship as a Quaker is by leaving her remote Yorkshire village and travelling the country and hoping that she will finally find freedom in Philadelphia.
Three hundred and fifty years later, a Philadelphian historical society find a leather-bound notebook buried in the walls of a Quaker chapel. As correspondence between American historian Sam and Yorkshire girl Rachel grows, Rachel begins to discover more about her family …. things she never knew.
An easy an enjoyable read. The only thing that could've have been better was if there were more secrets to be discovered that impacted upon Rachels life in the present day.
Will definitely read more of Leah Fleming's novels. .
Three hundred and fifty years later, a Philadelphian historical society find a leather-bound notebook buried in the walls of a Quaker chapel. As correspondence between American historian Sam and Yorkshire girl Rachel grows, Rachel begins to discover more about her family …. things she never knew.
An easy an enjoyable read. The only thing that could've have been better was if there were more secrets to be discovered that impacted upon Rachels life in the present day.
Will definitely read more of Leah Fleming's novels. .
October 26, 2017
1666 in Yorkshire and a baby girl has a difficult entrance to the world. Her mother dies shortly after her birth. The baby is named Rejoyce (Joy) by her father who dies shortly after.
Joy Moorside was raised by her aunt and uncle until she was fifteen years old. She then made her own way in the world while maintaining the faith which had been instilled in her. The Friends Faith was strongly condemned and persecuted and for years Joy maintained her faith while working and then joined a group of Yorkshire pioneers to travel to America and form a colony in Good Hope, Pennsylvania.
2014 and a leather bound journal is found hidden within the walls of a meeting house in Good Hope, Pennsylvania. This is Joy's journal which tells of her life since birth and of her struggles and hope's.
A woman named Rachel Moorside is contacted by Sam who found the journal and together they explore the history of the journal and the history of Rachel's family.
Joy Moorside was raised by her aunt and uncle until she was fifteen years old. She then made her own way in the world while maintaining the faith which had been instilled in her. The Friends Faith was strongly condemned and persecuted and for years Joy maintained her faith while working and then joined a group of Yorkshire pioneers to travel to America and form a colony in Good Hope, Pennsylvania.
2014 and a leather bound journal is found hidden within the walls of a meeting house in Good Hope, Pennsylvania. This is Joy's journal which tells of her life since birth and of her struggles and hope's.
A woman named Rachel Moorside is contacted by Sam who found the journal and together they explore the history of the journal and the history of Rachel's family.
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