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The Gamekeeper's Wife
Martha Walters is the widow of an abusive man. Christopher Shipley is the reluctant heir to a substantial family fortune.
He has more money than he needs or wants – but responsibilities he can’t shirk. She has nothing, and now stands to lose even her home.
They were never meant to fall in love… but sometimes you know the wrong person is the right one. Until one day a terrible secret is revealed which will force them apart.
A story of love, duty, sacrifice and determination in the aftermath of the First World War.
From an English country house to the jungles of Borneo, The Gamekeeper’s Wife is sure to keep you up reading all night.
He has more money than he needs or wants – but responsibilities he can’t shirk. She has nothing, and now stands to lose even her home.
They were never meant to fall in love… but sometimes you know the wrong person is the right one. Until one day a terrible secret is revealed which will force them apart.
A story of love, duty, sacrifice and determination in the aftermath of the First World War.
From an English country house to the jungles of Borneo, The Gamekeeper’s Wife is sure to keep you up reading all night.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2018
902 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Clare Flynn
45 books221 followersClare Flynn is the author of eighteen historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022.
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Hostrical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Hostrical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 9, 2018
A beautifully written historical romance of love and loss, a compelling story that draws you in and keeps you there. Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
April 28, 2022
Superb
"The Gamekeeper's Wife" is a fantastic read. The plot is not only clever but it is full of twists and turns that make it tough to put down.
I highly recommend.
"The Gamekeeper's Wife" is a fantastic read. The plot is not only clever but it is full of twists and turns that make it tough to put down.
I highly recommend.
August 7, 2018
Great book!!!
Just great writing and engrossing plot!
I was able to lose myself in this post WWI era drama surrounding the lives on a large estate of a wealthy family in England and, most noteably, the gameskeeper 's wife.
The male heir to this estate is thrown into the management of it after his father and elder brother are killed in the war, and he has lost a leg. His post traumatic stress from the war wears away at him as much as his overbearing, carping mother. She has demanded he turn out the now deceased gameskeeper's wife from their cottage and hire a new man. He dislikes this, but to allay further clucking from his mother he goes to speak with the widow and try to allow her a little more time.
There is a subtle but impenetrable instant attraction between the two, making for a very interesting read.
To say this book was hard to put down is inadequate to describe how non-stop the plot rolls as more and more is revealed. It is not overdone....just great writing here. As these two unlikely people fall in love, obstacles are at every turn.
A heavy, believable story with well defined and developed characters. Not what I expected when I downloaded this book. This is an author to follow. A serious read. An emotional story. Recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance as well as women's fiction.
Just great writing and engrossing plot!
I was able to lose myself in this post WWI era drama surrounding the lives on a large estate of a wealthy family in England and, most noteably, the gameskeeper 's wife.
The male heir to this estate is thrown into the management of it after his father and elder brother are killed in the war, and he has lost a leg. His post traumatic stress from the war wears away at him as much as his overbearing, carping mother. She has demanded he turn out the now deceased gameskeeper's wife from their cottage and hire a new man. He dislikes this, but to allay further clucking from his mother he goes to speak with the widow and try to allow her a little more time.
There is a subtle but impenetrable instant attraction between the two, making for a very interesting read.
To say this book was hard to put down is inadequate to describe how non-stop the plot rolls as more and more is revealed. It is not overdone....just great writing here. As these two unlikely people fall in love, obstacles are at every turn.
A heavy, believable story with well defined and developed characters. Not what I expected when I downloaded this book. This is an author to follow. A serious read. An emotional story. Recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance as well as women's fiction.
April 24, 2018
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I have been left in awe and tears after reading this emotional and poignant story. Such is the author’s skill that I felt transported back to post war Britain in 1918 onwards. The characters were real, warts and all. This book will stay with me for a long time!
April 17, 2018
Absolutely brilliant! A wonderful book that sucks you in from the beginning.
A story full of twists, love and suffering and so well written - a real pleasure to read!
I love books written in/during/after WW1 and WW2 and this book certainly doesn’t disappoint - would highly recommend
A story full of twists, love and suffering and so well written - a real pleasure to read!
I love books written in/during/after WW1 and WW2 and this book certainly doesn’t disappoint - would highly recommend
November 26, 2019
Caveat: Clare is a friend of mine. But my reviews and ratings are what I honestly think.
When I started this novel, I thought I was getting a straightforward romance. But I should have known--it's a Clare Flynn novel and therefore the story will be of epic proportions and the path of true love won't just have some obstacles on it. It will be napalmed, leaving the protagonists to pick their way through the smoking ruins.
In other words, there's a lot going on in this story. If I'd written it, it would have been at least a three-book series (to the annoyance of some readers :D) The historical background wasn't as much in the foreground as in some of Clare's books, as the characters were in the driving seat and deservedly so. The protagonists were realistically imperfect and I loved horrible Lavinia. The resolution of the story was very nicely done.
I only have two criticisms--the minor one is that the Borneo angle didn't really work for me (it needed a novel of its own, perhaps). Mostly I wished there were more dialogue and less exposition, as Clare does dialogue so well.
But neither of those things stopped me from enjoying this story thoroughly. A fast, entertaining read, it was just the kind of book I like to escape into.
When I started this novel, I thought I was getting a straightforward romance. But I should have known--it's a Clare Flynn novel and therefore the story will be of epic proportions and the path of true love won't just have some obstacles on it. It will be napalmed, leaving the protagonists to pick their way through the smoking ruins.
In other words, there's a lot going on in this story. If I'd written it, it would have been at least a three-book series (to the annoyance of some readers :D) The historical background wasn't as much in the foreground as in some of Clare's books, as the characters were in the driving seat and deservedly so. The protagonists were realistically imperfect and I loved horrible Lavinia. The resolution of the story was very nicely done.
I only have two criticisms--the minor one is that the Borneo angle didn't really work for me (it needed a novel of its own, perhaps). Mostly I wished there were more dialogue and less exposition, as Clare does dialogue so well.
But neither of those things stopped me from enjoying this story thoroughly. A fast, entertaining read, it was just the kind of book I like to escape into.
June 13, 2018
I think I’ve now read all of this author’s books and this is the best so far. The dialogue is perfect, the characters are complex and appealing, and the themes of war, social class, honour, duty, sexual abuse, PTSD, and institutional care couldn’t be more topical for the era just after World War One. With every chapter, the protagonists’ dilemmas worsen and their chances of happiness became more remote. Flynn really knows how to spin a warm and passionate tale, and the period details are so evocative.
April 26, 2018
I have read several of this author's books before and, like the others, this book was a wonderful read about people of another age who found themselves in circumstances beyond their control, in many ways.
Chris and Martha, both damaged souls, and yet they retained the capacity to love deeply. They found their way to each other, despite the class difference between them. Could they make things work or were they destined to remain apart?
This book, for me, really tugged at the heartstrings. The author describes societal expectations so well, I felt like I was right there too, just after World War I. Fascinating, but I am mighty glad that I am a woman in this day and age! Even the upper-class women, despite their wealth, didn't seem to have very fulfilling lives.
I give this book 4.5 stars :)
Chris and Martha, both damaged souls, and yet they retained the capacity to love deeply. They found their way to each other, despite the class difference between them. Could they make things work or were they destined to remain apart?
This book, for me, really tugged at the heartstrings. The author describes societal expectations so well, I felt like I was right there too, just after World War I. Fascinating, but I am mighty glad that I am a woman in this day and age! Even the upper-class women, despite their wealth, didn't seem to have very fulfilling lives.
I give this book 4.5 stars :)
May 13, 2019
An historical romance set around the end of WW1
I found the speed of Kit and Martha falling in love a bit fast but it kind of works when you put it in context to the timeline of the story.
Kit lost a leg and Martha lost an abusive husband to the "Great War" Kit is heir to a large fortune but his life isn't his own as he chafed against the bonds of an overbearing mother. He has an unpleasant task looming in front of him as his mother wants the widow of the gamekeeper to vacate her home and its befallen on him to inform her.
What Kit isn't prepared for is the attraction between them, having both been through wars of a different kind. The more I read the more I liked it.
I found the speed of Kit and Martha falling in love a bit fast but it kind of works when you put it in context to the timeline of the story.
Kit lost a leg and Martha lost an abusive husband to the "Great War" Kit is heir to a large fortune but his life isn't his own as he chafed against the bonds of an overbearing mother. He has an unpleasant task looming in front of him as his mother wants the widow of the gamekeeper to vacate her home and its befallen on him to inform her.
What Kit isn't prepared for is the attraction between them, having both been through wars of a different kind. The more I read the more I liked it.
April 24, 2018
This is a a warmly tale set in the time just after World War I involving a younger son, Kit, suffering from the effects of the war both physically and mentally suddenly inheriting the family stately home and business after his brother and father's untimely death. His strong controlling mother urges him to take up his new responsibilities, but Kit evades her demands to marry and searches for his own consolation with the widowed gamekeeper's wife, Martha, who has her own past suffering to face. The two face many obstacles and at times it seemed they were too passive to those around them, which let the story down a bit, but overall a good satisfying read for a warm historical romance.
July 7, 2020
Christopher survived WW1 unlike his elder brother and father but lost a leg. Now he has to run the family estate. Of the servants most had died too. But then he meets the widow of one of them and first befriends her and then falls madly in love. She however is ten years his senior and of a total different social class.
Impoverished aristocrats, wounded veterans, new money, old secrets.
It is an entertaining read but because it switches between Kit and Martha it is hard to identify with either of them.
The turn his mum made is also quite radical and a bit hard to believe.
Impoverished aristocrats, wounded veterans, new money, old secrets.
It is an entertaining read but because it switches between Kit and Martha it is hard to identify with either of them.
The turn his mum made is also quite radical and a bit hard to believe.
April 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the other books I’ve read by this author.
It gives a good insight into attitudes towards marriage during this period and the disgraceful treatment of women.
The research is good as ever but I didn’t connect with the characters or their story this time.
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
It gives a good insight into attitudes towards marriage during this period and the disgraceful treatment of women.
The research is good as ever but I didn’t connect with the characters or their story this time.
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
April 29, 2018
I was fortunate to be given an advance copy of this book through The Book Club on Facebook and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Christopher Shipley has found himself catapulted into a life that he had not been brought up for – that of the heir to a family fortune and business empire. He was the second son, and as such had been pursuing his passion for botany at both Cambridge university and in the jungles of Borneo. But when his older brother is killed in World War 1 and his father dies soon after, Christopher returns to join up himself. He survives the war but is badly wounded and has lost one leg, returning to the family estate with serious physical and psychological problems. His mother, Edwina Shipley, is a controlling and manipulative figure, who has an expectation of how her son should behave and who he should marry in order to best benefit the family name and business empire.
Martha Walters has lived on the Shipley estate all her life. Her father was the gamekeeper, and then when he died the man who she was wed to also became the gamekeeper. When Christopher Shipley returns home, the first task that his mother demands of him is to tell Martha that she must leave her home following the death of her husband in the war. Then he must employ a new gamekeeper and his family, who will be entitled to live in the cottage. When Christopher approaches the cottage, it is with dread as Walters was his man on the front line, and he feels responsible for his death. How will his widow respond to him? He is immediately drawn to Martha Walters but is unable to explain why, particularly as she is completely unmoved by the tale of her husband’s death or his bravery on the front line.
Christopher feels more and more drawn toward this woman and soon learns about the abuse that she suffered at the hands of her husband from the age of 14, and that she was forced to marry him. She is the only person whom Kit, as she calls him, is able to open up to and soon their relationship develops into one of love and passion. However Kit’s mother has different ideas and is determined to drive the two apart by exposing long held secrets which are sure to cause hurt and estrangement. She also manipulates Kit into an “engagement” with Lady Lavinia, former fiancé of Kit’s dead older brother.
I’m not going to give any spoilers so no more plot line! I did enjoy the novel, but maybe not quite as much as the other books that I have read by the same author. The historical aspects of the novel were really well researched and having just seen the film Journey’s End, I was able to relate even more to the aspects of trench warfare in the first World War and also appreciate how psychological issues – termed shell shock - were largely ignored. At best an officer and a gentleman in Kit’s situation would have been expected to show a stiff upper lip and get on with life. At worst he would have been hidden from sight. Ms Flynn gives the reader a real insight into the difficulties experienced by the population at the end of the war – from the lack of men to continue in traditionally male jobs, to difficulties for soldiers settling back into civilian life, to the inability of civilians to really be able to understand this adjustment. The author also shines the spotlight on the class system as it stood in this country at this time from the expectations laid upon the upper classes to thrive, to the lack of expectation for those from lower classes to further themselves. There is also a glimpse into the institutionalisation of mentally ill patients and also domestic abuse, which crosses all class barriers.
I did warm to the main characters from the outset of the book as their relationship grows and they develop as people. Equally the characters of both Mrs Shipley and Lady Lavinia were well written in the way that they are not immediately likeable ladies – and I believe are not supposed to be. Mrs Shipley appears to be an unhappy, manipulative woman who is only concerned for the family name and not her own son’s well-being. Lady Lavinia is written as a very one-dimensional character with no redeeming qualities to endear her to either Kit or the reader. Background stories of these ladies are woven into the plot that do enable us some insight into why they behave in certain ways, and indeed the background of Kit’s mother is closely bound to Martha’s own background.
Whilst I enjoyed the book, I did feel that the ending felt slightly rushed and a little too contrived – too many loose ends were tied up far too easily. Maybe it was a little more lightweight than some of the books by the same author that I have read previously. However, for an easy to read historical romance, this is an enjoyable novel. 3.5 stars from me.
Christopher Shipley has found himself catapulted into a life that he had not been brought up for – that of the heir to a family fortune and business empire. He was the second son, and as such had been pursuing his passion for botany at both Cambridge university and in the jungles of Borneo. But when his older brother is killed in World War 1 and his father dies soon after, Christopher returns to join up himself. He survives the war but is badly wounded and has lost one leg, returning to the family estate with serious physical and psychological problems. His mother, Edwina Shipley, is a controlling and manipulative figure, who has an expectation of how her son should behave and who he should marry in order to best benefit the family name and business empire.
Martha Walters has lived on the Shipley estate all her life. Her father was the gamekeeper, and then when he died the man who she was wed to also became the gamekeeper. When Christopher Shipley returns home, the first task that his mother demands of him is to tell Martha that she must leave her home following the death of her husband in the war. Then he must employ a new gamekeeper and his family, who will be entitled to live in the cottage. When Christopher approaches the cottage, it is with dread as Walters was his man on the front line, and he feels responsible for his death. How will his widow respond to him? He is immediately drawn to Martha Walters but is unable to explain why, particularly as she is completely unmoved by the tale of her husband’s death or his bravery on the front line.
Christopher feels more and more drawn toward this woman and soon learns about the abuse that she suffered at the hands of her husband from the age of 14, and that she was forced to marry him. She is the only person whom Kit, as she calls him, is able to open up to and soon their relationship develops into one of love and passion. However Kit’s mother has different ideas and is determined to drive the two apart by exposing long held secrets which are sure to cause hurt and estrangement. She also manipulates Kit into an “engagement” with Lady Lavinia, former fiancé of Kit’s dead older brother.
I’m not going to give any spoilers so no more plot line! I did enjoy the novel, but maybe not quite as much as the other books that I have read by the same author. The historical aspects of the novel were really well researched and having just seen the film Journey’s End, I was able to relate even more to the aspects of trench warfare in the first World War and also appreciate how psychological issues – termed shell shock - were largely ignored. At best an officer and a gentleman in Kit’s situation would have been expected to show a stiff upper lip and get on with life. At worst he would have been hidden from sight. Ms Flynn gives the reader a real insight into the difficulties experienced by the population at the end of the war – from the lack of men to continue in traditionally male jobs, to difficulties for soldiers settling back into civilian life, to the inability of civilians to really be able to understand this adjustment. The author also shines the spotlight on the class system as it stood in this country at this time from the expectations laid upon the upper classes to thrive, to the lack of expectation for those from lower classes to further themselves. There is also a glimpse into the institutionalisation of mentally ill patients and also domestic abuse, which crosses all class barriers.
I did warm to the main characters from the outset of the book as their relationship grows and they develop as people. Equally the characters of both Mrs Shipley and Lady Lavinia were well written in the way that they are not immediately likeable ladies – and I believe are not supposed to be. Mrs Shipley appears to be an unhappy, manipulative woman who is only concerned for the family name and not her own son’s well-being. Lady Lavinia is written as a very one-dimensional character with no redeeming qualities to endear her to either Kit or the reader. Background stories of these ladies are woven into the plot that do enable us some insight into why they behave in certain ways, and indeed the background of Kit’s mother is closely bound to Martha’s own background.
Whilst I enjoyed the book, I did feel that the ending felt slightly rushed and a little too contrived – too many loose ends were tied up far too easily. Maybe it was a little more lightweight than some of the books by the same author that I have read previously. However, for an easy to read historical romance, this is an enjoyable novel. 3.5 stars from me.
November 23, 2020
Recommended
The love story of a couple who.seemed destined to be apart. Wonderful characters and very well written. Would definitely recommend.
The love story of a couple who.seemed destined to be apart. Wonderful characters and very well written. Would definitely recommend.
June 24, 2018
Book Boom Boom
The Gamekeeper's Wife shot out of a cannon from page one and never finished firing until page "End." There is not an excess word in this captivating tale of love and torment between two lovers fated to one another. But what was that fate to be? A wealthy young man who eschews his wealth comes back from war having given his leg in the cause. His older brother suffers worse and doesn't survive. It is post World War 1 England and Kit, the surviving and only remaining sibling, is expected to become guide and savior for the family industry since his father has died recently too. His mother expects only duty, obedience and upper class marriage from him. Well. of course, who else does Kit meet but the lovely widow of the family's once gamekeeper. They rapidly fall in love. It then becomes a tale of class warfare, burst hopes, tragedy, deceit and drowning. Who and what prevails as the chalice of their love becomes tempest tossed is totally absorbing. The clipped writing style drew me in and out. Mostly "in" although I would have loved deeper characterization with some of the personalities and a more detailed description of some events. Overall though, that was a trifle as the ride through this book was as fascinating as Kit's ever ready rides on his prize mount, Hooker. Bravo doesn't say enough. Enjoy this one, readers. I'm reading more of Clare Flynn's immediately.
The Gamekeeper's Wife shot out of a cannon from page one and never finished firing until page "End." There is not an excess word in this captivating tale of love and torment between two lovers fated to one another. But what was that fate to be? A wealthy young man who eschews his wealth comes back from war having given his leg in the cause. His older brother suffers worse and doesn't survive. It is post World War 1 England and Kit, the surviving and only remaining sibling, is expected to become guide and savior for the family industry since his father has died recently too. His mother expects only duty, obedience and upper class marriage from him. Well. of course, who else does Kit meet but the lovely widow of the family's once gamekeeper. They rapidly fall in love. It then becomes a tale of class warfare, burst hopes, tragedy, deceit and drowning. Who and what prevails as the chalice of their love becomes tempest tossed is totally absorbing. The clipped writing style drew me in and out. Mostly "in" although I would have loved deeper characterization with some of the personalities and a more detailed description of some events. Overall though, that was a trifle as the ride through this book was as fascinating as Kit's ever ready rides on his prize mount, Hooker. Bravo doesn't say enough. Enjoy this one, readers. I'm reading more of Clare Flynn's immediately.
April 8, 2018
I thought this book was brilliant, historical romance fiction at it's best. Kit returned from world war 1 back to his so called privileged background unlike his brother who didn't return. He didn't however survive the war unscathed having lost part of his leg. On his return his mother gave him the unenviable job of evicting the gamekeepers wife Martha from the estate cottage that came with the job. The gamekeeper had served under him in the war and was killed carrying out his orders to bring him his watch from the trenches. It was something he certainly didn't want to do as he felt responsible for the gamekeepers death. When he reached the cottage he found that she had been expecting him but it didn't help the enormous guilt he was feeling and he subsequently told her she didn't need to leave immediately. They spent time talking and he realised he was drawn to the woman who was not of his class and also older than him. This was the start of a love story that would endure many obstacles and sorrow, his mother was determined that he would marry someone of his own class and she would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. It is a fantastic endearing story a huge thank you to Clare Flynn and Helen Boyce of The Book Club for the opportunity to read the ARC.
August 1, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"...good, old fashioned romance, where the pages fly because the two engaging and believable characters draw us in"
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"...good, old fashioned romance, where the pages fly because the two engaging and believable characters draw us in"
August 26, 2020
1920’s, WWI era. Newlands Hall. Edwina Shipley (widow/mother) was harping at Christopher Shipley (son, prosthetic leg, Captain WWI Messines vet, Cambridge; biology) about taking over the family business & being the head gamekeeper now that his father was no longer alive.
Martha Walters (widow, nee Tubbs) was telling Christopher about her deceased husband & his families upbringing.
She had invited him to come back.
Lord Bourne (father), Mr. Geoffrey Harrington-Foster & Mrs. Harrington-Foster, Major Collerton & Mrs. Collerton were the other luncheon guests.
Edwina’s matchmaking try didn’t work.
Christopher “Kit” Shipley (30) & Fred Collins (apprentice gardener) started a gardening business.
What did Edwina reveal to Christopher? And vice/versa?
Northington village (Winchester district of Hampshire), England. St. Crispin’s Mental asylum. Sycamore Ward. Christopher went to see Jane Walters (20, Martha/George’s daughter, Christopher’s ½-sister, Chronic brain damage; Idiot) at St. Crispin’s mental asylum.
Dr. Reggie Henderson (WWI Mons vet) introduced himself to Captain Christopher Shipley.
Martha had vanished.
Hotel du Palais. Christopher (artificial leg/amputee, WWI vet) & Lady Lavinia Bourne were married.
Algernon “Algie” Belford-Webb (Christopher’s school friend) came to join the newlyweds for dinner.
Mrs. Belford-Webb (mother), Punch (pug) & Lady Bourne soon became friends.
Martha Tubbs (2nd wife) married Dr. Reginald “Reggie” Henderson (1-eye, husband/father, psychiatrist, MD, WWI vet) & she had David (their son).
Willie (stable boy) was watching Petal (chihuahua) who was laid on the shore.
Christopher dove in the lake also. Lady & Bourne had vanished.
Christopher awoke in his bed & was later told the bad news.
Mrs. Edwina Shipley (mother) had come to visit.
Sarawak, Malaysian state Borneo Island. Vyner Brooke married Sylvia Brett.
Why did Eileen O’Hara come see Mrs. Martha Henderson (nee Tubbs)?
Mrs. Margaret Bennet had told Christopher there are cannibals in Borneo.
Mrs. Collerton claims there are headhunters.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very professionally written historical fictional WWI adventure book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great WWI adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Cranbrook Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Martha Walters (widow, nee Tubbs) was telling Christopher about her deceased husband & his families upbringing.
She had invited him to come back.
Lord Bourne (father), Mr. Geoffrey Harrington-Foster & Mrs. Harrington-Foster, Major Collerton & Mrs. Collerton were the other luncheon guests.
Edwina’s matchmaking try didn’t work.
Christopher “Kit” Shipley (30) & Fred Collins (apprentice gardener) started a gardening business.
What did Edwina reveal to Christopher? And vice/versa?
Northington village (Winchester district of Hampshire), England. St. Crispin’s Mental asylum. Sycamore Ward. Christopher went to see Jane Walters (20, Martha/George’s daughter, Christopher’s ½-sister, Chronic brain damage; Idiot) at St. Crispin’s mental asylum.
Dr. Reggie Henderson (WWI Mons vet) introduced himself to Captain Christopher Shipley.
Martha had vanished.
Hotel du Palais. Christopher (artificial leg/amputee, WWI vet) & Lady Lavinia Bourne were married.
Algernon “Algie” Belford-Webb (Christopher’s school friend) came to join the newlyweds for dinner.
Mrs. Belford-Webb (mother), Punch (pug) & Lady Bourne soon became friends.
Martha Tubbs (2nd wife) married Dr. Reginald “Reggie” Henderson (1-eye, husband/father, psychiatrist, MD, WWI vet) & she had David (their son).
Willie (stable boy) was watching Petal (chihuahua) who was laid on the shore.
Christopher dove in the lake also. Lady & Bourne had vanished.
Christopher awoke in his bed & was later told the bad news.
Mrs. Edwina Shipley (mother) had come to visit.
Sarawak, Malaysian state Borneo Island. Vyner Brooke married Sylvia Brett.
Why did Eileen O’Hara come see Mrs. Martha Henderson (nee Tubbs)?
Mrs. Margaret Bennet had told Christopher there are cannibals in Borneo.
Mrs. Collerton claims there are headhunters.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very professionally written historical fictional WWI adventure book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great WWI adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Cranbrook Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 3, 2018
The Gamekeeper’s Wife is a post WWI novel by Clare Flynn. It is set in England. WWI is over and Christopher Shipley has returned home having lost a leg in the war. His older brother, Percy, had died in the war and his Father had a stroke on hearing of his death. Christopher’s Mother, Edwina, was a force of her own and was pressuring Christopher to marry Lady Lavinia, his brother’s betrothed. All Christopher wants is to return to Borneo where he was before the war and to work on his search for plants. However, his funds are tied up in legalities until he is thirty and controlled by his Mother.
One of his first duties is to tell the gamekeeper’s wife she must vacate the gamekeeper’s house since he was dead. Then he was to find another gamekeeper. Christopher didn’t want to; but he knew he must face her since it was his fault the gamekeeper was dead. The man had served as Christopher’s batman and had returned to their tent for Christopher’s watch when a bomb hit the tent. What neither Christopher nor Martha Walker are prepared for was the attraction between them. How could this possibly work out, even in this new time period? What will happen when Christopher learns the secrets Martha is hiding?
April 11, 2018
This book drew me in from the first page and overall was a satisfying read. The manipulative Edwina Shipley attempts to make her sensitive and damaged son obey her wishes regarding marriage and responsibility, with dire consequences. Will he finally get the girl of his dreams?
I found Christopher Shipley, reluctant heir to his father's estate and disabled WWI veteran, a sympathetic character at first, as was Martha, the gamekeeper's wife of the title. By the middle of the book I wanted to shake the pair of them, but was glad I persevered with it. I found Edwina and the young Lady Lavinia rather one dimensional, though Edwina was fleshed out towards the end.
The book highlights 'traditional v progressive' views of the time on marriage, class inequality and the treatment of the mentally ill. Loved the robin, symbol of hope in adversity.
For me, there were just too many cliches: the returning veteran, the domineering mother, the pretty but vacuous fiancee, the titled but impoverished Lord Bourne and his uncomfortable alliance with the Shipleys and their fortune from 'trade'.
A good love story but a bit lightweight for me.
I found Christopher Shipley, reluctant heir to his father's estate and disabled WWI veteran, a sympathetic character at first, as was Martha, the gamekeeper's wife of the title. By the middle of the book I wanted to shake the pair of them, but was glad I persevered with it. I found Edwina and the young Lady Lavinia rather one dimensional, though Edwina was fleshed out towards the end.
The book highlights 'traditional v progressive' views of the time on marriage, class inequality and the treatment of the mentally ill. Loved the robin, symbol of hope in adversity.
For me, there were just too many cliches: the returning veteran, the domineering mother, the pretty but vacuous fiancee, the titled but impoverished Lord Bourne and his uncomfortable alliance with the Shipleys and their fortune from 'trade'.
A good love story but a bit lightweight for me.
April 17, 2018
This novel is set in England in the period immediately after WWI, 1919. Life is changing for many people, especially the class system which finds itself going falling apart from what it used to be. The war’s effects were felt everywhere no matter what class you belonged to.
Christopher lost a leg during the conflict and on his return to the family estate it is expected, by his mother, that he will run the estate and family business which should have fallen to his elder brother who unfortunately didn’t survive the war. His mother is set in her determination for Christopher to marry and produce an heir.
Christopher meets the widowed gamekeeper’s wife when he is given the task of informing her she will have to leave the tied cottage. Christopher wants to go back to being a botanist but is compelled by duty to his family and business to try and run the estate.
Family secrets, manipulation, abuse, love and honour, tales are told but what is the truth?
This is a great book, well written, believable characters, everything thing flowed beautifully and seamlessly.
Well worth 5* rating.
Christopher lost a leg during the conflict and on his return to the family estate it is expected, by his mother, that he will run the estate and family business which should have fallen to his elder brother who unfortunately didn’t survive the war. His mother is set in her determination for Christopher to marry and produce an heir.
Christopher meets the widowed gamekeeper’s wife when he is given the task of informing her she will have to leave the tied cottage. Christopher wants to go back to being a botanist but is compelled by duty to his family and business to try and run the estate.
Family secrets, manipulation, abuse, love and honour, tales are told but what is the truth?
This is a great book, well written, believable characters, everything thing flowed beautifully and seamlessly.
Well worth 5* rating.
June 2, 2019
This was a truly beautiful story of love and sacrifice, and how the two can often look the same.
When Martha, a widow of an abusive man, is thrown into the arms of Christopher, a reluctant heir to family fortune, neither of them predict the unfolding events. But they’re ripped apart suddenly and are forced to put one foot in front of the other and move on. But is that really the case? If they fight for one another, can a love like theirs truly survive and endure to the end?
This reminded me in some ways of Romeo and Juliet, with two lovers at war with their families, desperate to be together. But it was also so much more than that as it touched on issues of duty, rehabilitation, courage, and all under the grey cloud blanket of WWI.
A truly magical read with beautiful characters throughout.
When Martha, a widow of an abusive man, is thrown into the arms of Christopher, a reluctant heir to family fortune, neither of them predict the unfolding events. But they’re ripped apart suddenly and are forced to put one foot in front of the other and move on. But is that really the case? If they fight for one another, can a love like theirs truly survive and endure to the end?
This reminded me in some ways of Romeo and Juliet, with two lovers at war with their families, desperate to be together. But it was also so much more than that as it touched on issues of duty, rehabilitation, courage, and all under the grey cloud blanket of WWI.
A truly magical read with beautiful characters throughout.
April 17, 2018
This is a beautifully written romantic drama set in post WW1.
Christopher Shipley, damaged physically and mentally by the cruel war, finds himself the sole heir to the family business and grand estate. His overbearing mother has plans that will not allow him to follow his dreams - he is expected to marry and produce an heir. Christopher, sickened by the death and violence he has witnessed, has no interest in filling his dead brother’s shoes. When love strikes from an unlikely source, dark family secrets are uncovered, and the fates conspire to keep Christopher and the only woman he could ever love, apart.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of this affirming novel and I loved the author’s style.
Christopher Shipley, damaged physically and mentally by the cruel war, finds himself the sole heir to the family business and grand estate. His overbearing mother has plans that will not allow him to follow his dreams - he is expected to marry and produce an heir. Christopher, sickened by the death and violence he has witnessed, has no interest in filling his dead brother’s shoes. When love strikes from an unlikely source, dark family secrets are uncovered, and the fates conspire to keep Christopher and the only woman he could ever love, apart.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of this affirming novel and I loved the author’s style.
April 27, 2018
This was an enjoyable easy-to-read book giving an interesting insight into the lives of the privileged and not so privileged classes after the first world war.
Kit returns from war back to the family estate, unfortunately, his older brother was not so lucky and did not return home. Kit is torn between duty to his family and following his heart.
Martha is the wife of late Gamekeeper on Kit's estate.
The story takes you through the twists and turns of their lives, and kept me gripped until the end.
This was the first of Clare Flynn's books that I have read, and will most definitely look out for more. Big thanks to Clare and Helen Boyce at TBC Review Club for the chance the read and review this book
Kit returns from war back to the family estate, unfortunately, his older brother was not so lucky and did not return home. Kit is torn between duty to his family and following his heart.
Martha is the wife of late Gamekeeper on Kit's estate.
The story takes you through the twists and turns of their lives, and kept me gripped until the end.
This was the first of Clare Flynn's books that I have read, and will most definitely look out for more. Big thanks to Clare and Helen Boyce at TBC Review Club for the chance the read and review this book
March 12, 2018
Spellbinding!! Martha and Kit are both marvellous characters that just come to life on the pages. You feel the electricity between them and the passion and kindred spirit of true love. Mrs. Shipley so well represents the attitude of not only her generation and class but also post war England. She wants to forget the war and resume her life and pushes Christopher to do the same. Lavana is an insipid, empty headed girl who Mrs. Shipley wants Christopher to marry. Every character is created to perfection, the plot is great and all in all I loved it. I just got so involved in the story that I couldn't put it down.
April 10, 2018
A great easy to read love story. Having lost a leg in the first world war Christopher has to take on the role of running the estate; not a role he wants to take on.
He knows he has to follow the rules of the society he was born into and that means telling the Gamekeeper's widow that she needs to vacate her home.
This meeting between Martha and Christopher leads to a web of a lies, secrets, love and broken hearts.
Can the couple take on the rules of society and win or is their relationship doomed?
Another great period novel penned by Clare Flynn.
He knows he has to follow the rules of the society he was born into and that means telling the Gamekeeper's widow that she needs to vacate her home.
This meeting between Martha and Christopher leads to a web of a lies, secrets, love and broken hearts.
Can the couple take on the rules of society and win or is their relationship doomed?
Another great period novel penned by Clare Flynn.
April 17, 2018
Another page-turner from Clare Flynn. I got so wound up in the plight of the characters, I found it hard to leave the book to go to work. The writing is easy to read and the characters are well-defined and their dialogue realistic. The plotline is a good one with enough twists and turns to keep any reader intrigued. If you have a couple of hours of 'me' time, this is definitely a book to curl up with and read.
April 19, 2018
I loved this book! It combines beautiful setting and scenery with well developed characters that I felt I could connect to, along with fascinating historical context. Post WW1 was a traumatic time for many and the author deals with the challenges faced sensitively, but also in detail. The romance story was encapsulating and I very much felt drawn in, and unable to stop reading. I strongly recommend, enjoyed every moment of this book!
April 20, 2018
This is the fourth novel of Clare Flynn’s I’ve read. As always she’s a great storyteller, and I found myself wrapped up in the story of Kit and Martha, wondering what would happen and how it would all end. I admit I shed a tear towards the end and had to read the last 20% in one go as I was enjoying it so much and keen to know how everything would be wrapped up.
Definitely recommended! I look forward to the author’s next book.
Definitely recommended! I look forward to the author’s next book.
May 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much, the story was well written and the characters well rounded. I do love historical fiction and this ticked all of the boxes for me.
The story is about Kit who is now the head of the household, much to his dismay. He has to contend with his overbearing mother trying to run his life for him and decide who he should marry.
I loved the ending and how the story was all pulled together.
The story is about Kit who is now the head of the household, much to his dismay. He has to contend with his overbearing mother trying to run his life for him and decide who he should marry.
I loved the ending and how the story was all pulled together.
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