A Place to Call Home

by Val Wood

Val Wood's wonderful historical sagas are perfect for readers of Dilly Court, Maggie Hope and Rosie Goodwin. Ellen thought she’d always live in the remote, pretty coastal village where she grew up. After all, her husband, Harry, works on a farm where he’s guaranteed a job and home for life. But when the old landowner dies and the couple and their young children are forced from their cottage, the future is suddenly bleak. Rather than stay – and starve – in the countryside they love, Harry sets out to find a job in the factories and mills of nearby Hull, and Ellen must leave behind everything she’s ever known to follow her husband and build a new life for her family on the unfamiliar city streets. The road ahead is full of hardships and challenges. But with love and determination, they make the best of things, forging friendships with other newcomers and refugees; even helping them to succeed in their new surroundings. Then tragedy threatens Ellen’s fragile happiness. How much more can she sacrifice before they find a place to call home?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

Published November 29, 2018

About the author

Valerie Wood

Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk

Reviews

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen

Ellen and her family lived in the country but because of circumstances had to move to hull and they carved out a new life till disaster struck but Ellen never gave in she fought hard for her family 5 stars

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous story about a farming family moving to Hull in the 1850s and the Polish Jews they befriended there.

[Teresa Bower · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story begins in the Yorkshire countryside in 1854. Forced to move from the country to an industrial city so that her husband can find work, the couple struggle. The heroine, Ellen, is the very essence of kindness and understanding. She shares what little she has with others who have even less and makes friends as a result of it. Their life begins to improve until a tragedy threatens to ruin what they have worked so hard to achieve but because of their resilience and the friendships they have made they are able to turn things around. The second half was better than the first which I found quite plodding, there was far too much detail about what was being served up for each meal and how the children were washed and dressed, what they were playing with etc. However, it was interesting from a historical point of view, the poverty and the terrible housing that was offered to people, also the prejudice against other nationalities. Some things never change.

[Hilary Willmott · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this was Val Wood at her best. It was easy to be drawn in by the very credible characters and their trials and tribulations. This book was about overcoming obstacles and the strength that love provides at hard times. I was really moved by Ellen's innovative ideas and could almost smell the bread baking in the ovens! I loved Lizzie's business sense and to see her progress in a man's world was truly uplifting. Thanks, Val!

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circles

I have enjoyed meeting these wonderful characters and learning about their lives. Thank you Val for making every page come to life and you have made me think about my circles. Another fabulous story book. xx

[sheila mennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Well written .Really enjoyed reading about areas i know from my home town.Would recommend to friends and family.
Always look forward to reading Val Woods books.

[Marlene Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

🍞

Not a bad read at all. Very socialist but that's ok, most of what I read is of that genre, it's the added hidden eco. not covered in other novels.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Val's books, easy reading and because I'm from Beverley and live in Hull I have a connection and can create better visuals in my mind

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book by Val Wood that I have read. It’s a heartwarming story with ups and downs and I thoroughly enjoyed it……will definitely be reading more by her.

[Elizabeth Anne Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Loved every minute of it captured by the events and turns all the way to a full circle thank you

[Nicci Spooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one I smiled I cried and had such fun like I was in that world

[Sherrie Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son bought me this book for my birthday and I absolutely loved it! I love stories of family relationships and hard work bringing its rewards and this story of Ellen and Harry's life in the 1800s was so satisfying, an absolute page turner.

It also resonated with me as I lived in Hull in 1976 with my then fiance/husband and although a completely different era I could visualize all of the places: the city itself - we worked for Dolcis in The Prospect Centre and Whitefriargate - the beautiful market town of Beverley, even the smells of the mills and industries although I didn't know what they were at the time. We were there when they were building the Humber Bridge as mentioned in my memoirs Shadow Across the Sun and Better or Dead and we often used to drive to Hessle and sit under or close by the construction with a flask of coffee and biscuits.

This book brought back wonderful memories and it's the first Val Wood book I've read but I'll be looking for her other Hull set books. I also enjoyed reading her author notes at the end, very interesting.

[Roz Radmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen has spent her entire life living in the village of Holderness , not far from Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire . Her husband Harry has a job for life on a nearby farm where he is liked and respected by his boss . Life is hard but good with no money worries until his boss dies unexpectedly . The couple find that there is now no longer a job or home for them.
They have no option but to pack up their sparse belongings and move to Hull . Here Harry looks for workin one of the many factories . Ellen must make do with the hovel they can afford to rent .
Harry finds work with a sympathetic boss and life is getting better when tragedy strikes . Will Ellen and Harry ever find a place they want to call home ?
A warm and tender book of love and friendship found in unexpected places .
Val Wood at her best

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Over een koppel met kinderen dat van het platteland naar de stad verhuist om dat daar misschien werk te vinden is. Het is een grote aanpassing. Veel mensen, armoede, minder werk dan ze dachten. Geen groen of tuintje, allemaal leven in 1 kamer en koken op een open vuur... maar het komt allemaal goed.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Although slightly predictable I found the underlying message of friendship in adversity really touching. As ever Val Wood's attention to historical detail make the story so much more believable.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great flowing book, but ended quite suddenly.

[Trudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, although it ended nicely I liked the characters so much that I wish there could be a series based on them.