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Ambition & Destiny #4
Only One Winner
A family divided … with no signs of reconciliation. Will Lydia rue the day she ever met them?
Keen to get away from her abusive father, Lydia happily accepts the post of housekeeper at the Jackson family home.
But when William senses romance in the air between Lydia and his son William-Wetherby, he is determined to put an end to it.
For good.
As a feud erupts between father and son, Mr Wetherby has other things on his mind. He’s still furious about Harriet’s betrayal … and he’s going to make sure someone pays.
Inspired by a true story, Only One Winner continues the epic saga of one family’s trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.
Keen to get away from her abusive father, Lydia happily accepts the post of housekeeper at the Jackson family home.
But when William senses romance in the air between Lydia and his son William-Wetherby, he is determined to put an end to it.
For good.
As a feud erupts between father and son, Mr Wetherby has other things on his mind. He’s still furious about Harriet’s betrayal … and he’s going to make sure someone pays.
Inspired by a true story, Only One Winner continues the epic saga of one family’s trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.
429 pages, ebook
Published March 13, 2018
629 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
V.L. McBeath
33 books76 followersVal is an accidental author! She started writing in 2010 when she realised the family history research she was working on would make a great story.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 15, 2018
This excellent book is the fourth in The Ambition & Destiny Series. See my reviews of the first two for more info. The characters are amazingly complex, the descriptions of historical Victorian Era England are enough to make you feel like you are standing in the streets, the story line is deftly interwoven. A must read series.
April 24, 2018
Awesome
I have read all the books in the series and they are so well written, very easy to read. The characters are very interesting and the story is superb. I strongly recommend all the books from this author. I am looking forward to read the continuation of the story.
I have read all the books in the series and they are so well written, very easy to read. The characters are very interesting and the story is superb. I strongly recommend all the books from this author. I am looking forward to read the continuation of the story.
December 23, 2021
Outstanding series from the first book onward! I am now beginning book five! Sensational historical fiction—I love the setting and the characters.
October 22, 2018
“Only One Winner” is a masterpiece of Historical Fiction, showing off McBeath’s impeccable research into an era defined by industrialism, social revolution, urbanization, moral corruption, and political upheaval. This story is as compelling as it is heart-wrenching, and it’s nearly impossible to stand back and watch the characters of this book struggle without wanting to jump in between the pages to help out.
After reading the three preceding novels in VL McBeath’s Ambition & Destiny Series, and having coped with such a shocking cliffhanger at the end of Book 3, I was more than anxious to get started on this installment of her 19th-century Historical Fiction/Romance multi-generational tale about hard-fought romances, women’s rights, family rivalries, and long-kept secrets... I must say, it was definitely worth the wait.
McBeath’s novel is based on a true story she uncovered while researching her own family tree, and although the names and places have been altered, she provides keen insight into British family life during the late 1800’s as well as the oncoming socio-political changes that caused such turmoil during this era.
In “Only One Winner”, McBeath deepens the rivalry between fathers and sons and focuses on those fearless and forthright women toiling at their sides, making great sacrifices to both endure and improve their family’s lot life. As it was in the prior chapters of this series, it is doubtful the men of this family would ever have had found the strength and fortitude to move forward in tough times without the unwavering love, protection, advice, and support of their mothers, wives, and daughters.
I strongly recommend the Ambition & Destiny Series for anyone interested in learning about 19th-century Britain and the role of women in that era. As for Historical Romance fans... McBeath’s bold yet poignant series should definitely be included in your Top 10 Reads.
After reading the three preceding novels in VL McBeath’s Ambition & Destiny Series, and having coped with such a shocking cliffhanger at the end of Book 3, I was more than anxious to get started on this installment of her 19th-century Historical Fiction/Romance multi-generational tale about hard-fought romances, women’s rights, family rivalries, and long-kept secrets... I must say, it was definitely worth the wait.
McBeath’s novel is based on a true story she uncovered while researching her own family tree, and although the names and places have been altered, she provides keen insight into British family life during the late 1800’s as well as the oncoming socio-political changes that caused such turmoil during this era.
In “Only One Winner”, McBeath deepens the rivalry between fathers and sons and focuses on those fearless and forthright women toiling at their sides, making great sacrifices to both endure and improve their family’s lot life. As it was in the prior chapters of this series, it is doubtful the men of this family would ever have had found the strength and fortitude to move forward in tough times without the unwavering love, protection, advice, and support of their mothers, wives, and daughters.
I strongly recommend the Ambition & Destiny Series for anyone interested in learning about 19th-century Britain and the role of women in that era. As for Historical Romance fans... McBeath’s bold yet poignant series should definitely be included in your Top 10 Reads.
March 14, 2018
Part 4 of the Wetherby-Jackson saga, which spans several generations. William-Wetherby, William's eldest son, was very close to his parents and worked well with William when William was a partner in Mr Wetherby's business. Now that William has finally moved on to having his own business, he relied on William-Wetherby to provide the stable income, while he builds his business up, and it would have worked very well if it were not for Lydia, the fragile young beauty who reminds William so much of his dead Harriet that he falls in love with her. Lydia the fun, mischievous girl who is only a few years older than William-Wetherby and has so much in common with the young man that he is also smitten by her. But when William marries Lydia, the relationship between father and son could not take it any more.
The whole series was a well written, well researched piece of work and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are well developed and the storyline is gripping and absorbing. It has been very difficult to step back into 2018 once the book is closed, I could not help but feel so connected and so much part of the story that McBeath has written. Totally 5 stars!
The whole series was a well written, well researched piece of work and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are well developed and the storyline is gripping and absorbing. It has been very difficult to step back into 2018 once the book is closed, I could not help but feel so connected and so much part of the story that McBeath has written. Totally 5 stars!
March 13, 2018
Another captivating read about the continuing story of the Wetherby/Jackson families. It reflects the attitude of some people towards the vote being made available to men from different classes and also women suffrage. There is a quite despicable villain who seems to hold all the power and enjoys controlling other people’s lives. There are a number of sad moments and life seems quite hard for some while others live in a luxurious manner. If you enjoy family stories, this book should suit.
I received a copy and have voluntarily and honestly reviewed it.
I received a copy and have voluntarily and honestly reviewed it.
March 8, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy supplied at no charge by the publisher/author.
Another enjoyable read. To think that these books are base on actual people & not fictional characters. This makes me more aware of how things were. Grateful to live in our current times. Looking forward to find out more about William-Weatherly
Another enjoyable read. To think that these books are base on actual people & not fictional characters. This makes me more aware of how things were. Grateful to live in our current times. Looking forward to find out more about William-Weatherly
September 3, 2018
Good Read
These books are Easy reading and part 1,2,& 3 were good easy reading books as well. I would recommend to all.
These books are Easy reading and part 1,2,& 3 were good easy reading books as well. I would recommend to all.
February 25, 2019
Wetherby 🙀
Evil prevails as the Mr Wetherby continues to systematically destroy the life of many. Only revenge is left watch your back Wetherby.
Evil prevails as the Mr Wetherby continues to systematically destroy the life of many. Only revenge is left watch your back Wetherby.
July 17, 2019
The characters are amazing. The plot has many twists. I am currently reading book 5.
Love her writing.
Love her writing.
November 10, 2019
I am loving the series!! Quick read.
February 11, 2020
I can't stop
I can't stop reading this series. I really didn't think I would enjoy it to tell the truth. It has been a heartbreaking joyful read. I have laughed and cried I also threw in a few bad remarks. I love to read historical fiction I think that as I read them I go there so hard to believe that people were living in such ways. I highly recommend you start at the start and be prepared to keep reading. A very good series. On to the next one. Thanks so much.
I can't stop reading this series. I really didn't think I would enjoy it to tell the truth. It has been a heartbreaking joyful read. I have laughed and cried I also threw in a few bad remarks. I love to read historical fiction I think that as I read them I go there so hard to believe that people were living in such ways. I highly recommend you start at the start and be prepared to keep reading. A very good series. On to the next one. Thanks so much.
December 18, 2020
Historical fiction based on true people. The evil and powerful want all control. The Wetherby and Jackson families have their problems with Mr Weatherby getting richer while Willam Jackson suffers one loss after another. William Wetherby Jackson comes of age and to the aid of his father. The rich don’t want the working man or women voting. Sad times and secrets revealed. Great cast of characters and what they had to deal with in England during the mid 1800’s.
February 19, 2022
Action/Fact filled book
And the troubles for this family keep coming. They all have had a terrible time one way or another. So much hurt in one family it is so sad. Mr. Wetherby is such a devil and any good that he had done is only a way to get his own way and to make a profit. He has so many people fooled and other afraid of him. I would like to see he reaps what he had sowed on so many. This is a great series about actual 3 families struggles.
And the troubles for this family keep coming. They all have had a terrible time one way or another. So much hurt in one family it is so sad. Mr. Wetherby is such a devil and any good that he had done is only a way to get his own way and to make a profit. He has so many people fooled and other afraid of him. I would like to see he reaps what he had sowed on so many. This is a great series about actual 3 families struggles.
March 17, 2020
To get the true ‘feeling’ of this book, you should read the previous books. It kept my interest, easy reading.
June 23, 2020
Great story
Great saga. Characters are easy to know, love or hate. Each book in the series has been a joy to read. On to the next!
Great saga. Characters are easy to know, love or hate. Each book in the series has been a joy to read. On to the next!
October 13, 2020
Great book, love the series, story so easy to follow, characters are something else, keep them coming.
March 20, 2021
You gotta read this book
If you have read books 1-3 then go on and read book 4 you won't regret it.I enjoyed reading all these books and look forward to the next one.
If you have read books 1-3 then go on and read book 4 you won't regret it.I enjoyed reading all these books and look forward to the next one.
Read
April 12, 2021Life sucks! This book just got sadder.
September 8, 2021
Storyline twists
There are a lot of characters to keep up with and having similar and duplicate names causes confusion as the storyline progresses
There are a lot of characters to keep up with and having similar and duplicate names causes confusion as the storyline progresses
July 16, 2018
Another captivating read about the continuing story of the Wetherby/Jackson families. It reflects the attitude of some people towards the vote being made available to men from different classes and also women suffrage. There is a quite despicable villain who seems to hold all the power and enjoys controlling other people’s lives. There are a number of sad moments and life seems quite hard for some while others live in a luxurious manner. If you enjoy family stories, this book should suit.
I received a copy and have voluntarily and honestly reviewed it.
I received a copy and have voluntarily and honestly reviewed it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews