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The Girl from the Mill
As World War I begins, life will never be the same again. A heart-breaking saga for all fans of Dilly Court and Val Wood. In the drab Yorkshire town of Garsthwaite, Lacey Barraclough works hard in the textile mill, determined to fight for improvements to the dismal working conditions she and her fellow weavers face. But she hadn't reckoned on falling in love with the boss's son, Nathan. Nathan returns her love, but to succeed they must overcome the class divide, as well as persuade their families that their love for each other is real. Before Nathan and Lacey can make a life together, World War I breaks out and Nathan enlists to fight. When Nathan heads off to the Front, he takes Lacey's dreams with him, and she must find a new way to face the future. As hard times come to Garsthwaite, will there be a home for the returning heroes to come back to? And for those men who do make it back from France, can they ever outrun the horrors they have witnessed, and learn to love again?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2019
100 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 19, 2018
Lacey Barraclough performs backbreaking work as a weaver in a textile mill, all while fighting for improvements to the horrid working conditions. As she pushes for unionization among her fellow workers, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with her boss’s son, Nathan Brearley. However, as their love begins to take shape, they realize they will have to overcome the arbitrary status and class that separate them—at least, for their families’ sake. But with England on the doorstep of war, Nathan enlists, and Lacey must navigate a new and complicated world.
This book’s greatest strength is the heroine, Lacey Barraclough. She’s tough, whip smart, and socially conscious. Never in the action does she simply accept the injustices around her. Instead, her entire drive focuses on the betterment of society, particularly the working class. Whether she’s fighting for unionization or better latrines for her weaver colleagues, she bounds from scene to scene, a firecracker on a mission. And god help anyone standing in her way. No one can accuse her of being written as passive.
Of course, she can only be as good as the book written around her. Fortunately, author Chrissie Walsh has written a stunning debut. Part-romance, part-historical fiction, part-war novel, part-examination of social class—a lesser author might balk at combining so many elements. However, Walsh handles all of this head-on, weaving plots seamlessly, and the result is a book both inspiring and heartwarming. And she does it all with brief chapters and a quick pace, making this a tight, fast read.
Much of the success here can be attributed to her brilliant attention to character. She utilizes a rather large cast, mostly made up of members of Lacey and Nathan’s families, but Walsh gives each such distinct voices and styles that readers should never be confused about who is who. Nathan’s mother, Constance, initially appears so hardened and almost cruel in response to her son marrying a “commoner”, yet Walsh keeps her away from caricature. Similarly, for a long stretch, Nathan seems devoted and loving while courting Lacey without crossing into sappy territory. In these places, which could easily devolve into extremes, Walsh find believability.
This book also has a lot to say about workers’ rights and justice and this was a particularly interesting concept for a historical novel. While often these works shy away from obvious injustice, citing it as a product of the time, Lacey is downright revolutionary. Women’s suffrage? Equal pay for equal work? Workers’ compensation? It’s all considered with Lacey taking charge.
However, this isn’t to suggest there aren’t darker moments to consider. After all, there is a war going on for a large chunk of the novel and Walsh does examine some of the broader horrors. As well, working conditions being what they were, there are a couple of factory scenes that are rough. In a book with a heroine who often uses her pluck to get what she wants, these moments even more impactful. The execution is tasteful and thoughtful.
Chrissie Walsh has managed to craft a solid story with such intriguing characters. This is an outstanding debut.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
This book’s greatest strength is the heroine, Lacey Barraclough. She’s tough, whip smart, and socially conscious. Never in the action does she simply accept the injustices around her. Instead, her entire drive focuses on the betterment of society, particularly the working class. Whether she’s fighting for unionization or better latrines for her weaver colleagues, she bounds from scene to scene, a firecracker on a mission. And god help anyone standing in her way. No one can accuse her of being written as passive.
Of course, she can only be as good as the book written around her. Fortunately, author Chrissie Walsh has written a stunning debut. Part-romance, part-historical fiction, part-war novel, part-examination of social class—a lesser author might balk at combining so many elements. However, Walsh handles all of this head-on, weaving plots seamlessly, and the result is a book both inspiring and heartwarming. And she does it all with brief chapters and a quick pace, making this a tight, fast read.
Much of the success here can be attributed to her brilliant attention to character. She utilizes a rather large cast, mostly made up of members of Lacey and Nathan’s families, but Walsh gives each such distinct voices and styles that readers should never be confused about who is who. Nathan’s mother, Constance, initially appears so hardened and almost cruel in response to her son marrying a “commoner”, yet Walsh keeps her away from caricature. Similarly, for a long stretch, Nathan seems devoted and loving while courting Lacey without crossing into sappy territory. In these places, which could easily devolve into extremes, Walsh find believability.
This book also has a lot to say about workers’ rights and justice and this was a particularly interesting concept for a historical novel. While often these works shy away from obvious injustice, citing it as a product of the time, Lacey is downright revolutionary. Women’s suffrage? Equal pay for equal work? Workers’ compensation? It’s all considered with Lacey taking charge.
However, this isn’t to suggest there aren’t darker moments to consider. After all, there is a war going on for a large chunk of the novel and Walsh does examine some of the broader horrors. As well, working conditions being what they were, there are a couple of factory scenes that are rough. In a book with a heroine who often uses her pluck to get what she wants, these moments even more impactful. The execution is tasteful and thoughtful.
Chrissie Walsh has managed to craft a solid story with such intriguing characters. This is an outstanding debut.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
January 6, 2019
Lacey Barraclough works as a weaver in a textile mill. The working conditions are horrible. She and her fellow workers fight for justice. She finds her support in her friend. She is so busy and the work is so intense that she barely has time to think. That is, until she meets Nathan Brearley. England is on the brink of war and the two soon fall in love. But then Nathan enlists......
How will Lacey and Nathan cope apart? Will they see each other again?
I was drawn in from the start of the book and it was so atmospheric. Immediately, I could tell there were hard times and Lacey is strong, smart and conscious of her own reality and of that of those around her. tough, whip smart, and socially conscious. She is far from passive in her fight to improve the conditions and unions for herself and her fellow workers. She never stops fighting for what she thinks is right.
Chrissie Walsh has written an amazing debut novel and dared to mix the genres of romance, historical fiction with a wartime atmosphere and social class realities and conflicts. The plots make for an interesting, fast-paced book with short chapters which made me want to move forward. There are so many characters yet each has their own voice and personality. There are good and bad times in the book and I recommend it.
4 stars.
Thanks to Chrissie Walsh and Aria for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my slot on the blog tour for this title.
How will Lacey and Nathan cope apart? Will they see each other again?
I was drawn in from the start of the book and it was so atmospheric. Immediately, I could tell there were hard times and Lacey is strong, smart and conscious of her own reality and of that of those around her. tough, whip smart, and socially conscious. She is far from passive in her fight to improve the conditions and unions for herself and her fellow workers. She never stops fighting for what she thinks is right.
Chrissie Walsh has written an amazing debut novel and dared to mix the genres of romance, historical fiction with a wartime atmosphere and social class realities and conflicts. The plots make for an interesting, fast-paced book with short chapters which made me want to move forward. There are so many characters yet each has their own voice and personality. There are good and bad times in the book and I recommend it.
4 stars.
Thanks to Chrissie Walsh and Aria for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my slot on the blog tour for this title.
January 11, 2019
I read the synopsis for this book and it sounded just my kind of read. Firstly it’s historical fiction (which I love), secondly it takes place just before and during the First World War (which is a special interest of mine) and thirdly it is a heartbreaking saga (which is my current favourite genre). So you can see why it appealed so much to me. I started reading and boy oh boy I absolutely loved ‘The Girl From The Mill’ but more about that in a bit.
The main character in this book is a young lady called Lacey Barraclough, who works in the mill with her cousin and her brother among others. Lacey is a hard worker who stands up for what she believes in. If something isn’t right then Lacey will make sure that everybody hears about it as can be seen at the start of the book when she attracts the attention of management to the plight of the workers. Lacey is certainly somebody who gets things done. Lacey is feisty, strong determined, stubborn, compassionate, kind, gentle and the sort of supportive friend that you would love to have. Indeed by the time I got part of the way through the book I felt that Lacey was a friend. Yes I know it’s fiction but it’s real to me. Lacey has a glimmer of a love life on the horizon with Nathan, who is the son of the factory boss. It’s not going to be easy for them both though because they are from such different social backgrounds. I was literally crossing everything that things worked out for Lacey and Nathan. Do things turn out well for them? You are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
This is one of those books that grabbed my attention from the start and kept my attention all the way through. I was gripped by the story and I had to keep reading to see what fate had in store for Lacey and her family. I was so wrapped up in the story that I didn’t realise just how quickly I was getting through the book until I looked up and saw that I had read just over a third of the book. I was enjoying the storylines, the characters and the author’s writing style so much that I found it impossible to tear myself away from the book. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. It’s safe to say that reading ‘The Girl From The Mill’ was certainly addictive reading. I have to say that this book certainly put me through the emotional mill (pardon the pun) somewhat. I liked most of the characters so much that I felt myself going through all the same emotions that they were going through.
In short I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Girl From The Mill’ and I will definitely be reading any other books that Chrissie writes. I just know that they will be just as good as this one. I will certainly be recommending this book to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The main character in this book is a young lady called Lacey Barraclough, who works in the mill with her cousin and her brother among others. Lacey is a hard worker who stands up for what she believes in. If something isn’t right then Lacey will make sure that everybody hears about it as can be seen at the start of the book when she attracts the attention of management to the plight of the workers. Lacey is certainly somebody who gets things done. Lacey is feisty, strong determined, stubborn, compassionate, kind, gentle and the sort of supportive friend that you would love to have. Indeed by the time I got part of the way through the book I felt that Lacey was a friend. Yes I know it’s fiction but it’s real to me. Lacey has a glimmer of a love life on the horizon with Nathan, who is the son of the factory boss. It’s not going to be easy for them both though because they are from such different social backgrounds. I was literally crossing everything that things worked out for Lacey and Nathan. Do things turn out well for them? You are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
This is one of those books that grabbed my attention from the start and kept my attention all the way through. I was gripped by the story and I had to keep reading to see what fate had in store for Lacey and her family. I was so wrapped up in the story that I didn’t realise just how quickly I was getting through the book until I looked up and saw that I had read just over a third of the book. I was enjoying the storylines, the characters and the author’s writing style so much that I found it impossible to tear myself away from the book. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. It’s safe to say that reading ‘The Girl From The Mill’ was certainly addictive reading. I have to say that this book certainly put me through the emotional mill (pardon the pun) somewhat. I liked most of the characters so much that I felt myself going through all the same emotions that they were going through.
In short I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Girl From The Mill’ and I will definitely be reading any other books that Chrissie writes. I just know that they will be just as good as this one. I will certainly be recommending this book to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 3, 2020
A beautiful story
Set in the Yorkshire town of Gasthwaite 1913 . This is Lacey Barraclough story, working in the textile mill Brearleys. WW1 breaks out and Nathan Brearley enlist to fight. He may be the bosses son, but falls deeply in love with Lacey, meeting Sunday's at the cuckoo hill no matter what both families think absent makes the heart grow stronger. The war is going to change both this couple's lives. The mill gets cut down to three day's a week, Lacey with her cousin Joan to make more money run a little alteration business as well as attending union meetings, women are been recognised for their worth. Lacey is such a strong willed woman, loved all of the book from start to finish, an enchanting read. Where here on cuckoo hill love is born.
Set in the Yorkshire town of Gasthwaite 1913 . This is Lacey Barraclough story, working in the textile mill Brearleys. WW1 breaks out and Nathan Brearley enlist to fight. He may be the bosses son, but falls deeply in love with Lacey, meeting Sunday's at the cuckoo hill no matter what both families think absent makes the heart grow stronger. The war is going to change both this couple's lives. The mill gets cut down to three day's a week, Lacey with her cousin Joan to make more money run a little alteration business as well as attending union meetings, women are been recognised for their worth. Lacey is such a strong willed woman, loved all of the book from start to finish, an enchanting read. Where here on cuckoo hill love is born.
February 1, 2019
Lacey Barraclough is a simple farmer’s daughter, working a loom in the woollen mill and completely aware of the differences between ‘them and us’, even as she refuses to believe that she, or any of the women she works with are less than anyone else in town. And being the year before the outbreak of World War I, while the class systems and society is changing, there’s still plenty of discrimination to be found. Of particular interest to Lacey is her own skill with a needle, and the news of suffragettes and those working for equal rights. Her sewing skills are a mix of her own ideas and designs cobbled from fashion magazines that her mother brings home from the houses she cleans, and while things aren’t luxe, Lacey and her family manage to make ends meet with her father and older brother working the farm, her mother’s motley collection of geese, chickens and pigs, and her younger brother working as a general dogsbody in the mill’s warehouse.
From the start Lacey is no ordinary character: prone to speaking her mind, a solid sense of what is right and fair, and the determination to see her ideas through, she’s not the usual sort of worker in the mill – she reads constantly, including the newspaper, she’s got dreams and the determination to make those dreams her reality. And, when the mill owner’s son expresses an interest in her, and they start walking out, everyone is certain that it’s simply a fling for Nathan and that Lacey will get hurt. At any rate – Lacey’s own strength and goodness, combined with her putting her foot down with Nathan and ignoring his mother’s slings and barbs – the two are soon in love, and on his first furlough before being sent to the front, they are married.
Cleverly combining the personal struggles of Lacey and her family and friends with the war, with the growth and solidity of her own goals and dreams, and her own love for Nathan allow her to become the focus and the highlight of this book. Possessing well-thought out arguments, a backbone of steel and plenty of forgiveness and dreams to carry everyone forward, she shows her own little family in Yorkshire just how important a woman with drive and determination is, while not forgetting those she grew up with, worked with or tried to help. There’s plenty of atmosphere in this little novel – from the inside of the looms shed to the moors, Lacey’s house with Nathan and her little shop, not to mention the often stark contrast in homes from her childhood farmhouse and the childhood grand home of her husband. Cleverly crossing the ‘class lines’ in a time when that was rare and usually doomed to failure, the story is hopeful, engaging and clever – particularly with Lacey’s ability to argue with a rock (not exactly – but damn close).
I received an eArc copy of the tiltle from the publisher via NetGaley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
From the start Lacey is no ordinary character: prone to speaking her mind, a solid sense of what is right and fair, and the determination to see her ideas through, she’s not the usual sort of worker in the mill – she reads constantly, including the newspaper, she’s got dreams and the determination to make those dreams her reality. And, when the mill owner’s son expresses an interest in her, and they start walking out, everyone is certain that it’s simply a fling for Nathan and that Lacey will get hurt. At any rate – Lacey’s own strength and goodness, combined with her putting her foot down with Nathan and ignoring his mother’s slings and barbs – the two are soon in love, and on his first furlough before being sent to the front, they are married.
Cleverly combining the personal struggles of Lacey and her family and friends with the war, with the growth and solidity of her own goals and dreams, and her own love for Nathan allow her to become the focus and the highlight of this book. Possessing well-thought out arguments, a backbone of steel and plenty of forgiveness and dreams to carry everyone forward, she shows her own little family in Yorkshire just how important a woman with drive and determination is, while not forgetting those she grew up with, worked with or tried to help. There’s plenty of atmosphere in this little novel – from the inside of the looms shed to the moors, Lacey’s house with Nathan and her little shop, not to mention the often stark contrast in homes from her childhood farmhouse and the childhood grand home of her husband. Cleverly crossing the ‘class lines’ in a time when that was rare and usually doomed to failure, the story is hopeful, engaging and clever – particularly with Lacey’s ability to argue with a rock (not exactly – but damn close).
I received an eArc copy of the tiltle from the publisher via NetGaley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
January 3, 2019
This is a warm and wonderful read that will take you on a journey of life, love, growth and acceptance. It will blur boundaries between class systems and overcome prejudice notions as life and war change points of view.
At the heart of this battle is Lacey Barraclough, a feisty and lively girl with a head and a heart to change the well-being of those around her. I loved Lacey as a character, her strength and determination are without doubt admirable and I championed her on with every milestone she overcome. She certainly is the heart and soul at the centre of this story.
This book delivers many marvellous characters who shape and mould the story into what it is. I particularly loved the relationship between Lacey and Constance. Their journey was by far the toughest with many mountains to climb in order to reach peace, harmony and mutual respect towards one another.
But what story is complete without love? Lacey and Nathan are the definition of star-crossed lovers with strength and determination to overcome all the odds to save their relationship. Love blossoms on Cuckoo Hill and their journey is one to believe in.
This story drew me in with its passion for love and change. I loved every minute of my time spent watching Lacey open the eyes and minds of a town around her and I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
At the heart of this battle is Lacey Barraclough, a feisty and lively girl with a head and a heart to change the well-being of those around her. I loved Lacey as a character, her strength and determination are without doubt admirable and I championed her on with every milestone she overcome. She certainly is the heart and soul at the centre of this story.
This book delivers many marvellous characters who shape and mould the story into what it is. I particularly loved the relationship between Lacey and Constance. Their journey was by far the toughest with many mountains to climb in order to reach peace, harmony and mutual respect towards one another.
But what story is complete without love? Lacey and Nathan are the definition of star-crossed lovers with strength and determination to overcome all the odds to save their relationship. Love blossoms on Cuckoo Hill and their journey is one to believe in.
This story drew me in with its passion for love and change. I loved every minute of my time spent watching Lacey open the eyes and minds of a town around her and I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
April 18, 2019
The Girls From The Mill
I have called this Girls plural as it involves more than one throughout the story, best friends, cousins. When reading this novel what get me thinking is of how hard running the cotton machines were in this era having run towel making machines myself. It due to the hardships that these girls had to put up with with the pittance amount of pay, that have made the evolvement of these machines the safest they are today. With these townships being smaller then and adding the WW1 into the mix, you end up with a story with even more hardships with many of these towns losing so many of their men. Five years for those men to be in the trenches, day in and day out just trying to survive yet running across the fields towards enemy fire. I can only imagine the horror they endured, and how their loved ones managed to survive without the bread winner. This story takes through all these scenarios that you visualise in your mind, taking you there right along with them, perhaps even crying when one or more lose their lives. It being to mind with this to simply say. Read it and weep.
I have called this Girls plural as it involves more than one throughout the story, best friends, cousins. When reading this novel what get me thinking is of how hard running the cotton machines were in this era having run towel making machines myself. It due to the hardships that these girls had to put up with with the pittance amount of pay, that have made the evolvement of these machines the safest they are today. With these townships being smaller then and adding the WW1 into the mix, you end up with a story with even more hardships with many of these towns losing so many of their men. Five years for those men to be in the trenches, day in and day out just trying to survive yet running across the fields towards enemy fire. I can only imagine the horror they endured, and how their loved ones managed to survive without the bread winner. This story takes through all these scenarios that you visualise in your mind, taking you there right along with them, perhaps even crying when one or more lose their lives. It being to mind with this to simply say. Read it and weep.
January 3, 2024
The Girl from the Mill by Chrissie Walsh.
What a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the pages of this book. My favorite character, Lacey, was a force to reckon with. I enjoyed reading about her life.
The author made each character in this book have a unique role, and I am pleased at the interconnectedness between the plot, suspense, and characters. I am on the hunt for more of this author’s book. I even learned a lot from the fictional characters. Indeed, war is dreadful, but how you make up for it is a choice.
The grammar, writing style, title, and book cover are well illustrated and easy to comprehend. I couldn’t help finishing this book past my bedtime.
Overall, I am recommending this book to lovers of historical fiction saga. This book is worth 5 stars. I voluntarily reviewed this book. the opinions expressed in this review are mine.
What a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the pages of this book. My favorite character, Lacey, was a force to reckon with. I enjoyed reading about her life.
The author made each character in this book have a unique role, and I am pleased at the interconnectedness between the plot, suspense, and characters. I am on the hunt for more of this author’s book. I even learned a lot from the fictional characters. Indeed, war is dreadful, but how you make up for it is a choice.
The grammar, writing style, title, and book cover are well illustrated and easy to comprehend. I couldn’t help finishing this book past my bedtime.
Overall, I am recommending this book to lovers of historical fiction saga. This book is worth 5 stars. I voluntarily reviewed this book. the opinions expressed in this review are mine.
December 22, 2018
The mill is a tough and often miserable place to work and Lacey is determined to push for change. A determined woman, she works not only for her colleagues but also for women's suffrage. Along the way, she also falls in love with Nathan, son of the mill owner. You can guess how that was received by his parents and others. WWI, however, changes many things but not Lacey. She's a terrific heroine. Thanks the Netgalley for the ARC. This is well written and highly readable historical fiction.
November 27, 2020
Wow.... What a fabulous book
Chrissie has written this book for all her readers and she has excelled herself,it was absolutely fantastic,what a talented author,I enjoyed every page,and the tears,sadness,and hardship,of the war,was written with great
detail,it was as though you was living beside it ,I have given this book five stars and would of been ten stars if I could, amazing Chrissie,very good
Chrissie has written this book for all her readers and she has excelled herself,it was absolutely fantastic,what a talented author,I enjoyed every page,and the tears,sadness,and hardship,of the war,was written with great
detail,it was as though you was living beside it ,I have given this book five stars and would of been ten stars if I could, amazing Chrissie,very good
January 1, 2019
Thought that this a fantastic story, a few twists that I didn't see coming, enough side plots as well. I found the prose easy to read, and engaging enough. This isn't a genre I have previously read much of, but now have a few lined to. I do recommend this book.
January 10, 2020
Lacey
What a great book lacey the girl from the mill wanted better things for the work force what a great story 5 Stars
What a great book lacey the girl from the mill wanted better things for the work force what a great story 5 Stars
December 14, 2025
Different
I have enjoyed reading this book. I know I have found a new author to follow. She is so different to other authors, she has something special
I have enjoyed reading this book. I know I have found a new author to follow. She is so different to other authors, she has something special
January 6, 2019
The Girl From The Mill is an historical family saga set in Yorkshire during World War I.
The story centres around textile mill employee Lacey Barraclough. Lacey is a loyal but ambitious young woman, who plays her part in fighting for the better working rights for herself and her fellow women workers. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-cnk
The story centres around textile mill employee Lacey Barraclough. Lacey is a loyal but ambitious young woman, who plays her part in fighting for the better working rights for herself and her fellow women workers. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-cnk
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