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Ellindale Saga #4
One Perfect Family
Lancashire, 1934. When Tam Crawford is unexpectedly bequeathed some money, he can finally realise his dream of settling down in the beautiful village of Ellindale.
Tam knows he can be impulsive - his nickname isn't Crazy Tam for nothing! - but this time he is determined not to be ruled by his big heart and hot head. Yet somehow, within just one day, he has taken on a fiancée and two children to keep them out of the poorhouse - or worse. Despite their unconventional start, as Tam and his new family get to know and love each other, they come to realise that his act of charity is the best thing that could have happened to all of them. But there are still problems and they struggle to find somewhere to live.
Tam and his makeshift family are not the only ones facing difficulties. Local benefactor Finn Carlisle's attempts to help the unemployed are being sabotaged by an unscrupulous local councillor, and Tam's cousin-by-marriage Hilda Kerkham has been widowed and is struggling even to feed her son. Will the people of Ellindale be able to help one another in these hard times?
Praise for the Ellindale series
'One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read! *****' - Between the Pages
'A book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. *****' - Stardust Book Reviews
'I was gripped from the very first word on the very first page and I wasn't released until the last word on the last page . . . When I finished I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer. *****' - Ginger Book Geek
- GenresRomanceHistoricalFiction
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2019
208 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
236 books511 followersAnna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 22, 2019
I have loved reading The Ellindale Series which ends with One Perfect Family,it has been a joy getting to know and love the residents.Leah,Jonah,Rosie,Finn,Charlie,Todd and Harry.Tam Crawford has been on the road for years but when a dear old lady who he did work for dies he has to visit a solicitor who is dealing with her will.To find that she has left him money to make his life better on the understanding that he help others,tam knows he can make his dream come true and go home to the only place he feels at peace.Along the way he meets phyllis who knows a woman that without help will end up in poor house.Tam and Cora meet and decide to help each other live better lives.I won't give the whole story away but will say this book is worth 5* if not more.I look forward to the next from Anna Jacobs.
March 29, 2019
This is the final book in the Ellindale series and was every bit as good as the others. I loved this book from start to finish and couldn’t put it down. Well done Anna you never disappoint your readers.
March 13, 2019
This is another lovely story by Anna Jacobs, Tam has been on the tramp for many years (most people know him as Crazy Tam). Tam doesn't like to see injustice or cruelty to other people or animals and tends to react and get involved without thinking.
Tam is bequeathed money from one of the women Tam would do work for, it's 1936 and Tam is given £300, which is a huge amount so Tam purchases a van and goes back to where he grew up, he would love to own his own property and run his own business, in the meantime Tam meets Jinna who doesn't talk, she is being bullied by the local boys so Tam intervenes.
And the story continues when Tam meets Cara & Ned, this is a lovely story how a family doesn't have to blood to be close and the trials and tribulation of the local town.
Well written, really easy to read with a lovely flowing storyline that keeps you hooked.
Tam is bequeathed money from one of the women Tam would do work for, it's 1936 and Tam is given £300, which is a huge amount so Tam purchases a van and goes back to where he grew up, he would love to own his own property and run his own business, in the meantime Tam meets Jinna who doesn't talk, she is being bullied by the local boys so Tam intervenes.
And the story continues when Tam meets Cara & Ned, this is a lovely story how a family doesn't have to blood to be close and the trials and tribulation of the local town.
Well written, really easy to read with a lovely flowing storyline that keeps you hooked.
March 28, 2019
A perfect end
I'm so sad to finish this book the last in the series but looking forward to the birch end series this was a perfect ending with Leah .todd.charlie.and new comers.Tam .and Cara .5 stars for a fantastic book .
I'm so sad to finish this book the last in the series but looking forward to the birch end series this was a perfect ending with Leah .todd.charlie.and new comers.Tam .and Cara .5 stars for a fantastic book .
August 5, 2019
I simply loved this book from beginning to end, as with all the other three Ellindale Books. It's a book that you never want to end. I thoroughly recommend this book and the other three in this series.
March 30, 2019
Enjoy reading this book. Have read all 4 of the Ellindale sarga. Anna Jacobs is a fantastic writer.
August 4, 2025
This is actually part of a series but can easily be read on its own. A book that gives an uplifting end. There was a few individual stories that went on in the book to stop boredom. Very easy to read. Would have given another half if I could have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2019
Having read the third one in this series (this is the fourth) and not really enjoyed it I started this book wandering whether it would be the same but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a lovely slow paced story with really heart warming characters and a nice ending to a good series.
I think it would have been a little confusing to read this as a stand alone novel as many of the characters from previous books feature in this one. It was lovely to see how their lives have moved on and I enjoyed it very much
I think it would have been a little confusing to read this as a stand alone novel as many of the characters from previous books feature in this one. It was lovely to see how their lives have moved on and I enjoyed it very much
April 7, 2021
I throughly enjoyed this last book
In the series. I
Love how Anna Jacobs entwined all the characters and added more of them and still
Kept the story running and kept it interesting enough to
Keep reading. A fantastic series.
In the series. I
Love how Anna Jacobs entwined all the characters and added more of them and still
Kept the story running and kept it interesting enough to
Keep reading. A fantastic series.
October 1, 2019
The Ellindale Saga was yet another example of Anna Jacobs ability to draw the reader into the story and keep them there. Have been reading her books for years and years and have watched her evolve from historical to the most up to date scenarios which we could and sometimes do endure during our lives.
If anyone hasn't read the first book in the latest series "Birch End" then do so right now as this also contains all the characters from Ellindale plus many more. I now have to wait until April 2020 to read book 2 and have already noted its publishing date on my calendar!!
I can honestly say that Anna Jacobs is the only author whose books I have re-read consistently. If I am feeling down and start reading my hubby says "Anna Jacobs?" and just smiles.
If anyone hasn't read the first book in the latest series "Birch End" then do so right now as this also contains all the characters from Ellindale plus many more. I now have to wait until April 2020 to read book 2 and have already noted its publishing date on my calendar!!
I can honestly say that Anna Jacobs is the only author whose books I have re-read consistently. If I am feeling down and start reading my hubby says "Anna Jacobs?" and just smiles.
June 22, 2019
Ellendale Series Saga
I didn’t review the first three in the series as they simply linked up so you needed to read them all to get the entire picture of the story. It’s such a lovely story of a small village and of the new residents who move there for one reason of another. And they become such a wonderful large family of friendship. All four novels were so full of amazing people. I think anyone who reads these will love and enjoy them as much as I have.
I didn’t review the first three in the series as they simply linked up so you needed to read them all to get the entire picture of the story. It’s such a lovely story of a small village and of the new residents who move there for one reason of another. And they become such a wonderful large family of friendship. All four novels were so full of amazing people. I think anyone who reads these will love and enjoy them as much as I have.
October 17, 2019
Brilliant
I've really enjoyed these books all 4 of them this author is amazing her stories have all been sad and happy but the people in them all have the same ideas about helping each other through everything that happens they seam to stick together.I love the story of Tam and Cora and the children .Can't wait to read the Birch End series next.thank you Anna you truly are an amazing writer.
I've really enjoyed these books all 4 of them this author is amazing her stories have all been sad and happy but the people in them all have the same ideas about helping each other through everything that happens they seam to stick together.I love the story of Tam and Cora and the children .Can't wait to read the Birch End series next.thank you Anna you truly are an amazing writer.
May 23, 2023
4* Thoroughly delightful read bringing the Ellindale saga to its conclusion. I enjoyed this very much.
February 26, 2024
Tam is used to tramping the roads, then on one of his journeys he unexpectedly comes into some money when a kindly lady he did some odd jobs for passes and leaves him a large legacy.
Determined to now settle down in his old village he wants to be careful with his money and not give into his usual hot headed ways.
Yet in no time at all he finds himself taking on a fiancé and not only that but also two children to save them from the poorhouse.
With his ready made family Tam swears to secure a good life for them all, although having an unconventional start can they all find happiness together?
Absolutely loved this, one of my fave reads so far this year and though part of a set I was bought this one as a gift randomly and have enjoyed it so much I've already started collecting the others in the series.
Determined to now settle down in his old village he wants to be careful with his money and not give into his usual hot headed ways.
Yet in no time at all he finds himself taking on a fiancé and not only that but also two children to save them from the poorhouse.
With his ready made family Tam swears to secure a good life for them all, although having an unconventional start can they all find happiness together?
Absolutely loved this, one of my fave reads so far this year and though part of a set I was bought this one as a gift randomly and have enjoyed it so much I've already started collecting the others in the series.
September 7, 2025
I read this in isolation, without realising it’s a series. Enjoyed it - the community spirit of the 1930’s - everyone coming together to help those down on
their luck, not because they had to but because they felt it was the right thing to do. Tam in particular was an interesting character - using his own money to help others, realising that his true wealth was the family he created by rescuing first Jinna, then Cara and her grandson. Very heartwarming story.
their luck, not because they had to but because they felt it was the right thing to do. Tam in particular was an interesting character - using his own money to help others, realising that his true wealth was the family he created by rescuing first Jinna, then Cara and her grandson. Very heartwarming story.
April 18, 2019
Anna Jacobs creates characters who feel like friends. In her books, evil is vanquished and good prevails because people work together in love and trust. In this busy, often violent world, it's good to be reminded of these truths. Anna's books leave me feeling uplifted and at peace.
I can highly recommend 'One Perfect Family', but why not read the whole series?
I can highly recommend 'One Perfect Family', but why not read the whole series?
August 25, 2019
A lovely ending for the four stories
As usual smiles and tears to finish off the lives loves of Anna's character's the stories always end too soon for me probably because I don't put my book down for long periods of time so get to the end quickly. A lovely set of stories of hardship but of people coming together to make life easier for all
As usual smiles and tears to finish off the lives loves of Anna's character's the stories always end too soon for me probably because I don't put my book down for long periods of time so get to the end quickly. A lovely set of stories of hardship but of people coming together to make life easier for all
October 11, 2021
A Perfect Read
From first to last book in Ellindale Series I have been unable to put books down I have met so many characters that I have loved or loathed felt,many emotions .I love this author it is a joy to read about people despite illness poverty care so .much for eachothe r Thank you for sharing a wonderful talent
From first to last book in Ellindale Series I have been unable to put books down I have met so many characters that I have loved or loathed felt,many emotions .I love this author it is a joy to read about people despite illness poverty care so .much for eachothe r Thank you for sharing a wonderful talent
July 26, 2022
The last book of the Ellindale saga again an amazing book
It’s what a village was a child where I lived
Shows how a community if stuck together can cope with anything or anyone who disturbs their wonderful lives
Can’t wait to read more from Anna Jacobs so enjoyed them
The 4 books are a definite read for everyone
It’s what a village was a child where I lived
Shows how a community if stuck together can cope with anything or anyone who disturbs their wonderful lives
Can’t wait to read more from Anna Jacobs so enjoyed them
The 4 books are a definite read for everyone
May 16, 2019
Inspiring
My heart was captured by the wonderful people of this village, felt I was living with them in such hard, but awesome times, the way Anna writes, it's as if you can see each and every person.
My heart was captured by the wonderful people of this village, felt I was living with them in such hard, but awesome times, the way Anna writes, it's as if you can see each and every person.
July 18, 2019
The last book in the Ellindale Saga. At first the title 'A perfect family' put me off because as we know there is no such thing, however I enjoyed the fantasy of it all.
Thanks to the author for a relaxing and feel good read.
Thanks to the author for a relaxing and feel good read.
August 1, 2019
Just finished reading this lovely story - loved it so much - Anna Jacobs rushes to finish and tie up all the loose ends - maybea good thing as I have to just keep reading once I start any of her books! A fabulous series set in Ellindale.
August 20, 2019
STood read
I have read all four books and I to stay O could not wait to read every one of then.I like everyone of your series of book I am reading faster than you can right,Fantastic
I have read all four books and I to stay O could not wait to read every one of then.I like everyone of your series of book I am reading faster than you can right,Fantastic
August 9, 2020
I have really enjoyed all of the Ellindale series, this is the fourth and final book. Now I've finished I'm a little sad that there's no more although the followup series Birch End is just as good and hopefully we'll catch up with Tam, Cara and their perfect family sometime in that series.
October 25, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed all four of the Ellindale books, and was really sad to come to the end of this, the final book in the series.
Thank you, Anna Jacobs, for creating such wonderful characters and storylines, I can't wait to get started on the Birch End series!
Thank you, Anna Jacobs, for creating such wonderful characters and storylines, I can't wait to get started on the Birch End series!
March 27, 2023
3.5 ★ Hate to see the end of this sweet series and the travails and trials of this English depression era village. Author does a great job of investing you into the town and it's hardscrabble people.
May 19, 2019
Another great book in this series, really enjoyed this series of books. Looking forward to trying more books by this author in the future.
August 29, 2019
Dieselblackcat
Awesome book great ending and I can’t wait to read the next lot of books that come after this one.
Awesome book great ending and I can’t wait to read the next lot of books that come after this one.
September 7, 2019
Didn't want it to end
Didn't want it to end. Fingers crossed for another in this series, would be wonderful to see further into the lives of the people in Ellindale
Didn't want it to end. Fingers crossed for another in this series, would be wonderful to see further into the lives of the people in Ellindale
February 25, 2020
It's been a while since I've been here and kept up to date with the books I read but like all Anna Jacobs books this is another one I've enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews