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The Ribbon Weaver
One winter's night, Molly Ernshaw rescues a newborn baby from the snow and changes two families forever. The tiny girl grows into a beautiful and gifted young woman. Although devoted to Molly, whom she believes is her grandmother. Amy has far-reaching ambitions. She longs to move beyond ribbon-weaving to designing hats and clothes. Her talent is recognised by Samuel Forrester, owner of famous hat factories and shops. But Samuel is a haunted man with secrets in his past that torture him and his family. Amy's dreams seem to be coming true but caught between two worlds, she must choose where her heart truly belongs.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
186 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Goodwin
100 books367 followersBefore becoming a writer, I was a Placement Support Worker and foster carer, and worked in the social services department after completing a teacher training course. Many children have joined my family over the years. I still live in Nuneaton, where many of my books are set, with my husband, Trevor, and our beloved dogs.
I was thrilled to discover that I'd become one of the top 250 most-borrowed library authors in the UK, and would like to thank all of you who have taken out my books over the last few years! I love meeting my readers and am always pleased to hear from you. I hope you will all continue to get in touch and please do sign up for my newsletter!
I was thrilled to discover that I'd become one of the top 250 most-borrowed library authors in the UK, and would like to thank all of you who have taken out my books over the last few years! I love meeting my readers and am always pleased to hear from you. I hope you will all continue to get in touch and please do sign up for my newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 23, 2019
Great story
I enjoyed this book so much there were so many twists and turns and surprises around every corner kept you reading into the night regularly
great Wright
I enjoyed this book so much there were so many twists and turns and surprises around every corner kept you reading into the night regularly
great Wright
December 25, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Recommended.
January 21, 2019
I haven’t read a Rosie Godwin book for a long time. I really enjoyed Amy and Mollys story, which whipped along with never a dull moment.
December 14, 2022
4.5 ⭐
I quite enjoyed reading this book. The writing is flowing and easy to get into. Amy's character development is brilliant. Every other character also seemed to have a well developed personality. The synopsis literally did not match the book at all. Firstly the names given are wrong. It's not Matthew and Victoria. It's Samuel and Eugenie. Not sure if there are other versions out there which use these names but that makes no sense to me. The "dark secret" wasn't that dark and it was predictable right within the first few chapters and the other one, some part in. I loved the ending so much. The descriptions of all the fashion was interesting. I love how the relationships of Amy blossomed, with Molly, the Forresters and Toby. Overall, I think this is a really wholesome book even though it isn't plot focused in the least. This book deserves more love. It's a beautiful family story. I'll be picking up more books by Rosie Goodwin in the future.
I quite enjoyed reading this book. The writing is flowing and easy to get into. Amy's character development is brilliant. Every other character also seemed to have a well developed personality. The synopsis literally did not match the book at all. Firstly the names given are wrong. It's not Matthew and Victoria. It's Samuel and Eugenie. Not sure if there are other versions out there which use these names but that makes no sense to me. The "dark secret" wasn't that dark and it was predictable right within the first few chapters and the other one, some part in. I loved the ending so much. The descriptions of all the fashion was interesting. I love how the relationships of Amy blossomed, with Molly, the Forresters and Toby. Overall, I think this is a really wholesome book even though it isn't plot focused in the least. This book deserves more love. It's a beautiful family story. I'll be picking up more books by Rosie Goodwin in the future.
September 19, 2011
Although I have read several of Rosie Goodwyn's books, and will probably read some more, romance is not my preferred genre. I am generally, more of a blood and musket, thriller or crime reader. Therefore, to give The Ribbon Weaver 5
stars should be seen as a compliment to the writing style, flow and structure, which are excellent. For me, probably because I'm not really into romances, the story line was a little bit slow and predictable. Set around the later part of the first half of the 19th century, this novel takes a pleasant but gentle stroll through the early life of Amy. Found as the newly born child of a mysterious mother, Amy is brought up by Molly, an aging ribbon weaver. Concerned for Molly's deteriorating health, Amy takes on work as a factory cleaner but the discovery of a rare but exciting talent propels her into a new career and different life style. Although she tries to retain the friendships from her humble upbringing, other influences come to bear. Her popularity and success provokes jealousy, rivalry and even danger. Whether or not you like romances, this is still worth a read.
stars should be seen as a compliment to the writing style, flow and structure, which are excellent. For me, probably because I'm not really into romances, the story line was a little bit slow and predictable. Set around the later part of the first half of the 19th century, this novel takes a pleasant but gentle stroll through the early life of Amy. Found as the newly born child of a mysterious mother, Amy is brought up by Molly, an aging ribbon weaver. Concerned for Molly's deteriorating health, Amy takes on work as a factory cleaner but the discovery of a rare but exciting talent propels her into a new career and different life style. Although she tries to retain the friendships from her humble upbringing, other influences come to bear. Her popularity and success provokes jealousy, rivalry and even danger. Whether or not you like romances, this is still worth a read.
July 23, 2015
The Ribbon Weaver in question is Molly Ernshaw and it is with her that the story begins and ends. One snowy Christmas Eve, on her way home from a weaving shift, she comes across a dying woman who insists she take her baby. Molly brings the baby, Amy, up as her granddaughter and the two are devoted to each other. But Amy is an extremely talented designer and when she is taken under the wing of a local hatter, Samuel Forrester, she is drawn into a life far removed from her beloved grandmother. How her true parentage is discovered and the impact it makes on her life and that of her adopted grandmother makes for an inspiring, moving and truly wonderful story.
May 18, 2014
My mum recommend this, she loved it and couldn't put it down, I enjoyed it although I thought it was a bit predictable and quite Catherine Cookson-ish, characters were sometimes just a bit too "nice" (apart from the obvious ones!). Worth reading.
August 24, 2012
I loved this book, couldn't put it down. It flowed well and was easy to follow...reminded me of Catherine Cookson from the old days. Overall a feel good story.
December 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
December 14, 2015
Another very good read from Rosie Goodwin.
The characters were brought to life in the wonderful writing.
Although a bit predictable this nevertheless was a lovely story.
The characters were brought to life in the wonderful writing.
Although a bit predictable this nevertheless was a lovely story.
February 29, 2016
predictable and sweet , just what I want to listen to in the car
August 3, 2016
Such a lovely, heart warming story, really enjoyed it.
Read
November 26, 2017really enjoyed this, I was hooked from the first few pages
November 30, 2019
Toby is so good!
Another excellent story and once again I feel I got to know all the characters
Another excellent story and once again I feel I got to know all the characters
September 24, 2017
This was the third book by Rosie that I have read and I wasn't sure if like the other two it would keep me gripped... but I loved it from start to finish.
What I love most about Rosie's writing is that although you have a feeling about how the story will go, it's the how and when, that always keeps you enticed.
The Ribbon Weaver is one of those stories, it keeps you hooked with anticipation of how the story is going to unfold and is filled with so much love between the characters.
What I love most about Rosie's writing is that although you have a feeling about how the story will go, it's the how and when, that always keeps you enticed.
The Ribbon Weaver is one of those stories, it keeps you hooked with anticipation of how the story is going to unfold and is filled with so much love between the characters.
July 19, 2012
Excellent book, I really enjoyed it x
October 29, 2017
Couldn't put my kindle down
Brilliant story from start to finish of love ambition hatred heartache and happiness very enjoyable story sort of book your sad to finish it
Brilliant story from start to finish of love ambition hatred heartache and happiness very enjoyable story sort of book your sad to finish it
March 12, 2019
Great book love Rosie Goodwin
August 6, 2023
There’s not many Dilly Court books that I haven’t enjoyed and I’ve read loads of them. This book I zoomed through in just over a day, it was fast paced with plenty of drama and interesting characters.
As a reader I knew that Amy was related to the Forrester family all along, though obviously they themselves never knew this until many years later. I liked the way it was written and concluded, that Amy’s roots where always important to her and her Gran Molly would always be her number one.
I was dubious about her and Toby from the start, they just didn’t have chemistry I thought, though I didn’t like Francois much.
The ending was sad. Nice but bittersweet.
As a reader I knew that Amy was related to the Forrester family all along, though obviously they themselves never knew this until many years later. I liked the way it was written and concluded, that Amy’s roots where always important to her and her Gran Molly would always be her number one.
I was dubious about her and Toby from the start, they just didn’t have chemistry I thought, though I didn’t like Francois much.
The ending was sad. Nice but bittersweet.
June 18, 2020
This was another of the books given to me by my Grandma and one of the poorest I've read so far. Although the story flowed rather well, I found I couldn't connect to it and though the book didn't take me long at all to work through, it's not the most memorable - or memorable at all tbh - I've read and it's not one I would recommend to others.
April 18, 2022
Molly (the ribbon weaver) is given a baby to look after by its mother who is not seen again. The girl, Amy is talented and yearns to work as she grows to provide for her 'Gran'. However predictable the story is entertaining as we follow Amy's path to success in the fashion industry and her finding love.
February 28, 2025
Molly is on her way home from work and hears a woman in pain, the woman insists ashe looks after her baby, she takes the bag but doesn't hear a baby, but when Bessie her friend goes back to look for her she is gone. Molly bring the baby up as her own and pretends to be be her gran.
What becomes of Molly and the baby who she calls Amy.
This book was fantastic well worth a read
What becomes of Molly and the baby who she calls Amy.
This book was fantastic well worth a read
February 10, 2021
Nice story with characters you can sympathise/feel for, however it is very predictable and because of this I found it a bit hard to keep reading when you could pretty much work out what would happen next. It also has plenty of emotional moments, but overall I enjoyed reading it.
February 8, 2022
I was gripped by the end of the prologue and had tears in my eyes at the epilogue. Predictable but equally I could not put down…..another Rosie Goodwin book that has delivered a lovely heart warming story that never fails to disappoint.
April 7, 2023
Can’t believe another one that holds you!
I am addicted to Rosie Godwin’s stories. They hold you from start to finish. Keep thinking I’ll turn to a different genre but then I get hooked all over again.
I am addicted to Rosie Godwin’s stories. They hold you from start to finish. Keep thinking I’ll turn to a different genre but then I get hooked all over again.
May 26, 2025
A charming, easy read book. Lots of twists and turns, mostly predictable but well written.
Loved the relationship between the characters not overbearing each living their lives as they see best.
Nice, complete ending.
Will be reading more from this author
Loved the relationship between the characters not overbearing each living their lives as they see best.
Nice, complete ending.
Will be reading more from this author
June 10, 2017
Bit long winded. Very predictable. But goes along nicely enough.
October 8, 2017
A wonderful heart warming , humbling story of hardship and family loyalty. So easy to read, could not put it down.
July 19, 2018
It was a lovely family story with sadness, happiness just as life is
August 6, 2018
Great book
Great story as you love Molly throughout the story could not stop reading this had to know what was next I really enjoyed this book
Great story as you love Molly throughout the story could not stop reading this had to know what was next I really enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews