A powerful story about the bond of sisterhood and how it can triumph against any adversity, from the Sunday Times bestselling author Val Wood.
Hull,1852.
Matty has had to care for her three younger sisters ever since their mother’s death ten years ago. She and the girls’ beloved father have worked hard to keep the family together and now it’s time to celebrate as Matty turns eighteen.
But their joy is short-lived when tragedy suddenly strikes and their father disappears on his way to London. The sisters have no way of knowing what has happened to him – only that he hasn’t returned home. With little money left they’re now forced to battle life’s misfortunes alone…
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
I was expecting a tale that would encase me in a fab bubble taking me away from my present, but the emotional intensity and depth I was expecting just wasn't there.
The characters and plot didn't shine off the page.
Each character in the story, large or small, are beautifully drawn and completely memorable. I never had to remind myself, " now who was he, or she." That says a lot to me a out the beautiful skill of Ms Wood. Importantly, the book is clean and inspirational. I could go on, but I'm anxious to search out my next by this author. Just read it and enjoy.
2.5 Felt like I was reading a bad imitation of Little Women. No depth to character or plot, but I stuck with it so gave it a 3. I will give the author the benefit of the doubt and read another of her books; several readers said this was not her typical book.
It took me a bit to get into this book. At first the sisters seemed a bit predictable in their thoughts and ideas. Dictated by the times and societal mores, the girls were completely dependent on their father for everything. Motherless, they sought out females with whom they could feel close, and so each felt closeness to a different woman in their lives: Nunny, Aunt Gertude, Aunt Loiusa, and Mrs. Lawrence, their neighbor. This closeness deepens when disaster strikes the family, and life changes for them bringing heartache and mystery. Ms. Wood wraps up the story well, and leaves no doubt as to what happens to any of the characters. This very satisfying ending brought tears to my eyes!
It wasn't until I was midway through this book that I became thoroughly engaged in it. I wondered when something intriguing would happen but when it did it hneld my attention completely. Good character development as well as the plot. I enjoyed this story very much.
Rarely is there a book that makes me want to read through the night to see its finish. This one did. I did not stay up as my health surely would suffer (see husband's reaction) but I did finish it the following day. It was so easy to read and the plot twists were irresistible. I am truly becoming a Val Wood enthusiast.
Well written, but I was expecting more. The main part of the story didn’t happen until around half way and it didn’t hold my attention well. The final summary chapter was my favourite and I’m glad I finished the book, just definitely not a page turner/can’t put down kinda story.
So much sadness for these four girls, it was heartbreaking but in the end it all worked out for the best! I think their fathers happy ending was by far my favourite moment 💜 Another historical family saga I couldn’t put down!!
This one took a long time to get going and I almost ditched it. From a very mundane story, it suddenly started to get a bit more interesting so I kept with it. The second part definitely saved the day!
This book made me cry, laugh and smile. A great book all round. Read this book whilst feeling homesick and this book reminded me of all my favourite towns and cities of East yorkshire
Over vier zussen die heel heel welstellend en beschermd zijn opgegroeid. Plots verdwijnt hun vader na een bezoekje aan Londen. Heel hun leven veranderd en komt op de helling te staan.
I thought of Little Women as soon as I saw the cover for this book and was not disappointed when I clicked to buy it. A great story, beautifully written, I couldn't put it down. Also proof that you do not need foul language and explicit sex to produce a compelling read. Well done, Val, I'll look for more of your books.