What do you think?
Rate this book
Marrying Miss Martha
A new historical romance from a bestselling author When Captain Merrivale dies, his daughters Martha and Penelope are left almost penniless. They find employment as schoolteachers in the Lancashire mill-town of Tapton working for mill-owner Jonas Wright, charged with educating not only his own four young daughters, but also some of the more promising mill-workers. On arrival at Tapton they find more than they had bargained for. Penelope is caught up in a riot which brings her into contact with a disgruntled worker, Clem Porter, a man whose family have been brought close to starvation by a rival mill-owner's ill-treatment. Meanwhile Martha finds herself drawn, against her better judgement, to Ben Seaton, the brother of one of her charges. She is as angry at this disruption to her plans to remain a spinster as he is to find himself attracted to such a demanding and seemingly stern young woman
337 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
94 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
237 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 26 reviews
September 3, 2024
At the end of the book miss Martha was married
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
Another great story by Anna Jacobs. This book is set in the early 1800's, in the Lancashire cotton milling town if Tapton. A very easy to read book, with a simple story that I found to be endearing. The characters and the small town was brought to life wonderfully.
February 25, 2018
Martha and Ben
Another first class book from Anna she writes fabulous historical sagas 5 STARS well deserved the story 0f Martha and Ben was perfect .
Another first class book from Anna she writes fabulous historical sagas 5 STARS well deserved the story 0f Martha and Ben was perfect .
October 15, 2017
HR with a Difference – 3.5 stars
When Captain Merridene dies in 1828, he has little to leave his two daughters, Martha and Penelope, and in his will commends them into the care of their cousin Edward (who resembles a rabbit) of Poolerby Hall. However, the sisters are not entirely penniless, with about two hundred pounds from their father and a small annuity from their mother, so they reject Edward’s kind offer of a home with him and his wife, Rosemary. He assures them they will not be a financial burden as he will be able to then dispense with the housekeeper and not have to hire a governess.
Martha has thought for a couple of years about what she and Penelope could do, and decided on starting a school for young ladies, hoping at the same time that there would be some eligible gentlemen around for Penelope. Surprisingly, it is Edward who comes to them with a solution, although he insists on taking them to meet the parties involved.
Living in a Lancashire mill town is vastly different from the life they had been living, but although they are of gentle birth, they had both been used to working in the house as well as acquiring the refinements expected of ladies of their station. Shortly after their arrival, Penelope is caught up in a riot, and together with mill “engineer” Daniel Porter, they hide out in the sisters’ empty house just in time. There are other plots being hatched and the story held my interest to the end, although the outcome is predictable. After all, it is an HR.
There is no sparkling dialogue but the author has a good turn of phrase and I found myself looking out for little gems as I read. There are also evocative descriptions that captured my attention. The writing and editing are reasonable, and I found the story easy to read. I did notice the odd typo and two places where the wrong character’s name is used, but didn’t really keep a lookout for errors. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first few chapters, I feel the rest of the book doesn’t quite live up to the initial promise.
When Captain Merridene dies in 1828, he has little to leave his two daughters, Martha and Penelope, and in his will commends them into the care of their cousin Edward (who resembles a rabbit) of Poolerby Hall. However, the sisters are not entirely penniless, with about two hundred pounds from their father and a small annuity from their mother, so they reject Edward’s kind offer of a home with him and his wife, Rosemary. He assures them they will not be a financial burden as he will be able to then dispense with the housekeeper and not have to hire a governess.
Martha has thought for a couple of years about what she and Penelope could do, and decided on starting a school for young ladies, hoping at the same time that there would be some eligible gentlemen around for Penelope. Surprisingly, it is Edward who comes to them with a solution, although he insists on taking them to meet the parties involved.
Living in a Lancashire mill town is vastly different from the life they had been living, but although they are of gentle birth, they had both been used to working in the house as well as acquiring the refinements expected of ladies of their station. Shortly after their arrival, Penelope is caught up in a riot, and together with mill “engineer” Daniel Porter, they hide out in the sisters’ empty house just in time. There are other plots being hatched and the story held my interest to the end, although the outcome is predictable. After all, it is an HR.
There is no sparkling dialogue but the author has a good turn of phrase and I found myself looking out for little gems as I read. There are also evocative descriptions that captured my attention. The writing and editing are reasonable, and I found the story easy to read. I did notice the odd typo and two places where the wrong character’s name is used, but didn’t really keep a lookout for errors. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first few chapters, I feel the rest of the book doesn’t quite live up to the initial promise.
April 21, 2025
Loving the historical saga by Anna Jacob’s this wasn’t a disappointment.
Set in early 1800’s following sisters Martha and Penelope who are left with nothing after their father dies, and are expected to move in with their very staid and proper cousin Edward and his wife. The sisters are however adamant that they want to build an independent life where they earn their keep and follow an opportunity to become governesses to the children of a mill owner in Tapton.
They set off with Edward as chaperone to visit Tapton, to see if this new life is for them, schooling Jonas Wright’s children and to look after the sister of a second mill owner, Ben Seaton. Both are also looking for tuition for their mill workers to give them some education.
A third mill owner, Noll Brindley, tries to make life difficult in Tapton being a harsh employer.
Martha and Penelope agree, against Edward’s wishes to seize this opportunity and start their new life in accommodation owned by Mr Seaton.
The sisters settle in well despite riots incited by Brindley’s workers and enjoy their new roles; successfully taming Sefton’s sister Georgie. Penelope is hoping to find love after her fiancé died and also for Martha who sees herself as a spinster although both are under 30 years of age.
Things turn bad when Georgie is kidnapped; who could be behind such a dramatic event and what will the outcome be?
An easy book to read in the usual style of Anna Jacobs.
Set in early 1800’s following sisters Martha and Penelope who are left with nothing after their father dies, and are expected to move in with their very staid and proper cousin Edward and his wife. The sisters are however adamant that they want to build an independent life where they earn their keep and follow an opportunity to become governesses to the children of a mill owner in Tapton.
They set off with Edward as chaperone to visit Tapton, to see if this new life is for them, schooling Jonas Wright’s children and to look after the sister of a second mill owner, Ben Seaton. Both are also looking for tuition for their mill workers to give them some education.
A third mill owner, Noll Brindley, tries to make life difficult in Tapton being a harsh employer.
Martha and Penelope agree, against Edward’s wishes to seize this opportunity and start their new life in accommodation owned by Mr Seaton.
The sisters settle in well despite riots incited by Brindley’s workers and enjoy their new roles; successfully taming Sefton’s sister Georgie. Penelope is hoping to find love after her fiancé died and also for Martha who sees herself as a spinster although both are under 30 years of age.
Things turn bad when Georgie is kidnapped; who could be behind such a dramatic event and what will the outcome be?
An easy book to read in the usual style of Anna Jacobs.
July 28, 2020
Having read two of this author's works back to back I felt they were quite formulaic and utterly predictable. Nevertheless, as a distraction during a tricky time there was enough in them to keep me sufficiently interested to read to the end and find a degree of satisfaction.
This one sees two sisters trying to make their own way after their father dies as they wriggle out of the control of their snooty cousin, which lands them in a mill town engaged to tutor the children of two families but inadvertently getting caught up in the political shinanegans of competing mill owners. It's all too clear who the 'goodies and baddies' are; a boss who has his own son kidnapped in order to compromise the daughter of another is hardly going to prosper in this kind of tale. And, fortunately there are enough good men for both sisters to live their happily ever after... whatever.
This one sees two sisters trying to make their own way after their father dies as they wriggle out of the control of their snooty cousin, which lands them in a mill town engaged to tutor the children of two families but inadvertently getting caught up in the political shinanegans of competing mill owners. It's all too clear who the 'goodies and baddies' are; a boss who has his own son kidnapped in order to compromise the daughter of another is hardly going to prosper in this kind of tale. And, fortunately there are enough good men for both sisters to live their happily ever after... whatever.
February 25, 2020
Martha and her younger sister Penelope are left practically penniless when their father dies . refusing to live with their only relative , pompous and bossy cousin they decide to set up their own school .
They accept a job working for local mill owner Jonas Wright . They will teach his four daughters .
Soon they are also teaching some of the mill workers . Penelope becomes fond of worker Clem Porter and Martha is quite taken with another mill owner Ben Seaton , but would Ben ever fall for such a stern and forthright woman as Martha ?
Much will happen before the ladies will find their true calling .
They accept a job working for local mill owner Jonas Wright . They will teach his four daughters .
Soon they are also teaching some of the mill workers . Penelope becomes fond of worker Clem Porter and Martha is quite taken with another mill owner Ben Seaton , but would Ben ever fall for such a stern and forthright woman as Martha ?
Much will happen before the ladies will find their true calling .
February 24, 2020
Another brilliant story
The two big mill owners in this story were very good to their employee's they paid good wages and housed them as well these families were very grateful to them and worked very hard.The two sister's were very good at schooling the children as well as the adults and taking Ben's sister under their wing.My dislike was Noll Brindly he treated his employee's terribly i was surprised he lasted as long as he did.Thank goodness everything turned out happy in the end.
The two big mill owners in this story were very good to their employee's they paid good wages and housed them as well these families were very grateful to them and worked very hard.The two sister's were very good at schooling the children as well as the adults and taking Ben's sister under their wing.My dislike was Noll Brindly he treated his employee's terribly i was surprised he lasted as long as he did.Thank goodness everything turned out happy in the end.
January 2, 2026
Well-written story of its type, set in a Lancashire cotton town in the 1800s. One ruthless uncaring mill owner and two kind ones, plus a couple if genteel impoverished spinster sisters who have moved their to tutor some children and workers. Both of them plus their 16 year old pupil fall in love with unsuitable men and agree to marry them in the space of a few days. Highly improbable and escapist story.
September 9, 2018
So enjoyable
What can I say every book that I have read by Anna Jacobs is so enthralling can never put it down still the very end.
I will not spoil any of the story, but just read for yourself it is a great book, read it and enjoy.
What can I say every book that I have read by Anna Jacobs is so enthralling can never put it down still the very end.
I will not spoil any of the story, but just read for yourself it is a great book, read it and enjoy.
January 29, 2020
Easy reading and predictable story lines. Goodies & baddies, the baddies get their just deserts. The girls all win their boys. Set in 1828 in Lancashire. I didn't get immersed in the period of history. If you like easy reading romantic historical fiction this may be for you.
March 11, 2020
Another superb story.
The stories written by Anna Jacobs are so good they keep you interested to the very last page. I need to find another writer who is equal so I can make a change sometime.
The stories written by Anna Jacobs are so good they keep you interested to the very last page. I need to find another writer who is equal so I can make a change sometime.
May 26, 2018
Great book
Couldn't put the book down. Great read. Anna Jacobs 5*. Worth reading. Will be reading more by this author. Great!!!
Couldn't put the book down. Great read. Anna Jacobs 5*. Worth reading. Will be reading more by this author. Great!!!
July 4, 2018
Most enjoyable book. Great storyline.
July 17, 2018
Saga
Another great read, I love Anna's books and know that whenever I pick one up I will be engrossed in yet another enthralling story.
Another great read, I love Anna's books and know that whenever I pick one up I will be engrossed in yet another enthralling story.
February 5, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book - Anna Jacobs never disappoints. Just wish there was a sequel.
February 17, 2020
I liked it. 2 sisters who can stand their own ground plus win hearts across class borders. The characters are great.
July 26, 2020
One of Anna Jacobs earlier books but just as good. A great insight into life in the Mill towns in the 1820's. No spoilers just a huge recommendation.
August 3, 2021
Another great Anna Jacobs read. Love her books of old world English romance.
February 4, 2022
Another wonderful historic story
Read
April 16, 2024Lots of snow in the last few chapters and a tense atmosphere too.
October 25, 2025
I loved this story from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down.
August 29, 2014
Didn't like the title, but I did love the story!
May 26, 2016
after reading a large number of historical romance books this one seemed very forced and underwhelming
January 1, 2017
Fan fic of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South
Displaying 1 - 25 of 26 reviews