What do you think?
Rate this book
The Girls Who Went To War #3
The Wronged Daughter
Can she heal the wounds of her past?
Mags has never forgotten the friendship she forged with Flora and Ella, two fellow nurses she served with at the beginning of World War I. Haunted by what she experienced during that time, she fears a reunion with her friends would bring back the horror she’s tried so desperately to suppress.
Now, with her wedding on the horizon, this should be a joyful time for Mags. But the sudden loss of her mother and the constant doubt she harbours surrounding her fiancé, Harold, are marring her happiness.
Mags throws herself into running the family mill, but she’s dealt another aching blow by a betrayal that leaves her reeling. Finding the strength the war had taken from her, she fights back, not realizing the consequences and devastating outcome awaiting her.
Can she pick up the pieces of her life and begin anew?
The Wronged Daughter by Mary Wood is the third book in The Girls Who Went To War series.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2019
26 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 29, 2019
Here we are again with another fabulous read from the pen of Mary Wood. The Wronged Daughter is the third in a series of books. Each can be read as standalone stories but it's good to have the background from the previous two.
This time it's Mags who steps forward. She and the protagonists from the previous two books, Flors and Ella, met in Belgium when they were VADs during World War I. Flors fatefully introduced Mags to her brother, Harold, a nasty piece of work but one who has bewitched Mags. Despite my pleas, and those of some of the other characters in this book, Mags marries Harold and with that she gives up the independence that her parents had fought hard to give her, including her right to run her family's cotton mill in Blackburn, something that she had been doing very successfully.
Mary Wood always puts her female characters through the mill (no pun intended) and Mags is no exception. In a time when a woman bowed down to her husband I felt so sad for her. She's a fabulous creation and I was rooting for her to get through to the other side of her nightmare situation. It's fair to say that the ending made me very happy indeed.
Mags has some very strong female friends, not only Flors and Ella but also Betsy, a friend from childhood, and another friend she makes through her marriage (whose name I will not share so as not to give anything away). All of these women have children and as I was reading I was thinking that I'd love to know what happens to them next so imagine my delight on reading at the end that there's a book four on the horizon, The Brave Daughters, all about the children as they grow up.
I can't imagine not loving a Mary Wood book. They're so easy to read yet they're filled with harrowing events. Thankfully, there are always some joyful ones too to balance it out. She writes about hard times in a very relatable way and I always find them gripping and compassionate reads.
This time it's Mags who steps forward. She and the protagonists from the previous two books, Flors and Ella, met in Belgium when they were VADs during World War I. Flors fatefully introduced Mags to her brother, Harold, a nasty piece of work but one who has bewitched Mags. Despite my pleas, and those of some of the other characters in this book, Mags marries Harold and with that she gives up the independence that her parents had fought hard to give her, including her right to run her family's cotton mill in Blackburn, something that she had been doing very successfully.
Mary Wood always puts her female characters through the mill (no pun intended) and Mags is no exception. In a time when a woman bowed down to her husband I felt so sad for her. She's a fabulous creation and I was rooting for her to get through to the other side of her nightmare situation. It's fair to say that the ending made me very happy indeed.
Mags has some very strong female friends, not only Flors and Ella but also Betsy, a friend from childhood, and another friend she makes through her marriage (whose name I will not share so as not to give anything away). All of these women have children and as I was reading I was thinking that I'd love to know what happens to them next so imagine my delight on reading at the end that there's a book four on the horizon, The Brave Daughters, all about the children as they grow up.
I can't imagine not loving a Mary Wood book. They're so easy to read yet they're filled with harrowing events. Thankfully, there are always some joyful ones too to balance it out. She writes about hard times in a very relatable way and I always find them gripping and compassionate reads.
January 5, 2020
The book seemed to start off with a lot of characters, and you were wondering which ones were relevant to the current story, perhaps it would have helped if I had read the previous two books and I would have been able to identify with the people involved, but I soon got into the story line and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I won't insert any spoilers into this review
I shall now go back to start the series at the beginning and read both -The Abandoned Daughter and The Forgotten Daughter followed by No. 4 - The Brave Daughters
I shall now go back to start the series at the beginning and read both -The Abandoned Daughter and The Forgotten Daughter followed by No. 4 - The Brave Daughters
December 12, 2019
Every time I pick up a but by this author I am hoplessly addictied within the first page or two, The Wronged Daughter was another one that I immediately felt invested in.
This is the third book in the series and yes you could read it as a stand-alone! But why would you? The series has followed three friends Flors, Elle and Mags, this latest instalment focuses on Mags.
Mags is a fabulous character who showed her resolve when she trained as a nurse and then went to help in Belgium during World War I. On her return she went back to her home and to help in the running of the family business. She is also being swept off her feet by Harold. He is the brother of Flors, and her friend has warned her to be careful of him, but love is blind and he is Oh so charming!
Oh Mags! What a fabulous character she is, one minute I am watching on awe inspired as she deals with the mill and looking after peoples welfare and then the next minute I want to shout into the book to tell her to stop and listen to what other peoples hinting at! My goodness she infuriated me at times! All credit to the Author who brought out such a range of emotions in me while I was reading.
It didn’t take long for me to become interested in the world that had been created for Mags. I got to meet her family and her friends, Betsy, by the way was another brilliant character and in some ways this story was as much about Betsy as it was Mags. Both are entwined in each other as long term friends and so they know each other so well.
Both women have tragedy befall them, while what happens to the women is horrid it is also something that was believable for the time and so it worked well. How vague is that? Oh the pain of not giving out spoilers!
There are various things that happen in the story that are relevant for the time and also the way of things. Even though things have changed, it still annoys me that women became an asset or possession of their husband when they marry. Thank goodness for her forward thinking father! There you go another vague sentence!
The trials and tribulations of Mags seems never ending, when you think she may just find what she wants, the author then does what she does best, and that is to side step the reader and take another unexpected route.
If you have read this author before you will know exactly what I mean. She has a wonderful ability of throwing so much at her characters, it makes the reader care about them but she gets the balance just right. The author delivers a plot that her character can deal with without giving them too much, it keeps the believe-ability of the story flowing.
While the author does put Mags through an awful lot of pain, it has been carefully balanced so that there is also a glimmer of hope and that Mags will indeed have a happy life. Each time you think she will achieve it there is something else to rock the boat. Mixing in other characters and their own problems gives a good perspective of things going on in the lives of others. So it is not just about Mags, I liked how the author mixes various other in as well and it gives different opinions and viewpoints.
I have read a few of Mary’s books, and also books under her other name of Maggie Wood. Whenever I come to write a review I struggle to find the right words to convey just how good her books are. Simply put her books are fabulous, addictive, emotional and definitely fall into the “Must Read” category every time.
With The Wronged Daughter, the author has woven a story that delves into the heartbreaking side of loss within families, also manipulation within marriage and also some surprises from slightly minor characters. She has successfully created a story that shows how women of the 1920’s had to deal with discrimination and stigma.
If you like historical fiction then you will love The Wronged Daughter. It is a book and series I would Highly Recommend.
This is the third book in the series and yes you could read it as a stand-alone! But why would you? The series has followed three friends Flors, Elle and Mags, this latest instalment focuses on Mags.
Mags is a fabulous character who showed her resolve when she trained as a nurse and then went to help in Belgium during World War I. On her return she went back to her home and to help in the running of the family business. She is also being swept off her feet by Harold. He is the brother of Flors, and her friend has warned her to be careful of him, but love is blind and he is Oh so charming!
Oh Mags! What a fabulous character she is, one minute I am watching on awe inspired as she deals with the mill and looking after peoples welfare and then the next minute I want to shout into the book to tell her to stop and listen to what other peoples hinting at! My goodness she infuriated me at times! All credit to the Author who brought out such a range of emotions in me while I was reading.
It didn’t take long for me to become interested in the world that had been created for Mags. I got to meet her family and her friends, Betsy, by the way was another brilliant character and in some ways this story was as much about Betsy as it was Mags. Both are entwined in each other as long term friends and so they know each other so well.
Both women have tragedy befall them, while what happens to the women is horrid it is also something that was believable for the time and so it worked well. How vague is that? Oh the pain of not giving out spoilers!
There are various things that happen in the story that are relevant for the time and also the way of things. Even though things have changed, it still annoys me that women became an asset or possession of their husband when they marry. Thank goodness for her forward thinking father! There you go another vague sentence!
The trials and tribulations of Mags seems never ending, when you think she may just find what she wants, the author then does what she does best, and that is to side step the reader and take another unexpected route.
If you have read this author before you will know exactly what I mean. She has a wonderful ability of throwing so much at her characters, it makes the reader care about them but she gets the balance just right. The author delivers a plot that her character can deal with without giving them too much, it keeps the believe-ability of the story flowing.
While the author does put Mags through an awful lot of pain, it has been carefully balanced so that there is also a glimmer of hope and that Mags will indeed have a happy life. Each time you think she will achieve it there is something else to rock the boat. Mixing in other characters and their own problems gives a good perspective of things going on in the lives of others. So it is not just about Mags, I liked how the author mixes various other in as well and it gives different opinions and viewpoints.
I have read a few of Mary’s books, and also books under her other name of Maggie Wood. Whenever I come to write a review I struggle to find the right words to convey just how good her books are. Simply put her books are fabulous, addictive, emotional and definitely fall into the “Must Read” category every time.
With The Wronged Daughter, the author has woven a story that delves into the heartbreaking side of loss within families, also manipulation within marriage and also some surprises from slightly minor characters. She has successfully created a story that shows how women of the 1920’s had to deal with discrimination and stigma.
If you like historical fiction then you will love The Wronged Daughter. It is a book and series I would Highly Recommend.
December 8, 2019
Margaret has a past, and in this book her past, and that of her friends Flora and Ella, has much to do with the events in this dramatic read. The third book in a series, this novel can be read as a standalone as it powers through a life in Bradford and other places in Britain as Margaret, or Mags, tries to come to terms with her decisions and the danger to herself and those she loves. Once more revolving around limitations placed on women in a post war Britain, and the traps they can find themselves in, the fact of their bravery on the front line seems forgotten. Wood has much to say about the strength these women have shown when very young, and how they must deal with the aftermath of a war that killed so many.
As always, the author uses her considerable empathy and skill to wrap the reader in an involvement with these women, especially Mags. She does this with an attention to detail, clothes and setting which reveals a deep understanding of the time, and how to create a world which invites the reader in and keeps them there. There is romance, true love, and desire as sometimes women act for themselves rather than the sensible option. As always with Wood’s books, I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this latest release from this prolific and skilful writer.
As this book begins, Mags is preparing for her wedding to the passionate if determined Harold when she suffers a tragic loss. Despite some hesitations and rumours brought to her by others, she follows her desires, even when there seems to be some threat to herself and the independent way that she has been encouraged to live. She is determined to maintain her involvement in the mill owned by her family, not only for herself but to continue with the social and medical provision for her workers. However, her determination is exceeded by another, and soon her world comes crashing down in the cruelest way possible. Every aspect of her life is challenged, and those who she loves are hounded and pursued. Throughout she must struggle to survive and help those whose choices have been affected by her own.
Despite the dramas and tragedies that permeate this book, there is always hope that things will change and improve. The fact that there is always someone on hand even in the darkest of times to help in small ways and add their own strength is a great theme in this book. The kindness of both friends and strangers in the face of threat is an important theme in this book, and gives it an uplifting feel despite tragedy. I enjoyed following the characters through a significant section of their lives, and as always the children are portrayed well with their own characters. Altogether this is a most enthralling, engaging and enjoyable book, which will not only please Mary Wood’s existing fans, but I expect will attract new followers to her particular brand of female centred novels.
As always, the author uses her considerable empathy and skill to wrap the reader in an involvement with these women, especially Mags. She does this with an attention to detail, clothes and setting which reveals a deep understanding of the time, and how to create a world which invites the reader in and keeps them there. There is romance, true love, and desire as sometimes women act for themselves rather than the sensible option. As always with Wood’s books, I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this latest release from this prolific and skilful writer.
As this book begins, Mags is preparing for her wedding to the passionate if determined Harold when she suffers a tragic loss. Despite some hesitations and rumours brought to her by others, she follows her desires, even when there seems to be some threat to herself and the independent way that she has been encouraged to live. She is determined to maintain her involvement in the mill owned by her family, not only for herself but to continue with the social and medical provision for her workers. However, her determination is exceeded by another, and soon her world comes crashing down in the cruelest way possible. Every aspect of her life is challenged, and those who she loves are hounded and pursued. Throughout she must struggle to survive and help those whose choices have been affected by her own.
Despite the dramas and tragedies that permeate this book, there is always hope that things will change and improve. The fact that there is always someone on hand even in the darkest of times to help in small ways and add their own strength is a great theme in this book. The kindness of both friends and strangers in the face of threat is an important theme in this book, and gives it an uplifting feel despite tragedy. I enjoyed following the characters through a significant section of their lives, and as always the children are portrayed well with their own characters. Altogether this is a most enthralling, engaging and enjoyable book, which will not only please Mary Wood’s existing fans, but I expect will attract new followers to her particular brand of female centred novels.
December 1, 2019
1920 Blackburn. This is Margaret Witherspoon (mags) story, as she is recovering from the shock of Belgium and the friendship she formed with flora and Ella, her mother Belinda takes bad, and Mags finds she has had a heart condition for some time from her father Herbert. It devastate her. And with her soon to marry Harold Roford in two weeks time sadly her mother doesn't pull through. A warning from Flora, Harolds sister ' don't marry him he is dangerous' but Mags is head over heels in love. Big decisions have to be made, she is full of doubts, busy with the mill cotton business and Harold spending more time in London, things come to a head. This book is such a rollercoaster journey, so much is yet to happen to poor Mags. Mary Wood does to you and draws you in her book's and all the characters come to life for you. A story of love, betrayal,disloyalty, friendship, joy and heartache. Harrowing accounts throughout this book, that travels through England, Scotland and France. What a wonderful enchanting story it is.
December 4, 2019
I couldn't wait to read this story and find out what happened to the third friend in the trio, Mags. There were hints in the earlier books about Harold from the way in which he treated his sister. Nothing could have prepared me though for just how evil he turns out to be. This book is a staunch reminder that no matter how strong the woman was at that time, it was still a patriarchal society and poor Mags really goes through the mill. This book will have you holding your breath as you wonder how she can triumph against adversity. Totally engrossing.
January 26, 2025
Absolutely loved this book - has a very comforting feel to it.
However, I would say I struggled at first to relate it back to the second book & I did google to check I hadn't missed on inbetween as some of the events I just couldn't remember.
Harold was a nasty man, and honestly I did cheer a little when I learnt of his demise. But I just love how this book brings all the characters together & all the deserving characters get their happy endings.
Gives me the similar warmth that I feel when watching Downton Abbey.
Loved it.
However, I would say I struggled at first to relate it back to the second book & I did google to check I hadn't missed on inbetween as some of the events I just couldn't remember.
Harold was a nasty man, and honestly I did cheer a little when I learnt of his demise. But I just love how this book brings all the characters together & all the deserving characters get their happy endings.
Gives me the similar warmth that I feel when watching Downton Abbey.
Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2020
Really good read, think it's the third book of a trilogy. I'm not sure you need to read the first two it didn't follow on from another story. If anything it was a bit frustrating to read as you get invested in the characters and then they are gone. Felt like I still had a couple of questions to things as story line was rushed in parts. Enjoyed it none the less. Doesn't leave you on a cliff hanger. Worth a read 8/10
December 3, 2019
Mags
This is mags story and what a story it is
After coming through the war mags helped her father build up the factory then decided to get married that was her worst decision .everytime mags seemed happy it was snatched away from her a really fantastic read from a fantastic author 5 STARS.
This is mags story and what a story it is
After coming through the war mags helped her father build up the factory then decided to get married that was her worst decision .everytime mags seemed happy it was snatched away from her a really fantastic read from a fantastic author 5 STARS.
March 1, 2021
Understanding friends.
This story was extremely good but it made me wonder how the main character could be so stupid. It was a story that was very compelling, I could not put it down until I had reached the end, which was unexpected but good, I wished I had read the previous two books in this series.
This story was extremely good but it made me wonder how the main character could be so stupid. It was a story that was very compelling, I could not put it down until I had reached the end, which was unexpected but good, I wished I had read the previous two books in this series.
January 7, 2024
Not really my type of book.
Telling the story of a Family ruined by lust & greed as a suitor, harold, be witches daughter Mags.
There follows a story of decline & recriminations for Mags and everyone who us associated with her until final release & redemption.
A good story but a little too "Mills & Boon" for me.
Telling the story of a Family ruined by lust & greed as a suitor, harold, be witches daughter Mags.
There follows a story of decline & recriminations for Mags and everyone who us associated with her until final release & redemption.
A good story but a little too "Mills & Boon" for me.
September 8, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable read as were the previous two from the series.I was a little disappointed at the end,not the actual content but I felt that it was a little rushed.Id of liked to read about a grand reunion between the three girls after all they'd been through.Im now looking forward to reading the final book about the children of Flora Mags and Ella.
February 1, 2020
A great book as the others were, such a heart-warming story and very hard to put down. Looking forward to the 4th Instalment in this series.
June 21, 2020
Read this book first before I released it was part of a saga. Great story so have brought the other books in the series.
May 3, 2021
Made a change to read something a bit more light-hearted. Enjoyed it tbh.
August 13, 2021
Oh my! Excellent writing yet again. This is book 3 in the series and it just gets better and better. Loved this and straight onto book 4!
December 15, 2024
Mags met and married a wrong man and He trated her really bad, so will she find true happiness? read it to find out
January 1, 2020
The undisputed queen of first class storytelling Mary Wood is back with a poignant, searingly emotional and immensely captivating read that will keep readers spellbound. Written straight from the heart, dramatic and impossible to put down, The Wronged Daughter is another fabulous saga from Mary Wood.
The First World War had certainly left its mark upon the millions of brave men and women who had done their duty for king and country. Having witnessed all manner of cruelties and heart-breaking atrocities, even though the war might now be over, the repercussions and effects are still being experienced by those who had lived through this terrible conflict. Mags cannot stop her mind from thinking about a horrific event that had shaken her to her very core. Still haunted by that dreadful day, even though she is now safe, she still has to stop herself from thinking about the awful tragedy she had gone through. So shaken is she by her horrible ordeal, that she refuses to have anything to do with her two best friends, Flora and Ella, as she is petrified that seeing them will trigger one of the memories which she has tried so hard to suppress.
Mags refuses to look back and just wants to move forward now. With her wedding day fast approaching, Mags should be on cloud nine, but reality proves to be far different. A cruel twist of fate leaves her having to cope with her mother’s sudden and unexpected death and despite the fact that she is about to marry the man she is meant to be spending the rest of her life with, Mags still harbours doubts about her fiancé, Harold. Having always found great solace in her work, Mags throws herself into running the family mill, however, pain and anguish are never far away and when she is betrayed in the most devastating of ways, Mags realises that she is going to need all of the strength and tenacity that had stood her in good stead during the war to fight another day.
Can Mags ever put old ghosts to rest and find the happiness which she has been searching for for so long? Or is she meant to be condemned to a lifetime of despair and heartache?
Mary Wood is at her dazzling best with The Wronged Daughter. A fantastic story of courage, friendship, healing and the ties that bind that had me reaching for the tissues on many an occasion, The Wronged Daughter features a heroine who despite of all the tragedies she has had to endure, finds the strength to fight for what she believes in. As always with a Mary Wood novel, there is sadness, drama and darkness, but there is hope, emotion and plenty of heart.
In the crowded field of historical sagas, Mary Wood stands head and shoulders above most of the competition and with The Wronged Daughter, she has once again penned an outstanding tale that has got winner written all over it
The First World War had certainly left its mark upon the millions of brave men and women who had done their duty for king and country. Having witnessed all manner of cruelties and heart-breaking atrocities, even though the war might now be over, the repercussions and effects are still being experienced by those who had lived through this terrible conflict. Mags cannot stop her mind from thinking about a horrific event that had shaken her to her very core. Still haunted by that dreadful day, even though she is now safe, she still has to stop herself from thinking about the awful tragedy she had gone through. So shaken is she by her horrible ordeal, that she refuses to have anything to do with her two best friends, Flora and Ella, as she is petrified that seeing them will trigger one of the memories which she has tried so hard to suppress.
Mags refuses to look back and just wants to move forward now. With her wedding day fast approaching, Mags should be on cloud nine, but reality proves to be far different. A cruel twist of fate leaves her having to cope with her mother’s sudden and unexpected death and despite the fact that she is about to marry the man she is meant to be spending the rest of her life with, Mags still harbours doubts about her fiancé, Harold. Having always found great solace in her work, Mags throws herself into running the family mill, however, pain and anguish are never far away and when she is betrayed in the most devastating of ways, Mags realises that she is going to need all of the strength and tenacity that had stood her in good stead during the war to fight another day.
Can Mags ever put old ghosts to rest and find the happiness which she has been searching for for so long? Or is she meant to be condemned to a lifetime of despair and heartache?
Mary Wood is at her dazzling best with The Wronged Daughter. A fantastic story of courage, friendship, healing and the ties that bind that had me reaching for the tissues on many an occasion, The Wronged Daughter features a heroine who despite of all the tragedies she has had to endure, finds the strength to fight for what she believes in. As always with a Mary Wood novel, there is sadness, drama and darkness, but there is hope, emotion and plenty of heart.
In the crowded field of historical sagas, Mary Wood stands head and shoulders above most of the competition and with The Wronged Daughter, she has once again penned an outstanding tale that has got winner written all over it
December 29, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc. This is the third in the series about three friends. This is Mags story. They can each be read as stand alones but should definitely be read in turn. Mary Wood is a brilliant author and you won't be disappointed by any or all of her books.
October 26, 2019
I enjoyed this well written book and liked the characters very much. I haven't read the first two books, but will definitely look them out.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews