What do you think?
Rate this book
The Village Secrets #3
The Country Bride
The No.1 Sunday Times bestseller! Don’t miss this heartwarming summer read. The time had come to leave Creek Manor. Their relationship was doomed from the start, he was the master of the house and she the servant… Summer, Little Creek 1879
For most of her life, Judy Begg has been a loyal servant at Creek Manor and to Jack Fox, its future lord. But just as their childhood friendship blossoms into a secret engagement he abandons her. And with Creek Manor up for sale, Judy and her family lose everything. Devastated, Judy is nonetheless determined to make the best of her life. Resolving to forget about Jack, she battles to keep her family from poverty’s door and her mother from the hands of her violent husband. Rob Dorning, the new owner of the manor, seems to be the answer to all of Little Creek’s problems, but Judy isn’t convinced. And when the ghosts of her past resurface, Judy will need to find more courage than ever before…
Perfect for fans of A Village Scandal!
For most of her life, Judy Begg has been a loyal servant at Creek Manor and to Jack Fox, its future lord. But just as their childhood friendship blossoms into a secret engagement he abandons her. And with Creek Manor up for sale, Judy and her family lose everything. Devastated, Judy is nonetheless determined to make the best of her life. Resolving to forget about Jack, she battles to keep her family from poverty’s door and her mother from the hands of her violent husband. Rob Dorning, the new owner of the manor, seems to be the answer to all of Little Creek’s problems, but Judy isn’t convinced. And when the ghosts of her past resurface, Judy will need to find more courage than ever before…
Perfect for fans of A Village Scandal!
- GenresHistoricalFiction
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2020
310 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Dilly Court
83 books416 followersDilly Court grew up in North-east London and began her career in television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband. She is the author of eighteen novels and also writes under the name of Lily Baxter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 10, 2021
The Village Secrets #3
Little Creek 1879. Judy has not just been a loyal servant at Creek Manor, she's also been a life long friend to future Lord, Jack Fox. But then after a tragic accident and the sale of Creek Manor, Jack abandons her to go live with his brother, Jay in Australia. Judy and her family are homeless. But young Judy is determined to take are of her family and forget about Jack Fox. The new owner of Creek Manor, Rob Dorning seems to be the answer to Little Creeks problems. But Judy isn't so sure. Ghosts of her past come back to haunt Judy. Will she be strong enough to make the right decisions?
This is another page turner from Dilly Court. She's one of my favourite authors. The story follows a young Judy Begg and her family struggles after they are evicted from Creek Manor. Judy is head strong and doesn't back off, no matter how hard her struggles may be. Most of the main characters are back and we are introduced to a few new ones. I love historical fiction and this trilogy as been beautifully written. It has some right nasty characters ut there are many more ,likeable ones. I highly recommend this book and trilogy.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Dilly Court for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Little Creek 1879. Judy has not just been a loyal servant at Creek Manor, she's also been a life long friend to future Lord, Jack Fox. But then after a tragic accident and the sale of Creek Manor, Jack abandons her to go live with his brother, Jay in Australia. Judy and her family are homeless. But young Judy is determined to take are of her family and forget about Jack Fox. The new owner of Creek Manor, Rob Dorning seems to be the answer to Little Creeks problems. But Judy isn't so sure. Ghosts of her past come back to haunt Judy. Will she be strong enough to make the right decisions?
This is another page turner from Dilly Court. She's one of my favourite authors. The story follows a young Judy Begg and her family struggles after they are evicted from Creek Manor. Judy is head strong and doesn't back off, no matter how hard her struggles may be. Most of the main characters are back and we are introduced to a few new ones. I love historical fiction and this trilogy as been beautifully written. It has some right nasty characters ut there are many more ,likeable ones. I highly recommend this book and trilogy.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Dilly Court for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2020
3rd in this trilogy and I did not want it to end. Left me wanting more to see where Judy and Rob lives take them with the manor built and the new hospital and all in the village employed. Dilly is one of my favourite authors and if you have not read her you are in for a treat.
August 7, 2020
Loose ending
I felt the situation with Jay was handled badly at the end. Far fetched and was as if it was thrown in as an afterthought.
I felt the situation with Jay was handled badly at the end. Far fetched and was as if it was thrown in as an afterthought.
July 19, 2020
I'm sad this wonderful trilogy is over. I will miss everyone. Daisy is my favourite of every one of Dilly's many heroines in her 30+ books. It was a delightful ending. The paperback is actually 478 pages, then there's a taster of Dilly's latest up coming book, 'A rag and bone Christmas' due in Autumn this year. I truly adore Dilly's books. She's my all time favourite author. There's never been a book of hers that I have not enjoyed or struggled to read. When ever I hit a reading slump, her latest book always cures it and gets me back in track. Thank you so much Dilly!
December 13, 2020
Bit of a jump from the last book in the series. Left several cliff hangers for another one.
January 10, 2021
I was introduced to Dilly Court with the first in this wonderful series
"The Christmas Wedding"
, following everyone from the beginning. And as with all trilogies this third book THE COUNTRY BRIDE brings the series to an end. I shall miss the characters, both new and old, as I grew rather fond of them...even the quirky ones. Daisy was primary focus in the first two but it is Judy Begg, whose family Daisy had saved in the first book, that takes centre stage here...bringing with it a different tale that is not so dissimilar to those of the past.
Little Creek, 1879: It's been over a decade since Daisy Marshall, now Walters, saved Judy Begg and her family from a fate worse than death after the tragic death of their father and disablement of their mother Hilda. Daisy thought nothing of bringing them to Little Creek and giving them refuge in the Creek Hall Hospital while their mother Hilda recuperated before she gave them a more permanent residence and work at Creek Manor upon her marriage to Jay Tattersall, squire and Lord of the manor.
Now ten years later, with Jay long since escaping to Australia after two bigamous marriages (with Daisy being one of them), Judy has grown up at Creek Manor from childhood to young woman. Jay's mother Mary relies heavily on Judy in the hope that she will take over from Mrs Ralston when she retires but Judy wants more for her life than to be a housekeeper. Now 20 years old, she has grown up alongside Jay's younger brother Jack Fox with the two childhood sweethearts hoping to marry one day. But as much as Mary loves Judy, she sees no future for the couple as Jack is Lord of Creek Manor in his half brother's absence and he must marry a wealthy heiress with a sizable dowry. Judy sees the sense in what Mary says but still it breaks her heart. Jack, however, would not be swayed and declares that he will marry Judy as they are meant to be together.
Confused by her own feelings and knowing what's right, Judy flees to London to begin a new life away from Jack. She takes an attic room from the old lodging house in which Daisy had lived when working as a probationary nurse at the London Hospital, and finds work at the same hospital as a ward cleaner. However, on her first day, she receives word that Jack has taken a terrible fall whilst out riding and is asking for her. Judy collects her belongings and hurries home to be at his side. Even his mother sees her way clear for Judy to tend to her son as it is obvious how much she means to him. Jack is miserable confined to his bed "like a cripple" without any feeling in his legs whatsoever. The doctors tending him cannot say whether he will walk again or not, but Jack is sure he will remain a cripple...putting paid to his plans to marry Judy.
And then out of the blue, Jay returns. His reason? He has come to sell Creek Manor to fund his fortune in Australia. And everyone has exactly one month to vacate the estate before it is sold. The village is in shock as are the servants who have been loyal employees for most of their lives. Jay Tattersall is nothing but bad news and no good shall ever come of anything to do with him. Only one person is thrilled by his arrival and excited by the prospects he offers. Jack. He plans to return to Australia with his (half) brother and he wants Judy to come with them. But after much soul searching, Judy refuses. Her life is here in Little Creek with her family. And they need her now more than ever.
Jack leaves with Jay suddenly without so much as a goodbye to the girl that was meant to be his bride. Judy soon realised that she was to be nothing but a glorified nursemaid to Jack and discarded once she was no longer needed. Soon after they departed for Australia and every last tenant and servant had left the estate, Creek Manor was burnt to the ground. And now a pile of ashes, the new owner soon sold it off again, no longer interested in the cremated remains.
However, Judy is nothing if not determined. She refuses to let Jack's departure get to her and resolves to find somewhere for her family to live, after she was tossed out of the home she shared with her mother and her new brute of a husband, Wilfred Faulkner, when he tried it on with her. When she comes across an abandoned inn, the Crooked Billet, she forms a plan and seeks to learn of its ownership. When she hits a dead end in finding out who actually owns the old inn, Judy and her mother Hilda move in and clean the place from top to bottom and open its doors to receive custom once again.
Then a good looking stranger arrives to book a room indefinitely, revealing that he is the new owner of the Creek Manor estate. Rob Dorning seems to be the answer to all of Little Creek's problems, despite the Dorning name going down in infamy in these parts for smuggling and the like. But Rob appears to be nothing like his predecessors and promises to rebuild Creek Manor into something grand with modern amenities such as indoor privies and bathrooms. Even a water pump inside so one doesn't have to traipse out into the cold. He also intends on bringing custom to the Crooked Billet when building begins as the workers will be in need of a place to stay and to eat. But are his plans too good to be true? Is he who he says he is? And is he all that he appears?
Rob has certainly taken a liking to Judy as the two cross swords on occasion but, slowly succumbing, Rob soon grows on her. His presence at the Crooked Billet does prove to be an advantage for when Hilda's estranged husband comes looking for her, demanding she return home where she belongs. Faulkner takes one look at Rob seated by the fire and pales as if he had seen a ghost, turning and running out of the inn as if his life depended on it.
But their relief is shortlived when Jay returns once again...this time to buy back Creek Manor as an inheritance for his son back in Australia. However, he is shocked and angered to discover that the estate had already been sold and Rob Dorning was the new owner. Jay is livid, having counted on buying his inheritance back for a reduced price. What then ensues is a battle of wills between Jay and Rob, both of whom claim rightful ownership. And unfortunately for Judy, she gets caught in the middle.
This final installment to the Village Secrets trilogy is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining read. We meet some lovely and not-so-lovely characters. We also meet some new and some old acquaintances from the previous books and return to Little Creek which is, of course, refreshing to revisit. Although Daisy takes more of a backseat in this book, she does still feature prominently at times as Judy defers to her for guidance on several occasions.
THE COUNTRY BRIDE brings this series to an end though it could easily continue should the author choose to. But it, however, a satisfying end to the trilogy. Although, having said that, after everything they had been through at the hands of Jay the way that was resolved felt a little out of left field...almost like it was thrown in as an afterthought. It didn't ring true and I kept expecting something else to come of it.
My biggest gripe is with the chapters. I have said it before and I feel it needs saying again. While I have read longer chapters than those in Dilly's books, I still felt they were unnecessarily long with plenty of opportunity to break them down into smaller chapters. Particularly where there is a change of scene in the story mid-chapter...to me, that is worthy of a whole new chapter. I don't see the point in chapters being separated into "parts", unless it is specifically under the narrative of a particular character, which Dilly's are not. Therefore shorter chapters I feel would be much better.
Still, a wonderful book and compelling end to the trilogy, THE COUNTRY BRIDE is a must for all Dilly fans. Or for anyone who enjoys Catherine Cookson, Rosie Goodwin, Katie Flynn, Elvi Rhodes and Iris Gower.
I would like to thank #DillyCourt, #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for an ARC of #TheCountryBride in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Little Creek, 1879: It's been over a decade since Daisy Marshall, now Walters, saved Judy Begg and her family from a fate worse than death after the tragic death of their father and disablement of their mother Hilda. Daisy thought nothing of bringing them to Little Creek and giving them refuge in the Creek Hall Hospital while their mother Hilda recuperated before she gave them a more permanent residence and work at Creek Manor upon her marriage to Jay Tattersall, squire and Lord of the manor.
Now ten years later, with Jay long since escaping to Australia after two bigamous marriages (with Daisy being one of them), Judy has grown up at Creek Manor from childhood to young woman. Jay's mother Mary relies heavily on Judy in the hope that she will take over from Mrs Ralston when she retires but Judy wants more for her life than to be a housekeeper. Now 20 years old, she has grown up alongside Jay's younger brother Jack Fox with the two childhood sweethearts hoping to marry one day. But as much as Mary loves Judy, she sees no future for the couple as Jack is Lord of Creek Manor in his half brother's absence and he must marry a wealthy heiress with a sizable dowry. Judy sees the sense in what Mary says but still it breaks her heart. Jack, however, would not be swayed and declares that he will marry Judy as they are meant to be together.
Confused by her own feelings and knowing what's right, Judy flees to London to begin a new life away from Jack. She takes an attic room from the old lodging house in which Daisy had lived when working as a probationary nurse at the London Hospital, and finds work at the same hospital as a ward cleaner. However, on her first day, she receives word that Jack has taken a terrible fall whilst out riding and is asking for her. Judy collects her belongings and hurries home to be at his side. Even his mother sees her way clear for Judy to tend to her son as it is obvious how much she means to him. Jack is miserable confined to his bed "like a cripple" without any feeling in his legs whatsoever. The doctors tending him cannot say whether he will walk again or not, but Jack is sure he will remain a cripple...putting paid to his plans to marry Judy.
And then out of the blue, Jay returns. His reason? He has come to sell Creek Manor to fund his fortune in Australia. And everyone has exactly one month to vacate the estate before it is sold. The village is in shock as are the servants who have been loyal employees for most of their lives. Jay Tattersall is nothing but bad news and no good shall ever come of anything to do with him. Only one person is thrilled by his arrival and excited by the prospects he offers. Jack. He plans to return to Australia with his (half) brother and he wants Judy to come with them. But after much soul searching, Judy refuses. Her life is here in Little Creek with her family. And they need her now more than ever.
Jack leaves with Jay suddenly without so much as a goodbye to the girl that was meant to be his bride. Judy soon realised that she was to be nothing but a glorified nursemaid to Jack and discarded once she was no longer needed. Soon after they departed for Australia and every last tenant and servant had left the estate, Creek Manor was burnt to the ground. And now a pile of ashes, the new owner soon sold it off again, no longer interested in the cremated remains.
However, Judy is nothing if not determined. She refuses to let Jack's departure get to her and resolves to find somewhere for her family to live, after she was tossed out of the home she shared with her mother and her new brute of a husband, Wilfred Faulkner, when he tried it on with her. When she comes across an abandoned inn, the Crooked Billet, she forms a plan and seeks to learn of its ownership. When she hits a dead end in finding out who actually owns the old inn, Judy and her mother Hilda move in and clean the place from top to bottom and open its doors to receive custom once again.
Then a good looking stranger arrives to book a room indefinitely, revealing that he is the new owner of the Creek Manor estate. Rob Dorning seems to be the answer to all of Little Creek's problems, despite the Dorning name going down in infamy in these parts for smuggling and the like. But Rob appears to be nothing like his predecessors and promises to rebuild Creek Manor into something grand with modern amenities such as indoor privies and bathrooms. Even a water pump inside so one doesn't have to traipse out into the cold. He also intends on bringing custom to the Crooked Billet when building begins as the workers will be in need of a place to stay and to eat. But are his plans too good to be true? Is he who he says he is? And is he all that he appears?
Rob has certainly taken a liking to Judy as the two cross swords on occasion but, slowly succumbing, Rob soon grows on her. His presence at the Crooked Billet does prove to be an advantage for when Hilda's estranged husband comes looking for her, demanding she return home where she belongs. Faulkner takes one look at Rob seated by the fire and pales as if he had seen a ghost, turning and running out of the inn as if his life depended on it.
But their relief is shortlived when Jay returns once again...this time to buy back Creek Manor as an inheritance for his son back in Australia. However, he is shocked and angered to discover that the estate had already been sold and Rob Dorning was the new owner. Jay is livid, having counted on buying his inheritance back for a reduced price. What then ensues is a battle of wills between Jay and Rob, both of whom claim rightful ownership. And unfortunately for Judy, she gets caught in the middle.
This final installment to the Village Secrets trilogy is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining read. We meet some lovely and not-so-lovely characters. We also meet some new and some old acquaintances from the previous books and return to Little Creek which is, of course, refreshing to revisit. Although Daisy takes more of a backseat in this book, she does still feature prominently at times as Judy defers to her for guidance on several occasions.
THE COUNTRY BRIDE brings this series to an end though it could easily continue should the author choose to. But it, however, a satisfying end to the trilogy. Although, having said that, after everything they had been through at the hands of Jay the way that was resolved felt a little out of left field...almost like it was thrown in as an afterthought. It didn't ring true and I kept expecting something else to come of it.
My biggest gripe is with the chapters. I have said it before and I feel it needs saying again. While I have read longer chapters than those in Dilly's books, I still felt they were unnecessarily long with plenty of opportunity to break them down into smaller chapters. Particularly where there is a change of scene in the story mid-chapter...to me, that is worthy of a whole new chapter. I don't see the point in chapters being separated into "parts", unless it is specifically under the narrative of a particular character, which Dilly's are not. Therefore shorter chapters I feel would be much better.
Still, a wonderful book and compelling end to the trilogy, THE COUNTRY BRIDE is a must for all Dilly fans. Or for anyone who enjoys Catherine Cookson, Rosie Goodwin, Katie Flynn, Elvi Rhodes and Iris Gower.
I would like to thank #DillyCourt, #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for an ARC of #TheCountryBride in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 4, 2022
This book went on forever with every cliche the author could jam into it. The main character is a servant who thinks she will marry the country squire's son, but he never proposes. She then leaves for London to work in a hospital, meets a handsome doctor, flirts and that's it. she gets called back to the estate cuz Squire's son is injured and he wants her to nurse him. His dastardly brother suddenly reappears and sells the estate throwing everyone out. Squire's son leaves with brother, jilting the girl. It goes on and on and on...and includes an unknown brother turning up to say he's the legitimate heir. At this point you know she's ending up with the legit brother and becoming the new Squire's wife so why does it go further? But wait....you have to endure the kidnapping, the escape, the rescue, the looooonnnnnngggg romance that suddenly ends, the sister marrying the original son etc. etc. etc.
February 13, 2021
What started of as a lockdown limited choice supermarket find spiralled into a mild addiction and I finished this series and have started another Dilly Court novel with more on order. The 2nd novel of the trilogy 'A Village Scandal' completely threw me. The villain was unexpected!! However, by the time I got to 'The Country Bride', I felt quite familiar with Courts writing style so I had some inkling of how it would end although she did still manage to throw in some surprises as the story unfolded.
April 1, 2021
A very enjoyable and fitting end to the trilogy! I thoroughly enjoyed Judy getting her happy ending after following her through childhood in the previous books. I was just as hooked on finding out what would happen as I had been in the previous book with Daisy. Jay was as infuriating as ever and it was disappointing that Jack almost followed suit. Luckily he redeemed himself and I was glad he and Judy didn't end up together. She needed to find her own way in life and did that with gusto!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2020
A good end to the Creek Manor series.
February 5, 2021
Great continuous book to this series,fantastic read.
July 18, 2020
Brilliant! A fantastic end to the Little Creek trilogy.
This book is set ten years after the last book ends and in this story Judy takes centre stage. Judy and her family were brought to Little Creek by Daisy when she was still a little girl, she grows up helping at Creek Manor, now it's her time to shine. Characters we have known in the other two books are featured, and the dashing Jay returns to cause trouble. A very satisfying ending. (Although I can't believe that Jay has really turned good)
This book is set ten years after the last book ends and in this story Judy takes centre stage. Judy and her family were brought to Little Creek by Daisy when she was still a little girl, she grows up helping at Creek Manor, now it's her time to shine. Characters we have known in the other two books are featured, and the dashing Jay returns to cause trouble. A very satisfying ending. (Although I can't believe that Jay has really turned good)
September 12, 2020
I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series but I really enjoyed it. This centres on Judy Begg and her family although the other characters from the other books are in it too. A nice ending to the series.
February 28, 2022
😽😻📚Claire Bear & Mel Mel's Book Reviews 📚😻😽 'The Country Bride' by Dilly Court.
Genre: Historical Fiction
About The Novel: "For most of her life, Judy Begg has been a loyal servant at Creek Manor and to Jack Fox, its future lord.
But just as their childhood friendship blossoms into a romance he abandons her. And with Creek Manor up for sale, Judy and her family lose everything. Devastated, Judy is nonetheless determined to make the best of her life and keep her family out of poverty."
My Review: Judy is a fiesty, independent and a strong female character. She is a genuinely likeable and relatable character. Her hard working ethics and the way she wants to support her family throughout is admirable. I felt like I was on Judy's emotional rollercoaster with her. This story certainly pulled at my heart strings especially when Judy struggles in the depth of poverty.
I enjoy the author's writing style. It is clear with no over description. The story is entertaining and engaging.
I applaud the author for showing awareness
of how awful people suffered in medical poverty and how women were treated as second citizens.
The ending is beautiful, such a lovely conclusion to the story.
As this is the third novel in the series and the previous two books were in the POV of Daisy. I was confused why there was a change to Judy. However, the author has done a brilliant job of connecting Judy to Daisy. Yet, I feel it would have been better to stick to Daisy throughout the series.
I feel how things end with Jay is not great. He is a cruel, selfish character and the way his story concludes is not believable in my opinion.
Triggers - Poverty, Violence and Poor treatment of women.
Another great novel by Dilly Court. I would encourage others to read 'The Christmas Wedding' & ' The Village Scandal' prior to this novel to fully enjoy this story.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
Genre: Historical Fiction
About The Novel: "For most of her life, Judy Begg has been a loyal servant at Creek Manor and to Jack Fox, its future lord.
But just as their childhood friendship blossoms into a romance he abandons her. And with Creek Manor up for sale, Judy and her family lose everything. Devastated, Judy is nonetheless determined to make the best of her life and keep her family out of poverty."
My Review: Judy is a fiesty, independent and a strong female character. She is a genuinely likeable and relatable character. Her hard working ethics and the way she wants to support her family throughout is admirable. I felt like I was on Judy's emotional rollercoaster with her. This story certainly pulled at my heart strings especially when Judy struggles in the depth of poverty.
I enjoy the author's writing style. It is clear with no over description. The story is entertaining and engaging.
I applaud the author for showing awareness
of how awful people suffered in medical poverty and how women were treated as second citizens.
The ending is beautiful, such a lovely conclusion to the story.
As this is the third novel in the series and the previous two books were in the POV of Daisy. I was confused why there was a change to Judy. However, the author has done a brilliant job of connecting Judy to Daisy. Yet, I feel it would have been better to stick to Daisy throughout the series.
I feel how things end with Jay is not great. He is a cruel, selfish character and the way his story concludes is not believable in my opinion.
Triggers - Poverty, Violence and Poor treatment of women.
Another great novel by Dilly Court. I would encourage others to read 'The Christmas Wedding' & ' The Village Scandal' prior to this novel to fully enjoy this story.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
April 5, 2024
Another good read from Dilly Court. I really enjoyed the story but got so confused by all the characters at the start. I believe she introduced more than 30 in the first chapter alone! I started writing them down so I wouldn't forget who they were although some were introduced without telling us who they were! I got so fed up with it that I almost abandoned it at one point but pleased I kept on with it.
Sorry, a couple of spoilers. (Look away if you are planning to read the book).
The story has a lot of similarities to another book of hers - the main house burns down, smuggling and a penal colony in Australia are all mentioned as they are in The River Maid.
The other thing I found quite amazing is that the family moved into an abandoned inn and ran it as a business without knowing who it belonged to. There was no mention of them buying or renting it and I found this quite surprising knowing how the author presented Judy as a sensible person.
I sometimes think that Dilly forgets to dot all the Is and cross all the Ts, I felt it with the last one I read, she needs to make sure that each event or point is fully explained.
Anyway, despite all this, I did enjoy the book.
Sorry, a couple of spoilers. (Look away if you are planning to read the book).
The story has a lot of similarities to another book of hers - the main house burns down, smuggling and a penal colony in Australia are all mentioned as they are in The River Maid.
The other thing I found quite amazing is that the family moved into an abandoned inn and ran it as a business without knowing who it belonged to. There was no mention of them buying or renting it and I found this quite surprising knowing how the author presented Judy as a sensible person.
I sometimes think that Dilly forgets to dot all the Is and cross all the Ts, I felt it with the last one I read, she needs to make sure that each event or point is fully explained.
Anyway, despite all this, I did enjoy the book.
June 11, 2020
This is the final book in the village trilogy and is as great a read as books 1 and 2. It was lovely to catch up with the folk of Little Creek. This last book concentrates on the story of Judy Begg. Having grown up in the village, after Daisy saved her family from the London slums Judy thought she belonged with her best friend Jack Fox. They had been inseparable from childhood so her heart was broken when he upped and left with his disgraced brother Jay for Australia without so much as a word. After a run in with her new stepfather Judy is left bruised sore and homeless. After stumbling on a neglected and rundown Inn, Judy sets about turning it into a home and business for her family. Judy’s problems are far from over, and I highly recommend reading this whole series you won’t be disappointed.
August 28, 2022
The Country Bride was another great read by Dilly Court. I have read several of her books now and this was one of her best. There wasn't a boring page in it and I liked the main character too, Judy Begg. She had talent, substance, resourcefulness and courage but she was also somewhat reckless and stubborn.
From the beginning I was hoping she wouldn't marry Jack Fox and fortunately she was able to work out he was not right for her but better suited to her out-going, self centred, go getting sister Molly. I also hoped she wouldn't marry Dr Ben Godfrey who was too weak for her. I was pleased therefore when she ended up marrying the caring, generous and strongly protective character of Rob Dorning. There were also a few surprise twists in the plot concerning him.
From the beginning I was hoping she wouldn't marry Jack Fox and fortunately she was able to work out he was not right for her but better suited to her out-going, self centred, go getting sister Molly. I also hoped she wouldn't marry Dr Ben Godfrey who was too weak for her. I was pleased therefore when she ended up marrying the caring, generous and strongly protective character of Rob Dorning. There were also a few surprise twists in the plot concerning him.
June 18, 2020
This is the third and final book in the series of the village of Little Creek. Set in 1879.
The first one being The Christmas wedding and the second A village scandal.
Judy Begg and her family have been evicted from Creek manor and are left once again destitute.
The story is mainly revolved around Judy, who is a strong proud woman whose only care in life is to look after her family and make a decent life for them after coming from the slums of London.
We meet some lovely and not-so characters. It is a story full of struggle, greed, and drama.
Another heartwarming story from Dilly. I enjoyed every word and page.
The first one being The Christmas wedding and the second A village scandal.
Judy Begg and her family have been evicted from Creek manor and are left once again destitute.
The story is mainly revolved around Judy, who is a strong proud woman whose only care in life is to look after her family and make a decent life for them after coming from the slums of London.
We meet some lovely and not-so characters. It is a story full of struggle, greed, and drama.
Another heartwarming story from Dilly. I enjoyed every word and page.
May 17, 2020
Absolutely brilliant a story full of drama, deceit and of course love. Following on from a Village Scandal this story follows Judy and her family after being evicted from the manor. I love the resilience of Judy Begg and the way she selflessly helps her family I couldn't help booing in my head at the main male characters except for Rob, all of who are totally selfish and quite brutish. I am devastated it is the final book in Little Creek, please Dilly write another.
August 13, 2025
Initially there are a lot of characters with very complex relationships introduced in quick succession which felt a bit clunky and wasn’t an easy start to the book. Overall I loved the story, as I always do with a Dilly Court book, although I found the ending with Jay came across as rushed and more as an after-thought.
May 3, 2020
Another delightful story from Dilly Court. I thought all the inhabitants of the estate were settled after the last story but catastrophe strikes again. I enjoy the way the characters ingeniously solve their problems and come out even more successfully at the other end. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 11, 2020
Another great story in this series. It's gripping and entertaining.
The plot is well crafted, the characters are fleshed out and the historical background is vivid.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The plot is well crafted, the characters are fleshed out and the historical background is vivid.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 19, 2020
This was the final book in The Trilogy.
The books could be read separately but are best enjoyed read in the trilogy.
I enjoyed it, but felt I knew the ending by about a third of the way through the book, it would be nice to have a few surprises!
The books could be read separately but are best enjoyed read in the trilogy.
I enjoyed it, but felt I knew the ending by about a third of the way through the book, it would be nice to have a few surprises!
September 19, 2020
So sad to come to the end of this trilogy, have loved all the characters in these books, and come to hate a few too. Really enjoyed all the ups and downs of Daisy's and Judy's lives have felt like I have lived them with them through Dilly's fabulous writing.
June 21, 2020
Another great book
This book as great I have now read all three books in this series . Dilly Court is a great writer and I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
This book as great I have now read all three books in this series . Dilly Court is a great writer and I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
June 21, 2020
Excellent read ,last in the series well worth waiting for
June 23, 2020
Excellent book. Couldn't put it down. I have just ordered Dilly's new book coming out in October, Rag-and-bone man. Can't wait . I have now read all of Dilly's books. Love them all.
June 27, 2020
Great finale to the Trilogy. Seeing the families growing up and a few new twists and turns. Read the books in orders for the best results.
July 3, 2020
Another excellent book by Dilly Court, well worth the wait, would love to see another book maybe following on from this to see how Life is for Rob & Judy, building the new hospital.
July 8, 2020
Great book .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews