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Ironbridge #2
The Secrets of Ironbridge
1850s Shropshire.
Returning to her mother's birthplace at the age of eighteen, Beatrice Ashford encounters a complex family she barely knows. Her great-grandmother Queenie adores her, but the privileged social position of Beatrice's family as masters of the local brickworks begins to make her uncomfortable.
And then she meets Owen Malone: handsome, different, refreshing - and from a class beneath her own. They fall for each other fast, but an old family feud and growing industrial unrest threatens to drive them apart.
Can they overcome their different backgrounds? And can Beatrice make amends for her family's past?
A dramatic and heartwarming saga for fans of Maggie Hope and Anne Bennett.
Praise for The Daughters of Ironbridge:
'A Journey. Compelling. Addictive.' Val Wood
'Evocative, dramatic and hugely compelling . . . The Daughters of Ironbridge has all the hallmarks of a classic saga. I loved it' Miranda Dickinson
'Feisty female characters, an atmospheric setting and a spell-binding storyline make this a phenomenal read' Cathy Bramley
'The Daughters of Ironbridge has that compulsive, page-turning quality, irresistible characters the reader gets hugely invested in, and Walton has created a brilliantly alive, vivid and breathing world in Ironbridge' Louisa Treger
'Such great characters who will stay with me for a long time' Beth Miller
'The attention to period detail and beautiful writing drew me right in and kept me reading' Lynne Francis
'Vivid, page-turning drama' Pippa Beecheno
'A powerful sense of place and period, compelling characters and a pacy plot had me racing to the end' Gill Paul
'A story that is vivid, twisting and pacy, with characters that absolutely leap off the page' Iona Grey
Returning to her mother's birthplace at the age of eighteen, Beatrice Ashford encounters a complex family she barely knows. Her great-grandmother Queenie adores her, but the privileged social position of Beatrice's family as masters of the local brickworks begins to make her uncomfortable.
And then she meets Owen Malone: handsome, different, refreshing - and from a class beneath her own. They fall for each other fast, but an old family feud and growing industrial unrest threatens to drive them apart.
Can they overcome their different backgrounds? And can Beatrice make amends for her family's past?
A dramatic and heartwarming saga for fans of Maggie Hope and Anne Bennett.
Praise for The Daughters of Ironbridge:
'A Journey. Compelling. Addictive.' Val Wood
'Evocative, dramatic and hugely compelling . . . The Daughters of Ironbridge has all the hallmarks of a classic saga. I loved it' Miranda Dickinson
'Feisty female characters, an atmospheric setting and a spell-binding storyline make this a phenomenal read' Cathy Bramley
'The Daughters of Ironbridge has that compulsive, page-turning quality, irresistible characters the reader gets hugely invested in, and Walton has created a brilliantly alive, vivid and breathing world in Ironbridge' Louisa Treger
'Such great characters who will stay with me for a long time' Beth Miller
'The attention to period detail and beautiful writing drew me right in and kept me reading' Lynne Francis
'Vivid, page-turning drama' Pippa Beecheno
'A powerful sense of place and period, compelling characters and a pacy plot had me racing to the end' Gill Paul
'A story that is vivid, twisting and pacy, with characters that absolutely leap off the page' Iona Grey
416 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2020
40 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 16, 2020
The second book in the Ironbridge Saga, THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is even better than the first. Following on from
"The Daughters of Ironbridge"
, we are introduced to the next generation of the same families set in the 1850s. Wonderfully told, this classic tale unfolds chapter after chapter with the breathtaking beauty of the setting as its backdrop.
1850: Twenty years after fleeing Ironbridge to elope with artist Jake Ashford, Margaret returns with her 18 year old daughter Beatrice after living in France. Queenie, the matriarch of the King family, has summoned her home with Margaret's father on his deathbed but alas, Ralph King passes two days before they arrive. Having always had a soft spot for Margaret, Queenie is thrilled to see her granddaughter again and is excited to meet her great-granddaughter Beatrice. It isn't long before the matriarch and the heir are getting along famously, playing endless hands of Old Maid and chatting together. Beatrice has never quite met anyone like her great-grandmother but the two adore each other, despite being so much alike.
Ironbridge is her mother's hometown but after growing up in France, Beatrice finds the little town a fascinating change from the cosmopolitan Montmarte to which she is accustomed. She is not used to English customs and sees no difference between the classes, except the money that separates them. It is clear that her mother came from money but their life in France was a far cry to that that awaited her here. After the death of her father, Beatrice and her mother were left penniless, and her mother took in students to teach English and the pianoforte to keep them clothed with food on the table. But upon returning to Ironbridge, her mother is determined to give Beatrice a better future. And as the heir to the King estate, Beatrice is expected to find a suitable husband of one of the local brickmasters and take over running the business Queenie has ruled with an iron fist for nigh on three decades.
But Beatrice has other ideas. Though she struggles to adjust to her new life in accordance with what is expected of her, she is also fascinated with the people of Ironbridge and its surrounds. She was appalled at the sight of children as young as six being forced to work in such dirty and harsh conditions, picking and carrying clay to be moulded into bricks. She is further astonished at the treatment of these children and of the workers under her family's hand. After seeing such conditions, Beatrice is determined that changes must be made and resolves to speak to Queenie about it. But she is not prepared for the staunch stance her great-grandmother takes when confronted with the running of the family business. Beatrice is not accustomed to the idea of "the haves and the have nots". Where she comes from, people from all classes and all walks of life mingle together. But here the distinction is clear...and the divide must not be crossed.
And then after another boring dance lesson, listening to "Madame" (who insists on the title despite not being French) drone on and on, Beatrice meets Owen Malone who works at her family's Brick and Tile Works. She does not care about his job, or class, only that he is the most charming and handsome man she has ever met. They fall into an easy friendship talking and laughing together, continuing to meet weekly in secret and inevitable fall in love. But the relationship is doomed...in more ways than one. For Owen's mother is Anny Woodwine who was Beatrice's mother's best friend from her childhood who Anny had felt betrayed her when leaving her languishing in prison and running off with Jake Ashford.
But neither Beatrice and Owen are privy to their mothers' pasts nor how deep the hate runs but it is clear that this is but one secret that will soon come to the surface. But how will it affect Beatrice and Owen? Will it change things between them? Or will it make them more determined to bridge the gap between the two classes?
Despite all Beatrice has tried to do for the workers, there has been a growing discord amongst some of them and plans are set in motion that could only spell disaster, as a group descend upon Southover in the dead of night when everyone was to be at a ball. The ghostly apparition of former maid Betsy Blaize that has been visiting Queenie for two decades promised that this house will fall...but is that just Queenie's guilt or is it a premonition of what's to come? However, nothing will prepare them for the tragedy that is about to befall the King family...changing everything forever.
THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is the second book in this series but it can easily be read as a standalone as enough backstory is given to suffice on its own. But I do thoroughly recommend reading the first book "The Daughters of Ironbridge" before delving into this one, simply for more of the story and to get a real feel for the two women - Anny and Margaret - prior to this generation. As well as the fact that it is a thoroughly enjoyable read, there is also the addition of the ghostly apparition that comes to Queenie on a regular basis that is born at the beginning of the first book.
Beautifully written, THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is a real character driven story that is both touching and poignant. Mollie Walton does a wonderful job bringing the industrial age to life and the bustling town of Ironbridge amidst the appalling working conditions, low wages and the back breaking work.
It was great to meet up with the characters again some twenty years later and meeting new ones. I found both Anny and Margaret very different from the young girls they had been in the first book, understandably with what both had been through. And I adored both Beatrice and Owen. Her idealism and forthrightness with his gentleness made them such a likable pair that you just wanted things to work out for them. But my favourite remains Queenie, the stoic matriarch of the King family who has an other worldliness about her at times you wonder if she is going mad. She often wonders if she is going mad! But she is such a tough yet likable old bird. I was thrilled to see Cyril take more of a backseat in this book though he still lingers on the fringes and throws his weight around at times, it is clear that Queenie rules the roost. I hope he doesn't return in the next book.
I was disappointed with the tragedy that befell the King family and the route it then took Beatrice. Without giving anything away, I had secretly hoped that things would turn out differently. Thus, the Epilogue was a nice touch but I was still left a little unsatisfied at the outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE in which I was absorbed from beginning to end and completed in two sittings. If it weren't for real life getting in the way (as it so often does) I would have probably read it in one!
Despite my disappointment in the direction the story took, it is still by far a well earned 5 star read. I cannot wait for the third book "The Orphan of Ironbridge" to continue this captivating saga.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical sagas. For fans of Dilly Court, Catherine Cookson and Lindsey Hutchinson.
I would like to thank #MollieWalton, #NetGalley and #ZaffreBooks for an ARC of #TheSecretsOfIronbridge in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
1850: Twenty years after fleeing Ironbridge to elope with artist Jake Ashford, Margaret returns with her 18 year old daughter Beatrice after living in France. Queenie, the matriarch of the King family, has summoned her home with Margaret's father on his deathbed but alas, Ralph King passes two days before they arrive. Having always had a soft spot for Margaret, Queenie is thrilled to see her granddaughter again and is excited to meet her great-granddaughter Beatrice. It isn't long before the matriarch and the heir are getting along famously, playing endless hands of Old Maid and chatting together. Beatrice has never quite met anyone like her great-grandmother but the two adore each other, despite being so much alike.
Ironbridge is her mother's hometown but after growing up in France, Beatrice finds the little town a fascinating change from the cosmopolitan Montmarte to which she is accustomed. She is not used to English customs and sees no difference between the classes, except the money that separates them. It is clear that her mother came from money but their life in France was a far cry to that that awaited her here. After the death of her father, Beatrice and her mother were left penniless, and her mother took in students to teach English and the pianoforte to keep them clothed with food on the table. But upon returning to Ironbridge, her mother is determined to give Beatrice a better future. And as the heir to the King estate, Beatrice is expected to find a suitable husband of one of the local brickmasters and take over running the business Queenie has ruled with an iron fist for nigh on three decades.
But Beatrice has other ideas. Though she struggles to adjust to her new life in accordance with what is expected of her, she is also fascinated with the people of Ironbridge and its surrounds. She was appalled at the sight of children as young as six being forced to work in such dirty and harsh conditions, picking and carrying clay to be moulded into bricks. She is further astonished at the treatment of these children and of the workers under her family's hand. After seeing such conditions, Beatrice is determined that changes must be made and resolves to speak to Queenie about it. But she is not prepared for the staunch stance her great-grandmother takes when confronted with the running of the family business. Beatrice is not accustomed to the idea of "the haves and the have nots". Where she comes from, people from all classes and all walks of life mingle together. But here the distinction is clear...and the divide must not be crossed.
And then after another boring dance lesson, listening to "Madame" (who insists on the title despite not being French) drone on and on, Beatrice meets Owen Malone who works at her family's Brick and Tile Works. She does not care about his job, or class, only that he is the most charming and handsome man she has ever met. They fall into an easy friendship talking and laughing together, continuing to meet weekly in secret and inevitable fall in love. But the relationship is doomed...in more ways than one. For Owen's mother is Anny Woodwine who was Beatrice's mother's best friend from her childhood who Anny had felt betrayed her when leaving her languishing in prison and running off with Jake Ashford.
But neither Beatrice and Owen are privy to their mothers' pasts nor how deep the hate runs but it is clear that this is but one secret that will soon come to the surface. But how will it affect Beatrice and Owen? Will it change things between them? Or will it make them more determined to bridge the gap between the two classes?
Despite all Beatrice has tried to do for the workers, there has been a growing discord amongst some of them and plans are set in motion that could only spell disaster, as a group descend upon Southover in the dead of night when everyone was to be at a ball. The ghostly apparition of former maid Betsy Blaize that has been visiting Queenie for two decades promised that this house will fall...but is that just Queenie's guilt or is it a premonition of what's to come? However, nothing will prepare them for the tragedy that is about to befall the King family...changing everything forever.
THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is the second book in this series but it can easily be read as a standalone as enough backstory is given to suffice on its own. But I do thoroughly recommend reading the first book "The Daughters of Ironbridge" before delving into this one, simply for more of the story and to get a real feel for the two women - Anny and Margaret - prior to this generation. As well as the fact that it is a thoroughly enjoyable read, there is also the addition of the ghostly apparition that comes to Queenie on a regular basis that is born at the beginning of the first book.
Beautifully written, THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is a real character driven story that is both touching and poignant. Mollie Walton does a wonderful job bringing the industrial age to life and the bustling town of Ironbridge amidst the appalling working conditions, low wages and the back breaking work.
It was great to meet up with the characters again some twenty years later and meeting new ones. I found both Anny and Margaret very different from the young girls they had been in the first book, understandably with what both had been through. And I adored both Beatrice and Owen. Her idealism and forthrightness with his gentleness made them such a likable pair that you just wanted things to work out for them. But my favourite remains Queenie, the stoic matriarch of the King family who has an other worldliness about her at times you wonder if she is going mad. She often wonders if she is going mad! But she is such a tough yet likable old bird. I was thrilled to see Cyril take more of a backseat in this book though he still lingers on the fringes and throws his weight around at times, it is clear that Queenie rules the roost. I hope he doesn't return in the next book.
I was disappointed with the tragedy that befell the King family and the route it then took Beatrice. Without giving anything away, I had secretly hoped that things would turn out differently. Thus, the Epilogue was a nice touch but I was still left a little unsatisfied at the outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE in which I was absorbed from beginning to end and completed in two sittings. If it weren't for real life getting in the way (as it so often does) I would have probably read it in one!
Despite my disappointment in the direction the story took, it is still by far a well earned 5 star read. I cannot wait for the third book "The Orphan of Ironbridge" to continue this captivating saga.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical sagas. For fans of Dilly Court, Catherine Cookson and Lindsey Hutchinson.
I would like to thank #MollieWalton, #NetGalley and #ZaffreBooks for an ARC of #TheSecretsOfIronbridge in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 25, 2020
Oh my is this book good - I LOVED it! It is simply breathtaking and I haven't felt so many emotions when reading a book for a long time. I have felt emotions, but none as strong, nor have I felt so many from one book, at once. Ever! I felt a loss after finishing The Daughters of Ironbridge and couldn't wait to read the next book in the series. I feel exactly the same again now! I cannot wait for the third book, I feel so excited and relieved that there is to be another book for us.
Margaret King and her daughter Beatrice arrive in Ironbridge, Shropshire, from Montmartre in France at the written request of Queenie, Margaret's Grandmother, matriarch of the notorious King family. Margaret decides it is best to return to England as she feels that this will enable her to provide her daughter with a more privileged life. She is tired and sees this as a chance for herself to also have a better life again. It has been a long time since Margaret has been away from England and she wonders (as did I) what awaits them on their return.
I can't tell you how captivating this book was, I would have read it from beginning to end if I could, without a break. I love the characters, even the bad ones are entertaining and sometimes, amusing, and most have their own story to tell. I like that the author hasn't brought too much from the previous book into this one. It wasn't repetitive at all and I think that enough description was provided, for anyone who hasn't yet read the first book.
I love Queenie, and she's been my favourite character throughout. I feel that she's so torn and she herself has also had a terrible time of it, yet has to remain strong and show restraint.
As the title reads: Secrets; this story is full of secrets, and also: loss, love, hope, despair, lies, sorrow, revenge, hatred and fear. I think that the plots are so well thought out and written and this is more than a saga. With a brilliant story, that gives us plenty of drama; some heartwarming, some sad, it also makes for some very interesting and informative reading, such as the way that people lived during this time period; the industries and the work and living conditions, what the poor folk had to endure, day in, day out.
I loved every moment of this book, it was pure escapism and the author has shown her talent and her passion for her work in every page. Thank you so very much.
My thanks go to Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre via Netgalley for this wonderful read.
Margaret King and her daughter Beatrice arrive in Ironbridge, Shropshire, from Montmartre in France at the written request of Queenie, Margaret's Grandmother, matriarch of the notorious King family. Margaret decides it is best to return to England as she feels that this will enable her to provide her daughter with a more privileged life. She is tired and sees this as a chance for herself to also have a better life again. It has been a long time since Margaret has been away from England and she wonders (as did I) what awaits them on their return.
I can't tell you how captivating this book was, I would have read it from beginning to end if I could, without a break. I love the characters, even the bad ones are entertaining and sometimes, amusing, and most have their own story to tell. I like that the author hasn't brought too much from the previous book into this one. It wasn't repetitive at all and I think that enough description was provided, for anyone who hasn't yet read the first book.
I love Queenie, and she's been my favourite character throughout. I feel that she's so torn and she herself has also had a terrible time of it, yet has to remain strong and show restraint.
As the title reads: Secrets; this story is full of secrets, and also: loss, love, hope, despair, lies, sorrow, revenge, hatred and fear. I think that the plots are so well thought out and written and this is more than a saga. With a brilliant story, that gives us plenty of drama; some heartwarming, some sad, it also makes for some very interesting and informative reading, such as the way that people lived during this time period; the industries and the work and living conditions, what the poor folk had to endure, day in, day out.
I loved every moment of this book, it was pure escapism and the author has shown her talent and her passion for her work in every page. Thank you so very much.
My thanks go to Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre via Netgalley for this wonderful read.
May 1, 2020
Visit the locations in the novel - come to Ironbridge!
MEET THE AUTHOR IN IRONBRIDGE HERE!
This really is a great series. This second novel immerses you even more into the town of Ironbridge and its wonderful characters. This time there’s two new characters to follow as we met Margaret and daughter Beatrice. Queenie, Margaret’s grandmother, Queenie has called them back from France. What will they find in Ironbridge?
This outsider coming into the small community is a fascinating premise. There’s a great sense of the industrial. Margaret’s been away for years and her family is the owner of the local Brick and Tile works. The secrets in the title come from these changes and the discoveries made along the way. The problems that differences in social classes can bring are carefully explored and this really was moving to read about. In addition to that, there was the horror of discovering the reality of what working life in factories was like at the time. There really is so much rich detail and charaterisation here, it’s hard not to feel part of the story and not just a reader.
I do love a saga but I feel Mollie has taken this in a whole new direction and created a wonderful snapshot of life back in 1850s Shropshire. After the recent flooding in the town, I felt especially moved even though I’ve never been there as I feel so attached and invested in it now due to these books.
Recommended.
March 11, 2020
The Secrets of Ironbridge is the second book in the Ironbridge series. But you can read it as a standalone as I have not read the first.
It’s 1850 Margaret King and her daughter Beatrice has arrived in Ironbridge after living in Montmartre France. Ironbridge is Margaret’s hometown, where she lived with the rest of the King family who own the local Brick and Tile works. But fled twenty years ago to become a teacher of English and Pianoforte. They have been summoned back by Beatrice’s great grandmother Queenie. But Margaret is grateful as she can have the life that she once had again and not have to scrimp and save. It will give her daughter Beatrice a better future.
Beatrice struggles at first to adjust to her new life in England, very different to the one she had in France. Until she meets Owen Malone who works at the Brick works and falls in love. But the relationship is doomed as they are both from different classes.
The secrets of Ironbridge is a tale not only about love but different social classes. It wasn’t heard of for people from different social classes to get together. Also, in the period of the 1800’s what type of work there was and who worked there. Work was not only for the adults but very young children and the conditions where appalling. People was left starving.
I really enjoyed the premise of this story and the characters. It kept me captivated me throughout. Just for me personally I thought the ending of this beautiful story was a but rushed.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
It’s 1850 Margaret King and her daughter Beatrice has arrived in Ironbridge after living in Montmartre France. Ironbridge is Margaret’s hometown, where she lived with the rest of the King family who own the local Brick and Tile works. But fled twenty years ago to become a teacher of English and Pianoforte. They have been summoned back by Beatrice’s great grandmother Queenie. But Margaret is grateful as she can have the life that she once had again and not have to scrimp and save. It will give her daughter Beatrice a better future.
Beatrice struggles at first to adjust to her new life in England, very different to the one she had in France. Until she meets Owen Malone who works at the Brick works and falls in love. But the relationship is doomed as they are both from different classes.
The secrets of Ironbridge is a tale not only about love but different social classes. It wasn’t heard of for people from different social classes to get together. Also, in the period of the 1800’s what type of work there was and who worked there. Work was not only for the adults but very young children and the conditions where appalling. People was left starving.
I really enjoyed the premise of this story and the characters. It kept me captivated me throughout. Just for me personally I thought the ending of this beautiful story was a but rushed.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
March 9, 2020
Having loved reading The Daughters of Ironbridge i was so looking forward to reading this one.Margaret and her daughter return to Ironbridge at the request of Margarets grandmother Queenie,believing it is now time to give her daughter the life she deserves.I have to say that i really like Queenie she is a woman who has had it tough but has come through and with a family secrets.Well done to Mollie Walton i loved it and will recommend this book 5*
March 27, 2021
Brilliant book.
I read the first book in this series quite a while ago, this story is set twenty years later. Some of the characters from the first book remain, and I was soon transported back to 1850's Ironbridge.
Queenie still rules the King house with a rod of iron with her maid, Jenkins never far from her side. Margaret returns from France, with her daughter, Beatrice because her Father has passed away.
Beatrice meets local boy Owen and they secretly start a relationship, Owen is a brickmaker and his workplace is owned my the King family. Unfortunately their relationship is doomed as the class divide is so great. I loved the links to the first book, and the fact that this story doesn't have a traditional happy ending. I am now desperate to read the next book, will it be set another twenty later I wonder?
I read the first book in this series quite a while ago, this story is set twenty years later. Some of the characters from the first book remain, and I was soon transported back to 1850's Ironbridge.
Queenie still rules the King house with a rod of iron with her maid, Jenkins never far from her side. Margaret returns from France, with her daughter, Beatrice because her Father has passed away.
Beatrice meets local boy Owen and they secretly start a relationship, Owen is a brickmaker and his workplace is owned my the King family. Unfortunately their relationship is doomed as the class divide is so great. I loved the links to the first book, and the fact that this story doesn't have a traditional happy ending. I am now desperate to read the next book, will it be set another twenty later I wonder?
May 11, 2021
Margaret and Beatrice move from Paris back to Shropshire when Margaret’s father is dying. Only 18, Bea takes a while to settle into this new life of wealth and entitlement.
When Bea meets Owen Malone, they are both quickly smitten with each other. With employees at the Brickworks hearing rumours of less pay and longer days, Owen is tasked with trying to find out information from Bea to help the employees before they consider going on strike.
This is the second book in the Ironbridge trilogy and I quickly took the story to my heart. The King family are destined to pay for the sins of their forefathers and I found the story emotional in parts. The author writes beautifully and I hung on her every word. I’m excited at the thought of reading the final part of the trilogy but also a little sad at knowing it will be the end. A fabulous saga that I would highly recommend.
When Bea meets Owen Malone, they are both quickly smitten with each other. With employees at the Brickworks hearing rumours of less pay and longer days, Owen is tasked with trying to find out information from Bea to help the employees before they consider going on strike.
This is the second book in the Ironbridge trilogy and I quickly took the story to my heart. The King family are destined to pay for the sins of their forefathers and I found the story emotional in parts. The author writes beautifully and I hung on her every word. I’m excited at the thought of reading the final part of the trilogy but also a little sad at knowing it will be the end. A fabulous saga that I would highly recommend.
March 15, 2023
I love Ironbridge and try to go as often as I can. This book really grabs that feeling of being there and back in that time. The second instalment of the Kings and Woodvines did not disappoint so much drama and tension and it always ends in sadness! Let’s hope book 3 can bring some closure and happiness.
Read
June 24, 2020Such a classic tale, chapter after chapter. Eighteen years old Beatrice Ashford and her mother Margaret were returning to the big house Southover in Shropshire from Paris. Beatrice has never met her great grandmother Queenie and her grandfather ralph who is not a well man. the Kings own the brick and tile works. but it is to late as her grandfather has already passed away. its going to be so different to adjust for both her and her mother, but Beatrice start to form a close bond with Queenie. her mother has not told her a lot about her father who died in Paris when she was very young, but the truth will be told later in the book the author brings all the characters to life , and all the fascinating accounts of the brickyard, ironworks , tile and coal. this book i found so breath taking to read. lots of secrets and lies unfold as you keep reading. and a lot will pull at your heartstrings as you get drawn into the story. it has a lot of love that will brim over your emotions,sad and happy. this is Mollie Waltons second book from the ironbridge and so hope there is much more to come.
May 1, 2020
Beatrice Ashford returns to the small town of Ironbridge in Shropshire which is her mother's birthplace. Meeting her grandmother Queenie for the first time, Beatrice is initially impressed with her grandmother's ability to control the family's industrial empire. However, Beatrice is more idealistic than any of her family and her discomfort at the way the family run the local brick works means that there is soon an air of unease between them. Beatrice's growing friendship with local lad, Owen Malone, only highlights the social divide.
The Secrets of Ironbridge continues the story of this industrial area in Ironbridge which we were first introduced to in The Daughters of Ironbridge. I enjoyed meeting up with the characters, who are now several years older and with rather more worries than before, especially Queenie, the stoic matriarch of the King family who is deeply troubled by a secret from her past. Beatrice is a lovely addition to the story, she is a delightful character, who you warm to from the very start. I have enjoyed watching her character progress from a rather unsure young girl, into a determined young woman.
Beautifully written as ever, the author does a great job of bringing the industrial age to life and the town of Ironbridge is just as much a character in the novel as any of the people. The dreadful working conditions of those who toiled in the brick making industry is brought to life in vivid detail and I learned much about the process of making bricks, and the horrible deprivation of those who earned such low wages for such back breaking work.
The Secrets of Ironbridge is the second book in this series and I hope that we will see more of Ironbridge, and the King family, in future historical sagas.
The Secrets of Ironbridge continues the story of this industrial area in Ironbridge which we were first introduced to in The Daughters of Ironbridge. I enjoyed meeting up with the characters, who are now several years older and with rather more worries than before, especially Queenie, the stoic matriarch of the King family who is deeply troubled by a secret from her past. Beatrice is a lovely addition to the story, she is a delightful character, who you warm to from the very start. I have enjoyed watching her character progress from a rather unsure young girl, into a determined young woman.
Beautifully written as ever, the author does a great job of bringing the industrial age to life and the town of Ironbridge is just as much a character in the novel as any of the people. The dreadful working conditions of those who toiled in the brick making industry is brought to life in vivid detail and I learned much about the process of making bricks, and the horrible deprivation of those who earned such low wages for such back breaking work.
The Secrets of Ironbridge is the second book in this series and I hope that we will see more of Ironbridge, and the King family, in future historical sagas.
May 5, 2020
The secrets of Ironbridge is the second book in the Ironbridge series. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but I would recommend reading the first if you can.
1850's Shropshire, and Beatrice Ashford returns to her Mother's birthplace at the age of Eighteen. After a life of growing up in cosmopolitan Montmartre, Paris, at first Beatrice isn't sure what to make of her Mother's home town.
The reason for their return is the threat of imminent death of a family member Beatrice has never met. Sadly they are too late, but Beatrice's Mother insists that they must stay, as it will give Beatrice a better future being back amongst the family wealth.
Her Mother, Margaret has warned Beatrice many times of her Great Grandmother Queenie and her acerbic tongue, but Beatrice and Queenie immediately get along, leaving Margaret to breathe a sigh of relief.
Beatrice though, is lonely, she misses her friends in Montmartre and longs to go back. When Beatrice meets Owen Malone, she does not care about his job, or class, only that he is the most charming and handsome man she has ever met. As she learns that he works at the local brickworks, she realises that any fledgling relationship must be kept secret from her family.
I don't want to say too much more, as I'd love you to read this novel for yourself and discover the Ironbridge of the 1800's.
The Secrets of Ironbridge is another beautifully written novel by this author, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.
1850's Shropshire, and Beatrice Ashford returns to her Mother's birthplace at the age of Eighteen. After a life of growing up in cosmopolitan Montmartre, Paris, at first Beatrice isn't sure what to make of her Mother's home town.
The reason for their return is the threat of imminent death of a family member Beatrice has never met. Sadly they are too late, but Beatrice's Mother insists that they must stay, as it will give Beatrice a better future being back amongst the family wealth.
Her Mother, Margaret has warned Beatrice many times of her Great Grandmother Queenie and her acerbic tongue, but Beatrice and Queenie immediately get along, leaving Margaret to breathe a sigh of relief.
Beatrice though, is lonely, she misses her friends in Montmartre and longs to go back. When Beatrice meets Owen Malone, she does not care about his job, or class, only that he is the most charming and handsome man she has ever met. As she learns that he works at the local brickworks, she realises that any fledgling relationship must be kept secret from her family.
I don't want to say too much more, as I'd love you to read this novel for yourself and discover the Ironbridge of the 1800's.
The Secrets of Ironbridge is another beautifully written novel by this author, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.
December 10, 2020
The sequel to “The Daughters of Ironbridge” moves on about twenty years and opens with the return of Margaret Ashford to the place of her birth. With her is her daughter, Beatrice. This is Bea’s first taste of England and she finds that life is very different to that she had experienced, growing up in Paris.
Margaret’s family, the Kings, now own a brickmaking works in Ironbrigde, but all is not well with the workers. Owen Malone, the son of Anny, who was once a good friend of Margaret, is tasked with finding out what the King family intend for the brickmaking works. To do this, he must befriend Bea Ashford. This is no hard task, and before long, the young people have fallen in love.
To say more about the plot would spoil the book for many, but I will add that this is a novel full of emotion, drama, betrayal, and tragedy. Mollie Walton has given us well-rounded, believable characters – I particularly enjoyed the conversations and confrontations between Bea and her great grandmother, Queenie. All the characters came to life in my imagination as they moved in the scenes described so aptly by the author.
Another aspect of this well-written book that I enjoyed, was the amount of research that went into presenting an authentic creation of the life of the rich and the poor in the mid-19th century.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical family sagas.
Margaret’s family, the Kings, now own a brickmaking works in Ironbrigde, but all is not well with the workers. Owen Malone, the son of Anny, who was once a good friend of Margaret, is tasked with finding out what the King family intend for the brickmaking works. To do this, he must befriend Bea Ashford. This is no hard task, and before long, the young people have fallen in love.
To say more about the plot would spoil the book for many, but I will add that this is a novel full of emotion, drama, betrayal, and tragedy. Mollie Walton has given us well-rounded, believable characters – I particularly enjoyed the conversations and confrontations between Bea and her great grandmother, Queenie. All the characters came to life in my imagination as they moved in the scenes described so aptly by the author.
Another aspect of this well-written book that I enjoyed, was the amount of research that went into presenting an authentic creation of the life of the rich and the poor in the mid-19th century.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical family sagas.
February 23, 2020
Such a fabulous second book for this exciting family saga. I loved meeting Bea, the daughter from Margaret who we met in the first book. Coming over from France to finally meet her Great Grandmother Queenie it was interesting to see how she was going to fit in with her new family and their business.
As always plenty of intrigue and of course romance kept me turning the pages avidly. Again the brilliant descriptions of life in this industrial area was extremely vivid. Lots of emotive moments to make you think of how difficult life was for the workers in this era.
A very enjoyable story, I’m now looking forward to book three 😊
As always plenty of intrigue and of course romance kept me turning the pages avidly. Again the brilliant descriptions of life in this industrial area was extremely vivid. Lots of emotive moments to make you think of how difficult life was for the workers in this era.
A very enjoyable story, I’m now looking forward to book three 😊
July 8, 2020
From the cover, you can immediately see that this isn’t my usual reading matter. It’s the second in a series of which I read the first, The Daughters of Ironbridge, because I love the area and the industrial archaeology all around it. I was sucked into both books and the lives they detail. The story echoes the first, in that there is a growing relationship between rich and poor which highlights the differences in their lives but tugs at the common thread of real affection. Well drawn characters you care about and a plot full of intrigue, greed, anger and love make this a cracker of a read. I look forward to the next.
Read
February 23, 2020The second and hopefully not the last book in the Ironbridge saga. Here we are reintroduced to Margaret and meet Beatrice.. It is as compelling and unable to leave down as the first book and be advised you will need to have tissues nearby.. Beatrice changes from a shy young gitl to a woman to be reckoned with which is why I'm hoping that there will be a third book. I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views and are completely unbiased.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
This book follows on from The Daughters of Ironbridge, and follows the next generation of the same families, set in the 1850s. This book has been very well researched, and is full of great characters! The story did not go in the direction I expected it to, and the tensions through the book build up to a dramatic ending.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
I look forward to the next book in the series!
January 24, 2021
Such a thrilling and gripping read!
I absolutely loved the first book from the saga, so I started this one immediately after, and I loved this one so much too!
It was amazing to see the characters from the first book 20 years on. And once again, I was completely hooked to the lives of each character, with each one taking me on such a journey of emotions.
I can’t wait for your next book!
I absolutely loved the first book from the saga, so I started this one immediately after, and I loved this one so much too!
It was amazing to see the characters from the first book 20 years on. And once again, I was completely hooked to the lives of each character, with each one taking me on such a journey of emotions.
I can’t wait for your next book!
April 14, 2022
An enthralling book.
I liked the way that the characters developed into real people, who lived in an age where status was everything. The twists and turns captured the fluidity of life in the Industrial revolution, both for the rich and the poor. Beatrice was brought up in France, and found life in Ironbridge very different. Love and loss made this story so riveting.
I liked the way that the characters developed into real people, who lived in an age where status was everything. The twists and turns captured the fluidity of life in the Industrial revolution, both for the rich and the poor. Beatrice was brought up in France, and found life in Ironbridge very different. Love and loss made this story so riveting.
Read
April 19, 2025Another great story
Oh what happiness and sadness poor Owen I didn't see that coming and Anny as if she hadn't been through enough but Bea is so strong and who knows she might reappear later but one thing is for sure I can't wait to see what happens next if you haven't already read this series then I would definitely recommend it
Oh what happiness and sadness poor Owen I didn't see that coming and Anny as if she hadn't been through enough but Bea is so strong and who knows she might reappear later but one thing is for sure I can't wait to see what happens next if you haven't already read this series then I would definitely recommend it
March 10, 2020
How lovely to behave in Ironbridge with beloved characters and new. I adored this book and can't wait for more.
We meet Beatrice entering her.mother's world of privilege for the first time. She finds it hard to share her great grandmother Queenie's attitude to the workers despite the bond that forms between them. This feeling intensifies when she meets Owen.
What dark family secrets will she uncover?
Can love conquer all of will it all end in tragedy?
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for gifting me an advance copy of this book.
We meet Beatrice entering her.mother's world of privilege for the first time. She finds it hard to share her great grandmother Queenie's attitude to the workers despite the bond that forms between them. This feeling intensifies when she meets Owen.
What dark family secrets will she uncover?
Can love conquer all of will it all end in tragedy?
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for gifting me an advance copy of this book.
July 13, 2020
Fantastic story of my home county
Loved this book again a brisket girl it was good to see that local dialect was used and to read about the jittys I have walked many times. It grips you and ends not as u expect. Well worth a read can't wait for the next one
Loved this book again a brisket girl it was good to see that local dialect was used and to read about the jittys I have walked many times. It grips you and ends not as u expect. Well worth a read can't wait for the next one
September 11, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this book.
Mollie Walton always delivers a brilliant story and this one didn't disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I would highly recommend it.
Mollie Walton always delivers a brilliant story and this one didn't disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I would highly recommend it.
June 19, 2020
A continuation of the King family saga and their working subordinates and neighbours. Romance and tragedy are all involved in this riveting tale.
August 13, 2020
Great book
Great book hope there is a next one coming we must be told what's comes of Beatrice and her life
Great book hope there is a next one coming we must be told what's comes of Beatrice and her life
November 3, 2020
Great location to see the industrial history of Britain.
Good characters, family secrets.
Good characters, family secrets.
November 17, 2020
Enjoyed book.carried on from book 1
November 23, 2020
The second book in the series. Enjoyable but I preferred the first one if I am honest.
January 10, 2021
Absolutely well worth reading couldn't put it down but you must read the sisters of iron bridge first as it follows on to this book
February 15, 2021
It was great to read
I love reading about a place I am living near it got me to look into the history of ironbridge can wait for the next book
I love reading about a place I am living near it got me to look into the history of ironbridge can wait for the next book
March 4, 2021
Absolutely brilliant! Just as fantastic as the first book in this series!
Can't wait for the release date next month of the third instalment.
Can't wait for the release date next month of the third instalment.
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