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One Snowy Night
From the top-ten bestselling author of Beneath a Frosty Moon, Rita Bradshaw, comes One Snowy Night, a sweeping family saga set between the two world wars in the north-east of England.
It’s 1922 and the Depression is just beginning to rear its head in Britain, but Ruby Morgan is about to marry her childhood sweetheart and nothing can mar her happiness. Or so she thinks. An unimaginable betrayal by those she loves causes her to flee her home and family one snowy night.
Crushed and heartbroken, Ruby vows that despite the odds stacked against her she will not only survive, but one day will show the ones she left behind that she’s succeeded in making something of herself. Brave words, but the reality is far from easy.
Dangers Ruby could never have foreseen and more tragedy threaten her new life, and love always seems just out of reach. Can a happy ending ever be hers?
481 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2019
31 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Rita Bradshaw
48 books112 followersRita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, whichat the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who wouldmake a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep thehouse buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it anyother way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Althoughhaving enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted tolive anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday homeclose to the sea one day.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 16, 2020
It is a while since I read a Rita Bradshaw book and I must say once I started this book I could not put it down and could not wait to finish it. For me it was a very enjoyable read.
November 18, 2019
Such a moving book
It's 1922 and Ruby Morgan is looking forward to marrying her sweetheart Adam Gilbert on the eve of the wedding Adam wants to meet her down snowdrop lane her mam though she was barmy in this lethal weather. Adam a miner at wearmouth colliery Sunderland was waiting to come out with the most devastating news that will change rubys life forever. Olive her sister was expecting his baby he had no choice but do the right thing and marry her. Ruby packs her bags and moves in with her employer Vera Walton but she has to leave Sunderland for good with her best friend Ellie Wood looking for lodgings and new jobs in Newcastle. I found this book so enjoyable it takes us through lots of traumas in all the characters lives as you read. Harrowing accounts and a book wrote from the heart.
It's 1922 and Ruby Morgan is looking forward to marrying her sweetheart Adam Gilbert on the eve of the wedding Adam wants to meet her down snowdrop lane her mam though she was barmy in this lethal weather. Adam a miner at wearmouth colliery Sunderland was waiting to come out with the most devastating news that will change rubys life forever. Olive her sister was expecting his baby he had no choice but do the right thing and marry her. Ruby packs her bags and moves in with her employer Vera Walton but she has to leave Sunderland for good with her best friend Ellie Wood looking for lodgings and new jobs in Newcastle. I found this book so enjoyable it takes us through lots of traumas in all the characters lives as you read. Harrowing accounts and a book wrote from the heart.
July 9, 2022
Even though all of Bradshaw's books follow the same structure- a girl who is naïve suffers hardships and becomes an independant woman who has put off any romantic relationships because of lost love or traumatic experiences, and in the end an epilogue reveals they end up together- every book she has written has its own charm, therfore i have thouroughly enjoyed every book she has written, and this one included. This novel is beautifully written, elegantly transforming characters personalities and thoughts through time, like blending two colours together until you cannot pin-point the exact area where blue became red. The characters relationships with each other and their complexity are wonderfully shown through Bradshaw's exceptional performance of real life through words on paper. I highly reccomend this book for those who like romantic novels with hardships and suffering, but always end up happily, even though you doubt a happy ending is in sight.
January 12, 2020
A lovely story, I was hooked from the very first page. The book starts with a bombshell, Ruby is told on the eve of her wedding day that her husband to be and her sister have betrayed her, her sister, Olive is expecting a baby. She leaves Sunderland with her friend Ellie and they make a new life for themselves in Newcastle. The story covers quite a few issues including, political matters, prostitution and social class.
Would thoroughly recommend.
Would thoroughly recommend.
April 5, 2025
I picked this book up and read it in two sittings - only because I had to sleep at some point!
This is an highly emotional story of family life in northeast England between 1922 and 1935. The knowledge of the area and how people lived and worked in the area during these times is testament to the depth of research the author has done to give full credence too her story.
The characters are all fully realistic and relevant to the time. Their home life, working life and their surroundings are all completely authentic and the reader is completely consumed by it all as the story progresses. At times playful, at times harrowing, this book tells of life as it really was.
This is definitely a must read book if you love family sagas.
I own a softback copy of this book.
This is an highly emotional story of family life in northeast England between 1922 and 1935. The knowledge of the area and how people lived and worked in the area during these times is testament to the depth of research the author has done to give full credence too her story.
The characters are all fully realistic and relevant to the time. Their home life, working life and their surroundings are all completely authentic and the reader is completely consumed by it all as the story progresses. At times playful, at times harrowing, this book tells of life as it really was.
This is definitely a must read book if you love family sagas.
I own a softback copy of this book.
February 6, 2025
Ruby Morgan is just set to marry her childhood sweetheart Adam Gilbert, when he confesses after a drunken night with his family her sister Olive slipped into his bedroom and he cheated on her.
The result is a pregnancy.
Stunned and heartbroken Ruby decides to leave home and set out on her own.
This is the heartbreaking story of Ruby, Olive and Adam and how their lives separate after what happened but are still inexplicably entwined as they each follow their own destiny.
A tale of love, loss and heartbreak this was a fantastic read set in the interwar years and the general strike.
The result is a pregnancy.
Stunned and heartbroken Ruby decides to leave home and set out on her own.
This is the heartbreaking story of Ruby, Olive and Adam and how their lives separate after what happened but are still inexplicably entwined as they each follow their own destiny.
A tale of love, loss and heartbreak this was a fantastic read set in the interwar years and the general strike.
December 28, 2025
Set against a winter backdrop, the story explores love that grows not from passion alone, but from kindness, trust, and the courage to begin again. As the characters confront loneliness, past pain, and unexpected hope, the novel reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful connections arrive when the world feels coldest. Beautifully written and emotionally soothing, this book is perfect for readers who love comfort romances, quiet emotional depth, and stories where love feels real, patient, and healing rather than dramatic or rushed.
Read
June 7, 2022My mother-in-law gave me this to read and I have to admit I was unsure as I find these sagas a bit predictable. But I was proved wrong. It was an informative look at Britain in the 20s and 30s. I think what struck me most was the portrayal of class and the separation stopping people from marrying. I like to think that doesn't happen today but no one I know has wed outside their social group. A great read.
December 9, 2019
1922
Strikes and poverty
Men ruled their women...
'Where would the world be if girls, women, thought they could behave like men rather than being content looking after their own hearths?'
'Blue skies will come again one day'
Quite a shock to read how life was back then, a lot has changed and it is not quite 100 years ago!
Strikes and poverty
Men ruled their women...
'Where would the world be if girls, women, thought they could behave like men rather than being content looking after their own hearths?'
'Blue skies will come again one day'
Quite a shock to read how life was back then, a lot has changed and it is not quite 100 years ago!
July 15, 2020
This story centres on Ruby who on the Eve of her wedding is told by her fiance that her sister is pregnant and he's the father. Unable to stand by and watch it happen Ruby goes to live in Newcastle with her best friend Ellie. The story starts in 1922 and ends in 1935. I really enjoy Rita's stories and this was one of my favourites.
May 17, 2020
Excellent
I enjoyed reading this book, especially when there is an epilogue as there often is with this author, it leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction, knowing how things turned out for all concerned in the book!
I enjoyed reading this book, especially when there is an epilogue as there often is with this author, it leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction, knowing how things turned out for all concerned in the book!
September 18, 2020
Set in 1922 and throughout the depression. The story focuses on Ruby and her relationships with family and friends - I found this book very absorbing and emotional - it was a real page turner and I don’t want to give the story away as it would spoil it but know I for one thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 20, 2021
A Beautiful book, filled with many twists and turns. It is rare a book can stir so many emotions in me, but this one did, from happiness, to hope, to disgust and heartbreak. This was my first Rita Bradshaw book, but it will not be my last :)
June 12, 2025
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Rita Bradshaw and I was very happy I did. I really enjoyed it to the point I couldn’t put it down.
Like many novels, I found the ending to be suddenly condensed into a few paragraphs but it was predictable by that point anyway.
Recommended!
Like many novels, I found the ending to be suddenly condensed into a few paragraphs but it was predictable by that point anyway.
Recommended!
December 3, 2019
A good book to read when you feel the world is upside down, this is warm and encouraging.
April 3, 2020
Good quick read with plenty of drama, twists and turns
July 10, 2020
What a book, it left me wanting more 📖 🤓 📚 🐛 I got lost in this book. The characters really come to life as you read. I would recommend this book 💯%
July 12, 2020
read this before lock down great book then I got it out of library again about 3 weeks before we went into lock down,
lovely book.
lovely book.
August 11, 2020
Loved it! Couldnt put it down. Cant wait to read more Rita Bradshaw's books ❤
November 23, 2020
Quite a bit chick lit, but also really interesting historically and socially. Great read also because the story is set in Newcastle, where I live.
December 7, 2021
The combination of historical truth and a good old fashioned love story make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
July 19, 2022
Fantastic book, couldn't put it down wanted to find out what happened next
December 7, 2022
Another great book from this author. The characters are strong and admirable. It is a story of life with all the sadness and joy
May 30, 2023
A very moving book about a strong woman and a bit of history
November 29, 2019
This is a lovely story of love,betrayal and love in a class divide.After being betrayed by the two people so close to her Ruby leaves her home town on what should of been her wedding day heading for a new life in Newcastle.As time passes Ruby settles in her new life with the help and companionship of her best friend Ellie until a man sets his sights on one of them.From then on starts an uphill fight but will the girls survive this next step.5*
July 12, 2020
Great book will be reading this again. really enjoyed this.
May 2, 2020
Enjoyed this book.Easy read with a good story line.learnt from the book also I.e suffrage movement, Nancy Aster , first woman M.P and the general strike of 1926.Enjoyed the way this author writes, not overally descriptive or waffling and flowery.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews