Forging the Shilling Girl

by Emma Hardwick

A lone mother. A tragic birth. This infant girl will need luck to survive.

1849 London
Clare Byrne, widowed and heavily pregnant, escapes the great famine on a 'coffin ship' from Dublin. Tragedy strikes when the newborn loses its mother within the hour. A toothless old crone scoops up the child from the cobbles, hoping to profit from her find.

Moments later, her prayers are answered. An elegant black carriage pulls up, and a self-made gentleman steps out. He pays a single shilling for the infant and begins making plans for her future, leaving everyone else wondering what his intentions are.

Is the stranger's guardianship a curse or a blessing for the bairn? Will she be condemned to a life of hardship under an oppressive master? Or will she experience a dazzling future as the apple of her wealthy benefactor's eye?

—-

Experience this captivating story of an orphan girl's tumultuous childhood. Delve into the highs and lows of her upbringing. Immerse yourself in a heartwarming Victorian historical romance and let this moving tale of compassion and resilience be your companion.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2020

Reviews

[Winifred Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very plausible reading.

I found myself so enchanted with the story line from the very beginning and was unable to stop reading until I was literally almost asleep and first thing to continue with on waking. I almost believed the character's were real and it was based on a true story. Will there be follow-up? Would love for the Hudson family to continue through another generation. Thank-you Emma Hardwick, you gave me a book that I would recommend to all my friends and anyone who believes there is some good comes out of poverty and fate.

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well written story and I was really enjoying it until about half way through when it became acceptable for people of otherwise high moral character to sleep together outside of marriage, and it was sold as having little to no damaging effect. That's just not reality. It became hard to believe that one couple lived a chaste life together for 18 years while having strong feelings for one another, and then all at once it was ok to act on those feelings before being married. In another situation there is a 6 month affair with no significant consequences and the parties later work together. I'm pretty sure in that time period with little to no birth control, there would have been a pregnancy. When authors ignore the damaging physical and psychological effects of these types of relationships, they contribute to the breakdown of the family and thus society. It's irresponsible writing. The quality of the writing doesn't overcome the flawed story.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the storyline idea was good, the author didn’t handle it well. A wealthy industrialist ones across a baby girl after he Irish mother died in childbirth. He rescues the child and finds a young mother who has just lost her husband and baby to be a wet nurse. He spares no expense in raising and educating her. Eventually, the young lady(Shilling) is selected by herf father to oversee his foundry. She is given no religious upbringing and the author has her sleeping with her male tutor which doesn’t end well. My problem with this story is that it could have better and uplifting with a few changes.

[HAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a well crafted story

This was so well written I could have given it 5 stars but the choices for sex outside of marriage, though not very descriptive, means I cannot recommend this for all teens and adults. The work and living conditions of Victorian England were well painted and Harwick delivers complex characters that defied societal norms to offer up a storyline that is both engrossing and complete to the reader. I could have easily given this book 5 stars except for the loose morals and I know that may not bother many, but I would want to know this before giving it to someone to read.

[Barbara Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always ahead of the crowd.

This felt like I was watching an amazing saga of an industrialist’s life and family. I could not put it down and read it all at once. What an amazing story and I was sad to see it end. The story of Samuel and his daughter was so refreshing and realistic. The story kept faith with the times and did not regress by using modern colloquialisms that wouldn’t have fit in. You won’t want to miss the story of a little girl named Shilling.

[Sondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong educated girl

What a wonderful tale of a baby purchased for a shilling and became a strong educated woman in the 1800's. Loved her independent fire to make the world a better place and to give the poor a hand up. I always enjoy strong women taking on the good old boys and winning. Full novel, no cliffhanger and a HEA. It does look like her daughter will move the story along in the next book in the series, but you can stop here at the end of this book if you want.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

1849 Clare Burns in London from Ireland gives birth and passes away in the slum streets Margaret Carrott takes the baby in means to sell her on, and Samuel Hudson rescues the baby that he hands over a Shilling.
Taking her home and bringing her home as his daughter she is named Alexandra Hudson known to everyone as Shilling.
This is such a beautiful story.
As we follow her life into a young lady.
I loved reading this well deserved stars from me.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why did this book need to have sex as the main topic half way through? The storyline was amazing with topics such as women’s education and rights in the 1800’s. It was an interesting read of a young female who wanted to achieve a higher education than deemed necessary at that time. Only for her to have sex with her married tutor. Unlike her father and governess who waited 18 years. Ridiculous.

[debbie styler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read,gripping

This was the first book I had read by emma, and it was brilliantly written, great story,very clever author, made me smile in many places,and sad in others, looking for the next read by emma hardwick,gave it a five star,because it was fabulous,and I've read a few thousand books in my time ,got me booked from day one,

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical of me I found this book on my kindle. Once I started I was hooked. The start of the book had me wanting to know what happened next. Twists and turns as you follow the life of shilling. I’m now looking forward to the sequel. A nice easy read as well as having you imagine life in Victorian times.

[susan brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed every minute

What a great read from the first page to the last I enjoyed every minute of this story I look forward to reading the rest of the Hudson saves books hoping they are interesting and enjoyable as this one.

[Jan Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

First time I have read a book written by this author. I could not book the down, I was so engrossed in the story I felt I was part of it. I will definitely read more books by this author. Thank you

[Margaret Springett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. My idea of romance and learning.

It combines love, knowledge, cruelty and how we have to learn from the past on how we treat the poor. A female protagonist who is not just a beautiful face but intelligent and caring as well.

[L. Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these family saga books, and this one was no exception. It's a great easy read, and I highly recommend it. There's a light touch of historical detail in these books, which tells me they've been well-researched.

[KJ Hoelscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

nicely told story

Truly enjoyed this historical trip to London. Funny how we ca find family not only through blood but love. At times heartbreaking but in the end love heals the heart.

[Pat McNay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shilling girl

This book was recommended to me,saying it was in the vein of Catherine Coojson. I totally disagree,I felt the story came across like a silent movie.one little scene after another,no gripping story line. I'm afraid Catherine Cookson is a hard act to follow.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not normally the books I read but it was interesting. I found myself invested in what Shilling’s life would entail. The writing is not the best and there are some grammatical errors which I mostly found funny. Don’t think I will read any more by Emma Hardwick but it wasn’t a horrible book.

[Christine Newnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional read!

Absolutely loved this story! Very well written, am looking forward to reading the next book on the Hudson family saga.

[jayne hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a baby is born in to slums

When Samuel comes across a new born baby he decided to take her home and raise her as his daughter to give her a better life than anyone else

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gurls

From the first page I have been caught. The characters in this story weave themselves in to your heart. I'm looking forward to reading the next Hudson sage.

[jacqueline pulford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brill book

So love quiet shifts so I can read a book in one go so well written couldn't wait to finish

[don shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

Absolutely brilliant I love this author have read 3 of her books so far and can’t wait to read the next

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4- 4.5*

[pamela sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read

A loving story of father raising a daughter to be strong & educated when it wasn't acceptable for women. Easy relaxing read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shilling is dearly loved by her father Samuel. It is a time in history where educating females is out of the ordinary. Shilling is a woman before her times🐨

[collette davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shilling girl

I enjoyed the book very much looking forward to reading many more.very intersting I like a good read .
Regards

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

heartwarming

[Alice I Wynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very delightful story

I enjoyed this version of a typical rags to riches tale. Thank you for putting your spin on what could have been just another big yawn.