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Hardie Family #2
The Daughter of Hardie
Grace Hardie has grown up in a sweeping estate on the outskirts of Oxford. But her life has been a far cry from a fairytale. Ailing and asthmatic as a child, she never really found her place – not with her brothers, not with any friends – always on the outside.
And when tragedy strikes twice in the same day, Grace’s world, and her place in it, is turned upside down. Ungainly and lonely at sixteen, could the bloom of first love be the guiding light she needs? Or is the history of The House of Hardie bound to repeat itself?
As class once again threatens to tear the family apart, so too does the Great War: sweeping away this budding romance before it’s had a chance to begin. Through heartbreak and betrayal, longing and loss, Grace Hardie must adapt to this changing world and struggle to find her own way.
This poignant and moving saga is the second in the Hardie Family Series.
The Daughter of Hardie was first published as Grace Hardie in 1988.
And when tragedy strikes twice in the same day, Grace’s world, and her place in it, is turned upside down. Ungainly and lonely at sixteen, could the bloom of first love be the guiding light she needs? Or is the history of The House of Hardie bound to repeat itself?
As class once again threatens to tear the family apart, so too does the Great War: sweeping away this budding romance before it’s had a chance to begin. Through heartbreak and betrayal, longing and loss, Grace Hardie must adapt to this changing world and struggle to find her own way.
This poignant and moving saga is the second in the Hardie Family Series.
The Daughter of Hardie was first published as Grace Hardie in 1988.
Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1988
23 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Anne Melville
32 books11 followersMargaret Edith Newman Potter (aka Margaret Newman, Anne Betteridge, Margaret Potter, Anne Melville, Margaret Evans)
Margaret Edith Newman was born on 21 June 1926 in Harrow, Middlesex, London, England, UK, the eldest daughter of Marjory Edith (Donald), a former teacher, and Bernard Newman, author of fiction and non-fiction books and considered an authority on spies. She had two sisters, Hilary (Mrs. Richard Hipkin) and Lauriston (Mrs. Malcolm Norris). She was educated at Harrow County School for Girls, from 1937 to 1944; and studied her Major scholar at St Hugh's College, Oxford form 1944 to 1947, she aslo earned her B.A. in 1947 and her M.A. in 1952. On 11 February 1950, she married (Ronald) Jeremy Potter, a publisher and later also published writer of mystery novels. They had a daughter, Jocelyn, and a son, Jonathan.
Before writing, she worked in various jobs, as teacher in Egypt and England, from 1947 to 1950; as editor at King's Messenger children's magazine in London, from 1950 to 1955; and as adviser at Citizen's Advice Bureau in Twickenham, Middlesex, from 1962 to 1970.
On 1959, she published her first mystery novel, Murder to Music as Margaret Newman. Her next novels were published under the pseudonym of Anne Betteridge, a tribute to her father's pseudonym Don Betteridge. Under her married name, Margaret Potter, she published Children's fiction. Under the pseudonym Anne Melville, she signed her historical novels since 1977. As Margaret Evans, she published two historical novels. She continued publishing until her death.
Widow since 15 November 1997, she died less than a year later on 26 August 1998 in Oxford, Oxfordshire.
Margaret Edith Newman was born on 21 June 1926 in Harrow, Middlesex, London, England, UK, the eldest daughter of Marjory Edith (Donald), a former teacher, and Bernard Newman, author of fiction and non-fiction books and considered an authority on spies. She had two sisters, Hilary (Mrs. Richard Hipkin) and Lauriston (Mrs. Malcolm Norris). She was educated at Harrow County School for Girls, from 1937 to 1944; and studied her Major scholar at St Hugh's College, Oxford form 1944 to 1947, she aslo earned her B.A. in 1947 and her M.A. in 1952. On 11 February 1950, she married (Ronald) Jeremy Potter, a publisher and later also published writer of mystery novels. They had a daughter, Jocelyn, and a son, Jonathan.
Before writing, she worked in various jobs, as teacher in Egypt and England, from 1947 to 1950; as editor at King's Messenger children's magazine in London, from 1950 to 1955; and as adviser at Citizen's Advice Bureau in Twickenham, Middlesex, from 1962 to 1970.
On 1959, she published her first mystery novel, Murder to Music as Margaret Newman. Her next novels were published under the pseudonym of Anne Betteridge, a tribute to her father's pseudonym Don Betteridge. Under her married name, Margaret Potter, she published Children's fiction. Under the pseudonym Anne Melville, she signed her historical novels since 1977. As Margaret Evans, she published two historical novels. She continued publishing until her death.
Widow since 15 November 1997, she died less than a year later on 26 August 1998 in Oxford, Oxfordshire.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 7, 2020
Historical fiction, slow at times but good plot.
This is the second book in the series and I'd like to read the others in the series as well.
Pub Date 15 Aug 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the second book in the series and I'd like to read the others in the series as well.
Pub Date 15 Aug 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2019
This book picks years after the first book entitled The House of Hardie which you can read about here. I have to say, I always enjoy dropping back in on characters I’ve grown to adore and I love meet new ones along the way!
I found myself in a whirlwind while reading this book; it was a complete roller coaster of emotions. Grace and her family experience losses early on and you see through incredible character development how those losses impact their decisions growing up and even as adults. It really shapes much of the story and yet the story is not at all predictable.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was the author’s exploration of the expectations of women during that time period. I’m curious if there really were young children, teens and adults who so deeply questioned why women had strict life parameters the way they did in this book. Granted, that would be hard to do since none of us were alive then but it piques my interest! It’s also a somewhat subtle exploration. For example, a young Grace asked about why her aunt couldn’t be married if she was the head of the school. It seems like something a child would ask very innocently but ultimately it has a big impact.
All in all, The Daughter of Hardie will strike a chord in your heart on many different levels. You’re sure to find yourself thinking about the people in the story even after you finish. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex with you! I’m awarding it a four-star rating. Be sure you head over to Goodreads to add it to your TBR or Amazon to pick up a copy!
Thank you to Agora Books for providing me with the opportunity to read this lovely book. I have voluntarily read it and the thoughts expressed in the review are my own.
I found myself in a whirlwind while reading this book; it was a complete roller coaster of emotions. Grace and her family experience losses early on and you see through incredible character development how those losses impact their decisions growing up and even as adults. It really shapes much of the story and yet the story is not at all predictable.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was the author’s exploration of the expectations of women during that time period. I’m curious if there really were young children, teens and adults who so deeply questioned why women had strict life parameters the way they did in this book. Granted, that would be hard to do since none of us were alive then but it piques my interest! It’s also a somewhat subtle exploration. For example, a young Grace asked about why her aunt couldn’t be married if she was the head of the school. It seems like something a child would ask very innocently but ultimately it has a big impact.
All in all, The Daughter of Hardie will strike a chord in your heart on many different levels. You’re sure to find yourself thinking about the people in the story even after you finish. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex with you! I’m awarding it a four-star rating. Be sure you head over to Goodreads to add it to your TBR or Amazon to pick up a copy!
Thank you to Agora Books for providing me with the opportunity to read this lovely book. I have voluntarily read it and the thoughts expressed in the review are my own.
September 16, 2019
Back in July, my friends at Agora Books reached out to ask whether I would like to read the second book in the Hardie Family Series by Anne Melville (pseudonym for Margaret Edith Newman), originally published in the late 80’s/early 90’s. (I reviewed the first title, The House of Hardie, here.) Of course, I enthusiastically accepted the offer and downloaded a complimentary e-galley of The Daughter of Hardie. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm found itself tucked into a dark and dusty corner and I just got around to reading it despite a publication date of August 15th. Yikes!
Here is the publisher’s description, touting this title as “a poignant and moving Victorian saga.“
Grace Hardie has grown up in a sweeping estate on the outskirts of Oxford. But her life has been a far cry from a fairytale. Ailing and asthmatic as a child, she never really found her place – not with her brothers, not with any friends – always on the outside. And when tragedy strikes twice in the same day, Grace’s world, and her place in it, is turned upside down. Ungainly and lonely at sixteen, could the bloom of first love be the guiding light she needs? Or is the history of The House of Hardie bound to repeat itself? As class once again threatens to tear the family apart, so too does the Great War: sweeping away this budding romance before it’s had a chance to begin. Through heartbreak and betrayal, longing and loss, Grace Hardie must adapt to this changing world and struggle to find her own way.
My thoughts on this title, in a nutshell, is that it was even better than the first! The centralised storyline revolving around Grace was charming. As with the previous novel, it is not a quick-paced, fast-moving adventure – it’s more of a slow walk through the woods on a perfect autumn day… or akin to catching up with friends while enjoying a tea on your couch in your comfies. It was wholesome and warm and engaging.
The strong female character(s) once again take shine dominantly, challenging societal norms and the expectations of family. Tragedy and triumph escort you through a lifetime, and you may find yourself annoyed by some of the secondary characters (leads from the first – some questionable decision making arose.) The Daughter of Hardie is an absolutely enjoyable way to while away a few lazy (winsome) evenings and I highly recommend. It’s available now to purchase!
My thanks to the publisher for sharing this delightfully empowering tale via NetGalley.
Here is the publisher’s description, touting this title as “a poignant and moving Victorian saga.“
Grace Hardie has grown up in a sweeping estate on the outskirts of Oxford. But her life has been a far cry from a fairytale. Ailing and asthmatic as a child, she never really found her place – not with her brothers, not with any friends – always on the outside. And when tragedy strikes twice in the same day, Grace’s world, and her place in it, is turned upside down. Ungainly and lonely at sixteen, could the bloom of first love be the guiding light she needs? Or is the history of The House of Hardie bound to repeat itself? As class once again threatens to tear the family apart, so too does the Great War: sweeping away this budding romance before it’s had a chance to begin. Through heartbreak and betrayal, longing and loss, Grace Hardie must adapt to this changing world and struggle to find her own way.
My thoughts on this title, in a nutshell, is that it was even better than the first! The centralised storyline revolving around Grace was charming. As with the previous novel, it is not a quick-paced, fast-moving adventure – it’s more of a slow walk through the woods on a perfect autumn day… or akin to catching up with friends while enjoying a tea on your couch in your comfies. It was wholesome and warm and engaging.
The strong female character(s) once again take shine dominantly, challenging societal norms and the expectations of family. Tragedy and triumph escort you through a lifetime, and you may find yourself annoyed by some of the secondary characters (leads from the first – some questionable decision making arose.) The Daughter of Hardie is an absolutely enjoyable way to while away a few lazy (winsome) evenings and I highly recommend. It’s available now to purchase!
My thanks to the publisher for sharing this delightfully empowering tale via NetGalley.
August 12, 2019
Lucy and Gordon had a big family of boys and one girl. Lucy was intrepid and courageous and daring. She ran away to be with Gordon who was in "trade" despite being in the wine business, still below Lucy's background. She adapted to her life of being wife and mother though what she longed for was the expeditions to China, looking for that elusive specimen.
Their daughter however was mild, subservient and at times for want of a better word a plodder. Despite changing times, WW almost upon them, the position of women becoming more and more important, conscription into the military depriving her of her brothers, Grace seemed to be cocooned into a small world of her own. She did not hanker for change, for excitement, she felt that marriage and children would naturally follow and when a "suitable" partner appeared she accepted his proposal.
Grace came into her own much later as a young woman. Single, independent, determined to make her own way and save the family firm almost single handedly. From being a wishy washy individual she became a confident person.
Though Grace's story was rather simple, the setting and accompanying background was anything but simple and this carried the story till the adulthood of Grace came about. Then it became all systems go and almost beamed with anticipation for what the next page would bring.
Though Grace's story was rather simple, the setting and accompanying background was anything but simple and this carried the story till the adulthood of Grace came about. Then it became all systems go and almost beamed with anticipation for what the next page would bring.
Their daughter however was mild, subservient and at times for want of a better word a plodder. Despite changing times, WW almost upon them, the position of women becoming more and more important, conscription into the military depriving her of her brothers, Grace seemed to be cocooned into a small world of her own. She did not hanker for change, for excitement, she felt that marriage and children would naturally follow and when a "suitable" partner appeared she accepted his proposal.
Grace came into her own much later as a young woman. Single, independent, determined to make her own way and save the family firm almost single handedly. From being a wishy washy individual she became a confident person.
Though Grace's story was rather simple, the setting and accompanying background was anything but simple and this carried the story till the adulthood of Grace came about. Then it became all systems go and almost beamed with anticipation for what the next page would bring.
Though Grace's story was rather simple, the setting and accompanying background was anything but simple and this carried the story till the adulthood of Grace came about. Then it became all systems go and almost beamed with anticipation for what the next page would bring.
August 17, 2019
It was a good story , even though I couldn't connect with the characters that much ...
But It was enjoyable .
The writing style was good too .
But It was enjoyable .
The writing style was good too .
August 9, 2019
The Daughter of Hardie is the second book in the Hardie series by Anne Mellville. The epic picks up with daughter, Grace. Suffering from ill health due to asthma, Grace is raised in the shelter of the family’s palatial estate Greystones knowing little of life beyond its boundaries. As she matures with WWI as a backdrop Grace begins to experience a broader understanding of life which comprises love, loss, and responsibility.
I was unaware at the time of selection that this was the second book of a series. The story does not depend on the first but would no doubt be enhanced by knowledge of the foundational plot. As a stand-alone book it lacks the depth needed to carry engagement. The story while interesting enough, did not for me engage an emotional tie to the characters. I found it to be a little flat and can only contribute that not reading the first book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I was unaware at the time of selection that this was the second book of a series. The story does not depend on the first but would no doubt be enhanced by knowledge of the foundational plot. As a stand-alone book it lacks the depth needed to carry engagement. The story while interesting enough, did not for me engage an emotional tie to the characters. I found it to be a little flat and can only contribute that not reading the first book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 6, 2020
"She was as frightened as he was when she said goodbye , and spent sleepless hours that week trying to see into the future."
Interesting book. England 1898. Near Oxford. Clean read. Mostly about Grace, who because of her health has a special gift that benefits her and her family. Taking them from when she is six until 30, it explores her world, why and how she feels what she does, thinks like she does. They have a family winery, but her father is a botanist who has gone on a trip back to China and not come back. This is the area where her mother had gone with him just after getting married. As the story unfolds the war starts and affects them all, of course. Different twists and turns as it goes along. It does make you want to read the next one.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Interesting book. England 1898. Near Oxford. Clean read. Mostly about Grace, who because of her health has a special gift that benefits her and her family. Taking them from when she is six until 30, it explores her world, why and how she feels what she does, thinks like she does. They have a family winery, but her father is a botanist who has gone on a trip back to China and not come back. This is the area where her mother had gone with him just after getting married. As the story unfolds the war starts and affects them all, of course. Different twists and turns as it goes along. It does make you want to read the next one.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 15, 2020
Thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for an Advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the series and the first one I have read. The story follows the life of Grace Hardie, the only daughter of a well-to-do merchant family with aristocratic family connections. Grace is a sickly child and is often left out of family games because of her illness and gender.
To be honest, she isn't a very nice person - certainly not a character that I could connect with. And while the story was interesting, spanning the First World War and aftermath, I couldn't bring myself to care about what happened to this family.
Perhaps if I had read the first book, I would have felt more invested in the storyline, but parts of it were unbelievable and other parts made me frustrated with the characters and struggling to like them.
To be honest, she isn't a very nice person - certainly not a character that I could connect with. And while the story was interesting, spanning the First World War and aftermath, I couldn't bring myself to care about what happened to this family.
Perhaps if I had read the first book, I would have felt more invested in the storyline, but parts of it were unbelievable and other parts made me frustrated with the characters and struggling to like them.
June 24, 2019
The Daughter of Hardie tells the story of a girl born in to a wine merchant family. Grace loves her home especially her tower bedroom but who really owns the property?
When her father goes exploring and the war takes her siblings to the front line, secrets are at last uncovered.
All Grace thinks she wants is a husband and children but is this really what she wants?
I enjoyed this story and now note there is a previous book which I will be reading to find out more about the lives of the Hardie family.
I really liked some of the characters particularly Jay and Midge, hoping there's a next instalment!
When her father goes exploring and the war takes her siblings to the front line, secrets are at last uncovered.
All Grace thinks she wants is a husband and children but is this really what she wants?
I enjoyed this story and now note there is a previous book which I will be reading to find out more about the lives of the Hardie family.
I really liked some of the characters particularly Jay and Midge, hoping there's a next instalment!
March 6, 2021
This was a slow story to me but once I got used to the tempo I started to enjoy not only this great story but the characters became real to me and feeling for Grace. Her world is upside dow,incredible and finding herself! You will enjoy this book,received through Net Galley! Will be reading more from this author! She wanted more for her life than just the marriage and children. The history time this was told in was very well researched. Couldn't understand why she can't have more of does she get what she wants? You will have to read and you will like this book,her family and the real to life characters!!
September 8, 2019
This was a slow story to me but once I got used to the tempo I started to enjoy not only this great story but the characters became real to me and feeling for Grace. Her world is upside dow,incredible and finding herself! You will enjoy this book,received through Net Galley! Will be reading more from this author!
July 2, 2019
The Daughter of Barrie is a great historical book. I enjoyed the plot and characters. The writing is good. I would read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews