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Birch End #3
A Woman's Promise
As the only female cabinet maker in the valley in 1935, Frankie Redfern is unusual. She faces prejudice even from her own mother. But she's content working for her father, and is unwilling to give up her independence or the work she loves for marriage.
When her husband falls gravely ill, Frankie's mother takes over, causing serious trouble for her daughter. And her cousin, an unscrupulous local builder, starts to help her for his own reasons.
Jericho Harte has never met a woman he wanted to marry until he bumps into Frankie on the moors. When she comes to him the next day with an extraordinary suggestion, it seems a marriage of convenience might suit them both. Or could their relationship become more than that?
But Frankie's problems worsen as her father goes missing from hospital. Is there more to his illness than met the eye?
Can Frankie and Jericho help uncover the truth and put an end to the danger she's in before it's too late?
Readers are loving the Birch End series!
'Amazing' - 5 STARS
'Thank you, Anna, for the pleasure you give in all your books' - 5 STARS
'Another brilliant, hard-to-put-down book' - 5 STARS
'Can't wait for the next instalment' - 5 STARS
'A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one' - 5 STARS
'Another triumph for Anna Jacobs' - 5 STARS
'BRILLIANT READ' - 5 STARS
When her husband falls gravely ill, Frankie's mother takes over, causing serious trouble for her daughter. And her cousin, an unscrupulous local builder, starts to help her for his own reasons.
Jericho Harte has never met a woman he wanted to marry until he bumps into Frankie on the moors. When she comes to him the next day with an extraordinary suggestion, it seems a marriage of convenience might suit them both. Or could their relationship become more than that?
But Frankie's problems worsen as her father goes missing from hospital. Is there more to his illness than met the eye?
Can Frankie and Jericho help uncover the truth and put an end to the danger she's in before it's too late?
Readers are loving the Birch End series!
'Amazing' - 5 STARS
'Thank you, Anna, for the pleasure you give in all your books' - 5 STARS
'Another brilliant, hard-to-put-down book' - 5 STARS
'Can't wait for the next instalment' - 5 STARS
'A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one' - 5 STARS
'Another triumph for Anna Jacobs' - 5 STARS
'BRILLIANT READ' - 5 STARS
- GenresRomanceHistoricalFiction
Hardcover
Published November 26, 2020
131 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
237 books511 followersAnna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 10, 2020
I normally check if a book is part of a series but for some reason I didn't for this one. When I did remember to look I found it was third in a series.
I had read other series by Anna Jacobs set in the fictional Ellindale Valley and really enjoyed them - so much so I actually made sure I had the whole series.
But it didn't matter with this story that I hadn't known the characters before. I could follow the story and enjoyed meeting the characters and finding out their back story.
I never write a synopsis of a book in one of these reviews as I would hate to spoil a book for another reader - and this will be no exception.
As is common with the authors style there was poverty and plenty within the community. There was a love story, and in this case a female villain and also a male character that is was very very easy to dislike.
My only downside was that I had got that I only had 6% of the book left to read and I could not see how the story could end in that little timeframe - but of course it did. But with so little left it felt rushed.
It was left that there could be another part but equally the story finished.
All in all this was a lovely read.
Thank you to the publisher for the chance to read this advance copy and of course thank you to Anna Jacobs
I had read other series by Anna Jacobs set in the fictional Ellindale Valley and really enjoyed them - so much so I actually made sure I had the whole series.
But it didn't matter with this story that I hadn't known the characters before. I could follow the story and enjoyed meeting the characters and finding out their back story.
I never write a synopsis of a book in one of these reviews as I would hate to spoil a book for another reader - and this will be no exception.
As is common with the authors style there was poverty and plenty within the community. There was a love story, and in this case a female villain and also a male character that is was very very easy to dislike.
My only downside was that I had got that I only had 6% of the book left to read and I could not see how the story could end in that little timeframe - but of course it did. But with so little left it felt rushed.
It was left that there could be another part but equally the story finished.
All in all this was a lovely read.
Thank you to the publisher for the chance to read this advance copy and of course thank you to Anna Jacobs
July 23, 2020
I have loved reading of the old and new people in the valley and this story of Sam Redfern and his daughter Frankie is just as good.After falling ill Frankies father is taken to hospital but Sam has left instructions for his daughter should anything happen to him that Frankie must follow for her own safety.This book is really enjoyable and i can highly recommend it to readers.5*
October 10, 2020
Refreshingly sweet, heartwarming and charming, this story was the perfect light read today. It is immersive and gentle with interesting characters, some despicable, others lovely. I enjoyed the story itself. The end came too quickly!
Frankie Redfern, an independent woman with the occupation of cabinet maker, highly unusual in 1935 Lancashire, meets Jericho Harte while enjoying the peaceful escape of the moors. They are immediately comfortable together in their mutual love for the outdoors.
Frankie contentedly works with her father, with whom she has a close bond. On the other hand, her mother harbors bitterness and hate. Like Frankie, Jericho is accustomed to hard work.
The day after Frankie and Jericho meet, she has a surprising proposition...that they quickly marry. Jericho is shocked but for reasons she explains and knowing her upright reputation, agrees. The process isn't exactly without issues. Frankie's father also becomes critically ill.
Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers, please seek this out. My first experience reading Anna Jacobs was wonderful so my next step is to read her other books. Her writing style is simple in a warm way and she breathes reality into the characters in that they are imperfect, as they should be.
The treats at the end are sweet!
My sincere thank you to Hodders & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book in exchange for an honest. Much appreciated.
Frankie Redfern, an independent woman with the occupation of cabinet maker, highly unusual in 1935 Lancashire, meets Jericho Harte while enjoying the peaceful escape of the moors. They are immediately comfortable together in their mutual love for the outdoors.
Frankie contentedly works with her father, with whom she has a close bond. On the other hand, her mother harbors bitterness and hate. Like Frankie, Jericho is accustomed to hard work.
The day after Frankie and Jericho meet, she has a surprising proposition...that they quickly marry. Jericho is shocked but for reasons she explains and knowing her upright reputation, agrees. The process isn't exactly without issues. Frankie's father also becomes critically ill.
Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers, please seek this out. My first experience reading Anna Jacobs was wonderful so my next step is to read her other books. Her writing style is simple in a warm way and she breathes reality into the characters in that they are imperfect, as they should be.
The treats at the end are sweet!
My sincere thank you to Hodders & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book in exchange for an honest. Much appreciated.
April 15, 2024
Anna Jacobs really seemed to characterise this story well. The mother is evil beyond belief and Higgerson's greed and control makes him an equally hateful character. There are moments when it all seemed a little ridiculous but overall it is a nice story.
There were a couple of niggles - one was a blatant error which should have been picked up. Jericho said it was a Ford van, but the car dealer said it was a Morris!
Secondly, Anna's style of writing at times really annoys me. Many 'joining' words are missing - eg 'she'd been so happy as they set off, didn't deserve this'. 'And she' is missing, ie 'and she didn't deserve this'. There are several examples of this throughout and I've seen other authors do this as well which is really irritating. It may be a modern way of writing but to me it does not make sense. People do not speak like this.
There were a couple of niggles - one was a blatant error which should have been picked up. Jericho said it was a Ford van, but the car dealer said it was a Morris!
Secondly, Anna's style of writing at times really annoys me. Many 'joining' words are missing - eg 'she'd been so happy as they set off, didn't deserve this'. 'And she' is missing, ie 'and she didn't deserve this'. There are several examples of this throughout and I've seen other authors do this as well which is really irritating. It may be a modern way of writing but to me it does not make sense. People do not speak like this.
January 3, 2021
I must say I am a little disappointed in the Birch End Series. The plot is the same or close enough in all the three books in the series.
There is trouble of corruption, greed, in the small town, where they have to have the town people protect itself from all the crime. The local police help out where they can but as they are under staffed
seek help from the more effluent village people.
The Ellindale Series is much the same, so felt like I have reading the same book over again.
I have read all of Anna Jacob's books to date and feel that the story plot in a few of her latest books are very much the same.
Anna's earlier books are full of adventure and you never want them to end eg, Gibson Family, Kershaw Sister, Blake Sisters.
There is trouble of corruption, greed, in the small town, where they have to have the town people protect itself from all the crime. The local police help out where they can but as they are under staffed
seek help from the more effluent village people.
The Ellindale Series is much the same, so felt like I have reading the same book over again.
I have read all of Anna Jacob's books to date and feel that the story plot in a few of her latest books are very much the same.
Anna's earlier books are full of adventure and you never want them to end eg, Gibson Family, Kershaw Sister, Blake Sisters.
August 8, 2022
Francie Redfern is ahead of her times, she's the only female cabinet maker in 1935. Something her mother does not approve of and as her father becomes ill he takes drastic actions to make sure his daughter is looked after. He makes Frankie promise him that she will find a husband, a husband who can look after her and protect her from her mother.
But why does Frankie need protecting? And who will she choose to marry?
This is not the normal type of book I would read, but it was chosen out of our village book swap and thought I would give it ago. I found it to be quite an interesting read, transporting me back into 1953, and understanding how different things were, especially when Frankie tries to do 'men's work'
But why does Frankie need protecting? And who will she choose to marry?
This is not the normal type of book I would read, but it was chosen out of our village book swap and thought I would give it ago. I found it to be quite an interesting read, transporting me back into 1953, and understanding how different things were, especially when Frankie tries to do 'men's work'
December 1, 2020
Another great read from Anna J. I just loved Frankie, she was another if Anna's strong women who was determined to fight for her independence and survival against her over bearing, bitter mother. Her poor father was bullied by that woman but thankfully he was helped to survive too.
As with all Anna's books I found the characters so believable and was able to relate to the location of the book, being from Lancashire myself.
I read this as a stand alone but will read the others in the Birch End series.
Thankyiu Anna and Netgalley for another great read!
As with all Anna's books I found the characters so believable and was able to relate to the location of the book, being from Lancashire myself.
I read this as a stand alone but will read the others in the Birch End series.
Thankyiu Anna and Netgalley for another great read!
June 9, 2024
Really enjoyed the 3rd and final book in the saga. I was planning to read the sagas simultaneously until I realised Jericoh getting married happened In the birch end saga third book. It made me wonder when reading a Vally dream the first book in the Bagshaw moss series weather I’d missed something as it had mentioned Jericoh having a wife.
Jericoh and Franky were a fantastic couple and I loved the way they were supporting each other. Again it was lovely to reconnect with the rest of the characters from the series.
Jericoh and Franky were a fantastic couple and I loved the way they were supporting each other. Again it was lovely to reconnect with the rest of the characters from the series.
October 21, 2020
Anna Jacobs is a heart warming writer with a great mix of characters and storyline.
I didn't realise when starting the book that it was part of series, but this really didn't matter as it was easily read as a stand alone.
A captivating, easy to read story with a great mix of characters and plots.
I didn't realise when starting the book that it was part of series, but this really didn't matter as it was easily read as a stand alone.
A captivating, easy to read story with a great mix of characters and plots.
February 11, 2021
I thought this was going to be the same kind of plot to the other 2 but luckily it wasn't. There's still a corruption plot rolling along but this one is definitely different. I think this is the last in the series which is a shame as I've warmed to these characters. Frankie and Jericho make a good couple.
March 22, 2021
I have now read all three of the Birch End Series. The last one A Woman's Promise I found myself reading it from start to finish in a day. You must read the series in sequence. I an sure we will meet some of the characters from Birch End again especially Higgerson?
This is another five star read by Anna Jacobs whose books which always excellent reads. This is a recommended five star read.
This is another five star read by Anna Jacobs whose books which always excellent reads. This is a recommended five star read.
May 13, 2021
Disappointing
I've read most of Anna's books but have found this series and other recent ones very repetitive, there's always a female who needs rescuing and has to marry quickly someone they don't know. Also the villains are always behaving the same. You know way before the end what the outcome is going to be. I am very disappointed with it
I've read most of Anna's books but have found this series and other recent ones very repetitive, there's always a female who needs rescuing and has to marry quickly someone they don't know. Also the villains are always behaving the same. You know way before the end what the outcome is going to be. I am very disappointed with it
January 27, 2025
this story makes a need to read more.
When you start to read these series you have to keep going, wondering what the next step is going to be? Although these stories are inclusive of most of the previously mentioned people the core of it is always different, it is lovely keeping up with all their lives.
When you start to read these series you have to keep going, wondering what the next step is going to be? Although these stories are inclusive of most of the previously mentioned people the core of it is always different, it is lovely keeping up with all their lives.
April 6, 2025
Another good read by Anna Jacobs. Set in1935 Frankie is quite unusual in that she is happy to work with her father as a cabinet maker. Her mother very much disapproves, she just wants to see her daughter married. Her mother is very strange with outrageous ideas. When Frankie's father becomes very ill Frankie is forced to marry a near stranger in order to escape her mother.
June 7, 2021
I always like Anna Jacobs' books, they are "soaps", melodrama, but a great read with your emotions fully engaged and a lingering in your mind long after you have finished them - like all good melodramas!
December 2, 2020
Wonderful book
So good I sat down this morning for a few minutes, but could not put it down, now finished. Wonderful book and series
So good I sat down this morning for a few minutes, but could not put it down, now finished. Wonderful book and series
February 1, 2021
Great reading
Great series, characters have personalities & surroundings are very well explained .A pleasure to read, the whole series is great!
Great series, characters have personalities & surroundings are very well explained .A pleasure to read, the whole series is great!
February 5, 2021
Yet again a fantastic book by Anna Jacobs...couldn’t put it down
February 7, 2021
A wonderful book. Loved the characters and how they looked after each other. The 3rd book in the Birch End series.
June 4, 2021
Excellent
Excellent reading never fails to impress. She always brings the characters to life and her books are ones you carnt put down .
Excellent reading never fails to impress. She always brings the characters to life and her books are ones you carnt put down .
July 18, 2021
Absolutely loved this third book in the series. Loved the way it all flowed on and catching up with all the other characters. What a fantastic series.
Read
September 20, 2021As always could not put it down,her books are brilliant
October 23, 2021
This book was ok, but rather repetitive. You can guarantee a nice happy ending with Anna Jacobs’ and her books are quick and easy reads, but I wasn’t as enamoured with this particular trilogy.
October 5, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I really enjoyed this book. Perfect for romance fans who love period settings books.
May 26, 2023
Another amazing book 3rd and final one in the saga
And yet again Anna Jacobs never fails to impress and pulls you into every book she writes
definitely one to read
And yet again Anna Jacobs never fails to impress and pulls you into every book she writes
definitely one to read
June 25, 2023
Enjoyable read in this third book of the Birch end saga.
July 11, 2023
A lovely read but a very emotional read
October 24, 2023
Loved it from start to finish great read
December 30, 2023
A good storyline in the series.
March 21, 2024
This is an interesting story in a previous era. However the writing is really poor. It reads as though it's written for children, and is full of plot thread contradictions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews