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A Daughter's Return
Florence Stanville is a woman with a past. When she moves to Guisethorpe on the east coast of England, the townsfolk are intrigued by the glamorous and mysterious stranger, with her flame-red hair and abrupt manners.
Florence doesn’t care about the gossips – she’s drawn to the peaceful seaside town by the pull of her childhood, when she lived for a brief but happy time with her beloved late mother. The riddle of those days remains and now Florence can only snatch at half-remembered memories and shadowy figures in her dreams.
As Florence is reluctantly drawn into the lives of her new neighbours, the layers of her own life are revealed, though it’s clear not everyone wishes her well. Far from finding peace, Florence has found instead turmoil and secrets. Can she put the pieces of her past together, or will it remain a closed book forever…?
Florence doesn’t care about the gossips – she’s drawn to the peaceful seaside town by the pull of her childhood, when she lived for a brief but happy time with her beloved late mother. The riddle of those days remains and now Florence can only snatch at half-remembered memories and shadowy figures in her dreams.
As Florence is reluctantly drawn into the lives of her new neighbours, the layers of her own life are revealed, though it’s clear not everyone wishes her well. Far from finding peace, Florence has found instead turmoil and secrets. Can she put the pieces of her past together, or will it remain a closed book forever…?
496 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2021
195 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Cox
109 books330 followersJosephine Cox was born in Blackburn, one of ten children. At the age of sixteen, Josephine met and married her husband Ken, and had two sons. When the boys started school, she decided to go to college and eventually gained a place at university but was unable to take this up as it would have meant living away from home. Instead, she went into teaching – and started to write her first full-length novel. She won the ‘Superwoman of Great Britain’ Award, for which her family had secretly entered her, at the same time as her novel was accepted for publication. She is now a No.1 bestselling author with over 40 books to her name.
She wrote dark psychological thrillers under the name Jane Brindle.
She wrote dark psychological thrillers under the name Jane Brindle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 24, 2021
Florence Stanville is a woman with a past . When she moves to Guisethorpe on the east coast England, the townsfolk are intrigued by the glamourous and mysterious stranger, with her flame-red hair and abrupt manners. Florence doesn't care about the gossips - she's drawn to the peaceful seaside town by the pull of her childhood, when she lives for a brief but happy time with her beloved late mother. The riddle of those days remains and now Florence can only snatch at half remembered memories and shocking figures in her dreams.
This is quite an emotional book to read. Florence decides to start over again choosing to stay in Guisethorpe, where she had briefly been brought up by her mother. Florence's mother had told her part of a secret on her deathbed. Florence has a daughter, Lucy, who is in a troubled marriage. Florence makes some pickles for the local growers market hoping she will get to know the locals better. Filled with a mixed bunch of characters, some really nice, others not so much. This is another fantastic read. Loved it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #JosephineCox for my ARC of #ADaughtersReturn in exchange for an honest review.
This is quite an emotional book to read. Florence decides to start over again choosing to stay in Guisethorpe, where she had briefly been brought up by her mother. Florence's mother had told her part of a secret on her deathbed. Florence has a daughter, Lucy, who is in a troubled marriage. Florence makes some pickles for the local growers market hoping she will get to know the locals better. Filled with a mixed bunch of characters, some really nice, others not so much. This is another fantastic read. Loved it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #JosephineCox for my ARC of #ADaughtersReturn in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
I’ve read and enjoyed many of Josephine Cox’s books but haven’t read one for a while and I was sadden to read that Josephine died last year and that ‘A Daughter’s Return’ was co written with Gilly Middleton.
In short, after the death of her mother, Florence returns to Guisethorpe in 1957 where she lived with her mother when she was a child. As she settles into the community she finds herself in turmoil and a secret is revealed.
I loved the storyline which had a vivid sense of time and place with real heart and friendship at the centre.
Big thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, after the death of her mother, Florence returns to Guisethorpe in 1957 where she lived with her mother when she was a child. As she settles into the community she finds herself in turmoil and a secret is revealed.
I loved the storyline which had a vivid sense of time and place with real heart and friendship at the centre.
Big thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
April 6, 2021
I have always loved Josephine s books and this one certainly did not disappoint.
This book follows Florence, mother to Lucy, who following her own mothers death decides to relocate to Guisethorpe. This place had held happy memories for her mother and Florence had some vague recollections of staying there as well. On her deathbed her mother murmurs something about secrets from the past.
At first, the new move provides some challenges. Florence has a falling out with the local cafe owner, does not welcome nosey neighbours and has her initial ideas for selling home produce quashed. Al8ngside this, Lucy comes to recuperate after an illness and appears to have a troubled marriage.
However, never one to be beaten, Florence works hard to grow her passion of cooking whilst keeping the spirit of her mother alive. Alongside this, she strives to find the answer to the secret her mother was keeping.
A fantastic, heart warming tale with characters that feel like friends. Highly recommend a read.
This book follows Florence, mother to Lucy, who following her own mothers death decides to relocate to Guisethorpe. This place had held happy memories for her mother and Florence had some vague recollections of staying there as well. On her deathbed her mother murmurs something about secrets from the past.
At first, the new move provides some challenges. Florence has a falling out with the local cafe owner, does not welcome nosey neighbours and has her initial ideas for selling home produce quashed. Al8ngside this, Lucy comes to recuperate after an illness and appears to have a troubled marriage.
However, never one to be beaten, Florence works hard to grow her passion of cooking whilst keeping the spirit of her mother alive. Alongside this, she strives to find the answer to the secret her mother was keeping.
A fantastic, heart warming tale with characters that feel like friends. Highly recommend a read.
January 7, 2025
Book 1 of 2025
Book : A Daughter's return
Writer : Josephine cox
Publisher : Harper Collins
Pages : 485
🔆 This is the story about the life happenings of Florence Stanville. After the death of her mother Lilly, Florence decided to come to Guisethorpe a seaside village, complete opposite in the nature as compared with the busy city.
🔆 On the other hand her daughter Lucy faced serious situation at her home because of her mother in law's visit. While reading these chapters I felt like a typical Indian tele serial .
🔆 Antony Bird a lazy cafe shop owner, felt Florence as her enemy when his workers joined her business. Florence faced his threatening, daughters issue and as a cherry on top Florence discovered her mother's biggest lie to her. How Florence handled all this - A Daughter's Return
🔆 A complete family fiction.
புத்தகங்களை படிப்போம் , பயன் பெறுவோம்,
புத்தகங்களால் இணைவோம் ,
பல வேடிக்கை மனிதரைப் போலே ,
நான் வீழ்வேனென்று நினைத்தாயோ – மகாகவி .
சுபஸ்ரீனீ முத்துப்பாண்டி
வாசிப்பை நேசிப்போம்
Book : A Daughter's return
Writer : Josephine cox
Publisher : Harper Collins
Pages : 485
🔆 This is the story about the life happenings of Florence Stanville. After the death of her mother Lilly, Florence decided to come to Guisethorpe a seaside village, complete opposite in the nature as compared with the busy city.
🔆 On the other hand her daughter Lucy faced serious situation at her home because of her mother in law's visit. While reading these chapters I felt like a typical Indian tele serial .
🔆 Antony Bird a lazy cafe shop owner, felt Florence as her enemy when his workers joined her business. Florence faced his threatening, daughters issue and as a cherry on top Florence discovered her mother's biggest lie to her. How Florence handled all this - A Daughter's Return
🔆 A complete family fiction.
புத்தகங்களை படிப்போம் , பயன் பெறுவோம்,
புத்தகங்களால் இணைவோம் ,
பல வேடிக்கை மனிதரைப் போலே ,
நான் வீழ்வேனென்று நினைத்தாயோ – மகாகவி .
சுபஸ்ரீனீ முத்துப்பாண்டி
வாசிப்பை நேசிப்போம்
February 16, 2024
This was my first read in the book club that I have just joined. When I first looked at it I thought it wouldn't be the sort of book I would like. However, I did quite enjoy it. It was an easy read about a woman who moves back to an area (my guess was Norfolk or Suffolk) where she has vague memories of living as a young child. Having recently been bereaved of her mother, she is puzzled by the last words she spoke and is looking for answers. She also experiences repetitive dreams about her memories of her early years. A strong person, she quickly makes friends with the locals, and a few enemies too and begins her quest to find out about her family past.
March 26, 2021
Jim and Mildred Yateman lives in sea view in the village of Guisethorpe have a new owner over the road in paradise cottage a lady with red hair and red clothes with a little dog shes just moving in and Mildred is aching to introduce herself. The lady is Florence Stanville with her dog Scamper and was not in any hurry to get to know folks just yet, Its been forty years since she was back in the village and all thoughts are of her dear mum she couldn't forgive were her word on her dying bed forgive what? she was back and reliving old memories here.
a remarkable story in so many ways as we get took on Florence journey as she settles into the community and seeks out old haunts.
An enjoyable read .
a remarkable story in so many ways as we get took on Florence journey as she settles into the community and seeks out old haunts.
An enjoyable read .
November 10, 2021
Finding who you real are after not knowing the truth
Loved this book from start to finish so touching when you think there is not much to live for !life gives you friends and lost family and so much love
Loved this book from start to finish so touching when you think there is not much to live for !life gives you friends and lost family and so much love
January 14, 2022
Lovely read about family & friendship the main character Florence she has a past but makes friends easily also has a daughter Lucy who has her own problems Florence learns things about the past she is totally unaware of kept me wanting more.
February 23, 2022
A wonderful read
I enjoyed this book so very much I felt as though I knew Florence ! She was determined to make a life for herself after such grief and although things wern't as easy as she would have liked things turned around for her in the end. A must read for sure!
I enjoyed this book so very much I felt as though I knew Florence ! She was determined to make a life for herself after such grief and although things wern't as easy as she would have liked things turned around for her in the end. A must read for sure!
May 9, 2021
Such a lovely book. I love all of Josephine's book each one with its own warmth, losing her is such a sad loss in the writing world and there is going to be a big hole.
Paradise cottage in Guisethorpe has sat empty for some time now that is until Florence Stanville buys it with her little dog Scamper. Florence has fond memories of the seaside town as a child and it is this that has bought her here.
She has recently lost her mum and on with her dying breath murmurs part of a secret Florence is keen to find out more about.
Across the road from her live Jim and Mildred Yateman, she strikes up a friendship with Jim who is kind and a keen fruit and vegetable grower. Mildred is not so friendly so Florence keeps her distance. She soon realises that she remembers her mum's cooking recipes so makes some pickles for the local growers market, with the help of Jim, she wants to meet the other villagers and hopes this will be the best way.
This is such a charming story with some really warm characters and not so nice ones, but it all builds into a really good read. RIP Jo. xx
Paradise cottage in Guisethorpe has sat empty for some time now that is until Florence Stanville buys it with her little dog Scamper. Florence has fond memories of the seaside town as a child and it is this that has bought her here.
She has recently lost her mum and on with her dying breath murmurs part of a secret Florence is keen to find out more about.
Across the road from her live Jim and Mildred Yateman, she strikes up a friendship with Jim who is kind and a keen fruit and vegetable grower. Mildred is not so friendly so Florence keeps her distance. She soon realises that she remembers her mum's cooking recipes so makes some pickles for the local growers market, with the help of Jim, she wants to meet the other villagers and hopes this will be the best way.
This is such a charming story with some really warm characters and not so nice ones, but it all builds into a really good read. RIP Jo. xx
March 27, 2022
When her Mother dies and knowing her own daughter is happily married and taken care of Florence moves back to the hometown of her childhood to rediscover her past and try to understand the last things her mother had whispered to her. With her little dog Scamper she soon settled into the community, starting up a pickle and preserve business and making many friends. The story flits between the present and the past and we begin to find out about Florence's failed relationships and also the tragedy that interrupted her childhood. Eventually managing to trace the neighbours that knew her mother she discovers the truth of the past and is able to finally close that chapter of her life.
Josephine Cox writes in a gentle way with very little drama, drawing the reader into her stories. A nice feel good novel.
Josephine Cox writes in a gentle way with very little drama, drawing the reader into her stories. A nice feel good novel.
June 4, 2021
I haven’t read a Josephine Cox book for quite a while and had forgotten how good they were such a shame she’s no longer with us. This book is about a lady called Florence starting a new life by the seaside where she lived as a child with her mother, on her mother’s death bed she told a secret to Florence and she’s desperate to find out what it was. When she arrives she starts a business making pickles and joins in with the local community.
S he also has a daughter called Lucy who is in a troubled marriage so she has to sort that out.
Definitely recommend it’s so heartwarming and want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to give a review
S he also has a daughter called Lucy who is in a troubled marriage so she has to sort that out.
Definitely recommend it’s so heartwarming and want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to give a review
June 19, 2021
Not a romance book , but a slice of life.
Florence, above 40 , search for a new life, and new path to take , after lots of bad decisions, and the death of her mother , returns to a forgotten place to start all over, with unleashed memories and new findings. Really emotional book
Florence, above 40 , search for a new life, and new path to take , after lots of bad decisions, and the death of her mother , returns to a forgotten place to start all over, with unleashed memories and new findings. Really emotional book
October 21, 2021
An excellent family story
A down to earth family orientated book and friendship that is genuine a true to life story of sadness loyalty and finding joy with good friends amidst courage and bravery an excellent read
A down to earth family orientated book and friendship that is genuine a true to life story of sadness loyalty and finding joy with good friends amidst courage and bravery an excellent read
November 12, 2021
This really is “a slice of life story”. Heartwarming, emotional, tender, sweet, with a protagonist strong, feisty, determined. I’m really quite jealous of the life she built for herself (with a lot of good luck). A nice change from all the psycho dramas out there right now.
October 29, 2023
Couldn't put book down
Really enjoyed this book loved the way that we got to know all the characters and the story came together. Would love to live in the seaside town where people came together to help one another.
Really enjoyed this book loved the way that we got to know all the characters and the story came together. Would love to live in the seaside town where people came together to help one another.
December 8, 2024
Holiday reading
My first time reading from Josephine cox found in the hotel library great story and was great reading by the pool on holiday interesting story and had me engaged all way through. It got me through a lengthy airport delay. I am looking to read more.
My first time reading from Josephine cox found in the hotel library great story and was great reading by the pool on holiday interesting story and had me engaged all way through. It got me through a lengthy airport delay. I am looking to read more.
April 15, 2021
Josephine Cox has always been one of my Mums and my favourite authors. I have loved reading about Florence and her family and friends.
May 14, 2021
I am sad Josephine passed away as she truly was one of my favourite British authors. I enjoyed this book and miss her already 😢🇨🇦
October 26, 2021
couldn’t put down
Fantastic book and really couldn’t put it down ♥️ can’t wait to read the next book of Josephines. Love all her books.
Fantastic book and really couldn’t put it down ♥️ can’t wait to read the next book of Josephines. Love all her books.
December 31, 2021
A frothy family saga. Sweet, bittersweet, emotional and cheesy in equal measure. A very light holiday read but not memorable. Recommend to the normal crew .
January 29, 2022
Another good book
I couldn't wait to go to at night, so I could it
I would recommend this book to Josephine Cox fans
I couldn't wait to go to at night, so I could it
I would recommend this book to Josephine Cox fans
January 31, 2022
Ok 👌 not amazing ,cosy read
February 22, 2022
Good audio 'reading'
May 28, 2022
Absolutely brilliant
August 11, 2022
It was a present and not a book I would probably have chosen. But a really heartwarming story.
August 13, 2022
Loved this book !
August 16, 2022
Loved this usual Josephine Cox standard
September 13, 2022
The story seemed to have potential, but it fell short...
Some characters didn't have a correct resolution... I felt a little disappointed.
Some characters didn't have a correct resolution... I felt a little disappointed.
October 19, 2022
Easy reading
What a great read this was with twists &turns in the storyline I was booked from start to finish which only took me 3 days as I couldn't put it down.
What a great read this was with twists &turns in the storyline I was booked from start to finish which only took me 3 days as I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews