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Backshaw Moss #1
A Valley Dream
1935. At thirty-six, Bella Porter is dependent on her abusive cousin, acting as an unpaid servant. When a kind relative leaves her a house in the village of Backshaw Moss, Thomas tries to take it from her, but she defies him and grasps this chance of a new start in Lancashire. It is not going to be easy, though. The house is on the edge of a slum and in a state of disrepair, let out to various people, some good, some bad. But if she succeeds in keeping her house, she might also gain other benefits.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
154 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
236 books519 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 47 reviews
March 19, 2021
A Valley Dream by Anna Jacobs is a wonderful historical fiction novel that is the first, in what I expect to be an excellent, new series: Backshaw Moss. I really have enjoyed many of Ms. Jacobs's books in the past, so I was excited that she was writing a new series. I love being able to read from the very beginning and watch the magic unfold!
I really enjoyed this new series. Set in the 1930s in London, it is pre-WWII, and that time period is such a fascinating period. Times of unrest on the horizon, societal shifts and alterations are still cooking, and the winds of change are present. So much is happening, and I am glad that the author chose this time period for her book.
I really enjoyed the character cast in this historical fiction saga. There is a full array of characters and plenty of material to use for future installments. I really liked Bella. She is stronger then she realizes, has gumption, but also seems to be a likable and positive person overall. I really enjoyed the relationship and friendships she developed upon her new move and renovations. I liked the sense of family and support that were depicted. I also enjoyed the pace, story line, and the obstacles that were placed throughout to create interest and complexity to the story.
I also enjoyed reading about home improvements, renovations, and the work taking place behind the scenes.
This book has it all: history, great narrative, wonderful characters, suspense, and a dash of hope and romance to round things out quite nicely. I look forward to seeing how this series continues.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hodder & Stoughton for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, B&N, and Waterstones accounts upon publication.
I really enjoyed this new series. Set in the 1930s in London, it is pre-WWII, and that time period is such a fascinating period. Times of unrest on the horizon, societal shifts and alterations are still cooking, and the winds of change are present. So much is happening, and I am glad that the author chose this time period for her book.
I really enjoyed the character cast in this historical fiction saga. There is a full array of characters and plenty of material to use for future installments. I really liked Bella. She is stronger then she realizes, has gumption, but also seems to be a likable and positive person overall. I really enjoyed the relationship and friendships she developed upon her new move and renovations. I liked the sense of family and support that were depicted. I also enjoyed the pace, story line, and the obstacles that were placed throughout to create interest and complexity to the story.
I also enjoyed reading about home improvements, renovations, and the work taking place behind the scenes.
This book has it all: history, great narrative, wonderful characters, suspense, and a dash of hope and romance to round things out quite nicely. I look forward to seeing how this series continues.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hodder & Stoughton for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, B&N, and Waterstones accounts upon publication.
March 29, 2021
This was an absolutely wonderful start to a new series.
Bella inherits a house, but it would require her to make huge changes in her life, starting with escaping from her cousins domineering hold. I loved meeting all the characters, who quickly take to Bella and you see her confidence growing, despite the challenge ahead of her. The house has some terrible tenants and als0 needs a lot of work to bring them up to a habitable condition. It's in a slum area with some very shady characters who want to threaten and stop her making a success.
It was a fascinating snapshot of the time (pre war) and the type of housing around at the time.
I wanted to stop and help her unload all the boxes and exclaim over each treasure.
I can't wait to read the other books in the series and meet the other characters joining the street.
Bella inherits a house, but it would require her to make huge changes in her life, starting with escaping from her cousins domineering hold. I loved meeting all the characters, who quickly take to Bella and you see her confidence growing, despite the challenge ahead of her. The house has some terrible tenants and als0 needs a lot of work to bring them up to a habitable condition. It's in a slum area with some very shady characters who want to threaten and stop her making a success.
It was a fascinating snapshot of the time (pre war) and the type of housing around at the time.
I wanted to stop and help her unload all the boxes and exclaim over each treasure.
I can't wait to read the other books in the series and meet the other characters joining the street.
Read
June 1, 2024At 36, Bella Porter is dependent on Thomas, her abusive cousin, and acting as an unpaid servant. When a kind relative leaves her a house in the village of Backshaw Moss, Thomas tries to take it from her, but she defies him and grasps the chance of a new start in Lancashire. The house is on the edge of a slum and in a bad state of disrepair, let out as flats, and the council offers a grant towards the cost of the repairs. Kind people help her, including Ryan, a widowed father of three, for whom she begins to develop feelings. Thomas follows her, determined to take her inheritance and threatens her life as he seeks revenge. A very enjoyable and well-written read.
March 29, 2021
I have to say i love the Valley books they draw you in to each story and keep you wanting more.This story of a woman who receives a bequest in her cousins will. She arrives in the valley to start a new life and is surprised to find how friendly some of the residents are and is excited to settle in.I have to say Anna Jacobs writes wonderful books and i look forward to her next.5*
August 13, 2021
A Valley Dream by Anna Jacobs
Anna Jacobs has done it again with this book , a first in a series set in Backshaw Moss.
Set in the 1930s , pre war, It is mainly about a character Bella , who is looked after by her nasty uncle , that is until she inherits a house from a recently decreased family member.
Anna Jacobs has such a way with her words that transport you smack bang into the middle of the story as we share along Bella's journey as she turns her life around with the ups and downs that it takes her..
I thoroughly enjoyed this title , and look forward to the next one..
Anna Jacobs has done it again with this book , a first in a series set in Backshaw Moss.
Set in the 1930s , pre war, It is mainly about a character Bella , who is looked after by her nasty uncle , that is until she inherits a house from a recently decreased family member.
Anna Jacobs has such a way with her words that transport you smack bang into the middle of the story as we share along Bella's journey as she turns her life around with the ups and downs that it takes her..
I thoroughly enjoyed this title , and look forward to the next one..
March 24, 2022
I’ve read a lot of Anna Jacobs books- Australia is my
Preferred setting. The stories always have such similarities that it can be a bit redundant. But they are solid comfort reads, and are well-written and enjoyable.
Preferred setting. The stories always have such similarities that it can be a bit redundant. But they are solid comfort reads, and are well-written and enjoyable.
January 10, 2022
Loved this story really engaging characters not just the main ones!
July 22, 2023
Příběh Belly, která se díky nečekanému dědictví vzepře svému bratranci Thomasovi, u kterého dosud žila. Život neměla jednoduchý, Thomas si z ní udělal v podstatě služku. A i nyní, když se na ní usmálo štěstí v podobě zděděného domu, ji bratranec nenechá na pokoji a bude se snažit dál Belle znepříjemňovat život.
K létu patří romantika, a i když takovýto druh knížek obvykle moc nevyhledávám, přes prázdniny si je vždy užívám. Už podle obálky je jasné, že půjde o milý, nenáročný příběh a musím říci, že mi bylo v příběhu dobře.
Pří čtení jsem měla několikrát pocit, jako kdybych se dívala na film pro pamětníky. Příběh je pomalejší, ale přesto Vás nutí číst dál, abyste věděli, jak to celé dopadne.
Kniha rozhodně není špatná, ale já bych k ní měla hned několik připomínek. Kdyby autorka nenapsala, že se kniha odehrává v roce 1935, tak podle chování jednotlivých postav jsem měla při čtení pocit, že jsme se ocitli o sto let dříve. Často se zde opakovalo stále to samé. Stejné problémy, stejné věty, stejné pocity. Postavy byly jen černobílé – buď hodně špatné, nebo hodné. Bylo to celé hodně naivní.
I přesto všechno musím říci, že i po dočtení jsem na Bellu myslela, zůstala mi v hlavně a příběh si mě svým způsobem získal.
Toto je první díl nové série, tak pokud Vás zaujme, můžete se těšit na pokračování.
K létu patří romantika, a i když takovýto druh knížek obvykle moc nevyhledávám, přes prázdniny si je vždy užívám. Už podle obálky je jasné, že půjde o milý, nenáročný příběh a musím říci, že mi bylo v příběhu dobře.
Pří čtení jsem měla několikrát pocit, jako kdybych se dívala na film pro pamětníky. Příběh je pomalejší, ale přesto Vás nutí číst dál, abyste věděli, jak to celé dopadne.
Kniha rozhodně není špatná, ale já bych k ní měla hned několik připomínek. Kdyby autorka nenapsala, že se kniha odehrává v roce 1935, tak podle chování jednotlivých postav jsem měla při čtení pocit, že jsme se ocitli o sto let dříve. Často se zde opakovalo stále to samé. Stejné problémy, stejné věty, stejné pocity. Postavy byly jen černobílé – buď hodně špatné, nebo hodné. Bylo to celé hodně naivní.
I přesto všechno musím říci, že i po dočtení jsem na Bellu myslela, zůstala mi v hlavně a příběh si mě svým způsobem získal.
Toto je první díl nové série, tak pokud Vás zaujme, můžete se těšit na pokračování.
April 20, 2021
I loved it . Being from the North of England I really took to the warm, kind hearted characters in Backshaw Moss who really took Belle under their wings
There are some nasty characters who are out to destroy Belle but she's made of strong stuff and not as weak as her cousin tries to make people believe.
A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one which I hope will follow Belle's story as I feel there is lots more to find out about her inheritance which holds more surprises.
There are some nasty characters who are out to destroy Belle but she's made of strong stuff and not as weak as her cousin tries to make people believe.
A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one which I hope will follow Belle's story as I feel there is lots more to find out about her inheritance which holds more surprises.
January 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed these 2 books dated around 1930s with a very limited police force and slap of the wrist attitude about criminals, if they left the area all was good. There is a lot of bits in the book that I need answers to so hopefully will be answered in the following book this was a two books I. One so the next story was A valley secret which wasn’t quite as important interesting as the first book but still a good book. In the first book I warmed to Bella and her attitude to building a home, in the 2nd book Maisie was very different relying on her husband a lot more.
April 29, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book in a new series which easily incorporated characters from previous series.
This book is based in 1935 and the main character Bella Porter who at 36 has lived a very sheltered and controlled life through her nasty Uncle. Lots of emotions portrayed with Bellas wish to stand on her own two feet and the trials and tribulations of adapting to her new found independence.
A reality lovely start to a new series.
This book is based in 1935 and the main character Bella Porter who at 36 has lived a very sheltered and controlled life through her nasty Uncle. Lots of emotions portrayed with Bellas wish to stand on her own two feet and the trials and tribulations of adapting to her new found independence.
A reality lovely start to a new series.
May 16, 2021
Bella
Oh my gosh I loved this 1st book in backshaw moss series I didn't want it to end after losing her parents to influenza bella had to stay at her uncles house which was a hard time for her and she didn't feel safe then she was left a legacy of a house in backshaw moss and with the help of the lawyer she moved there hoping her past was behind her but she had worse to come. A really fantastic book from Anna as usual I can't wait for next book in November 5 STARS.
Oh my gosh I loved this 1st book in backshaw moss series I didn't want it to end after losing her parents to influenza bella had to stay at her uncles house which was a hard time for her and she didn't feel safe then she was left a legacy of a house in backshaw moss and with the help of the lawyer she moved there hoping her past was behind her but she had worse to come. A really fantastic book from Anna as usual I can't wait for next book in November 5 STARS.
September 6, 2021
Another delightful book from Anna Jacobs set in Lancashire. I am a retired librarian and read books purely for pleasure these days. Anna's stories are lovely, I love reading about the struggles and emotions that her strong resourceful female characters undergo and I always enjoy a happy ending. Thank you Anna, I look forward to more of your Backshaw Moss series.
February 18, 2026
Brilliant story
A lovely story from this author Anna writes such wonderful stories of people who have a tragic start like Bella from having a cruel tirant of a family member like Thomas who was horrible to her this man deserved everything that happened to him.Ryan was lovely and the children and they both deserved to be happy ever after.
A lovely story from this author Anna writes such wonderful stories of people who have a tragic start like Bella from having a cruel tirant of a family member like Thomas who was horrible to her this man deserved everything that happened to him.Ryan was lovely and the children and they both deserved to be happy ever after.
July 25, 2022
A fantastic start to a new trilogy series set on blackshaw moss, Bella is a brilliant addition to the village. It was good to remember some of the villagers from the previous Ellindale and Birch End series too. On to book 2 straight away 😀
January 27, 2023
Simple stories but quite restful and enjoyable when you have a lot going on and don't want to concentrate too much.
Some more editorial work would be good as there are a couple of inconsistencies in conversation from an early mention of the rent to a later contrary mention, which stood out.
Some more editorial work would be good as there are a couple of inconsistencies in conversation from an early mention of the rent to a later contrary mention, which stood out.
April 30, 2023
Absolutely love this book
Anna Jacob is so clever she pulls you into her stories from the very beginning you feel your living alongside the characters she tells the story about their lives . Brilliant
Can’t wait to start book 2 in the saga
Anna Jacob is so clever she pulls you into her stories from the very beginning you feel your living alongside the characters she tells the story about their lives . Brilliant
Can’t wait to start book 2 in the saga
June 3, 2024
grate start to this series, really love Bella and Ryan as characters and enjoyed catching up with old friends from the valley. The three series have all started well and i'm looking forwad to continueing this group of saga's.
July 16, 2025
Enjoyed this book as easy reading Bella inherited a cottage which turns out to be a slum and the uncle she lived with tries to take it away from her but predictably she end up marrying one of her tenants
June 24, 2021
Anna never disappoints...loved this book from start to finish. Couldn't put it down . Looking forward to next one
June 30, 2021
A wonderful book . Loved the characters and interaction from the previous books. Look forward to the next book in this series.
July 23, 2021
All's well that ends well
I chose five stars as my rating as it was the highest. I have read a lot of Anna's books. She is an amazing author who I love to read.
I chose five stars as my rating as it was the highest. I have read a lot of Anna's books. She is an amazing author who I love to read.
March 19, 2022
My first of many
I absolutely enjoyed this book the characters were amazing I'm from the north so really enjoyed this and will definitely read more of
Anna's books
I absolutely enjoyed this book the characters were amazing I'm from the north so really enjoyed this and will definitely read more of
Anna's books
April 17, 2022
very touching
Families can bean be very controversial but this one was over the hill. Luckily it all came out in the wash!
Families can bean be very controversial but this one was over the hill. Luckily it all came out in the wash!
May 19, 2022
I loved this book, was a total page Turner! I love that there are old characters from other serieses interlinked in this series too.
July 1, 2022
This is a new author for me I thoroughly enjoyed this book I love a rags to riches story with a lovely happy ending perfect
July 11, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great to see characters from previous series incorporated into this story.
September 6, 2022
The start of another great series by Anna Jacobs
October 26, 2022
Really enjoyed this book, on to the next in series
May 25, 2023
A wondering ending to a amazingly written. It took me a while to get into it but after I understood where the story was going, I could not put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews