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Devonshire Sagas #1
The Harbour Master's Daughter
Originally published as Morwellham’s Child.
Devon, 1867.
Free-spirited Rebecca Westbrook recognizes her perfect match when she sees him. His name is Captain Adam Bradley.
She is the harbour master’s daughter.
He is smouldering and sophisticated — the most eligible captain ever to sail into the quay.
Anyone can see it’s meant to be. But Rebecca is anything but charmed. Her heart belongs to Tom Mason, a lowly cooper she’s known forever.
Her father doubts Tom's ability to provide securely for her. But Tom has a plan to prove him wrong. And until then, passionate Rebecca refuses to wait to be with him.
But fate has other plans.
Tragedy strikes, shattering the couple’s dreams of a life together. Vulnerable and alone, how will Rebecca survive without her soulmate?
With the threat of bringing shame on herself and her family nipping at her heels, Rebecca can see only one way out. Is she strong enough to take it?
Devon, 1867.
Free-spirited Rebecca Westbrook recognizes her perfect match when she sees him. His name is Captain Adam Bradley.
She is the harbour master’s daughter.
He is smouldering and sophisticated — the most eligible captain ever to sail into the quay.
Anyone can see it’s meant to be. But Rebecca is anything but charmed. Her heart belongs to Tom Mason, a lowly cooper she’s known forever.
Her father doubts Tom's ability to provide securely for her. But Tom has a plan to prove him wrong. And until then, passionate Rebecca refuses to wait to be with him.
But fate has other plans.
Tragedy strikes, shattering the couple’s dreams of a life together. Vulnerable and alone, how will Rebecca survive without her soulmate?
With the threat of bringing shame on herself and her family nipping at her heels, Rebecca can see only one way out. Is she strong enough to take it?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2004
906 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 29, 2023
Devonshire 1867, going forward. Couldn't decide was
this a 2? or 2.5, so I settled on the latter. This thankfully
had minimal sex scenes (usually a few paragraphs).
Got to 70% mark and skimmed ahead.
Isaac was the harbormaster. He provided a good life for
his wife + 2 pretty dtrs Rebecca (heroine) & younger dtr.
Sarah. Becky loved cooper, Tom Mason, who supported
his widowed mother, sis Hetty (Becky's BFF) & 2 bros.
Becky's Da made clear, once Tom could afford to rent a
cabin (he & fam dwelled in a tenement) he could court
& wed Becky. Sarah favored Misha, a sailor of Russian
heritage.
Isaac invited widowed Capt. Adam Bradley, owner of 3
ships, to his home for dinner. She acted rude toward
him from the jump. Becky showed her smart + spoiled
ways. Adam felt 'love at first sight.' Adam told Isaac he
wanted to court Becky-but he learned her heart was
otherwise engaged.
About the 40% mark, I wanted Becky erased from the
story & almost DNF. She thought she knew everything.
Becky defied her Da and saw Tom on the sly.
Long story short, eventually Adam (about 11 yrs her
senior) + Becky wed, but she left out some vital
info. They had too many shouting matches, when he
wasn't at sea. Someone sabotaged one of his ships.
The thing RE the hand seemed unnecessary-the
MD monitored this daily. The MCs had another MD
available for a 2nd opinion-but passed on this. Some
of the twists/ turns seemed like Job from the Bible or
'hard times for these times' from Dickens.
It ticks me off, in a story, when good guys don't
report bad guy(s) to the magistrate in a timely
manner. This had grammar & spelling errors. IE
Tom was of "Gipsy" ancestry.
Revised.
this a 2? or 2.5, so I settled on the latter. This thankfully
had minimal sex scenes (usually a few paragraphs).
Got to 70% mark and skimmed ahead.
Isaac was the harbormaster. He provided a good life for
his wife + 2 pretty dtrs Rebecca (heroine) & younger dtr.
Sarah. Becky loved cooper, Tom Mason, who supported
his widowed mother, sis Hetty (Becky's BFF) & 2 bros.
Becky's Da made clear, once Tom could afford to rent a
cabin (he & fam dwelled in a tenement) he could court
& wed Becky. Sarah favored Misha, a sailor of Russian
heritage.
Isaac invited widowed Capt. Adam Bradley, owner of 3
ships, to his home for dinner. She acted rude toward
him from the jump. Becky showed her smart + spoiled
ways. Adam felt 'love at first sight.' Adam told Isaac he
wanted to court Becky-but he learned her heart was
otherwise engaged.
About the 40% mark, I wanted Becky erased from the
story & almost DNF. She thought she knew everything.
Becky defied her Da and saw Tom on the sly.
Long story short, eventually Adam (about 11 yrs her
senior) + Becky wed, but she left out some vital
info. They had too many shouting matches, when he
wasn't at sea. Someone sabotaged one of his ships.
The thing RE the hand seemed unnecessary-the
MD monitored this daily. The MCs had another MD
available for a 2nd opinion-but passed on this. Some
of the twists/ turns seemed like Job from the Bible or
'hard times for these times' from Dickens.
It ticks me off, in a story, when good guys don't
report bad guy(s) to the magistrate in a timely
manner. This had grammar & spelling errors. IE
Tom was of "Gipsy" ancestry.
Revised.
February 19, 2017
Author: Tania Crosse
Title: Morwellham's Child
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family Sagas, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Contemporary,
I was given this book along with the follow on the river girl.
Book Dedication: For my dearest dad, who loved ships and the sea, and for my husband, who has kept me afloat.
This book has 272 pages and 29 chapters in it.
I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio. Even if you do not read books like this.
I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone with authors and genres l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.
I highly recommend this book but l would tell people to have the follow on as well so you can carry on the story not just half of it.
Synopsis: When beautiful, free-spirited Rebecca Westbrook – daughter of Morwellham Quay's respected harbour master – meets sophisticated captain Adam Bradley, she confounds all expectations by being anything but charmed by the good looks, perfect courtesy and smoldering sexuality that make Bradley so reminiscent of Jane Austen's Darcy. On the contrary, Rebecca is angered by Bradley's superior manner, and repulsed by his attentions. For Rebecca's heart belongs to Tom Mason, A young cooper she has known all her life. Her father insistent that the pair wait until Tom is financially secure before they court openly, but the pain of separation drives Rebecca to desperate measures, her passion overriding all sense. Then tragedy strikes and Rebecca is forced to face the terrible consequences of her actions. However, she is not alone in her distress. Morwellham Quay was once the greatest copper port in Queen Victoria's empire, but now it is inhabitants face a devastating era of change that mirrors the troubled and irrevocable coming of age Rebecca must experience. Rich in detail, and vivid in characterization, this is a first-class debut saga of drama, tragedy and an overwhelming sense of love. Rebecca loss of her one true love and she thought about ending her life to be with Tom again and there would be no pain just freedom from the grief she feels and she goes to walk off the dock but Adam Bradley stops her and takes her home and her parents tell Adam about Tom and Adam wants Rebecca to be his wife but she just wants to be with Tom and she realize she is pregnant and she takes Adam offer to go on a date with him and they get married and she does not love him but she can not have a baby without being married and then they slowly fall in love with each other but then Adam has a tragic accident on his boat which he ends up losing his arm and then his wound does not seem to be healing so his doctor asks another doctor about good things to help heal it and he gets a ointment and they also have a daughter together. Adam and Rebecca love each other so much.
Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading it l was hooked after reading the first page. I loved reading about Tom and Rebecca's love. I was sad to read about Tom's tragic death but I loved that Rebecca was carrying Tom's baby and l think Rebecca loved Adam from the very first day she seen him and Adam loved Rebecca and he just wanted her to tell him how she felt. I was sad to read about Adam losing a arm in a accident and that his cousin tried to kill Adam and Rebecca nearly drowned because of him but thankfully Adam saved her and they went on to have a baby together. They was much in love with each other. I was glad to hear Adam's arm was healing by the ointment. Adam is a great dad to Toby even though he is not his son but he does not treat him any different then his daughter he loves them the same. Rebecca will never forget Tom but she can love again. I was happy to read that Rebecca carried out Tom's dream to get his family a better house and get them out of the damp place where Tom died. Adam and Rebecca get to meet the person that made the ointment that healed his arm. I was sad to read that Rebecca had a miscarriage. Adam's cousin died he drowned and Adam got everything he owned because Adam was his only living family member and it took days to find his body. Adam and Rebecca can get on with their lives and not have to worry about his cousin. It was Adam's cousin that caused the accident that made him lose his arm. I am happy to be able to read the follow on to this book the river girl.
About The Author: Dartmoor historical novelist Tania Crosse was born in London but at a very young age she moved to Surrey where her love of the countryside took root. She always enjoyed reading and has composed stories ever since she could hold a pen. After studying french Literature at university, she devoted twenty years to bringing up her three children. But her passion for writing never left her, and side by side with her in-depth research on to Victorian social history, she began to pen her novels in earnest as her family grew up. When Tania discovered Morwellham Quay, the restored Victorian cooper port and now living history museum in Devon, she fell in love with this magical place and felt a spiritual compulsion to create a story that would illustrate life there in times gone by. This led to the publication of her debut novel, 'Morwellham's Child' and now Tania has thrilled her readers with over 100,000 copies sold of her first two titles alone. She is rated among the top five per cent of authors for library loans in the uk, and her books are now being published in the us and translated in to European languages. Tania is continuing to work on her series of novels illustrating the rich history of Tavistock and the surrounding area of Dartmoor from Victorian times to the 1950's. She hates being categorized as a writer of historical romance. The history comes first, she insists, and the human tales develop from her research. The characters lead harsh, demanding lives and their stories are often cruel and harrowing. ' l tell it like it was', she says. Tania has been happily married for forty years and claims she would never have achieved her success without her husband's support. They live partly in Berkshire and partly at their tiny cottage on Dartmoor where Tania retreats to write and absorbs the atmosphere of the places that inspire her.
About The Book. This book cover is really nice and the colours is not too bright or not too dull. The font is really nice not too big and not too small.
Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars
Title: Morwellham's Child
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family Sagas, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Contemporary,
I was given this book along with the follow on the river girl.
Book Dedication: For my dearest dad, who loved ships and the sea, and for my husband, who has kept me afloat.
This book has 272 pages and 29 chapters in it.
I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio. Even if you do not read books like this.
I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone with authors and genres l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.
I highly recommend this book but l would tell people to have the follow on as well so you can carry on the story not just half of it.
Synopsis: When beautiful, free-spirited Rebecca Westbrook – daughter of Morwellham Quay's respected harbour master – meets sophisticated captain Adam Bradley, she confounds all expectations by being anything but charmed by the good looks, perfect courtesy and smoldering sexuality that make Bradley so reminiscent of Jane Austen's Darcy. On the contrary, Rebecca is angered by Bradley's superior manner, and repulsed by his attentions. For Rebecca's heart belongs to Tom Mason, A young cooper she has known all her life. Her father insistent that the pair wait until Tom is financially secure before they court openly, but the pain of separation drives Rebecca to desperate measures, her passion overriding all sense. Then tragedy strikes and Rebecca is forced to face the terrible consequences of her actions. However, she is not alone in her distress. Morwellham Quay was once the greatest copper port in Queen Victoria's empire, but now it is inhabitants face a devastating era of change that mirrors the troubled and irrevocable coming of age Rebecca must experience. Rich in detail, and vivid in characterization, this is a first-class debut saga of drama, tragedy and an overwhelming sense of love. Rebecca loss of her one true love and she thought about ending her life to be with Tom again and there would be no pain just freedom from the grief she feels and she goes to walk off the dock but Adam Bradley stops her and takes her home and her parents tell Adam about Tom and Adam wants Rebecca to be his wife but she just wants to be with Tom and she realize she is pregnant and she takes Adam offer to go on a date with him and they get married and she does not love him but she can not have a baby without being married and then they slowly fall in love with each other but then Adam has a tragic accident on his boat which he ends up losing his arm and then his wound does not seem to be healing so his doctor asks another doctor about good things to help heal it and he gets a ointment and they also have a daughter together. Adam and Rebecca love each other so much.
Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading it l was hooked after reading the first page. I loved reading about Tom and Rebecca's love. I was sad to read about Tom's tragic death but I loved that Rebecca was carrying Tom's baby and l think Rebecca loved Adam from the very first day she seen him and Adam loved Rebecca and he just wanted her to tell him how she felt. I was sad to read about Adam losing a arm in a accident and that his cousin tried to kill Adam and Rebecca nearly drowned because of him but thankfully Adam saved her and they went on to have a baby together. They was much in love with each other. I was glad to hear Adam's arm was healing by the ointment. Adam is a great dad to Toby even though he is not his son but he does not treat him any different then his daughter he loves them the same. Rebecca will never forget Tom but she can love again. I was happy to read that Rebecca carried out Tom's dream to get his family a better house and get them out of the damp place where Tom died. Adam and Rebecca get to meet the person that made the ointment that healed his arm. I was sad to read that Rebecca had a miscarriage. Adam's cousin died he drowned and Adam got everything he owned because Adam was his only living family member and it took days to find his body. Adam and Rebecca can get on with their lives and not have to worry about his cousin. It was Adam's cousin that caused the accident that made him lose his arm. I am happy to be able to read the follow on to this book the river girl.
About The Author: Dartmoor historical novelist Tania Crosse was born in London but at a very young age she moved to Surrey where her love of the countryside took root. She always enjoyed reading and has composed stories ever since she could hold a pen. After studying french Literature at university, she devoted twenty years to bringing up her three children. But her passion for writing never left her, and side by side with her in-depth research on to Victorian social history, she began to pen her novels in earnest as her family grew up. When Tania discovered Morwellham Quay, the restored Victorian cooper port and now living history museum in Devon, she fell in love with this magical place and felt a spiritual compulsion to create a story that would illustrate life there in times gone by. This led to the publication of her debut novel, 'Morwellham's Child' and now Tania has thrilled her readers with over 100,000 copies sold of her first two titles alone. She is rated among the top five per cent of authors for library loans in the uk, and her books are now being published in the us and translated in to European languages. Tania is continuing to work on her series of novels illustrating the rich history of Tavistock and the surrounding area of Dartmoor from Victorian times to the 1950's. She hates being categorized as a writer of historical romance. The history comes first, she insists, and the human tales develop from her research. The characters lead harsh, demanding lives and their stories are often cruel and harrowing. ' l tell it like it was', she says. Tania has been happily married for forty years and claims she would never have achieved her success without her husband's support. They live partly in Berkshire and partly at their tiny cottage on Dartmoor where Tania retreats to write and absorbs the atmosphere of the places that inspire her.
About The Book. This book cover is really nice and the colours is not too bright or not too dull. The font is really nice not too big and not too small.
Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars
Want to read
March 2, 2023THE DEVONSHIRE SAGAS BOOKS 1–5 five compelling sagas box set (Devonshire Sagas box sets) BOOK 1: THE HARBOUR MASTER’S DAUGHTER
Free-spirited Rebecca Westbrook recognizes her perfect match when she sees him. His name is Captain Adam Bradley. She is the harbour master’s daughter. He is the most eligible captain ever to sail into the quay. Anyone can see it’s meant to be. But Rebecca is anything but charmed. Her heart belongs to Tom Mason, a lowly cooper she’s known forever. But fate has other plans . . .
BOOK 2: THE RIVER GIRL
Elizabeth Thornton has every reason to want to escape the ramshackle farm on the wilds of Dartmoor. Since her father’s death, she’s been trapped in the clutches of her lascivious uncle. When a position opens up at Rosebank Hall, she jumps at the chance to be a domestic drudge. One night, the cantankerous master’s wayward son turns up, wounded in a foreign conflict. Elizabeth nurses him and the pair grow closer. But her uncle isn’t ready to relinquish her yet . . .
BOOK 3: THE GUNPOWDER GIRL
Rose Maddiford, vivacious and intelligent, is in no hurry to marry unless it is for true love — and certainly not while she can help her father manage the Cherrybrook Gunpowder Mills. When tragedy strikes, Rose’s father is injured by an explosion and the family is left teetering on the edge of poverty. Rose is left with just two options: accept arrogant, controlling Charles Chadwicks’s proposal or let her family perish.
BOOK 4: THE QUARRY GIRL
The future for Ling Southcott, a quarryman’s daughter, seems to be already mapped. Marriage to her childhood sweetheart Barney and a cluster of children. Then Ling is rescued from a fatal blow. Her rescuer is handsome young medical student Elliott Franfield. He is a man of education, so different from her unambitious Barney. Almost against her will, Ling feels her eyes open to what life could have in store.
BOOK 5: THE RAILWAY GIRL
Life has not been kind to dairymaid Tresca Ladycott. Her flighty farmhand father is out of work yet again and Tresca is faced with keeping them both in their tiny garret home. But Tresca feels that dashing Irish foreman Connor O’Mahoney had a hand in her father’s dismissal. Even so, she finds herself drawn to this mysterious stranger and a battle ensues between her head and her heart. Will she keep fighting for her dreams when all hope seems lost?
Free-spirited Rebecca Westbrook recognizes her perfect match when she sees him. His name is Captain Adam Bradley. She is the harbour master’s daughter. He is the most eligible captain ever to sail into the quay. Anyone can see it’s meant to be. But Rebecca is anything but charmed. Her heart belongs to Tom Mason, a lowly cooper she’s known forever. But fate has other plans . . .
BOOK 2: THE RIVER GIRL
Elizabeth Thornton has every reason to want to escape the ramshackle farm on the wilds of Dartmoor. Since her father’s death, she’s been trapped in the clutches of her lascivious uncle. When a position opens up at Rosebank Hall, she jumps at the chance to be a domestic drudge. One night, the cantankerous master’s wayward son turns up, wounded in a foreign conflict. Elizabeth nurses him and the pair grow closer. But her uncle isn’t ready to relinquish her yet . . .
BOOK 3: THE GUNPOWDER GIRL
Rose Maddiford, vivacious and intelligent, is in no hurry to marry unless it is for true love — and certainly not while she can help her father manage the Cherrybrook Gunpowder Mills. When tragedy strikes, Rose’s father is injured by an explosion and the family is left teetering on the edge of poverty. Rose is left with just two options: accept arrogant, controlling Charles Chadwicks’s proposal or let her family perish.
BOOK 4: THE QUARRY GIRL
The future for Ling Southcott, a quarryman’s daughter, seems to be already mapped. Marriage to her childhood sweetheart Barney and a cluster of children. Then Ling is rescued from a fatal blow. Her rescuer is handsome young medical student Elliott Franfield. He is a man of education, so different from her unambitious Barney. Almost against her will, Ling feels her eyes open to what life could have in store.
BOOK 5: THE RAILWAY GIRL
Life has not been kind to dairymaid Tresca Ladycott. Her flighty farmhand father is out of work yet again and Tresca is faced with keeping them both in their tiny garret home. But Tresca feels that dashing Irish foreman Connor O’Mahoney had a hand in her father’s dismissal. Even so, she finds herself drawn to this mysterious stranger and a battle ensues between her head and her heart. Will she keep fighting for her dreams when all hope seems lost?
June 2, 2023
The Harbour Master's Daughter is a compelling read. It is a story of love, grief, betrayal and family and so, so, so much more.
I was enthralled not only by how beautifully this book was written, but the detailed account of life in the 1800s, and how sympathetic it is to that time period. This author has done an immense amount of research and it shows. She also knows how to engage the reader with a wealth of majestic characters that bind you to the story.
Grief brings sadness to the Harbour Master's Daughter in many ways. The strength of Rebecca's character is captivating. From young girl to womanhood, life isn't easy and happiness is often lost before she has a chance to grab it.
This story is vibrant. It is remarkably emotional and very special. It isn't your typical love story, but a story of courage, of looking beyond a disability to find what truly matters.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in what is a wonderful series.
I was enthralled not only by how beautifully this book was written, but the detailed account of life in the 1800s, and how sympathetic it is to that time period. This author has done an immense amount of research and it shows. She also knows how to engage the reader with a wealth of majestic characters that bind you to the story.
Grief brings sadness to the Harbour Master's Daughter in many ways. The strength of Rebecca's character is captivating. From young girl to womanhood, life isn't easy and happiness is often lost before she has a chance to grab it.
This story is vibrant. It is remarkably emotional and very special. It isn't your typical love story, but a story of courage, of looking beyond a disability to find what truly matters.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in what is a wonderful series.
June 11, 2021
My love of historical fiction is down to Tania so I was very happy to have been asked to read and review so huge thanks to Tania, Joffe Books and Jill Burkinshaw (Books n All Book Promotions) for sending me a copy of the book in exchange of a honest review.
Set in beautiful Devon in 1867, Tania’s writing style is truly wonderful. Her descriptions of Devon really did set the scene and had me hooked until the very end. An emotional read that had me on the edge of my seat throughout, I absolutely hated having to put this down.
I really enjoyed reading through the eyes of main character Rebecca, headstrong, fearless, passionate and caring. She knows what she wants from her future and with who but when tragedy follows tragedy and a few more after that Rebecca knows not to give up but to fight to survive.
I couldn’t have predicted how the story unfolded which was brilliant, so hats off to Tania for producing a well written story that grabbed my attention from the get go. I felt invested in all the characters, I still often think of them now as I could easily have kept reading, I didn’t want Rebecca’s story to end.
If you usually shy away from historical fiction which I used to do in the past then I totally recommend picking up a Tania Crosse book.
Set in beautiful Devon in 1867, Tania’s writing style is truly wonderful. Her descriptions of Devon really did set the scene and had me hooked until the very end. An emotional read that had me on the edge of my seat throughout, I absolutely hated having to put this down.
I really enjoyed reading through the eyes of main character Rebecca, headstrong, fearless, passionate and caring. She knows what she wants from her future and with who but when tragedy follows tragedy and a few more after that Rebecca knows not to give up but to fight to survive.
I couldn’t have predicted how the story unfolded which was brilliant, so hats off to Tania for producing a well written story that grabbed my attention from the get go. I felt invested in all the characters, I still often think of them now as I could easily have kept reading, I didn’t want Rebecca’s story to end.
If you usually shy away from historical fiction which I used to do in the past then I totally recommend picking up a Tania Crosse book.
October 14, 2022
A 'romantic' novel set in Devon..Full of the challenges that faced people in 1867.
May 17, 2023
A classic storyline so a little predictable. It doesn’t take away from it being a good read with well developed characters.
October 19, 2019
4 out of 5 stars
This is a beautiful historical fiction set in morwellham quay in the Victorian era. The leading lady is Rebecca Westbrook who is the eldest daughter of the harbour master. She is still in her early adulthood when we meet her and she is in love with Tom who is a young cooper, a man she had known all her life. Her father will not let them marry until his more financially stable but Rebecca will do all she can to oppose that. As with most romance tragedy gets in the way. Captain Adam Bradley appears in her life before this and she makes decisions that affect everyone. The thing I love the most throughout this book is Rebeccas strength. She has so much thrown at her and although she does get things wrong she doesn’t give up. There is a lot of hard hitting things in this that can be upsetting but the author does write with a passion that you understand the context they are put in for and the need for them at each part of the book. Oh and the location is described so well that you can envisage yourself there.
This is a beautiful historical fiction set in morwellham quay in the Victorian era. The leading lady is Rebecca Westbrook who is the eldest daughter of the harbour master. She is still in her early adulthood when we meet her and she is in love with Tom who is a young cooper, a man she had known all her life. Her father will not let them marry until his more financially stable but Rebecca will do all she can to oppose that. As with most romance tragedy gets in the way. Captain Adam Bradley appears in her life before this and she makes decisions that affect everyone. The thing I love the most throughout this book is Rebeccas strength. She has so much thrown at her and although she does get things wrong she doesn’t give up. There is a lot of hard hitting things in this that can be upsetting but the author does write with a passion that you understand the context they are put in for and the need for them at each part of the book. Oh and the location is described so well that you can envisage yourself there.
August 19, 2012
Well, it's not the greatest, but it certainly makes a change from Colonialism...
September 29, 2012
Really enjoyed this book, especially as it was set in an area near where I live.
February 12, 2014
Totally in love with this book! Highly recommend!
http://sayury.blog.cz/1402/divka-z-pr...
http://sayury.blog.cz/1402/divka-z-pr...
February 23, 2020
A really enjoyable read. I loved the setting of Morwellham’s Quay and the shipping background. Rebecca and Adam were such great characters .
May 30, 2021
Now I have a little confession to make. Although I have several of Tania’s books on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one……………until now that is. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’, I knew that I would never get a better opportunity to read Tania’s work. Having just finished reading ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’, I am now rather cross at myself for leaving it this long to discover how flipping good her books are. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ but more about that in a bit.
Anybody who knows me, knows that not only am I a book geek, but I am also a history nerd and I absolutely love reading historical fiction. I was drawn to this book from the synopsis alone and the story between the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. It took me a couple of chapters to get into this story but once I got into it then that was it. I found it extremely difficult to put the book down for any length of time. I was swept along by the story and I had to find out how the story concluded and what this meant for the various characters. The pages turned at a steady pace as I worked my way through the story. I found ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ to be an emotional read, which held my attention throughout.
‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ is well written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be a compelling read. This was somewhat of an emotional read as I felt myself going through the various emotions that the different characters were going through. I love the very vivid and realistic descriptions that Tania uses in her storytelling as she really does bring the Victorian era to life. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and at the heart of the action.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Tania’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
Anybody who knows me, knows that not only am I a book geek, but I am also a history nerd and I absolutely love reading historical fiction. I was drawn to this book from the synopsis alone and the story between the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. It took me a couple of chapters to get into this story but once I got into it then that was it. I found it extremely difficult to put the book down for any length of time. I was swept along by the story and I had to find out how the story concluded and what this meant for the various characters. The pages turned at a steady pace as I worked my way through the story. I found ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ to be an emotional read, which held my attention throughout.
‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ is well written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be a compelling read. This was somewhat of an emotional read as I felt myself going through the various emotions that the different characters were going through. I love the very vivid and realistic descriptions that Tania uses in her storytelling as she really does bring the Victorian era to life. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and at the heart of the action.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Tania’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
January 3, 2022
Historical romance. Easy reading
I found this book refreshingly light and a welcome change from some of my recent reading.
Set in Devon in the once busy port of Morwellham Quay it tells the story of Rebecca, the headstrong daughter of the Harbour Master. Madly in love with Tom who is tragically snatched from her she finds herself with child and then married in haste to Adam, a handsome sea captain who is completely enchanted by her innocent beauty but whose feelings Rebecca cannot reciprocate.
However, Adams love for Rebecca surmounts all obstacles and eventually she finds she has fallen in love with him in equal measures and together they make a comfortable life with Rebecca's baby son.
Sadly their happiness is soon threatened by the appearance of Adams vile cousin, Fred, who sets out to ruin the life they have built. When Adam suffers a life changing injury it looks as though Fred's plan has suceeded.
Will Rebecca and Adam weather the storm which threatens their livelihood, their love and their very existence? Can they regain the happiness they once knew?
I enjoyed following their journey and, as I turned the pages, I found myself willing them to fight back when all seemed so hopeless.
The Harbourmasters Daughter is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys light romance with a touch of intrigue and danger. For me it was an escape into a more idyllic time and place and, strangely, two decades ago, whilst on holiday, we actually visited Morwellham Quay, now an excellent Living Museum, so I was able to conjure up a very vivid picture of the setting upon which this novel is based.
A splendid read.
I found this book refreshingly light and a welcome change from some of my recent reading.
Set in Devon in the once busy port of Morwellham Quay it tells the story of Rebecca, the headstrong daughter of the Harbour Master. Madly in love with Tom who is tragically snatched from her she finds herself with child and then married in haste to Adam, a handsome sea captain who is completely enchanted by her innocent beauty but whose feelings Rebecca cannot reciprocate.
However, Adams love for Rebecca surmounts all obstacles and eventually she finds she has fallen in love with him in equal measures and together they make a comfortable life with Rebecca's baby son.
Sadly their happiness is soon threatened by the appearance of Adams vile cousin, Fred, who sets out to ruin the life they have built. When Adam suffers a life changing injury it looks as though Fred's plan has suceeded.
Will Rebecca and Adam weather the storm which threatens their livelihood, their love and their very existence? Can they regain the happiness they once knew?
I enjoyed following their journey and, as I turned the pages, I found myself willing them to fight back when all seemed so hopeless.
The Harbourmasters Daughter is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys light romance with a touch of intrigue and danger. For me it was an escape into a more idyllic time and place and, strangely, two decades ago, whilst on holiday, we actually visited Morwellham Quay, now an excellent Living Museum, so I was able to conjure up a very vivid picture of the setting upon which this novel is based.
A splendid read.
May 26, 2021
This is another brilliant historical fiction by Tania Crosse. As with the other books from this author this one has some adrenaline pumping suspense interwoven in a gripping historical read that had me turning page after page.
Rebecca is happy living in her remote village and is in love with Tom the only fly in the ointment is that her father won't allow them to wed until Tom has completed his apprenticeship and can provide a suitable home for them.
As the story unfolds we follow Rebecca from one tragic loss that is just the beginning of a chain of events that will test Rebecca to the limit as the reader is invited in to life in the hard times of life back then.
Thrown into the mix is Fred, evilness personified and determined to ruin Rebecca financially, physically and mentally. This adds adrenaline pumping suspense to the story.
The characters are realistic and fit the story perfectly. Rebecca with her spirit is offset perfectly by her sister, Sarah who is much softer and gentler. Adam, a man who loves Rebecca but has put up walls of steel to protect his heart. A kind gentle man totally misunderstood by Rebecca. The pair were thrown together by circumstances but can they find happiness and love?
What really makes the story for me is the absolutely brilliant description of the area and scenery which puts the reader into the time zone and area perfectly. The author's note at the end informing the reader about Morwellham Quay was the icing on the cake at the end of a brilliant read.
5 stars from me.
Rebecca is happy living in her remote village and is in love with Tom the only fly in the ointment is that her father won't allow them to wed until Tom has completed his apprenticeship and can provide a suitable home for them.
As the story unfolds we follow Rebecca from one tragic loss that is just the beginning of a chain of events that will test Rebecca to the limit as the reader is invited in to life in the hard times of life back then.
Thrown into the mix is Fred, evilness personified and determined to ruin Rebecca financially, physically and mentally. This adds adrenaline pumping suspense to the story.
The characters are realistic and fit the story perfectly. Rebecca with her spirit is offset perfectly by her sister, Sarah who is much softer and gentler. Adam, a man who loves Rebecca but has put up walls of steel to protect his heart. A kind gentle man totally misunderstood by Rebecca. The pair were thrown together by circumstances but can they find happiness and love?
What really makes the story for me is the absolutely brilliant description of the area and scenery which puts the reader into the time zone and area perfectly. The author's note at the end informing the reader about Morwellham Quay was the icing on the cake at the end of a brilliant read.
5 stars from me.
August 9, 2024
What an enthralling adventure I have just been on. The Harbour Master’s Daughter is, unsurprisingly, about the harbour master’s daughter - the clue is in the title. Despite her father wishing her to wed the handsome Captain, Rebecca has given her heart to Tom. These two young love birds have to wait until Tom has earned enough to give Rebecca a decent standard of living, as her father will not let her marry him until he does. But then tragedy strikes and Rebecca is forced to reconsider her choices - maybe being married to the Captain is not such a bad idea after all.
Stop the press and listen up - if you enjoy Catherine Cookson / Poldark type novels, then this book has to be on your read list. There are enough twists and turns that this story never lags. If anything, the more things that happen, the more the plot seems to speed up. The characters are beautifully portrayed, and the story is really quite brilliant, actually.
There is an evil antagonist in this novel - there always has to be one family member that has to be a total ass. The author also addresses subjects such as death, miscarriage and injury, but she dose so in a very delicate way.
I listen to this book on audio and I thought Emma Powell really gave life to the characters and the story. It is only a mere 11.17 hours on audio, but it really did not feel that long.
I loved this book, and I know you will too. It is a five star from me.
Stop the press and listen up - if you enjoy Catherine Cookson / Poldark type novels, then this book has to be on your read list. There are enough twists and turns that this story never lags. If anything, the more things that happen, the more the plot seems to speed up. The characters are beautifully portrayed, and the story is really quite brilliant, actually.
There is an evil antagonist in this novel - there always has to be one family member that has to be a total ass. The author also addresses subjects such as death, miscarriage and injury, but she dose so in a very delicate way.
I listen to this book on audio and I thought Emma Powell really gave life to the characters and the story. It is only a mere 11.17 hours on audio, but it really did not feel that long.
I loved this book, and I know you will too. It is a five star from me.
June 2, 2021
What a great start to a series!
Rebecca Westbrook is the harbour master’s daughter; he wants to secure her future so has delayed in giving his permission to her childhood friend to court her until he is financially secure – but Rebecca can’t wait. When Captain Adam Bradley is invited to dinner at the family home there is a definite attraction which Rebecca denies. Her future is with Tom. But things don’t always go to plan and all of a sudden Captain Bradley takes on a whole new attraction.
Tania Crosse certainly knows how to write a gripping, compelling tale; when I was asked to join this tour I had the option of reading either book and plumped for this one so I could begin with the first in the series. This is a terrific read with such a lot going on, even a bit of a mystery woven into the pages and lots of twists and turns along the way. Beautifully written, this is a well-crafted story which kept me hooked all the way to the very end and I look forward to continuing with the series. Definitely recommended to all lovers of all good historical fiction, I’m very happy to give this one 4.5*.
Rebecca Westbrook is the harbour master’s daughter; he wants to secure her future so has delayed in giving his permission to her childhood friend to court her until he is financially secure – but Rebecca can’t wait. When Captain Adam Bradley is invited to dinner at the family home there is a definite attraction which Rebecca denies. Her future is with Tom. But things don’t always go to plan and all of a sudden Captain Bradley takes on a whole new attraction.
Tania Crosse certainly knows how to write a gripping, compelling tale; when I was asked to join this tour I had the option of reading either book and plumped for this one so I could begin with the first in the series. This is a terrific read with such a lot going on, even a bit of a mystery woven into the pages and lots of twists and turns along the way. Beautifully written, this is a well-crafted story which kept me hooked all the way to the very end and I look forward to continuing with the series. Definitely recommended to all lovers of all good historical fiction, I’m very happy to give this one 4.5*.
November 1, 2024
In this captivating novel, the central character, Rebecca, is a well-respected harbour master’s daughter. She’s wilful, intelligent, and intensely loyal. As the plot unfolds, these traits come to test and aid her.
The story opens with Rebecca and her childhood sweetheart, Tom, deeply in love. Grave events soon transpire, causing Rebecca to find herself bereft and misguided. Determined not to let her family down, she begins a new life fraught with mixed emotions and unforeseen difficulties.
The author skilfully weaves the story into an authentic nineteenth-century setting. Her characters are strong, and her descriptions are vibrant, sometimes shocking and always eloquent. The narrative features unexpected traumas and kindnesses as Rebecca and her family face immense challenges. Even in the closing pages, I was unsure whether she would survive.
I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent, gripping book.
The story opens with Rebecca and her childhood sweetheart, Tom, deeply in love. Grave events soon transpire, causing Rebecca to find herself bereft and misguided. Determined not to let her family down, she begins a new life fraught with mixed emotions and unforeseen difficulties.
The author skilfully weaves the story into an authentic nineteenth-century setting. Her characters are strong, and her descriptions are vibrant, sometimes shocking and always eloquent. The narrative features unexpected traumas and kindnesses as Rebecca and her family face immense challenges. Even in the closing pages, I was unsure whether she would survive.
I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent, gripping book.
July 22, 2022
Rebecca is determined that one day she will marry Tom although her father says they must wait until Tom is able to earn a decent living and give Rebecca a respectable home. Before this can happen though, Tom falls ill and dies, leaving Rebecca broken hearted and pregnant. Captain Adam Bradley is a wealthy man and has already set his sights on Rebecca so she decides to marry him but has not told him about the baby. Tragedy strikes again when Adam has a serious accident on one of his boats and cannot work, so Rebecca takes over running his businesses and gradually begins to have feelings for him but will Adam believe her? This is a lovely book which I did not want to put down. It deserves more than 5 stars.
January 13, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having lived in Devon all my life, and having visited Morwellham Quay in the past, I loved the descriptions and also the odd snatches of Devonshire dialect. The story held my attention right from the first page, and I read the book in a few days. The descriptions of poverty highlighted just how difficult life was for people living at that time and how very precarious their livelihoods were. Having read the book, I would love to visit Morwellham Quay again, but I believe it is now closed, which is a pity. I will be reading more books by this author.
December 30, 2021
Good story
This is the first time I've read this author and found i enjoyed this story very much a bit different to other stories I've read,i thought Rebecca was a lovely lady but had so much bad luck throughout her young life,i thought her husband seemed a nice person until he had the accident but it must have been very difficult for him im glad she stayed with him it took while for her to realise how much he ment to her in the end.I would recommend this author to all readers.
This is the first time I've read this author and found i enjoyed this story very much a bit different to other stories I've read,i thought Rebecca was a lovely lady but had so much bad luck throughout her young life,i thought her husband seemed a nice person until he had the accident but it must have been very difficult for him im glad she stayed with him it took while for her to realise how much he ment to her in the end.I would recommend this author to all readers.
July 19, 2022
The female lead is the worst of all
I am finding it so hard to continue reading this book. It’s not the writing, its the character of Rebecca. I don’t understand why the hero agreed to marry her, tolerate her. I felt he should have kicked her out of his house, at several occasions! Shamelessly keeps picking up fights with him despite all that he has done to her. At this point even if there were a happy ending for them, it would not make me feel any better. The story should have killed her and made the hero find happiness else where!
I am finding it so hard to continue reading this book. It’s not the writing, its the character of Rebecca. I don’t understand why the hero agreed to marry her, tolerate her. I felt he should have kicked her out of his house, at several occasions! Shamelessly keeps picking up fights with him despite all that he has done to her. At this point even if there were a happy ending for them, it would not make me feel any better. The story should have killed her and made the hero find happiness else where!
March 7, 2022
This was an enjoyable read that has been well researched. My only bugbear was that for the first half I thought the heroine was a rather unlikeable selfish character and she does pull a rather nasty "fast one" that does her no credit. I would have softened her a bit earlier in the book. However, there is lots to keep the reader interested and I will certainly read more of this author's work.
May 12, 2023
I've read a few "daughter" books in the past and enjoyed them. I'll admit, though, to deleting this one less than 10% in. This daughter is whiney, spoiled, and self-serving. She wants what she wants and she wants it now. She wants to be an adult but acts like a baby. I got so aggravated with her that I quit the book, something I almost never do.
May 18, 2023
Harbor Master's Daughter
I very much enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about the various vessels and their importance in days long past. I was unfamiliar with many words, but enjoyed learning their meanings. All this in addition to reading a very interesting story with unexpected turns and twists.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about the various vessels and their importance in days long past. I was unfamiliar with many words, but enjoyed learning their meanings. All this in addition to reading a very interesting story with unexpected turns and twists.
July 3, 2023
I finished this book last night and am still trying to write a review. There are so many things about this story. Romance and devastating tragedies one after another. A sea going cargo business which is feeling the effects of the changing era, tragedy and losses. Rebecca is a strong willed woman, but Adam is a very wonderful man.
It was quite a story and a good read.
It was quite a story and a good read.
November 15, 2024
A well written story
Rebecca was the harbour master's eldest daughter, and in love with Tom, who worked as a cooper. She was a strong and wilful young woman and I liked how she handled everything that life threw at her. I enjoyed reading about the people who lived on the coast at that period of history.
Rebecca was the harbour master's eldest daughter, and in love with Tom, who worked as a cooper. She was a strong and wilful young woman and I liked how she handled everything that life threw at her. I enjoyed reading about the people who lived on the coast at that period of history.
July 7, 2025
This story is set in the mid-1800s with a young lady who is the daughter of the harbour master and her love life in the Devon port. At first, the main character annoyed me as she came across as whiny and cruel, but the book got better about 1/3rd of the way through. The book is about love and how life is unexpected but works out in the end.
July 18, 2021
GRIPPING from start to finish
First time I read Tania's books and most certainly not the last. I loved the way you almost feel part of the story, good morals, great historic and interesting.
First time I read Tania's books and most certainly not the last. I loved the way you almost feel part of the story, good morals, great historic and interesting.
September 4, 2021
This is my first book of Tania Crosse.
Very enjoyable book, I will be looking for my next one very soon.
I liked her style of writing as she covered every detail which brought the story to life. Fabulous!!
Very enjoyable book, I will be looking for my next one very soon.
I liked her style of writing as she covered every detail which brought the story to life. Fabulous!!
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