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Devonshire Sagas #2
The River Girl
Dartmoor, 1858.
Elizabeth Thornton has every reason to want to escape from home — a ramshackle farm in the middle of nowhere on the wilds of Dartmoor. Since her father’s death, she’s been trapped here, in the clutches of her lascivious uncle.
When a position opens up at Rosebank Hall, she jumps at the chance. She will be a domestic drudge at the beck and call of the house’s cantankerous master.
It’s hardly the career of her dreams. Elizabeth wants to be a doctor, but she’ll do anything to be free of her uncle.
Then one night, the master’s wayward son turns up, wounded in a conflict in a foreign country — damaged in every way a person can be.
But as Elizabeth nurses him back to life, the pair grow closer and everything changes.
But Elizabeth’s uncle isn’t ready to relinquish her yet . . .
Will she keep on fighting for her freedom? Even with her dark past nipping at her heels?
Elizabeth Thornton has every reason to want to escape from home — a ramshackle farm in the middle of nowhere on the wilds of Dartmoor. Since her father’s death, she’s been trapped here, in the clutches of her lascivious uncle.
When a position opens up at Rosebank Hall, she jumps at the chance. She will be a domestic drudge at the beck and call of the house’s cantankerous master.
It’s hardly the career of her dreams. Elizabeth wants to be a doctor, but she’ll do anything to be free of her uncle.
Then one night, the master’s wayward son turns up, wounded in a conflict in a foreign country — damaged in every way a person can be.
But as Elizabeth nurses him back to life, the pair grow closer and everything changes.
But Elizabeth’s uncle isn’t ready to relinquish her yet . . .
Will she keep on fighting for her freedom? Even with her dark past nipping at her heels?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2006
314 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 7, 2021
Dartmoor England 1854 through 1874. IMO this seemed
more a general novel then a romance. The incest fondling
& more attempt was explained away.
This had grinding poverty & 3 leering men (1 an 'opium
eater'& 1 a relative: gross). 2 were old enough to be the
heroine's father & the 3rd had no sense. None were smart
enough to attract her interest. They intimidated her.
Elizabeth was trained on a farm, w/ care mostly of the
animals and a background in herbs to treat human (and
some animal) aliments and injuries. And trained as a
nurse, supervised by a physician. She had wisdom beyond
her years. She met Richard again when she treated him
for a thigh wound. His daughter only spoke French. (The
author assumed all readers were fluent in French?) The
MCs started off rocky & later grew close. The antagonists
took attn away from the MCs. Too much woman in peril
for me.
This story had too much revenge, too many antagonists,
too many mishaps and too much repetition.
more a general novel then a romance. The incest fondling
& more attempt was explained away.
This had grinding poverty & 3 leering men (1 an 'opium
eater'& 1 a relative: gross). 2 were old enough to be the
heroine's father & the 3rd had no sense. None were smart
enough to attract her interest. They intimidated her.
Elizabeth was trained on a farm, w/ care mostly of the
animals and a background in herbs to treat human (and
some animal) aliments and injuries. And trained as a
nurse, supervised by a physician. She had wisdom beyond
her years. She met Richard again when she treated him
for a thigh wound. His daughter only spoke French. (The
author assumed all readers were fluent in French?) The
MCs started off rocky & later grew close. The antagonists
took attn away from the MCs. Too much woman in peril
for me.
This story had too much revenge, too many antagonists,
too many mishaps and too much repetition.
February 19, 2017
Author: Tania Crosse
Title: The River Girl
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family Sagas, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Family, Sagas,
I was given this book along with Morwellham's child.
Book Dedication: For Pearlikins, who nurtured my interest in both medicine and plants.
And for my husband, who has been the rock of my life.
This book has 544 pages.
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 you should read the Morwellham's child first as this is the follow on to that book.
Synopsis: Brought up on her uncle's lowly tenant farm, Elizabeth Thornton yearns to escape his clutches. But when a vengeful obsession from another source comes back to haunt her – and the man she loves reveals a dark secret – each of them is forced to confront a personal terror. When Elizabeth's auntie dies in childbirth her uncle turns his attention to Elizabeth because he says she looks just like her auntie and he wants to marry Elizabeth but her mother has a plan to get her away from him when she dies of cancer but he will not like it.
Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading it. I was happy to be able to carry on the story from Morwellham's child. I was sad to read that Elizabeth's dad, auntie and mother all passed away. Leaving Elizabeth with her uncle who tried to rape her and he tried to get her to marry him but her mother made plans for her to be a live in nurse maid for Josiah so she was not around her uncle because her mother knew what he was like with women. I hated reading that her uncle cut off all her hair off and made her fall to the point that her eye was nearly closed and it was horrible to read that he tried to sell her to Maurice Brett and Maurice wanted to marry Elizabeth and he was going to make her look after his mother but l was glad stood up to her uncle but it was horrible that he attacked her and she hit him with a rock to get him off her because he could of raped her. I was glad she ran in to Richard when she did but wished it had not been him getting thrown off a horse on to his sore leg. I was happy that Elizabeth was safe from her uncle. Richard was going to take her back to her uncle but she told him no and he thought that Elizabeth was died when she ran in to the path of the horse so he pulled back the cloak and said it is you. Richard seen elizabeth's ripped clothes. He took her back to the place where she felt safe when he got the horse that ran away when it got scared. Richard waited until chanel was upstairs before he asked if her uncle had raped her and she said no but he has attacked me before. Richard went why did you not say anything. She said you wanted me gone so l had no other choice to go back to him. I thought Elizabeth and Richard loved each other when they first seen each other that day when Richard and Chanel arrived back from France but they did not want to say how they felt about each other. Richard had seen Elizabeth on the day of her auntie's funeral when she was younger. Richard being ill and Elizabeth having to look after his daughter who did not speak any English. But they had a happy ending almost apart from losing their baby and Elizabeth nearly dying . Thankfully Elizabeth survived and her uncle marriaged another woman and his son Daniel and her cousin died when he was down the mine and poor Elizabeth was there when they pulled out the body of her beloved cousin Daniel. Rebecca and Adam Bradley was in this book from Morwellham's child and they was helping Elizabeth and Richard. Richard's uncle had put some money in to the building of a boat before he died in the war and they was money put aside from the boats profits not knowning about it Richard lost everything because of Maurice until Adam found the person who now owned the shares in the boat he owned that Richard's uncle had put money in to halp build it and it helped them get their home back. But Richard ended up in prison because of Maurice he had kidnapped Chanel and wanted Elizabeth and he shot Maurice in the shoulder and the police thought that is what killed Maurice but that was not the case Richard was a trained shot he could of shot him in the head but the fall killed Maurice. I was happy that he did not go to jail and they got the house back and they did not have to worry about Maurice or Elizabeth's uncle. I was happy that Adam got to meet who made the ointment to save his arm and they did not know it was Elizabeth until Richard notice Adam's arm and said did your doctor ask another doctor about a ointment to help with the healing? Adam reply yes Richard said that was Elizabeth who made the ointment l remember the doctor asking. Adam and Rebecca was happy to meet the person who helped save his arm through the ointment.
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: The River Girl
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family Sagas, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Family, Sagas,
I was given this book along with Morwellham's child.
Book Dedication: For Pearlikins, who nurtured my interest in both medicine and plants.
And for my husband, who has been the rock of my life.
This book has 544 pages.
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 you should read the Morwellham's child first as this is the follow on to that book.
Synopsis: Brought up on her uncle's lowly tenant farm, Elizabeth Thornton yearns to escape his clutches. But when a vengeful obsession from another source comes back to haunt her – and the man she loves reveals a dark secret – each of them is forced to confront a personal terror. When Elizabeth's auntie dies in childbirth her uncle turns his attention to Elizabeth because he says she looks just like her auntie and he wants to marry Elizabeth but her mother has a plan to get her away from him when she dies of cancer but he will not like it.
Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading it. I was happy to be able to carry on the story from Morwellham's child. I was sad to read that Elizabeth's dad, auntie and mother all passed away. Leaving Elizabeth with her uncle who tried to rape her and he tried to get her to marry him but her mother made plans for her to be a live in nurse maid for Josiah so she was not around her uncle because her mother knew what he was like with women. I hated reading that her uncle cut off all her hair off and made her fall to the point that her eye was nearly closed and it was horrible to read that he tried to sell her to Maurice Brett and Maurice wanted to marry Elizabeth and he was going to make her look after his mother but l was glad stood up to her uncle but it was horrible that he attacked her and she hit him with a rock to get him off her because he could of raped her. I was glad she ran in to Richard when she did but wished it had not been him getting thrown off a horse on to his sore leg. I was happy that Elizabeth was safe from her uncle. Richard was going to take her back to her uncle but she told him no and he thought that Elizabeth was died when she ran in to the path of the horse so he pulled back the cloak and said it is you. Richard seen elizabeth's ripped clothes. He took her back to the place where she felt safe when he got the horse that ran away when it got scared. Richard waited until chanel was upstairs before he asked if her uncle had raped her and she said no but he has attacked me before. Richard went why did you not say anything. She said you wanted me gone so l had no other choice to go back to him. I thought Elizabeth and Richard loved each other when they first seen each other that day when Richard and Chanel arrived back from France but they did not want to say how they felt about each other. Richard had seen Elizabeth on the day of her auntie's funeral when she was younger. Richard being ill and Elizabeth having to look after his daughter who did not speak any English. But they had a happy ending almost apart from losing their baby and Elizabeth nearly dying . Thankfully Elizabeth survived and her uncle marriaged another woman and his son Daniel and her cousin died when he was down the mine and poor Elizabeth was there when they pulled out the body of her beloved cousin Daniel. Rebecca and Adam Bradley was in this book from Morwellham's child and they was helping Elizabeth and Richard. Richard's uncle had put some money in to the building of a boat before he died in the war and they was money put aside from the boats profits not knowning about it Richard lost everything because of Maurice until Adam found the person who now owned the shares in the boat he owned that Richard's uncle had put money in to halp build it and it helped them get their home back. But Richard ended up in prison because of Maurice he had kidnapped Chanel and wanted Elizabeth and he shot Maurice in the shoulder and the police thought that is what killed Maurice but that was not the case Richard was a trained shot he could of shot him in the head but the fall killed Maurice. I was happy that he did not go to jail and they got the house back and they did not have to worry about Maurice or Elizabeth's uncle. I was happy that Adam got to meet who made the ointment to save his arm and they did not know it was Elizabeth until Richard notice Adam's arm and said did your doctor ask another doctor about a ointment to help with the healing? Adam reply yes Richard said that was Elizabeth who made the ointment l remember the doctor asking. Adam and Rebecca was happy to meet the person who helped save his arm through the ointment.
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
June 8, 2021
Another great addition to the Devonshire series by Tania Crosse.
The story begins with the death of a beloved father and follows Elizabeth through her struggles in the difficult times of that period.
The story has many aspects: Jealousy, lust, revenge, hate, and love. I was smiling in parts, crying in others and growling at the jealous actions of the characters in others. All in all a fantastic read that I really enjoyed.
As with all Tania's books the author describes the area and setting brilliantly and in a way that puts the reader at the scene.
The characters are unique and develop into robust characters that I felt I knew by the end of the book.
A really enjoyable read that will appeal to anyone who likes historical fiction.
The story begins with the death of a beloved father and follows Elizabeth through her struggles in the difficult times of that period.
The story has many aspects: Jealousy, lust, revenge, hate, and love. I was smiling in parts, crying in others and growling at the jealous actions of the characters in others. All in all a fantastic read that I really enjoyed.
As with all Tania's books the author describes the area and setting brilliantly and in a way that puts the reader at the scene.
The characters are unique and develop into robust characters that I felt I knew by the end of the book.
A really enjoyable read that will appeal to anyone who likes historical fiction.
Want to read
March 2, 2023Book 2, Devonshire 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 . . .
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 . . .
July 12, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2021
A lovely tale of Devon s history
These story's gives an insite into our lives in the old Devonshire way of life. The hard work and all the difficult times and happy ones. You can still find some of the villages that time has left behind. This book really is worth reading more than once.
These story's gives an insite into our lives in the old Devonshire way of life. The hard work and all the difficult times and happy ones. You can still find some of the villages that time has left behind. This book really is worth reading more than once.
July 27, 2011
Loved it!
September 1, 2016
I liked this book although I thought it could of been more in depth with the herbal remedies and with social history in general
November 26, 2020
Easy read based on an area I grew up in. Bought back memories of living in the country side.
December 29, 2020
Thrilling
I loved this book, romance, poverty, ill treatment, love & passion all rolled together in a mysterious love story - great:
I loved this book, romance, poverty, ill treatment, love & passion all rolled together in a mysterious love story - great:
June 8, 2021
I actually found this book quite depressing, I’m sure it’s probably a true reflection of life in those days but not a happy one in my opinion.
September 6, 2021
Interested and gripping story
I enjoyed this story from start to finish.. I could understand the plight of the characters, each one. Thanks for a lovely read.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish.. I could understand the plight of the characters, each one. Thanks for a lovely read.
September 22, 2021
A good read
Found this book hard to out down , very well written ,The storyline made me think of Poldark in places
Found this book hard to out down , very well written ,The storyline made me think of Poldark in places
May 30, 2021
I recently read, reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed reading Tania’s previous book called ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’. When I heard that she was due to release another book I knew that I just had to read it as soon as I could. I read the synopsis for ‘The River Girl’ and it certainly sounded like another cracking read from Tania Crosse. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for what proved to be a corker of a read and then some. I really enjoyed reading ‘The River Girl’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long to get into ‘The River Girl’. In fact by the time I got to the bottom of the first page, I knew that I was in for a treat. I think part of the reason why I got straight into this book was the fact that I liked the main character of Elizabeth and I warmed to her from the start. She’s certainly a feisty young lady, who has been through a hell of a lot. I had to keep reading to see how things panned out for her and whether or not those people, who treated her like dirt would be sorted out as it were. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I seemed to gallop my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The River Girl’ and I had to say goodbye to Elizabeth.
‘The River Girl’ is superbly written. In fact, I thought that ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ was good, but ‘The River Girl’ is even better. Tania certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into one hell of an emotional tale and then some, which will tug on even the hardest of heartstrings. Tania writes so realistically and convincingly that I felt myself going through every emotion that Elizabeth was going through. I even wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort out Elizabeth’s Uncle but the least said about him the better. I found ‘The River Girl’ to be a gripping but emotional read.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The River Girl’ 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 5* out of 5*.
It didn’t take me long to get into ‘The River Girl’. In fact by the time I got to the bottom of the first page, I knew that I was in for a treat. I think part of the reason why I got straight into this book was the fact that I liked the main character of Elizabeth and I warmed to her from the start. She’s certainly a feisty young lady, who has been through a hell of a lot. I had to keep reading to see how things panned out for her and whether or not those people, who treated her like dirt would be sorted out as it were. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I seemed to gallop my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The River Girl’ and I had to say goodbye to Elizabeth.
‘The River Girl’ is superbly written. In fact, I thought that ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ was good, but ‘The River Girl’ is even better. Tania certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into one hell of an emotional tale and then some, which will tug on even the hardest of heartstrings. Tania writes so realistically and convincingly that I felt myself going through every emotion that Elizabeth was going through. I even wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort out Elizabeth’s Uncle but the least said about him the better. I found ‘The River Girl’ to be a gripping but emotional read.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The River Girl’ 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 5* out of 5*.
October 1, 2023
What I love about Tania Crosse is her creative ability to transport the reader back in time to such a degree you can almost smell the turning of the soil. This is the second book in her Devonshire series and it is as brilliant as book one, The Harbour Master's Daughter.
Set within Dartmoor 1858, you really get an understanding of how hard life was. The constant battle to make a living and the need to survive, to want something better from life. Tania Crosse never disappoints in the way she develops her characters—there is an inner strength to them that provides a strong connection to the story and the reader.
This author doesn't shy away from the cruelty of life in the 1800s, she uses it, to make the story real. The hours of research she puts in shows, and it catapults you back to that very time. I love her storytelling, and the richness and vivacity of her characters as she explores the past. You are not just a passenger along for the ride, but a reader who actively lives through Lizzy's hardships, joy, and sadness.
I can't wait to read book 3
Set within Dartmoor 1858, you really get an understanding of how hard life was. The constant battle to make a living and the need to survive, to want something better from life. Tania Crosse never disappoints in the way she develops her characters—there is an inner strength to them that provides a strong connection to the story and the reader.
This author doesn't shy away from the cruelty of life in the 1800s, she uses it, to make the story real. The hours of research she puts in shows, and it catapults you back to that very time. I love her storytelling, and the richness and vivacity of her characters as she explores the past. You are not just a passenger along for the ride, but a reader who actively lives through Lizzy's hardships, joy, and sadness.
I can't wait to read book 3
February 14, 2022
Good story
Good story from this author enjoyed it very much,thank goodness for her mother who got her the job away from the uncle ,although I felt a bit sorry for him when he lost his son it changed him for the better,Richards father seemed a lovely man such a shame they didn't get on until later in life and quite sad when he died.It was lovely to catch up with Beth and Adam to help them as well.I think this author is a good writer look forward to the next book,would recommend this author.
Good story from this author enjoyed it very much,thank goodness for her mother who got her the job away from the uncle ,although I felt a bit sorry for him when he lost his son it changed him for the better,Richards father seemed a lovely man such a shame they didn't get on until later in life and quite sad when he died.It was lovely to catch up with Beth and Adam to help them as well.I think this author is a good writer look forward to the next book,would recommend this author.
April 12, 2022
THE RIVER GIRL
4 stars, because the book was not boring for sure, but it was very long with problems after disasters. It seemed like these poor people could never have peace in their lives. Enough was enough already. I can say this book didn't let a disaster last very long before moving on to the next one, so beware, there will be THE NEXT ONE COMING. I just like easier flowing, good blessings, along with good faith books, and this book held a lot of anger, jealousy, and low down meaness. Not my cup of tea, but if it is yours, read it. You would love this book. J🐣
4 stars, because the book was not boring for sure, but it was very long with problems after disasters. It seemed like these poor people could never have peace in their lives. Enough was enough already. I can say this book didn't let a disaster last very long before moving on to the next one, so beware, there will be THE NEXT ONE COMING. I just like easier flowing, good blessings, along with good faith books, and this book held a lot of anger, jealousy, and low down meaness. Not my cup of tea, but if it is yours, read it. You would love this book. J🐣
July 4, 2021
Big thanks to Tania Crosse, @joffebooks and Jill Burkinshaw (Books n All Book Promotions) for sending me a copy of the book in exchange of a honest review.
‘River Girl’ is book two in the ‘Devonshire Sagas’ but can easily be read as a standalone. However it was a pleasant surprise to see a couple of characters pop up from ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ (book one) in this. I enjoy when authors do this as I’m always thinking ‘what happened next’ for the characters in the books I read so having a snippet of information is greatly received!
This was easy to get into which made it difficult to put down! Again, Tania brings to life such an emotional story opening with the death of Elizabeth’s father, we follow Elizabeth throughout childhood onto adulthood dealing with many struggles along the way. I warmed to Elizabeth from the start, my heart went out to her on many occasions during the tough hand she was dealt with. But what I loved most about Elizabeth was her fighting spirit and positive outlook on life to keep going and to not get disheartened.
As I said, this was a difficult one to put down. A few twists along the way which kept me on my toes. The story overall was sad featuring loss, grief, poverty and cruelty that Elizabeth received from a family member. But it also featured love, family, self discovery and a little light humour.
I am really enjoying Tania Crosse’s writing and I most certainly will be continuing my way through the Devonshire Sagas!
If you want to delve into historical fiction then Tania Crosse is most definitely your lady. I find her writing captivating, wonderful scene setting and true to life stories without it feeling too heavy.
‘River Girl’ is book two in the ‘Devonshire Sagas’ but can easily be read as a standalone. However it was a pleasant surprise to see a couple of characters pop up from ‘The Harbour Master’s Daughter’ (book one) in this. I enjoy when authors do this as I’m always thinking ‘what happened next’ for the characters in the books I read so having a snippet of information is greatly received!
This was easy to get into which made it difficult to put down! Again, Tania brings to life such an emotional story opening with the death of Elizabeth’s father, we follow Elizabeth throughout childhood onto adulthood dealing with many struggles along the way. I warmed to Elizabeth from the start, my heart went out to her on many occasions during the tough hand she was dealt with. But what I loved most about Elizabeth was her fighting spirit and positive outlook on life to keep going and to not get disheartened.
As I said, this was a difficult one to put down. A few twists along the way which kept me on my toes. The story overall was sad featuring loss, grief, poverty and cruelty that Elizabeth received from a family member. But it also featured love, family, self discovery and a little light humour.
I am really enjoying Tania Crosse’s writing and I most certainly will be continuing my way through the Devonshire Sagas!
If you want to delve into historical fiction then Tania Crosse is most definitely your lady. I find her writing captivating, wonderful scene setting and true to life stories without it feeling too heavy.
March 31, 2022
The book started nice. But later on I got fed up with the threatening possible rape stories. It gets more and more violent. Until I started asking myself if the author needed to write a book to get rid of her own experiences - or worse: just needs sex stories to make the book interesting or worse: she does like sex stories. So I threw the book out. No negative books in our house.
July 24, 2025
This book was just a bit too obsessed with tragedy and rape for my liking. I liked how characters from the previous book show up. I've read 2 of this author's books set in the 1950s and loved them so thought I'd love the ones set in the earlier time period. So far sadly not really enjoying them though. Will press on and try number 3 and see if it gets better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
Long story.
Phew this was a long story. I personally would have loved to read all the sentences, the ones in French, I had no idea what was said. There should have been translated into English for people who do not know the French language. That's the reason for the 3 stars.
Phew this was a long story. I personally would have loved to read all the sentences, the ones in French, I had no idea what was said. There should have been translated into English for people who do not know the French language. That's the reason for the 3 stars.
February 17, 2022
Good
Enjoyed , but skiped though many pages .A little long winded .Did not pull me into the book as some l have read .Seambed to be built around too many bad things happing to try and keep you reading .Parts were very good others a bit long .Worth reading.
Enjoyed , but skiped though many pages .A little long winded .Did not pull me into the book as some l have read .Seambed to be built around too many bad things happing to try and keep you reading .Parts were very good others a bit long .Worth reading.
October 9, 2024
The River Girl
This is truly a story of love and loss. Hard to read at some points because of all my tears. The main character certainly had many trials and tribulations. A great story with strong characters.
This is truly a story of love and loss. Hard to read at some points because of all my tears. The main character certainly had many trials and tribulations. A great story with strong characters.
August 6, 2021
Great book really enjoyed reading it...no bad comments could be but no...
September 17, 2021
Enjoyed this one. Bit of a Catherine Cookson feel about it, predictable but enjoyable
October 4, 2021
Very good read
Very good book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Would recommend to others to read.
Very good book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Would recommend to others to read.
February 7, 2022
Great read
Such an action packed story. A woman faces obstacles of immerisble difficulty
But manages to thrive and survive what life thrust at her.
Such an action packed story. A woman faces obstacles of immerisble difficulty
But manages to thrive and survive what life thrust at her.
February 9, 2022
Excellent
This is my second book by Tania Crosse, and it was equally as good as the first. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend you read it.
This is my second book by Tania Crosse, and it was equally as good as the first. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend you read it.
February 20, 2022
The river girl
Loved this book it was set in Tavistock Dartmoor and I know exatly every part of Tavistock it was if I was in the book
Loved this book it was set in Tavistock Dartmoor and I know exatly every part of Tavistock it was if I was in the book
November 3, 2022
Lovely read, I liked the link between the previous book... and a hint of things to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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