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Farringdon’s Fate: The best new historical romance fiction book of the year from the Queen of West Country Saga
Another gorgeous escapist read from the Queen of West Country Saga, Linda Finlay. Nettlecombe Manor, nestled in the rolling hills of Devon, is home to the Lord Farringdon and his second wife, Lady Charlotte. As if running the vast estate wasn’t enough, Lord Farringdon has five daughters to keep him busy. Lady Charlotte is determined that the betrothal of the eldest, Louisa, should be celebrated with a ball which is the envy of Devon society and summons a corsetière from Exeter to measure them up for new corsets. Apprentice Jane Haydon arrives at Nettlecombe to do the fittings. Having never set foot in such a grand home, Jane is disturbed to hear tell of a gypsy’s curse which has haunted the family for generations, and a local wise woman’s vision that there will never be a wedding at Nettlecombe… Linda Finlay returns with this glorious tale set in the West Country. Praise for Linda ‘Sure to delight her ever-growing legion of fans’ Dilly Court 'Warm and atmospheric, you can practically taste the sea breeze' The Express ‘Rich with carefully drawn characters who really come to life in the hands of this skilled writer’ NorthernReader ‘Evocative’ Frost Magazine ‘A treasure of a read with romance, rural history and a happy ending’ Devon Life
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2022
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Linda Finlay
25 books32 followersAs an Image Consultant, Linda has always had an avid interest in people. Helping them to regain their confidence after they've undergone life changing surgery is one of the most satisfying areas of her work.
Linda has always loved writing stories and won a competition run by the local paper when she was 11.
She has since been published in magazines and annuals. Moving to the spectacular Devon coast and learning about its local history inspired her to write her first novel The Royal Lacemaker. Under the patient guidance of a local teacher, she learned to make lace and is very proud of the 'spider' she produced.
She loves beach-combing, finding it the perfect excuse to indulge in a spot of people watching.
Linda has always loved writing stories and won a competition run by the local paper when she was 11.
She has since been published in magazines and annuals. Moving to the spectacular Devon coast and learning about its local history inspired her to write her first novel The Royal Lacemaker. Under the patient guidance of a local teacher, she learned to make lace and is very proud of the 'spider' she produced.
She loves beach-combing, finding it the perfect excuse to indulge in a spot of people watching.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 10, 2021
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...
Packed with the unexpected twists and turns of fate, this is a gripping story of multiple lives on one lavish country estate.
The book features multiple narratives, blended together to create a rich picture of life at Farringdon. From Lord Farringdon and his wife, Charlotte, to their daughters and the workers on the estate, there are glimpses into each aspect of Farringdon. The story also closely follows Miss Jane Haydon, assistant corsetiere to the prestigious Madame Rosetta, and how her life intersects with those at Farringdon.
The result is a vivid tapestry of life, both above and below-stairs. The plot covers struggles and hardships, yet also hope, charity, and kindness. It's like two sides of a coin - and it's all too easy to imagine how hard life must have been for the poorest, most vulnerable members of communities at that time in history.
As the title suggests, fate is a strong theme recurring throughout the book. Strange omens and talk of the infamous Farringdon curse are intriguing and help to add an extra dimension to the storyline. There's something unexpected around every corner!
Although not overly descriptive, the settings and sense of place are highly evocative. This novel is deeply rooted in its rural location and this adds colour and sparkle to the story. It's delightfully written and sure to leave you dreaming of the picturesque English countryside.
Spend an evening at Farringdon this winter and delve into the lives of these wonderful characters!
Packed with the unexpected twists and turns of fate, this is a gripping story of multiple lives on one lavish country estate.
The book features multiple narratives, blended together to create a rich picture of life at Farringdon. From Lord Farringdon and his wife, Charlotte, to their daughters and the workers on the estate, there are glimpses into each aspect of Farringdon. The story also closely follows Miss Jane Haydon, assistant corsetiere to the prestigious Madame Rosetta, and how her life intersects with those at Farringdon.
The result is a vivid tapestry of life, both above and below-stairs. The plot covers struggles and hardships, yet also hope, charity, and kindness. It's like two sides of a coin - and it's all too easy to imagine how hard life must have been for the poorest, most vulnerable members of communities at that time in history.
As the title suggests, fate is a strong theme recurring throughout the book. Strange omens and talk of the infamous Farringdon curse are intriguing and help to add an extra dimension to the storyline. There's something unexpected around every corner!
Although not overly descriptive, the settings and sense of place are highly evocative. This novel is deeply rooted in its rural location and this adds colour and sparkle to the story. It's delightfully written and sure to leave you dreaming of the picturesque English countryside.
Spend an evening at Farringdon this winter and delve into the lives of these wonderful characters!
January 21, 2022
Great historic book. Set in the 19th century. In idyllic countryside.
Loved the characters, loved the story.
Lord Farringdon, his wife Charlotte, his 3 grown daughters from his first marriage, and 2 little girls from his second. all live in a beautiful manor. Charlotte is a very selfish woman who only cares about herself. She also thinks she is above the rest of the community.
At the other end, we have the womenfolk who are struggling to make ends meet whilst their husbands work daily at the Farringdon pit. Lord Farringdon is a kind thoughtful man who cares about everybody's feelings and welfare. The Farringdon manor has a gypsy curse. Whenever lavender is smelt within the manor it means death will occur.
Also in the story is Madam Rosetta and her assistant Jane Haydon a prestigious cosetiere. They are summoned to the manor by Lady Farringdon.
A well-written story and very descriptive. it has twists and turns as well as love and hardships.
Well worth a read.
Loved the characters, loved the story.
Lord Farringdon, his wife Charlotte, his 3 grown daughters from his first marriage, and 2 little girls from his second. all live in a beautiful manor. Charlotte is a very selfish woman who only cares about herself. She also thinks she is above the rest of the community.
At the other end, we have the womenfolk who are struggling to make ends meet whilst their husbands work daily at the Farringdon pit. Lord Farringdon is a kind thoughtful man who cares about everybody's feelings and welfare. The Farringdon manor has a gypsy curse. Whenever lavender is smelt within the manor it means death will occur.
Also in the story is Madam Rosetta and her assistant Jane Haydon a prestigious cosetiere. They are summoned to the manor by Lady Farringdon.
A well-written story and very descriptive. it has twists and turns as well as love and hardships.
Well worth a read.
December 9, 2021
Full of historical details, vivid descriptions and vibrant characters, this story is a must for fans of romantic sagas. Set in the late nineteenth century, it encompasses all the societal expectations. The story has drama, friendship, romance and tragedy. The Farringdon's are under a curse, and it seems that it may well come true,
The story is very detailed and includes the craft of a corsetière, in keeping with this author's style. Believable characters lyrical story writing make this an engaging read.
I received a copy of this book from HQ via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
A quick read with engaging characters and story. Nice to mix the different strata of a village with mostly caring and decent people with some less so to male the story work,
My first by this author and certainly will be happy to look at more.
My first by this author and certainly will be happy to look at more.
September 18, 2022
I enjoyed this, stroppy stepmothers, happiness, sadness, mystery, a baddie. This has them all. I'm sure I've read there's a sequel coming out soon which I will add to my TBR list.
May 27, 2024
Better than the usual historical romance, with some gritty bits.
May 3, 2025
the only reason it's a four is because the death made me crryyyy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
I really enjoy this book, brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews