A Daughter’s War

Worktown Girls at War #2

by Emma Hornby

The second book in the page-turning Worktown Girls at War series, from the bestselling author of A Shilling for a Wife, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin

For Renee Rushmore, the arrival of war brings some much-needed freedom. Her father rules the house with an iron fist and, lately, his attentions towards her have turned more sinister.

Desperate to escape him, and with men leaving for battle in their droves, she finds work on an understaffed farm, where she meets kindly lad Jimmy. She soon finds that her feelings for Jimmy go beyond friendship, but when he is called up to war, and she's thrown off the farm due to a misunderstanding, Renee is forced to return home.

Jimmy's safe return is her only hope of a happy future, but the end of the war is a long way off, and her father is getting worse.

Will she be able to survive the bombs, the separation from Jimmy and her father's cruelty?

Readers love Emma Hornby:
'Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story'
'Emma Hornby's books just keep getting better and better'
'Keep writing Emma, you are very talented and can't wait for your next book'
'Emma is a wonderful storyteller and I can't wait for the next one!'
'Thank you again Emma Hornby for a captivating read'
'Another beautifully written story by Emma Hornby'

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

400 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2023

About the author

Mother-of-three Emma Hornby was born and raised in Bolton, England.
History has always been her passion and she grew up with her nose buried in sagas. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She later wrote short stories and non-fiction pieces for the internet, print and stage and also worked as a freelance poet.
Emma's books are gritty historicals set in Victorian and WWII Bolton and Manchester, which she began writing after researching her family history. The colourful folk she unearthed gave her plenty of inspiration; like the characters in her novels, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums. Her first book, A Shilling for a Wife, was the bestselling debut saga novel of 2017. Her subsequent titles regularly appear in the official bestsellers' charts.
Visit Emma's website at emmahornby.com for more.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical novel set in World War 2. Renee Rushmore lives alone with her controlling abusive father. She isn't allowed to talk to any of the neighbours, she isn't allowed to work, and the only time she speaks to anyone is when she does the daily shop. When war breaks out she takes the opportunity to escape by taking a job as a live-in help on a farm. I really enjoyed reading about Renee and her newfound friendships and her love for Jimmy. but will her newfound happiness last?

[Chrissie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read by Emma Hornby. The second book in the series. So atmospheric. Felt like I
was actually a character in the book. Keep writing Emma your books are a pure delight to read. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another delightful historical book and as usual Emma gets it bang on.

With only her cruel father for company, Renee Rushmore is lonely. He doesn't want anybody to know his business, he doesn't want her mixing with or talking to the neighbors, What has he got to hide I asked myself?
He abuses Renee and makes her suffer at his hands. Renee does everything to keep him appeased. At 17 she just wants company.
When she is out on her one and only escape to the outside world to buy provisions from the local shop she encounters Iris who chats to Renee. Here the book opens up.
The warmth from her growing friendship with Iris is so lovely.
Renee goes through so much in her young life and through Emma's clever description we live through most of it with her.
Such a heartwarming brave story. Well worth 5 *****

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a good read this book was, I read it in one day as I could not put the story down.
Worktown Girls at war book two, introduces us to Renee Rushmore living on Monks Lane, Bolton ,Lancashire with her cruel Father IVAN who works at Trinity Street station as a train driver, her mam done a flit and why did she not take Renee?
This country will soon be at war and this is a good chance for Renee to get away for good, getting a live in job with the Crawleys on Oak Valley Farm with the help of her good neighbour she is settled and also gets a sweetheart Jimmy Wallace but a good thing does not last for her.
Renee goes through so much in life but a strong woman she has to be to survive I just loved every chapter, it's one remarkable story, and gets my full 5 stars.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this Arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️ Trigger Warnings⚠️ Rape & Sexual Abuse

I was horrified at the abuse Renee suffered at the hands of her Father and I wasn’t expecting it if I’m honest.

Renee’s mother did a flit 4 years ago and all the woman’s work in every which way has fallen on Renee’s shoulders that includes satisfying her Father Ivan’s every need.

She’s all alone in the world and she can’t take what is happening to her much longer, she needs escape.

But how?.

I absolutely loved this book, it was a harrowing tale that I found hard to put down. I really felt like I was living this life with Renee and I wanted her to escape and finally be free so much.

I loved the light relief that came from Mrs Iris Flynn she was in Renee’s corner all the way through and helped her in so many ways.

Slight spoiler below ⬇️

My only downside of the book was that I wished Renee never believed Ivan when he said he’d changed.

[Elaine Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read. Emma really knows how to pull the heartstrings.
Renee is left with her controlling father after her mother leaves. Living with someone who controls even the people you speak to makes it difficult for Renee to leave. She seeks comfort with Ruby her favourite pet. Then she gradually speaks to locals while out shopping which leads to her getting to know Jimmy, son of local shopkeeper. Jimmy says he will help her to find a job but will she manage to get away from her father who watches her every move?
Really strong characters, I disliked Ivan from the word go. While at the same time I cried for Renee. Loved it. Took the book everywhere, reading in the car between appointments. Well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Daughter's War is a decent historical fiction read. It's not the best I've read in this genre but I did enjoy it. Renne is an extremely likeable character, a little bit naive though but I was rooting for her the whole way through the book. The abuse that she suffered from Ivan was heartbreaking and I found it a little hard to read at times. Her friendship with Iris was absolutely heartwarming though and the ending was just lovely, it really made me smile.

Thanks to Netgalley and Transworld Digital for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Worktown Girls at War series by Emma Horby and I definitely recommend to those who love historical fiction.
War is good for Renee. It gives her a release from her fathers firm abd sinister ruling on her life. He escaped and finds live but life twists and turns fight against her. Will she survive all that is thrown at her.. I loved it all. A very compelling read.
Thanks to#NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Hornby is a fantastic storyteller and A Daughter's War is a captivating story that I easily fell in love with. With well thought out characters. I felt all the emotions of anger, hatred, disappointment, courage, strength, love and friendship. I loved the sense of community and the friendship that Renee had with her neighbour Mrs Flynn. I can't wait for more by Emma.

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book about Renee Rushmore. At 17 and living with her awful father, Ivan, who is a cruel and sadistic person. Who she struggles to escape from - the book sets the scene well during the war and you can’t fail to be touched by this lovely novel. - a great read.

[elizabeth stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. Emma Hornby never fails to deliver. A fantastic storyline of a working class girl with a wicked father which you feel a part of.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, a couple of bits were difficult to read but this was a really good read. Renee was a very likeable character and I only wanted the best for her!

[Helen Hay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Catherine Cookson!
A pleasant romp for a plane ride. Not much substance but very pleasant. Switch off and relax kind of book.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didnt enjoy the storyline as much as the first book.

[Mandy Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, a few twists and turns but I thought the ending was a bit rushed. I want to know more. a follow-up book would be good.

[Jane Bunting · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but felt the ending was rushed and it spoilt it for me

[andrea park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from Emma. Poor Renee having to put up with that monster 😡😢