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Backshaw Moss #2
A Valley Secret
The second book in the brand new Backshaw Moss series from million-copy bestseller Anna Jacobs
Lancashire, 1930s. When her mother dies, leaving her an old sewing box and a clue to her father's identity, 22-year-old Maisie Bassett is determined to make a fresh start.
Changing her name and moving to the small town of Rivenshaw, she finds a respectable job in a grocery store. But unwanted attentions from a man at her new church make life increasingly difficult - until the shy, handsome Gabriel Harte comes to her rescue.
Then she receives an inheritance from a distant relative and her world is turned upside down. The home she's always dreamed of may finally be hers - if she can keep it safe from a grasping slum landlord. With Gabriel's help, can Maisie untangle the secrets of her past and secure her future?
Curl up with this heartwarming read from the Queen of the Rural Saga - perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Katie Flynn
***
Can't wait for more Anna Jacobs? Make sure you're not missing out with this list of first books in her other series:
A Daughter's Journey (Birch End Series)
One Quiet Woman (Ellindale Series)
Salem Street (Gibson Family Series)
A Time to Remember (Rivenshaw Saga)
The Trader's Wife (Traders Series)
Farewell to Lancashire (Swan River Saga)
Pride of Lancashire (Music Hall Series)
A Pennyworth of Sunshine (Irish Sisters Series)
Our Lizzie (Kershaw Sisters)
Readers love Anna Jacobs' Birch End Series!
'Amazing' - 5 STARS
'Thank you, Anna, for the pleasure you give in all your books' - 5 STARS
'Another brilliant, hard-to-put-down book' - 5 STARS
'Can't wait for the next instalment' - 5 STARS
'A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one' - 5 STARS
'Another triumph for Anna Jacobs' - 5 STARS
'BRILLIANT READ' - 5 STARS
Lancashire, 1930s. When her mother dies, leaving her an old sewing box and a clue to her father's identity, 22-year-old Maisie Bassett is determined to make a fresh start.
Changing her name and moving to the small town of Rivenshaw, she finds a respectable job in a grocery store. But unwanted attentions from a man at her new church make life increasingly difficult - until the shy, handsome Gabriel Harte comes to her rescue.
Then she receives an inheritance from a distant relative and her world is turned upside down. The home she's always dreamed of may finally be hers - if she can keep it safe from a grasping slum landlord. With Gabriel's help, can Maisie untangle the secrets of her past and secure her future?
Curl up with this heartwarming read from the Queen of the Rural Saga - perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Katie Flynn
***
Can't wait for more Anna Jacobs? Make sure you're not missing out with this list of first books in her other series:
A Daughter's Journey (Birch End Series)
One Quiet Woman (Ellindale Series)
Salem Street (Gibson Family Series)
A Time to Remember (Rivenshaw Saga)
The Trader's Wife (Traders Series)
Farewell to Lancashire (Swan River Saga)
Pride of Lancashire (Music Hall Series)
A Pennyworth of Sunshine (Irish Sisters Series)
Our Lizzie (Kershaw Sisters)
Readers love Anna Jacobs' Birch End Series!
'Amazing' - 5 STARS
'Thank you, Anna, for the pleasure you give in all your books' - 5 STARS
'Another brilliant, hard-to-put-down book' - 5 STARS
'Can't wait for the next instalment' - 5 STARS
'A real page turner, I can't wait to read the next one' - 5 STARS
'Another triumph for Anna Jacobs' - 5 STARS
'BRILLIANT READ' - 5 STARS
- GenresRomanceHistoricalFiction
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2021
104 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
237 books511 followersAnna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 17, 2021
I
I really enjoyed this book and the previous one.
Gentle Maisie is the main character, with recognisable characters from the previous book.
When Maisie's mum dies she discovers things about her that she had no idea about, when she finds her mum's sewing box that she was always forbidden to go into she realises Why? tucked in the lining is information that starts her on a journey. She was always led to believe that her father had died but inside the sewing box, it reveals this may not be true. Then her fortune changes.
She is left a large property in Rivenshaw by an aunt she has never met, and it is stuffed full of furniture. After struggling most of her life in rented rooms to Maisie it is like a palace. As well as her new property she meets a nice man Gabriel Harte and his wonderful mother who makes her feel welcome.
On the horizon is Higgerson a vile powerful man, who is after buying Maisie's new home, to turn into slums and cram full of poor families as he has done in Backshaw Moss. Making himself bucketful of money. He will stop at nothing and any dirty deed he can pull off normally using violence and cunning he will.
This is a warm wonderful story, full of love and care for each other but with a bit of a thrill thrown in
I really enjoyed this book and the previous one.
Gentle Maisie is the main character, with recognisable characters from the previous book.
When Maisie's mum dies she discovers things about her that she had no idea about, when she finds her mum's sewing box that she was always forbidden to go into she realises Why? tucked in the lining is information that starts her on a journey. She was always led to believe that her father had died but inside the sewing box, it reveals this may not be true. Then her fortune changes.
She is left a large property in Rivenshaw by an aunt she has never met, and it is stuffed full of furniture. After struggling most of her life in rented rooms to Maisie it is like a palace. As well as her new property she meets a nice man Gabriel Harte and his wonderful mother who makes her feel welcome.
On the horizon is Higgerson a vile powerful man, who is after buying Maisie's new home, to turn into slums and cram full of poor families as he has done in Backshaw Moss. Making himself bucketful of money. He will stop at nothing and any dirty deed he can pull off normally using violence and cunning he will.
This is a warm wonderful story, full of love and care for each other but with a bit of a thrill thrown in
November 12, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the second in the Backshaw Moss series. Although it isn't necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one I did like the fact that some previous characters cropped up again in this book. Gabriel is such a lovely, kind man as is his mother who welcomes Maisie into the family fold and where love blossoms between her and Gabriel. What a beautiful character Maisie is and I was really willing her on all the way as she - and the rest of the family - tried to avoid the evil Higgerson who is set to hurt her and her family in order to get his hands on the property that was bequeathed to her by a distant relative in her will. How I hated this man and I long for him to get his come uppance. I highly recommend this series. It tells of hard times in the 1930's, people's grit and determination, village unity as well as a lovely dash of romance and - to keep us shouting at the villain - a despicable man in Higgerson. I look forward to the final book in the series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 29, 2021
A Wonderful book and a lovely series. I love the stories set around the Valleys they are so addictive. Maisie Bassett is a young lady of 22 yrs of age who has had a hard life living with her mother in rented rooms. When her mother passes away she is left only with an old sewing box and a clue as to her father's identity, changing her name she heads for Rivenshaw the town she believes her mother came from. Finding a job and a place to live she settles into her new life until she hears of an inheritance then things start to happen. One man is after her inheritance and is determined to get it at whatever the cost, Higgerson does not care who he hurts and will go to any lengths to obtain what he wants. Can Maisie keep hold of her inheritance and her safety. This book has been brilliant but Anna Jacobs please give Higgerson the ending he so richly deserves(a painful one) 5*
November 9, 2025
2nd part in the series was a great read
November 21, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but thought the ending was rather abrupt.
April 13, 2023
This is a solid story set in 1930s’ northern England, a period that is not so commonly used or portrayed in such detail in novels of my reading experience. Nearly 100 years later, it’s in part a revelation to read of those times in such specific detail, from the perspectives it presents. The author’s implied demonstration of how much has fortunately changed for the better for women, also sadly allows us readers to understand precisely how some important things have also not changed or improved much in the last century, when it comes to women’s safety and the prevalence of misogyny.
The story of a young woman in northern England who suddenly loses her mother to pneumonia in pre-antibiotic treatment times, recalls an era of significant but very slowly evolving (including compared to London and southern England) and sometimes not well accepted but inevitable progression in social and technological changes. The challenges our heroine faces are multiple, as she works to avoid and stand up to misogynistic men determined to disempower and humiliate her, favour men over women and thus limit their opportunities, as though by justifiable male right, when it’s really misplaced use of disproportionate gender-biased power and might. Meanwhile the few good folks whom she comes to know and trust, are variously engaged without (sometimes), and then with her involvement and full knowledge, to change the course of things. This applies equally to a couple of secondary characters’ subplots interwoven. There are, satisfyingly, no loose ends at the book’s close!
This is all set against the backdrop of England’s ‘quietly’ anticipating the potential return of war and invasion, from Hitler’s actions and thus Germany’s threat. And despite her less than stellar upbringing, she is an upstanding young woman determined to avoid the crushing effects of poverty and poor reputation that could in those times utterly ruin a woman’s life. These added mild mystery and intrigue elements combined to make this easy-reading novel more interesting and not as formulaic and predictable as many of its genre.
Here is a satisfying combo of mystery and romance, an engaging tale. Number 2 of a trio of books set in the same town, it stands on its own fine. And I now want want to read at least the 3rd book, but preferably both. A recommended read for a ‘recent’ historical novels. It rates at a solid 4 stars for me.
The story of a young woman in northern England who suddenly loses her mother to pneumonia in pre-antibiotic treatment times, recalls an era of significant but very slowly evolving (including compared to London and southern England) and sometimes not well accepted but inevitable progression in social and technological changes. The challenges our heroine faces are multiple, as she works to avoid and stand up to misogynistic men determined to disempower and humiliate her, favour men over women and thus limit their opportunities, as though by justifiable male right, when it’s really misplaced use of disproportionate gender-biased power and might. Meanwhile the few good folks whom she comes to know and trust, are variously engaged without (sometimes), and then with her involvement and full knowledge, to change the course of things. This applies equally to a couple of secondary characters’ subplots interwoven. There are, satisfyingly, no loose ends at the book’s close!
This is all set against the backdrop of England’s ‘quietly’ anticipating the potential return of war and invasion, from Hitler’s actions and thus Germany’s threat. And despite her less than stellar upbringing, she is an upstanding young woman determined to avoid the crushing effects of poverty and poor reputation that could in those times utterly ruin a woman’s life. These added mild mystery and intrigue elements combined to make this easy-reading novel more interesting and not as formulaic and predictable as many of its genre.
Here is a satisfying combo of mystery and romance, an engaging tale. Number 2 of a trio of books set in the same town, it stands on its own fine. And I now want want to read at least the 3rd book, but preferably both. A recommended read for a ‘recent’ historical novels. It rates at a solid 4 stars for me.
June 26, 2022
In a small town in England, Maisie's mother, Ida dies suddenly from pneumonia at the age of 41. She knows she was born out of wedlock but when Maisie starts going through her mother's belongings she opens a sewing kit her mother had and discovers her birth certificate listing the father's name as 'unknown'. However, she also discovers some hidden money her mother had kept. When a young man starts pressuring her, she decides to move away to another village and changes her last name to the man she learns was her father. She only discovers that by accident when her mother one evening was drunk and let it slip.
She moves to a nearby village and finds a low paying job at a local shopkeepers place. Her boss is a tyrant and she knows she will never be able to get a promotion but she saves as much money as she can.
In London, a lawyer calls upon a detective Biff Higgins, to try to find Ida Fletcher who has inherited a house in the very same village that Maisie is now living in. The first detective had been unsuccessful in finding her but Biff has better luck because he was smart enough to visit the local police station first.
Maisie has now been living in this small village for several years and is trying to once again ward off an unwanted suitor. When he drags her into an alley one day, Gabriel saves her.
It's a nice story about life during the late 1920's in England, a country trying to recover from the WWI and the first undercurrent of Hitler's rise to power. How Churchill tried to prepare England in case another war broke out by organizing a underground group of people intent on building up the country's defense to prevent an invasion.
She moves to a nearby village and finds a low paying job at a local shopkeepers place. Her boss is a tyrant and she knows she will never be able to get a promotion but she saves as much money as she can.
In London, a lawyer calls upon a detective Biff Higgins, to try to find Ida Fletcher who has inherited a house in the very same village that Maisie is now living in. The first detective had been unsuccessful in finding her but Biff has better luck because he was smart enough to visit the local police station first.
Maisie has now been living in this small village for several years and is trying to once again ward off an unwanted suitor. When he drags her into an alley one day, Gabriel saves her.
It's a nice story about life during the late 1920's in England, a country trying to recover from the WWI and the first undercurrent of Hitler's rise to power. How Churchill tried to prepare England in case another war broke out by organizing a underground group of people intent on building up the country's defense to prevent an invasion.
October 22, 2021
Set in 1930s England, the second books in the Backshaw Moss series is about trust, family, love, choices, overcoming heartache and hope. Anna Jacobs writes beautifully, simply and has a special way with words. She skillfully manages to create emotive scenes and characters which make my heart fill with sorrow, nostalgia and warmth all at the same time.
Ida dies, leaving her young adult daughter Maisie alone. Going through personal effects, Maisie opens an old sewing box and discovers secrets which could change everything. She has grown up economizing and is practical and astute. But she is shattered by a dangerous situation she must find a way out of. Gabriel enters the scene and wishes to provide security. Life, of course, is not all roses as they discover. Layer upon layer of secrets arise.
My favourite aspects of the book are the characters and the historical bits which lend authenticity. I could hear the creaks of the old sewing box and the crinkle of papers and feel the mustiness (but what potential!) of the house. Talk about extra sensory! Subtly written but with oomph in its simplicity. As with the first, Jacobs includes personal family photos which is a wonderfully thoughtful touch.
Historical Fiction readers, do seek out this series. In fact, read anything by this author you can!
My sincere thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book which gently tugged at my heart. I am very curious to discover what Anna Jacobs has in store next!
Ida dies, leaving her young adult daughter Maisie alone. Going through personal effects, Maisie opens an old sewing box and discovers secrets which could change everything. She has grown up economizing and is practical and astute. But she is shattered by a dangerous situation she must find a way out of. Gabriel enters the scene and wishes to provide security. Life, of course, is not all roses as they discover. Layer upon layer of secrets arise.
My favourite aspects of the book are the characters and the historical bits which lend authenticity. I could hear the creaks of the old sewing box and the crinkle of papers and feel the mustiness (but what potential!) of the house. Talk about extra sensory! Subtly written but with oomph in its simplicity. As with the first, Jacobs includes personal family photos which is a wonderfully thoughtful touch.
Historical Fiction readers, do seek out this series. In fact, read anything by this author you can!
My sincere thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book which gently tugged at my heart. I am very curious to discover what Anna Jacobs has in store next!
September 9, 2021
A Valley Secret by Anna Jacobs is a wonderful historical fiction saga that is the second book in the truly enjoyable new series: Backshaw Moss. I am really into this new series!
I have read several books by Ms. Jacobs by now and have loved every one of them, so I knew I had to read her newest book. I really loved the first book in this series, A Valley Dream, and this is on par with that gem.
This is pre-WWI in a fictional village in England. This book focusses on Maisie and her life, inheritance, and change in fortunes.
I really enjoyed Maisie’s story. Her personality, growth, progression, and maturity that took place during the course of the story really drew me in. I enjoyed the threads of mystery, surprises, and romance that weaved their way into the novel and I especially enjoyed Gabriel and their relationship. I also really, really liked the ending. Truly captured my attention.
(Of note, I also really appreciate and enjoyed the family photos that were included by the author at the end. So cool! Thank you!)
Looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up in third book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hodder & Stoughton for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I have read several books by Ms. Jacobs by now and have loved every one of them, so I knew I had to read her newest book. I really loved the first book in this series, A Valley Dream, and this is on par with that gem.
This is pre-WWI in a fictional village in England. This book focusses on Maisie and her life, inheritance, and change in fortunes.
I really enjoyed Maisie’s story. Her personality, growth, progression, and maturity that took place during the course of the story really drew me in. I enjoyed the threads of mystery, surprises, and romance that weaved their way into the novel and I especially enjoyed Gabriel and their relationship. I also really, really liked the ending. Truly captured my attention.
(Of note, I also really appreciate and enjoyed the family photos that were included by the author at the end. So cool! Thank you!)
Looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up in third book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hodder & Stoughton for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
December 31, 2021
As always, a fast-moving story. A reference to the approach of WW2 and "evil" men threatening England, jarred with me because the worst of mankind are surely the ugly Englishmen depicted prolifically in Anna Jacob's novels: as evil as any foreign dictator and bully. The ancient Romans despised the early English as unintelligent brutes given much to drink, and it seems that more than half the population of these novels still fit that description, selling their souls for a crust, always ready to do dirty work, or throw a cowardly stone, quick to spread malicious gossip and demean others, demonstrating the potential impact of poverty and lack of education on moral fibre. Higgerson, sigh, still lives, the villain with aspirations above his low-life station and a strangely robust cardiovascular system.
December 6, 2021
Book 2 of the Blackshaw series and loved the way in which characters from previous book were introduced with ease. Based in Lancashire, in the 1930s., the main character, Maisie, decides to make a fresh start when sadly her her mother dies, She changes her name and moves to Rivenshaw and receives an inheritance from a distant relative. Gabriel Harte, who was a character in the previous book comes into her life and this ends up being such a heartwarming and enjoyable story.
This author has such a gift of introducing new characters and yet threading previous ones quite easily through the book and you feel engrossed with the emotions of the characters. Loved it and looking forward to the next book
This author has such a gift of introducing new characters and yet threading previous ones quite easily through the book and you feel engrossed with the emotions of the characters. Loved it and looking forward to the next book
June 10, 2024
I really took to Gabriel in the first book so I am really glad he got his own story in this book. Maisie was a grate character and it was clear from the moment they met she and Gabriel were suitable for each other.
I loved the way they supported each other through the story and it was also good to see Bith back and working on the good side this time. Again I really liked him in this book and could tell from the first book he was not happy with the work he'd had to do in book 1. Again like in all the other books based in the vally it was grate to see all our old friends supporting them as well. Looking forward to book 3 and meeting the third character who's going to inherit the third house. Love Gwinnith Gabriel's mother so glad she's also getting a story.
I loved the way they supported each other through the story and it was also good to see Bith back and working on the good side this time. Again I really liked him in this book and could tell from the first book he was not happy with the work he'd had to do in book 1. Again like in all the other books based in the vally it was grate to see all our old friends supporting them as well. Looking forward to book 3 and meeting the third character who's going to inherit the third house. Love Gwinnith Gabriel's mother so glad she's also getting a story.
October 20, 2024
A nice easy read. I read this one without reading the first in the series, which was absolutely fine. Very much a ' goodies' and 'baddies' sort of book. The story is based around Maisie, who inherits a house from an unknown relative. Higgerson, a slum landlord who is nasty and violent doesn't like this as he wants the house to house more people. Story is him trying tricks and violence to frighten Maisie into leaving. Maisie has her new husband, a detective, policemen and most of the town on her side trying to outwit this thug and his cronies. Story just gets going then ends. Really feel there were a few chapters missing. Very disappointing finish, no loose ends tied up. I know there is a third book but this one needed a proper ending
August 8, 2025
It was the first book to get me back into reading after years of not picking up a book and I loved it!!
Was such a lovely romance with great dilemmas etc and not too spicy so great for a ya romance and a beginner.
The style is written beautifully and was set a long time ago when romance begun with courting and led to marriage and it has a beautiful story line showing us how protective and loyal the male lead is.
Would recommend for people who love a non spicy romance or people who are just starting the romance genre.
Was such a lovely romance with great dilemmas etc and not too spicy so great for a ya romance and a beginner.
The style is written beautifully and was set a long time ago when romance begun with courting and led to marriage and it has a beautiful story line showing us how protective and loyal the male lead is.
Would recommend for people who love a non spicy romance or people who are just starting the romance genre.
November 10, 2021
i didn't read the first book in this series but it wasn't a problem as I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
It's a compelling, fascinating and well written family saga tha kept me turning pages.
There's plenty of emotions, secrets. The characters are fleshed out and interesting, the historical background vivid.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a compelling, fascinating and well written family saga tha kept me turning pages.
There's plenty of emotions, secrets. The characters are fleshed out and interesting, the historical background vivid.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 21, 2021
Maisie
When maisie was left a house she couldn't believe it though it was meant for her mother but she had died so maisie inherited it and also found love but always waiting in the shadows evil lurked but she had Gabriel to protect her. Another fantastic read from Anna can't wait for the next one.
When maisie was left a house she couldn't believe it though it was meant for her mother but she had died so maisie inherited it and also found love but always waiting in the shadows evil lurked but she had Gabriel to protect her. Another fantastic read from Anna can't wait for the next one.
November 25, 2021
A book that it is difficult to put down.
I have really enjoyed this story, it is nice to remember the previous characters and look forward to exploring their lives. The problem is it is difficult to put the book down because you want to know what is happening next. I look forward to the next story.
I have really enjoyed this story, it is nice to remember the previous characters and look forward to exploring their lives. The problem is it is difficult to put the book down because you want to know what is happening next. I look forward to the next story.
July 16, 2023
A really good read as usual from Anna. Whenever l go to a library l always come away with some of your books. I shut myself away and lose my self in your books Anna and always look forward to starting another story to lose myself in
In l have never been disappointed in one of your books thank you for keeping me entertained 😃 thank you once again
In l have never been disappointed in one of your books thank you for keeping me entertained 😃 thank you once again
August 29, 2024
Initially I was really excited with the way this book started off. I grew very fond of the main character and her story. However, I begin to find it a little boring and predictable as time went on. I would have loved if they developed characters further. And created more depth in the relationship of Gabriel and Maisie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
Another pleasant read by the author Anna Jacobs. Maisie is 22 when her mother died. Maisie is now all alone in the world and needs to make a fresh start. She moves to the Lancashire town of Rivenshaw where she comes into a large inheritance and finds love.
January 10, 2025
I enjoyed the book but found it less interesting than the first book in the series , I didn’t warm to the young girl Maisie as I did Bella.
As this book was a Two in one book I did my review at the end of the book for both books see previous book for full review
As this book was a Two in one book I did my review at the end of the book for both books see previous book for full review
November 28, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book.
December 8, 2021
Another good read
Didn't seem to have a proper ending. Now we have to wait until May to see if Higgerson finally gets his comeuppance.
Didn't seem to have a proper ending. Now we have to wait until May to see if Higgerson finally gets his comeuppance.
January 24, 2022
Another excellent book from Anna...couldn't put it down
January 29, 2022
A really good book. The characters are wonderful. I love these type of books that sre a series with the people from the previous book. Look forward to the next in this series.
June 4, 2022
An enjoyable story but I kept thinking that I had read it before! I think it is similar to one of her other novels.
July 11, 2022
An enjoyable book. Look forward to the next.
July 29, 2022
This was just as good as the previous book, Maisie inherits the 2nd house in the row in Daisy Street.
September 25, 2022
What a story. Loved this book. Thank you Anna. A real page turner. Couldn't put it down. Just sorry I did not read the first one.
November 21, 2022
Last in the series ,excellent
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews