What do you think?
Wartime in the Valleys #3
Hope in the Valleys
Will Elizabeth choose love over duty?
It’s August 1917 and WW1 continues to take a toll. The villagers of Dorcalon, a mining village in the Rhymney Valley, try to keep hope alive; but every day brings fresh tragedy as more of their sons and fathers are killed on foreign battlefields.
Elizabeth Meredith, daughter of mine manager Herbert, enjoys a privileged position in the village, but she longs to break free of society’s expectations.
Falling in love with miner, Gwilym Owen, brings more joy to her life than she’s ever known… until she’s forced to choose between her love and her disapproving family. Seeking an escape, Elizabeth signs up as a VAD nurse and is swiftly sent to help the troops in France, even as her heart breaks at leaving Gwilym behind.
Separated by society and the Great War, can Elizabeth and Gwilym find their way back together again? Or will their love become another casualty of war?
It’s August 1917 and WW1 continues to take a toll. The villagers of Dorcalon, a mining village in the Rhymney Valley, try to keep hope alive; but every day brings fresh tragedy as more of their sons and fathers are killed on foreign battlefields.
Elizabeth Meredith, daughter of mine manager Herbert, enjoys a privileged position in the village, but she longs to break free of society’s expectations.
Falling in love with miner, Gwilym Owen, brings more joy to her life than she’s ever known… until she’s forced to choose between her love and her disapproving family. Seeking an escape, Elizabeth signs up as a VAD nurse and is swiftly sent to help the troops in France, even as her heart breaks at leaving Gwilym behind.
Separated by society and the Great War, can Elizabeth and Gwilym find their way back together again? Or will their love become another casualty of war?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2022
About the author
Francesca Capaldi
19 books27 followersSeveral years ago, Francesca Capaldi pursued a childhood dream and joined a creative writing class. Lots of published short stories, a serial, and three pocket novels later, she’s now explored her mother’s ancestral history for a novel set in a Welsh colliery village.
A history graduate and former teacher, she hails from the Sussex coast but now lives in Kent with her family and a cat called Lando Calrissian.
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancescaCap...
Blog: www.writemindswriteplace.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FCapaldiBurgess
Instagram:francesca.capaldi.burgess
A history graduate and former teacher, she hails from the Sussex coast but now lives in Kent with her family and a cat called Lando Calrissian.
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancescaCap...
Blog: www.writemindswriteplace.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FCapaldiBurgess
Instagram:francesca.capaldi.burgess
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 3, 2022
This is the third book in the series. And it was like visiting old frie da and family. I liked the character development. I rooted for them when they stood UP for themselves. I cried when they got Hurt. It is Just like coming home Reading this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
March 31, 2026
absolutely brilliant....great storyline and love the ending!
December 21, 2021
Forbidden Love
As WWI rages across the land a small mining town reels from the losses of their sons in the great war. Even though mining is a dangerous job those families of the miners are happy that many of their sons are saved by being in the mining industry that saves them from being conscripted into the Army. There is some hard feelings between those that volunteer to serve and those that stay to work in the mines.
Elizabeth is the daughter of the mine manager Herbert Meredith. As such she enjoys a privileged standing in the village but longs to be free of that social expectation. She falls in love with a miner named Gwilyn but is forbidden to see him by her mother as he is below her social standards.
Elizabeth rebels and runs off joining the VAD nurse and is sent to France leaving her family and her love behind.
Elizabeth and Gwilyn are now separated by society, war and a continent. Will the two of them get back together or will they go their separate ways and lead separate lives? Will it ever be possible for her family to change their minds and will Elizabeth even survive the war? So much will change in the time she serves.
The book is written about a small town where gossip and rumors abound. Where social circles are much removed from each other and it is not thought of to cross the line. It is a story of the mining town and the war and how the two stories interact as one. A story of friends, love and hate and forgiveness. A story of protests and sides taken. A story of the war and those lost, those returned not the same as they left some wounded in mind and some in body. How the families come to terms with life and what it brings.
I did enjoy reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Francesca Capaldi for writing this great story, to Hera Books for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available for me to read.
As WWI rages across the land a small mining town reels from the losses of their sons in the great war. Even though mining is a dangerous job those families of the miners are happy that many of their sons are saved by being in the mining industry that saves them from being conscripted into the Army. There is some hard feelings between those that volunteer to serve and those that stay to work in the mines.
Elizabeth is the daughter of the mine manager Herbert Meredith. As such she enjoys a privileged standing in the village but longs to be free of that social expectation. She falls in love with a miner named Gwilyn but is forbidden to see him by her mother as he is below her social standards.
Elizabeth rebels and runs off joining the VAD nurse and is sent to France leaving her family and her love behind.
Elizabeth and Gwilyn are now separated by society, war and a continent. Will the two of them get back together or will they go their separate ways and lead separate lives? Will it ever be possible for her family to change their minds and will Elizabeth even survive the war? So much will change in the time she serves.
The book is written about a small town where gossip and rumors abound. Where social circles are much removed from each other and it is not thought of to cross the line. It is a story of the mining town and the war and how the two stories interact as one. A story of friends, love and hate and forgiveness. A story of protests and sides taken. A story of the war and those lost, those returned not the same as they left some wounded in mind and some in body. How the families come to terms with life and what it brings.
I did enjoy reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Francesca Capaldi for writing this great story, to Hera Books for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available for me to read.
January 20, 2022
Full review on my blog: https://www.theverybookish.com/2022/0...
On the whole, this book is a lovely and rather heartwarming. It covers relationships between family, friends and love interests which were obviously happening during a very difficult period of time. There's also loss and grief that is covered, but it's intertwined perfectly in amongst the happier moments. The elements of speech throughout the book were written in a way which I could automatically recognise as being a Welsh person speaking, which I really loved - my mind was reading it to me in a Welsh accent.
The only thing I really struggled with whilst reading this book is that there are so many different names mentioned throughout. Some of these names are the names of other characters who are then spoken about in further detail later in the book, and others that were just names mentioned in a passing comment. I'm unsure whether these people who were spoken about briefly were characters who had been brought up in the previous two books and it was someone I should have been familiar with had I read both other books. The number of names that were mentioned left me feeling like I was constantly trying to remember whether they were a significant character.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. The writing by Francesca Capaldi was sublime however I did feel the book was slow in parts. Anyone who knows me will know how much of a sucker I am for historical fiction books, and I've really grown on the wartime sagas too, having read a number of them over the last few years. This book was no exception, however I feel like I should have read the previous two books as that might have made me enjoy the storyline even more.
Here is a breakdown of my thoughts out of 10 for each of the CAWPILE factors:
Characters - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Writing - 8/10
Plot - 7/10
Intrigue - 6/10
Logic - 7/10
Enjoyment - 6/10
Which brings this book to an overall rating of ☆☆☆/5
On the whole, this book is a lovely and rather heartwarming. It covers relationships between family, friends and love interests which were obviously happening during a very difficult period of time. There's also loss and grief that is covered, but it's intertwined perfectly in amongst the happier moments. The elements of speech throughout the book were written in a way which I could automatically recognise as being a Welsh person speaking, which I really loved - my mind was reading it to me in a Welsh accent.
The only thing I really struggled with whilst reading this book is that there are so many different names mentioned throughout. Some of these names are the names of other characters who are then spoken about in further detail later in the book, and others that were just names mentioned in a passing comment. I'm unsure whether these people who were spoken about briefly were characters who had been brought up in the previous two books and it was someone I should have been familiar with had I read both other books. The number of names that were mentioned left me feeling like I was constantly trying to remember whether they were a significant character.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. The writing by Francesca Capaldi was sublime however I did feel the book was slow in parts. Anyone who knows me will know how much of a sucker I am for historical fiction books, and I've really grown on the wartime sagas too, having read a number of them over the last few years. This book was no exception, however I feel like I should have read the previous two books as that might have made me enjoy the storyline even more.
Here is a breakdown of my thoughts out of 10 for each of the CAWPILE factors:
Characters - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Writing - 8/10
Plot - 7/10
Intrigue - 6/10
Logic - 7/10
Enjoyment - 6/10
Which brings this book to an overall rating of ☆☆☆/5
January 26, 2022
Me: Standing on Edward Street in Dorcalon village sobbing about a certain turn of events not knowing which way to turn… (aka Laura has reached the halfway point in the story and is screaming, “Nooooo!!” at her kindle screen…)
Also me: I could just flip to the end just to make sure it all works out then go back…
Me: DON’T DO IT!!!
Also me: C’mon, I can’t take it! *pouts* My heart hurts. *folds arms*
Me: Shut it! We can do this… (sends author fangirl message, picks book back up and transports herself back to the village!)
Does anyone else do this? Or, as The Mommy likes to point out, do I need help? *snorts*
My heart skipped a beat when I read the synopsis of HoITV because one of my favourite characters, Gwilym, was, hopefully, going to get his own HEA *crosses fingers*.
I think it’s fair to say that I have become a tad invested in the characters of this series. Well, certain ones anyway. Others not so much… they make me ragey *snorts*. (Is there such a thing as therapy for attachment issues to fictional characters?)
I have two words for you: emotional wringer! Then again, don’t all the best saga fictions do this?
I’m sorry for vague-reviewing but you’d never forgive me if I gave anything away. You need to have all the 😮 moments the same as me. There is a whopper in this one, too. I did not see that coming – at all!
WWI may still be raging on abroad, but the struggles are still very much felt at home. You can feel that we are on the cusp of change and things will never be the same again. Especially with regards to women’s rights and class divisions.
The Mommy (she had a lot to say this time, didn’t she?) said I was like a Christmas card reading Elizabeth and Gwilym’s story – I never stopped greeting. The cheek, but… also the accuracy. I could hardly see the screen at the end for happy tears. C'était parfait!
Roll on Book 4.
Also me: I could just flip to the end just to make sure it all works out then go back…
Me: DON’T DO IT!!!
Also me: C’mon, I can’t take it! *pouts* My heart hurts. *folds arms*
Me: Shut it! We can do this… (sends author fangirl message, picks book back up and transports herself back to the village!)
Does anyone else do this? Or, as The Mommy likes to point out, do I need help? *snorts*
My heart skipped a beat when I read the synopsis of HoITV because one of my favourite characters, Gwilym, was, hopefully, going to get his own HEA *crosses fingers*.
I think it’s fair to say that I have become a tad invested in the characters of this series. Well, certain ones anyway. Others not so much… they make me ragey *snorts*. (Is there such a thing as therapy for attachment issues to fictional characters?)
I have two words for you: emotional wringer! Then again, don’t all the best saga fictions do this?
I’m sorry for vague-reviewing but you’d never forgive me if I gave anything away. You need to have all the 😮 moments the same as me. There is a whopper in this one, too. I did not see that coming – at all!
WWI may still be raging on abroad, but the struggles are still very much felt at home. You can feel that we are on the cusp of change and things will never be the same again. Especially with regards to women’s rights and class divisions.
The Mommy (she had a lot to say this time, didn’t she?) said I was like a Christmas card reading Elizabeth and Gwilym’s story – I never stopped greeting. The cheek, but… also the accuracy. I could hardly see the screen at the end for happy tears. C'était parfait!
Roll on Book 4.
May 28, 2026
Loved this book
January 15, 2022
As soon as I read the dedication page to Rosemary Goodacre, author of the Derwent Chronicles who sadly passed away just days before her last book was published in October 2020, I knew this was going to be a good book. I loved the Derwent Chornicles and despite having never come across Francesca Capaldi before, I devoured HOPE IN THE VALLEYS within a day. I did not, however, realise it was part of a series and the more I read the more I felt like I had missed out on quite a bit that had gone on beforehand...but don't worry, the author does a brilliant job of keeping readers informed as to what has previously occurred so we don't feel as though we really missed out after all. Having said that, since I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I certainly intend on going back and reading the first two at some stage.
It's August 1917 and the Great War continues to rage across Europe claiming many British men despite the belief that it would be over by Christmas the first year...that being 1914. Three years later and it shows no signs of letting up as the small Welsh mining village or Dorcalon in the Rhymney Valley reels from the losses of their sons and fathers in the trenches. Although mining is a dangerous occupation, it is a reserved one and therefore keeping many sons and fathers of villagers from being conscripted into the Army. But mining is not without its dangers with a mine explosion and collapse some 18 months ago which claimed a couple of lives.
Elizabeth is the daughter of the mine manager Herbert Meredith, a fair man who believes in his workers even if the coal company doesn't. He believes that they too should be receiving the same wages as other coal mines as well as the bank holiday others enjoy. Unfortunately the decision is not his to make. Given his position, Elizabeth is able to enjoy a privileged lifestyle and status of the middle class...and yet it is not something of any importance to her. She longs to be free of the social expectations her mother has placed on her and at twenty-seven is expected to settle for whatever suitable husband her mother Margaret can find her. But Elizabeth will not be bullied into a marriage to a man of social standing that she doesn't love. But her mother is quick to claim what has love got to do with it?
Gwilyn Owen is a miner, working class and most unsuitable marriage material for Elizabeth in her mother's eyes. He is a quiet man but a proud one and though he knows nothing can come of his romance with Elizabeth, he loves her just the same...and she him. But as soon as her mother gets wind of the dalliance she is affronted both by the deception and Elizabeth's unsuitable choice. She forbids her to have anything more to do with him or she will see he is dismissed from his position in the mines and encourages her to find a more suitable match. Such as one of Lady Fitzgerald's sons Sidney, a Captain, or Horace, a Lieutenant - the fact that they are officers speaks volumes as to their social standing and suitability. But Elizabeth couldn't think of anything worse. So in an act of rebellion she packs her bags and flees to join the VAD (Voluntary Aid Dispatch) nurse and is sent to France to work in a casualty clearing hospital near the Front, leaving both her family and her love behind.
Not only divided by society, Elizabeth and Gwilym are now separated by war and a continent. In a letter she left for Gwilym, Elizabeth explained their unsuitability and that she was a fool to allow it to continue, leaving Gwilym brokenhearted. In an attempt to dismiss all thoughts of Elizabeth from his mind, he sets to work on the allotment he and Elizabeth had set as a cooperative initiative for villagers to grow their own produce in the wake of rationing and shortages.
Meanwhile, Gwen Austin had been working in a munitions factory some miles away but due to the nature of the job, became ill and was hospitalised with a toxic poisoning as a result of her job. She was advised complete rest for the coming months and not to return to her former employment. So when Margaret Meredith is told her maid is leaving to get married, she knows she must find a replacement quick and soon discovers Gwen is looking for work. The pair come to an understanding and Gwen begins her new job at MacKenzie House which is a far cry from that of the munitions factory.
Life takes a turn for both Elizabeth and Gwen as they fight to overcome social stigmas for their place in life and love. And as the end of the war seems to be drawing closer, another fight is on their hands...one that could prove far more dangerous than war.
HOPE IN THE VALLEYS is a wonderful story of love, loss, friends and family as the world changes in the wake of the Great War and the carnage that it leaves behind. It's a story of social divide between the classes as those that dare to cross it bring a sense of change. It's a story of war and of hope.
I quickly felt at home with the pages as I drew similarities to Rosemary Goodacres "The Derwent Chronicles", also centred around a village with social divides and WW1. I enjoyed my journey to the Welsh mining town even if some of the Welsh phrases and language were a little lost on me (even google didn't help with some of them) but it didn't detract my enjoyment of the story.
HOPE IN THE VALLEYS is a delightfully easy read in which the characters who had featured in the first two books are feature here, though the focus in this installment is mostly on Elizabeth and Gwen. Some of the characters you really love to hate - such as Elizabeth's mother Margaret who is so completely overbearing, for one, amongst others - while others are completely endearing.
I have no hesitation in recommending HOPE IN THE VALLEYS to fans of historical fiction sagas such as Rosemary Goodacre, Dilly Court and Catherine Cookson.
I would like to thank #FrancescaCapaldi, #Netgalley, #HeraBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #HopeInTheValleys in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It's August 1917 and the Great War continues to rage across Europe claiming many British men despite the belief that it would be over by Christmas the first year...that being 1914. Three years later and it shows no signs of letting up as the small Welsh mining village or Dorcalon in the Rhymney Valley reels from the losses of their sons and fathers in the trenches. Although mining is a dangerous occupation, it is a reserved one and therefore keeping many sons and fathers of villagers from being conscripted into the Army. But mining is not without its dangers with a mine explosion and collapse some 18 months ago which claimed a couple of lives.
Elizabeth is the daughter of the mine manager Herbert Meredith, a fair man who believes in his workers even if the coal company doesn't. He believes that they too should be receiving the same wages as other coal mines as well as the bank holiday others enjoy. Unfortunately the decision is not his to make. Given his position, Elizabeth is able to enjoy a privileged lifestyle and status of the middle class...and yet it is not something of any importance to her. She longs to be free of the social expectations her mother has placed on her and at twenty-seven is expected to settle for whatever suitable husband her mother Margaret can find her. But Elizabeth will not be bullied into a marriage to a man of social standing that she doesn't love. But her mother is quick to claim what has love got to do with it?
Gwilyn Owen is a miner, working class and most unsuitable marriage material for Elizabeth in her mother's eyes. He is a quiet man but a proud one and though he knows nothing can come of his romance with Elizabeth, he loves her just the same...and she him. But as soon as her mother gets wind of the dalliance she is affronted both by the deception and Elizabeth's unsuitable choice. She forbids her to have anything more to do with him or she will see he is dismissed from his position in the mines and encourages her to find a more suitable match. Such as one of Lady Fitzgerald's sons Sidney, a Captain, or Horace, a Lieutenant - the fact that they are officers speaks volumes as to their social standing and suitability. But Elizabeth couldn't think of anything worse. So in an act of rebellion she packs her bags and flees to join the VAD (Voluntary Aid Dispatch) nurse and is sent to France to work in a casualty clearing hospital near the Front, leaving both her family and her love behind.
Not only divided by society, Elizabeth and Gwilym are now separated by war and a continent. In a letter she left for Gwilym, Elizabeth explained their unsuitability and that she was a fool to allow it to continue, leaving Gwilym brokenhearted. In an attempt to dismiss all thoughts of Elizabeth from his mind, he sets to work on the allotment he and Elizabeth had set as a cooperative initiative for villagers to grow their own produce in the wake of rationing and shortages.
Meanwhile, Gwen Austin had been working in a munitions factory some miles away but due to the nature of the job, became ill and was hospitalised with a toxic poisoning as a result of her job. She was advised complete rest for the coming months and not to return to her former employment. So when Margaret Meredith is told her maid is leaving to get married, she knows she must find a replacement quick and soon discovers Gwen is looking for work. The pair come to an understanding and Gwen begins her new job at MacKenzie House which is a far cry from that of the munitions factory.
Life takes a turn for both Elizabeth and Gwen as they fight to overcome social stigmas for their place in life and love. And as the end of the war seems to be drawing closer, another fight is on their hands...one that could prove far more dangerous than war.
HOPE IN THE VALLEYS is a wonderful story of love, loss, friends and family as the world changes in the wake of the Great War and the carnage that it leaves behind. It's a story of social divide between the classes as those that dare to cross it bring a sense of change. It's a story of war and of hope.
I quickly felt at home with the pages as I drew similarities to Rosemary Goodacres "The Derwent Chronicles", also centred around a village with social divides and WW1. I enjoyed my journey to the Welsh mining town even if some of the Welsh phrases and language were a little lost on me (even google didn't help with some of them) but it didn't detract my enjoyment of the story.
HOPE IN THE VALLEYS is a delightfully easy read in which the characters who had featured in the first two books are feature here, though the focus in this installment is mostly on Elizabeth and Gwen. Some of the characters you really love to hate - such as Elizabeth's mother Margaret who is so completely overbearing, for one, amongst others - while others are completely endearing.
I have no hesitation in recommending HOPE IN THE VALLEYS to fans of historical fiction sagas such as Rosemary Goodacre, Dilly Court and Catherine Cookson.
I would like to thank #FrancescaCapaldi, #Netgalley, #HeraBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #HopeInTheValleys in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 23, 2022
I have been a fan of Francesca’s work for a while now. By no means have I read everything that she has written but I hope to rectify that and I have read a few of her books. I have particularly enjoyed the ‘The Wartime Valleys’ series, of which ‘Hope In The Valleys’ is the third book. I read the synopsis for ‘Hope In The Valleys’ and it certainly sounded like another amazing addition to an amazing series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Hope In The Valleys’ but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the character of Elizabeth Meredith and I warmed to her from the start. In fact I ended up feeling as though she had become a friend of mine and I felt all protective of her. Elizabeth and her family have a particular standing in the community as her father, Herbert, is manager of the local mine. Elizabeth doesn’t let her social status affect the way in which she treats people and she certainly doesn’t make distinctions between the classes. Elizabeth forms a close friendship with Gwilym, who is a miner. This doesn’t go down well in all quarters and Elizabeth’s mother makes her feelings known. Elizabeth is a nice young lady, who is doing her bit for the war effort. Elizabeth is kind, caring, compassionate and loyal.
Oh my word ‘Hope In The Valleys’ was an amazing read and then some. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I wouldn’t be doing anything else for the rest of the day apart from reading. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had initially only intended to read a couple of chapters but I became so wrapped up in the story and the lives of the characters that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. This was one of those books that stayed with me whether I had my Kindle in my hand or not. If I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking about it. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Hope In The Valleys’ and I had to say goodbye to Elizabeth, Gwilym and the rest of the characters. I found ‘Hope In The Valleys’ to be a gripping and emotive read, which kept me guessing which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Hope In The Valleys’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Francesca Capaldi. Francesca has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Francesca’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly steady pace throughout. ‘Hope In The Valleys’ took me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride and I found that I became emotionally involved with the story to the extent that I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort out Elizabeth’s mother and give her a piece of my mind regarding her snooty attitude towards Gwilym being a miner, being above himself and befriending her daughter. I have a long family history of coal mining with at least six generations of miners so I took that comment personally.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Hope In The Valleys’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Francesca’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I absolutely loved the character of Elizabeth Meredith and I warmed to her from the start. In fact I ended up feeling as though she had become a friend of mine and I felt all protective of her. Elizabeth and her family have a particular standing in the community as her father, Herbert, is manager of the local mine. Elizabeth doesn’t let her social status affect the way in which she treats people and she certainly doesn’t make distinctions between the classes. Elizabeth forms a close friendship with Gwilym, who is a miner. This doesn’t go down well in all quarters and Elizabeth’s mother makes her feelings known. Elizabeth is a nice young lady, who is doing her bit for the war effort. Elizabeth is kind, caring, compassionate and loyal.
Oh my word ‘Hope In The Valleys’ was an amazing read and then some. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I wouldn’t be doing anything else for the rest of the day apart from reading. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had initially only intended to read a couple of chapters but I became so wrapped up in the story and the lives of the characters that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. This was one of those books that stayed with me whether I had my Kindle in my hand or not. If I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking about it. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Hope In The Valleys’ and I had to say goodbye to Elizabeth, Gwilym and the rest of the characters. I found ‘Hope In The Valleys’ to be a gripping and emotive read, which kept me guessing which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Hope In The Valleys’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Francesca Capaldi. Francesca has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Francesca’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly steady pace throughout. ‘Hope In The Valleys’ took me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride and I found that I became emotionally involved with the story to the extent that I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort out Elizabeth’s mother and give her a piece of my mind regarding her snooty attitude towards Gwilym being a miner, being above himself and befriending her daughter. I have a long family history of coal mining with at least six generations of miners so I took that comment personally.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Hope In The Valleys’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Francesca’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 26, 2022
Full confession here; despite having a Francesca Capaldi book sitting on idly my kindle this is the first of her books I have sat down and read. I’m not sure why I have waited so long to read her books, that’s typically me though, isn’t it?
I didn’t realize when I agreed to review this book that it was a part of a series, the third book to be precise. I did decide that I wouldn’t start a series in the middle anymore, but it doesn’t count if you don’t know it’s a series, right? But do think that I should have read the previous two books as I felt as though I had missed out on something, especially in regards to the characters.
I enjoyed the cast of characters and getting to know them all, some I loved and some I was hissing as like a spitting cobra whenever they were mentioned, and then there were times that other characters were mentioned or spoke of and I felt a little disjointed as I wasn’t entirely sure where they fitted in, perhaps that’s with not reading the previous two books?
This tells the Romeo and Juliet type story of the colliery’s manager’s daughter; Elizabeth and how her friends and blossoming romance with a miner; Gwilym is frowned upon and seen in the society she lives in. Elizabeth’s family don’t like or condone friendship outside of their ranks especially with their workers, it slams home the prejudice of the class system, and also brings to light just how much hasn’t changed within certain circles (I am for one very proud of my common as coal, working-class heritage). It’s these kinds of scenario’s in stories that rankle me, but was pleasantly surprised by just how much I liked Elizabeth, she isn’t like her family or their circle, she believes in treating everyone as equals no matter where they hail from or how calloused and coal blackened their hands are.
Elizabeth is a wonderful character she is a good, kind and compassionate woman who is trying to do her bit for the war effort and the families in their mining community – another reason I liked her, is she isn’t at all like her family and peers she is a really lovely woman who just happens to have feelings for a worker.
There are moments s especially with Elizabeth’s awful too-far-up her rear end mother that speared my heart, her comments and her snobbish attitude hit their mark with me, being from mining stock those moments and callous comments cut deep. I wanted to share a few choices words with her, and bring that woman down a peg or two.
Anyone who follows my reviews should know by now that I do have a love for this era, which is one of the reason’s I chose to read and review this book, I loved the back blurb being from a family of generation after generation of miners this appealed to me. This doesn’t focus hugely on the war but more on the effects of what the war brings to a community, something I enjoyed too.
I will certainly read more from Francesca Capaldi I loved her deeply emotional and richly descriptive writing, but I do think that I will read the previous two books first before reading further in this series.
This book is your typical family saga, full of emotion, angst, friendship, love, happiness and heartbreak. I thought it was a little slow in pacing at times, but the scenes with Elizabeth and Gwilym are lovely, I liked how Elizabeth stood up for what she believed in, she has so much love to give, she is a calming influence in a hectic uncertain world and it was a joy to follow her as she went on her journey.
I didn’t realize when I agreed to review this book that it was a part of a series, the third book to be precise. I did decide that I wouldn’t start a series in the middle anymore, but it doesn’t count if you don’t know it’s a series, right? But do think that I should have read the previous two books as I felt as though I had missed out on something, especially in regards to the characters.
I enjoyed the cast of characters and getting to know them all, some I loved and some I was hissing as like a spitting cobra whenever they were mentioned, and then there were times that other characters were mentioned or spoke of and I felt a little disjointed as I wasn’t entirely sure where they fitted in, perhaps that’s with not reading the previous two books?
This tells the Romeo and Juliet type story of the colliery’s manager’s daughter; Elizabeth and how her friends and blossoming romance with a miner; Gwilym is frowned upon and seen in the society she lives in. Elizabeth’s family don’t like or condone friendship outside of their ranks especially with their workers, it slams home the prejudice of the class system, and also brings to light just how much hasn’t changed within certain circles (I am for one very proud of my common as coal, working-class heritage). It’s these kinds of scenario’s in stories that rankle me, but was pleasantly surprised by just how much I liked Elizabeth, she isn’t like her family or their circle, she believes in treating everyone as equals no matter where they hail from or how calloused and coal blackened their hands are.
Elizabeth is a wonderful character she is a good, kind and compassionate woman who is trying to do her bit for the war effort and the families in their mining community – another reason I liked her, is she isn’t at all like her family and peers she is a really lovely woman who just happens to have feelings for a worker.
There are moments s especially with Elizabeth’s awful too-far-up her rear end mother that speared my heart, her comments and her snobbish attitude hit their mark with me, being from mining stock those moments and callous comments cut deep. I wanted to share a few choices words with her, and bring that woman down a peg or two.
Anyone who follows my reviews should know by now that I do have a love for this era, which is one of the reason’s I chose to read and review this book, I loved the back blurb being from a family of generation after generation of miners this appealed to me. This doesn’t focus hugely on the war but more on the effects of what the war brings to a community, something I enjoyed too.
I will certainly read more from Francesca Capaldi I loved her deeply emotional and richly descriptive writing, but I do think that I will read the previous two books first before reading further in this series.
This book is your typical family saga, full of emotion, angst, friendship, love, happiness and heartbreak. I thought it was a little slow in pacing at times, but the scenes with Elizabeth and Gwilym are lovely, I liked how Elizabeth stood up for what she believed in, she has so much love to give, she is a calming influence in a hectic uncertain world and it was a joy to follow her as she went on her journey.
January 20, 2022
Heart-wrenching, highly emotional and hard to put down, Francesca Capaldi’s Hope in the Valleys is saga writing at its mesmerizing best.
It’s August 1917 and the First World War shows no sign of slowing down. In the tiny village of Dorcalon in the mining village of the Rhymney Valley, the community is trying its absolute hardest to keep hope alive, but that is proving more and more difficult and challenging with each passing day. The villagers have become all too familiar with loss, heartache and despair as they daily find themselves receiving the news they dread the most: that their sons, brothers, fathers and husbands have lost their lives on a foreign battlefield while doing their duty for king and country.
Daughter of mine manager Herbert Meredith, Elizabeth might enjoy a far more elevated position in society than most of the villagers, however, she wants to break free from the rigid expectations that have been placed upon her – especially as she has fallen in love with a man who means the world to her whom she cannot have: miner Gwilym Owen. However, the man Elizabeth has given her heart to is not of her class and her family make their feelings about their union quite clear. Finding herself torn between her family and her heart’s desire, Elizabeth is desperate for an escape and seizes the opportunity to sign up as a VAD nurse in France.
Life on the front line presents plenty of challenges for Elizabeth, but despite the long hours and back-breaking work she puts in, she can never forget the man she left behind in Wales. With the odds stacked against them, will Elizabeth and Gwilym ever find their way back to one another? Or will their love be yet another casualty of this cruel war?
Francesca Capaldi’s Hope in the Valleys is a beautifully written and brilliantly evocative World War One saga perfect for Dilly Court and Mary Wood fans. A talented writer who writes with plenty of style, heart and sensitivity, in Hope in the Valleys, Francesca Capaldi has written a captivating tale of forbidden love, impossible sacrifices and triumphing over adversity that will bring many a tear to the eye.
Full of characters readers cannot help but care about, engaging emotional drama and heartfelt romance, Francesca Capaldi’s Hope in the Valleys will keep readers in thrall from start to finish.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s August 1917 and the First World War shows no sign of slowing down. In the tiny village of Dorcalon in the mining village of the Rhymney Valley, the community is trying its absolute hardest to keep hope alive, but that is proving more and more difficult and challenging with each passing day. The villagers have become all too familiar with loss, heartache and despair as they daily find themselves receiving the news they dread the most: that their sons, brothers, fathers and husbands have lost their lives on a foreign battlefield while doing their duty for king and country.
Daughter of mine manager Herbert Meredith, Elizabeth might enjoy a far more elevated position in society than most of the villagers, however, she wants to break free from the rigid expectations that have been placed upon her – especially as she has fallen in love with a man who means the world to her whom she cannot have: miner Gwilym Owen. However, the man Elizabeth has given her heart to is not of her class and her family make their feelings about their union quite clear. Finding herself torn between her family and her heart’s desire, Elizabeth is desperate for an escape and seizes the opportunity to sign up as a VAD nurse in France.
Life on the front line presents plenty of challenges for Elizabeth, but despite the long hours and back-breaking work she puts in, she can never forget the man she left behind in Wales. With the odds stacked against them, will Elizabeth and Gwilym ever find their way back to one another? Or will their love be yet another casualty of this cruel war?
Francesca Capaldi’s Hope in the Valleys is a beautifully written and brilliantly evocative World War One saga perfect for Dilly Court and Mary Wood fans. A talented writer who writes with plenty of style, heart and sensitivity, in Hope in the Valleys, Francesca Capaldi has written a captivating tale of forbidden love, impossible sacrifices and triumphing over adversity that will bring many a tear to the eye.
Full of characters readers cannot help but care about, engaging emotional drama and heartfelt romance, Francesca Capaldi’s Hope in the Valleys will keep readers in thrall from start to finish.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2022
Elizabeth is in a difficult position. Societies expectations and the expectations of her parents dictate that she choose a man of equal standing but her heart has been captured by someone that her parents would certainly not approve of. Her mother has made it quite clear who she feels would be a good match for Elizabeth and Gwilym Owen is certainly not the man that she would choose for her daughter. Elizabeth is forced to make some difficult decisions and must leave behind the man she loves to do her duty on the front line. With so many insurmountable barriers between them, including a war that has already taken so many of the village, it almost seems impossible that their love could ever hope to survive. Will the death and destruction of war and the miles that separate them sound the death knell on their romance?
I love a good saga and this is right up there with one to love! My only regret is that I hadn't read the other two books in the series. Although this book can be read as a standalone I think that its definitely worth checking out the previous books as the rich tapestry of characters are certainly worth getting to know much better. Each bringing so much to the book and drawing the reader in to become emotionally invested in their lives and what is next for them. Francesca Capaldi has beautifully captured the pain of war and how it decimated communities like the one in the village of Doraclon with so many young men lost to the futility of war. The complexities of class divide during this period of history are also explored in-depth and the anguish of forbidden love that carries this story along. A great read! Would definitely recommend if you love a book that sweeps you along. Also, check out that amazing cover! That in itself draws you in before you've even read a word of the book.
I love a good saga and this is right up there with one to love! My only regret is that I hadn't read the other two books in the series. Although this book can be read as a standalone I think that its definitely worth checking out the previous books as the rich tapestry of characters are certainly worth getting to know much better. Each bringing so much to the book and drawing the reader in to become emotionally invested in their lives and what is next for them. Francesca Capaldi has beautifully captured the pain of war and how it decimated communities like the one in the village of Doraclon with so many young men lost to the futility of war. The complexities of class divide during this period of history are also explored in-depth and the anguish of forbidden love that carries this story along. A great read! Would definitely recommend if you love a book that sweeps you along. Also, check out that amazing cover! That in itself draws you in before you've even read a word of the book.
January 21, 2022
This takes place in a small community in Wales, around the middle of WW1. (It's a continuation of a series, but it makes sense without reading the others first.) The war has everyone's lives running differently than what they had before the war. Women had to fill positions for those fighting and gone, many men from this town were able to stay to work the mines. This story has many of the people from the village, but Gwen and Elizabeth are more of a focus. Elizabeth, daughter of the man running the mine, would like to do more with her life. She is somewhat looked down on by the upper class that her mother is always trying to push her into yet she isn't really trusted by the workers and their families. Gwen works at the munitions plant, loving the good pay, but she is turning yellow skinned and getting sick. The entire town is unsure of their future, but you get to see closer into these two girls' lives and the lives of the men they are drawn to. Interesting, long read. Realistic of wartime pressures and social divides, personal struggles, trying to see their futures and trying to find love and happiness with family and with friends.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#HopeintheValleys #NetGalley
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#HopeintheValleys #NetGalley
January 23, 2022
Although the third book in the 'Wartime in the Valleys' series, this can easily be read as a standalone. Set as an historical saga against the backdrop of WW1, this tells the story of a number of characters within the Welsh mining village of Dorcalon.
It is easy to find sympathy with the characters of Elizabeth and Gwen as we see how both are afflicted not just by war, but by the pressures of society and the expectations placed upon them (albeit from different standings). The obvious parallels between their plights is ironic as the narrative unfolds and they find themselves falling for men outside of their 'status'.
Elizabeth's mother, Mrs Meredith, on the other hand, is a difficult character to warm to, even though her mollycoddling and harshness may come with the best of intentions. The sudden change in mindset towards the end of the novel comes as something of a surprise.
Whilst set in wartime and with several references to the impact of the fighting on the residents of the village and those on the front line, this is predominantly a romance novel.
Friendships, family and relationships provide the key themes and the reader finds themselves rooting for the lives of the principal characters to have a happy ending.
With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Hera Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
It is easy to find sympathy with the characters of Elizabeth and Gwen as we see how both are afflicted not just by war, but by the pressures of society and the expectations placed upon them (albeit from different standings). The obvious parallels between their plights is ironic as the narrative unfolds and they find themselves falling for men outside of their 'status'.
Elizabeth's mother, Mrs Meredith, on the other hand, is a difficult character to warm to, even though her mollycoddling and harshness may come with the best of intentions. The sudden change in mindset towards the end of the novel comes as something of a surprise.
Whilst set in wartime and with several references to the impact of the fighting on the residents of the village and those on the front line, this is predominantly a romance novel.
Friendships, family and relationships provide the key themes and the reader finds themselves rooting for the lives of the principal characters to have a happy ending.
With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Hera Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
January 26, 2022
Thank you to Francesca Capaldi for the opportunity to return to the mining village of Dorcalon in the Welsh Valleys to find out how the residents are coping with the First World War, poor living and working conditions, and changes in social expectations for women.
I enjoyed reading the first two books, Heartbreak in the Valley and War in the Valleys, and quickly was hooked by the continuance of the earlier stories and the new developments. It would be possible to read this book without reading the earlier books, but I recommend reading the full series.
Francesca Capaldi has created believable characters who this reader cares for, and provides historical details about how difficult life was for the mining families. There is a sharp contrast between how Elizabeth’s family live compared to the miners families. Can a romance survive the class divide?
This story includes secrets, dangerous occupations, family, community spirit, loss of loved ones, misunderstandings, love, a bookshop and more. Happy to recommend to readers who enjoy well written historical fiction. I’m hoping that there will be more books in the series.
I enjoyed reading the first two books, Heartbreak in the Valley and War in the Valleys, and quickly was hooked by the continuance of the earlier stories and the new developments. It would be possible to read this book without reading the earlier books, but I recommend reading the full series.
Francesca Capaldi has created believable characters who this reader cares for, and provides historical details about how difficult life was for the mining families. There is a sharp contrast between how Elizabeth’s family live compared to the miners families. Can a romance survive the class divide?
This story includes secrets, dangerous occupations, family, community spirit, loss of loved ones, misunderstandings, love, a bookshop and more. Happy to recommend to readers who enjoy well written historical fiction. I’m hoping that there will be more books in the series.
January 22, 2022
The third book in this series is a must to read you will not be disappointed. I myself just could not put it down. I loved all the characters in these books. I do believe that there will be another one later on. I do hope so!
Once again, the only downside to these books is if your not Welsh or speak he language there are certain words just just imagine in your Mother tongue(it would be nice if there was a glossary of words). Well it's a well done once again to Francesca Capaldi
Once again, the only downside to these books is if your not Welsh or speak he language there are certain words just just imagine in your Mother tongue(it would be nice if there was a glossary of words). Well it's a well done once again to Francesca Capaldi
March 9, 2022
Loved these three books, following the fortunes of four friends and the life in their Welsh mining village during WW1. Although set in war time it does not dwell on the actual fighting, only bringing it in when necessary. For anyone who likes historical sagas this makes a great read.
January 27, 2022
.5
My review of Hope in the Valleys can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
My review of Hope in the Valleys can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
September 27, 2022
Hope in the valleys is book 3 in this series now starting book what an amazing Auther truly gripping story through ww1
October 31, 2022
Another great book
I have loved this series, the attention to detail is brilliant and I can't wait to read the last book in the series to see how the families get on in peacetime
I have loved this series, the attention to detail is brilliant and I can't wait to read the last book in the series to see how the families get on in peacetime
December 26, 2021
Book 3 in this earthy, honest family saga set in a small mining village in the Welsh valleys. This time we have two leading ladies who take centre stage; Elizabeth and Gwen, with their stories blending seamlessly together.
Elizabeth is the daughter of the local coal mine manager, all throughout the book series she has tried valiantly to step out of the ‘middle class’ mould her mother had created and fit in with the locals. She’s ploughed lots of her energies in creating a community garden and allotment for all but that’s not enough for Elizabeth who wants to work for a living but getting her mother to agree to this is most unlikely.
Gwen is a local girl who’s worked in the munitions factory since the start of the war. She’s a bright, vivacious, kind, spirited girl who loves nothing more than spending her hard earned money on the latest fashions.
As the war rages on and casualties are adding up in the village the politics of the coal mine are mounting bringing family disrupt especially to the coal mine manager’s household.
The girls love lives become a tangled mess but they both fail to see that their hearts belong closer to home.
Amongst the anguish. Heartache, trials and tribulations of life in a hardworking village we feel a warmth of family, friendship and love.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of these instalments in the series as the author brings to life a saga that will appeal to many.
Elizabeth is the daughter of the local coal mine manager, all throughout the book series she has tried valiantly to step out of the ‘middle class’ mould her mother had created and fit in with the locals. She’s ploughed lots of her energies in creating a community garden and allotment for all but that’s not enough for Elizabeth who wants to work for a living but getting her mother to agree to this is most unlikely.
Gwen is a local girl who’s worked in the munitions factory since the start of the war. She’s a bright, vivacious, kind, spirited girl who loves nothing more than spending her hard earned money on the latest fashions.
As the war rages on and casualties are adding up in the village the politics of the coal mine are mounting bringing family disrupt especially to the coal mine manager’s household.
The girls love lives become a tangled mess but they both fail to see that their hearts belong closer to home.
Amongst the anguish. Heartache, trials and tribulations of life in a hardworking village we feel a warmth of family, friendship and love.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of these instalments in the series as the author brings to life a saga that will appeal to many.
December 17, 2021
It was lovely to return to the village and meet these characters again, bringing their stories forward to the end of the war. This book concentrates on Gwen and Elizabeth, and the blossoming of romance, each falling for someone not regarded as altogether suitable in a time when the lines drawn by class and status still mattered so much. We get a glimpse of women working outside the norm too, in munitions factories and in nursing at the front, and the terrible consequences healthwise and emotionally, while also giving us a foretaste of the changes the war brought, in more independence for women and the movement towards getting the vote. Pleased to see there is another instalment of the series on the way.
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