The Convict's Wife

The Lancashire Girls #1

by Libby Ashworth

When Molly Holden's husband, Thomas, is convicted of being a Luddite on the word of a secret informer, he is sentenced to be transported to Australia. Left with their baby daughter, Molly must find work to survive. But the man who informed on Thomas is a former suitor of Molly's, and Isaac believes that with Thomas out of the way she will return to him... Yet Molly is determined to join her husband and decides to raise the sum to pay for passage, first turning to the coal pits and then teaching herself how to weave quilts, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of Isaac's nefarious interferences. A gripping and inspiring Lancashire saga of one woman's journey of love, family and survival, for fans of Dilly Court, Kitty Neale and June Francis.

Genres: Historical

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2022

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Molly Holden's husband, Thomas, is convicted in 1812 of being a Luddite on the word of a secret informer, he is sentenced to be transported to Australia. Left with their baby daughter, Molly must find work to survive. But the man who informed on Thomas is a former suitor of Molly's, and Isaac that with Thomas out of the way she will turn to him. Yet Molly is determined to join her husband and find a way to pay for her passage.

This story is based on real events. It's emotional, well written and feels true to the era it's written in. The characters are well developed and believable. They're also a mixed bunch, some you'll love, others you'll loathe. My heart went out to Molly when her husband was transported, leaving her and their young daughter behind. The struggles she had to face and try and keep one step ahead of Isaac. i thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canello and the author #LibbyAshworth for my ARC of #TheConvictsWife in exchange for an honest review.

[Dana K · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

I present to you another historical fiction novel where we see the horrors of history as perpetrated against the poverty stricken lower classes. In this story, a family is torn apart by their desire to better themselves. It's 1812, Thomas and his father attend a secret meeting to hear the thoughts of fellow textile worker Ned Ludd. On the way home, Thomas is arrested on charges of sedition for taking an oath at the meeting. The story follows him and his wife, Molly, as he is arrested and sentenced to 7 years in Australia. We see the horrible conditions in the prison and Molly's desperation to raise money to join him once he is deported. 

We follow each in separate timelines. Molly does everything under the sun to earn enough for passage to Australia, all the while she is thwarted at every turn by her ex, the man who turned in her husband. His desperation to win her over was sickening, he is simply the worst kind of manipulative man. Thomas has his own level of desperation and we see each as they struggle to balance their love for one another with the practicalities of day to day life.

I really enjoyed this education in this sliver of UK history, all the more so once I read the afterword and how closely this story was to the truth. Molly's loyalty and drive were so impressive, she is every woman we hope our ancestors were: tenacious, kind and resilient. The male characters including Thomas were all quite unlikable and I felt like no one really cared for Molly the way they should, in my opinion.

Thanks to Love Book Tours for the gifted copy of the book. All opinions above are my own.

[. beckii.books.home.and.life · Rating 4 out of 5]

So to begin with I found this a bit of slow burner as I was really struggling with reading the Lancashire accent. I found myself needing to concentrate a lot more whilst reading however once I got into the story it became a lot easier to grasp.
This is a really interesting story! Heart wrenching at times. I found myself hating the character Isaac but also cheering Molly on throw out and eager for her to get back to her husband.
I really didn’t know how much I was invested in Molly’s story until the ending. It brought me to tears.
This is a definite must read!

[Excel Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful and suspense filled book! Libby did it again with this book.

I went on adventures to England and South Wales. I made new friends in the person of Molly, Ellen and Thomas!

I could relate with this book on a realistic level. I felt every emotion the author wove with her words.

The Convict’s Wife is a well written book, I must remark.

I highly recommend this book if you’re seeking for an adventure between the pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

[Linda Garnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not believe it when I started reading this book 2 of the characters have the same names as my 3 x gt grandparents, then the main character was sent to trial and jail in Lancaster where I live. that aside what a page turner, I literally could not put this book down, so much sadness but a good ending we have things so much easier than our ancestors did and yet without their strength none of us would be here today, I can high recommend this book and will certainly look out for others from this author.

[Anjali · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
- that title
- the genre, a saga... I enjoy reading historical fiction; though I'm not sure if these are the same, or if there are nuances that make them different
- it's based on real events

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠...
- Molly ❤️ her story is told with so much heart, it got to me
- the insight I got into the 1800s, I felt that the author wove the story into history quite artfully
- those little snippets of Thomas' letters that made it so real

[Cindy Hemric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I am glad that Molly was as strong as she was and understood her temptation for an easier life. I was not sure if Thomas would be granted a pardon or where he would be going when his sentence had ended. I am glad for a happy ending and made so much better it was based on facts.

[Angi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!!

Absolutely couldn't put this down! Loved the historical learning as well as the wonderful story...just gripping from page to page! Can't wait for the next instalment but in the meantime I'll read another of Libbys books as she's such a fantastic writer and researcher. Thank you so much Libby 😁😁

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Libby Ashworth and I must say that it will not be the last. This book I could not put down following the lives of Molly and Thomas. It is a well written story and well researched. A recommended read by me and worth the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ given.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although fiction this was based partly on a true story and a real person who was transported. I liked how it told the story from the wife's perspective but also a little from the husband. I think this is part of a trilogy so I look forward to reading the others.

[Nicola Godbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a easy and great book to read. Couldn’t put it down.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story but very bleak. There were a few Lancashire words that I'd never heard of, such as pobbies, which google informs me is bread in milk.

[Dan Hooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great it was based on real events

[daphne brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thouroughly. Enjoyed it. I usually only read kindle unlimited but didn’t mind paying for this after reading a sample. Have now started the second one. THANKYOU.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great 1st book and really good to read a story based on real events. Looking forward to the next book in the series

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book written by Libby what will Molly do to make ends meet when her husband is wrongly accused and sent away to another country in New South Wales for 7 years

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/10

[Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished it in one go! I guess that will tell you how absorbing the story is! Historical fiction is another genre that I am getting into and this one was totally enthralling. The story moves between Bolton and Australia as we read about the life and sufferings of Thomas Holden and his wife Molly.

The story, which is based on real-life incidences, takes place in 1812 in Bolton. Molly’s husband Thomas is arrested and convicted for being a Luddite. Molly and Thomas’ parents try their best to get him acquitted but it turns out that he is to be deported to New South Wales, Australia.

Molly literally runs from pillar to post to prove that Thomas Holden was wrongly accused. She sells her things, secretly weaves quilts, and even works in the coal mine to give money to Thomas so that he can have better food and clothing in prison. Later she saves money to take a trip across the globe to join her husband but finds out that no matter how much she saves, it's going to be several years before she can have enough to pay for the trip!. Do Molly and Thomas get together? Well, read the book to find out!

Molly is portrayed as a strong woman who would not stop at anything to bring back her husband. Her commitment and love for Thomas are admirable. Molly’s in-laws and her sister Nancy were very supportive and despite their poverty and other circumstances tried to help her. Issac Crompton was the least favorite character and so is Colonel Fletcher.

Since it is historical fiction based out in the old days in the UK, the language needed a little getting used to but after a few pages, I was totally hooked. The storyline gave a picture of what it was to live in the 1800s. The struggle of the people and how the government dealt with punishment was moving. The struggle women went through in those days is really heartbreaking.

The author’s note gives us the background for this story and many of the letters in this book are those that Thomas actually wrote to his family and they are still preserved in the Lancashire Record office n Preston. The specialty of the Caddow Quilts that are mentioned in the story is a specialty in the Bolton area. The Wakes Holiday that is mentioned in the book is a Northern celebration and the details are also given.

If you enjoy historical fiction this one is for you. I really liked this book and am looking forward to reading the other works by this author.

[MrsD271015 D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not the kind of book I would normally pick for myself (I spend most of my time reading children’s books or murder mysteries) I was intrigued by the blurb - a women on a mission, betrayal and someone who sounded too stubborn to let men stand in her way. The book did not disappoint.

From the very beginning the story takes shape. There’s no fussing around - the author gets straight to the action and you are pulled in instantly.

I found the characters to be very believable- I could picture them as I read - their mannerisms and actions. I felt strongly for Molly - a women made of strong stuff who will not be defeated. Thomas pulled at my heart strings - a man who made a foolish decision and paid the price for another’s jealousy. Then there was Isaac Crompton - a man so easy to dislike and so slimy. Just the thought of him made me uneasy and the tension between him and Molly was thick.

I enjoyed this book because it was an easy read. The chapters just seemed to fly by - before I’d realised I’d read 1/3 of the book in one sitting. I didn’t want to put it down - each chapter brought a new glimmer of hope or a new dash of sorrow. I found myself willing good news for Molly and Thomas yet at the same time that part of me set in reality was fearing that they would only get disappointment.

Having finished the book I was particularly moved by the authors notes to find out that the story is based somewhat in reality and the letters of a real life Thomas. The knowledge that this really was the reality for families made it even more gripping.

I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book by the author.

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚢Molly’s husband, Thomas, is falsely accused and convicted of a crime that occurred at an innocent meeting and is sent to an entire different country to fulfill his seven year sentence. It is known that Molly’s old suitor, Isaac, was a spy at the meeting and is the reason that Thomas was sent away. He has always wanted to get revenge on Thomas for taking Molly away from him.

🚢 I don’t think that I’ve ever read a book before that has a character that I loathe as much as I do Isaac. He is the most vile man. And why on Earth does Molly keep talking to him and telling him things? Like seriously lady….TELL HIM TO LEAVE YOU THE EFF ALONE! Thank god we live in the day and age of restraining orders. 😅

🚢Molly does everything in her power to join Thomas in New South Wales, but thanks to our manipulative SOB, Isaac, she never does get the chance. It takes months for them to send letters to each other to communicate, so at times, both Thomas and Molly think the other has given up.

🚢It is incredible to me that this is based on a true story. We sure do take things for granted with how we live our lives now! I am excited that this is a series and that we get to learn about Jack Fisher, a friend of Thomas’s, and his wife in the next one!

🚢 This is a fantastic historical fiction novel on a time in history that I had never known about before.

Thanks to Love Books Tours, Libby Ashworth, and Canelo Books for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Convict’s Wife is a story of a woman trying to make her way in a misogynistic world. The hardships that darken her door are due to her gender and nothing more. Libby Ashworth writes so well and I was so incensed on Molly’s behalf. We have come a long way since the 1800s but the struggle of women in the past and our constant strive for better treatment is still infuriating.

Blurb 
Can she keep her family together?

When Molly Holden’s husband, Thomas, is convicted in 1812 of being a Luddite on the word of a secret informer, he is sentenced to be transported to Australia. Left with their baby daughter, Molly must find work to survive.

But the man who informed on Thomas is a former suitor of Molly’s, and Isaac believes that with Thomas out of the way she will return to him…  

Yet Molly is determined to join her husband and find a way to pay for passage, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of Isaac’s nefarious interferences. But will it be enough to cross the ocean and be reunited with her beloved Thomas?

Based on real events, this is an inspiring Lancashire saga of one woman’s journey of love, family and survival. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Kitty Neale and June Francis.

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[Amanda Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Convicts Wife -Book Review
🇦🇺Accusations,Transportation and Quilts!!🇦🇺

The Convicts Wife is Book 1 in a new historical saga series by author Libby Ashcroft.
This book is based on real life events and focuses on falsely accused Thomas Holden,who is transported to Australia and his Wife and daughter Molly and Annie.

My favourite character Molly,she always tries to stay positive even when the odds were stacked against her.All the characters felt real,I must say I kept feeling quite frustrated at Thomas’s character as he kept asking for things,then either not wanting them,or complaining that things arrived too late,so I felt quite sorry for Molly.

I loved the bit in the book when Molly started gaining independence and earning her own money,and felt with her the pride,when she achieved what many thought not possible.

All in all I loved the story and it made the story more poignant as it was based on true events.

The only thing I really disliked about this book was the character of Issac Crompton,but I think this was the author’s intention and full credit to the author’s writing abilities to create such an abhorrent character.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes women’s saga’s ,and I found it a fantastic read and I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
Bookworm rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kimberly Prytherch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and this is my first time reading about convicts being transported to Australia. The story was a little slow paced at times but I was often on the edge of my seat, wondering what decisions Molly would make, and if Thomas would ever be able to come back home! I loved how strong and persistent Molly was, I loved to hate how people doubted her, but I did struggle a little with liking Thomas. I wanted him to take responsibility for his actions and man up a little! I was definitely sucked in at the end, waiting to see if Thins would come home or if Molly would give in and marry Isaac! Thank you to Love Books Tours and the author for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!

[Victoria Constant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and Libby did not disappoint with this spectacular work of art. I truly felt connected to all the characters and could not put this book down at all.

In fact this is my first 5⭐ read of 2022 and I've made it my mission to get my hands on a printed copy because I know for certain I will reread this over and over again.

Libby's storytelling is refreshing, humorous and heartbreaking all at once. She really does take you on a journey from start to finish!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1812, Molly Holden's husband, Thomas is convicted of taking an oath at an illegal meeting. He is arrested and sentenced to 7 years in Australia. She wants to help her husband and earn as much money as she can. In the meantime, her ex-boyfriend enervates her in all her endeavors. This is the man who spied and turned in Thomas.

Molly has so little, but she sells her things, secretly weaves quilts, and even works in a coal mine. This is her way of providing Thomas with some money for prison food and for her and their daughter to sail to Australia.

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading books by this author and this book was no exception. It’s title gives it away as it is based in 1812 and all about Molly and how she survives her husband Thomas being convicted of being a Luddite and subsequently transported. It’s a great page turner and you can really feel the emotions and hardships both parties go through with separation and the long wait and desperate struggle to be reunited.

Highly recommend

[enjoyingbooksagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was reading this I wondered what it would have been like in the 1800’s to have your husband shipped away and to be left home to care for you and your child. I know many women do that every day. This story showed how strong molly had to be to go out and earn money to take care of her and her child while trying to put aside money to sail to where her husbands at. The author did a great job writing with the history and about what Molly had to go through.

[MISS NICOLA C DOOLEY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but a tad disappointed with ending

Loved the book mostly but the ending felt very much rushed and didn’t really tie up the many loose ends!
Found the ending a a lot less thought out than the rest of the book!

[Lee Buckley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Life is so difficult back then. I was dragged along by all the struggles and kept hoping for something good to happen, it did happen eventually but for me it was too little, too late.