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The Cowgill Family Saga #1
Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent
Please note this book was previously published as Requiem.
From humble origins, the Cowgill family have bettered their lot. Through love and loss, hope and heartbreak, they work hard and face their troubles together, no matter what life throws at them.
Yorkshire, 1878.
Young, ambitious and in love, Albert Cowgill’s life is finally beginning in earnest. At just twenty-three, he has already been made partner at Haigh, Ackroyd & Cowgill — the best wool business in the city. He’s also just laid eyes on the prettiest girl he ever saw, Hannah Ackroyd.
Romance soon blossoms for Albert and Hannah, and they marry and set up home in Scarborough. But before long, clouds gather over Number 1, Byland Crescent.
Within a year, Albert’s family begins to disintegrate. His youngest daughter contracts consumption. His eldest son runs off with the housemaid.
As Europe teeters on the brink of war, Albert’s hopes for his youngest son — and his business — are dashed. Conflict will irrevocably change the Cowgill family’s way of life . . .
Discover the trials and tribulations of a Yorkshire family through the decades.
From humble origins, the Cowgill family have bettered their lot. Through love and loss, hope and heartbreak, they work hard and face their troubles together, no matter what life throws at them.
Yorkshire, 1878.
Young, ambitious and in love, Albert Cowgill’s life is finally beginning in earnest. At just twenty-three, he has already been made partner at Haigh, Ackroyd & Cowgill — the best wool business in the city. He’s also just laid eyes on the prettiest girl he ever saw, Hannah Ackroyd.
Romance soon blossoms for Albert and Hannah, and they marry and set up home in Scarborough. But before long, clouds gather over Number 1, Byland Crescent.
Within a year, Albert’s family begins to disintegrate. His youngest daughter contracts consumption. His eldest son runs off with the housemaid.
As Europe teeters on the brink of war, Albert’s hopes for his youngest son — and his business — are dashed. Conflict will irrevocably change the Cowgill family’s way of life . . .
Discover the trials and tribulations of a Yorkshire family through the decades.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2021
1249 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 14, 2022
I loved this wonderful book. The characters really intrigued me and the story just kept on giving all the way through. I just couldn’t stop reading and I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. It was sad at times but, it was also happy and I’m excited to read the next one in this series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 23, 2022
Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent by Bill Kitson is the beginning of The Cowgill Family Saga. It is a touching family saga that follows the life of Albert Cowgill who is determined to escape his humble beginnings. We follow Albert has he works his way up in a wool company, marries, and starts a family. We get to meet Albert’s colleagues, neighbors, and children. When the children grow up, they marry, and have children of their own. It is a realistic story that includes life’s ups and downs. The author captured the Great War with the battles and what the people involved endured (soldiers and nurses for example). So many families were forever changed by their losses. The author did not shy away from difficult subjects. He also added characters that you would not normally find in a historical saga. Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent is an emotional novel. It was interesting to learn about the wool trade and see how it changed with the industrial revolution. The book follows the Cowgill family from 1878 through 1922. This is a story that will keep you riveted once you get into it. It is a little bit of a slow starter, but I soon found myself engrossed. I had a tough time putting it down (the dog insisted on going for his walk). I liked the author’s writing style. It made for an engaging and easy to read historical novel. Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent moved along at a good pace. I am eager to read the next installment in The Cowgill Family Saga. Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent is a dramatic saga with an ambitious Albert, the helpful Hannah, a bustling business, a fine family, a waging war, a smarmy snake in the grass, and a startling surprise.
September 28, 2022
And then he said, and then
Plodding and pedestrian. The author can't seem to decide if he's writing a company report or a family saga. The emphasis jumps from one character to the other. Also, writing women realistically is not this author's strength.
Plodding and pedestrian. The author can't seem to decide if he's writing a company report or a family saga. The emphasis jumps from one character to the other. Also, writing women realistically is not this author's strength.
Currently reading
January 9, 2022BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF BYLAND CRESCENT an absolutely heartbreaking and unputdownable historical family saga (The Cowgill Family Saga Book 1)
STORM CLOUDS OVER BYLAND CRESCENT an absolutely heartbreaking and unputdownable historical family saga (The Cowgill Family Saga Book 2)[Kindle Edition]
STORM CLOUDS OVER BYLAND CRESCENT an absolutely heartbreaking and unputdownable historical family saga (The Cowgill Family Saga Book 2)[Kindle Edition]
February 27, 2022
I was looking for a family saga and this didn’t disappoint. Love that it is set in Yorkshire - brings to life the world at the turn of the century and during the First World War focussing on family and family business as the core. If you like this, you will be pleased it is the first of a trilogy.
October 4, 2022
I do love a family saga and this is one of the best!
Right from the very beginning, I felt at home with the Cowgill family. This first novel sets the scene for their background, ambitions and place in the world. While it is set before and during the first world war, such details are only covered as in how they affect the family. Having read Bill Kitson's novels previously, I knew this would be well written but it was more that that; it was one of 'those' novels - you know the type - where there is always something happening where you just HAVE to find out what happens next and end up reading far longer than you intended! Unusually for me, I couldn't leave this family alone and went on to read the second and third books in quick succession. A truly wonderful family saga and one with plenty going on to keep you fixed and entertained. I couldn't fault this, therefore five stars is the only way to go. Definitely recommended.
Right from the very beginning, I felt at home with the Cowgill family. This first novel sets the scene for their background, ambitions and place in the world. While it is set before and during the first world war, such details are only covered as in how they affect the family. Having read Bill Kitson's novels previously, I knew this would be well written but it was more that that; it was one of 'those' novels - you know the type - where there is always something happening where you just HAVE to find out what happens next and end up reading far longer than you intended! Unusually for me, I couldn't leave this family alone and went on to read the second and third books in quick succession. A truly wonderful family saga and one with plenty going on to keep you fixed and entertained. I couldn't fault this, therefore five stars is the only way to go. Definitely recommended.
August 26, 2023
I do love a big sweeping family saga! This one was excellent. So many family members, but the author wrote in such a way that I was able to keep everyone straight. I am not sure how I can across this book, but I was smart enough to buy all three books in the series. I look forward to the next one.
February 8, 2023
wonderful read
Reminiscent of James Michener, only dealing with a briefer period of time and n Book 1. Well written, amazingly easy read even with a great number of characters. Holds your interest constantly throughout. Will absolutely get book 2 even though there's no cliff hanger requiring it. .
Reminiscent of James Michener, only dealing with a briefer period of time and n Book 1. Well written, amazingly easy read even with a great number of characters. Holds your interest constantly throughout. Will absolutely get book 2 even though there's no cliff hanger requiring it. .
August 10, 2023
This is a wonderful saga of a very interesting family. I loved how the characters crossed paths throughout their lives. Characters are well described, with lots of detail. Can't wait to read the next book!
May 17, 2023
A Good Read
I have to admit, it took me a while to get into this book, but having read other books by this author and have always enjoyed them I persevered and am so glad I did. The book follows the Cowgill family from nearing the end of the 19th century through until after the 1st world war. There is so much happening I cannot go into all the events, so please read it. My only slight grumble is that there are so many characters I did get a bit confused, but maybe that's just me!
I have to admit, it took me a while to get into this book, but having read other books by this author and have always enjoyed them I persevered and am so glad I did. The book follows the Cowgill family from nearing the end of the 19th century through until after the 1st world war. There is so much happening I cannot go into all the events, so please read it. My only slight grumble is that there are so many characters I did get a bit confused, but maybe that's just me!
July 3, 2023
Reads like a diary reporting events with minimal character development
With the exception of Klaus, th
With the possible exception of the German prisoner Klaus, the characters were flat with little insight into their emotions or motivations. They lacked depth. The plot was interesting and appeared to reflect authentic historical research. I felt like I was reading an outline not a finished product.
With the exception of Klaus, th
With the possible exception of the German prisoner Klaus, the characters were flat with little insight into their emotions or motivations. They lacked depth. The plot was interesting and appeared to reflect authentic historical research. I felt like I was reading an outline not a finished product.
January 8, 2022
I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent” is the first book in a historical fiction series (The Cowgill Family Saga) by Bill Kitson. This book follows, mainly, the Cowgill family from the 1870s thru WWI and into the early 1920s. Albert Cowgill, the first lead character, works with sheep and wool, starting out at a low-level job and quickly moving up the ladder at the company. Along the way, he gets married and his wife’s family is introduced to the story … then they have kids and the stories about the children (and their spouses) are told. So, through this book at times there are a lot of names to keep track (as we have a few servants, some neighbors, and other people connected to the story). Then, toward the end, of course there is WWI - where situations are introduced. At its heart, this is a family saga - with love, misunderstandings, togetherness, and all the other things that bind families together (and sometimes apart). I read this book rather quickly as it was engaging. I did have some quibbles with some of the pronouncements family members made (and their actions), but in what family is everyone perfect? I learned a little bit about the wool trade, but as the book continued it became more about business. My one minor complaint is that one of the characters was presented as “the bad guy” but he was rather flat and was bad/evil just to cause tension. Some of the characters have more depth than others, but as the cast is large, that’s a common issue in books and plays.
“Brothers and Sisters of Byland Crescent” is the first book in a historical fiction series (The Cowgill Family Saga) by Bill Kitson. This book follows, mainly, the Cowgill family from the 1870s thru WWI and into the early 1920s. Albert Cowgill, the first lead character, works with sheep and wool, starting out at a low-level job and quickly moving up the ladder at the company. Along the way, he gets married and his wife’s family is introduced to the story … then they have kids and the stories about the children (and their spouses) are told. So, through this book at times there are a lot of names to keep track (as we have a few servants, some neighbors, and other people connected to the story). Then, toward the end, of course there is WWI - where situations are introduced. At its heart, this is a family saga - with love, misunderstandings, togetherness, and all the other things that bind families together (and sometimes apart). I read this book rather quickly as it was engaging. I did have some quibbles with some of the pronouncements family members made (and their actions), but in what family is everyone perfect? I learned a little bit about the wool trade, but as the book continued it became more about business. My one minor complaint is that one of the characters was presented as “the bad guy” but he was rather flat and was bad/evil just to cause tension. Some of the characters have more depth than others, but as the cast is large, that’s a common issue in books and plays.
September 29, 2022
Good Read
This multigenerational saga was well written, but there is no way I can spin a good review of it. The action started before the first world War and ended four years after the war ended. I liked how the author described the War to End All Wars was a set up for the second world War. The men in the trenches with their dead brothers in arms lying beside them was tragic.
Wealth, power and love chasing wealth, power are like a dog chasing its tail, and the characters in this book were chasing for certain. The seed characters were in the chase and big money came to them through the wool industry. Their heirs kept the money flowing by diversification of the wool business such as making the raw wool t into a material and using formulas to dye the wool. One diversified business made military uniforms. I found it interesting the way their businesses prospered and failed interesting. Who were these people in the chase? They were fictitious.
Thank you, Mr. Kitson, for a good read.
This multigenerational saga was well written, but there is no way I can spin a good review of it. The action started before the first world War and ended four years after the war ended. I liked how the author described the War to End All Wars was a set up for the second world War. The men in the trenches with their dead brothers in arms lying beside them was tragic.
Wealth, power and love chasing wealth, power are like a dog chasing its tail, and the characters in this book were chasing for certain. The seed characters were in the chase and big money came to them through the wool industry. Their heirs kept the money flowing by diversification of the wool business such as making the raw wool t into a material and using formulas to dye the wool. One diversified business made military uniforms. I found it interesting the way their businesses prospered and failed interesting. Who were these people in the chase? They were fictitious.
Thank you, Mr. Kitson, for a good read.
January 9, 2022
First of all many thanks to the author and Joffe Books for giving me the chance to read this book.
Historical Family Saga Yorkshire starting in 1878.
It's perfect for Downton Abbey fans.
Albert Cowgill starts at the age of fourteen as a wool sorter in the wool business company in Bradford working for Philip Ackroyd and Edward Haigh and is working his way up. After marrying Hannah Ackroyd the business is then known as Haigh Ackroyd & Cowgill and becomes the best business in Bradford. the couple settle in Byland Crescent Scarborough and have five children.
The history that is told in this book is so remarkable and such an interest to be read. It consists of Four parts ending in 1922. The family have lived through life and I found it fascinating all the way.
And never fault any of it and look forward to starting more to follow.
Historical Family Saga Yorkshire starting in 1878.
It's perfect for Downton Abbey fans.
Albert Cowgill starts at the age of fourteen as a wool sorter in the wool business company in Bradford working for Philip Ackroyd and Edward Haigh and is working his way up. After marrying Hannah Ackroyd the business is then known as Haigh Ackroyd & Cowgill and becomes the best business in Bradford. the couple settle in Byland Crescent Scarborough and have five children.
The history that is told in this book is so remarkable and such an interest to be read. It consists of Four parts ending in 1922. The family have lived through life and I found it fascinating all the way.
And never fault any of it and look forward to starting more to follow.
February 2, 2022
Amazing. So we’ll written.
The author wove a story spanning decades and didn’t waste a word, thought or feeling. The writing is spectacular and even lends a little rant to the wastes of wartime.
The many personalities presented in this novel give us a glimpse into families, business and loss. Not at onetime does the author leave you confused or bewildered. Such is the explicit storyline details.
Although it is book 1, there was no great cliffhanger, only anticipation to continue joining these characters in their lives.
The author wove a story spanning decades and didn’t waste a word, thought or feeling. The writing is spectacular and even lends a little rant to the wastes of wartime.
The many personalities presented in this novel give us a glimpse into families, business and loss. Not at onetime does the author leave you confused or bewildered. Such is the explicit storyline details.
Although it is book 1, there was no great cliffhanger, only anticipation to continue joining these characters in their lives.
October 11, 2022
Great historical read
This is a new author for me and an author I plan to read again. Thus book follows the Cowgill family before, during and about 5 years after WWI. This book captures the love and disappointment of a changing world. This book follows the Cowgill children and how they survived and died during this time period. It is a hard book to put down because it captures your attention and you get involved in the lives of each of the young adults. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book
This is a new author for me and an author I plan to read again. Thus book follows the Cowgill family before, during and about 5 years after WWI. This book captures the love and disappointment of a changing world. This book follows the Cowgill children and how they survived and died during this time period. It is a hard book to put down because it captures your attention and you get involved in the lives of each of the young adults. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book
January 17, 2023
Thought provoking
Loved this book! The ongoing story of the family and industrial empire created by a young man with vision, determination and through hard work is captivating. The unexpected twists and turns kept my interest and provoked a desire to learn more of a period in our nation's history of which I knew only the barest outlines. There is enough romance to sweeten it, just enough, without making it sloppy. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Loved this book! The ongoing story of the family and industrial empire created by a young man with vision, determination and through hard work is captivating. The unexpected twists and turns kept my interest and provoked a desire to learn more of a period in our nation's history of which I knew only the barest outlines. There is enough romance to sweeten it, just enough, without making it sloppy. I can't wait for the next in the series.
August 29, 2023
Brothers and sisters
I liked the variety of characters and though it didn’t cover what happened to everyone it did it’s best too. I don’t know if all the historical details are accurate but it seamed well research of the time before the Great War and during and after, the lack of young men etc. if I am the only one to have enjoyed the book ( which I don’t think is the case) I thank Bill Kitson for writing it.
I liked the variety of characters and though it didn’t cover what happened to everyone it did it’s best too. I don’t know if all the historical details are accurate but it seamed well research of the time before the Great War and during and after, the lack of young men etc. if I am the only one to have enjoyed the book ( which I don’t think is the case) I thank Bill Kitson for writing it.
December 20, 2023
PUNCTUATION MINEFIELD
I loved the story but was less than enthused about the nightmarish punctuation or lack thereof. The author has no grasp whatsoever of semi-colon usage, leading to innumerable instances of misreading. Some constructions are endless and force the reader to re-read and re-read to decipher meaning. Comma faults abound, and run-ons dominate, making for a frustrating read, indeed.
I loved the story but was less than enthused about the nightmarish punctuation or lack thereof. The author has no grasp whatsoever of semi-colon usage, leading to innumerable instances of misreading. Some constructions are endless and force the reader to re-read and re-read to decipher meaning. Comma faults abound, and run-ons dominate, making for a frustrating read, indeed.
February 14, 2022
This book is the first of the Byland Crescent Trilogy. A book that took quite a bit of getting into, but once in you cannot put it down. I will not spoil the plot but the characters are great. I read this book in one day and now I am on the next one Storm Clouds over Byland Crescent and so far I cannot put it down as I have got used to the characters. I recommend this series.
March 4, 2022
Good book
This book is rich with family sitations. It is a well written book with lots of research of that time in history. The information of WW 1 in England and at the battle sites are suberb. It is so surreal of the ups and downs of a family. I enjoyed the book very much. Looking forward to reading more of the authors books.
This book is rich with family sitations. It is a well written book with lots of research of that time in history. The information of WW 1 in England and at the battle sites are suberb. It is so surreal of the ups and downs of a family. I enjoyed the book very much. Looking forward to reading more of the authors books.
Read
April 21, 2022I have read all three books in this series. While the characters are interesting and there is a major plot twist with parts of the family on two different continents, by the time I was halfway through the third book it was getting too long. Too much detail, too many conflicts of various types. I enjoyed the books in general; in details there was overload.
June 5, 2022
Really Enjoyed It
This is a well written book about the early 20th century in England. It follows the Cowgil family until a few years after WW1 ended.if you like family stories of success and tragedy you will enjoy this one. It seems very well researched. Looking forward to the sequel.
This is a well written book about the early 20th century in England. It follows the Cowgil family until a few years after WW1 ended.if you like family stories of success and tragedy you will enjoy this one. It seems very well researched. Looking forward to the sequel.
September 25, 2022
Brothers & Sisters
Brothers & Sisters was a I can’t put it down. Let me just read one more page. Naturally that became several chapters.
Truly enjoyed the story, saddened of the death of a few , otherwise excellent story.
I highly recommend this book. You will not regret reading it.
Brothers & Sisters was a I can’t put it down. Let me just read one more page. Naturally that became several chapters.
Truly enjoyed the story, saddened of the death of a few , otherwise excellent story.
I highly recommend this book. You will not regret reading it.
October 27, 2022
Great stories as the plot thickens
I love the stories of each family member and their extended family too..it jumped around with many characters, sometimes hard keeping track of who was who, but I liked the book and would recommend to anyone for its historical descriptions of a terrible war. I also liked the ending with some good karma
I love the stories of each family member and their extended family too..it jumped around with many characters, sometimes hard keeping track of who was who, but I liked the book and would recommend to anyone for its historical descriptions of a terrible war. I also liked the ending with some good karma
November 15, 2022
what a wonderful Family Saga
I was totally engrossed in this book from start to finish, I just couldn’t put it down until I had finished it. The characters were so lifelike and real. It was funny, sad and very informative. I really hope there is a sequel. It would make a lovely TV series to rival Diwntin Abbey.Thank you Mr Kitson.
I was totally engrossed in this book from start to finish, I just couldn’t put it down until I had finished it. The characters were so lifelike and real. It was funny, sad and very informative. I really hope there is a sequel. It would make a lovely TV series to rival Diwntin Abbey.Thank you Mr Kitson.
November 17, 2022
An interesting detailed book of family's in war.
While this story started off a bit slow but eventually turned into a detailed story of a family whose lives are changed cans challenged by the war. This family shows strength and determination to continue to make life the best they can with what they are given.
While this story started off a bit slow but eventually turned into a detailed story of a family whose lives are changed cans challenged by the war. This family shows strength and determination to continue to make life the best they can with what they are given.
March 21, 2023
I read that this was a saga comparable to Downton Abby. I can see the comparison. But did not enjoy very much. The technical descriptions of business dealings were too much at times and some of the war descriptions too intense.
Disclaimers: I could not recommend this book : too provocative, rape, homosexuality, extreme violence, prostitution. Reader beware.
Disclaimers: I could not recommend this book : too provocative, rape, homosexuality, extreme violence, prostitution. Reader beware.
March 31, 2023
Jean38no
The author made the 20th century come alive. This family saga was one I couldn’t put d down. From humble beginnings to become one one premier financiers of the times. The ups , the downs of this family’s life was a fascinating novel. The author made WWI come alive you lived in the trenches, felt how the woman felt attending the soldiers. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
The author made the 20th century come alive. This family saga was one I couldn’t put d down. From humble beginnings to become one one premier financiers of the times. The ups , the downs of this family’s life was a fascinating novel. The author made WWI come alive you lived in the trenches, felt how the woman felt attending the soldiers. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
December 3, 2023
Families and War
An intriguing Family read. Brothers and sisters and throw in World War I and all the cousins made for a great read. How two business partners made a business empire which turned into two empires with a cast on of characters that keep you turning the pages. Many interesting stories within the main. Leaves some unanswered questions, but a most delightful read.
An intriguing Family read. Brothers and sisters and throw in World War I and all the cousins made for a great read. How two business partners made a business empire which turned into two empires with a cast on of characters that keep you turning the pages. Many interesting stories within the main. Leaves some unanswered questions, but a most delightful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews