A Mother's Fight

The Lancashire Girls #2

by Libby Ashworth

After her husband Jack is transported to Australia as a convict, Hannah and her children are sent to the workhouse. Hearing nothing from Jack and believing he’s dead, Hannah reluctantly agrees to marry widower Ellis Duxbury. But her children must remain in the workhouse, and when they are sent away as apprentices, it’s up to Hannah to track them down. On Christmas Eve, Hannah is blessed with a miracle when Jack returns to the village. Yet more trouble lies ahead as Hannah is arrested, accused of bigamy and threatened with deportation herself. Having fought so long for her and her children’s freedom, Hannah must once more dig deep to keep her family together. A gripping and inspiring saga for readers of Val Wood and Emma Hornby. ‘I loved reading this book. It was so well written I couldn’t put it down .’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘An absorbing story… I am never normally a fan of historical fiction but this book had me hooked from page one !’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ A lovely emotional read with good characterisation . Well written storyline.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘I enjoyed this exciting read and the poor plight of Hannah and her children. It was well written with a great story and interesting characters .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘What a brilliant book – so many emotions! If you love family saga you will definitely love A Mother’s Fight .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Love Libby Ashworth books and this was no exception. It followed on so well from The Convict’s Wife … the style of writing hooked me. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend this absorbing tale .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

Genres: Historical Fiction

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2022

Reviews

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Ashworth seems to have a special knack of bringing the reader straight into her books from the 1st page. This book was a great read and moved at a good pace without losing the reader in unnecessary flourish.
Poor Hannah seems to spend all her waking hours fighting for what she knows is right. Most mothers would do the same but placed in situations outside your control would we have this woman's strength?
A powerful book which highlights the many pitfalls of being a woman and mother in those harsh times. and how our life can be turned on its head by a few hard heads!!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her husband Jack is transported to Australia as a convict, Hannah and her children are sent to the workhouse. Hearing nothing from Jack and believing he’s dead, Hannah reluctantly agrees to marry widower Ellis Duxbury.

But her children must remain in the workhouse, and when they are sent away as apprentices, it’s up to Hannah to track them down.

On Christmas Eve, Hannah is blessed with a miracle when Jack returns to the village. Yet more trouble lies ahead as Hannah is arrested, accused of bigamy and threatened with deportation herself. Having fought so long for her and her children’s freedom, Hannah must once more dig deep to keep her family together.

This is an emotional, historical story about the lengths a mother will go to protect her children. I really enjoyed this from start to finish and will be recommending it to anyone who likes historical fiction. Many thanks to netgalley and Canelo for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

My rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

#netgalley #amothersfight

[Carol Mageean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Libby Ashworth books and this one was no exception. The style of writing hooks you in and although it’s been a while since I read the previous book - it followed on so well with poor Hannah trying to protect and keep her family together being forced into the workhouse
after her husband Jack is transported to Australia as a convict, Really enjoyed and highly recommend this absorbing tale.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so lovely to catch up with the characters from The Convicts Wife once again. In a Mother's Fight Hannah really did have a struggle. It was so nice to see Jack come back from New South Wales after being transported there for seven years. A very interesting read and I hope another book for these characters is forthcoming. A recommended five star read.

[Sophie Tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different style of writing I’d usually read and go for but I did enjoy the storyline. I think some chapters were a bit too brief. The ending was a shock twist and I was happy for Hannah.

Favourite chapter: 23

Favourite character: Mr Duxbury

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel to a Convicts Wife, a very enjoyable read

[Mrs Margaret Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was one of books you can't lay down. Every chance I got I was reading it

[Gail Danks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tale set in Lancashire.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book of the series and enjoyed it, it is following Hannah who’s husband Jack Fisher was also transported to Australia with Thomas Holden from the first book. Great series

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah's husband Jack is transferred to new South Wales as a convict, how will she live? She doesn't manage as well and ends up in the workhouse

[Sue Hickling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story ,1 more in the set to read .

[Linda Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it about 1/3 of the way through this book, and just couldn't finish it. While the storyline was interesting enough, there were a few problems I had with the book that I just couldn't overcome. First, the incredibly long, rambling sentences were very distracting. The author really needs to learn how to use semicolons. Second, every chapter ended the same way, with the main character bemoaning her fate and saying she couldn't see how it was going to work out but she was going to do everything she could. Every. Chapter. Third, the main character felt like a modern woman transported in time. She complained that men didn't listen to her opinions or consult her. Women in this time period were rarely consulted on any matter of importance, especially the poor, uneducated women. Overall, she felt like a one-dimensional, unrealistic, and whiny person.

I gave the book two stats because I cared enough about the story to look up a summary and see what happens, and because I really did want to like this story. I just couldn't handle reading it for another 3-4 hours without going crazy.

[Lee Buckley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to read this author but book 2 was certainly along the same lines as book 1. There just wasn't enough light and joy to make me want to read the next book, sorry.