A Season for Hope

by Rosie Goodwin

The brand new novel from Britain's best-loved saga author

Whitby, 1845

Amber Ainsley works for the wealthy Greenwoods. But when Amber falls pregnant with Mr Barnaby Greenwood's illegitimate child, he casts her out, leaving her homeless and without an income.

Amber flees to Whitby where she stays with her uncle until her child is born. Upon discovering this, Barnaby offers to find a family to raise Amber's daughter, to save her going to the workhouse. Broken-hearted but wanting the best for her child, Amber hands her daughter over.

Meanwhile, Louisa Greenwood is desperate to give her husband Barnaby an heir. The couple are overjoyed when she gives birth to twins, but the babies are weak and the Greenwoods are worried they won't survive. Poverty-stricken, Amber has no choice but to return to work for the Greenwoods. There, the baby girl is flourishing but her twin is not. When Amber notices a familiar birth mark on the infant girl's leg, her world is turned upside-down . . .


Will Amber ever be able to have the family life she hopes for?

Genres: Historical

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2022

About the author

Before becoming a writer, I was a Placement Support Worker and foster carer, and worked in the social services department after completing a teacher training course. Many children have joined my family over the years. I still live in Nuneaton, where many of my books are set, with my husband, Trevor, and our beloved dogs.

I was thrilled to discover that I'd become one of the top 250 most-borrowed library authors in the UK, and would like to thank all of you who have taken out my books over the last few years! I love meeting my readers and am always pleased to hear from you. I hope you will all continue to get in touch and please do sign up for my newsletter!

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy books by Rosie Goodwin and this was no exception. An easy enjoyable read, Amber always had plenty of drama in her life, ups and downs. She did annoy me at times with her attitude towards Barnaby, as it’s not like he forced her to sleep with him, she willingly consented and she knew he was married, so she behaved rather naively in thinking he would put her before his wife. Though as the story develops we realise that Barnaby isn’t as cold hearted as he at first appeared to be.

Barnaby’s wife Louisa is a spoilt brat and the most hateful person, no wonder her parents are as nasty as she is. I would have liked to see them get their comeuppance somehow! Plenty of other good characters adds to plenty more drama.

Overall a really good read.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story centred on Amber, a laundry maid who is employed by the Greenwood's. I always enjoy Rosie's books so there was no surprise that I was hooked from page 1.

[Ali Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say it every time but I LOVE Rosie Goodwin books. And I haven't read them all so pleased I still have many to look forward to. This was the perfect read to take me from 2022 into 2023. I have been to Scarborough but not Whitby and now I so need to go. Loved it and would make a great TV film drama

[H LLOYD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read.. On to the next book

[Kathleen Orme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant holiday read

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this one. It was mostly enjoyable. I was glad to see at least one woman who didn't fall in love with the baby she didn't want so that was nice. Unfortunately Amber is a complete idiot like irredeemably stupid. I get that she starts off as a naive girl so that part didn't bother me but she doesn't seem to gain any intelligence as the book goes on. Kidnapping her child and thinking it was fine and then taking her to a job that she knew was a horrible workplace based on an interview a relative of her friend did. Stupid. The book itself seemed awkwardly written some scenes just didn't flow or feel natural and that whole kidnapping scene seemed put in to add more words and pages and really didn't serve much purpose except to hammer home that the baby likes her dad better than Amber which was plainly obvious anyway. Still it was a decent read but not as infuriating as other books but it just seemed off to me when compared to other books by this author.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

While working at Greenacres, Amber Ainsley has an affair with her boss, Barnaby Greenwood. The affair ends when Amber discovers she is pregnant and Barnaby orders her out.
Amber flees to Whitby where she stays with her uncle and gives birth to a little girl, that Barnaby has agreed to find a family for.
At Greenacres, Barnaby's unhappy wife Louisa, gives birth on the same night. She has no desire for children, or for Barnaby as it happens.
Following a family tragedy, bereft Amber has no choice but to return to Greenacres to work. Here she makes a shocking discovery that changes the course of her future.
As Louisa descends into ill health, it is not only Amber's future that falls onto a completely different path.
I enjoyed A Season for Hope, though I did find it frustrating at times. I felt Amber too stubborn for her own good at times!

[Barbara Boyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely read again by Rosie Goodwin. I really enjoy these novels which are set in the nineteenth century the people had very little but worked hard and accepted their lot. I loved Amber's story a young girl working in the kitchens at Greenacres the home of Barnaby Greenwood and his wife but when she gets herself into a bad situation her life is changed forever .Loved the location where it's set Whitby is such a great place and the story is full of great characters and shows how much circumstances and privilege can change people. A story of friendships, family and love and hopefully the class differences can bring people together as well as tearing them apart. Highly recommend novel

[Karen Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to love, another brilliant book by Rosie Goodwin
It's 1845 and Amber is a laundry maid who has been sleeping with Barnaby Greenwood, believing he loves her and they will be together eventually until she falls pregnant and he tells her to get rid of it at the same time he finds out his wife is also pregnant
Amber decides she can't go through with it but will have the baby and leave it on the poor house steps so goes to stay with her uncle so no one apart from her mum knows about the baby
Without saying anything else so as not to spoil the story, let's just say things don't go to plan for Amber or Barnaby

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with sadness and drama after poor Amber Ainsley is turfed out of her job as laundry maid for allowing Barnaby Greenwood the master to take her body night after night, she believes him when he says he loves her.
She wants to keep her baby but realises she cannot look after herself let alone a young baby so when it is born she has made up her mind she will leave it on the steps of the poor house.
Such a warm, wonderful story, once again from Rosie, she knows just how to work her characters to keep us all hooked. It has turmoils and twists that will keep you guessing what happens next.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to read anything by Rosie Goodwin but I'll certainly be rectifying it by reading her previous books. A Season Of Hope was an absolute joy to read. I just loved Amber. What a strong, capable, determined and compassionate young woman. She was amazing. It's quite obvious how the story is going to end buy the drama, the heartache and the few little twists keep the pace up and make you not want to put it down. Such a satisfying read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Zaffre for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Carol Mageean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant novel by Rosie Goodwin which did not disappoint.

Loved this saga about Amber and how she struggled with her emotions towards Barnaby (her Master) once he realised she was pregnant and fails to support her.The story was fast paced and characters introduced easily you felt like you were stood in The Greenwood’s house and could picture Amber’s turmoil and feelings towards Barnaby. A real page turner loved it and would highly recommend .

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber while working as a laundry maid becomes pregnant by Barnaby Greenwood. He sent her away. She ends up at the home of her uncle where she gives birth to a baby girl. Barnaby supposedly gives the baby up to a foster home. When Amber is once again working at the Greenwood home she finds out that he has deceived her all along.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the advance read of this book.
Another fantastic read from Rosie Goodwin, I really enjoy the Precious Stones series set in the 19th century. I felt every emotion while reading Amber's story, from sadness to happiness. It has a perfect ending.
I really recommend this series to everyone.
A definite 5 stars from me

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book at all - I only read it because a friend wanted me to read it as she had enjoyed it. I wasn’t holding out much hope or looking forward to it but it was surprisingly enjoyable. Not sure I’ll read another like this but it made a nice change & I can see why this author is so popular

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book.

Amber is a laundry maid who is having an affair with her employer Barnaby Greenwood and she is pregnant, she ends up leaving. We see the ups and downs that Amber goes through but will everything turn out fine.

The book is well written and I enjoyed the characters thought they worked well together.

Would recommend this book.

[julie johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another GREAT read!!!

Another book I could not put down. I love all of Rosies books. The stories are gripping as was this latest book. I find myself immersed in the stories. Can't wait for her new novel being released.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie has written another 5☆ read with this book, although it made me cry in a few places. Now can't wait for the next in the precious stones books but will be sorry too as it will be the last book in this series.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me cry .I could not put this book down was amazing story but was life like

This story was amazing could put it down I cried when they let him go something good came of it all .And they loved each other so much ❤️ x

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to give this 5 stars. I was riveted the whole way through. A lovely story of hope and love. Amber was taken advantage of but realised it takes two to tango. After giving up her daughter at birth this story takes you through her journey to a happy ending. Loved loved moved this book

[Jennsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but the last 25% felt rushed and lacking in plot. I did not connect with the characters much either and found the story not so believable and too predictable in places.

[J.J. JOHNSTONE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Thoroughly enjoyed this book although found myself ahead of it at times as felt that the obvious things were going to happen. However it was a really good story and would recommend it.

[Linda Leedham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read from Rosie Goodwin now one of my favourite authors, three quarters of the way through it did become a slow read and laborious where nothing seemed to happen and repetitive but it ended well

[hilary harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what can I say. Rosie you have excelled yourself. What a brilliant read. Best book I have read for a long time, fantastic story and brilliant page length. A real page turner. Definitely a must read.

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Rosie's books and although this is set earlier than my usual reads I really enjoyed it.
Amber is such a likeable heroine and this is a lovely take on the master /servant relationship.

[judith haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful,

Absolutely beautiful book once again Rosie, Read it in two days just couldn’t put it down, highly recommended once again,

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely, and would definitely recommend it! The story is full of twists and I found it difficult to put it down.

[Christina Tookey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from this author.

I loved every minute. Great story. Thank you. I will be looking out for my next one. It's perfect for picking up anytime to continue.

[Joanne Whitefoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story by a fantastic author. Rosie Goodwin writes brilliant stories and I recommend people to read her work

[Layla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tried to get I to this and could not. Really wanted to read this As well. Just didn't hold my attention like the other books iv read by Rosie. 😭📖😕😔