Born to Serve

by Josephine Cox

When Jenny's mistress Claudia seduces her sweetheart, Frank, he leaves ashamed for a new life in Blackburn. Losing Frank is just the first of many disasters that leave Jenny struggling to cope alone. When Claudia gives birth to Frank's baby girl, she cruelly disowns the helpless infant and relies on Jenny to care for little Katie and love her as her own. Always afraid for the beloved child who has come to depend on her, Jenny is constantly called upon to show courage and fortitude to fight for all she holds dear. In her heart she yearns for Frank, believing that one day they must be reunited. When Fate takes a hand, it seems as though Jenny may see her dreams come true.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance

504 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Josephine Cox was born in Blackburn, one of ten children. At the age of sixteen, Josephine met and married her husband Ken, and had two sons. When the boys started school, she decided to go to college and eventually gained a place at university but was unable to take this up as it would have meant living away from home. Instead, she went into teaching – and started to write her first full-length novel. She won the ‘Superwoman of Great Britain’ Award, for which her family had secretly entered her, at the same time as her novel was accepted for publication. She is now a No.1 bestselling author with over 40 books to her name.

She wrote dark psychological thrillers under the name Jane Brindle.

Reviews

[Ladan F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that perhaps at a first glance, one might think is just another trashy, romantic novel - but it isn't! It is a heart rendering story and is so well written that you feel so much for Jenny, Katie and Frank. It has many interesting twists and turns but remains a brilliant story throughout. A definate good read for a long afternoon!

[Margaret Allan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book

I chose this rating not because I disliked the book itself but because of the terrible punctuation and spelling. This put me off somewhat as I kept trying to sort it out in my head and it took me longer than normal to read. Proof readers should be ashamed!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny, a domestic in the household of the tyrant daughter of the family, has a lot to deal with. The daughter has a child who she abandons and who Jenny raises. Interesting story from the 1920s and early 30s - upstairs, downstairs was still the way things were in the houses of the wealthy.

[Amanda Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy Josephine's books for a great old fashioned feel good book. Easy to read and always entertaining.

[Sharon Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like to read a Josephine Cox book, when I want an easy to read, safe story, that i know I will get into quickly, and I don't have to think much. This was a good read, I enjoyed it.

[Softwear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hopefully you can choke down the healthy dose of horse sense served here.

[Michellelouise Harris White]

loved this book from the start ,a tale of how cruel people can be to their own and how wonderful others are to strangers ,loved it

[Mrs Margaret Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading

This book is very good it is the kind of story that anyone who is happy with older times and people who lived with a lot of hardship.

[Rosie Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth a look

Loved this book, kept me grip right to the end.
Definitely a fan now and look forward to reading more of this author.

[Hariza · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good classic novel

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this one another great book !!

[Alex Haber · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has love,family and heartache. Love the characters easy to read. I really loved it.

[EILEEN SHEPPARD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartwarming

Another great read from this talented author, a book of privilege, servitude and cruelty but in saying that it will keep you reading and find it hard to put down. I gave it 3 stars as in my opinion I thought that the end was rushed. Maybe it's just me wanting more, I don't know but I would recommend it to all.

[Lisa Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from beginning to end

This is the first book by this author that I have read. But couldn't put it down. It had me fully gripped. A perfect story showing how hard some people begin their lives but do not let that deter them for making good of what they have!!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t keep me wanting to read to start with, but it got better as the story went on. Thought the ending was a bit rushed especially what happens to one of the characters in the story it just seems like an afterthought thrown in at the last chapter.

[irene currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story from an amazing author

Brilliant story line as always from Josephine Cox kept you guessing and reeling you in from start to finish can't say enough about it would recommend this book

[Ishimwe Faida]

jenny for along time in love with frank apart due to claudia who took over but then also takes part in his father's death as well as her mother

[Susan Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engrossing read.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havent read Josephine Cox for years,but I enjoyed this book.

[Joelle Mottart · Rating 1 out of 5]

awful

[june small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to serve

It kept my interest from the beginning, lovely story with twists and turns and with emotion.
Now to read more of Josephine Cox.

[P Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and absorbing read

Sadness and love overcoming adversity. Difficult to put down.
Good story and happy ending to an absorbing family story. End.

[Lina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me. Now i appreciate the gesture but its awful

[mrs J. A. Credidio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, didn't want it to end. I've downloaded another of Josephine Cox' s books. Hope it's as good.

[mrs sharon gilmour · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with this book as it was all about sex, sex and more sex and not a nice flowing romantic story. Best part was the last chapter

[christine fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book but like others I have read the ending seems a bit rushed. I still enjoyed it though.

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just felt bad for the main character the whole time. Couldn’t catch a break the poor women

[maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book.the story was compelling,loved it so much,bought it in paperback and posted to a friend.story centres on Jenny a servant in a bit house,the master dies,the wife as well and the awful vindictive daughter,Claudia terrorised Jenny who is left to pick up the pieces with Claudia's behaviour with Jenny's boyfriend.this book is a must read,wonderful story.

[jacqueline reasons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Fabulous story , would recommend it . kept me turning the pages. Good read ,put your feet up and enjoy

[Janet Randon]

Really enjoyed this book although guessed the outcome it did not matter as J Cox is true to form.