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Tomorrow the World
Bridget Mulligan loves her husband. He is caring, loyal and dependable - everything a woman could ask for. But she can't quite forget Harry - the one that got away - and when a snow storm drives her into his arms, the inevitable happens. Nine months later a child is born.
Overcome with remorse, Bridget is determined that her husband should know the truth, but her confession can lead only to heartbreak. Although he allows his wife and her child to continue living in his home, Tom Mulligan makes it clear that their marriage is over. Lonely and afraid, Bridget finds comfort in the friendship of Fanny, a feisty young mother who knows what it is to be alone. But Bridget's life can never be complete until she has the love of the only man she ever really wanted...
Overcome with remorse, Bridget is determined that her husband should know the truth, but her confession can lead only to heartbreak. Although he allows his wife and her child to continue living in his home, Tom Mulligan makes it clear that their marriage is over. Lonely and afraid, Bridget finds comfort in the friendship of Fanny, a feisty young mother who knows what it is to be alone. But Bridget's life can never be complete until she has the love of the only man she ever really wanted...
434 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
135 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Cox
111 books332 followersJosephine 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.
She wrote dark psychological thrillers under the name Jane Brindle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 5, 2019
This is a story of love, mistakes, guilt, pregnancy and motherhood. I've read and loved a few books by Josephine Cox. However, I didn't connect with this story in the way I have her previous books. It is well written with some good characters, but it just didn't squeeze my heart in the way some of her other books have. Still an enjoyable read though.
September 16, 2017
The ending to this book made me happy... so did the actual story, but the ending made me especially happy.
I thought that the event that started the story was wrong and that Briget shouldn't have given in to temptation - she was married after all. Although, without that one event, there would be no story for me to add to my 'favorites' shelf!
I loved the characters of Bridget, Ruthie and, despite it all, Harry. They all seemed like really nice people, and I thought that the ending turned out well for them.
I was not sure what to think about Tom Mulligan. One minute he loves his child and the next he hates it. I believed that how he treated Bridget was appalling, even though she was honest and, in many similar cases, many lies would generally be told and things would be made ten times worse. I was slightly sorry for him at the end of his characters part in the story (no spoilers) but what happened, happened because of his own choices.
I do love this book and Highly Recommend it to any Josephine Cox/Historical Fiction/Historical Drama lovers!
I thought that the event that started the story was wrong and that Briget shouldn't have given in to temptation - she was married after all. Although, without that one event, there would be no story for me to add to my 'favorites' shelf!
I loved the characters of Bridget, Ruthie and, despite it all, Harry. They all seemed like really nice people, and I thought that the ending turned out well for them.
I was not sure what to think about Tom Mulligan. One minute he loves his child and the next he hates it. I believed that how he treated Bridget was appalling, even though she was honest and, in many similar cases, many lies would generally be told and things would be made ten times worse. I was slightly sorry for him at the end of his characters part in the story (no spoilers) but what happened, happened because of his own choices.
I do love this book and Highly Recommend it to any Josephine Cox/Historical Fiction/Historical Drama lovers!
April 18, 2016
Another great Catherine Cookson read with all the twists and turns to keep you hanging in anticipation.
January 21, 2018
Blackburn fair city
Very good read good story. Know Blackburn it brought back memories of the street's and you could see all that went on.
Very good read good story. Know Blackburn it brought back memories of the street's and you could see all that went on.
December 18, 2019
So dissatisfied 5*??
I came across this book by chance and I always check the reviews first, how the hell this book has such good reviews amazes me. I'm a big reader and this is the first book where I've had to skip pages, it was awful it didn't feel like it was set in the 1850's the story was soooo predictable I definitely will not be reading anything else by this author.
I came across this book by chance and I always check the reviews first, how the hell this book has such good reviews amazes me. I'm a big reader and this is the first book where I've had to skip pages, it was awful it didn't feel like it was set in the 1850's the story was soooo predictable I definitely will not be reading anything else by this author.
April 10, 2022
DNF,
By far the most horrible book I have ever attempted to read, stopped by page 24
A bulging erection in the first paragraph, a toturous sex scene by page 20.
I'm sorry not sorry, Bridgett is either really hot or the men have low expectations
I fricking beg you, don't read this book and ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS check the first page before buying a book
Time to go bleach my eyes
By far the most horrible book I have ever attempted to read, stopped by page 24
A bulging erection in the first paragraph, a toturous sex scene by page 20.
I'm sorry not sorry, Bridgett is either really hot or the men have low expectations
I fricking beg you, don't read this book and ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS check the first page before buying a book
Time to go bleach my eyes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2008
Very light reading with a cohesive story line which holds the attention. Shades of Catherine Cookson with her main character whose down and out who eventually makes good.
February 13, 2013
Have to say this was a fantastic read as all Josephines books are.
March 25, 2013
Great bookng really enjoyed reading it,
June 22, 2016
Excellent story
I found this book hard to put down, the further you get into the book it gets more and more exciting
I found this book hard to put down, the further you get into the book it gets more and more exciting
September 22, 2016
Fantastic
Brilliant read loved it I just couldn't put it down. Was disappointed when I finished it.
Excellent writer felt like I was in the story myself.
Brilliant read loved it I just couldn't put it down. Was disappointed when I finished it.
Excellent writer felt like I was in the story myself.
May 26, 2017
Tomorrow the world
I have always been a big fan of Josephine cox, this book doesn't disappoint, I can't Wait to start my next
I have always been a big fan of Josephine cox, this book doesn't disappoint, I can't Wait to start my next
February 13, 2023
This is a delightful book set in England in the mid 19th Century. Bridget Mulligan, the main character, is a loyal and hard working young wife who loves her husband. Late one afternoon, a snowstorm makes it impossible for Bridget to walk the long journey home from her work as a domestic in a large manor.
A young co-worker from the manor stops his horse and buggy to offer her a lift when he sees how much danger she is in. She gratefully accepts this lift from young Harry but as the storm intensifies they become soaked and cold as the path disappears. They must seek shelter to protect themselves and the horse.
"Among the bales of hay in the loft" Bridget snuggles up to Harry to try and keep them both warm. What happens next will change Bridget's life.
This is a magical story even though there are some sad and ugly moments woven through it. The beautiful characters held me captive and my dislike of the ugly characters was far outweighed by the character and innocence of Bridget who felt compelled to confess to her husband.
Bridget as the heroine deserves a happy ending but there are no spoilers from me. I highly recommend this book which deserves three and a half stars if that were possible.
A young co-worker from the manor stops his horse and buggy to offer her a lift when he sees how much danger she is in. She gratefully accepts this lift from young Harry but as the storm intensifies they become soaked and cold as the path disappears. They must seek shelter to protect themselves and the horse.
"Among the bales of hay in the loft" Bridget snuggles up to Harry to try and keep them both warm. What happens next will change Bridget's life.
This is a magical story even though there are some sad and ugly moments woven through it. The beautiful characters held me captive and my dislike of the ugly characters was far outweighed by the character and innocence of Bridget who felt compelled to confess to her husband.
Bridget as the heroine deserves a happy ending but there are no spoilers from me. I highly recommend this book which deserves three and a half stars if that were possible.
May 27, 2025
It’s about a woman who has a nasty husband and accidentally sleeps with another man.
At this point, I thought this will be the same story with the same plot and it will have the same outcome but I was wrong, it had a twist and it had a plot which was completely different to what I thought.
The woman in Story goes through pain, sorrow, lonely pregnancy, abusive partner and losing the man she actually loves. Lots 0f twist, tales and sudden outbursts.
Liked reading this book.
At this point, I thought this will be the same story with the same plot and it will have the same outcome but I was wrong, it had a twist and it had a plot which was completely different to what I thought.
The woman in Story goes through pain, sorrow, lonely pregnancy, abusive partner and losing the man she actually loves. Lots 0f twist, tales and sudden outbursts.
Liked reading this book.
August 16, 2021
I can see similarities between Josephine Cox's writing and the great Catherine Cookson whom I admire so much. I've read several of Josephine Cox's novels and in my opinion, the earliest are the best. This is no exception, it had me gripped from the beginning to the end.
August 19, 2021
Fabulous
Really enjoyable and gripping from start to finish , lovely interesting characters . Dark in places and laugh out loud in other parts . A real mix. Would definitely recommend .
Really enjoyable and gripping from start to finish , lovely interesting characters . Dark in places and laugh out loud in other parts . A real mix. Would definitely recommend .
March 8, 2018
Brilliant Saga
Another good read by one of my favourite authors, it doesn't disappoint the reader. You feel drawn into the atmosphere along with the characters.
Another good read by one of my favourite authors, it doesn't disappoint the reader. You feel drawn into the atmosphere along with the characters.
June 4, 2018
Loved it
A thoroughly good read from start to finish...love Josephine Cox I will be looking out for her next novels. Excellent
A thoroughly good read from start to finish...love Josephine Cox I will be looking out for her next novels. Excellent
January 28, 2019
An entertaining story set in Blackburn, Yorkshire in the 1850's. I found this book to be a bit far fetched, a few too many coincidences, but still an easy read and a good tale.
Read
March 1, 2020loved it
November 11, 2020
Good story I like these stories good for a change.
March 12, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book by this reliable author. It kept me interested to the end.
March 8, 2022
Captivating
Couldn't put this book down.I was reading it all day long,and also late into the night. Would really recommend it.
Couldn't put this book down.I was reading it all day long,and also late into the night. Would really recommend it.
September 30, 2022
Very predictable story, simply written and not in the least gripping, infact too simplistic and far fetched
July 11, 2023
page turner
This book was full of twists and turns that kept me hooked!!
As always a great book from Josephine Cox
This book was full of twists and turns that kept me hooked!!
As always a great book from Josephine Cox
March 3, 2024
Another brilliant read fantastic storyline 5*
October 21, 2024
I love historical fiction and this book didn't disappoint. Very much like a Catherine Cookson novel (my favourite author!) An excellent read.
November 23, 2024
Giving it five stars because it kept me engaged😅, to be honest it was unrealistic and not a quality read though!
December 14, 2025
I codnt find empathy with the main characters and I find as usual with JC the conclusion is rushed and packaged into last few pages
March 13, 2021
“Tomorrow the World” is a good story with a great plot and beautiful characters who live great friendships and everlasting love.
In my opinion, it is a book about real-life with its poverty, and sadness, with love and confusion. It is a book about living the life you have here and now.
I can say that I loved the book from the beginning to the end. Even if it is historical fiction, it shows the sad truth about our real world, where there are rights of those with money and the lack of rights of those without money.
I loved the characters because they were believable. I loved especially the characters of Bridget and Fanny, who live the truth of the single mums who struggle to live at their highest expectations for giving their children a better life than they had. Tom is Bridget’s husband and even if he is loyal and caring, he could not get comfortable in Bridget’s truth. Harry loves Bridget, but he loves his family, too.
How they manage their life? You will find reading Josephine’s book.
In my opinion, it is a book about real-life with its poverty, and sadness, with love and confusion. It is a book about living the life you have here and now.
I can say that I loved the book from the beginning to the end. Even if it is historical fiction, it shows the sad truth about our real world, where there are rights of those with money and the lack of rights of those without money.
I loved the characters because they were believable. I loved especially the characters of Bridget and Fanny, who live the truth of the single mums who struggle to live at their highest expectations for giving their children a better life than they had. Tom is Bridget’s husband and even if he is loyal and caring, he could not get comfortable in Bridget’s truth. Harry loves Bridget, but he loves his family, too.
How they manage their life? You will find reading Josephine’s book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews