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Believing in Tomorrow
Believing in Tomorrow is the epic family saga and moving historical fiction, from the top ten bestselling author of The Storm Child , Rita Bradshaw.
Molly McKenzie is only eleven years old when her abusive father beats her to within an inch of her life. Escaping from the hovel she calls home, Molly is found by kind fisherfolk, sick and near death. With them she experiences the love of a family for the first time and, even though life is hard, she is content.
Time passes and Molly’s looking ahead to a future with the boy she loves, but then a terrible tragedy rips her life apart. Once again she’s cast adrift in an uncaring world, but Molly is made of stern stuff and is determined to survive.
In the male-dominated society of the early 1900s, Molly has to fight prejudice and hatred, and rejection comes from all sides. Can she hold fast and become the woman she is destined to be?
Molly McKenzie is only eleven years old when her abusive father beats her to within an inch of her life. Escaping from the hovel she calls home, Molly is found by kind fisherfolk, sick and near death. With them she experiences the love of a family for the first time and, even though life is hard, she is content.
Time passes and Molly’s looking ahead to a future with the boy she loves, but then a terrible tragedy rips her life apart. Once again she’s cast adrift in an uncaring world, but Molly is made of stern stuff and is determined to survive.
In the male-dominated society of the early 1900s, Molly has to fight prejudice and hatred, and rejection comes from all sides. Can she hold fast and become the woman she is destined to be?
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
64 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Rita Bradshaw
48 books112 followersRita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, whichat the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who wouldmake a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep thehouse buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it anyother way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Althoughhaving enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted tolive anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday homeclose to the sea one day.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 30, 2022
As a lover of Rita Bradshaw's books I was looking forward to this book and what a lovely emotional story this is.The characters go so well with the story and bring the book to life,Molly is a very strong woman and determined to better herself.I will say this book will be loved by readers.5*
April 7, 2023
A real comfort read 🥰
February 2, 2023
Rita Bradshaw, an author whose name on the cover appears in larger print than the rather non-descript title, has established a reputation as a purveyor of sagas with a Gothic edge. In this case the female protagonist, Molly Mackenzie, is unusual, as we are told that despite her blonde hair and blue eyes, her mother is of Romani extraction. Less unusually, she is also feisty; ‘a tigress under that pretty exterior.’
Our story begins in 1900 where abused child Molly sneaks off to the fair to have fun for once in her life. She gets beaten to unconsciousness and runs away from home after her father has already killed her sister. Found almost dying, she is taken in by a fishing family. For a few years normal life follows, then in a whirl of forbidden love, death and murder-suicide, all is unravelled.
Working in a canning factory, Molly makes some friends, one of whom teaches her to read, and then offers classes on being a lady. Molly then poses as middle class, to become a governess for the children of a widowed doctor.
There are graphic descriptions of injury and death – drowning, burning. As the men suffer, Molly shrewdly seizes her chances and rises to become a factory owner. Of course this is not enough. Will she manage to find the right man in a world where so many are worthless?
Consistently fast moving, with each new chapter putting the reader into the thick of the action, this book offers vivid escapism, though I did notice awkward flaunting of research and some ungainly explicatory dialogue. Still, it is without doubt a worthy addition to Bradshaw’s body of work and will find a ready audience amongst her readers.
Our story begins in 1900 where abused child Molly sneaks off to the fair to have fun for once in her life. She gets beaten to unconsciousness and runs away from home after her father has already killed her sister. Found almost dying, she is taken in by a fishing family. For a few years normal life follows, then in a whirl of forbidden love, death and murder-suicide, all is unravelled.
Working in a canning factory, Molly makes some friends, one of whom teaches her to read, and then offers classes on being a lady. Molly then poses as middle class, to become a governess for the children of a widowed doctor.
There are graphic descriptions of injury and death – drowning, burning. As the men suffer, Molly shrewdly seizes her chances and rises to become a factory owner. Of course this is not enough. Will she manage to find the right man in a world where so many are worthless?
Consistently fast moving, with each new chapter putting the reader into the thick of the action, this book offers vivid escapism, though I did notice awkward flaunting of research and some ungainly explicatory dialogue. Still, it is without doubt a worthy addition to Bradshaw’s body of work and will find a ready audience amongst her readers.
November 14, 2022
Oh what a beautiful read.
This is the story of Molly McKenzie set in the North East of England 1900.
Her Da Josiah is a bad tempered man that everyone is scared of. Her mother Ada just likes to keep the peace and brothers Fred and Caleb keep out of his way. After sneaking out to the Michaelmas Fair he gives her a severe beating, if she didn't leave he would kill her just like he did to her sister Kitty. she ends up in North Shields and Jed and Enid Mallard take her in as one of the family but her happiness is cut short and she ends up jobless and homeless once again.
This story was one of the authors best work that I have read, the words just flow off the pages as you read. I always look forward to this time of the year just to look forward to her novels that bring such joy to my reading once again. Beautiful just Beautiful
This is the story of Molly McKenzie set in the North East of England 1900.
Her Da Josiah is a bad tempered man that everyone is scared of. Her mother Ada just likes to keep the peace and brothers Fred and Caleb keep out of his way. After sneaking out to the Michaelmas Fair he gives her a severe beating, if she didn't leave he would kill her just like he did to her sister Kitty. she ends up in North Shields and Jed and Enid Mallard take her in as one of the family but her happiness is cut short and she ends up jobless and homeless once again.
This story was one of the authors best work that I have read, the words just flow off the pages as you read. I always look forward to this time of the year just to look forward to her novels that bring such joy to my reading once again. Beautiful just Beautiful
January 28, 2023
A fabulous read.The main character Molly showed true grit throughout.It was very interesting showing how women were under valued but the gradual process where they eventually became accepted and treated as equals to men when it came to working.A lot of it due to the war and a turn around by the government.It was altogether an interesting and gripping (at times)story.very satisfying when the horrible Cuthbert got his come uppance!!It's a while since I read a Rita Bradshaw book(all those I've read have been good)but am going to search for a few more now.
November 24, 2022
Beautiful
What a lovely story. A most enjoyable read Rita Bradshaw never disappoints. Captive characters really giving a better chance to make people believe they can be better if they try
What a lovely story. A most enjoyable read Rita Bradshaw never disappoints. Captive characters really giving a better chance to make people believe they can be better if they try
January 8, 2023
Such a great read! One of those books that once you start it you just can’t put it down. I haven’t read any Rita Bradshaw books before but I will definitely be picking up some more. Such strongly written, three-dimensional characters which can sometimes be hard to find
January 26, 2023
Probably the best book I've read by Rita Bradshaw. It's the story of Molly whose parents mistreat her causing her to run away. The story progresses quite quickly so you don't get bored and just want to keep reading. No spoilers so I'll just recommend it with 5 stars.
August 26, 2024
A sad but lovely story.
This story was very well written and although sad it showed perseverance. I could not work out how it was possible to save so much money but I think we will put it down to an awful lot of luck!!
This story was very well written and although sad it showed perseverance. I could not work out how it was possible to save so much money but I think we will put it down to an awful lot of luck!!
November 15, 2022
good read
Nice story well worth the read well written as all her books are can’t wait till the next one out
Nice story well worth the read well written as all her books are can’t wait till the next one out
December 2, 2022
Brilliant read.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good storyline. Love and intrigue to keep readers interest.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good storyline. Love and intrigue to keep readers interest.
December 22, 2022
Comfort read and I really enjoyed it. Set in north east which is where I am from and always good stories from author.
January 20, 2023
This is the first book I have read of Rita Bradshaw, and will most definitely be reading more, I couldn't put it down, and wanted to know if Molly has a happy life in the end.
May 26, 2023
Recommend this book
Another book I found it difficult to put down. The story was excellent very moving. I can't wait to start my next book
Another book I found it difficult to put down. The story was excellent very moving. I can't wait to start my next book
July 19, 2023
very enjoyable
Great characters, great read. Bit of a surprise ending which I didn’t expect. Going to have a look for more of the same!
Great characters, great read. Bit of a surprise ending which I didn’t expect. Going to have a look for more of the same!
August 7, 2023
Believing in tomorrow
A very interesting read keeping you in the life of Molly. Many twists and turns.....Can't wait until the next novel.
A very interesting read keeping you in the life of Molly. Many twists and turns.....Can't wait until the next novel.
October 25, 2023
Loved, first Rita Bradshaw book I've read. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
November 14, 2023
Molly Mckenzie hasn't had a happy childhood, after enduring a terrible beating she runs away. This is a wonderful tale of Molly's life.
December 2, 2023
A comforting read with a very Woman of Substance-ish feel to it.
April 30, 2024
Best book
This book hooked me from first page fantastic story lots of twist and is. To make you want to keep on reading another great book by Rita Bradshaw
This book hooked me from first page fantastic story lots of twist and is. To make you want to keep on reading another great book by Rita Bradshaw
August 7, 2024
addictive
Lovely book. Was so warming and so addictive.
Lovely book. Was so warming and so addictive.
October 1, 2024
A gripping story
January 9, 2025
A nice wholesome historical fiction romance novel.
September 27, 2023
I really loved it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews