What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tilly Trotter Trilogy #3
Tilly Alone
'How many times can we love?' The question haunted beautiful Tilly Trotter, bereft after the murder of her beloved husband Matthew by warring Comanches. Summoning her courage, she fled America for the familiar English countryside. Tilly was Lady of the Manor now, richer than she had ever dreamed possible.
Yet it was love for her children, delicate Willy and Mexican-Indian Josefina, that helped her endure the slander of vicious townspeople. Indomitable, she never faltered in the face of adversity. And still she honored her promise of faith to a dying husband. But the flame of a childhood love rekindled, forcing Tilly to answer her greatest question. With gentle Steve McGrath, she could leave tragedy behind her. She could love again, as she had never loved before.
Yet it was love for her children, delicate Willy and Mexican-Indian Josefina, that helped her endure the slander of vicious townspeople. Indomitable, she never faltered in the face of adversity. And still she honored her promise of faith to a dying husband. But the flame of a childhood love rekindled, forcing Tilly to answer her greatest question. With gentle Steve McGrath, she could leave tragedy behind her. She could love again, as she had never loved before.
265 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
39 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
458 books688 followersCatherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 7, 2021
Good, enjoyable, bit of a slog. Heaps of unnecessary pain. My god Tilly, leave town already.
I don't like sagas, even if Cookson wrote them (maybe especially when she writes them). The first book was nice, the second was weird, racist and cradle-robbing, and the third was just a hodgepodge of me thinking 'wtf Cookson'. Tilly's now got Luke crushing on her?! I actually feel sorry for Farmer Bentwood.
The scene where she basically tells her adopted daughter to leave HER son alone, and that she's not actually her kid... oof. It's a common theme in Cookson's books where there is this divisive climax between parent and child, one in which they briefly if not permanently become enemies. It always makes for a hard read.
I don't like sagas, even if Cookson wrote them (maybe especially when she writes them). The first book was nice, the second was weird, racist and cradle-robbing, and the third was just a hodgepodge of me thinking 'wtf Cookson'. Tilly's now got Luke crushing on her?! I actually feel sorry for Farmer Bentwood.
The scene where she basically tells her adopted daughter to leave HER son alone, and that she's not actually her kid... oof. It's a common theme in Cookson's books where there is this divisive climax between parent and child, one in which they briefly if not permanently become enemies. It always makes for a hard read.
February 8, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book by Catherine Cookson. Storytelling at it's best. Recommended.
July 11, 2021
I've re-read the first two novels in this trilogy many a times since I discovered Cookson in my teens. I adored Tilly. But I never finished the story. I think my library at the time didn't have to third book or something.
Now years later I finally read the concluding novel in Tilly's story. It got me very emotional at times. Racism, colorism, genocide, adoption, trauma... As an adult I'm much more aware of different themes. I've never been a big romance reader but I guess this was very nostalgic to me. I can appreciate and trust Cookson's style even though she will take all the time and make the reader wait for the satisfactory ending.
Now years later I finally read the concluding novel in Tilly's story. It got me very emotional at times. Racism, colorism, genocide, adoption, trauma... As an adult I'm much more aware of different themes. I've never been a big romance reader but I guess this was very nostalgic to me. I can appreciate and trust Cookson's style even though she will take all the time and make the reader wait for the satisfactory ending.
August 19, 2023
I don't often give 5 stars as I believe the work has to be something really special to be awarded such a high rating, well this is definitely deserving. I admit I like all of Catherine Cookson's work but there is always one special piece which seems to stand out and this is one of them. The final part of the Tilly Trotter trilogy and it doesn't disappoint. Really well written and a hugely compelling story. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2018
Dramatic twist of events
This was a difficult ending to me. Lots of trials and loss for Tilly. Honestly would have liked a bit more story of what happened after everyone was settled but overall a great ending for the trilogy.
This was a difficult ending to me. Lots of trials and loss for Tilly. Honestly would have liked a bit more story of what happened after everyone was settled but overall a great ending for the trilogy.
July 19, 2020
This trilogy just got better and better for me. I absolutely enjoyed this story better than the other two. I think that the story ended where it needed to and most of my question got answered. Really enjoyed the last part however more than the first half of the story
December 10, 2020
I was a little tired of Tilly by the 3rd book. She's soooo fascinating and beautiful and irresistible, blah blah blah. I thought she was also pretty self absorbed and clueless. Meh. Glad it ended how it did, I guess.
April 19, 2022
I read this as a young teen. I think I learned social history from Catherine Cookson & her descriptions of poverty as much as the school text books. The fiction brought the fact to life using unchallenging language.
June 21, 2019
I enjoyed the third book in the Tilly Trotter trilogy. Written in true Cookson style.
June 24, 2020
A good solid conclusion to this trilogy.
August 28, 2023
Perfect escapist historical fiction
July 2, 2024
Ends up with the person she should be with - everyone loves a happy ending.
July 24, 2024
A very good read.
I loved this book so many twists and turns I fell right into the story as usual with Catherine Cookson.
I loved this book so many twists and turns I fell right into the story as usual with Catherine Cookson.
April 10, 2025
I picked up this book from a neighbour. The author is a good writer but I just found the story boring. Not my type of book I guess.
May 19, 2024
Another masterpiece
Catherine Cookson produced another memorable character in Tilly Trotter. I've read her books over and over and still enjoy them each and every time!
Catherine Cookson produced another memorable character in Tilly Trotter. I've read her books over and over and still enjoy them each and every time!
January 15, 2014
In days of horse and buggy, servant class when educated can mix with betters. "Under the façade she knew who she was, and always would remain so, she was simply Tilly Trotter" the same young girl p 36. Matilda Sopwith, slim white-haired 35, returns as owner of coal-mine estate with nearly blind Willy, son by Mark, Mexican Josefina, tiny for 4, not "flyblow" of late husband Matthew (Mark's son). The past still holds strong: loved by mine manager Steve McGrath, hated by farmer Simon Brentwood, even more after his daughter Nell and Will fall in love.
Although part 2 starts a decade later, motherly cook Biddy dead, emotions are constant, repeat over generations. Like Tilly, Will loves two "impossible .. inherited her problem" p 241. "Only the good die young, it was said, and she was afraid the gods might claim their own" p 197. Fiction can be more believable than fact.
Despite plethora of illegitimacy, romance is faithful, long-lasting. Thwarted, reminds of passage by P.D. James "the most destructive force in the world is .. love" not hate https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... . Whether "attraction.. more than her share .. a spell" p 121 or "fascinating" p xx, Tilly stimulates male hormones, and murder, in her wake.
People and coincidences seem real. Tilly pays Ned Spoke 15 stableboy, to learn and teach wrestling, give Will male influence, "given the chance to ride a horse .. negro slave, Number Three, whose life was saved because he had sneaked out at night just to touch a horse" p 145.
Wisdom comes from plain speaking. "Her granny used to say work never killed anybody, not perhaps outright but it led them by both hands to the edge of the grave" p 150.
Typo:
p 247 appraoched is approached
Although part 2 starts a decade later, motherly cook Biddy dead, emotions are constant, repeat over generations. Like Tilly, Will loves two "impossible .. inherited her problem" p 241. "Only the good die young, it was said, and she was afraid the gods might claim their own" p 197. Fiction can be more believable than fact.
Despite plethora of illegitimacy, romance is faithful, long-lasting. Thwarted, reminds of passage by P.D. James "the most destructive force in the world is .. love" not hate https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... . Whether "attraction.. more than her share .. a spell" p 121 or "fascinating" p xx, Tilly stimulates male hormones, and murder, in her wake.
People and coincidences seem real. Tilly pays Ned Spoke 15 stableboy, to learn and teach wrestling, give Will male influence, "given the chance to ride a horse .. negro slave, Number Three, whose life was saved because he had sneaked out at night just to touch a horse" p 145.
Wisdom comes from plain speaking. "Her granny used to say work never killed anybody, not perhaps outright but it led them by both hands to the edge of the grave" p 150.
Typo:
p 247 appraoched is approached
September 17, 2009
The final novel in the Tilly Trotter trilogy had me on the edge of my seat. It opens with Tilly and her son, Willy and her adopted daughter returning to England where a bunch of rude, judgemental villagers await her. After arriving home and settling back into her late husband's estate, Tilly shows amazing bravery and brazenly faces the villagers down right after church one Sunday. Having been accused of being a witch in the previous novels, Tilly uses the villagers own superstitions against themselves, scaring them into leaving her son alone.
Meanwhile, she is running the mine that she used to work in, even going so far as to aide in rescue efforts.
Part two goes ahead approximately 15 years and a new scandal enfolds involving her son and the daughter of a man that once spurned by Tilly, now hates her with a passion, including her almost blind son. Will Noreen, the daughter of the bitter Simon, escape her locked prison and run to Willy's arms? Or will Simon kill Willy first? I must not forget to mention that Tilly's adopted daughter, while being spurned for her darker skin by all the townfolk, also loves Willy, but knowing she cannot have him, has decided to run back to America. Through all this drama, Tilly finally comes to terms with the fact that she too, loves a man again. Unfortunately for Tilly, the man she loves has waited over 30 years for her and now that she is ready to open her arms and her heart to him, he has found solace in the arms of another.
So much suspense and a wonderful conclusion to a superb trilogy.
Meanwhile, she is running the mine that she used to work in, even going so far as to aide in rescue efforts.
Part two goes ahead approximately 15 years and a new scandal enfolds involving her son and the daughter of a man that once spurned by Tilly, now hates her with a passion, including her almost blind son. Will Noreen, the daughter of the bitter Simon, escape her locked prison and run to Willy's arms? Or will Simon kill Willy first? I must not forget to mention that Tilly's adopted daughter, while being spurned for her darker skin by all the townfolk, also loves Willy, but knowing she cannot have him, has decided to run back to America. Through all this drama, Tilly finally comes to terms with the fact that she too, loves a man again. Unfortunately for Tilly, the man she loves has waited over 30 years for her and now that she is ready to open her arms and her heart to him, he has found solace in the arms of another.
So much suspense and a wonderful conclusion to a superb trilogy.
April 13, 2014
This is the third volume of the Tilly Trotter's tetralogy.
Tilly's saga continues, when she returns back home after her stay in Texas with her late husband Matthew. She brings back her son Willy and her adopted Mexican daughter Josefina.
Old loves and enmities are still coming up as part of Tilly's faith.
Page 82:
Last night she had lain for hour pondering on her life that could be said to be uneventful looked at from the outside, but which underneath the surface had been filled wit tragedy since she was a child: her father dying in strange circumstances; her mother fading away afterwards; then herself being brought up by her grandparents on stolen money that had lain hidden for years; her persecution by the villagers, through which, inadvertently, she had been the acuse of the death of two men; her succumbing to the love of the owner of this manor, and ghee constant attendance on him for twelve years until the day he died; then her bearing him a child, and finally marrying his son.
4* Feathers in the Fire
5* Katie Mulholland
5* The Black Velvet Gown
5* The Rag Nymph
4* The Black Candle
3* Colour Blind
4* The Dwelling Place
4* The Glass Virgin
The Mallen Trilogy:
4* The Mallen Streak
2* The Mallen Girl
3* The Mallen Litter
Tilly Trotter Trilogy:
4* Tilly Trotter
5* Tilly Trotter Wed
4 Tilly Trotter Widowed
TR Tilly Alone
Autobiography:
4* Our Kate
TR The Fifteen Streets
TR The Maltese Angel
TR The Cinder Path
TR The Wingless Bird
TR The Round Tower
TR The Girl
TR The Silent Lady
Tilly's saga continues, when she returns back home after her stay in Texas with her late husband Matthew. She brings back her son Willy and her adopted Mexican daughter Josefina.
Old loves and enmities are still coming up as part of Tilly's faith.
Page 82:
Last night she had lain for hour pondering on her life that could be said to be uneventful looked at from the outside, but which underneath the surface had been filled wit tragedy since she was a child: her father dying in strange circumstances; her mother fading away afterwards; then herself being brought up by her grandparents on stolen money that had lain hidden for years; her persecution by the villagers, through which, inadvertently, she had been the acuse of the death of two men; her succumbing to the love of the owner of this manor, and ghee constant attendance on him for twelve years until the day he died; then her bearing him a child, and finally marrying his son.
4* Feathers in the Fire
5* Katie Mulholland
5* The Black Velvet Gown
5* The Rag Nymph
4* The Black Candle
3* Colour Blind
4* The Dwelling Place
4* The Glass Virgin
The Mallen Trilogy:
4* The Mallen Streak
2* The Mallen Girl
3* The Mallen Litter
Tilly Trotter Trilogy:
4* Tilly Trotter
5* Tilly Trotter Wed
4 Tilly Trotter Widowed
TR Tilly Alone
Autobiography:
4* Our Kate
TR The Fifteen Streets
TR The Maltese Angel
TR The Cinder Path
TR The Wingless Bird
TR The Round Tower
TR The Girl
TR The Silent Lady
June 15, 2020
Loved this series and a good ending for Tilly and her family.
SYNOPSIS:
Tilly was first a rich man’s mistress, then a frontier wife, and now a widow. With her two children, half-blind Willy and her adopted daughter, Josefina, Tilly returns to Highfield Manor, where she’d started her life working as a nursemaid all those years ago.
But Tilly is now a rich woman with Highfield, the estate and mine all hers. At 35, she is white-haired, but as spirited and as magnetic to men as ever. Her reputation as a witch continues to grow among the villagers, ever hostile and suspicious, but she is supported by faithful friends and warm memories.
There is still much in store for Tilly: old loves and enmities provide fresh challenges, and the final shaping of her destiny makes this novel a most absorbing and vividly dramatic story.
SYNOPSIS:
Tilly was first a rich man’s mistress, then a frontier wife, and now a widow. With her two children, half-blind Willy and her adopted daughter, Josefina, Tilly returns to Highfield Manor, where she’d started her life working as a nursemaid all those years ago.
But Tilly is now a rich woman with Highfield, the estate and mine all hers. At 35, she is white-haired, but as spirited and as magnetic to men as ever. Her reputation as a witch continues to grow among the villagers, ever hostile and suspicious, but she is supported by faithful friends and warm memories.
There is still much in store for Tilly: old loves and enmities provide fresh challenges, and the final shaping of her destiny makes this novel a most absorbing and vividly dramatic story.
August 25, 2011
Well thank goodness I have finished the Tilly Trotter trilogy. Whilst I really loved the trilogy it was incredibly sad and not really entertaining. I saw only sadness for the majority of the time. A grim world that only could be in such an era.
Some parts of Catherine Cookson's writing style within this series drove me a little nuts but maybe it was more reflective of the period for which it was written.
Some parts of Catherine Cookson's writing style within this series drove me a little nuts but maybe it was more reflective of the period for which it was written.
May 18, 2012
I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.
May 18, 2012
I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.
December 15, 2016
im happy to finally finish the entire tilly trotter series. all that comes to mind when i think of this series is thank god my love life isnt as crazy as hers lol. This 3rd part of the tilly trotter is as eventful and dramatic as the first and second. i had lost interest around the second book, but it all came back after reading this one.
October 31, 2011
Good sequel to Tilly Wed.
January 11, 2015
She finally gets her man.
More tragedy than one person should have, Tully Trotter finally finds the genuine happiness that has eluded her for years.
More tragedy than one person should have, Tully Trotter finally finds the genuine happiness that has eluded her for years.
October 18, 2016
"Tilly Trotter lesepõlves" eesti keeles
November 14, 2012
How could you not finish the trilogy? So compelling.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews