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Hannah
1823 - The story begins in a small pauper's cottage in Dorset. Hannah disobeying her father, leaves home to become a kitchen maid at the grand mansion, Croxton Hall. Francis, the handsome heir to the estate, takes an interest in the pretty maid. Flattered by his attention, Hannah loses her head to love. Believing that Francis will defy conventions and make her his own one day. Francis's true interest are the beautiful identical twins, the wealthy well-born Cavendish sisters. Disgraced and broken hearted, Hannah seeks refuge at home but her father refuses to house her and she is homeless. Destitute and without a character reference, Hannah fears she will be forced into prostitution on Weymouth Quay. Searching for somewhere to sleep, she discovers Hawks Rise, an abandoned isolated cottage on a bleak peninsula. It is here that she begins to rebuild her life. Sheltered by the companionship of the old sea captain, Seth Armstrong. When Francis and the Fitzgerald family cross her path some years later, Seth can't shield her, and Hannah finds herself staring at the shadow of the hangman's noose. The story takes the reader from the glorious Dorset Downs to the dripping walls of a filthy prison and beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 30, 2017
This is a winning story
1823 Dorset, Hannah watkins takes a job away from home at croxton hall as a kitchen maid. Leaving behind three sisters her mother and father who is so against her leaving Hannah's starts a new adventure. But due to nothing working out Hannah is turfed out pregnant and alone her family don't want her ashamed goes and heads for Weymouth to seek a job and lodgings. Hannah so wants to find happiness and a place to call home for herself and baby. I really couldn't put this book down, it left me gasping, tears in my eyes, and also smiles as I kept reading, and I do hope we might get another book after this to continue Hannah's story. Worth double the star's and highly recommend
1823 Dorset, Hannah watkins takes a job away from home at croxton hall as a kitchen maid. Leaving behind three sisters her mother and father who is so against her leaving Hannah's starts a new adventure. But due to nothing working out Hannah is turfed out pregnant and alone her family don't want her ashamed goes and heads for Weymouth to seek a job and lodgings. Hannah so wants to find happiness and a place to call home for herself and baby. I really couldn't put this book down, it left me gasping, tears in my eyes, and also smiles as I kept reading, and I do hope we might get another book after this to continue Hannah's story. Worth double the star's and highly recommend
April 25, 2018
This is the first time that I have read a book by Jean Mead and I found it very interesting. I would have given it a 5 star instead of a 3 star if I wasn't so disappointed with the ending.
It was good that the author ended with Hannah finally having the opportunity to have a good life with a decent man, who would love and respect her. But, I think the story would have had a much better ending, if the author had outlined, perhaps in an epilogue, what happened to Hannah's son Jordan, after he fled from the family home. Also, what had happened to the old man Seth, who was knocked to the floor by the arresting authorities and then dragged out of court when he showed his distraught over Hannah's sentence.
The "gentry rapist", who got away scotch free and doubled Hannah's misery by incriminating her for a crime she didn't do, should have had his comeuppance. At the end of the novel, I couldn't help thinking, how could the author let the book end with someone like that not being brought to justice, either one way or the other.
However, I am now a fan of Jean Mead and as stated before, I have really enjoyed the book; at some points it was really gripping and I am sure other readers will feel the same, but the points outlined above are the only reason why I have rated it as a 3 star.
It was good that the author ended with Hannah finally having the opportunity to have a good life with a decent man, who would love and respect her. But, I think the story would have had a much better ending, if the author had outlined, perhaps in an epilogue, what happened to Hannah's son Jordan, after he fled from the family home. Also, what had happened to the old man Seth, who was knocked to the floor by the arresting authorities and then dragged out of court when he showed his distraught over Hannah's sentence.
The "gentry rapist", who got away scotch free and doubled Hannah's misery by incriminating her for a crime she didn't do, should have had his comeuppance. At the end of the novel, I couldn't help thinking, how could the author let the book end with someone like that not being brought to justice, either one way or the other.
However, I am now a fan of Jean Mead and as stated before, I have really enjoyed the book; at some points it was really gripping and I am sure other readers will feel the same, but the points outlined above are the only reason why I have rated it as a 3 star.
October 11, 2018
1823 young Hannah leaves home to work in the ‘big house’ and becomes enamoured of the son of the house who flatters and cajoles her. She has to leave, in disgrace and pregnant, disowned by everybody including her own family she somehow makes her way to an abandoned and isolated cottage.
The story is well written and quite harrowing in places as the times show the difference between the class system and conditions that many people have to live in. It does have some twists and turns which add to the story line.
I did find the time line jumpy in places but overall a good read, hence the 3* rating.
The story is well written and quite harrowing in places as the times show the difference between the class system and conditions that many people have to live in. It does have some twists and turns which add to the story line.
I did find the time line jumpy in places but overall a good read, hence the 3* rating.
February 16, 2022
I really enjoyed the story except the ending was a bit abrupt and disappointing.
I only gave a rating of 3 stars because of the many errors in punctuation and grammar. Throughout the book there are many 'clipped' sentences. By that I mean it seems as if the author has written incomplete, shortened versions and consequently, they end up grammatically incorrect. They also prevent a flow to the writing. It happens time and time again and unfortunately, it really spoilt it for me. It is such a shame as the storyline was good and I am very surprised that the proofreader didn't pick up all the errors.
I only gave a rating of 3 stars because of the many errors in punctuation and grammar. Throughout the book there are many 'clipped' sentences. By that I mean it seems as if the author has written incomplete, shortened versions and consequently, they end up grammatically incorrect. They also prevent a flow to the writing. It happens time and time again and unfortunately, it really spoilt it for me. It is such a shame as the storyline was good and I am very surprised that the proofreader didn't pick up all the errors.
January 21, 2018
A good read.
Poor Hannah, her story unfolds with one take of hardship and heartbreak after another but she forges on with determination and dignity.
A sad tale with a surprise ending and an enjoyable read x
Poor Hannah, her story unfolds with one take of hardship and heartbreak after another but she forges on with determination and dignity.
A sad tale with a surprise ending and an enjoyable read x
October 8, 2018
Hannah
Please tell me there will be a follow on for Hannah? loved this book was hooked from page 1 But there are still questions left unanswered so a follow on book is needed in my opinion
Please tell me there will be a follow on for Hannah? loved this book was hooked from page 1 But there are still questions left unanswered so a follow on book is needed in my opinion
January 31, 2019
Excellent
A book which held me from beginning to end. A young life turned upside down through no fault of her own. Eventually she is happy and settled until years later when something else bad happens to her. A must read
A book which held me from beginning to end. A young life turned upside down through no fault of her own. Eventually she is happy and settled until years later when something else bad happens to her. A must read
March 9, 2020
Innocence lost
A very good story. An innocent girl falls for an Aristocrat',s lies, and ends up pregnant and cast out . Her journey takes her through many trials and situations that keeps the reader invested in the story.
A very good story. An innocent girl falls for an Aristocrat',s lies, and ends up pregnant and cast out . Her journey takes her through many trials and situations that keeps the reader invested in the story.
February 7, 2018
Hannah
on the whole a nice story, a good start a little dull in the middle and a surprise happy ending
on the whole a nice story, a good start a little dull in the middle and a surprise happy ending
February 10, 2018
Intriguing
An Intriguing story of the life of a young girl who was used by a fop I couldn't put the book down. Never knew what was going to happen. Can't wait for the sequel
An Intriguing story of the life of a young girl who was used by a fop I couldn't put the book down. Never knew what was going to happen. Can't wait for the sequel
June 13, 2018
Absolutely great story
1st book i have read of Jean Mead. Saw it advertised on facebook. So glad i gave it a try. Cant wait to hear what the future holds for Hannah. Easy 5*
1st book i have read of Jean Mead. Saw it advertised on facebook. So glad i gave it a try. Cant wait to hear what the future holds for Hannah. Easy 5*
June 25, 2018
Unputdownable
I loved the tale of Hannah from start to finish, the writer gives you a taste of life in those times so long ago. I can't wait fur the next book in the series.
I loved the tale of Hannah from start to finish, the writer gives you a taste of life in those times so long ago. I can't wait fur the next book in the series.
September 17, 2018
Loved this book!!!!
September 23, 2018
Interesting.
October 2, 2018
Excellent read
November 12, 2018
A beautifully evocative romance following the fortunes of 15 year old maid, Hannah, over the course of 12 years. A delicious read that I read in one sitting and that I can thoroughly recommend.
November 19, 2018
Hannah
I really enjoyed this book. I would of given it 5 stars if the ending hadn't been so abrupt. I would definitely read more books by this author.
I really enjoyed this book. I would of given it 5 stars if the ending hadn't been so abrupt. I would definitely read more books by this author.
February 19, 2019
Absolutely loved this book. Didn’t want it to end.
February 20, 2019
Such a touching story.
Had a job to put this book down. This was the first book for me by this author. Will definitely look for more by Jean Mead.
Had a job to put this book down. This was the first book for me by this author. Will definitely look for more by Jean Mead.
September 8, 2020
What a great book. Little Hannah decides to leave home and become a maid at a mansion. Such a sad book, what she went through
December 29, 2018
Enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews