What do you think?
Rate this book
Made in Yorkshire #1
A New Home in the Dales
To follow her dream, she’s gone from city to village – but can she ever fit in?
October 1940. Bobby Bancroft is working as a typist for a city newspaper, but she longs to be breaking the news herself. She is thrilled to secure a junior reporter role at The Tyke, a magazine serving the Yorkshire Dales.
However, when Bobby moves to Silverdale, she discovers rural life is a different world. The close-knit villagers and cantankerous local animals prove difficult to win over, while mischievous vet Charlie seems determined to lead her astray.
As Bobby struggles to find her place amongst the dalesfolk, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake. Will the city girl ever make a home of the beautiful but hostile countryside of the Dales?
An uplifting, lively World War Two rural saga that fans of Annie Murray, Rosie Hendry, Gervase Phinn and James Herriot will love.
October 1940. Bobby Bancroft is working as a typist for a city newspaper, but she longs to be breaking the news herself. She is thrilled to secure a junior reporter role at The Tyke, a magazine serving the Yorkshire Dales.
However, when Bobby moves to Silverdale, she discovers rural life is a different world. The close-knit villagers and cantankerous local animals prove difficult to win over, while mischievous vet Charlie seems determined to lead her astray.
As Bobby struggles to find her place amongst the dalesfolk, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake. Will the city girl ever make a home of the beautiful but hostile countryside of the Dales?
An uplifting, lively World War Two rural saga that fans of Annie Murray, Rosie Hendry, Gervase Phinn and James Herriot will love.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2023
177 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Betty Firth
9 books22 followersBetty Firth grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country… and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but homesickness soon drove her back to her beloved Yorkshire. She lives in the shadow of the moors with her partner and two mischievous border collies.
Betty also writes romantic comedies as Mary Jayne Baker and Lisa Swift, and murder mysteries as Penny Blackwell.
More information can be found about Betty on her website at www.maryjaynebaker.co.uk. You can also follow her on Twitter, @MaryJayneBaker, or like her Facebook page by going to Facebook.com/MaryJayneWrites
Betty also writes romantic comedies as Mary Jayne Baker and Lisa Swift, and murder mysteries as Penny Blackwell.
More information can be found about Betty on her website at www.maryjaynebaker.co.uk. You can also follow her on Twitter, @MaryJayneBaker, or like her Facebook page by going to Facebook.com/MaryJayneWrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 26, 2023
Roberta Bancroft is working as a typist and a reluctant tea lady at a London newspaper, she finds it rather frustrating as she wants to be a journalist. A position for a junior reporter is advertised in the Yorkshire Dales, the magazine is called, The Tyke and Reggie Atherton is the editor. Bobby feels bad leaving her dad and her twin sister Lilian behind and her father is still suffering from nightmares and shell shock from The Great War. Her sister want’s Bobby to follow her dreams, she will look after her dad, their sister-in-law will check on him and a neighbour.
The village is small, everyone’s families have been settled there for decades and the dalesfolk have their own ideas, language and traditions. Bobby has never lived in the country before, when she moves to Silverdale it’s a big shock, the local boys love playing pranks on her and she has a run in with a pet goose.
Bobby lives with the Atherton’s at Moorside Farm, Reggie's aim is for Bobby to increase the magazines subscribers and his kindly wife Mary is like a second mother to her. The local vet Charlie Atherton lives in a cottage on the farm, he’s a right charmer and Reggie has warned him to stay away from Bobby. Reggie sends Bobby to interview Andy Jessop, he’s in his eighties and lives at Newby Top. Andy shares his story with Bobby, it’s not what she’s expecting and it’s a turning point for her and a real eye opener.
I received a copy of A New Home in the Dales by Betty Firth from NetGalley and Hera Books in exchange for an honest review. It’s a delightful story about a young woman taking a chance, moving to the country and during the Second World War. An entertaining read, full of quirky and likeable characters, with descriptions of the Yorkshire Dales, the traditions, language, the quaint little town, barn dances, new years eve celebrations and not wanting these things to be lost and being passed onto the next generation. So many life lessons are woven into the narrative, about being honest, having compassion, being a genuine person and appreciating what you have. Five stars from me, I can’t wait for the next book in the series and a utterly charming English historical fiction drama by Betty Firth.
The village is small, everyone’s families have been settled there for decades and the dalesfolk have their own ideas, language and traditions. Bobby has never lived in the country before, when she moves to Silverdale it’s a big shock, the local boys love playing pranks on her and she has a run in with a pet goose.
Bobby lives with the Atherton’s at Moorside Farm, Reggie's aim is for Bobby to increase the magazines subscribers and his kindly wife Mary is like a second mother to her. The local vet Charlie Atherton lives in a cottage on the farm, he’s a right charmer and Reggie has warned him to stay away from Bobby. Reggie sends Bobby to interview Andy Jessop, he’s in his eighties and lives at Newby Top. Andy shares his story with Bobby, it’s not what she’s expecting and it’s a turning point for her and a real eye opener.
I received a copy of A New Home in the Dales by Betty Firth from NetGalley and Hera Books in exchange for an honest review. It’s a delightful story about a young woman taking a chance, moving to the country and during the Second World War. An entertaining read, full of quirky and likeable characters, with descriptions of the Yorkshire Dales, the traditions, language, the quaint little town, barn dances, new years eve celebrations and not wanting these things to be lost and being passed onto the next generation. So many life lessons are woven into the narrative, about being honest, having compassion, being a genuine person and appreciating what you have. Five stars from me, I can’t wait for the next book in the series and a utterly charming English historical fiction drama by Betty Firth.
September 1, 2023
She's gone from city to village...but can she ever fit in?
I wasn't going to start another series (I have far too many on the go as it is) but this is a delightfully easy read with a gentle pace and some laugh out loud moments. I like how the main focus is not of the war and everyone "doing their bit" for the war effort etc. but rather more of life at home despite all that is going on in Europe. In a somewhat different vein, the focus is that of a junior reporter in a small village publication.
We meet Bobby Bancroft, a typist at the Bradford Courier, as she composes articles one of her colleagues doesn't seem worthy of his time or effort. She receives no recognition and yet she doesn't mind because she knows it's her work. For it is her dream to become a journalist, to write for the big papers or any paper really, but it's still largely a man's world and she is unable to get employment in her dream job.
Until Reg Atherton walks into their offices one day to speak to her boss, being an old army pal from the first war. He has a special request of his old friend - he needs to find a junior reporter fast because all the other men are joining up to fight for King and country leaving him without a reporter. So when Bobby's boss drops the ad in hastily written script on her desk for her to type up, she knew her silent prayers had been answered.
The publication is a farming magazine of sorts called The Tyke with Reggie Atherton as its editor. Bobby applies for the position and is shocked to discover she is successful! The problem is the job is in Silverdale, some miles away in the dales, and she must leave her twin sister Lilian, brother Jake and her father who is still haunted by the things he saw in the first war.
The position comes with full board and lodging, and it would want to for the pittance that Reggie is paying her, but Bobby doesn't care. She is finally doing what she has only dreamed of doing. She leaves her home in Bradford and lodges with Reggie and his wife Mary at Moorside Farm, where the magazine is also produced. Bobby knows she has to prove herself as worthy of the job as well as winning over the locals who are still largely stuck in the 19th century and don't take kindly to womenfolk poking their nose into what they deem is men's business. But Bobby has an ally in brother Charlie Atherton, the local vet, who lives in a cottage on the farm.
When she first arrives raring to go, little does she know that Reggie has little intention of setting her loose to find stories to report and the community is less than welcoming. However, over time Bobby proves her worth and the village begin to accept her. It isn't long before Bobby really comes into her own and finds her footing withing the community and becomes a fixture. Then when Reggie sends Bobby out to interview octogenarian Andy Jessop at Newby Top, the story he shares is an eye opener and becomes something of a turning point for Bobby.
Then just as she has finally found her place, circumstances have her moving back to Bradford and into a reporter's position at her former newspaper the Bradford Courier. But her time in the dales has changed her...and now Bobby must decide what she truly wants out of life.
A delightfully easy read, I enjoyed my time in Silverdale and with Bobby and Reggie. I could almost taste Mary's cooking. Some of the characters are a little quirky but they certainly add to the story. There is certainly a James Herriot feel about this so fans of his stories will be at home here, especially since it's too in Yorkshire.
I would like to thank #BettyFirth, #Netgalley and #HeraBooks for an ARC of #ANewHomeInTheDales in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I wasn't going to start another series (I have far too many on the go as it is) but this is a delightfully easy read with a gentle pace and some laugh out loud moments. I like how the main focus is not of the war and everyone "doing their bit" for the war effort etc. but rather more of life at home despite all that is going on in Europe. In a somewhat different vein, the focus is that of a junior reporter in a small village publication.
We meet Bobby Bancroft, a typist at the Bradford Courier, as she composes articles one of her colleagues doesn't seem worthy of his time or effort. She receives no recognition and yet she doesn't mind because she knows it's her work. For it is her dream to become a journalist, to write for the big papers or any paper really, but it's still largely a man's world and she is unable to get employment in her dream job.
Until Reg Atherton walks into their offices one day to speak to her boss, being an old army pal from the first war. He has a special request of his old friend - he needs to find a junior reporter fast because all the other men are joining up to fight for King and country leaving him without a reporter. So when Bobby's boss drops the ad in hastily written script on her desk for her to type up, she knew her silent prayers had been answered.
The publication is a farming magazine of sorts called The Tyke with Reggie Atherton as its editor. Bobby applies for the position and is shocked to discover she is successful! The problem is the job is in Silverdale, some miles away in the dales, and she must leave her twin sister Lilian, brother Jake and her father who is still haunted by the things he saw in the first war.
The position comes with full board and lodging, and it would want to for the pittance that Reggie is paying her, but Bobby doesn't care. She is finally doing what she has only dreamed of doing. She leaves her home in Bradford and lodges with Reggie and his wife Mary at Moorside Farm, where the magazine is also produced. Bobby knows she has to prove herself as worthy of the job as well as winning over the locals who are still largely stuck in the 19th century and don't take kindly to womenfolk poking their nose into what they deem is men's business. But Bobby has an ally in brother Charlie Atherton, the local vet, who lives in a cottage on the farm.
When she first arrives raring to go, little does she know that Reggie has little intention of setting her loose to find stories to report and the community is less than welcoming. However, over time Bobby proves her worth and the village begin to accept her. It isn't long before Bobby really comes into her own and finds her footing withing the community and becomes a fixture. Then when Reggie sends Bobby out to interview octogenarian Andy Jessop at Newby Top, the story he shares is an eye opener and becomes something of a turning point for Bobby.
Then just as she has finally found her place, circumstances have her moving back to Bradford and into a reporter's position at her former newspaper the Bradford Courier. But her time in the dales has changed her...and now Bobby must decide what she truly wants out of life.
A delightfully easy read, I enjoyed my time in Silverdale and with Bobby and Reggie. I could almost taste Mary's cooking. Some of the characters are a little quirky but they certainly add to the story. There is certainly a James Herriot feel about this so fans of his stories will be at home here, especially since it's too in Yorkshire.
I would like to thank #BettyFirth, #Netgalley and #HeraBooks for an ARC of #ANewHomeInTheDales in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 28, 2023
did i do it again? yes guillty, i started to read a new series again. Do i regret it? no, i loved it with all my heart. in this book we follow bobby and her move to the dales. i just loved the characters the quirky ones, the salt to the sea ones, the just airy ones. i loved the atmosphere , the slow paced life with a little bit a romance thrown into it, and the banter oh wow. i am looking forward to the next book in the series.
thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
January 11, 2026
Will be looking for the next book in this series. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 13, 2023
A New Home in the Dales is a beautiful escapist novel which captivated and completely enveloped me from the get go. Descriptions of the incomparable Yorkshire Dales plunked me right back into the atmospheric story amongst the valleys dotted with dry stone walls, pretty villages and cottony sheep.
Bobby Bancroft felt her job as a typist at a city newspaper was unfulfilling. Her desire to be where the action was drew her to a job in the countryside as a junior journalist. But rural life was a big change in many ways. The Tyke magazine's reach was smaller, the pay less and the office was unexpected. So were her boss and her landlady. Even the dialect was different. The local vet, Charlie, was flirtatious and caught Bobby's eye. Bobby's heart was torn as her sister and shell-shocked father lived relatively far away. The story follows Bobby's triumphs and struggles in her city and county worlds.
So many reasons to enjoy this book. The James Herriott vibes thrilled me to the core, the likeable characters were realistically flawed and the setting was superb.
Historical Fiction readers who enjoy snippets of wholesome romance ought to snap this up. Though fictional, the author describes her inspiration drawn from real sources and the lovely Yorkshire Dales.
My sincere thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this fantastic book. I eagerly await the next in this new series!
Bobby Bancroft felt her job as a typist at a city newspaper was unfulfilling. Her desire to be where the action was drew her to a job in the countryside as a junior journalist. But rural life was a big change in many ways. The Tyke magazine's reach was smaller, the pay less and the office was unexpected. So were her boss and her landlady. Even the dialect was different. The local vet, Charlie, was flirtatious and caught Bobby's eye. Bobby's heart was torn as her sister and shell-shocked father lived relatively far away. The story follows Bobby's triumphs and struggles in her city and county worlds.
So many reasons to enjoy this book. The James Herriott vibes thrilled me to the core, the likeable characters were realistically flawed and the setting was superb.
Historical Fiction readers who enjoy snippets of wholesome romance ought to snap this up. Though fictional, the author describes her inspiration drawn from real sources and the lovely Yorkshire Dales.
My sincere thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this fantastic book. I eagerly await the next in this new series!
January 29, 2023
I really liked this story. I felt quite involved with Bobby, the character this story revolves around. She had a dream to be a reporter for a newspaper, and was determined to not let romance get in her way. But it was a time few women were accepted in this arena,and her job consisted more of making tea and running for lunches than serious writing. When an unexpected opportunity comes her way, she feels it is the first step on her way to becoming a ''real' reporter. However, life has a way of interfering with plans, and sometimes dreams change.
I liked all the characters, and was drawn into their lives. Loved the setting of the Dales, and reminded me a lot of James Herriot's stories.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy. Great read, and I definitely recommend!
I liked all the characters, and was drawn into their lives. Loved the setting of the Dales, and reminded me a lot of James Herriot's stories.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy. Great read, and I definitely recommend!
February 10, 2023
A delightful old-fashioned easy-read novel set in the Yorkshire Dales. As I know Silverdale and read the Dalesman Magazine for many years, it was like a walk in the past, in the best way. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advance digital review copy.
June 27, 2025
A throughly enjoyable historical fiction read. Inadoeed Bobby, she was so full of ambition and such a driven young lady. I loved the relationship between her and Charilie and I will look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses and getting reacquainted with the other characters (I hope Norman makes another appearance) in the future books.
February 15, 2023
If you’re feeling nostalgic and are a fan of WWII-era stories, then A New Home in the Dales by Betty Firth is the book for you. Set in northwest England, this multi-faceted novel, filled with both sentiment and the difficult issues of the day, will tug at your heartstrings. Dealing with realities such as WWI veterans struggling with PTSD, having loved ones leaving to fight in the war, families being separated as children were relocated to rural England, and equal opportunities for women in the workplace, you might think this story would be serious or preachy, but nothing could be further from the truth.
When we first meet Bobby Bancroft, an aspiring reporter, she’s a typist at a newspaper, the Bradford Courier, often writing on the sly to cover up for some of the less talented reporters. When she’s given a notice to type up, advertising for a junior reporter for a small magazine, she decides to take a chance and apply for it. After traveling to the Yorkshire Dales for her interview, which was full of surprises for both Bobby and Reg Atherton, the owner of the magazine, Bobby finds herself with a new job. Despite the fact that it pays virtually nothing and she has to move to the countryside, Bobby is determined to get her reporting career off to a roaring start. However, when she arrives she discovers that Reg has little intention of turning her loose to find stories to write and the community is less than friendly to her. Over time, Bobby manages to prove her worth to Reg and people begin to accept her. We see Bobby blossom as she becomes a fixture within the community, and we meet the charming, quirky characters who occupy the village. Just when she’s found her place, circumstances have her moving back to the city and into a reporter’s position at her former newspaper. But Bobby’s time in the Dales has changed her and she now has to decide what she truly wants for her career and life.
This was a quick read, but there is a lot to love in this story. Bobby is determined yet compassionate, which shows up in her commitment to doing her job while still considering how the people around her feel. I especially love how Bobby starts off thinking that being a reporter means being a certain way but discovers that she can grow into her chosen profession in a way that allows her to remain true to herself. The other characters are memorable and add heart and humor to the story. The story occurs in a time when there are innumerable challenges, but Ms. Firth handles the difficult topics with sensitivity while maintaining impact. The heavier aspects of the story are lightened by the humorous incidents caused by the many “fish out of water” situations encountered by Bobby and the light romantic moments.
A New Home in the Dales is an entertaining novel that is perfect for fans of James Herriot and novelists who write within the time period, such as Rhys Bowen (Her Royal Spyness series). With a cup of tea and a comfortable reading spot, it provides a lovely respite for readers who are looking for a cozy read. I appreciate Netgalley and Hera Books for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
When we first meet Bobby Bancroft, an aspiring reporter, she’s a typist at a newspaper, the Bradford Courier, often writing on the sly to cover up for some of the less talented reporters. When she’s given a notice to type up, advertising for a junior reporter for a small magazine, she decides to take a chance and apply for it. After traveling to the Yorkshire Dales for her interview, which was full of surprises for both Bobby and Reg Atherton, the owner of the magazine, Bobby finds herself with a new job. Despite the fact that it pays virtually nothing and she has to move to the countryside, Bobby is determined to get her reporting career off to a roaring start. However, when she arrives she discovers that Reg has little intention of turning her loose to find stories to write and the community is less than friendly to her. Over time, Bobby manages to prove her worth to Reg and people begin to accept her. We see Bobby blossom as she becomes a fixture within the community, and we meet the charming, quirky characters who occupy the village. Just when she’s found her place, circumstances have her moving back to the city and into a reporter’s position at her former newspaper. But Bobby’s time in the Dales has changed her and she now has to decide what she truly wants for her career and life.
This was a quick read, but there is a lot to love in this story. Bobby is determined yet compassionate, which shows up in her commitment to doing her job while still considering how the people around her feel. I especially love how Bobby starts off thinking that being a reporter means being a certain way but discovers that she can grow into her chosen profession in a way that allows her to remain true to herself. The other characters are memorable and add heart and humor to the story. The story occurs in a time when there are innumerable challenges, but Ms. Firth handles the difficult topics with sensitivity while maintaining impact. The heavier aspects of the story are lightened by the humorous incidents caused by the many “fish out of water” situations encountered by Bobby and the light romantic moments.
A New Home in the Dales is an entertaining novel that is perfect for fans of James Herriot and novelists who write within the time period, such as Rhys Bowen (Her Royal Spyness series). With a cup of tea and a comfortable reading spot, it provides a lovely respite for readers who are looking for a cozy read. I appreciate Netgalley and Hera Books for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2023
A New Home in the Dales by Betty Firth is a great World War 2 era historical fiction saga that is the start of a promising new series: Made in Yorkshire. I am going to say that this is one of the best books I have read in a very, very long time.
I really loved being transported to the countryside of the Dales during WWII. Such amazing descriptions of the landscape, the culture, the inhabitants, the traditions…it was just wonderful. Silverdale was just a dream. I loved being immersed into the rural countryside…into a time or place that is so special, and can never be replaced or forgotten. Just stunning.
I just loved Bobby. Seeing her take the jump to leave home and take the position in hopes of being able to experience her dream of being a writer was enjoyable. She is such a likable and realistic MC. I loved her quest of finding who she is, what she wants, and how to find happiness for her head, her ambitions, and her heart.
The full character cast was also charming and eclectic. I adore Reg, Mary, Charlie, Topsie…and I hope to read even more about Andy and Ginny.
I enjoyed the author’s choice of dialogue, banter, humor, and the balance she presented with some of the more serious matter (finding one’s purpose, loss, and the physical and psychological wounds of those veterans that served in the First War. ) This being set on 1940/1941, there is so much that can be covered in continued books.
I am beyond impressed with this book. I hope this truly is the start of a long series, because I definitely want to read all of them.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hera Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I really loved being transported to the countryside of the Dales during WWII. Such amazing descriptions of the landscape, the culture, the inhabitants, the traditions…it was just wonderful. Silverdale was just a dream. I loved being immersed into the rural countryside…into a time or place that is so special, and can never be replaced or forgotten. Just stunning.
I just loved Bobby. Seeing her take the jump to leave home and take the position in hopes of being able to experience her dream of being a writer was enjoyable. She is such a likable and realistic MC. I loved her quest of finding who she is, what she wants, and how to find happiness for her head, her ambitions, and her heart.
The full character cast was also charming and eclectic. I adore Reg, Mary, Charlie, Topsie…and I hope to read even more about Andy and Ginny.
I enjoyed the author’s choice of dialogue, banter, humor, and the balance she presented with some of the more serious matter (finding one’s purpose, loss, and the physical and psychological wounds of those veterans that served in the First War. ) This being set on 1940/1941, there is so much that can be covered in continued books.
I am beyond impressed with this book. I hope this truly is the start of a long series, because I definitely want to read all of them.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hera Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
December 31, 2023
J'ai eu un plaisir fou à lire ce "roman féminin". C'est un genre que j'ai toujours apprécié, mais que j'avais abandonné depuis plusieurs années. Je voulais du dépaysement et une belle histoire de femme, face à son destin. Et l'on peut dire que je n'ai pas été déçue. Nous voici en 1940, à Bradford, ville assez importante dans le Yorkshire (ouest de l'Angleterre) où la guerre semble lointaine pour ses habitants qui se plaignent surtout des restrictions, des coupons de rationnement... Bobby qui a toujours voulu être journaliste s'ennuie comme secrétaire à tout faire dans le journal de la ville, dont les articles sont expurgés de toute allusion défaitiste par la censure.
Et puis soudain, par un concours de circonstances, elle part une cinquantaine de kilomètres plus loin, en pleine campagne dans les Dales, où la vie n'a jamais évolué depuis des siècles. Même le dialecte local est différent. Comment va-t-elle s'adapter ? Entre traditions locales, un patron bourru et son épouse maternelle, des locaux rudes, renfermés plus ou moins bienveillants, et un séduisant vétérinaire, c'est la vraie histoire d'une région que l'autrice (qui a vraiment vécu à cet endroit et travaillé pour ce journal local) nous raconte avec chaleur et tendresse.
Si vous appréciez ces intrigues anglaises pleines de charme (façon série "Foyles" par exemple) vous serez comblés.
Et puis soudain, par un concours de circonstances, elle part une cinquantaine de kilomètres plus loin, en pleine campagne dans les Dales, où la vie n'a jamais évolué depuis des siècles. Même le dialecte local est différent. Comment va-t-elle s'adapter ? Entre traditions locales, un patron bourru et son épouse maternelle, des locaux rudes, renfermés plus ou moins bienveillants, et un séduisant vétérinaire, c'est la vraie histoire d'une région que l'autrice (qui a vraiment vécu à cet endroit et travaillé pour ce journal local) nous raconte avec chaleur et tendresse.
Si vous appréciez ces intrigues anglaises pleines de charme (façon série "Foyles" par exemple) vous serez comblés.
December 25, 2022
LOVED IT!!! I was born and bred in Yorkshire but moved to Australia when I was 6. My heart ached when reading this book and I could still understand every single thing written. A lovely story, full of heart and home. The characters were genuine and down to earth and the story was beautifully written. I didn't want it to end where it did. I cannot wait for the next book and I am going to search up the author and all of her pen names to read more ASAP. Thanks to the author and Netgalley for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, a heartwarming read to start the new year.
I came to care for the storyline and characters very quickly, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
My rating would have been five stars but some of the content (mentioned below) was difficult to read.
Content:
- A character struggling with shellshock/PTSD and uses alcohol as a coping mechanism
- Newspaper article assignments covering distressing stories (one of rape and murder, the other of child neglect) though these are small sections and can be skipped over
I came to care for the storyline and characters very quickly, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
My rating would have been five stars but some of the content (mentioned below) was difficult to read.
Content:
- A character struggling with shellshock/PTSD and uses alcohol as a coping mechanism
- Newspaper article assignments covering distressing stories (one of rape and murder, the other of child neglect) though these are small sections and can be skipped over
December 6, 2023
A beautiful story of life in the dales!
The reader cannot help but fall in love with the people and the scenes of the Yorkshire dales. It's easy to admire the spirit and resoluteness of Bobby who starts off as an outsider with no connection to the area as she works determinedly to build a professional and personal identity in this alien environment. In spite of obvious differences between the city born and bred Roberta and the Yorkshire locals there is a likeness of spirit.
The reader cannot help but fall in love with the people and the scenes of the Yorkshire dales. It's easy to admire the spirit and resoluteness of Bobby who starts off as an outsider with no connection to the area as she works determinedly to build a professional and personal identity in this alien environment. In spite of obvious differences between the city born and bred Roberta and the Yorkshire locals there is a likeness of spirit.
November 7, 2023
delightful view of life during WW2
A different take on life during WW2, and a love story threaded through it too. Really descriptive of the hard life the villagers left but their loyalty to one another and the village as a whole, shone through. Was so pleased Bobby was finally lucky in love and her ambitions
A different take on life during WW2, and a love story threaded through it too. Really descriptive of the hard life the villagers left but their loyalty to one another and the village as a whole, shone through. Was so pleased Bobby was finally lucky in love and her ambitions
January 11, 2023
Bobby finds a new job on a magazine in the Yorkshire dales. She finds friends and a new life there. After returning to the city she finds that she and her father can both be better in the dales. Can romance also be found there?
February 25, 2023
A compelling story that made me travel in time and space. Good storytelling, vivid historical background, interesting and fleshed out characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
November 13, 2023
I loved this book, set in the WW2 era, in the Dales. Bobby is settling in the Dales as a reporter but has to carve a role for herself. I really enjoyed the setting and Bobby's character. Betty Firth is a new author to me, but sure to become a favourite.
Read
June 4, 2024Absolutely loved this book. As I was born in Bradford and lived in West Yorkshire all my life I knew the meaning of most of the words listed at the front of the book. Can't wait to read the other books in the series now. Highly recommend it.x
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Set mainly in a small village in the Yorkshire dales in 1940, it's a quick read. I'm so happy I found Book 1 of a series so I could start it immediately.
The characters are all so engaging you feel like you really know them especially Bobby.
Looking forward to Book 2.
The characters are all so engaging you feel like you really know them especially Bobby.
Looking forward to Book 2.
August 31, 2025
This book was a little slow to start and I almost gave up. I am so glad I didn’t. It is of the ‘romance’ genre a genre I do not read. Probably a very good description of life at that time in The Dales much of the ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ genre with some but not many creatures!
October 20, 2025
New home in the dales
From the first page I was delighted to have picked this book. I really didn't think a woman could be a journalist in those days. Well done Betty for putting me right. Hope for writing a wonderful interesting story ❤
From the first page I was delighted to have picked this book. I really didn't think a woman could be a journalist in those days. Well done Betty for putting me right. Hope for writing a wonderful interesting story ❤
October 26, 2025
Sometimes it's good for your mental health to go back in time through a story. I really enjoyed my visit to the Dales, and the Yorkshire dialects reminded me of my youth and family members who are all sadly gone now.
February 4, 2023
Loved it! A fantastic story line with depth and humour. Really felt immersed in the time, and the story. Will definitely be reading more from this author
September 18, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up. Nothing extraordinary here, but I found it much better written and more interesting and upbeat that most books of this genre by UK authors.
October 1, 2023
A very touching book
November 22, 2023
Bobby moves from Bradford to the dales to pursue her dream of becoming a reporter. She falls in love with her new home, job and the local vet. Why the profanity? Not necessary.
December 17, 2023
Oh Woe is me!
My reaction to reading the final paragraph of this book was, " NOOOOO you can't stop there!!!"
I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end! A wonderful read!
My reaction to reading the final paragraph of this book was, " NOOOOO you can't stop there!!!"
I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end! A wonderful read!
December 30, 2023
Very heartwarming story. Kept me interested. Good read.
January 8, 2024
Een keukenmeiden romannetje maar wel in... Yorkshire
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews