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The Breckton Trilogy #2
An Unbreakable Bond
It is 1913 and for Megan and Hattie, born on the turn of the century and brought up in a convent orphanage in Leeds where they formed a bond as deep as if they had been sisters, the time has come to take up their placements and make their way in the world. Megan's path leads her to fall into a marriage with a man she does not love and at whose hands she suffers beatings and rape. With Hattie's help she finally escapes, but her path crosses that of the beautiful, rich and powerful, Laura Harvey. It is Laura's need to have her wish at any price that triggers an eruption of violence that brings Megan near to death and sends the man both Megan and Laura love to prison, for a murder he did not commit. Hattie's path crosses that of paedophile, Lord Marley. She is raped by him and his companion. Her ten pound silence money buys her an abortion but her choices have gone and she is forced into a life of prostitution. It is when she stumbles across an evil, child sex ring and is determined to break it that she once more encounters Lord Marley and though shesucceeds in her quest and gets her revenge, she pays a terrible price. But, throughout, Megan and Hattie know their unbreakable bond will bring them through and for both too, a rare and true love is waiting.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2009
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146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 16, 2019
"An Unbreakable Bond" by Mary Wood is the second instalment in the 'The Breckton Novels" and although can be easily read as a standalone as I did, I felt as the book progressed and family secrets were revealed, that reading the first in the series would have helped understand the family tree involved.
I love a historical drama and sometimes it helps to put your current life into perspective, reading about poverty, hardships, abuse and the painful ordeals families went through just to survive one day to the next can be quite an eye opener. This book had a very powerful storyline and at times was quite brutal and can imagine some readers may find the content distressing and sensitive. Although I personally didn't feel the need to turn parts into a smutty, trashy romance novel, which for me lowered the tone, it did have its intense and emotional moments that really kept me gripped.
The northern accent of Leeds is quite strong in some of the characters and often I did struggle to follow the dialect - being from North East England myself, I was quite surprised at finding this a problem.
I do prefer my sagas and historical dramas a bit cleaner (my preference only) and the jumping forward many years throughout the book did irk me slightly but there was a lot of years and events to cover so can understand the author needing to do this. I can see there's been a lot of research carried out to befit the period setting and the author captured the era perfectly.
Very much an adult novel in many ways, I would read one more by Mary, in the hope that this was a one off regarding some of the issues I had before I'd say I wouldn't read again.
I would however recommend this book to older readers, if you enjoy reading intense, emotional and graphically detailed historical family sagas.
3 stars
I love a historical drama and sometimes it helps to put your current life into perspective, reading about poverty, hardships, abuse and the painful ordeals families went through just to survive one day to the next can be quite an eye opener. This book had a very powerful storyline and at times was quite brutal and can imagine some readers may find the content distressing and sensitive. Although I personally didn't feel the need to turn parts into a smutty, trashy romance novel, which for me lowered the tone, it did have its intense and emotional moments that really kept me gripped.
The northern accent of Leeds is quite strong in some of the characters and often I did struggle to follow the dialect - being from North East England myself, I was quite surprised at finding this a problem.
I do prefer my sagas and historical dramas a bit cleaner (my preference only) and the jumping forward many years throughout the book did irk me slightly but there was a lot of years and events to cover so can understand the author needing to do this. I can see there's been a lot of research carried out to befit the period setting and the author captured the era perfectly.
Very much an adult novel in many ways, I would read one more by Mary, in the hope that this was a one off regarding some of the issues I had before I'd say I wouldn't read again.
I would however recommend this book to older readers, if you enjoy reading intense, emotional and graphically detailed historical family sagas.
3 stars
May 21, 2014
What can I say about this story, I read all the books, absolutely incredible writing. Mary Wood is one of my favourite authors. The way she describes the different scenes, situations and outcomes really tear at your heart. The two young girls go their separate ways and what befalls them is quite harrowing. I could not put this book down I wanted to know what happened and Mary Wood will have you thinking the same way. An absolute must read.
September 8, 2010
This wonderful story is so inspiring and makes me feel quite humble, because Mary has such writing talent. The story of these two friends had me riveted and I could not stop until I had read the whole book. If you are a Catherine Cookson fan you will adore this story.
June 4, 2016
et another heartbreaking story from a wonderful storyteller.
I love stories set at the turn of the Century, and I can't imagine the suffering that went on. Megan and Hattie have an unbreakable bond when they are brought up together in an orphanage. The story follows both girls, Megan dreams of setting up her own sewing business, and at first she enjoys the freedom of a new life, and befriends Cissy, and they also become great friends.
Poor Hattie seems to have been dealt the bad set of cards, and at first enjoying her new job, is raped, and is forced to start a new life on the streets.
Megan falls for Cissy's bloke, and so ends up marrying someone who knocks her around, and therefore both Megan and Hattie can sympathise, with each other, and always have a special bond.
Mary is a true storyteller, and her books always want you to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next, and they are never predictable. I can't wait for her next novel.
I love stories set at the turn of the Century, and I can't imagine the suffering that went on. Megan and Hattie have an unbreakable bond when they are brought up together in an orphanage. The story follows both girls, Megan dreams of setting up her own sewing business, and at first she enjoys the freedom of a new life, and befriends Cissy, and they also become great friends.
Poor Hattie seems to have been dealt the bad set of cards, and at first enjoying her new job, is raped, and is forced to start a new life on the streets.
Megan falls for Cissy's bloke, and so ends up marrying someone who knocks her around, and therefore both Megan and Hattie can sympathise, with each other, and always have a special bond.
Mary is a true storyteller, and her books always want you to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next, and they are never predictable. I can't wait for her next novel.
May 1, 2015
What a beautiful story and so well written with such passion. This book is quite different from my normal genre although it does have it all, romance, abuse and murder and what an awful period in time for women and the poor. I can highly recommend this amazing book and thank you Mary Wood. I am now going to read the next book in this trilogy immediately - Tomorrow Brings Sorrow
October 29, 2014
so full of history from beginning to end and ended with a great twist was so sad to find i was on the last chapter any family saga fans would truely enjoy this and i was very lucky to get a paperback copy well done mary wood
April 3, 2013
Just loved this book, a good read!
October 19, 2014
4.5 stars
November 22, 2011
These are just three of my amazing amazon reviews. All my reviews on Amazon are 5*
By Lisa WB (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: An Unbreakable Bond (Paperback)
An Unbreakable Bond is a superb read and reminds me of a blend of A Woman of Substance by Barbara Bradford Taylor and Catherine Cookson books, the business skills from A Woman of Substance and the raw passsion from Catherine Cookson books, yet An Unbreakable Bond has so much depth and emotion, that it is a compelling read. The author herself, Mary Wood is a remarkable lady and the integrity, warmth and professionalism comes out in her writing. An Unbreakable Bond is about Megan and Hattie who both have to survive through trauma, and about the strength of relationship between them that helps them each battle their own wars. The book also pulls the reader in through the power and motivation of the girls, as each have the courage to fight back and attempt to start up a business. The way the characters are built is rich and you fall in love with some of them. Issy is a wonderful person.This book is entertaining, educating and a fascinating read. It is the kind of book that never has enough pages as you do not want it to finish. I hope that another book is on the way as I have plenty of room on my shelf for books like this.
******
An Unbreakble Bond by Mary Wood, is a superb read. From the very first chapter it was truly gripping.I particularly like books written in this era, it was gritty, sad, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and through all this Mary Wood has blended the characters of Megan and Hattie superbly. Truly believable of the times. Val Lupton
Mary's style reminds me of Josephine Cox. I can't wait for the next book to see how the lives of Megan and Hattie continue.
*****
Without doubt,this is the best book I have read in a long time. I just haven't been able to put it down. It is gritty and in parts heartbreaking, but the theme of love and friendship runs throughout and Megan and Hattie's story is one I wouldn't have missed for the world. If you like Catherine Cookson you will love this novel. Mary Wood is not only a talented writer, but an imaginative story teller who makes you care deeply for her characters. I can't wait to read her next book. I recommend this without reservation. L Morley
By Lisa WB (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: An Unbreakable Bond (Paperback)
An Unbreakable Bond is a superb read and reminds me of a blend of A Woman of Substance by Barbara Bradford Taylor and Catherine Cookson books, the business skills from A Woman of Substance and the raw passsion from Catherine Cookson books, yet An Unbreakable Bond has so much depth and emotion, that it is a compelling read. The author herself, Mary Wood is a remarkable lady and the integrity, warmth and professionalism comes out in her writing. An Unbreakable Bond is about Megan and Hattie who both have to survive through trauma, and about the strength of relationship between them that helps them each battle their own wars. The book also pulls the reader in through the power and motivation of the girls, as each have the courage to fight back and attempt to start up a business. The way the characters are built is rich and you fall in love with some of them. Issy is a wonderful person.This book is entertaining, educating and a fascinating read. It is the kind of book that never has enough pages as you do not want it to finish. I hope that another book is on the way as I have plenty of room on my shelf for books like this.
******
An Unbreakble Bond by Mary Wood, is a superb read. From the very first chapter it was truly gripping.I particularly like books written in this era, it was gritty, sad, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and through all this Mary Wood has blended the characters of Megan and Hattie superbly. Truly believable of the times. Val Lupton
Mary's style reminds me of Josephine Cox. I can't wait for the next book to see how the lives of Megan and Hattie continue.
*****
Without doubt,this is the best book I have read in a long time. I just haven't been able to put it down. It is gritty and in parts heartbreaking, but the theme of love and friendship runs throughout and Megan and Hattie's story is one I wouldn't have missed for the world. If you like Catherine Cookson you will love this novel. Mary Wood is not only a talented writer, but an imaginative story teller who makes you care deeply for her characters. I can't wait to read her next book. I recommend this without reservation. L Morley
June 1, 2019
I found this book really hard going at times because of the grim content and quite harrowing. The suspense was incredible. So I had to carry on reading in the hope that all ended well. To think that life really was like this in those times for many makes it even more sad. I started to read the follow up to this book but it seemed to me to follow a similar pattern to this one and Iv decided not to carry on. I prefer stories that aren't so grim.
January 23, 2019
Heartfelt story
The authenticity and historical accuracy are what makes this book stand apart from many others I've read. There's heartbreak and love that endures. It's almost 5:00 in the morning and I couldn't put this book down until I'd finished reading it. Thank God I don't have to work tomorrow.
The authenticity and historical accuracy are what makes this book stand apart from many others I've read. There's heartbreak and love that endures. It's almost 5:00 in the morning and I couldn't put this book down until I'd finished reading it. Thank God I don't have to work tomorrow.
December 8, 2019
Good
Good will read some more of breckton trilogy books by Mary wood if there are some
Found it interesting ok
Good will read some more of breckton trilogy books by Mary wood if there are some
Found it interesting ok
October 6, 2021
Took me a little while to get into this, but then I loved it. The characters are diverse and compelling and the storyline takes many twists and turns. Definitely recommend.
December 27, 2023
I loved this book. Not the genre I usually read but glad I did. Going to have to wait till the price comes down on Amazon to buy the next installment. Would recommend
October 16, 2019
Riveting
Absolutely brilliant couldn’t put it down can’t wait to start the next instalment and catch up with the characters of breckton
Absolutely brilliant couldn’t put it down can’t wait to start the next instalment and catch up with the characters of breckton
November 16, 2011
I thought this book started out GREAT, but then kind of fell apart as it progressed.
i thought there wast too much stuff going on and the end was kind of thrown together.
i thought there wast too much stuff going on and the end was kind of thrown together.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews