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Devonshire Sagas #9
Hope at Holly Cottage
She took her gabardine raincoat from the hallstand. Put her head round the kitchen door. So many memories. Scarf wound about her neck, wriggling her fingers into her gloves. As she bent to pick up the case, her eyes stopped on the lino where her mum had died. No, she mustn't think like that. She picked up the case and her umbrella as it looked like rain, and let herself out of the front door. A new life. She mustn't look back. The future seems rosy for Plymouth schoolgirl Anna Millington as she studies for her A-levels in order to qualify for teacher training college. But Anna's life isn't all that it appears. Her family hides a cruel secret that resulted from the worst night of the Plymouth Blitz back in 1941, a night Anna remembers all too well as a small child cowering in a bomb shelter. Now, in 1954, the devastating consequences erupt again in tragedy. Anna fears for her own safety and feels forced into abandoning her aspirations for a successful career. Leaving behind her dear friend Ethel, Anna escapes to nearby Dartmoor, of which she has fond memories from when she was evacuated to Tavistock after the bombing raid that was to change her life for ever. But will her return to the moor bring her hope? Along the way, Anna encounters various other victims of fate who have their own secrets to tell. Will they all have the courage to seek out the happiness they deserve, and will Anna be able to help them - or herself? An endearing tale of warmth and friendship, love and hope set in the city of Plymouth and the wilds of Dartmoor.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2010
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97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 13, 2014
I found that this book grabbed my interest from the very first page and didn't let go even after the book finished. I wanted to read more, even though there was nothing left unsaid, I just didn't want the book to end
The main character has a lot of big problems thrown at her and the book is all about how she moves on from those instead of letting them defeat her. Along the way she makes new friends and shows that what doesn't defeat you only makes you stronger
The main character has a lot of big problems thrown at her and the book is all about how she moves on from those instead of letting them defeat her. Along the way she makes new friends and shows that what doesn't defeat you only makes you stronger
March 22, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Tania Crosse’s The Girl at Holly Cottage is an emotional and engrossing 1950s saga from a master storyteller.
Anna Millington’s future looks bright and promising. The intelligent schoolgirl is getting ready to go to teachers’ training college, however, all of her hopes and dreams are cruelly dashed by a devastating twist of fate that puts paid to any hope she might have had of a career in education. With nowhere to go and nowhere to turn to, Anna flees her life in Plymouth and decides to start afresh in nearby Dartmoor where she manages to secure employment as a servant at Ashcroft Hall.
Anna’s life of service is far removed from the future as a teacher she had envisaged. At Ashcroft Hall, she is treated with disdain and indifference by her fellow servants, who never lose an opportunity to ridicule her and treat her with hostility. Anna would love nothing more than to leave Ashcroft Hall behind, but could Sir Gilbert, Lady Ashcroft’s son, provide her with a reason to stay? Can Anna trust Gilbert? Or is she setting herself up for further heartbreak and disappointment?
In The Girl at Holly Cottage, award-winning author Tania Crosse has once again penned a heartfelt historical saga rich in atmosphere, drama, intensity and emotion. Her writing is beautifully evocative of the 1950s and she creates characters that come to instant life from the moment they appear on the page.
Anna Millington is an admirable heroine who, in the best saga tradition, never loses her spirit, her determination and her grit. She is an intelligent, noble-spirited and wonderfully drawn heroine I couldn’t help but care for and root for.
Tania Crosse’s The Girl at Holly Cottage is a well-written and spellbinding saga readers will love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tania Crosse’s The Girl at Holly Cottage is an emotional and engrossing 1950s saga from a master storyteller.
Anna Millington’s future looks bright and promising. The intelligent schoolgirl is getting ready to go to teachers’ training college, however, all of her hopes and dreams are cruelly dashed by a devastating twist of fate that puts paid to any hope she might have had of a career in education. With nowhere to go and nowhere to turn to, Anna flees her life in Plymouth and decides to start afresh in nearby Dartmoor where she manages to secure employment as a servant at Ashcroft Hall.
Anna’s life of service is far removed from the future as a teacher she had envisaged. At Ashcroft Hall, she is treated with disdain and indifference by her fellow servants, who never lose an opportunity to ridicule her and treat her with hostility. Anna would love nothing more than to leave Ashcroft Hall behind, but could Sir Gilbert, Lady Ashcroft’s son, provide her with a reason to stay? Can Anna trust Gilbert? Or is she setting herself up for further heartbreak and disappointment?
In The Girl at Holly Cottage, award-winning author Tania Crosse has once again penned a heartfelt historical saga rich in atmosphere, drama, intensity and emotion. Her writing is beautifully evocative of the 1950s and she creates characters that come to instant life from the moment they appear on the page.
Anna Millington is an admirable heroine who, in the best saga tradition, never loses her spirit, her determination and her grit. She is an intelligent, noble-spirited and wonderfully drawn heroine I couldn’t help but care for and root for.
Tania Crosse’s The Girl at Holly Cottage is a well-written and spellbinding saga readers will love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 4, 2022
This book, like The Dartmoor Girl, has so much sadness and tragedy. Many of the same characters appear in both books, but Dartmoor is what holds them together. The story centers around a teen named Anna, who lives during and after WWII. During the war, her father had a severe head injury which turned him into a Jekyll and Hide type. During a drunken fit of rage, he caused her mother to die. Anna keeps this secret from police, but then he is mean to her and she feels she must flee.
She takes a job as a servant and is seduced by the wealthy owner’s son. He is soon married to another wealthy family when she finds that she’s pregnant. He, of course, is violent and denies that the child is his. The story goes from one tragic scene to another. But, along the way, Anna finds kind and loving people who share life with her and bless her. She is faced with many serious times of crisis and her inner strength serves her well.
After the father of her child realizes that his wife can’t bear him an heir, he decides that he will take away Anna’s son. He tries with a lawyer, to pressure his mother and wife to help him, and then takes an even more bold step to have the child for himself. Can he be stopped? Will Anna ever have real happiness?
There are many scenes of domestic violence, war stories, and a brief explicit sex scene. (PG13+)
She takes a job as a servant and is seduced by the wealthy owner’s son. He is soon married to another wealthy family when she finds that she’s pregnant. He, of course, is violent and denies that the child is his. The story goes from one tragic scene to another. But, along the way, Anna finds kind and loving people who share life with her and bless her. She is faced with many serious times of crisis and her inner strength serves her well.
After the father of her child realizes that his wife can’t bear him an heir, he decides that he will take away Anna’s son. He tries with a lawyer, to pressure his mother and wife to help him, and then takes an even more bold step to have the child for himself. Can he be stopped? Will Anna ever have real happiness?
There are many scenes of domestic violence, war stories, and a brief explicit sex scene. (PG13+)
March 15, 2022
received from Netgalley
The Girl at Holly Cottage is a remarkable story of a girl, whose life was filled with pain and obstacles, and whose path to happily ever after was filled with twists and turns.
The story starts after the war, in 1954. Anna is at the end of high school, ready to go to training college, but reluctant to do so. Her father got injured and hasn't been the same since then. He gets into fits of rage and hurts her mom and the only thing that can stop her is Anna. One he goes too far and Anna isn't safe anymore.
In desperation, she leaves school and gets a job. She works for a lady in a town far away. The work is hard, and the other people working there are not nice to her. There is one shining star, the owner's son, with his sweet words and charm.
Soon she has to run away and find refuge in an idyllic cottage on the moor, living with an older lady. It's a perfect place to raise a child and find peace.
For Anna peace doesn't last long and life is not done throwing her curveballs.
But through it all, she perseveres and comes out stronger.
I love the main character Anna, she is strong and never gives up. My other favourite was Queenie, she was something special.
It's one of those stories that stay in your heart. Highly recommend it!
The Girl at Holly Cottage is a remarkable story of a girl, whose life was filled with pain and obstacles, and whose path to happily ever after was filled with twists and turns.
The story starts after the war, in 1954. Anna is at the end of high school, ready to go to training college, but reluctant to do so. Her father got injured and hasn't been the same since then. He gets into fits of rage and hurts her mom and the only thing that can stop her is Anna. One he goes too far and Anna isn't safe anymore.
In desperation, she leaves school and gets a job. She works for a lady in a town far away. The work is hard, and the other people working there are not nice to her. There is one shining star, the owner's son, with his sweet words and charm.
Soon she has to run away and find refuge in an idyllic cottage on the moor, living with an older lady. It's a perfect place to raise a child and find peace.
For Anna peace doesn't last long and life is not done throwing her curveballs.
But through it all, she perseveres and comes out stronger.
I love the main character Anna, she is strong and never gives up. My other favourite was Queenie, she was something special.
It's one of those stories that stay in your heart. Highly recommend it!
March 1, 2022
1955 Anna is a young girl who overcame every hardship that she was forced into, and found wonderful, loving people along the way. She started out with an abusive father, a result of an accident he had had, her mother was killed, and she had to run away. She found a job where she excelled, working at an aristocrat's manor, until the heir changed that for her. But she found wonderful elderly Queenie who helped her during one of the most difficult times of her life. Brought down many times, she perseveres and makes it through. Excellent read, hard to put down.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#THEGIRLATHOLLYCOTTAGE #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#THEGIRLATHOLLYCOTTAGE #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
March 30, 2022
Anna is forced to flee from her home after her mother dies from a fall down the stairs. She knows that her father killed her mother but she can't tell anyone but her best friend because it would dishonor her mother's memory. She finds employment at Ashcroft Hall, an old Victorian mansion on the moors that has barely come into the 20th century. Seduced by the young lord, she is forced to flee when she discovers that she is pregnant. She is rescued by Queenie, a quaint older woman who lives in the stone cottage where she was born in 1893. There she find a surrogate mother, who loves her unconditionally, supporting her through her pregnancy, and asking her and the baby to stay with her. Anna stays until tragedy strikes again.
A powerful story of loss, heartbreak, and resilience in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
A powerful story of loss, heartbreak, and resilience in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
February 28, 2022
This is the second book I have read by this author and so glad Net Galley granted it to me in return for an honest review.
This book is based in Plymouth, and on a young girl called Anna Millington, who intends to qualify for teacher training college but following the tragic death of her mother her life is thrown into turmoil and her life is changed dramatically.
I loved Anna and her courageous ways , how she dealt with some really tough situations and especially Sir Gilbert. I enjoyed her relationship with Queenie who became her second mum - you could really feel the love between them both. this story has plenty of twists and turns and yet reaches a great conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed it
This book is based in Plymouth, and on a young girl called Anna Millington, who intends to qualify for teacher training college but following the tragic death of her mother her life is thrown into turmoil and her life is changed dramatically.
I loved Anna and her courageous ways , how she dealt with some really tough situations and especially Sir Gilbert. I enjoyed her relationship with Queenie who became her second mum - you could really feel the love between them both. this story has plenty of twists and turns and yet reaches a great conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed it
March 13, 2022
This was an easy, enjoyable read. The sub-plots dealing with domestic violence bothered me because there was little to no accountability. I understand that was typical of the time period which is why I still gave this book 4 stars. I closely identified with the female friendships depicted in this book, and found those to be my favorite part!
I feel that the author has a lovely writing style and I appreciated the way the story tied together at the end. I prefer when books, like this one, feel resolved at the end. I would definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to #NetGalley and #JoffeBooks for the opportunity to review this ARC of #TheGirlAtHollyCottage in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I feel that the author has a lovely writing style and I appreciated the way the story tied together at the end. I prefer when books, like this one, feel resolved at the end. I would definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to #NetGalley and #JoffeBooks for the opportunity to review this ARC of #TheGirlAtHollyCottage in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2022
All nine books
I had to wait till I finished all nine books. I read all of them and could not stop until I read them all. Loved them all. There was a little sadness, some exciting parts, and naturally beautiful and loving times. I would recommend all these books especially ladies, but keep some tissues close by.
Thank you Tania Crosse for your awesome writing and will continue to read your books.
I had to wait till I finished all nine books. I read all of them and could not stop until I read them all. Loved them all. There was a little sadness, some exciting parts, and naturally beautiful and loving times. I would recommend all these books especially ladies, but keep some tissues close by.
Thank you Tania Crosse for your awesome writing and will continue to read your books.
November 8, 2022
Wonderful story .
I really enjoyed this book and everyone in it they all seemed lovely people helping each other.This whole series of 9novels was lovely to read each one gave a new generation of people having ups and downs of happiness,Sadness and fear but all found time to help each other. I really enjoyed all these stories in this series and hope to read more stories. I would recommend this author to all readers she has a great gift for writing.Thank you Tania.
I really enjoyed this book and everyone in it they all seemed lovely people helping each other.This whole series of 9novels was lovely to read each one gave a new generation of people having ups and downs of happiness,Sadness and fear but all found time to help each other. I really enjoyed all these stories in this series and hope to read more stories. I would recommend this author to all readers she has a great gift for writing.Thank you Tania.
April 21, 2023
couldn’t put this book down
Once again another great story, I really enjoyed the Devonshire Sagas. This story had lots going on and I didn’t want to put it down , I will definitely be reading these books again in the future , feel like I know the people in the book as they are described so well.
Once again another great story, I really enjoyed the Devonshire Sagas. This story had lots going on and I didn’t want to put it down , I will definitely be reading these books again in the future , feel like I know the people in the book as they are described so well.
March 8, 2022
I only ever intended to read one of these novels; having read the first in series I knew they were ones I would enjoy and as soon as I finished one, I just had to move on to the next!
While both novels are stand-alone reads, they all add up to a thrilling series and an honest portrayal of how life used to be. I think it’s fairly obvious that the author has a real affinity for Dartmoor and it shines through both these stories. I like that the characters from the eighth book make an appearance in the ninth so we know that life continues on for them. There is always a breadth of characters in Tania’s novels, making us aware of all walks of society. Beautifully written and an absolute joy to read, I am delighted to recommend this series to all those who enjoy good historical dramas which don’t shirk away from the gritty side of life. 4.5*.
While both novels are stand-alone reads, they all add up to a thrilling series and an honest portrayal of how life used to be. I think it’s fairly obvious that the author has a real affinity for Dartmoor and it shines through both these stories. I like that the characters from the eighth book make an appearance in the ninth so we know that life continues on for them. There is always a breadth of characters in Tania’s novels, making us aware of all walks of society. Beautifully written and an absolute joy to read, I am delighted to recommend this series to all those who enjoy good historical dramas which don’t shirk away from the gritty side of life. 4.5*.
March 9, 2022
Really great book about Anna who despite one setback after another still brings joy to other people. Follow her life as she escapes a cruel father, works in a big house. And then meets Queenie at Holly Cottage. You will love this boo
April 6, 2022
Another heartbreaking and engrossing story by the wonderful Tania Crosse.
Set in Plymouth we follow school girl Anna as she sets her heart and mind on teacher training college. Unfortunately Anna’s life is turned upside down when tragedy strikes and Anna has to make life changing decisions.
Quite a sad plot including a few scenes of domestic violence. I found it hard to read those scenes however they are relevant to the story and unfortunately in the 1950s it seemed to be the case that it was quite typical. Domestic abuse during the 1950s was not considered a crime but as a family matter. Nevertheless Tania handles these tough subjects with compassion and care.
No matter how many times Anna’s heart breaks for herself or for others. She has this courageous side to her which was infectious and I respected her choices. I admired her bravery and the fact that she never lost herself, always putting others before her.
The story was filled with some beautiful heartwarming moments too and I absolutely loved the female friendships highlighted during the story, whether it was the maintaining of old friendships or creating of new ones. I really enjoyed following Anna on her journey.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face! Tania’s writing style is beautiful and always a joy to read. The storylines are real, gritty but full of hope and love. With fantastic descriptive settings and down to earth honest good characters (well mostly!) I always recommend Tania Crosse if you want to dip into historical fiction.
Set in Plymouth we follow school girl Anna as she sets her heart and mind on teacher training college. Unfortunately Anna’s life is turned upside down when tragedy strikes and Anna has to make life changing decisions.
Quite a sad plot including a few scenes of domestic violence. I found it hard to read those scenes however they are relevant to the story and unfortunately in the 1950s it seemed to be the case that it was quite typical. Domestic abuse during the 1950s was not considered a crime but as a family matter. Nevertheless Tania handles these tough subjects with compassion and care.
No matter how many times Anna’s heart breaks for herself or for others. She has this courageous side to her which was infectious and I respected her choices. I admired her bravery and the fact that she never lost herself, always putting others before her.
The story was filled with some beautiful heartwarming moments too and I absolutely loved the female friendships highlighted during the story, whether it was the maintaining of old friendships or creating of new ones. I really enjoyed following Anna on her journey.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face! Tania’s writing style is beautiful and always a joy to read. The storylines are real, gritty but full of hope and love. With fantastic descriptive settings and down to earth honest good characters (well mostly!) I always recommend Tania Crosse if you want to dip into historical fiction.
December 22, 2022
This is a story that I felt could have gone on a little longer. I really wanted Gilbert to suffer several more years knowing he had a lovely son and heir that he couldn’t possess and couldn’t control.
April 11, 2022
Lovely Historical Novel
I enjoyed all the well developed characters and the wonderful descriptions of the moon's wild beauty. A very good story.
I enjoyed all the well developed characters and the wonderful descriptions of the moon's wild beauty. A very good story.
July 11, 2022
Enjoyed this book. May try others by this author. Is a stand alone book.
August 7, 2022
Brilliant
I Couldn't put it down , i was captured by the whole book ,description I felt I was there with them !
I Couldn't put it down , i was captured by the whole book ,description I felt I was there with them !
October 4, 2023
brilliant
Another captivating story, what a brilliant writer on to the next one. I haven’t been disappointed in any of her books
Another captivating story, what a brilliant writer on to the next one. I haven’t been disappointed in any of her books
November 15, 2024
Holly cottage
Love books by Tania Crosse I also know everywhere she talks about in Dartmoor and I feel like I am in the book
Love books by Tania Crosse I also know everywhere she talks about in Dartmoor and I feel like I am in the book
June 18, 2022
A well written book and enjoyable story, so sad in parts of it but a happy ending.
A recommended read.
A recommended read.
June 28, 2015
4,5 Sterne.
Leider nicht so gut wie "Lily's Journey" (ist auch unschlagbar), aber dennoch fesselnd und spannend. Es passieren viele tragische Dinge, dass es schon fast kontruiert wirkte. Trotzdem ist es voller Gefühl und führt einen in eine anderen (frühere) Welt.
Für lange Winterabende genau das richtige! (Wie gut, dass ich es im Frühling lesen ;) )
Leider nicht so gut wie "Lily's Journey" (ist auch unschlagbar), aber dennoch fesselnd und spannend. Es passieren viele tragische Dinge, dass es schon fast kontruiert wirkte. Trotzdem ist es voller Gefühl und führt einen in eine anderen (frühere) Welt.
Für lange Winterabende genau das richtige! (Wie gut, dass ich es im Frühling lesen ;) )
May 1, 2020
A pleasant read, a little predictable at times with a somewhat harrowing start, but still enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews