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Satchfield Hall
Celia Bryant-Smythe could never have imagined the high price she would have to pay for her one mistake.
As her father, Henry Bryant-Smythe learns of her indiscretion, he not only deals with it, but stamps on it with a resounding thud that will ricochet through the years. He cares nothing for the consequences of his actions that will bring heartbreak, pain and loss.
Set between 1943 and 1986, Satchfield Hall is a sweeping saga of deep love, evil lies and ruthless power.
www.paulinebarclay.co.uk
As her father, Henry Bryant-Smythe learns of her indiscretion, he not only deals with it, but stamps on it with a resounding thud that will ricochet through the years. He cares nothing for the consequences of his actions that will bring heartbreak, pain and loss.
Set between 1943 and 1986, Satchfield Hall is a sweeping saga of deep love, evil lies and ruthless power.
www.paulinebarclay.co.uk
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 3, 2012
Oh wow!!! A totally fantastic book! I'll write a review when I've stopped crying!
ok have stopped crying. Here is the review I wrote for my blog...........
Satchfield Hall by Pauline Barclay is an outstanding piece of writing. For all of you who remember the Mallen Streak, this is exactly who our main villain of the piece reminds me of - Thomas Mallen. Henry Bryant-Smythe is a heartless, ruthless and loveless squire in Satchfield Hall. He is unlucky in business and constantly has money worries. He treats his wife and daughter like they are something he has trodden on, and treats his staff as playthings for his own sick gratifications. When his young daughter Celia brings 'shame' onto his family name by conceiving a child out of wedlock, Henry sets off a terrifying and heartbreaking chain of events that have consequences for Celia and all those she loves. Consequences that will continue to change the lives of everyone for many years.
This book is a good old fashioned family saga about love, power, heartbreak and good old revenge and I very quickly become totally engrossed in it. If follows Celia from the time of the second world war when she was just 17, right up until she is a middle aged woman. It is heartbreaking in places and made me sob! It is also maddening in places and Henry is the type of villain you just love to hate! He is such a horrible man and Pauline has created a wonderfully intriguing character in him! He literally made me want to scream! All of the characters in the book are introduced and developed so well and you very quickly get caught up in what is happening to them and can almost feel their pain. I found this book very hard to put down. It is definitely a real page turner where you are desperate to find out what happens next because you care about the characters so much. The lives of the central characters are interwoven and Pauline's writing style ensures that each of her characters are equally interesting. By the final chapter I was sobbing over my Kindle. I'd recommend this book! Perfect for sitting down with a cuppa, a chocolate biscuit and a box of tissues because I can guarantee you will be sobbing too by the end!
ok have stopped crying. Here is the review I wrote for my blog...........
Satchfield Hall by Pauline Barclay is an outstanding piece of writing. For all of you who remember the Mallen Streak, this is exactly who our main villain of the piece reminds me of - Thomas Mallen. Henry Bryant-Smythe is a heartless, ruthless and loveless squire in Satchfield Hall. He is unlucky in business and constantly has money worries. He treats his wife and daughter like they are something he has trodden on, and treats his staff as playthings for his own sick gratifications. When his young daughter Celia brings 'shame' onto his family name by conceiving a child out of wedlock, Henry sets off a terrifying and heartbreaking chain of events that have consequences for Celia and all those she loves. Consequences that will continue to change the lives of everyone for many years.
This book is a good old fashioned family saga about love, power, heartbreak and good old revenge and I very quickly become totally engrossed in it. If follows Celia from the time of the second world war when she was just 17, right up until she is a middle aged woman. It is heartbreaking in places and made me sob! It is also maddening in places and Henry is the type of villain you just love to hate! He is such a horrible man and Pauline has created a wonderfully intriguing character in him! He literally made me want to scream! All of the characters in the book are introduced and developed so well and you very quickly get caught up in what is happening to them and can almost feel their pain. I found this book very hard to put down. It is definitely a real page turner where you are desperate to find out what happens next because you care about the characters so much. The lives of the central characters are interwoven and Pauline's writing style ensures that each of her characters are equally interesting. By the final chapter I was sobbing over my Kindle. I'd recommend this book! Perfect for sitting down with a cuppa, a chocolate biscuit and a box of tissues because I can guarantee you will be sobbing too by the end!
December 15, 2012
Satchfield Hall by Pauline Barclay is a compelling read, a plot full of twists and endearing characters who will have you gnawing your fingernails and reaching for tissues. The book has a sense of place that is so strong it is a character, a hero and heroine that offset a larger-than-life villain, a mother whose will to survive gives life after her death, and an ending that will surprise and delight.
The squire of Satchfield Hall, Henry Bryant-Smythe, stands next to Iago and Baron Scarpia in my collection of favorite villains. He is truly a rare breed of character—believable yet without an ounce of redemption. Ms. Barclay has the wit and narrative dexterity to paint him in all his conniving fury at the pinnacle of his destructive power, juxtaposed with scenes that foreshadow his fall. But events and people change, and the story has characters who may seem weak at first, but who surprised me in the end with their strength.
A real bonus for this reader is the setting of the novel which brings to life the Great Britain of the 1940s, not only in the suffering of its soldiers, but in the struggle of a family and a land to survive their loss.
I loved this book, couldn’t put it down, and recommend you read Satchfield Hall for an endearing love story; read it for the brilliant creation of a memorable villain, someone who blights everything he touches; read it for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The squire of Satchfield Hall, Henry Bryant-Smythe, stands next to Iago and Baron Scarpia in my collection of favorite villains. He is truly a rare breed of character—believable yet without an ounce of redemption. Ms. Barclay has the wit and narrative dexterity to paint him in all his conniving fury at the pinnacle of his destructive power, juxtaposed with scenes that foreshadow his fall. But events and people change, and the story has characters who may seem weak at first, but who surprised me in the end with their strength.
A real bonus for this reader is the setting of the novel which brings to life the Great Britain of the 1940s, not only in the suffering of its soldiers, but in the struggle of a family and a land to survive their loss.
I loved this book, couldn’t put it down, and recommend you read Satchfield Hall for an endearing love story; read it for the brilliant creation of a memorable villain, someone who blights everything he touches; read it for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
September 3, 2011
Satchfield Hall is a novel by Pauline Barclay along with Magnolia House and her latest Sometimes it Happens.
Celia Bryant-Smythe has had everything, growing up in a beautiful house, Satchfield Hall with her Mother and Father and 3 brothers. When her father, Henry Bryant-Smythe hears via his nosey Housekeeper that his innocent daughter is not so innocent after all, he has no trouble in "dealing" with her. What the arrogant man doesn't realise is that the actions of that day will change the courses of his life and everyone around him forever in the decades to come. But he is too self involved to realise.
Celia Bryant-Smythe's life changes that very day. The pain, loss and sadness that she experiences and she does not find the ultimate peace until the death of one man.
Has Celia's actions ruined the family or just herself? Can she recover and pull herself back? Does Henry have a heart after all?
Satchfield Hall starts at the end of the story and soon you are transported back into the time of the second World War. Pauline has written on the back of the book "Satchfield Hall is not about gentleness, tranquillity and privilege; it is about, power, love, lies and in the end revenge." and that is certainly true. This is a story of a family's struggle. Of how one mans actions spreads a web of sorrow across a much wider field.
I adored this book. I love anything that involves a Master of the house and the downstairs staff. I was hooked from the very first chapter and was engulfed into the sadness of each event as it unfolded. Pauline hints of things that are to come but I found myself desperately wanting to know what happened next. This is a love story but is not a simple one and things are not easy for anyone.
This is a completely different theme to Sometimes it Happens which I had read previously. What is key to both of Pauline's books I have now read is that she really can tell a story and make the characters come alive. I haven't cried in a book so much and so often. This is a must to be added to your TBR pile.
Fantastic!
You can follow Pauline on twitter @PaulineMBarclay or find out more information via her website http://www.paulinebarclay.co.uk/ > This book is available as an ebook or paperback via amazon - click this link http://tiny.cc/sh1ky purchase it!
Pauline is an Author with www.LoveaHappyEnding.com and I'm very proud to be one of her Associated Readers.
Celia Bryant-Smythe has had everything, growing up in a beautiful house, Satchfield Hall with her Mother and Father and 3 brothers. When her father, Henry Bryant-Smythe hears via his nosey Housekeeper that his innocent daughter is not so innocent after all, he has no trouble in "dealing" with her. What the arrogant man doesn't realise is that the actions of that day will change the courses of his life and everyone around him forever in the decades to come. But he is too self involved to realise.
Celia Bryant-Smythe's life changes that very day. The pain, loss and sadness that she experiences and she does not find the ultimate peace until the death of one man.
Has Celia's actions ruined the family or just herself? Can she recover and pull herself back? Does Henry have a heart after all?
Satchfield Hall starts at the end of the story and soon you are transported back into the time of the second World War. Pauline has written on the back of the book "Satchfield Hall is not about gentleness, tranquillity and privilege; it is about, power, love, lies and in the end revenge." and that is certainly true. This is a story of a family's struggle. Of how one mans actions spreads a web of sorrow across a much wider field.
I adored this book. I love anything that involves a Master of the house and the downstairs staff. I was hooked from the very first chapter and was engulfed into the sadness of each event as it unfolded. Pauline hints of things that are to come but I found myself desperately wanting to know what happened next. This is a love story but is not a simple one and things are not easy for anyone.
This is a completely different theme to Sometimes it Happens which I had read previously. What is key to both of Pauline's books I have now read is that she really can tell a story and make the characters come alive. I haven't cried in a book so much and so often. This is a must to be added to your TBR pile.
Fantastic!
You can follow Pauline on twitter @PaulineMBarclay or find out more information via her website http://www.paulinebarclay.co.uk/ > This book is available as an ebook or paperback via amazon - click this link http://tiny.cc/sh1ky purchase it!
Pauline is an Author with www.LoveaHappyEnding.com and I'm very proud to be one of her Associated Readers.
June 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this...my second outing with the author, Pauline Barclay. It’s quite a story, spanning forty-four years, starting just before the end of the second world war.
If ever there was a nasty, power-hungry, vicious, egotistic character, then Henry Bryant-Smythe was one. What a vile man. You can imagine, then, that when his young only daughter finds herself ‘in the family way’, the lengths he goes to are extreme, to the point of inhuman, to make sure she understands the consequences of such disgrace for a family of such standing. There isn’t a soul who doesn’t fear this hideous man…his own wife included. But he never entertains the possibility that he could be underestimating her. His domineering, vulgarity and bullying are as unbearable as are endearing her quiet sagacity, forbearance and gentleness. But pay he must for ruining the lives of those nearest to him.
Barclay overdoses us, wrings us out with oceans of wide-ranging emotions in this book. She does it skilfully, subtly, poignantly. The story is utterly compelling.
This is a book which has been loitering around my Kindle for a while now and after reading it, I understand why. Every time I saw the title, it just didn’t scream ‘read me’. It’s not about Satchfield Hall at all: that’s just an address and really doesn’t play a part of any importance. The title of the book written by one of the characters is what screams at me as the perfect title. I was also a little at sea with the dates. The story is divided into two parts, but with untitled chapters it was hard to know exactly where we were.
For those reasons, I can’t elevate it into the five-star category, not least because of the bad editing (no editing?). So many spelling/grammatical errors was annoying.
However, I did manage to overlook those faults and ultimately, am glad I finally answered the book’s call to ‘read me, already!’
If ever there was a nasty, power-hungry, vicious, egotistic character, then Henry Bryant-Smythe was one. What a vile man. You can imagine, then, that when his young only daughter finds herself ‘in the family way’, the lengths he goes to are extreme, to the point of inhuman, to make sure she understands the consequences of such disgrace for a family of such standing. There isn’t a soul who doesn’t fear this hideous man…his own wife included. But he never entertains the possibility that he could be underestimating her. His domineering, vulgarity and bullying are as unbearable as are endearing her quiet sagacity, forbearance and gentleness. But pay he must for ruining the lives of those nearest to him.
Barclay overdoses us, wrings us out with oceans of wide-ranging emotions in this book. She does it skilfully, subtly, poignantly. The story is utterly compelling.
This is a book which has been loitering around my Kindle for a while now and after reading it, I understand why. Every time I saw the title, it just didn’t scream ‘read me’. It’s not about Satchfield Hall at all: that’s just an address and really doesn’t play a part of any importance. The title of the book written by one of the characters is what screams at me as the perfect title. I was also a little at sea with the dates. The story is divided into two parts, but with untitled chapters it was hard to know exactly where we were.
For those reasons, I can’t elevate it into the five-star category, not least because of the bad editing (no editing?). So many spelling/grammatical errors was annoying.
However, I did manage to overlook those faults and ultimately, am glad I finally answered the book’s call to ‘read me, already!’
July 31, 2011
Satchfield Hall by Pauline Barclay
Henry Bryant-Smythe is the selfish Squire of Satchfield Hall who cares about no one but himself. When he learns that his daughter Celia is pregnant to her lover David Gillespie he thinks nothing of banishing his own daughter and manipulating circumstances to send David off to war and soon news arrives of David’s death. Celia’s baby is taken away from her at birth and given to a childless couple to raise as their own and they are not told the full truth about the baby’s background. The consequences of Henry’s actions affect the lives of many people. It destroys people’s lives and takes many years for it to be resolved. Celia never forgets about her baby she has carried and given birth to. Will she be able to undo the web of deceit that her father as weaved and be able to reconnect with her baby?
Satchfield Hall is a family saga it is about power, love, lies and in the end revenge. It is a wonderfully well written story of a period drama. It’s a page turner of a book it really gets you involved in the story. The characters are really well written you really detest Henry Bryant-Smythe and really hope he gets his comeuppance.
Pack this one for your hols perfect summer reading x
Henry Bryant-Smythe is the selfish Squire of Satchfield Hall who cares about no one but himself. When he learns that his daughter Celia is pregnant to her lover David Gillespie he thinks nothing of banishing his own daughter and manipulating circumstances to send David off to war and soon news arrives of David’s death. Celia’s baby is taken away from her at birth and given to a childless couple to raise as their own and they are not told the full truth about the baby’s background. The consequences of Henry’s actions affect the lives of many people. It destroys people’s lives and takes many years for it to be resolved. Celia never forgets about her baby she has carried and given birth to. Will she be able to undo the web of deceit that her father as weaved and be able to reconnect with her baby?
Satchfield Hall is a family saga it is about power, love, lies and in the end revenge. It is a wonderfully well written story of a period drama. It’s a page turner of a book it really gets you involved in the story. The characters are really well written you really detest Henry Bryant-Smythe and really hope he gets his comeuppance.
Pack this one for your hols perfect summer reading x
January 21, 2012
This is the first book from Pauline Barclay that I have read, and I must say that I enjoyed it very much! I wasn't sure if I would to begin with, as it is not what I normally read but after hearing so many good things about it I thought I would give it a go. I was not disappointed! This book really swept me up into the story, and I found myself really rooting for the characters.
The story is so sad in places, but it really is heartwarming too. I read this in 2 days, I couldn't put it down!
I would definitely recommend this book :)
The story is so sad in places, but it really is heartwarming too. I read this in 2 days, I couldn't put it down!
I would definitely recommend this book :)
September 3, 2012
Henry Bryant-Smythe has no heart. He views his wife and daughter as assets. He takes great pleasure in causing his wife, Muriel, discomfort and embarrassment. He explodes in rage when he finds out his unmarried daughter, Celia, is pregnant. He concocts a plan that will cause his family and neighbors years of pain.
Pauline Barclay has written a powerful tale that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are part of the story. The reader feels Muriel's and Celia's pain as the tale unfolds, becoming angrier as time goes by. I actually had the urge to hit Henry Bryant-Smythe in the face with an iron skillet. I'm sure others will feel that same anger.
This book evokes powerful emotions from the reader. If you haven't already, I suggest you buy and read this phenomenal book now You rock, Pauline!!!! Keep writing!
Pauline Barclay has written a powerful tale that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are part of the story. The reader feels Muriel's and Celia's pain as the tale unfolds, becoming angrier as time goes by. I actually had the urge to hit Henry Bryant-Smythe in the face with an iron skillet. I'm sure others will feel that same anger.
This book evokes powerful emotions from the reader. If you haven't already, I suggest you buy and read this phenomenal book now You rock, Pauline!!!! Keep writing!
December 8, 2012
I will be honest... and as this is my first review ever... I feel I just have to be...
Although the time when this story is going on is not the favourite time in the history - OK let's be honest... I hate the time of WWII... I started to read the book.
Usually, if I don't find the first 20 pages interesting I stop reading... At first I found out that the prologue reveals too much (for me), but something pushed me beyound those 20 pages... and then I just wanted to find out if I had been right, how the story will end.
The closer I was to the end... well, let me put it like this: I found myself several times with moist in my eyes... and this happens to me very rarely...
Do I need to say more?
Although the time when this story is going on is not the favourite time in the history - OK let's be honest... I hate the time of WWII... I started to read the book.
Usually, if I don't find the first 20 pages interesting I stop reading... At first I found out that the prologue reveals too much (for me), but something pushed me beyound those 20 pages... and then I just wanted to find out if I had been right, how the story will end.
The closer I was to the end... well, let me put it like this: I found myself several times with moist in my eyes... and this happens to me very rarely...
Do I need to say more?
March 8, 2013
This is the first book I've read by the author and it won't be the last. I stayed up long into the night to finish Satchfield Hall and closed the book with a satisfied (but tearful) sigh. If you like your heroes villainous and manipulating, your heroines well developed determined and a believable cast of secondary characters this novel is for you. It will pull at your heart strings so have the box of tissues ready as you read how the actions of one man has consequences for the generations that follow.
September 3, 2014
Loved this book. The story had everything you could wish for. From the first couple of pages I was engrossed. I have spent the past week living with Celia through her heartache and joy. I would love Pauline to write a sequel. I want to go back to Satchfield Hall and have afternoon tea with Celia and cake of course, so we could talk of all things to come. Loved it!
May 3, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
"Satchfield Hall is a combination of a family saga and a ‘great house, upstairs-downstairs’ story, which may appeal particularly to older women readers who remember their own parents’ ‘old-fashioned’ attitudes. A novel to read by a warm fire during a chilly weekend."
I thoroughly agree with our #DDRevs reviewer: Ms Barclay writes engrossing and highly enjoyable novels ideal to curl up with on a cold day, or relax in the garden in the warmsun
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Satchfield Hall is a combination of a family saga and a ‘great house, upstairs-downstairs’ story, which may appeal particularly to older women readers who remember their own parents’ ‘old-fashioned’ attitudes. A novel to read by a warm fire during a chilly weekend."
I thoroughly agree with our #DDRevs reviewer: Ms Barclay writes engrossing and highly enjoyable novels ideal to curl up with on a cold day, or relax in the garden in the warmsun
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews