It is a gorgeous and emotional book of love, loss, secrets and hope.
I absolutely loved the first book in the series and was very excited about my return to Ironbridge, if you haven't read the first book don't worry you can easily read them as stand-alone's.
This is a story of doomed socially 'improper' love between Beatrice whose family own the local tile and brick factory and one of the workers of said factory, it's your typical lofty toffs deeming the working class lad not good enough for them kinda story but with so much for thrown in to keep you hooked. As the title suggests there are secrets that if revealed could cause one hell of a storm for those involved, but more than that this is about love, it's about two people who love each other no matter the cost.
There are hard times and heartwrenching emotions laced through the story, unlike a lot of sagas I've read this isn't heavy and claggy or hard work to read it flows beautifully keeping the reader engaged throughout and I really, really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next!

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone
This is a character driven story that is poignant
I can not wait for the next instalment

brilliant read ,will be purchasing the other books by Mollie Watson hard to put down once i started it

The second book in the Ironbridge Saga, THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is even better than the first. Following on from "The Daughters of Ironbridge" , we are introduced to the next generation of the same families set in the 1850s. Wonderfully told, this classic tale unfolds chapter after chapter with the breathtaking beauty of the setting as its backdrop.

1850: Twenty years after fleeing Ironbridge to elope with artist Jake Ashford, Margaret returns with her 18 year old daughter Beatrice after living in France. Queenie, the matriarch of the King family, has summoned her home with Margaret's father on his deathbed but alas, Ralph King passes two days before they arrive. Having always had a soft spot for Margaret, Queenie is thrilled to see her granddaughter again and is excited to meet her great-granddaughter Beatrice. It isn't long before the matriarch and the heir are getting along famously, playing endless hands of Old Maid and chatting together. Beatrice has never quite met anyone like her great-grandmother but the two adore each other, despite being so much alike.

Ironbridge is her mother's hometown but after growing up in France, Beatrice finds the little town a fascinating change from the cosmopolitan Montmarte to which she is accustomed. She is not used to English customs and sees no difference between the classes, except the money that separates them. It is clear that her mother came from money but their life in France was a far cry to that that awaited her here. After the death of her father, Beatrice and her mother were left penniless, and her mother took in students to teach English and the pianoforte to keep them clothed with food on the table. But upon returning to Ironbridge, her mother is determined to give Beatrice a better future. And as the heir to the King estate, Beatrice is expected to find a suitable husband of one of the local brickmasters and take over running the business Queenie has ruled with an iron fist for nigh on three decades.

But Beatrice has other ideas. Though she struggles to adjust to her new life in accordance with what is expected of her, she is also fascinated with the people of Ironbridge and its surrounds. She was appalled at the sight of children as young as six being forced to work in such dirty and harsh conditions, picking and carrying clay to be moulded into bricks. She is further astonished at the treatment of these children and of the workers under her family's hand. After seeing such conditions, Beatrice is determined that changes must be made and resolves to speak to Queenie about it. But she is not prepared for the staunch stance her great-grandmother takes when confronted with the running of the family business. Beatrice is not accustomed to the idea of "the haves and the have nots". Where she comes from, people from all classes and all walks of life mingle together. But here the distinction is clear...and the divide must not be crossed.

And then after another boring dance lesson, listening to "Madame" (who insists on the title despite not being French) drone on and on, Beatrice meets Owen Malone who works at her family's Brick and Tile Works. She does not care about his job, or class, only that he is the most charming and handsome man she has ever met. They fall into an easy friendship talking and laughing together, continuing to meet weekly in secret and inevitable fall in love. But the relationship is doomed...in more ways than one. For Owen's mother is Anny Woodwine who was Beatrice's mother's best friend from her childhood who Anny had felt betrayed her when leaving her languishing in prison and running off with Jake Ashford.

But neither Beatrice and Owen are privy to their mothers' pasts nor how deep the hate runs but it is clear that this is but one secret that will soon come to the surface. But how will it affect Beatrice and Owen? Will it change things between them? Or will it make them more determined to bridge the gap between the two classes?

Despite all Beatrice has tried to do for the workers, there has been a growing discord amongst some of them and plans are set in motion that could only spell disaster, as a group descend upon Southover in the dead of night when everyone was to be at a ball. The ghostly apparition of former maid Betsy Blaize that has been visiting Queenie for two decades promised that this house will fall...but is that just Queenie's guilt or is it a premonition of what's to come? However, nothing will prepare them for the tragedy that is about to befall the King family...changing everything forever.

THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is the second book in this series but it can easily be read as a standalone as enough backstory is given to suffice on its own. But I do thoroughly recommend reading the first book "The Daughters of Ironbridge" before delving into this one, simply for more of the story and to get a real feel for the two women - Anny and Margaret - prior to this generation. As well as the fact that it is a thoroughly enjoyable read, there is also the addition of the ghostly apparition that comes to Queenie on a regular basis that is born at the beginning of the first book.

Beautifully written, THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE is a real character driven story that is both touching and poignant. Mollie Walton does a wonderful job bringing the industrial age to life and the bustling town of Ironbridge amidst the appalling working conditions, low wages and the back breaking work.

It was great to meet up with the characters again some twenty years later and meeting new ones. I found both Anny and Margaret very different from the young girls they had been in the first book, understandably with what both had been through. And I adored both Beatrice and Owen. Her idealism and forthrightness with his gentleness made them such a likable pair that you just wanted things to work out for them. But my favourite remains Queenie, the stoic matriarch of the King family who has an other worldliness about her at times you wonder if she is going mad. She often wonders if she is going mad! But she is such a tough yet likable old bird. I was thrilled to see Cyril take more of a backseat in this book though he still lingers on the fringes and throws his weight around at times, it is clear that Queenie rules the roost. I hope he doesn't return in the next book.

I was disappointed with the tragedy that befell the King family and the route it then took Beatrice. Without giving anything away, I had secretly hoped that things would turn out differently. Thus, the Epilogue was a nice touch but I was still left a little unsatisfied at the outcome.

I thoroughly enjoyed THE SECRETS OF IRONBRIDGE in which I was absorbed from beginning to end and completed in two sittings. If it weren't for real life getting in the way (as it so often does) I would have probably read it in one!

Despite my disappointment in the direction the story took, it is still by far a well earned 5 star read. I cannot wait for the third book "The Orphan of Ironbridge" to continue this captivating saga.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical sagas. For fans of Dilly Court, Catherine Cookson and Lindsey Hutchinson.

I would like to thank #MollieWalton, #NetGalley and #ZaffreBooks for an ARC of #TheSecretsOfIronbridge in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this book.
Mollie Walton always delivers a brilliant story and this one didn't disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I would highly recommend it.

As I live near Ironbridge, I was automatically drawn to this book. It's a lovely read and one I read in one sitting. I'd love to read more by Walton

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for asking me to read and review.
This story was a wonderful read.
It is well written with some characters that are well rounded and as a reader you feel you are right there with them and feel the emotions that they are going through. The plot draws you in, keeping you wanting more and turning those pages.
A brilliant, addictive read.

The secrets of Ironbridge is the second book in the Ironbridge series. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but I would recommend reading the first if you can.

1850's Shropshire, and Beatrice Ashford returns to her Mother's birthplace at the age of Eighteen. After a life of growing up in cosmopolitan Montmartre, Paris, at first Beatrice isn't sure what to make of her Mother's home town.

The reason for their return is the threat of imminent death of a family member Beatrice has never met. Sadly they are too late, but Beatrice's Mother insists that they must stay, as it will give Beatrice a better future being back amongst the family wealth.

Her Mother, Margaret has warned Beatrice many times of her Great Grandmother Queenie and her acerbic tongue, but Beatrice and Queenie immediately get along, leaving Margaret to breathe a sigh of relief.

Beatrice though, is lonely, she misses her friends in Montmartre and longs to go back. When Beatrice meets Owen Malone, she does not care about his job, or class, only that he is the most charming and handsome man she has ever met. As she learns that he works at the local brickworks, she realises that any fledgling relationship must be kept secret from her family.

I don't want to say too much more, as I'd love you to read this novel for yourself and discover the Ironbridge of the 1800's.

The Secrets of Ironbridge is another beautifully written novel by this author, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.

Beatrice Ashford returns to the small town of Ironbridge in Shropshire which is her mother's birthplace. Meeting her grandmother Queenie for the first time, Beatrice is initially impressed with her grandmother's ability to control the family's industrial empire. However, Beatrice is more idealistic than any of her family and her discomfort at the way the family run the local brick works means that there is soon an air of unease between them. Beatrice's growing friendship with local lad, Owen Malone, only highlights the social divide.

The Secrets of Ironbridge continues the story of this industrial area in Ironbridge which we were first introduced to in The Daughters of Ironbridge. I enjoyed meeting up with the characters, who are now several years older and with rather more worries than before, especially Queenie, the stoic matriarch of the King family who is deeply troubled by a secret from her past. Beatrice is a lovely addition to the story, she is a delightful character, who you warm to from the very start. I have enjoyed watching her character progress from a rather unsure young girl, into a determined young woman.

Beautifully written as ever, the author does a great job of bringing the industrial age to life and the town of Ironbridge is just as much a character in the novel as any of the people. The dreadful working conditions of those who toiled in the brick making industry is brought to life in vivid detail and I learned much about the process of making bricks, and the horrible deprivation of those who earned such low wages for such back breaking work.

The Secrets of Ironbridge is the second book in this series and I hope that we will see more of Ironbridge, and the King family, in future historical sagas.

Second in the series but you an read alone bit me personally I like to read books in order. Very good book and lots of history cant wait for the next one

A great addition to the Ironbridge series. This gives a real insight into the industries of the time - the brickmakers and the ironworks - but more importantly it looks at the people, communities who work there. A richly detailed and evocative novel which contains drama, secrets and more secrets. The characters are richly drawn and very memorable so it’s quick and easy to get invested in them and their lives.

Moreover, Ironbridge has been in the news recently for having been a victim of the terrible floods. It’s lovely to visit this town and see it so alive and industrious. Shows the real spirit and character of a place which will undoubtedly return when the worst of this and the virus is over.
Highly recommended

I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

The Secrets of Ironbridge is the second book in the Ironbridge series. But you can read it as a standalone as I have not read the first.
It’s 1850 Margaret King and her daughter Beatrice has arrived in Ironbridge after living in Montmartre France. Ironbridge is Margaret’s hometown, where she lived with the rest of the King family who own the local Brick and Tile works. But fled twenty years ago to become a teacher of English and Pianoforte. They have been summoned back by Beatrice’s great grandmother Queenie. But Margaret is grateful as she can have the life that she once had again and not have to scrimp and save. It will give her daughter Beatrice a better future.
Beatrice struggles at first to adjust to her new life in England, very different to the one she had in France. Until she meets Owen Malone who works at the Brick works and falls in love. But the relationship is doomed as they are both from different classes.
The secrets of Ironbridge is a tale not only about love but different social classes. It wasn’t heard of for people from different social classes to get together. Also, in the period of the 1800’s what type of work there was and who worked there. Work was not only for the adults but very young children and the conditions where appalling. People was left starving.
I really enjoyed the premise of this story and the characters. It kept me captivated me throughout. Just for me personally I thought the ending of this beautiful story was a but rushed.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

How lovely to behave in Ironbridge with beloved characters and new. I adored this book and can't wait for more.
We meet Beatrice entering her.mother's world of privilege for the first time. She finds it hard to share her great grandmother Queenie's attitude to the workers despite the bond that forms between them. This feeling intensifies when she meets Owen.
What dark family secrets will she uncover?
Can love conquer all of will it all end in tragedy?
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for gifting me an advance copy of this book.

Having loved reading The Daughters of Ironbridge i was so looking forward to reading this one.Margaret and her daughter return to Ironbridge at the request of Margarets grandmother Queenie,believing it is now time to give her daughter the life she deserves.I have to say that i really like Queenie she is a woman who has had it tough but has come through and with a family secrets.Well done to Mollie Walton i loved it and will recommend this book 5*

Such a fabulous second book for this exciting family saga. I loved meeting Bea, the daughter from Margaret who we met in the first book. Coming over from France to finally meet her Great Grandmother Queenie it was interesting to see how she was going to fit in with her new family and their business.
As always plenty of intrigue and of course romance kept me turning the pages avidly. Again the brilliant descriptions of life in this industrial area was extremely vivid. Lots of emotive moments to make you think of how difficult life was for the workers in this era.
A very enjoyable story, I’m now looking forward to book three 😊

The second and hopefully not the last book in the Ironbridge saga. Here we are reintroduced to Margaret and meet Beatrice.. It is as compelling and unable to leave down as the first book and be advised you will need to have tissues nearby.. Beatrice changes from a shy young gitl to a woman to be reckoned with which is why I'm hoping that there will be a third book. I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views and are completely unbiased.

Such a classic tale, chapter after chapter. Eighteen years old Beatrice Ashford and her mother Margaret were returning to the big house Southover in Shropshire from Paris. Beatrice has never met her great grandmother Queenie and her grandfather ralph who is not a well man. the Kings own the brick and tile works. but it is to late as her grandfather has already passed away. its going to be so different to adjust for both her and her mother, but Beatrice start to form a close bond with Queenie. her mother has not told her a lot about her father who died in Paris when she was very young, but the truth will be told later in the book the author brings all the characters to life , and all the fascinating accounts of the brickyard, ironworks , tile and coal. this book i found so breath taking to read. lots of secrets and lies unfold as you keep reading. and a lot will pull at your heartstrings as you get drawn into the story. it has a lot of love that will brim over your emotions,sad and happy. this is Mollie Waltons second book from the ironbridge and so hope there is much more to come.