Thank you to Lindsey Hutchinson and Rachel's Random Resources for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Hat Girl From Silver Street is one of the most dramatic books I've ever read. You have so much going on throughout the entire book; the drama doesn't end until the story does. The early pages of this novel draw you in right away with fantastic writing and enough spectacles to satisfy any lover of juicy drama. It's the type of book you don't want to end because you're so entertained that you could just remain in that world observing everything.

So let's talk about characters. Ella is the delightfully ordinary main character. There is literally nothing special about her but yet she is so perfect in her role. Hutchinson did an amazing job with this cast of characters. They all have such different personalities and perspectives. This is one cast of characters that won't be easily forgotten. From the quiet hat maker, to the jealous business woman, to the handsome rich guy, to the spiteful scorned woman, this book has it all. Also, I absolutely loved Ella's dad. He is the supportive person that every single person needs in their life.

My only critique is that a couple situations were resolved too easily for Ella. I feel like the parts where these issues were resolved could have been drawn out a little more.

I'm not a fan of book series by any means, however if the author ended up turning this book into a series and kept writing about these characters I would absolutely keep reading. I'd recommend The Hat Girl From Silver Street for anyone who would like a soap opera in literary form.

I really liked the story of Ella, the milliner. It was a different style to what I usually read which is sometimes more serious historical drama .

However I became engrossed with Ella's life and her struggles to make ends meet after her beloved father's death and loss of her job at Gladwins. She was tenacious and with father's help was able to set up her own millinery business. When she met Harper, she fell head over heels in love and although there were obstacles in their way, they were able to finally see a future together.

Unfortunately things did not go their way and I was heartbroken as i had not envisaged the ending. Ella was a brave, kind ambitious lovely young woman. I hope to find more of Lindsey's heroines in the future.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

A little different from previous books I have read by this author, THE HAT GIRL FROM SILVER STREET reminds me a little of Catherine Cookson in style and tale rather than the usual stories of orphans I have come to know by Lindsey Hutchinson. Set in 1900, it focuses on a young woman who makes a name for herself as a milliner in the Black Country town of Walsall towards the end of the Victorian era, her life and her loves as well as her heartbreaks.

An apprentice hat maker, Ella Bancroft works under the watchful eye of her mean and nasty employer Ivy Gladwin. Encouraged by her kind father to see her true worth, Ella leaves the job where she is under-appreciated for a new venture that she endeavours to make a success.

Wheelchair-bound after a work accident some years before, Thomas Bancroft feels useless and unable to contribute until one evening, playing with some ribbon, he discovers a rare talent he never knew he had. Finally with a reason to smile again, he and Ella set up shop together in the front room of their house where she can put her millinery skills to work on making the finest hats in Walsall.

Unsure of her success in the beginning, Ella soon finds herself in demand when Mrs Elena Fortescue pays her a visit to buy a hat for her son's upcoming wedding. On subsequent visits she brings the bride-to-be, Darcie Newland, and her friends as prospective customers. But spoilt and snobbish Darcie turns her nose up at the provincial little shop and anything it offers, despite having loved the hat Mrs Fortescue had purchased previously. However, Darcie thought she had purchased such exquisite finery in London or Birmingham, or somewhere far more fashionable than Silver Street. But Ella would not be swayed and soon put the spoilt Darcie in her place, much to the amusement of Elena Fortescue and her friends.

Then, having heard such favourable things about the milliner from his mother, Harper Fortescue decided to pay the shop a visit to purchase something different for his upcoming wedding. He didn't expect to walk away with more than a new hat but upon entering and seeing Ella for the first time, Harper fell in love. Little did he know that Ella's emotions were as awhirl as his were and as soon as he left the shop, Ella couldn't stop thinking about him. Thomas could see his daughter was in love but wisely advised that nothing good could come from it as social status divide them. Besides, he was betrothed to another and was not hers to have. And yet, Harper cannot keep away from the little shop or the beautiful milliner.

Meanwhile, back in town Ivy Gladwin was at a loss as to why her sales had all but disappeared as day after day people passed her window display but no one entered her shop. Then one day the bell above the door tinkled as a woman walked in and pointed at the hat taking pride of place in her display window. Smiling, Ivy prepared herself for the compliments she expected from her hard work but instead was shocked when the woman criticised the monstrosity and by way of parting said there were far more striking and modern hats being sold down on Silver Street for a much better price. Ivy was speechless. Silver Street? Ella? She wouldn't...would she? Ivy knew then what she had to do. She took herself down to Silver Street to take a look for herself and was disheartened when she saw the beautiful hats on display in the front window. And then, Ivy smiled wickedly as an inkling of an idea began to form. What better way to draw customers back to her shop and get her revenge back on Ella at the same time?

Also hoping to gain from Ella's success is her sister Sally who could not be more different. Newly pregnant, Sally attempts to ingratiate herself with her younger sister in the hope she will be rewarded, as her husband Eddy had not yet seen fit to get himself work of any kind to support both his wife and expected child. This causes a lot of tension between the sisters as Sally strikes out spitefully at even the mention of Eddy and work. Sally even resents Ella's kindhearted neighbour Flossie Woolley's presence each time she finds her in the cosy kitchen. But Sally is needing money for the baby, and soon, as she makes suggestions to sell items that Ella prefers to hold on to. Furious at being unable to sway her sister, Sally flounces out without so much as a goodbye each time. And yet every day, Sally returns with yet more criticism and vitriol to spout, no doubt.

When Ella's sales start dropping off and continue to do so, Ella and her father endeavour to put measures into place to ensure her bespoke designs remain protected. And yet no matter what she does, customers appear to now be going elsewhere.

Despite his circumstances, Harper Fortescue cannot keep away from the little shop on Silver Street. He finds any excuse to pay a visit, purchasing many hats along the way. Although he is promised to another in a marriage of convenience, it is clear just looking at them that the couple are in love. But Harper is of middle class standing and Ella is just a milliner...what can the future possibly hold for them?

And then tragedy rocks Ella's world in a way she wonders will she ever come back from it?

Secrets, betrayals and deception abound in this touching yet heartbreaking tale set in the late Victorian era as we meet plenty of characters along the way - some likeable, some not so likeable. With a good range of traits from vindictive and sly to the sweet and gentle to the candid and outspoken, prepared to feel a range of emotions along the way, getting entirely lost in the story.

Due to the nature of sagas, they are generally predictable but still rather enjoyable. Despite this I found one aspect to be quite unpredictable as I didn't expect it, nor did I like it. But aside from the unexpected ending, THE HAT GIRL FROM SILVER STREET is an entirely enjoyable story that is perfect for fans of historical fiction sagas like Catherine Cookson and Dilly Court.

I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #RachelsRandomResources, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheHatGirlFromSilverStreet in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful story The Hat Girl From Silver Street was, and also my first outing with this author and be I will come back to based on this book.

The story revolves around Ella, the younger, and nicer of two sisters. She is a hard worker under the employ of a milliner. With low wages and unfair working conditions, her father encourages Ella to leave. Between them, they start their own business and this introduces them to many other people.

This is a lovely story that I found very easy to get caught up in. The author delves into the living conditions briefly as well as the hardships and uncertainties of the time. Starting a business from scratch is a brave decision but the author has given solid reasons. Meeting new people in a society is one fraught with danger as Ella's shop is in her house.

This story revolves around family and life in general. A society that is all about class and getting the best marriage deals is something the author did tackle well. It made for an agonising waiting game as I read the story, getting more and more drawn in.

There are some really good characters that range from the outspoken to the more gentle and with a good range of traits that include vindictive, sly, aloof and downright nasty there is something to keep a sense of intrigue. This means that you will root for some and wait for the others to get their comeuppance.

Overall a great story to lose yourself in for a few hours, it is one that I found easy reading as well as very addictive. A little predictable at times but still very enjoyable. One for those that do like their historical fiction and romance that leans more towards the family saga style of story. One I would recommend and a great introduction for a new to me author.

I had not read any of this author's books. I found this story well-written but also predictable. Ella is an engaging character, and the parts about making hats was quite interesting. I don't think I would read the follow-up book, though.

An emotional book but such a lovely story. I would put this in the category of family sagas so if they are your type of book this is right up your street

A wonderful book of the struggle in harder times than ours. The story has you cheering and crying as hard work, talent and fate mould the lives of the characters.
A beautifully written story that keeps you engrossed from start to finish.

Set in Walsall in the early 1900’s, this book is a delightful and charming read telling us the story of Ella Bancroft. As a milliner’s assistant, Ella lives with her disabled father, and works hard to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Her father, Thomas was injured at work and is facing life in his wheelchair. He encourages Ella to leave the milliner where she is working and start up her own business, partly as he knows Ella isn’t happy working there but also to give himself some purpose in life as he plans to help her with the business.

I loved this story and really enjoyed reading it! I live close to Walsall, so it was fun to read of places which had some meaning, and read the local dialect! Ella is a great character, very likeable and one which you can easily connect with. She’s a smart and clever woman, who isn’t afraid of hard work. I love her loyalty to her family, even when her sister doesn’t really deserve it and you really hope, as you move through the book, that Ella gets a happy ending. There is some romance within the story, although all very befitting for the era with chaperones and arranged marriages.

Obviously, it’s the turn of the century and jobs and money are hard to come by for most and it was interesting to see the social divide between the different characters. The millinery storyline was really interesting, with so much learnt as to how hats were made then, and probably still are now! There is a great mixture of characters, some you love and some you love to hate, but no matter what is thrown at Ella she is determined to become a success. It’s definitely a story of hard knocks, survival, love and tragedy. An emotional read which brought tears to my eyes at times but still left me feeling heart-warmed at others. Once started, I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished! Would recommend!

An emotional book to say the say the least but well worth the read,the story and characters go together so well and i can highly recommend this.Excellent 5*

Set in 1900 Walsall, this sweet yet achingly heartbreaking story is about Ella, a young woman who leaves her job as a milliner where she is underappreciated, encouraged by her kind father who sees her true worth. He is in a wheelchair and feels useless until he discovers a rare talent and reason to smile. Leaning on each other, they set up shop together. Ella was ten when her mother died and she and her father are very close. During this time Ella discovers love and friendship and unspeakable sorrow and remains steadfast. Ella's sister, Sally, could not be more different and this causes tension. Sally's husband is also a source of stress.

There are secrets, betrayals and deceptions as well as unexpected twists right to the very end in this touching and wholesome story. The subplots are compelling, too. I love the historical details, not just physical such as the hats but those of emotions and propriety. Beautifully done. The author is insightful and thoughtfully portrays the human spirit. She is a fabulous storyteller and has a stunning way of knitting pieces together.

Historical Fiction and Women's Fiction readers really should read this refreshingly lovely, lovely book. You will feel a range of emotions...allow yourself to get fully lost in it. Oh, how I loved it!

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this heartrending book. I loved it very much.

I’m not a fan of Mills and Boon type romantic fiction but requested this because I have an interest in millinery. Unfortunately that was not enough to get me through this book. I gave up before the end.

Ella Bancroft was a milliner, and together with her father, started selling her hat creations from their home.

Her sister's greed, her previous employer's jealousy, and her father's heart condition stood on Ella's way to success and happiness.

I particularly enjoyed her father and his strength of will, even after losing his legs' movement in a working accident.

The story had several layers, and it was interesting to learn more about how hats were made back in the early 1900s.

I was caught by surprise by the end. I felt a little lost after turning the last page. Be sure to have some tissues at hand!

The Hat Girl from Silver Street is a story of loss, family, friendship, and heartbreak.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 03/09/2021 as part of the book's blog tour*

Oh wow, I just fell into this book from the off. What a read, loved it. Lindsey is such a powerful storyteller, it’s easy tho conjure up the picture.
Some great characters Ella, Harper, Darien, Sally etc. Wish there were more than 5⭐️ Will definitely be recommending to my friends.
So glad I got to read it on Netgalley early.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion
First time reading this author and thoroughly enjoyed was actually very interesting read about the hard work that goes into making a hat can highly recommend this authors book.

This was a heartbreaking ending to an emotional story. I could not stop reading this book as it had everything . The story was interesting and taught me a lot about millinery. The problems that the poorer classes had to make a living. The characters were all different and had their problems. I do recommend that you read this book.

This is a story of survival, love,hard work and heartbreak. Ella is a young women who lives with her father who was injured in an accident and is now in a wheelchair. Ella also has a sister Sally who is married to Eddy who refuses to work even with a baby on the way. Ella is a wonderful hat maker who is not appreciated by her employer. Since Ella is the only one working she must put up with all of the horrible things her employer dishes out to Ella. Lindsay Hutchinson writes a beautiful story of a young girl who dreams of owning her own shop, but must take care of her father and put up with her sisters nasty comments. Sally wants a life of freedom and riches.. She is very jealous of Ella and wants out of her dull life. Ms. Hutchinson then brings in the love of Ella's life Harper. She shows us that two totally different people end up falling for each other and what happens as the books goes on. I love the old England portrayed in this book. The Queen Victoria era. The over the top hats that are made the loneliness that Ella feels once her dad is not longer there. Kitty the boarder who comes into Ella's life at the right time to help Ella with her business. Then the handsome Harper and the way he meets Ella. I just love the way Ms. Hutchinson described the characters and how their lives unfolded. The ending wasn't what I expected. It makes me want for more. I hope there is more to Ella and her story.

1900, walsall, Black Country, Ella Bancroft apprentice hat maker working for Ivy Gladwin at her shop, her father who is unable to work after an accident at the tube works they rely on Ella's wages, but she starts making mistakes and Ivy sends her packing. Back in 24 Silver Street Ella with her father's help decides to do her hat business from home and its a success and dashing Harper Fortescue and his mother are two of her first customers, the love between the couple is so strong but Harper is entering into a marriage of convenience and she is just a milliner what does the future hold for the couple. we meet lots of characters along the way in Ella's story and some heart breaking moments that will touch your heart. It's a beautiful book that reader's are going to love, A natural story teller this author's books just get better and better, this is one unique read.

The Hat Girl From Silver Street by Lindsey Hutchinson is an excellent historical fiction novel that I truly enjoyed.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am now a definite fan.

This book takes place in Victorian era England and follows the young woman, Ella Bancroft, as she tries to overcome the losses and obstacles in her past to create a life for herself. Despite all of the problems she has faced during her childhood, she is determined to find some ray of happiness and success. This story takes the reader with Ella as she finds herself, her purpose, and tries to find her place within her village to help her family stay afloat, and in the process she also hopes to one day find love.

I really liked Ella. She is smart, loyal, imperfect, like able, and stronger then she realizes. I loved her transformation throughout the story, and I enjoyed the twists and turns the author placed within that journey.

I really enjoyed this warm story and look forward to reading more from this talented author.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Boldwood Books for this excellent arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 1/23/21 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Fantastic book , i could not put this down , i had a few downlowd issues but was resolved. Must read

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I like this author and this was a great old fashioned feel good read, great storyline and great characters. Really enjoyed it.