A family feel good safa set in the 1930's.

When Bella 's wonderful parents died she had to go and live with her cousin who was not wonderful in anyway shape or form. He and his equally horrid wife treated Bella nothing more than a servant so when a opportunity arises to escape she snatches it with both hands feet lungs and anything else she can use. She has an allie in the form of a excellent London Lawyer who with his wife help her prepare for a new life.

A new life beckoned up north in Lancashire where she is warmly welcomed by most but even her she finds an enemy who tries to cause problems but with the help of her new friends Bella has to stand her ground and move on. I let you read it yourself to find out how it goes. There are some surprises and shocks along the way which will let you escape for a while from real life.

The 30's as you may know was a time when Britain's recovery from the Great War was well on its way but many still struggled much hardship financially one something Bella hasn't experienced even in her Cousins home she wasn't given any money yet her life style as hard as it was didn't resemble the things she saw in some of the slum area she came to live in. It was fortunately for her that people took to her even with her posh voice but kind ways. Her land lady introduces her to Gabriel a young man who drives her around they form a strong link and help each other in various ways.

I did enjoy this book and found the characters equal to books I've read written in this era which makes it special, it holds to the values of the time and I believe of the area. Family is strong and the folks loyal to those that treat them right but if you mess you deal with the stress. As in they don't take to fools gladly but you know that I'd guess.

I hope you enjoy this novel an escape from the present and a dip into the past.

Another captivating read from “our Anna”. I enjoyed this book so much that while desperate to get to the end, I didn’t want it to end in equal measures. Bella is the main character who has been bullied by her cousin Thomas who was meant to look after her. Bella is left a cottage by a relative but will she be able to move there and does she have the confidence. My special character in this book has to be Gabriel. Old favourites turn up, sergeant Deemer. Other well Kent names pop up , making you feel at home. I am so pleased that this is the 1st on the Backshaw Moss trilogy.. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would never be enough, thoroughly recommend it.

At thirty-six, Bella is dependent on her horrible manipulating cousin, acting as an unpaid servant. When a kind relative leaves her a house in the village of Backshaw Moss, Thomas tries to take it from her, but she defies him and grasps this chance of a new start in Lancashire. She makes many friends and finds love and a ready made family. She has to go through fears of reprisal from her cousin but the village keeps her safe and protects her.
A big thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this new Anna Jacobs book and the 1st in a new series.
Thanks guys and girls 🙂

I really enjoyed this lovely heartwarming story set in the north of England. Bella inherited a house which helped her get away from her domineering uncle and start a new life for herself., it also portrays the real northern spirit of a village who looks after its own. The inhabitants rally round to protect Bella when her uncle tries to harm her and she finds love with her tenant Ryan. Great novel for a holiday read.

A Valley Dream by Anna Jacobs is a wonderful historical fiction novel that is the first, in what I expect to be an excellent, new series: Backshaw Moss. I really have enjoyed many of Ms. Jacobs's books in the past, so I was excited that she was writing a new series. I love being able to read from the very beginning and watch the magic unfold!

I really enjoyed this new series. Set in the 1930s in London, it is pre-WWII, and that time period is such a fascinating period. Times of unrest on the horizon, societal shifts and alterations are still cooking, and the winds of change are present. So much is happening, and I am glad that the author chose this time period for her book.

I really enjoyed the character cast in this historical fiction saga. There is a full array of characters and plenty of material to use for future installments. I really liked Bella. She is stronger then she realizes, has gumption, but also seems to be a likable and positive person overall. I really enjoyed the relationship and friendships she developed upon her new move and renovations. I liked the sense of family and support that were depicted. I also enjoyed the pace, story line, and the obstacles that were placed throughout to create interest and complexity to the story.

I also enjoyed reading about home improvements, renovations, and the work taking place behind the scenes.

This book has it all: history, great narrative, wonderful characters, suspense, and a dash of hope and romance to round things out quite nicely. I look forward to seeing how this series continues.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Hodder & Stoughton for this wonderful 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 and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, B&N, and Waterstones accounts upon publication.

Love Anna Jacobs and what a brilliant first book of a new series. Brilliant Family saga page turner mixed emotions. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC edition cant wait for the next in the series