Mrs S aka Mum, read this book and reviewed. She is a great fan of Anna Jacobs and when I asked her what she thought she said “just as expected, it was more than good”

She has read it twice already!

Second in this series featuring many familiar characters. The new characters for in well and it was good to catch up with the lives of the others. A book that hard you involved,can't wait for the next one.

I really enjoyed this book and the previous one.

Gentle Maisie is the main character, with recognisable characters from the previous book.

When Maisie's mum dies she discovers things about her that she had no idea about, when she finds her mum's sewing box that she was always forbidden to go into she realises Why? tucked in the lining is information that starts her on a journey. She was always led to believe that her father had died but inside the sewing box, it reveals this may not be true. Then her fortune changes.

She is left a large property in Rivenshaw by an aunt she has never met, and it is stuffed full of furniture. After struggling most of her life in rented rooms to Maisie it is like a palace. As well as her new property she meets a nice man Gabriel Harte and his wonderful mother who makes her feel welcome.

On the horizon is Higgerson a vile powerful man, who is after buying Maisie's new home, to turn into slums and cram full of poor families as he has done in Backshaw Moss. Making himself bucketful of money. He will stop at nothing and any dirty deed he can pull off normally using violence and cunning he will.
This is a warm wonderful story, full of love and care for each other but with a bit of a thrill thrown in
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. xx

Book 2 of the Blackshaw series and loved the way in which characters from previous book were introduced with ease. Based in Lancashire, in the 1930s., the main character, Maisie, decides to make a fresh start when sadly her her mother dies, She changes her name and moves to Rivenshaw and receives an inheritance from a distant relative. Gabriel Harte, who was a character in the previous book comes into her life and this ends up being such a heartwarming and enjoyable story.

This author has such a gift of introducing new characters and yet threading previous ones quite easily through the book and you feel engrossed with the emotions of the characters. Loved it and looking forward to the next book

Anna never disappoints and I was hooked into Maisie's story. She had led a lonely childhood and had to make a new life when her mother unfortunately died. I was so pleased when she met Gabriel and together they were able to face the hardships and setbacks which were being thrown at them instigated by the evil Higgerson.

I cannot wait for the last book which must introduce us to the person who inherits the last history.

Thank you netgalley.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Anna Jacobs for the chance to read this advance copy

I have read all of the Ellindale Valley series of books - this being the second in the final group of the Valley books.
And I really can't wait for the third and to find out who inherits the third of the houses.

The book is well written, the characters are believable and some of them likeable. The villain in the series is just despicable and I can only hope his comeuppance is to come in book 3.

The book centres around the inheritor of house 2 and as in the previous book she needs to be less well-to-do and not to have expected to have her own property. The rooms are jampacked which allows characters from previous books to be drawn in - both from this series and the pervious Valley books. So although it is possible to read this as a standalone book. to have read the others gives more insight into who is who.

A thoroughly good read and I am looking forward to and will keep an eye out for the last book in the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, the second in the Backshaw Moss series. Although it isn't necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one I did like the fact that some previous characters cropped up again in this book. Gabriel is such a lovely, kind man as is his mother who welcomes Maisie into the family fold and where love blossoms between her and Gabriel. What a beautiful character Maisie is and I was really willing her on all the way as she - and the rest of the family - tried to avoid the evil Higgerson who is set to hurt her and her family in order to get his hands on the property that was bequeathed to her by a distant relative in her will. How I hated this man and I long for him to get his come uppance. I highly recommend this series. It tells of hard times in the 1930's, people's grit and determination, village unity as well as a lovely dash of romance and - to keep us shouting at the villain - a despicable man in Higgerson. I look forward to the final book in the series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Valley Secret by Anna Jacobs is a wonderful historical fiction saga that is the second book in the truly enjoyable new series: Backshaw Moss. I am really into this new series!

I have read several books by Ms. Jacobs by now and have loved every one of them, so I knew I had to read her newest book. I really loved the first book in this series, A Valley Dream, and this is on par with that gem.

This is pre-WWI in a fictional village in England. This book focusses on Maisie and her life, inheritance, and change in fortunes.

I really enjoyed Maisie’s story. Her personality, growth, progression, and maturity that took place during the course of the story really drew me in. I enjoyed the threads of mystery, surprises, and romance that weaved their way into the novel and I especially enjoyed Gabriel and their relationship. I also really, really liked the ending. Truly captured my attention.

(Of note, I also really appreciate and enjoyed the family photos that were included by the author at the end. So cool! Thank you!)

Looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up in third book.

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, Waterstones, and B&N accounts upon publication.

i didn't read the first book in this series but it wasn't a problem as I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
It's a compelling, fascinating and well written family saga tha kept me turning pages.
There's plenty of emotions, secrets. The characters are fleshed out and interesting, the historical background vivid.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Maisie is the second fortunate Lady to be bequeathed a house in Backshaw Moss after a tough childhood things begun to turn and life gets exciting for her. It's based in the 1930's it's still tough in Lancashire they are still recovering from "The Great War" and Hitler is causing major concerns acrossthe waters. But the 2nd World War is still a little way of.

If you read the first book that's good but it doesn't matter this can be standalone or part 2. Maisie has changed her surname a few times as she moved on in life she loses her mother and has to set out on her own. But the good news is she has been left the 2nd of 3 houses left by a distant cousin she has never met. It was actually left to her Mum but a she is no longer it's now passes to Our Maisie. Biff (not from the beano or Dandy) but a P.I. who has set up on his own as he left his previous boss because he didn't like his way of doing things which nearly got him into a lot of trouble when Sergeant Deemer. Now he works with him and they have there hands full as Higgerson wants these houses and is not pleased to see another one being occupied, so sends his henchmen to cause havoc and scare her senseless. It's not pleasant as you may well imagine.

There is some more good news as she befriends Gabriel and with him finds a family of stability, kindness and acceptance. And maybe love. If you read the first book there are some familiar characters some are quirky all are believable and add to a great mix that I'm sure you will enjoy. It's well set and you'll feel your in the era and place I was able to escape myself for a good few hours and leave the present Covid world 🌎 behind and my family saga to enjoy that of Maisie and the clan, or is it tribe this side of Hadrian's Wall. Whichever it is I hope you enjoy this trip back in time.

There another surprise for Maisie as a visitor bring a huge shock that stirs up the mix a little bit more. Ay lad it tant Yorkshire tha know it em with the Red Rose.

Another great book from Anna Jacobs, who seems to have endless books up her sleeve! This is another one in the Valley series, and though it can be read as a standalone you should really read them in order. She is a great and prolific author, and if you like one of her books you will like them all! I particularly love the way that the books swing between Lancashire and Australia, as she knows both of these very well.

A really good read.This is the second book in this series and it tells the story of Maisie ,and after a difficult childhood with her wayward mother Ivy she goes away to try and make a new life for herself where nobody knows her, and here she finds herself mixed up with some unsavoury characters after receiving some good news about a property she might be in line to inherit. Some new characters in this story and also some old ones good and bad ,and Maisie has to overcome lots of problems and some secrets that come to light before she can finally be happy and safe. I really enjoyed it

Anna Jacobs novel too love.The characters writing storyline drew me right in took from my reading chair to their world their lives.Looking forward to next in series.#netgalley #hodderstoughton

A Wonderful book and a lovely series. I love the stories set around the Valleys they are so addictive. Maisie Bassett is a young lady of 22 yrs of age who has had a hard life living with her mother in rented rooms. When her mother passes away she is left only with an old sewing box and a clue as to her father's identity, changing her name she heads for Rivenshaw the town she believes her mother came from. Finding a job and a place to live she settles into her new life until she hears of an inheritance then things start to happen. One man is after her inheritance and is determined to get it at whatever the cost, Higgerson does not care who he hurts and will go to any lengths to obtain what he wants. Can Maisie keep hold of her inheritance and her safety. This book has been brilliant but Anna Jacobs please give Higgerson the ending he so richly deserves(a painful one) 5*

Couldn’t wait to get into this book and it didn’t disappoint. Anna never lets you down, you can pick up the book knowing full well that you will be absorbed into it. Worth all five stars. Good over evil, Higgerson makes a comeback, will this man ever be stopped?
This the 2nd in the trilogy centres on Maisie who hasn’t had the happiest childhood, after her mother’s death she decides to leave town and change her name to avoid being traced. Will this work for her !

A Valley Secret by Anna Jacobs

5 stars from me for this fabulous story by the author that never fails to delight in her stories.
I love every character and the storyline grabs you from the very first page.
Brilliant can't wait for the next one.

Set in 1930s England, the second books in the Backshaw Moss series is about trust, family, love, choices, overcoming heartache and hope. Anna Jacobs writes beautifully, simply and has a special way with words. She skillfully manages to create emotive scenes and characters which make my heart fill with sorrow, nostalgia and warmth all at the same time.

Ida dies, leaving her young adult daughter Maisie alone. Going through personal effects, Maisie opens an old sewing box and discovers secrets which could change everything. She has grown up economizing and is practical and astute. But she is shattered by a dangerous situation she must find a way out of. Gabriel enters the scene and wishes to provide security. Life, of course, is not all roses as they discover. Layer upon layer of secrets arise.

My favourite aspects of the book are the characters and the historical bits which lend authenticity. I could hear the creaks of the old sewing box and the crinkle of papers and feel the mustiness (but what potential!) of the house. Talk about extra sensory! Subtly written but with oomph in its simplicity.

Historical Fiction readers, do seek out this series. In fact, read anything by this author you can!

My sincere thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book which gently tugged at my heart. I am very curious to discover what Anna Jacobs has in store next!

Wow, can’t wait for the last instalment of the saga. As usual Anna has written this book beautifully and incorporates characters old and new.
This instalment focuses on the second house to be gifted and the bullies of the valley are getting their dues slowly but surely.
Wonderful read

Following the death of Maisie’s mum Ida, Maisie finds an old sewing box which offers up some long awaited answers to her questions about her father. Maisie decides on a new start and how could she imagine that the new start will lead to a home, husband and long lost family . Great book and loving the Back Shaw Moss series.
Anna Jacobs has such talent for great stories in all her books.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the privileged early read.

Love Anna Jacobs and what a brilliant second book in this series. Brilliant Family saga page turner mixed emotions. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC edition cant wait for the next in the series. Read this book today in one sitting