I did enjoy this book, though I was somewhat puzzled by the title. I spoke to others who have also read it in my book group, and we agreed that the title is irrelevant to the content. However, it was an excellent story and kept me captivated right to the end. I haven't read many of her books, but I will definitely read more based on my enjoyment of this one!

For some reason this title has not downloaded into my Kindle. I love Dilly Court's books and am so disappointed.
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing us to download these books

As usually Dilly doesn’t fail! Wonderful story and lovely easy read, great for the season. Thankyou for the early copy, I loved it!

Whenever I am lucky to pick up a Dilly Court book I know I'm in for a wonderful story. this one again a delight.
The story of a girl struggling to keep a roof over her father a doctor and herself.
It really draws you in from the beginning. We meet some colorful characters some kind, some not so but, that's what brings them alive.
Once again Dilly has thrilled us with her wonderful imagination and attention to detail.
Thank you so much, NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this lovely book. xx

I love historical fiction and since I was introduced to Dilly Court a couple of years ago I have thoroughly enjoyed her delightful rags to riches tales. I find her to be reminiscent of Catherine Cookson, a firm favourite of mine. It was a delight to rejoin Dilly once again as it has been some time since I have enjoyed her stories. I do believe their are characters from her Rockwood Chronicles which I have still yet to read...maybe I shall do so soon.

Amelia Sutton lives hand to mouth with her father Dr Harold Sutton, who tends to the poor and needy and often spares them the fee they can ill afford. This places Amelia is an awkward position when she asks for the rent money that is two months behind or a few pennies to put food on the table and coal to warm their small rooms. So it is against her father's wishes that she seeks her maternal grandfather's help and in light of the situation he places Amelia in the position of manager of a manufactory he owns which comes with a house, rent-free. Amelia can hardly believe her luck though her father is reluctant to take any handouts from the man who blamed him for his wife's, Amelia's mother, early death ten years before. He entrusts his man of business Caleb Marsh to her care, and he offers his services and assistance should she need it.

Upon moving into the house, Amelia scrubs it from top to bottom with the assistance of Mariah Simms, a woman she took under her wing to save her and her children from the brutality of the man they lived under. They make the house habitable and begin to let out rooms on the third floor to lodgers. Even her father has relented and welcomed the success she has made of the place and no longer is he tending to the poor and needy who cannot pay but he has been offered a position at the London Hospital where he trained and qualified many years before. Their first lodger is a fellow doctor who works with her father, Dr Todd Taylor. Then when her grandfather dies suddenly, his successor dispenses of Caleb Marsh's services and that of the butler who had worked for her grandfather for thirty years. Amelia offers them both a room each. She is also shocked to learn that her grandfather has left the manufactory and the attached house to her with the remaining estate to her mother's cousin Daniel Norris, who contests the will in the hope it will leave Amelia with nothing.

In the meantime, Amelia has dreamed of becoming a designer of fashions and whilst she managed the manufactory of mourning gowns, she decided to branch out into other gowns replicating the expensive Paris fashions but made to a budget. She is sure there are many women in London who would certainly pay for her services if only she could find the custom.

But when they are suddenly evicted, Amelia has no idea where they will go or what they will do. Until she is offered a gift...or is it really? Sometimes a wolf comes disguised in sheeps clothing but can Amelia spot the wolves for the sheep?

Another delightfully well written tale and one of my favourites of Dilly Court's I think, though it's hard pressed to find one that isn't beguiling. I think I found only one of hers okayish while everything else I have read by her has been thoroughly entertaining and wholly immersive. All the characters are well rounded even the ones who are unlikeable, of which there are a few.

Although her tales are all largely similar in style, they are each different. And yet they are all equally delightful. All set within the Victorian era and all are rags to riches in style and yet they each tell a different story. And yet I think this is the first book of Dilly's I have devoured in a day. Another compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read.

I would like to thank #DillyCourt, #Netgalley and #HarperCollins for an ARC of #AThimbleForChristmas in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Having never read a book by this author I was quite intrigued to see how this book would be. I always love exploring and discovering new authors or ones I have not read before. I certainly wasn't disappointed with this one.

This is the story of one woman, Amelia and her struggles in life. Her story is amazing and encouraging as well as heart-breaking at times. I loved reading how she changed her life through difficult circumstances and it certainly made for an interesting read.

The writing is flawless, there is strength and courage throughout and it is a book that could and should encourage any and all women. I love a good book about women and it only goes to prove that no matter what life throws at you, you can and will survive and become stronger.

Now I can't wait to explore more books by this wonderful author.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I loved this story and Amelia, a resiliant and clever woman who fought for a better life.
Well plotted and compelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The character Amelia is brought to life as we follow her grief turn into purpose..
The title made me want to explore the story further as my Mum collected thimbles and I’ve carried on the collection to hero close to her.
How she produces the exquisite gowns and the trials and tribulations associated with it are brought to life in every page. An absolute gem which leaves you wanting more .

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion

I have never read a Dilly Court book before though they have often caught my eye as I love historical fiction

This is well written - I understand that there may be characters from previous books but that doesnt detract from this book and its entirely possible to read this as a standalone book and to follow the characters. Its is obviously well researched and sets a picture of life in the East End of London - though St Katherines Dock is rather a way from The London Hospital.
There are characters that are endearing, rogues and ruffians and those that you know you don't and won't like.

To give too much information would provide too many spoilers - but the main character goes from ruin to fame through some parts that may seem a little contrived. However this means that the story can be wrapped up and ended neatly and in a satisfying way.

A thoroughly enjoyable read

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this book.

The story is based around a sewing factory that Amelia inherits from her grandfather.

She’s faced with one problem after another, but, still continues to face them and continue with her work in the factory.

The characters were lovely, with some that weren’t too.

I recommend this book.

She ran along the snow-covered cobbles, gripping her sewing box - fate in her hands.... Living hand to mouth since her mother's tragic death, Amelia sells the last of her possessions to avoid being cast out of her home onto London's streets. Her estranged grandfather unexpectedly bequests a small, struggling factory making mourning dresses, and Amelia dares to dream....

Amelia's father is a Doctor, but as they reside in a poor area, he rarely gets paid for his services., they pay him with bread, butter, tea, etc. Or he gets nothing. They are about to be evicted from their home, so Amelia goes to her estranged grandfather to see if he will help her. We also meet some characters from The Rockwood Chronicles.

This is another piece of well-written historical fiction. The characters are well=rounded, but there's one character you will like at first, and then it will quickly turn to dislike. Amelia finds new friends along the way, and helps them the best she can. I'm a huge Dilly Court fan, and I've yet to read a book of hers that disappoints.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #DillyCourt for my AR of #AThimbleForChristmas in exchange for an honest review.

Another lovely book from Dilly Court which included some old friends. Great story of Amelia and her Dr father and the hardships they encounter. When a chance encounter brings opportunities Amelia takes them but all is not as it seems. Really enjoyed it and read it right through on this windy and wet Sunday. Looking forward to the next book.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for the early read.

A Thimble for Christmas by Dilly Court

Another book by my favourite author for this type of genre . You know you are in for a delightful read and this title did not disappoint.
Amelia inherits a small factory making mourning dresses , and using her skills both in sewing and designing she sets to fulfil her dream of making it in the business.
I enjoyed catching up on some past characters but the book also works well as a standalone.

Heartwarming historical drama,full of ups and downs and full of lively and interesting characters. This is part of a series but works very well as a standalone.

As ever a wonderful book by my favourite author Dilly Court, I absolutely adore her style of writing and the rich and warm characters that are interwoven into the story.

I love Amelia's journey from rag to riches and the fact that Dilly included some of the beloved characters from her book series the Rockwood Chronicles, also a lovely ending for all the characters.

If you are a fan of Dilly Court this is a must read or you like a nice easy read with strong female characters, romance and a heartwarming story, this book is definitely a must read!

Dilly Court never disappoints.
I loved that Amelia sounded like a strong young woman. Prepared to bear the responsibility of looking after her own father while earring the hardship and at the same time show understanding to others. Even going against her father’s wishes to speak to her maternal grandfather for some financial assistance.
Mariah sounds like a dream, looking after everyone. Can’t say the same for her son!

My favourite character was Betsy, just a mini version of her mother.
As for Caleb - coat of many colours.
Just loved it.

The storyline was set around a sewing factory that she inherited from her grandfather. It just seemed to be one thing after another for Amelia, but she didn't let it phase her. I just loved her strong attitude, determination, and endurance. With a lovely cast of characters as well as a few unsavoury ones, it was a delight to read.

This was my first book by Dilly Court, and I have heard lots of good things. I went in with very high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved it from cover to cover, and I didn't want it to end.

This is another great read from Dilly Court, I was unable to put it down . It was good to hear of some of the characters of the Rockford Chronicles that appeared in it.You could feel for poor Amelia and what was happening too her,life was so hard for everyone in those days and Dilly Court is so good at writing story of then,she has you gripped from the beginning.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Love the author loved the book. Family saga at its best