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

I really enjoyed this book but I must have read about a third before I realised that it was a follow-on to the previous book 'The Winter Waif' and that it contained several of the same characters.
I had thought at one point I had read this book before as I recognised names and events then the penny dropped and I checked the authors previous books.

This one centred around Enid Hardcastle and her family and their lives in various workhouses. It seemed that sometimes workhouse inmates were sent to 'big houses' as domestic staff and this was what happened to Enid and the inevitable happened when the Masters son decided to exert his 'rights'
I did find the 'Masters' role in getting Enid into more work was slightly unbelievable but it did fit into the narrative.

The book, as with the previous one, was well written and well researched.
I did feel that the 'Jimmy' part of the story could have been explored further but I wonder if this will become another book in the series maybe. Though perhaps it could be another characters story?

As with all these saga type historical fiction books there are characters to love and those that one despises.
For me the end was very abrupt - I expected at least one more chapter but there wasn't one.

This deserves its 5 stars

I have read most of Lynette Rees books and this one did not disappoint. Just loved this book and the story of Enid Hardcastle and her struggle to make a better life for herself and her family. She overcomes pain and such sadness but all the while she still thinks about Jimmy. Maybe a follow up in the next book ?
My thanks as always to Netgalley for the early read and to the publisher Boldwood Books

Enid Hardcastle leads a hard life. She lives in the Workhouse and when she finds a position in a house as a maid she is preyed upon by one of the family men. Her life goes from bad to worse as she is sent away and of course no-one will believe her story. With help from her fellow workers she fights. for a new life.

Wonderfully descriptive and a good storyline, loved this tale of the struggles that were overcame, gripping story that made u want to read to the end

This is the 1st I have read of this author and i really enjoyed it some of it dufficult reading and very emotional at times. It follows Enid Hardcastle and her family they have had hard times in this novel. Enid such a lovely person has a fair few hardships but cares so much about her friends and family and that shines through in book. Will look out for more by this author thankyou for advanced copy.

Set in Victorian Britain this novel centres around young woman called Enid Hardcastle, whose family has fallen upon hard times. When they are evicted from their rented home the family is forced into the Workhouse and Enid starts to see the darker side of society.

Historical fiction that reminds us how vulnerable women were at this time and highlights the gap between classes.  A quick read that covers some difficult topics.

Oooh I really enjoyed this historical book and reading through Enid’s journey. It was beautifully descriptive and captured me inside the time of the story. It was a page turner and I highly recommend!

Enid Hardcastle has known hardships when her family could make ends meet, then when there is trouble at the ironworks where her father works resulting in the family having to go to the workhouse Enid is upset that she isn’t with any the family as they are all segregated. She decides to put her head down and work hard. This pays off when matron informs her that she is to be a maid for the Clarkson family at Hillside House. Enid is taken back by the size of the house when compared to what she is used to, if only she knew what was in front of her.

I loved that the story just flowed, Keeping you engrossed. Full of strong characters, even if they were hoodlums.
My favourite was Enid, least favourite was Cornelius Sharpe. I did have a soft spot for Connie.
Couldn’t make up my mind what Mr Darling’s motives were.

Such a well crafted novel, compelling enough to pull you through and very quick read. I enjoyed it so much from the first page till the end. A good story like this needs a quiet afternoon, a sofa and a warm blanket.