Wow, Rosie never disappoints. Lay aside plenty time to read this as it’s difficult to put down, and believe me it’s no straight road as there are some unexpected corners to keep you on your toes. Just loved it.
Olivia defies her parents and goes off with local boatman Reuben Doyle, she finds living on the boat oppressive to begin with but soon adjusts and gets on with it as their way. Reuben gets in with the wrong company which has lifelong effects for the family which soon starts to dwindle.
It her here that eldest daughter Saffie discovers that her maternal grandmother is still alive and asking for her. She soon learns why her mother left as the secrets start to come out!
The characters are so believable, even the nastier ones like Georgina. My personal favourite was Minnie.
The descriptions of the boat were lovely.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Brilliant author brilliant book if you are a lover of family saga you will love this. I felt like I was part of the family and living on the Canal

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

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was a page-turner.

Olivia’s parents aren’t happy with her choice of boyfriend, so she leaves them and goes off with Rueben, the local boatman.

At the start, she finds it so different living on the boat to how she used to live, but slowly adjusts and does what she has to.

Soon, Rueben starts mixing with the wrong people, which has serious affects on the family, and they start to diminish.

Then, Olivia’s eldest daughter Saffie finds out that her grandmother is alive and wishes to meet Olivia. Soon, Saffie discovers why her mother left home as secrets are revealed.

I liked the characters, my favourite was Minnie.

I highly recommend this book.

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

I have read other books by Rosie Goodwin - mainly parts of series - and knew that I enjoyed her books.
I looked forward to reading this one after a recent couple that didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

And this was no exception. It kept me reading a little bit more and some late nights as I read before bed often.
There were twists and turns and unexpected outcomes which I had not seen coming in any way shape or form.

I will not provide spoilers as that would ruin it for others coming along and reading this review.
There was sadness and tragedy and in the end some happiness and redemption (I did see this ending happening early on)
There was interesting insight into the life aboard a canal boat and the hardships endured, as well life in homes of a better class - I suppose middle and upper class homes.
The writing was brilliant - the description of Saffie’s first trip to the see was especially descriptive.

If you are looking for historical fiction then this is the book for you to try

Thank you again

Just love Rosie Goodwin books and this one hasn’t disappointed. Olivia leaves her home and family to be with Rueben a local boatman, after a time things change and children come along and want to know more of Olivia’s family. This gave an interesting view into living on a canal boat and how hard it must have been.
Loved the book and looking forward to Rosie’s next book.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and publisher Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre for my early read.