REVIEW: The Workhouse Girl by Lynette Rees

The Workhouse Girl by Lynette Rees

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, Victorian Era

Read: 3rd June 2024

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 31st May 2024

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Once a workhouse girl, always a workhouse girl...

Enid Hardcastle has always had a hard life, but when her family can’t make ends meet and are moved to the workhouse, it feels like things can’t get any worse.

But luckily for Enid, her friendship with local boy Jimmy gives her the strength she needs. Also from the cold, hard streets of Merthyr, Jimmy has made his name as an entrepreneur, repairing boots and hand-delivering them to the fine people of the town.

Enid has seen for herself that you can make a better life for yourself, so with Jimmy’s help, she sets about trying to save her family.

But there are even darker places than the workhouse, and as the rumour mill churns, it appears there’s an even more dangerous fate she will need to avoid…

An emotional and nostalgic historical saga that will have you turning pages, engrossed. Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Lynn Johnson.

MY THOUGHTS:

This delightful saga takes place alongside the first in this series "The Winter Waif"  and tells the story of Enid Hardcastle, Betsan's friend she encounters when first venturing into the part of town called "China".

Enid and her family are forced into the workhouse and are thus separated, but Enid's story is only just beginning as she is boarded out to work in service with the Clarksons. But alas, circumstances conspired against her and she was sent back to the workhouse and then onto Cardiff, where she confided in the house mistress there who encouraged her to write to her former employer explaining what had happened. 

Henceforth, the letter lead to a meeting which then lead to greater things for Enid in the form of a respectable position in a far welcoming household. She made friends and something of herself as she was promoted to upper housemaid, to whom all the other maids answered and looked to.

But life was no easy by any measure. She was separated from her family and longed for her childhood sweetheart, Jimmy Corcoran. But the one who had ruined her life was to enter it once again but this time Enid was ready for him.

A delightfully easy read, it was lovely to meet up with Enid, Jimmy, Mags and even Betsan again. I knew little of Enid's story from Betsan's in "The Winter Waif" but it was good to see it expanded on so we got to know her better.

A wonderful read.

I would like to thank #LynetteRees, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheWorkhouseGirl in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Rees, is a former writing therapist, tutor and mentor. Lynette has spoken locally about her books at various events and book launches in her home town of Merthyr Tydfil.

Lynette's historical fiction novel, 'The Workhouse Waif', hit the number one spot on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in 'Victorian Historical Romance' during October of 2016, it remains one of her most popular books to date. Much to her delight, she was contacted by the commissioning editor of Quercus Books who had downloaded the book and loved the story so much, she offered her a traditional publishing deal for that book and three others in the series which were published during 2018 and 2019.

"The Winter Waif" is her first book published by Boldwood in early January 2024.

Lynette enjoys writing in a variety of genres including crime fiction and [contemporary romance where she writes under the name of 'Crystal Carter'.]

Lynette lives in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

SPOTLIGHT: The Workhouse Girl by Lynette Rees

The Workhouse Girl by Lynette Rees

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, Victorian Era

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 31st May 2024

** Due to a change in circumstances I have had to drop out and relinquish my tour/review obligations until further notice. I will publish my review and thoughts after reading **

DESCRIPTION:

Once a workhouse girl, always a workhouse girl...

Enid Hardcastle has always had a hard life, but when her family can’t make ends meet and are moved to the workhouse, it feels like things can’t get any worse.

But luckily for Enid, her friendship with local boy Jimmy gives her the strength she needs. Also from the cold, hard streets of Merthyr, Jimmy has made his name as an entrepreneur, repairing boots and hand-delivering them to the fine people of the town.

Enid has seen for herself that you can make a better life for yourself, so with Jimmy’s help, she sets about trying to save her family.

But there are even darker places than the workhouse, and as the rumour mill churns, it appears there’s an even more dangerous fate she will need to avoid…

An emotional and nostalgic historical saga that will have you turning pages, engrossed. Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Lynn Johnson.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Rees, is a former writing therapist, tutor and mentor. Lynette has spoken locally about her books at various events and book launches in her home town of Merthyr Tydfil.

Lynette's historical fiction novel, 'The Workhouse Waif', hit the number one spot on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in 'Victorian Historical Romance' during October of 2016, it remains one of her most popular books to date. Much to her delight, she was contacted by the commissioning editor of Quercus Books who had downloaded the book and loved the story so much, she offered her a traditional publishing deal for that book and three others in the series which were published during 2018 and 2019.

"The Winter Waif" is her first book published by Boldwood in early January 2024.

Lynette enjoys writing in a variety of genres including crime fiction and [contemporary romance where she writes under the name of 'Crystal Carter'.]

Lynette lives in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Winter Waif by Lynette Rees

The Winter Waif by Lynette Rees

Genre: Historical fiction, Victorian era

Read: 6th January 2024

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 8th January 2024

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

1884 - When Betsan Morgan’s mother succumbs to a devastating illness, she doesn't think her life could get much worse. But then her father moves in his new beau, an unserious flitty woman and coincidentally also the bargirl in the pub he works in, and she soon learns her house is no longer a home.

All she can do is sit in the attic and stare at the portrait of her mother. Her new stepmother, Elinor, couldn’t even let them have the grace of keeping it in the hallway.

When Elinor takes things too far – selling her dear mother’s beloved sewing machine – Betsan decides to flee, leaving in search of her estranged aunt, who she last heard was living in the working district of Merthyr Tydfil.

But the dank and dark place is not somewhere a twelve-year-old girl should stray alone, and lest she want to end up in a workhouse, she’ll have to watch her step…

MY THOUGHTS:

Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales 1884

Betsan Morgan loved to sit and watch her mother sew gowns as she sketched what they will look like once finished. Her mother Gwendolyn worked as a seamstress taking in orders for new gowns, shirts and even hemming and repair jobs to make one's clothing last longer. Her father worked as a barman at the Starr Inn. And her three year old twin brother and sister Aled and Alys played obliviously on the floor of their cottage.

But then one day Gwendolyn became ill. The cough she tried to hide got worse until she took to her bed and never got up again. When her mother died, Betsan was beside herself with grief. She found solace in their next door neighbour, Bronwen Jenkins, until the day her father brought home Elinor Evans.

A year after her mother's passing, David Morgan took Betsan aside and explained to her that Elinor was going to have a baby and they were going to be married the following Saturday. Betsan was happy if her father was happy. But as soon as the wedding was over, Elinor became the wicked stepmother and found fault in everything Betsan said or did, ordering her about to do her bidding.

When one day Betsan returned home from school, excited about the prize she had received, she stopped short when she saw the Welsh dresser in their living room. Her mother always wanted one and her dad had always promised to buy her one. But that wasn't the only change in the room. In the corner where her mother's sewing machine used to be, it was no longer. Where could it have possibly gone? Betsan searched the house for it until she heard Elinor return home with her friend crowing about the good deal she got at the market stall and flogging the old machine for the Welsh dresser. Betsan was furious. That sewing machine was the last remaining thing of her mother's and she was meant to inherit it. She raged at Elinor who slapped her for her outburst, after which Betsan packed a few things and left the house in search of her mother's sister Aunt Maggie.

But it's not all smooth sailing ahead for Betsan in her quest for answers, and first she must swallow her pride before she can put things right.

A touch of Dilly Court with a load of Lindsey Hutchinson thrown in, this delightful tale is an easy read that I devoured in one sitting. It is quick and easy to read and I enjoyed my time in Wales...even if I couldn't pronounce half the names.

The story is moving and emotive at times as Betsan is faced with many struggles and hardships. But with the help of good friends and overcoming a few obstacles, she manages to fulfill her dreams and achieve happiness in the end.

A nice quick read that was both heartwarming and satisfying.

I would like to thank #LynetteRees, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheWinterWaif in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Rees, is a former writing therapist, tutor and mentor. Lynette has spoken locally about her books at various events and book launches in her home town of Merthyr Tydfil.

Lynette's historical fiction novel, 'The Workhouse Waif', hit the number one spot on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in 'Victorian Historical Romance' during October of 2016, it remains one of her most popular books to date. Much to her delight, she was contacted by the commissioning editor of Quercus Books who had downloaded the book and loved the story so much, she offered her a traditional publishing deal for that book and three others in the series which were published during 2018 and 2019.

"The Winter Waif" is her first book published by Boldwood in early January 2024.

Lynette enjoys writing in a variety of genres including crime fiction and [contemporary romance where she writes under the name of 'Crystal Carter'.]

Lynette lives in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

REVIEW: A Daughter's Promise by Lynette Rees

A Daughter's Promise by Lynette Rees

Genre: Historical fiction, Victorian era

Read: 8th May 2021

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 9th July 2020

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

A heartwarming saga from the best-selling author of The Workhouse Waif.

Eighteen-year-old seamstress Kathryn Flynn lives in Whitechapel, London, struggling to support her widowed mother and younger siblings. But when her work starts drying up and her mother falls ill, she is forced to consider desperate measures....

Then she meets 'Squire', an older city gentleman, who falls instantly in love with her and offers to take her under his wing. 'Squire' could give Kathryn the life she's always wanted...but is there something darker lurking beneath his kindness

MY REVIEW:

Set in the harsh realities of London's East End during the late 1880's, A DAUGHTER'S PROMISE is the first book I have read by historical fiction author Lynette Rees and I quite enjoyed it. Despite it being predictable in part, which is pretty much what readers come to expect with this type of story, it still makes for an easy and enjoyable read. While some of the content may be a little sordid, it was done cleanly and sensitively and in a way that made you want to keep turning the pages.

Whitechapel 1888: After the death of her father, 18 year old Kathryn Flynn helps care for her poorly mother and her younger siblings whilst working sporadically as a seamstress to help keep a roof over her family's heads and food on the table. But when work dries up she soon finds they are dodging the rent man when he comes knocking at the end of the week. With no money coming in, she soon fears they will be out on their ear if she cannot find a way to make ends meet soon.

All too aware of her struggles, friend and neighbour Jimmy Dawton takes Kathryn out to the local The Horse and Harness for pie and mash one evening and offers to care for her and her family by proposing marriage. Incredibly fond of Jimmy as she is, she refuses his offer fearing he only made it out of pity. This is her problem and not Jimmy's to solve though she is touched that he cared enough to offer. But that still doesn't solve her problem of how to keep the money coming in to care for her ailing mother and her younger siblings. Noticing the girls on the darkened streets and out of desperation, Kathryn decides the only to keep a roof over their heads and food in their tummies is to join those girls and sell her wares.

And then she meets "the Squire", a gentleman who offers her a job as a companion in the more affluent West End. The money he promises her is more than she could ever hope to earn and it sounds like the answer to her prayers. He treats her like a lady and lavishes her with new gowns and dresses she could never afford in a million years, setting up an apartment for her to entertain and where they can enjoy each other's company. A gentleman in the truest sense of the word he lays not a finger on her...just the promise of his kiss as Kathryn begins to fall in love with him.

Heartbroken that she has thrown him over for an older man who can obviously offer her more than he possibly could, Jimmy leaves his siblings Dorrie and Nick and embarks on a journey on the high seas to make his fortune. Kathryn is shocked that Jimmy would leave his siblings without a backward glance, given that they are far too young to be left on their own. She'd take them in but she has barely enough room for the six of them in their little rooms, not to mention the dilemma of how to feed them. And when her mother takes a turn for the worse, the doctor advises her she may only have weeks to live. Surely something could be done for her...and there is...if you are wealthy. And then Kathryn remembers the Squire.

Under the guise of Miss Bella Cartwright, Kathryn endeavours to make enough money to pay for her mother's care in a facility by the sea as well as keep her siblings clothed and fed and to keep the lecherous O'Shay, the rent man, at bay. With the promise of her entertaining gentlemen, the Squire organises an event at a country manor where she finds herself being ogled and pawed at before being auctioned off with her virginity being the main prize. Kathryn is appalled. The men were old and disgusting bar for one who was much younger but had a cruel glint in his eyes. Surely the Squire had not meant for this to happen? He cared for her. He loved her as she loved him. Therefore she trusted him to protect her. But would he really?

Kathryn finds herself in a situation for which she only has herself to blame. And yet, it was all for her family. To pay for her mother's expensive care so she will get better and for her younger siblings who rely on the money she brings home. She questions herself, is it worth it? But for her her family, she would do anything.

In her new line of work, life is perilous at the best of times but now more than ever as Jack the Ripper is stalking the streets of Whitechapel and brutally slaying women of the night. Can she keep herself safe from the killer and her family from the Workhouse?

A tale of a different kind of sorts, A DAUGHTER'S PROMISE tells the story of Kathryn and her family as well as the Dawtons and her new-found friend Georgina. It highlights the perils of life for the poor and poverty-stricken lower class and the people who corrupt them to do their bidding. But it is also heartwarming and will pull at your heartstrings.

A delightfully heartwarming story of a young girl faced with a perilous situation, A DAUGHTER'S PROMISE brings together the love of good friends and family in this tale of survival in London's harsh East End.

I would like to thank #LynetteRees, #Netgalley and #Quercus for an ARC of #ADaughtersPromise in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Rees, is a former writing therapist, tutor and mentor. Lynette has spoken locally about her books at various events and book launches in her home town of Merthyr Tydfil.

Lynette's historical fiction novel, 'The Workhouse Waif', hit the number one spot on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list in 'Victorian Historical Romance' during October of 2016, it remains one of her most popular books to date. Much to her delight, she was contacted by the commissioning editor of Quercus Books who had downloaded the book and loved the story so much, she offered her a traditional publishing deal for that book and three others in the series which are being published during 2018 and 2019.

Lynette enjoys writing in a variety of genres including crime fiction and [contemporary romance where she writes under the name of 'Crystal Carter'.]

Lynette lives in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads