I love to read a sweeping family saga and this one did not disappoint. It is set in the 1700s and it was like I was there experiencing the story. The one thing I loved most about this book is the characters are not perfect and they don't pretend to be, they have flaws like everybody else. I cannot wait until the next book.

I absolutely loved the first book from The Brief Chronicles series, Kit's Hill, was a wonderful read. I am giving this historical a well deserved five plus stars.

Ned and Dorcas" story hits all the emotional buttons I love in a book. Jean Stubbs vividly portrays them as human, a trait sometimes forbidden at this point in history. The community in which they lived is true to history too. The book has the feel of an excellent saga. Even though not set in the same historical times, it reminds me of Cherokee America, another book that I loved!

Dorcas faces a life of spinsterhood acting as companion of her man-hating spinster aunt, when one day she receives a letter containing an unexpected proposal of marriage from a farmer she has met occasionally in the market. He offers an escape from what seemed inescapable - but at what cost? Everyone around them both appears to disapprove of the marriage - should she choose it, and if she does, will they ever find happiness together?

This is called a saga for a good reason. It's not badly written, but I found it to feel fairly long-drawn out and pointless, though I realise that some people may like the 'saga-style' story that tells the story of a generation or few with no particularly obvious storyline or plot. All in all, I had no particular difficulty finishing it, but was left wondering why I had bothered (I think the answer is that (a) I had said I would review it, and (b) I kept hoping that it would improve, because I wanted to like it). I didn't hate it, but I don't think I'll be trying more by the author, and certainly wouldn't continue with this series.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

A beautiful historical novel about the beginning of a marri.age in the 18th century. Dorcas is a strong woman and takes on the challenge of learning a whole new way of lifee with her husband Ned who is a farmer. This book did drag at times but all in all the story is quite enjoyable.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

This lovely historical romance set in the 18th century begins the saga of the Howarth family. The Howarths have lived on their farm, Kit’s Hill, for longer than anyone can remember and it is Ned’s turn to bring home a wife and continue his line. Three years have passed before finally summoning up courage to write her a proposal of marriage that actually begins the story of Ned and orphaned parson’s daughter Dorcas Wilde.

Dorcas has been lady’s companion to her spinster aunt for three years, and it’s been daunting to say the least. Society dictates that can’t she marry outside of the station she has been raised in even though she is too poor to catch a gentleman. Thinking she might pair well wit an educated man perhaps someone like her father.

She can’t continue living as she has for the past three years. She sets her mind on having her own home, a husband, children and a life of her own with Ned though she knows nothing of farms or what living on a farm might entail.

With no other prospects, what is a woman of twenty-five to do?

What path would you choose?

Dorcas and Ned are the center foundation of atmospheric historical fiction,
Rich descriptive details the of the Lancashire England, of is people as well as a dramatic family saga that expands into the next generations.
Well developed broadening cast of characters that are all woven together into one captivating, very remarkable story.

#KitsHill

All in all this was a good book. I got lost a few times because to me places were a little boring but I take as much responsibility for that as I place on the author. The story follows Doracs, her husband Ned and their family in the 1790’s from when they met to their later years. I like stories about strong women and Dorcas is definitely strong. She endures some hard times. The story is written well and I would read another from the author I do think it could have been condensed some. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

A wonderful novel a perfect read for lovers of historical fiction. Romance drama atmosphere highly recommend.#netgalley#saperebooks