This is a super fun read. I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Complex family saga moving between Lancashire and America just after the American Civil war. The link between the two is cotton and it's producers and buyers. Interesting and lively read.

I’m sorry I could not finish this book. I had to stop reading at 50%. I was just not absorbed by the story or the characters. I felt the concept was interesting of these interwoven families‘ fates across the Atlantic during an interesting time in history, but there were too many point of view changes and not enough time spent in the interior lives/thoughts of the characters who I wanted to connect with more, mainly Jesse and Dolly but again, not enough for me to feel a connection with them. I thought Honora’s POV could have been more prominent too and less time spent in the pov of Clement. Perhaps I would have cared about the characters more had I read the first book. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read.

I hadn't read read the first book but you picked up some of what happened in the previous book in this book.

It is based in Lancashire and America. Where our heroines Jessie, Dolly and Honora continue in this book.

It tells you of the cotton industry which came to a stand still with the American Civil War that it starts up again. Dolly ends up in Deep South America where she decides to grow cotton to try and make a go for her son Albert, her husband Clement is not a nice character and if anyone gets in his way he will sort them out. He is not very nice to Dolly but she has the back bone to work alongside the ex slaves at the plantation.

Honora is studying to be a Doctor as she cannot study in Britain as they don't teach woman to become Doctors there.

Jessie is living with her in laws and finds it hard with her Father in law. Her husband Robert is always at the mill so don't get to spend too much time together.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it was a excellent read.

This historical novel had potential but I think I expected it to include more about the cotton industry in 1865, in Lancashire, England. It almost felt incidental to the stories of the three women: Jessie Overdale, Dolly Tate and Honora Darwen and I didn't come away with a sense that there has been transformation or economic recovery.

Of the three ladies, Dolly's story was the most interesting as she crossed the waters to America to start a new life in an environment very different to the one she was raised in and it is lovely to see how despite extreme hardship, she is kind, compassionate and determined to improve her lot. It definitely brings out the best in her.

The other two stories touch on hers and each other, but not in a significant way..I had anticipated a higher weaving of these threads of these women's lives and deeper insights into their callings. Perhaps it was all too much for one book, because I felt at times key aspects of the stories were skimmed over and could have been much richer.

Having said that, there was enough to keep me interested and I kept reading as I wanted to see how things turned out.

With thanks to the publisher Sapira Books, #Netgalley and the author for my free advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Set in both England and America just after the Civil War, the second book in the Lancashire Cotton Saga is a delight! The cotton industry was crucial to post-war recovery and the book is built upon this. There are many things to like, empathize with and relate to here from heartache to resilience to joy.

As in real life, none of the characters have it easy. The story follows several characters of different socioeconomic rank with much of the focus on married couple Jessie and Robert who own the Invincible Mill and will soon be parents. Jessie shows her strong character in many ways throughout. Robert is very supportive of his wife as she deals with in-laws and family issues.

The other primary character is Dolly who at first seems unlikable but we see her grow and mature as she finds her niche and use of her skills. Her life changes dramatically as she is faced with her past and takes on a completely new role fraught with difficulties but also passions.

Honora is studying to be a doctor and is one of a few female university students, a very determined young woman. She also faces hardship. She is a secondary character as far as time spent about her but my feeling is she will be more of a focus in the next book.

Romance and mystery are intertwined in a believable and interesting way which works very well. It also has just enough suspense. The next book has such promise as there are such great unfinished stories to pick up where this left off.

Historical Fiction and Mystery genre readers are sure to enjoy this.

My sincere thank you to Sapere Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this charming book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

(My review has been posted on Goodreads and Amazon.)