I loved this book, set in the WW2 era, in the Dales. Bobby is settling in the Dales as a reporter but has to carve a role for herself. I really enjoyed the setting and Bobby's character. Betty Firth is a new author to me, but sure to become a favourite.

She's gone from city to village...but can she ever fit in?

I wasn't going to start another series (I have far too many on the go as it is) but this is a delightfully easy read with a gentle pace and some laugh out loud moments. I like how the main focus is not of the war and everyone "doing their bit" for the war effort etc. but rather more of life at home despite all that is going on in Europe. In a somewhat different vein, the focus is that of a junior reporter in a small village publication.

We meet Bobby Bancroft, a typist at the Bradford Courier, as she composes articles one of her colleagues doesn't seem worthy of his time or effort. She receives no recognition and yet she doesn't mind because she knows it's her work. For it is her dream to become a journalist, to write for the big papers or any paper really, but it's still largely a man's world and she is unable to get employment in her dream job.

Until Reg Atherton walks into their offices one day to speak to her boss, being an old army pal from the first war. He has a special request of his old friend - he needs to find a junior reporter fast because all the other men are joining up to fight for King and country leaving him without a reporter. So when Bobby's boss drops the ad in hastily written script on her desk for her to type up, she knew her silent prayers had been answered.

The publication is a farming magazine of sorts called The Tyke with Reggie Atherton as its editor. Bobby applies for the position and is shocked to discover she is successful! The problem is the job is in Silverdale, some miles away in the dales, and she must leave her twin sister Lilian, brother Jake and her father who is still haunted by the things he saw in the first war.

The position comes with full board and lodging, and it would want to for the pittance that Reggie is paying her, but Bobby doesn't care. She is finally doing what she has only dreamed of doing. She leaves her home in Bradford and lodges with Reggie and his wife Mary at Moorside Farm, where the magazine is also produced. Bobby knows she has to prove herself as worthy of the job as well as winning over the locals who are still largely stuck in the 19th century and don't take kindly to womenfolk poking their nose into what they deem is men's business. But Bobby has an ally in brother Charlie Atherton, the local vet, who lives in a cottage on the farm.

When she first arrives raring to go, little does she know that Reggie has little intention of setting her loose to find stories to report and the community is less than welcoming. However, over time Bobby proves her worth and the village begin to accept her. It isn't long before Bobby really comes into her own and finds her footing withing the community and becomes a fixture. Then when Reggie sends Bobby out to interview octogenarian Andy Jessop at Newby Top, the story he shares is an eye opener and becomes something of a turning point for Bobby.

Then just as she has finally found her place, circumstances have her moving back to Bradford and into a reporter's position at her former newspaper the Bradford Courier. But her time in the dales has changed her...and now Bobby must decide what she truly wants out of life.

A delightfully easy read, I enjoyed my time in Silverdale and with Bobby and Reggie. I could almost taste Mary's cooking. Some of the characters are a little quirky but they certainly add to the story. There is certainly a James Herriot feel about this so fans of his stories will be at home here, especially since it's too in Yorkshire.

I would like to thank #BettyFirth, #Netgalley and #HeraBooks for an ARC of #ANewHomeInTheDales in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review this book

This was such a good story from start to the end. The author brings out the huge differences between city and country life and none more so than being a city stranger. Bobby was given the opportunity to fulfil her dream of being a fully fledged reporter, albeit in a tiny hamlet in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales. Set near the start of WW2, very few females were deemed to be strong enough, mentally, to reach the giddy heights of newspaper reporter!
After a short time she feels that villagers are starting to realise that she could well be up for the job and begin to warm to her.......especially Charlie who has quite a reputation of being a flirt!
For some reason this book seemed to take longer to read than normal, no idea why that would be! Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the village characters were so true to life. Hope there may be another book along same lines, following the main characters and introducing new ones.
Well deserved 5*

This was a sweet story set during the early days of WW2. It dealt with how women were treated during jobs which were considered really men’s jobs and women weren’t bright or clever enough and who should just get married and have children. I found this very interesting and finished it quickly. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read his book in return for an honest review.

Bobby moves to the Dales for work and finds a good life there. She lived in a large town before moving to Yorkshire, can she go home, or does she want to stay in the Dales. Read this great book and you can find out what happens. Well worth 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

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

I loved reading this book, as well as the characters.

Bobby is not happy with what she’s currently doing, jobs for the men in the office she works in. She wants to be known as a reporter, even though she writes stories for one of the workers in the office, it’s not her name on them.

When she hears of a chance to leave her current situation behind and move from Bradford to a small village called Silverdale, she sees it as the opportunity of a lifetime. Can Bobby live in a different area, and changes it brings? Also, will her father, who’s not well, manage without her?

I recommend this book.

A compelling story that made me travel in time and space. Good storytelling, vivid historical background, interesting and fleshed out characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I absolutely loved this book. It ticked all the boxes for a great historical fiction saga read. Loved the characters, loved the setting (Yorkshire) and loved the storyline

If you’re feeling nostalgic and are a fan of WWII-era stories, then A New Home in the Dales by Betty Firth is the book for you. Set in northwest England, this multi-faceted novel, filled with both sentiment and the difficult issues of the day, will tug at your heartstrings. Dealing with realities such as WWI veterans struggling with PTSD, having loved ones leaving to fight in the war, families being separated as children were relocated to rural England, and equal opportunities for women in the workplace, you might think this story would be serious or preachy, but nothing could be further from the truth.

When we first meet Bobby Bancroft, an aspiring reporter, she’s a typist at a newspaper, the Bradford Courier, often writing on the sly to cover up for some of the less talented reporters. When she’s given a notice to type up, advertising for a junior reporter for a small magazine, she decides to take a chance and apply for it. After traveling to the Yorkshire Dales for her interview, which was full of surprises for both Bobby and Reg Atherton, the owner of the magazine, Bobby finds herself with a new job. Despite the fact that it pays virtually nothing and she has to move to the countryside, Bobby is determined to get her reporting career off to a roaring start. However, when she arrives she discovers that Reg has little intention of turning her loose to find stories to write and the community is less than friendly to her. Over time, Bobby manages to prove her worth to Reg and people begin to accept her. We see Bobby blossom as she becomes a fixture within the community, and we meet the charming, quirky characters who occupy the village. Just when she’s found her place, circumstances have her moving back to the city and into a reporter’s position at her former newspaper. But Bobby’s time in the Dales has changed her and she now has to decide what she truly wants for her career and life.

This was a quick read, but there is a lot to love in this story. Bobby is determined yet compassionate, which shows up in her commitment to doing her job while still considering how the people around her feel. I especially love how Bobby starts off thinking that being a reporter means being a certain way but discovers that she can grow into her chosen profession in a way that allows her to remain true to herself. The other characters are memorable and add heart and humor to the story. The story occurs in a time when there are innumerable challenges, but Ms. Firth handles the difficult topics with sensitivity while maintaining impact. The heavier aspects of the story are lightened by the humorous incidents caused by the many “fish out of water” situations encountered by Bobby and the light romantic moments.

A New Home in the Dales is an entertaining novel that is perfect for fans of James Herriot and novelists who write within the time period, such as Rhys Bowen (Her Royal Spyness series). With a cup of tea and a comfortable reading spot, it provides a lovely respite for readers who are looking for a cozy read. I appreciate Netgalley and Hera Books for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the characters from the beginning and found I couldn’t wait to see how the story unfolded.
Bobby longs to be recognised as a reporter instead of being at the beck and call of the men in the office. Even writing Tony’s stories for him without getting the recognition for it.
Then an opportunity comes her way to move from Bradford to the small Yorkshire village of Silverdale. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, could she cope with the lifestyle changes? More to the point could her father who suffer badly with shell shock and night terrors cope without her?
There are some delightful characters, my favourite was Andy Jessop. It was so refreshing to read about the love he had for a neighbouring farmer.
My first book by this author, shall definitely keep an eye for more.

A New Home in the Dales is a beautiful escapist novel which captivated and completely enveloped me from the get go. Descriptions of the incomparable Yorkshire Dales plunked me right back into the atmospheric story amongst the valleys dotted with dry stone walls, pretty villages and cottony sheep.

Bobby Bancroft felt her job as a typist at a city newspaper was unfulfilling. Her desire to be where the action was drew her to a job in the countryside as a junior journalist. But rural life was a big change in many ways. The Tyke magazine's reach was smaller, the pay less and the office was unexpected. So were her boss and her landlady. Even the dialect was different. The local vet, Charlie, was flirtatious and caught Bobby's eye. Bobby's heart was torn as her sister and shell-shocked father lived relatively far away. The story follows Bobby's triumphs and struggles in her city and county worlds.

So many reasons to enjoy this book. The James Herriott vibes thrilled me to the core, the likeable characters were realistically flawed and the setting was superb.

Historical Fiction readers who enjoy snippets of wholesome romance ought to snap this up. Though fictional, the author describes her inspiration drawn from real sources and the lovely Yorkshire Dales.

My sincere thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this fantastic book. I eagerly await the next in this new series!

A delightful old-fashioned easy-read novel set in the Yorkshire Dales. As I know Silverdale and read the Dalesman Magazine for many years, it was like a walk in the past, in the best way. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advance digital review copy.

Loved it! A fantastic story line with depth and humour. Really felt immersed in the time, and the story. Will definitely be reading more from this author

I flew through this lovely book and then wished I hadn’t: I could have happily continued reading about these characters and Silverdale village for a month and not become bored. This book is a triumph. Bobby is a fantastic heroine, whose strength, kindness and intelligence shine from every page. Betty Firth is a consummate storyteller and sweeps the reader along with a book brimming with warmth and humour. I adored it more than I can say! When can I read the next one?!

This was a captivating read. I loved the story and all the characters. It was lovely getting to know Bobby and her determination to fulfill her ambition to become a reporter at a very difficult time for families. I enjoyed reading about her journey to Silverdale to be interviewed by Reg. It was a real page turner wondering what would happen next to Bobby and her family. It was both funny and very touching. I look forward to reading more of Bobby's adventures and her new life in Silverdale - especially in that little cottage which sounded a little sparse.

I really liked this story. I felt quite involved with Bobby, the character this story revolves around. She had a dream to be a reporter for a newspaper, and was determined to not let romance get in her way. But it was a time few women were accepted in this arena,and her job consisted more of making tea and running for lunches than serious writing. When an unexpected opportunity comes her way, she feels it is the first step on her way to becoming A ''real' reporter. However, life has a way of interfering with plans, and sometimes dreams change.
I liked all the characters, and was drawn in to their lives. Loved the setting of the Dales, and reminded me a lot of James Herriot's stories.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy. Great read, and I definitely recommend!

did i do it again? yes guillty, i started to read a new series again. Do i regret it? no, i loved it with all my heart. in this book we follow bobby and her move to the dales. i just loved the characters the quirky ones, the salt to the sea ones, the just airy ones. i loved the atmosphere , the slow paced life with a little bit a romance thrown into it, and the banter oh wow. i am looking forward to the next book in the series.
thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Roberta Bancroft is working as a typist and a reluctant tea lady at a London newspaper, she finds it rather frustrating as she wants to be a journalist. A position for a junior reporter is advertised in the Yorkshire Dales, the magazine is called, The Tyke and Reggie Atherton is the editor. Bobby feels bad leaving her dad and her twin sister Lilian behind and her father is still suffering from nightmares and shell shock from The Great War. Her sister want’s Bobby to follow her dreams, she will look after her dad, their sister-in-law will check on him and a neighbour.

The village is small, everyone’s families have been settled there for decades and the dalesfolk have their own ideas, language and traditions. Bobby has never lived in the country before, when she moves to Silverdale it’s a big shock, the local boys love playing pranks on her and she has a run in with a pet goose.

Bobby lives with the Atherton’s at Moorside Farm, Reggie's aim is for Bobby to increase the magazines subscribers and his kindly wife Mary is like a second mother to her. The local vet Charlie Atherton lives in a cottage on the farm, he’s a right charmer and Reggie has warned him to stay away from Bobby. Reggie sends Bobby to interview Andy Jessop, he’s in his eighties and lives at Newby Top. Andy shares his story with Bobby, it’s not what she’s expecting and it’s a turning point for her and a real eye opener.

I received a copy of A New Home in the Dales by Betty Firth from NetGalley and Hera Books in exchange for an honest review. It’s a delightful story about a young woman taking a chance, moving to the country and during the Second World War. An entertaining read, full of quirky and likable characters, with descriptions of the Yorkshire Dales, the traditions, language, the quaint little town, barn dances, new years eve celebrations and not wanting these things to be lost and being passed onto the next generation. So many life lessons are woven into the narrative, about being honest, having compassion, being a genuine person and appreciating what you have. Five stars from me, I can’t wait for the next book in the series and a utterly charming English historical fiction drama by Betty Firth.

A New Home in the Dales by Betty Firth is a great World War 2 era historical fiction saga that is the start of a promising new series: Made in Yorkshire. I am going to say that this is one of the best books I have read in a very, very long time.

I really loved being transported to the countryside of the Dales during WWII. Such amazing descriptions of the landscape, the culture, the inhabitants, the traditions…it was just wonderful. Silverdale was just a dream. I loved being immersed into the rural countryside…into a time or place that is so special, and can never be replaced or forgotten. Just stunning.

I just loved Bobby. Seeing her take the jump to leave home and take the position in hopes of being able to experience her dream of being a writer was enjoyable. She is such a likable and realistic MC. I loved her quest of finding who she is, what she wants, and how to find happiness for her head, her ambitions, and her heart.

The full character cast was also charming and eclectic. I adore Reg, Mary, Charlie, Topsie…and I hope to read even more about Andy and Ginny.

I enjoyed the author’s choice of dialogue, banter, humor, and the balance she presented with some of the more serious matter (finding one’s purpose, loss, and the physical and psychological wounds of those veterans that served in the First War. ) This being set on 1940/1941, there is so much that can be covered in continued books.

I am beyond impressed with this book. I hope this truly is the start of a long series, because I definitely want to read all of them.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Hera Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/2/23.

Bobby finds a new job on a magazine in the Yorkshire dales. She finds friends and a new life there. After returning to the city she finds that she and her father can both be better in the dales. Can romance also be found there?