Ever since Jimmy was a boy, he’s known two things: the rough streets of Merthyr Tydfil and that one day he would marry Enid Hardcastle. But when Enid disappears without a word, his life takes a different turn.

Determined to make something of himself, Jimmy pours his heart into his job at Mr Baxter's workshop, dreaming of the future he and Enid might one day share. Yet, just as his hard work begins to pay off, a man arrives claiming to be Mr Baxter’s illegitimate son, threatening Jimmy’s chance of inheriting the business he was promised.

I really enjoyed this historical gem. It's not a time and place I know much about, especially of Jimmy's class, so that was fascinating to me. The characters were relatable, although I wish I'd know this was a series before I jumped into it - I think it would have made a better reading experience. Overall, great story though! 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Unfortunately for me, I DNF at 20%. When a book is part of a series, readers would really appreciate knowing that going in. Nowhere in the synopsis of this book does it say it is part of the Workhouse Series by this author. I thought it was strange that the book started, and it felt very confusing because of all these characters that I knew nothing about seemed very well established. I kept reading and the book kept referencing past events in a glossed over manner. Sure enough, when I checked online, I found out it was part of a series, and you really should read the books prior to this in order to get all the nuances to the characters.

A good historical story, I did wish I had read the previous book in the series as it might have explained more about the characters.

A great family saga. Very heartwarming story
Great follow up to the first book. 4****already hoping for another book

A sweet and family drama filled sequel to the Workhouse Girl with a happy ending for everyone! I want more!

Historical fiction at its best - a boy down on his luck finding his way in a cruel Victorian world...
Blindingly excellent ... This book should come with a disclaimer as once you start reading you aren’t going to want to walk away.

What a read. The story moved at such a steady speed that it was hard to put down. Great descriptions of Victorian times but not too much. Wonderful characters who grew throughout. I'll definitely be reading her other works. Absolutely loved it!

This was a strong writing style from Lynette Rees and thought this worked well as a historical fiction novel. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed getting to know them in this book, the characters worked well in this historical setting.

The Cobbler’s Apprentice by Lynette Rees takes us back to a young lad named Jimmy in the Victorian era. At 16 years old, Jimmy became a cobbler's apprentice.
He worked hard throughout his life; the turning point was meeting Mr. Baxter, the cobbler, and his wife, where he found satisfaction in his work and dedication to his craft.
But many wonderful people helped make Jimmy a fine young man, and this is the remarkable story of Jimmy, the Cobbler’s Apprentice.

#TheCobblersApprentice
#LynetteRees
BoldWood
#Netgalley

Jimmy knows in his heart that Edin is the only one for him but other forces might keep them apart. This book is emotionally charged and I felt immense grief, heartbreak and joy for the characters. It started out a little bit slow but I couldn't stop reading and the further I read the more engaged and eager I felt. The anticipation of how it would work out kept me reading until the last page. A historical saga page turner!

This tale about a young cobbler boy is just lovely! Jimmy is an upstanding young boy learning a trade while at the same time learning about love. I felt like I knew each and every character. The story is easy to follow while always moving so I never got bored. I enjoyed this book very much and would definitely recommend to others.

They say the path of true love doesn’t run smoothly, well read on.
Jimmy Corcoran was attracted to Enid Hardcastle from a very young age, setting his sites on making it a lasting relationship. Then come the obstacles! The Hardcastles get evicted and Enid disappears!
Jimmy lives with Mags who is grateful for the extra income with her husband Elgin being in prison. Mags has an incline of Enid’s whereabouts but is sworn to secrecy.
Jimmy works with mr Baxter the cobbler who shows great kindness to the boy, Jimmy starts going round the big houses offering the services of the shop, it is here that an obstacle is put in place Polly! Jimmy is only too glad to return the kindness when mr Baxter takes ill and Mrs Baxter relies on him to keep things going. That is until an imposter shows face, hoping to edge Jimmy out
Will Jimmy ever find Enid? Is there a happy ever after for them? Recommend it.

I loved this book, familiar characters. Was Jimmy overly naive? Is there another book in the making from the Clarkson’s project!
Look forward to more from this author.