Hearts and Farthings

I loved this book it was such a wonderful read and so easy, it drifted along and made you feel like you had made a friend. I was sad when I finished it.
I have read Beryl Kingston books a long time ago but this book made me want to seek out more of hers.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a digital copy. All opinions are my own.

First time I've read this author and quite enjoyed the book. The characters are well developed and grew throughout the book. This is a series and I am looking forward to the next one. This book was a nice change from the crime and murder mysteries I usually read.

It's set in London in the late 1800's. You follow Alberto Pelucci to England as he immigrates. He has a thirst for being rich and working hard. He dreams one day of having a beautiful English wife and a big house. Will his dreams come true? Read the book to find out. Happy Reading 😊

This is the first time i have read anything by this author but not the last,i have loved this book a great story with great charactors that makes you feel involved.5*

A far cry from my recent reads, I really enjoyed this one. I haven’t read a war story/drama for a while and this made it all the more refreshing. Coupled with the fact that this was originally published in the 1980s, this novel proves that all books are timeless and it doesn’t matter what generation encounters reads, the plots can still be enjoyed over the decades.

The protagonist, Albert, is interestingly portrayed. Kingston allows the reader to establish a positive relationship with him in the opening of the novel due to the hardships he encounters. Leaving Italy and his family behind, Albert seeks his cousin in London and, what he thinks, a steady job and the prospect of good fortunes. Receiving neither of these from his cousin, Albert is forced to strike it out alone. His strong work ethic and endearing personality means that eventually he is able to make a success of himself, even still remembering his slovenly cousin along the way.

However, once I had grown to really like Albert and admire his resilience, Kingston reveals that Albert has a cruel and ruthless streak to him. As an increasingly successful businessman, he does not see how many of his actions hurt the ones closest to him. Albert’s narrow-mindedness and his negative behaviour was even more shocking because I had such a positive opinion of him. Such characterisation by Kingston demonstrates that even in the toughest of situations, people can be tested and pushed beyond their boundaries.

A story covering many decades, it was lovely to see how Albert’s life unfolds. Not always a bed of roses, readers witness how life changes for Albert and his family – as his fortunes grow and social living alters around him. The final third of the novel is set during the First World War and I think this is the part that I found most powerful. Kingston expertly captures the fear and worry of those at home, coupled with the ignorance and frustration towards what was really happening in France. I think what would have made this novel stronger was if the author had included time references at the start of chapters so that readers have a better awareness of the passing years.

I enjoyed reading this book and whilst this is not marked as a series, the closing chapter shows that there is another episode to follow. This is something I hope to read in the future; to see what lies in store for Albert, his family, and the prospect of another World War looming. Admittedly, I did lose interest in the plot at times and this is my only criticism of the story. It was very good as a whole, but I did not find it a total page-turner.

A lovely story about the changes you can bring upon yourself with enough hard work and ambition. This is a drama that explores the importance of family, even when it feels like everything around you is a challenge.

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Received the book from Net Gallery and I am so glad they let me read it! I really tried to finish before the publish date but missed it ! Sorry!! This is a period of time in history that I have not read about. It has everything in this story that anyone would want,love,hate,success,war,what more could a body ask for? You will love the characters in this story and the period of time with the history. Description in this book is wonderful,I feel like I am right there with these people and that's good cause you feel the impact of the story. It was a little long for me but then I didn't want the story to end either!! You will enjoy!!🙉🙈🙊

This was such a lovely book to read. It flows without any effort and the story has its ups and downs as with life
This was a pleasant change from my usual genre of books

Just finished reading this book today. It was an easy read and quite pleasant. As this is my first book by Ms. Kingston, I have found a new author to follow. In particular In enjoyed how she kept to the way the natives in London original. It made the book more authentic.

My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.