I’m delighted to be one of today’s stops on the final day of the blog tour for ‘The Workhouse Girl.’
Once a workhouse girl, always a workhouse girl…
Enid Hardcastle has always had a hard life, but when her family can’t make ends meet and are moved to the workhouse, it feels like things can’t get any worse.
But luckily for Enid, her friendship with local boy Jimmy gives her the strength she needs. Also from the cold, hard streets of Merthyr, Jimmy has made his name as an entrepreneur, repairing boots and hand-delivering them to the fine people of the town.
Enid has seen for herself that you can make a better life for yourself, so with Jimmy’s help, she sets about trying to save her family.
But there are even darker places than the workhouse, and as the rumour mill churns, it appears there’s an even more dangerous fate she will need to avoid…
An emotional and nostalgic historical saga that will have you turning pages, engrossed. Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Lynn Johnson.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/workhousegirlsocial
Author Bio –
Lynette Rees lives in Wales and has been writing since she was a child. She’s in the fortunate position of being a hybrid author – as well as independently publishing some of her novels, she’s also published with Boldwood Books.
The Winter Waif, the story of one young girl’s struggle to overcome adversity following the death of her mother, was published by Boldwood Books in January 2024. This will be followed by two other titles focusing on the lives of another two children growing up in the bustling Welsh town of Merthyr Tydifl where the ironworks and coalpits are the main industries and a life of hardship is the norm. The second in the series, The Workhouse Girl, will be published on May the 31st. This book tells the tale of a fourteen year old girl whose family hits hard times when her father loses his job at the ironworks and they’ve little choice other than to enter the workhouse. This will be followed by a third book at the end of the year.
Lynette enjoys the freedom of writing in a variety of genres including: crime fiction and contemporary romance, though her first love is historical fiction which complements her interest in local history and genealogy. When she’s not writing, or even when she is writing, Lynette enjoys a glass of wine and the odd piece of chocolate as she creates stories where the characters guide her hand. She honestly has no idea how a story will turn out until the characters tell their own tales in their own unique ways.
The most important thing to Lynette is her family and her stories illustrate this with their warm characters who often show a great deal of compassion for others and the plight they find themselves in.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlynetterees
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynetteRees0
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LynetteReesNews
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lynette-rees
Review-
This is a second book in a planned trilogy and while some of the characters from the first book are present in this one, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
I was fortunate enough to be able to read and review ‘The Winter Waif’ so I had an idea of what to anticipate and it certainly lived up to expectations.
I’m particularly drawn to Lynette Rees’ books due their setting in South Wales and one of the things I find most fascinating is the historical accuracy of the time, including the references to the Cyfarthfa Ironworks and the Crawshay family. I often find myself turning to Google while reading to find out extra titbits of information!
I also love reading about the Victorian era and there is an incredible authenticity within these pages; whether it is the description of conditions in the workhouse or of the more elite members of society at that time.
A real strength of the writing comes through the characters, whose personalities are vividly portrayed. While Enid is the primary focus of the narrative, there are plenty of others who feature prominently and I especially loved Cook, whose warmth and affection leapt out from the pages.
I was gripped by Enid’s tale from the outset and fully invested in her struggles as the story progressed. Her resilience and strength of character is incredible and I loved her determination to not only better herself but also to take care of her family.
A must-read for historical fiction fans. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next one!
With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
Earlier stops can be found here:
Pickled Thoughts and Pinot 