AnneMarie Brear

Annabelle Wallis is shocked to find a young woman at her cottage door, in the middle of a storm heavy with child. Moments later a baby girl is born. By dawn, the mother has vanished, leaving behind the helpless child wrapped only in a silk peacock shawl.
When she hears that Lady Eliza Hartley, sister to wealthy estate owner, John Hartley, has been found dead she realizes who the young woman was. Terrified she’ll be blamed for Eliza’s death, Annabelle flees. John Hartley is determined to find both Annabelle and the baby home. Annabelle has been lucky so far but she can’t stay hidden forever! When she is found will she be able to give up the child she has raised and loves as her own?

I really enjoyed this book! This was such an easy read for me! I was able to finish it in one sitting! The writing is vivid and gripping! It has that classic boy meets girl and falls in love feel which for me just added to the charm of the book! But it's also emotional and heartbreaking at times and that is where you become invested in the story! You can't help but want to know what will happen with Annabelle and the baby! Happy reading everyone!
… (mais)

Set in Yorkshire during the Victorian era, cobbler’s daughter, Thea, marries tobacconist Ernie Goodson in the hope of a comfortable life. However, Ernie isn’t the man Thea thought he was as he has some secrets concerning dodgy dealings. Everything changes with the arrival of the new shop owner and cabinet maker next door.

This is an enjoyable, easy read with some likeable characters and quite a dastardly villain! Even though it is a lighthearted romance and also a little predictable at times, there is an underlying thread of menace and not a small amount of violence. I thought it was nicely written, well paced and just a great all round story. If you enjoy a good old fashioned saga, you’ll love this one.… (mais)

Her uncle, a wealthy banker in York, raised orphan Victoria in privilege, but she has empathy for the poor living in the slums of the city. She wants to do more for them than just contribute money and attend meetings. When she meets Dr. Joseph Ashton, he introduces her to a family that needs her help. Her new role horrifies her family and after a confrontation, Victoria leaves her home to live with the poor family.
This was an enjoyable read about a segment of history rarely covered. Ms. Brear does a nice job in describing the customs of the time. I especially liked the descriptions of York. I'm familiar with the modern city and found I could picture the different places described in the book as they must have looked in Victorian times very well. Cousin Stella was a suitable villain though maybe a bit too much.
It's a pretty fast read and a nice addition to my Victorian historical fiction bookshelf.… (mais)