The Girl From The Mill by Chrissie Walsh
As World War I begins, life will never be the same again. A heart-breaking saga for all fans of Dilly Court and Val Wood.
In the drab Yorkshire town of Garsthwaite, Lacey Barraclough works hard in the textile mill, determined to fight for improvements to the dismal working conditions she and her fellow weavers face. But she hadn’t reckoned on falling in love with the boss’s son, Nathan. Nathan returns her love, but to succeed they must overcome the class divide, as well as persuade their families that their love for each other is real.
Before Nathan and Lacey can make a life together, World War I breaks out and Nathan enlists to fight. When Nathan heads off to the Front, he takes Lacey’s dreams with him, and she must find a new way to face the future. As hard times come to Garsthwaite, will there be a home for the returning heroes to come back to? And for those men who do make it back from France, can they ever outrun the horrors they have witnessed, and learn to love again?
My review
This is a warm and wonderful read that will take you on a journey of life, love, growth and acceptance. It will blur boundaries between class systems and overcome prejudice notions as life and war change points of view.
This is a warm and wonderful read that will take you on a journey of life, love, growth and acceptance. It will blur boundaries between class systems and overcome prejudice notions as life and war change points of view.
At the heart of this battle is Lacey Barraclough, a feisty and lively girl with a head and a heart to change the well-being of those around her. I loved Lacey as a character, her strength and determination are without doubt admirable and I championed her on with every milestone she overcome. She certainly is the heart and soul at the centre of this story.
This book delivers many marvellous characters who shape and mould the story into what it is. I particularly loved the relationship between Lacey and Constance. Their journey was by far the toughest with many mountains to climb in order to reach peace, harmony and mutual respect towards one another.
But what story is complete without love? Lacey and Nathan are the definition of star-crossed lovers with strength and determination to overcome all the odds to save their relationship. Love blossoms on Cuckoo Hill and their journey is one to believe in.
This story drew me in with its passion for love and change. I loved every minute of my time spent watching Lacey open the eyes and minds of a town around her and I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
About the author
Born and raised in West Yorkshire, Chrissie trained to be a singer and cellist before becoming a teacher. When she married her trawler skipper husband, they moved to a little fishing village in N. Ireland. Chrissie is passionate about history and that passion and knowledge shine through in her writing. The Girl from the Mill is her debut novel.
Follow Chrissie:
Twitter: @WalshChrissie
