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Best Mistake Ever by Christy McKellen

  This is a new to me author but I am delighted to feature on the celebrations for the latest novel by Christy McKellen , Best Mistake Ever . It was published by Boldwood on 16th January. Some mistakes are worth making Beatrice Donovan would do anything for her identical twin sister. Including stepping into her hotel management job temporarily and pretending to be her - she’s desperate. What could go wrong? A lot apparently! Because her sister Delilah has hugely understated her role – the hotel is at risk of closure and she’s promised she can turn it around. Now Bea has to find a way to fly under the radar, get the job done before anyone notices their switch up. Sounds easy, all Bea has to do is avoid her temporary new boss Jonah. However, that’s a lot harder than she thought. Not only does he have impossibly high standards, he’s also out of this world gorgeous, an ex-rockstar with a chip on his shoulder and he's watching her like a hawk! So Bea uses her charm to keep him fo...
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The Sewing Room Girl by Susanna Bavin #Review

 I am delighted to be featuring Susanna Bavin's historical novel, The Sewing Room Girl on the blog today. You can read my review of another of Susanna's  novels set in Manchester, The Poor Relation, here.

Born into service, sixteen-year-old Juliet Harper has always idolised her mother, Agnes. But Agnes is haunted by what could have been, and the glamorous life she might have lived if she stayed in Manchester rather than settling down in the Lancashire moorland with her husband. Life takes another unexpected turn when Juliet's father suddenly dies. Agnes's reputation as a seamstress leads to her being taken on by local landowners the Drysdales, where she is proud to work. But it will be a bumpy road for both of them as they settle in to their new lives. Will Juliet ever be able to choose her own path? And what will become of them when Agnes falls ill?

My Thoughts
 
 Set in the 1890's, this novel takes you from the more rural Chorley, into the city of Manchester, in the 1890's. You see at first hand, the effect of the class system on the characters' lives and how some people's entitlement blighted others' lives. Agnes emerges as a courageous and determined individual, who comes to realise her talent as a seamstress and designer is the path out of poverty. At times, it is a torrid tale. Although women have a subservient role in socirty, taking status from their husbands, or even their employer, it is not just the male characters who get to rule the roost. Agnes comes up against some driven women who thought nothing of using her to get what they want. You have to feel for Agnes as she tries to assert her independence.

    The period and setting are painstakingly researched and the full cast of characters are well drafted and credible. This can rightly be described as a pageturner. It kept me reading through all the twists and turns of the story. Agnes' friendship with Cecily is a light in the darkness at times and such a contrast to the hostility she sees from so many others.

In short: Manchester in the late 1890's comes alive. 

About the Author

 Susanna Bavin lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her husband and their two rescue cats. She is originally from Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester, where her family has lived for several generations and which provides the setting for her family sagas.

Susanna Bavin also writes as Polly Heron.
 
You can follow Susanna here: Website  |  Twitter 

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Susanna Bavin for a copy of the book.
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