The Reactor’s Daughter was very well written and researched, making me feel like part of the story. I absolutely enjoyed the realism that was involved. The tunnel, the working conditions, and the living conditions were vividly written and I could see, hear, feel and smell the things the author was writing.

The characters were also super well written. It was hard.to read about the way the lower class was treated and I could not stand Vicar and his berating of poor Charlotte. The characters were so realistic, it was easy to forget they weren’t real people.

I appreciated that this wasn’t a cookie cutter romance either. Charlotte and Josiah had to endure many hurdles, and it made their relationship powerful. I was cheerleading for them from the beginning.

Overall, The Rector’s Daughter is a fantastic historical romance. With compelling characters and settings, it would be hard to give this novel anything less than 5 stars. Highly recommended.

I very much enjoyed this book. It has a good story and excellent main characters. I would definately recommend this book.

Charlotte, is at the ceremony of the start of a project to dig the first tunnel under the Thames, when something unexpected happens….she’s very nearly in an accident but is saved by a handsome stranger…..

Charlotte and Josiah are both unable to stop thinking about the other and as time moves on, there are many things that get in the way…..including many people who don’t wish to see them together. As the daughter of the local Rector and the son of a Miner, they are not ‘socially’ suitable and many people try to get in the way. Not only that but there are others who have feelings for both Charlotte and Josiah. But with many obstacles thrown at them, will they finally end up together….?

As a massive historical fiction fan, I absolutely LOVED this! Set in 1825, Jeans descriptions are amazing! This is the second book I have read by this author and each time I have been fully sucked into the story and surroundings and genuinely felt like I was there! The descriptions of the clothing, and day to day lives of the characters and the way they speak with each other fully immerses you in the 19th century.

And because of this, The Rector’s Daughter is a truly delightful and charming novel. I was completely hooked….the ‘will they, won’t they’ aspect kept me turning every page and wanting to see what happens next!

Some of the characters in this and their actions are terrible! The lengths people will go to, to either make themselves happy or to make people of another class feel rubbish, is appalling but we know it would have happened at the time (and probably still does in some aspects today!)

This is truly fantastic and you will be thoroughly thrown into the story. Even if you’re not an historical fiction fan, if you love a bit of true romance then you NEED to check this out! Most definitely recommended by me; I can’t wait to read more from Jean!

Charlotte is the rector's daughter and has is expected to wed certain Captain Nicholas Paget, but he doesn't set her heart afire, no that would be the handsome Josiah Martyn, a young man who is working as an engineer building the new tunnel under the River Thames.

This reads like a saga, it is well written and has a depth that is not often found in this genre.

I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author!
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If you enjoy historical romances packed with danger, drama and romance, look no further – this story has them all. There’s everything from machinery, floods, irate family, arranged marriage and more in this action packed story. Charlotte is the heroine of the story. She’s the rector’s daughter, someone who always strives to help the poor of the parish and one of the first to volunteer in times of need. She first meets Josiah Martyn when he prevents her being crushed to death and the relationship between the two is fraught with misunderstandings and the meddling of others all mixed together, of course, with a plentiful helping of love. However, with so much working against them, will this couple ever have a chance for a HEA together?

There are a real mix of characters in this story, including some you really won’t like. There’s everything from a scheming mother with an obnoxious, entitled, young son to a brother (or two) who thinks he is the only one to sort things out – even if no one else agrees with his solution! The story has plenty of twists and turns, this romance is definitely not a smooth running one and even the ending has its own suspense filled dramatic moments! It is a page turner that I recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre!

I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

If you are looking for the ideal book to sit down on a Sunday afternoon then pick up a copy of The Rector’s Daughter by Jean Fullerton because it is fabulous and you will not want ot put it down until you have turned the final page!

Set in 1825 in the Rotherhithe area of London, it is where I meet Charlotte Hatton, the Rector’s daughter. She is a very charitable and is always trying to help those in need. She has an admirer in the form of Captain Paget, a chap I took a dislike to initially and if I am honest my opinion of him didn’t improve.

There are a lot of new people in the area as work to build a tunnel under the Thames is due to begin. One of the workers is Engineer Josiah Martyn a man who has worked his way up from the Cornish mines and learnt his trade. There is a spark between him and Charlotte but they live in different social classes. Charlotte has had her life mapped out and her father believes she should be wed to a man who can provide for her and maintain or better her social standing.

Living and working in the same area, it is inevitable that these two should meet. Josiah is a proud man and has good morals and understands that he is not looked on favourably. But will it be enough!

The story is absolutely addictive, the mentions of the Brunels really does help fix the setting. The various mentions of living and working conditions are fabulous and I love it when an author uses comparisons in a story and Jean does this so well. These comparisons are so well worked into the story and give a wonderful cross-section of society.

The story itself is not straightforward and could have gone in various directions. There are many little twists and ruses on the way that kept this reader eagerly turning the pages. There are several characters that I met in this story, some I liked, some I did not which made for a good balance. I liked the different opinions and attitudes, they are suited for the time and I at times my blood boiled for the way that some of the characters acted and treated others!

The Rector’s Daughter is a fabulous read and I would love to think that there was another book to follow. I hope there is because even though this book finished in a brilliant way I am still curious.

A brilliant book that I adored and is perfect for readers of Historical fiction and Romance I would definitely recommend it.

The Rector’s Daughter is, I am ashamed to admit, the first novel I have read by Jean Fullerton.

Charlotte is a character I warmed to straight away. She is a good person, who, in and out of love, is having to fight against the expectation of her class and gender.

Josiah is such a likeable, honourable leading man and I like the idea of him and Charlotte together. Whether they do make it, I hope you find out for yourself by reading the novel.

The supporting characters are a mixture of wonderful and outright horrible. Some I wanted to throw in a cupboard and throw away the key. Haha.

This novel had a great plot surrounding these two main characters. There were twists, turns and moments where I full on shouted at the page.

I really enjoyed the history in this novel and learning what it must have been like for these men but also an insight of the life women led which has always fascinated me. It puts a spotlight on how far equality has come. Jean Fullerton has clearly undergone a lot of research for this book and it shows.

The only thing I would add would be another novel. I want to know what happens next.

The Rector’s Daughter was an enjoyable historical saga and I couldn’t put it down, desperate to find out what happened.

This novel is perfect to curl up with. I loved it.

I've always been a reader who prefers choosing a book by reading the blurb rather than seduced by a cover. The Rector's Daughter is a perfect example of this and far exceeded my expectations as well as introducing me to a new author whose work I will seek out more. 

Charlotte lives with her Father, Reverend Percival Hatton at St. Mary's Church in Rotherhithe, London. It's her job to assist her father in the way the wife of a clergyman would assist her husband in his work within the parish because her mother died. When work begins on a tunnel to go under the river Thames, in Rotherhyde, she meets Josiah Martyn, an engineer on the project. Even though she's expected to marry Captain Paget, she and Josiah are determined to be together. The result is an understanding they will find a way to be together. The beginning of a journey fraught with familial dislike. 

The history and research for this novel are outstanding. I always love learning about real-life events and understanding the social impact on these feats. It adds a fulfilling depth to the narrative for the reader to enveloped in. As someone who reads mostly romance, I was invested in Charlotte and Josiah's relationship and appreciated the forbidden love aspect of their journey to a happy ending. 
It's a saga full of action, drama and facts. Aided with plenty of colourful characters adding insight and villainy along the way. The author wraps this all together beautifully creating a wonderful novel for readers who love history and romance. 

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley***

4☆ An Engrossing Storyline, Beautifully Romantic and Rich in History!


The Rector’s Daughter Is a wonderfully engrossing historical romance set in 1825, that was poignant and equally compelling.

Charlotte is the Rector's Daughter.
Unfortunately for her this means her father has strict views as to what Charlotte's path should be.
He very much believes she should Marry someone of wealth and stature and with someone lined up for her to marry, she doesn't have a choice! Or does she?
But you can't help who you fall in love with can you?

When Charlotte meets Josiah after he saves her, she is instantly taken in by his gentlemanly charm.
But Josiah is merely an Engineer solely there to help build the tunnel under the Thames.
He is her forbidden fruit, with no class, wealth or stature her father is sure to object.
But fate has a way of throwing them together!

The Rector’s Daughter Is more than just an Historical Romance, it's a poignant and compelling look into the history and lives of the workers.
Jean gives a rich and vivid insight into the tunnel and the historical events of that era.
All of the precise intricate details were very Authentic and perfectly plotted.
The ambience, what life was like for everyone, the dangers involved, the sounds, sights and smells. It all felt so real.

The Characters are very well researched, written and Complex, not all are necessarily likeable but they create the right emotions you expect from historical fiction.

The Rector’s Daughter has a wonderfully engrossing storyline, it's beautifully romantic, rich in history and the setting descriptions are superbly written.
Jean always has a way of captivating her readers and making them feel part of the story.

Once again Jean has written a Gem of a book i can't recommend enough!

Thank you to Corvus Books and Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

An Historical read. As always from Jean Fullerton we are guaranteed a well researched enjoyable book. This takes us back in time to when class distinction was at it's fullest. To when parents had a say and control over their children's future. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc.

A fine historical read from an author who always delivers!

Charlotte Hatton, though young, has taken on the traditional role of a vicar's wife for her widowed Reverend father. She is expected one day to marry Captain Nicolas Paget, a man of breeding complete with a family fortune to meet her father's expectations of her future match - but then, one day she makes the acquaintance of a certain Josiah Martyn, a Cornish mining engineer working on a local project who makes her heart beat faster than Captain Paget ever has . . .

This is a superb historical read, painting a wonderful picture of the life in the time it's set with a great cast of characters, both likeable and not. I always enjoy the fashion details in books like this, finding they add to the mental image I have of the characters! The story is attention-grabbing and entertaining, and rather gripping towards the end. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it and read faster and faster as I got further in. Quite a delightful and satisfying novel which I'm happy to recommend to all lovers of good historical fiction; completely earning all five stars.

My thanks to publisher Corvus for my copy via NetGalley and to Rachel's Random Resources for my place in this tour; as always, this is my honest, original and unbiased review.

The Rector's Daughter is set in 1825 in the Rotherhithe area of London. Charlotte Hatton, the Rector’s daughter. is a very charitable young lady, always trying to help those in need. She lives with her father who is a widower. Captain Paget has an interest in her, but he is taking care of his mother, and she dislikes Charlotte. There is a tunnel being built under the Thames in the parish, so there are a lot of workers moving in. One is Josiah Martyn, an engineer who worked his way up from the Cornish mines. There is a spark between him and Charlotte from the first time they met, when he saved her from a serious accident, but they are from different social classes and her father will not let her associate with him. Living in the same parish, they constantly run into one another and their feelings towards each other grow. When Josiah has an accident that nearly takes his life, he decides to tell Charlotte how he feels. Will they be able to work through the class differences and her father's unfair feelings?

The setting of this story was so realistic. The author did a lot of research to make sure that the tunnel, the people, the working conditions and living conditions were accurate. The characters were very well developed and the author does a great job of making you dislike the characters who were the villians in the story. I was appalled at the way the Vicar treated the "lower class" citizens. I hated the way he treated Charlotte and berated her when she tried to help the poor persons and single moms. This mix of characters made for a good balance in the story. This was not an easy romance. The road to happiness for Charlotte and Josiah had many twists and hurdles. The Rector’s Daughter is an enjoyable read with a happy ending (it is a romance after all), but there is still more to the story of Charlotte and Josiah. I would love to see another book to find out what happens to them next, but if not, I was happy with the ending of this story. I recommend this book to lovers of historical romance or historical stories where villains get their comeuppance.

Well, now I know why people so love Jean Fullerton’s books! She’s a wonderful story teller, and the twists and turns of this book kept me reading into the early hours with hopes of a happy ending. Her meticulous research is evident – the detail around the construction of the first tunnel under the Thames, with a recreation of what life was like for the workers and the introduction of a few real-life historical figures, was simply fascinating, and so well brought to life.

There’s a tremendous authenticity about her fictional characters too. Charlotte’s quite wonderfully drawn – real kindness and selflessness in her involvement in her father’s parish duties, and with a nice wry humour about the ups and downs of her personal life. Her father’s a total horror, but so well depicted through those statements that make you cringe – and he really does rather deserve the predatory attention of Mrs Palmer, another character who leaps off the page quite wonderfully (as does her obnoxious spoilt son). Although attracted to Josiah, the second engineer at the tunnel (and let’s face it, who wouldn’t be?), Charlotte sees little possibility of overcoming the class divide or of escaping her duties and obligations – and she has the additional complication of being “promised” to slimy Nicholas Paget, although the demands of his mother consistently prevent a marriage being in the offing.

The setting’s so vividly described – life in the East End at all levels, the detail around the construction of the tunnel and the conditions suffered by those who build it – and it also deals well with the issues of the time around class divides and the position of women, while capturing the change in the air in its pre-Victorian period. Even the writing itself feels right – it wouldn’t be difficult to think this was a story written in its time, in both its use of language and the development of the story.

There’s high drama, there’s romance, there’s a lot of bad behaviour – and the book really is a quite gripping read as it unfolds, with characters you grow to love at its centre. So well done – I really enjoyed this one.

The Rector’s Daughter is actually the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from author Jean Fullerton. I was so impressed with this story and Ms. Fullerton’s writing style that I’m planning on going back and reading her backlist! This was an absolutely fantastic read set in London 1825 during the building of the underwater Thames Tunnel that connects Rotherhithe and Wapping. Such an interesting and intriguing backdrop for a story!

Charlotte Hatton is the daughter of the Rector in Rotherhithe. She helps with the tasks at the rectory and within the parish in place of her mother who passed away. She’s a kind young woman who is always looking out for others.

Josiah Martyn is the Senior Engineer on site for the Thames Tunnel project. He’s a miner’s son from Cornwell who has worked hard to get where he is today.

I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down!  I instantly liked both Charlotte and Josiah and started rooting for them as a couple. From the moment they meet, they can’t stop thinking about each other. As their love grows and their feelings become known to each other and the people around them, people do their best to keep this couple apart. They were a sweet couple who faced many obstacles to get to their HEA.

Ms. Fullerton did an amazing job of pulling you into the story with her wonderful writing. It’s obvious she does tremendous research as the book is richly detailed. There were so many fabulous secondary characters that added to the suspense and enjoyment of this book. From Charlotte’s family, Mrs. Palmer & her son, Josiah’s brother & wife, the people in Rotherhithe, I could easily revisit these characters and the setting to get more of their stories. I’ll admit this story had me on the edge of my seat more than once and I found myself picking up this book frequently throughout the day to read just one more page... I would love to catch up with Josiah and Charlotte at a later date to see their family and where they ended up!

With a fabulous storyline, a couple who captured my heart and wonderful secondary characters, I absolutely loved everything about this story. This one is definitely a keeper! Highly recommend!

Jean Fullerton has an incredible ability to pick you up and transport you back in time. Her knowledge and attention to detail adds a magical and vivid quality to any story she pens and I simply adore being whisked away on her tales of historical romance and adventure.

London in 1825 is on the brink of history in the making with the construction of Brunel's Thames tunnel, but skirting around the peripheral to this landmark occasion is the folk of Rotherhithe. Each social standing in society is in fine voice with a narrative that boasts many exciting stories to tell.

Charlotte Hatton, the Rector's daughter, is a darling of the tallest order and the shining apple of this books eye. From the opening moments her sweet, gentle and kind nature shine through with a sincere charm and I was captivated by her in an instant. Charlotte doesn't have the easiest of lives pacifying her father's needs and keeping the church's congregation in a tolerable state of harmony, but her kind heart and patience of a saint see her sail through any block in the road with a fierce and determined spirit to survive.

Josiah is the perfect hero in this fine piece and a dashingly handsome gentleman to match. From the sidelines I was willing a suitable match for this fine fellow and read with baited breath in my quest for that sort after happy ending.

The Rector's Daughter is a historical triumph of the tallest order and I can't praise it enough. From start to finish it was bursting with excitement and charm and I loved each and every minute.

The Rector's Daughter is a stand-alone novel by Jean Fullerton.

Charlotte is the daughter of Reverend Percival Hatton. Since her mother passed away Charlotte has stepped into her role of helping with the parishioners and looking after her father. Her life is simple, stable and she just goes along with what is expected of her. That includes having an understanding with Captain Nicolas Paget. He hasn't yet asked her to marry him, he is waiting to broach the subject with his mother, but it's a foregone conclusion that eventually they will marry. Charlotte has never questioned it, but all that changes when she meets Josiah Martyn.

The very first tunnel to be built under the Thames in London was being built in her home town of Rotherhithe. The quiet town was soon bustling with workmen including the head engineer of the project, Cornishman, Josiah Martyn. Their first meeting was quite dramatic with him saving Charlotte from a disaster. After the initial shock of what happened and when they got to take a good look at each other, an instant attraction occurs between them. An attraction that must be kept at bay because Josiah knows he isn't of her class and there could be no future for them. That doesn't stop him making a point of talking to her in church every Sunday and helping her out when he can. He is a real gentleman!

Their possible romance was very slow in coming to a point where they admitted their feelings for each other but in the meantime, the story was able to keep my attention with the fascinating insights into the building of the tunnel and the struggles the workers had. There were also two other women whose stories kept the book intriguing. One is a widow with a very spoiled son who is trying to ensnare the reverend but who also trying to get Josiah into her bed! Also, there is a conniving young debutante who has decided she wants Josiah to be hers and will go to any lengths to make it so. He isn't interested in either female because his heart is firmly held by Charlotte.

I won't go into any more of the story because I don't want to give too much away. I just want to say that although for me the story got off to a slow start I am glad I persevered with it because once Josiah and Charlotte were honest with each other about their attraction things really took off. The drama unfolded and I couldn't read the book quickly enough to find out how it would end. I wasn't disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am more than happy to recommend it.

Set in London in 1825 this story takes us straight into the heart of late-Georgian life as Charlotte Hatton tends to the needs of her father’s parishioners. The Reverend Percival Hatton is reliant on his daughter for much of the good work that takes place within his parish of St Mary's in the Rotherhithe district of London, and initially there’s a sense that Charlotte is rather overshadowed and content to support her father and stay in the background. She has a sort of ambiguous romantic connection with a certain Captain Nicholas Paget, who is a bit of damp squib in the romance stakes, and who doesn’t set Charlotte’s heart racing as much as the handsome Josiah Martyn, a young man who is working as an engineer building the ambitious new tunnel under the River Thames. Charlotte’s growing involvement with Josiah causes a great deal of speculation within the parish.

What then follows is a beautifully written historical saga which looks at all the social complexities which beset young women during this time. The author brings the story alive with her descriptions of Charlotte’s life, especially the restrictions placed on women whose only security came from securing a husband. The story flows well and kept my interest throughout and the many twists and turns in the plot add an interesting dimension to Charlotte's burgeoning friendship with Josiah Martyn. There’s a nice array of characters, some were far more likeable than others, but it was interesting to see how they all fitted into the wider detail of the story. I have to admit to knowing absolutely nothing about the Thames tunnel, so it has been fascinating to learn more about this event, and of the real life people who were involved with its construction.

This type of romantic historical fiction is something of a departure for this author whose previous novels have been set in a later time period, so its been interesting to see how she brings the London she knows so well alive in an altogether earlier historical setting.

The Rector's Daughter is a well researched and beautifully authentic historical saga by an author who really knows how to bring history alive in the imagination

A captivating, emotional and stirring historical saga written with bold, colourful and vivid strokes, Jean Fullerton’s The Rector’s Daughter is an enthralling and engrossing full-bodied tale that is a must-read for fans of the genre.

Charlotte Hatton has spent most of her life being a good girl and doing everything that was expected of her. She never rebelled, she never put a foot wrong and she never did anything that might cause offence or displeasure. Her future has already been set and the path she is expected to follow is one that is already laid out and non-negotiable. She has an understanding with Captain Nicolas Paget, a gentleman her father wholeheartedly approves of, whom he wants her to wed. It does not even cross Charlotte’s mind to object to her father’s plans, however, her subservience all changes after a chance encounter with a man who rocks the foundations of her entire existence and who turns her whole world upside down, Cornish man Josiah Martyn…

Josiah is a man of great ambition and energy who has pulled himself up from his bootstraps and worked his fingers to the bone to become an engineer who had come to London to build the first tunnel under the Thames. Josiah refuses to rest on his laurels and has great plans for the future; plans which he hopes will take him straight to the top and enable him to shake off the restrictive shackles of his birth and rise above his humble beginnings. Josiah hopes to be able to be part of the great and the good in society and he puts all of his blood, sweat and tears into his job. He cannot afford any distractions nor can he allow himself to take his eye off the ball and settle for something less than he intended, but will a chance meeting with rector’s daughter Charlotte Hatton allow him to see that there is more to life than work and ambition?

As Charlotte and Josiah begin to get closer to one another, a friendship is struck that leads to something far deeper than either one of them ever imagined. However, this bond between them is not to everybody’s liking as old friends quickly become enemies, leaving Charlotte and Josiah to wonder whether a future for the two of them is possible…or whether theirs is a love that simply cannot be.

The Rector’s Daughter is a slight change of pace from best-selling author Jean Fullerton’s East End sagas about the Brogan family, but fans new and old are going to enjoy this dramatic tale of forbidden attraction, illicit desire, class conflict and dangerous secrets that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

As always, Jean Fullerton writes with such flair and style that readers cannot help but find themselves caught up in her story and will be unable to put the book down. Her gift for characterization is spot on and readers are sure to find themselves falling in love with Charlotte, Josiah and the colourful cast of characters that people this outstanding saga.

A first class saga from an exceptional talent, The Rector’s Daughter is storytelling at its dazzling best.

This is a sweet, heartwarming, romantic historical saga and I’m sure fans of this genre will already be familiar with the author as she is a prolific and well-loved saga writer.
The rectors daughter of the title is Charlotte, only daughter of reverend Percival Hatton a very dislikeable character who’s nasty nature puts you firmly on Charlottes side from the start.
Set in Rotherhithe, London in the early 19th century when the ground breaking Rotherhithe tunnel under the River Thames was being constructed. Anyone familiar with the area will recognise well known landmarks and enjoy reading how it differed in the past from today.
There is thwarted love and plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading.
It’s a nice easy to follow story with a loveable handsome hero from a lower class than it is respectable for a well-bred young woman to fall in love with, so of course she does fall head over heels. Her snobbish father magicks up an unlikely and unlovable suitor for his daughter and banishes her to be wed post haste.
The plot is a little predictable but the story won’t fail to enchant readers of romantic sagas with lots of historical detail about the locations, well drawn and believable characters and a hero to rival Ross Poldark in your affections.

This is a fascinating historical setting, the building of the first tunnel under the Thames, and brilliantly researched by the author. The social mores of the time are well documented and the reader cannot but help empathise with Charlotte who is desperate to break away from the path that her fate has decided for her. This isn't a book to rush through, rather take your time and savour the development of events and the interrelationships of the characters.