AnneMarie Brear’s The Soldier’s Daughter is a sweeping Victorian saga in the tradition of Dilly Court and Audrey Howard.

Yorkshire, 1860 and Evie Davenport has left India behind to start a new life with her widowed father in England. However, this fresh start is fraught with difficulty for Evie who is struggling to adjust to her new home, its people, the unforgivingly cold weather and the strictures which society has imposed upon her. Evie longs to return to her old life and she wonders whether she will ever fit in in Yorkshire, however, she finds comforts in her friendship with Sophie Bellingham, the daughter of a wealthy rail magnate. Evie starts to slowly put down roots, but the arrival from America of local mill owner, Alexander Lucas threatens to upend her whole world all over again…

Alexander has come back to England to settle down and marry a suitable bride with whom he can build a life. Sophie Bellingham seems to be the perfect candidate for the vacant position as wife. She is biddable, well connected and knows all the right people who will enable him to continue to grow his business. However, the second he meets fiery Evie Davenport, Alexander finds himself completely mesmerized by her. Could Evie be the woman he has been searching for for so long? Or should he stop listening to his heart and make the sensible choice and marry Sophie?

Alexander and Evie both know that to give into their feelings for one another would lead to a shocking scandal that could have dangerous repercussions for both of them, but will choosing duty over their heart’s desire end up costing them dearly? Can they find a way to be together? Or is their love simply not meant to be?

AnneMarie Brear’s The Soldier’s Daughter is saga writing at its finest. An evocative and enthralling tale of devastating secrets, impossible choices and forbidden love, The Soldier’s Daughter is the story of a rebellious, intelligent and inspirational heroine who remains steadfast and true to herself regardless of the many obstacles standing in her way.

Victorian Yorkshire is skillfully brought to life and AnneMarie Brear exquisitely recreates the era she is writing about and effortlessly transports her readers to the 19th century.

Heart-breaking, emotional and engrossing, The Soldier’s Daughter is the latest spellbinding saga by AnneMarie Brear.

I enjoyed this book which has romance and sadness in it.

Evie and her Father move from India to a house in Yorkshire where she meets Sophie and becomes friends with her. Evie is not what you expect she is feisty and opinionated and seems to say what she thinks. Sophie is in love with Alexander but it seems as though Evie likes him too, so she decides that she will never marry as she would like to see Sophie happy with Alexander.

It was an interesting read and liked the characters.

I didn't love this one and I didn't hate it. To me it was just kind of meh. I made it almost to the end before I pretty much had to stop reading it.

An utterly enchanting and emotional novel about love and romance.The author manages to infuse a thoroughly evocative atmosphere into a page-turner plot The overall feeling from reading this book is like being enveloped in a warm hug from that special someone in your life.
Any fan of historical fiction, or of a ripping good read will be beguiled by this book. Exquisite writing.

I was enraptured with this one from the start. Evie is such a magnificent character, you can't help but be instantly pulled into her world. Whether she is recollecting her time in India, her journey to England, the loss of her family, the friendship she made, or those she wish she hadn't, she is vibrant, and unapologetically herself. In a time when being seen and not heard was the norm, she refused. She wasn't raised that way, and would bow down to no one, yet she had a heart of gold beneath the bravado. She would sacrifice her own happiness in a heartbeat, if it would save a friend from the same loss. She would move mountains on her own, if it would relieve stress from those she loved. She would step into the path of danger, if it meant helping someone who truly needed help. All these things and more, she DOES...and sadly, she pays for some of them in heartache, after heartache, but she never truly gives up. Even when all seems lost, even when the most selfish act was carried out and the blame was placed on her, she may have been struck down, but those who knew her, TRULY knew her...knew better than to count her out.

Though Evie is our primary gal, there are others that come in and out of frame to be noted as well. From Ms. Myers whom I wanted to strangle for her lack of ability to keep her opinions to herself to Hal Humphrey who didn't deserve the end he eventually sees for he deserved FAR worse...Sophie her dearest friend up until the end, something that made my heart ache for them both, to Alexander whom I honestly couldn't have loved more, even if he didn't quite understand the true depth of a woman's feelings and/or obsession...let us not forget her household staff, charming people if ever there was, and her dear old father, who managed to bring me to tears...these souls and more are waiting RIGHT THERE between the pages for you to explore, get to know, and eventually call friend or foe.

A high recommendation to Historical Fiction and Historical Romance fans...you won't be sorry!

Thank you #boldwoodbooks, #rachelsrandomresources and #netgalley for letting me read this ARC.
Wow, what an addictive book. Annemarie has done a fabulous job with this well written and well put together story. Set in the 1860s in West Yorkshire. We meet Evie Davenport who was born and raised in India, her father Mr Davenport was a Major in the British Army serving over there. When he retired, he decided to return back to England with his family, sadly we lose Evie's mother and her grandmother before they arrive back in the UK.

Evie and her father settle in Yorkshire with their horses Star and Jupiter and a small group of hired help.
Mrs Myer a friend of her father who is widowed herself is a pain in Evie's side.

She almost instantly becomes best friends with Sophie Bellingham who is a few years her junior.
Join this magical and beautiful story portrayed with the formalities of the time and be taken back in time and swoon over the gorgeous Alexander and other gentlemen of the time.

Having loved AnneMarie’s previous book, ‘The Tobacconist’s Wife’, I was really keen to read this latest offering.

The author writes historical fiction with seemingly effortless ease, depicting strong, independent female characters while capturing the essence of the time in equal measure.

‘The Soldier’s Daughter’ certainly follows the same narrative and had me hooked from the outset. I loved the character of Evie and her determination to speak her mind freely even though it sometimes lands her in hot water!

The fierce bond she shares with her beloved papa is heartwarming and adds an extra poignancy to events later in the novel.

The crux of the story centres around the simmering affection between Evie and Alexander and the obstacles placed in their way on the path to true love and happiness. The reader cannot help but root for them to have their happy ending, especially after the sadness that occurs along the way.

I devoured this book in a day and would highly recommend it to any fans of beautifully written historical fiction!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

The Soldier's Daughter is detailed story that hooks the reader in from the first page.

Brear has created a interesting plot by using vivid imagery and research into the society of the Victorian era. The reader can see how the women of the ton are governed by marriage. Slavery on plantations is mentioned, with differing opinions in America. The working of mills, mines and upper middle class rules and customs are also mentioned. The writing style was easy to follow with a good mixture of description and dialogue. There was a lot of things that reminded me of Catherine Cookson. I found that some parts did end up being a little repetitive....

The character development of The Soldier's Daughter is ok. The characters are relatable and realistic with different personalities. It was very easy to form a love/hate relationship with different characters. I personally would have liked to hear a little more from Alexander and for there to have be more interactions between him and Evie...

At 23 Evie is a strong willed, independent and unique person, who is not afraid to speak her mind, this often lands herself in trouble... Her father is a wealthy decorated major, who has retired from the British Army after the Indian Rebellion. Evie was in born and raised in India, and has only spent to winters in England. She has lost her beloved mama and grandmama, within the same week, and has formed more of a bond with her father, as they are both stricken with grief. Evie's friendships with Sophie Bellingham is a positive thing to see....

Alexander is the owner of a successful cotton mill. For the past 2 years he has been in America to learn more about the cotton industry and make business contacts. Alexander is in need of a family of his own. Everyone around him expects him to marry Sophie, but unable to stop thinking about Evie....

The chemistry between Evie and Alexander is slow built. There is an attraction from start. I personally felt that the realationship between Evie and Alexander is rushed as there are not many scenes with the pair together and when they are together their interaction is little and ends with Alexander been told be Evie to leave her alone...

I would recommend reading The Soldier's Daughter to people who enjoy historical fiction, as it is a emotive character driven story that is filled with grief, love and drama.

My main thought about this book is the wonderful Evie! I love her feisty but warm character, she's not afraid to speak her mind which is very unusual for the time. I really enjoy historical fiction, especially when it's so well researched and authentic like this. A heartbreaking, sad tale of loss and love mixed with warmth and joy.
A lovely, heartfelt read.

This book is by a new to me author and it is a story I really enjoyed. The characters are developed and written well and I enjoyed the setting and pacing of this one, which made me want to keep reading.

I think alot of readers will find enjoyment from this story.

The Soldier’s Daughter is a magnificent historical novel complete with a love triangle, tragedy, love lost, love found and the fierce soldier’s daughter Evie leading it all. The Soldier’s Daughter is a story of 2 friends - Evie a strong character, sometimes outspoken, but also kind to those in need and Sophie who is clearly a spoilt daughter.

Evie doesn't fit into Victorian society; having spent her formative years in India, she rallies against Victorian England's expectations of young women. Not wishing to marry but to travel. The story reflects the spectrum of Victorian society and its inequalities. Evie is an independent but kind woman who makes the reader invest in her. This emotional and poignant story explores the themes of love and obsession.

Cleverly written with a plot that twists and turns, taking the reader in directions they don’t expect.

AnnMarie Brear has the most wonderful well rounded characters that you either love or hate.

I like the believable historical setting and the vibrant characters. All in all an unputdownable read and I highly recommend.

Evie Davenport doesn’t fit into society, having been raised in India, she has different values to women from the British society where she is seen as eccentric.
I enjoyed this novel, it has a good storyline peppered with grief and with mostly likeable characters.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books

This is my first read from this author and it was such a pleasant surprise!

I don't think I really quite knew what I was getting with this book but it was just incredibly well-written and enthralling. The characters were entertaining to read about, especially the main character, Evie. Evie is bright, sweet, and ahead of her time as she's more interested in conversing about matters of politics and business than things that women of her time would have discussed. At this point, in 1860, Evie stands out amongst the rest. 

Which is probably why she attracted the attention of the wrong boy. 

This story had romance, intrigue, a horrible villain, and some incredible sadness along the way. All led to an ending that was well worth all the wait.

I only heard of AnneMarie Brear for the first time early this year, when I read and reviewed her wonderful novel The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl, so I was looking forward to reading more of her work.
The Soldier’s Daughter begins in January 1860 in the West Yorkshire village of Lylston. Evie Davenport is 23 and lives in High Lylston House with her father Major Davenport (60) and a small staff comprising of the cook Mrs. Humphry, the housemaid Fanny, the kitchen maid Lizzie, Mr. Bronson to drive the carriage and his son Colin, (18) who did odd jobs.
After being born and brought up in India, this was the second English winter she was dealing with. Near the start of the story, we are introduced to Evie’s best friend Sophie Bellingham who lives in Bellingham Hall. While Evie plans never to get married, Sophie wishes to marry Alexander Lucas. But when Evie meets Alexander, she understands the attraction…
I got into the story straight away, being interested in Evie and her life. She is a great character and one you side with straight away. I loved how she talks about political and topical issues, at a time when many women were not encouraged to express an opinion. She is a bit of a shock to the villagers, even daring to ride astride a horse, not side saddle! I loved the servants and I liked the Bellingham family too and the setting of the village and its inhabitants. Well, most of them. Mrs Myer is a nightmare!
The novel covers many different topics, including wealth, status and all it entails, including the slave trade in America at the time. It also conveys the era in a way which feels very evocative.
It is a beautiful novel, really well-written with charming characters and a story that you will be interested to follow.
Highly recommended.

This is the story of Evie and her father who is a Major, they have left India and now reside in England. I loved Evie as she is eccentric and opinionated but cares deeply for those she loves. I became engrossed in Evie an Alexanders love affair. This is a book of love, family and loss. I enjoyed reading as it is a heartbreaking but joyful storyline. If you are after a easy but heartwarming read then I can highly recommend this.
Thankyou netgalley and boldwood books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Evie Davenport is a fiesty independent young woman. but is the society of 1860 Yorkshire ready for her. Along with her father they have returned from India, she lost her mother and grandmother on the long arduous journey back..Although she loves her father dearly she isn't prepared for the sorrow and loneliness, When she meets a rich but meek neighbouring girl around her age she is so pleased and they soon become good friends. This is the start of an endearing story of unrequited love and a passion that leaves one of the girls with an unbearable dilemma I loved everything about this book, the characters jumped out of the pages, I especially hated the rich man hunting widow but she was a great addition. I know the area well and I could imagine Ilkley in that era as well as the surrounding countryside

Evie doesn't fit into Victorian society; having spent her formative years in India, she rails against Victorian England's expectations of young women. Not wishing to marry but to travel, she is surprised by her feelings for Alexander when he arrives in town. The story reflects the spectrum of Victorian society and its inequalities. Evie is an independent but kind woman who makes the reader invest in her. This emotional and poignant story explores the themes of love and obsession. The romance is well written.

I like the believable historical setting and the vibrant characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I did like the characters of Evie and Alexander. Having been raised in India, she hadn’t been subjected to the strict rules for women in England. As such she was viewed as an eccentric, she rode astride and had no problem in stating her views on a number of subjects. Evie did have a caring side, often to her own detriment. I was glad that Alexander was his own man and wouldn’t be pushed into doing what other’s wanted. I enjoyed this story, there are some sad moments and dangerous events but it does have a happy ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Raised in India, Evie Davenport has grown into an independent young woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. Returning to Yorkshire with her army major father, she is faced with a completely different culture. Major Davenport, a widower, has already attracted the attention of Mrs Myer, an attractive but rather bossy local widow who delights in putting Evie in her place. Evie has formed a close friendship with Sophie Bellingham, daughter of a local railway baron. But that friendship is due to be tested with the arrival of the handsome Alexander Lucas, son of a local mill owner. Alexander, returning from time in America, has opened his own mill. He is the man Sophie is determined to marry, but fate has other ideas.

I loved this story. Evie is a strong character, sometimes outspoken, but she is also kind to those in need. Sophie is clearly the spoilt daughter whose mother has not done her any favours by encouraging her in her pursuit of Alexander Lucas. As soon as he returns to Yorkshire, it's clear what is going to happen. Poor Alexander finds himself caught in the middle of an impossible situation. It's a sad story in places, one of love, loss and obsession. At times I could not see how a happy ending could ever be achieved. Cleverly written with a plot that twists and turns, taking the reader in directions they don’t expect. All in all an unputdownable read. I have read previous novels by AnneMarie Brear but this has to be the best. so far.

I would like to thank AnneMarie Brear, Boldwood and Netgalley for an ARC of The Soldier's Daughter in exchange for an honest review.

The Soldier’s Daughter by AnneMarie Brear is a marvellous historical novel.
The action takes place in 1860 in Bingley near Bradford. It is a time of change as the cotton mills that have profited from the slave trade really need a new way of thinking and operating.
The leading lady and her father have returned from India and bought a large house and grounds. India holds many memories for them and is the place where the mother and grandmother died. We witness the freedom for women in India contrasted to the constraints in Britain.
Evie is a free spirit. She does not let the constraints of Britain squash her upbringing in India. She has a kind heart, often preferring to endanger herself in order to help others. This does not always make her popular.
There is much grief in the novel as modern medicine has not yet been discovered, meaning that lives may well be cut short.
We witness the evils of drink. As it takes hold, a life has no moral code or values.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. There were many likable characters as well as a wicked scoundrel.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Soldier’s Daughter. I am looking forward to more from AnneMarie Brear.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.