I felt like this was a bit hard to read. I enjoyed the story, though it was a little predictable. I found the main character to be a little bit weaker than my liking.

My goodness what a journey for Jane. I thought for a short time it would be a bit cliched with the missing letter trope but the author negotiated past that to create an interesting and engaging tale.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Imagine being banished to the countryside to hide an indiscretion that would set the tongues of the ton wagging. Imagine that you aren't the person who was indescrete but that you must pay the price to keep the family afloat financially. To keep the family's name from being tarnished. After years of banishment and loving the child who was the result of the other woman's wanton ways.

Now the world as Jane knows it is at risk of being torn apart but as fate would have it she meets Guy who has been searching for an apple that is on the brink of extinction and has all this time been growing, thriving right in Jane's back yard.

These two are a very unlikely pair but sometimes opposites attract and the heart wants what it wants.

This was such a great tale to get taken away in. To live the lives where status meant more than love and connections are what they strive for.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

When Jane Saville's sister Charlotte falls pregnant to her rich fiance, their mother hatches a plan to protect Charlotte's reputation. It's the early 1900s and society has no place for a woman pregnant outside of marriage. Jane is to take Charlotte far from home to have the baby and she is to claim the baby as her own so that Charlotte can return to society. After all, Jane has no real prospects for marriage. Despite her anger towards her family, Jane raises Harry as her own and is banished to a reclusive life by many as a fallen woman. When Charlotte's husband dies a few years later, she returns to claim her son in the hope that her husband's family will provide for her in the lifestyle she has become accustomed to.

Jane and Harry have built a happy life together and she is the only mother he has ever known, housekeeping for a lovely elderly man named William who has become like a father to Jane and a grandfather to Harry. Jane has even met a wonderful man named Guy who has promised her a future together. However, he now seems to have disappeared without word and Jane doesn't know what to do as she has no legal rights to Harry if Charlotte can provide she gave birth to him. With no one to help her, Jane is frightened that she may lose her son forever.

Set in London and Salisbury, this historical fiction takes you to these beautiful places with her enchanting descriptions and makes you feel as though you're right there. It's obvious that she has been there and the details of the settings seem very well researched. Jane is a wonderful, resilient heroine who falls into a difficult life through no fault if her own. You can't help but hope for the best for her and want her to get everything she deserves and more. There are also some terrible characters you hope get what they deserve. A wonderful story written by Australian author Fiona McIntosh about the trials and betrayals within a family and the journey for love and acceptance. A wonderful story for lovers of historical fiction that is easy to read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Although I am an avid reader it is a very long time since I read a historical novel and I must admit that I really enjoyed this one.
It is a bit difficult writing a review for this story without giving the complex plot away.
Jane Saville is the youngest of two daughters born into a titled family, a titled family with no money. To elevate the family fortune and save it from shame, Jane is shipped away to Salisbury to live as an outcast. Jane and young Harry are taken in by kindly William Angus, William was elderly and in need of a housekeeper and gentle, modest, Jane fit the bill perfectly. William was like a father to her and like a grandfather to young Harry, his town house was in a beautiful spot in Salisbury, nestling in the shadow of the cathedral, Jane was happy keeping house and painting her flowers and Harry's beautiful voice could be heard in the cathedral choir.
Eligible bachelor, Guy Attwood came from a wealthy family and he was in the sights of all the society mothers and their daughters, Guy knew that he would need to marry soon to carry on the family name and take over the family business but Guy wanted a marriage with love, just like his parents.
Guy's passion was pursuing rare apples that were nearly extinct for Kew Gardens to nurture, one particular apple that he was seeking he had traced to Salisbury, he desperately wanted to find it and present it to his friend George V on his coronation........it was whilst in Salisbury that Guy met and fell in love with Jane, what could a wealthy, eligible man see in a plain, fallen woman like Jane? Both of them had secrets, some more life shattering than others, this story follows Jane and Guy as they set off on their bumpy journey, the hurdles they have to climb, the lies, deceit and gossip they had to overcome to reach their HEA.
The author has obviously researched this period, there is a timeline running through of people and events of the day that was very informative. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

I'll admit I was a bit apprehensive at the title, but reading the summary and then diving into the book, I found myself captivated by Jane's story. Moved me to laughter and tears many times over, I thoroughly enjoyed the layering of The Fallen Woman. Jane's sweetness and dedication has a distinct foil in her sister Charolette who only seems to be able to think of herself.

Guy. What to do about him? Misunderstood, purposeful, kind, determined, vulnerable, quirky, lovable for who he is, not just his title. I really liked Guy and would like to meet someone like him who has the power to enact real change without flaunting that power over others.

One of the standouts for me is the joy in simple things: art, family, friendship, relationship, nature, a quiet refuge from the chaos of life. All are found in The Fallen Woman along with the trials that life brings.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

The Fallen Woman presents a unique historical setting and an intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it wasn't for me. Jane Saville’s struggle against societal expectations and her connection with Guy Attwood over rare apples held promise, but the pacing felt slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters. While the themes of personal growth and defying society’s rules are strong, the romance didn’t resonate as much as I hoped. The plot felt predictable, and the resolution too convenient. For fans of quiet, character-driven stories, this might work, but it just didn’t grab me.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this book, which is set in the countryside.

Jane who is an artist, has been cast out of her family so that no bad aspersions are caste on the familles name.

Guy is next in line to being in a very good position and have a lot of money, but, he wants to lead his life in a different way.

They are yet to meet, but what will happen when they do? How will Jane cope with people who will say that they both shouldn’t unite.

I highly recommend this book.

I wasn’t sure I liked this book at first, but a couple of chapters in I found myself charmed by Harry, Jane and Guy. The dialogue in this book sparkles, with some tender and some funny moments.
I liked that Jane made for a strong and feisty heroine, and the romance in the story was satisfying. In one or two places I did feel her thinking was perhaps just a tad too modern, and Charlotte was almost too wicked, but overall it was a very enjoyable, well written and well paced read.

A heartbreaking story of love and friendship. The characters are believable and well written. Fiona McIntosh is a great author.

i really really enjoyed this book. it was a everything i like. great characters. both good and bad guys in this book were still fantastic to read. they were all described and detailed to perfection to make you feel a certain way throughout. the sister and mother were awful by the way!
it also had the romance bit we all need. or basically the bits full of love and tenderness. the human connection was all there.
The title of the book was so good considering the whole plot and encompasses so many things or thoughts throughout.
the book takes place in the 1900s when of course we have to give some time for the differences in life, beliefs and order of things. we have Jane and Charlotte are two sisters who live with thier mother. they are all about where they sit in society except the mother and sister go far far far to far into this no matter the cost. and i think the society part gives an excuse for rather horrid people to be honest. and its clear that there is a favoured sister her.
but of course charlotte the perfect one. the one betrothed to the wealthy man and life becomes pregnant. oh how the mighty might fall, eh? but of course they dont. because instead the shame and stance is put on poor Jane. she is forced to go away with her sister then take on the role of the "fallen woman" and pretend the child is her own. what a thing to make her do. but it does give the boy to the lovely sister soooo. and she takes him on and lovingly does so. i didnt ever think this was going to be a simple road for a mother and son though. and it was not.
during the time living in the city Jane has to live in such hardship its terrible. one day out in the park with Harry she meet Guy. she knows nothing of his wealth and they make a genuine friendship. Guy has his own demons. what he wants to do in life is very different to whats his wealth and father want him to do. him and Jane quickly become more than friends and their bond is very sweet. it felt genuine.
one day he has to go home. and although he sends word to Jane she never receives it and once again her life feel broken apart.
then to top it all guess who comes back? but why?

a brilliant book. i could've read this book all day.

This is the first novel I have read by Fiona McIntosh. It was a sweet novel - quite predictable - but sometimes it is nice to not have surprises. I was not enamored with Jane in the beginning but as she grew, she turned into a character I could admire and respect. Her mother and sister are just horrendous. Guy I could take or leave! He was a bit whingy at times and his name dropping was epic. There are parts of this story that soar and others that sag - I did, however, enjoy Guy's hunt for the rare apple that brought him to Jane.

The Fallen Woman
By: Fiona McIntosh

5 Stars

Jane is horrified when her sister and mother hatch a plan that will forever change her and her future. Charlotte, her sister, becomes pregnant and expects Jane to move and care for the child so that her name is left unscathed. Her life changes dramatically from the time the boy is set in her hands. Later, when Charlotte starts to stir up trouble, a serendipitous encounter will once again change Jane's life, this time for the better.

This story was written so well. It was full of history, romance, drama, love, pain, and forgiveness. It was beautifully done. It was descriptive and easy to get wrapped up in. The characters were descriptive and so easy to captivate the reader. Jane and little Harry especially. This was a story that was well thought out with a storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting more. I know it did me.

I absolutely loved this story. This author has been an amazing find for me. I can't wait to read her next book.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

The Fallen Woman by Fiona MCIntosh was such a good story! It takes place in England during the early 1900's. Jane and Charlotte Saville are two sisters that live with their widowed mother. Their mother is all about money and status. Jane was very close to her father, but Charlotte is just like her mother and is therefore the favored sister.

Charlotte is slated to become betrothed to a wealthy bachelor. Charlotte discovers that she is with child and goes to her mother distraught over the situation. Charlotte and her mother know that this prestigious family will not bring shame upon their family so they devise a plan. So to protect the family name, Charlotte and Jane are sent away to live with an aunt while she is with child. Jane will be forced and recognized as the mother of this child so that Charlotte's reputation will not be tarnished and can continue the path to become wed into the wealthy family. Jane, of course, objects to the lie but she eventually concedes to go with Charlotte. Jane believes that once Charlotte sees her own baby, she will change her mind. Jane immediately falls in love with the baby once she holds him.

Fast forward 6 years later and Charlotte is now married into the arrogant and wealthy family. Jane continues to live in the city where the baby, Harry, was born. She raises him as her own and she is known around town as the fallen woman. She lives in poverty as a housekeeper. Jane has a gift of botanical artistry and paints pictures of botany. During this time, Charlotte never once reached out to inquire about her child. She didn't even know his name. Jane meets Guy Atwood by happenstance one day while her and Harry are at the park. Guy is an heir to a very wealthy estate. As a hobby he searches out rare apples. He is genuine and doesn't even mention his wealth to Jane. They fast become friends and they both develop feelings of more than friendship. She has hope that maybe love and marriage is in her future. Guy is suddenly called back to his home over the death of his father. He sends a message to Jane, but she never receives the message and believes that her hope of love is shattered. Meanwhile, Charlotte shows up and is suddenly interested in her son. What does Charlotte want? Does Guy ever return? Will Harry find out that Jane is not really his mother? Where is Charlotte and Jane's mother?

This is a story of love, jealously, forgiveness, secrets, lies, duty, and redemption. I recommend this book to read.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

The Fallen Woman was a book about sacrifice, shame, unconditional love, and so much more. Jane sacrificed her life for her mother and sisters scheme. Known as "The Fallen Woman", she raises little Harry to the best of her ability and enjoys working for William, an elderly father like figure. Years into this sacrifice she meets Guy who seems like a dream come true but upon his entrance into her life, other circumstances start to change for her family and her new found relationship with Guy may be in jeopardy.

This was a rough journey for Jane from exile to self-discovery but had a nice HEA ending. Fans of Historical Fiction will enjoy this journey into the past.
4.50 stars

The Fallen Woman tells the story of Jane Seville, a young woman forced into scandal by arrogant family members to protect the family name and seek higher status. Jane lives her days with her son and friend painting. One day, Guy Attwood, a wealthy and eligible bachelor, is brought into their lives, and soon Jane must take control of the future she wants.

Along the way, there is a lot of talk and history about apples—like, a lot! If I didn't know better, I would think the apple industry was paying the author. But that aside, and Guy's casual name-dropping, it was impossible not to root for Guy and Jane and cheer the downfall of her family members.

This book by Fiona Macintosh is a gentle read. It is a tale of greed and betrayal on one hand and love and trust on the other. A very interesting story about an apple tree running in the background and of course love and romance win out. This is one of those books which is hard to put down once started and is very enjoyable.

Another great story by Fiona McIntosh. She is an amazing researcher and the best thing is that it will suck you into the story every time again. This time we visit England in the early 1900s. The world-building is great and its like you walking the streets yourself. We have the very unlikeable characters and then we are having the likable main characters. I did like the story, but I am a sucker for historical fiction. I do think that the stories are getting predictable and a bit the same. Now…I don’t mind it as for my character and world building are more important, but I can understand that not everyone would be a fan. If you love the same things you will definitely like the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this copy.

The Fallen Woman by Fiona McIntosh

In the shadows of Edwardian society, talented botanical artist Jane Saville faces an impossible choice when her ruthless mother exiles her to the English countryside to protect another's reputation. Forced to live in poverty and secrecy to shield her family from scandal, Jane's world seems destined for darkness until she meets Guy Attwood.
An enjoyable,romantic read , and even though set in my least favourite era , the author wrote a decent plot that fitted it perfectly , not the usual prissy characters that for the time. I liked that Jane knew what she wanted from life ,

A well written novel. Romance is the main theme with its secrets, lies and intrigues. Unfortunately (for me), the storyline, the plot as well as the conclusion are predictable. Overall, a nice and easy story which warms the heart.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.