This was my first book by Jennie Felton and also the first book I've read in the Fairley Terrace saga series. I loved this book and will definately check out more books by Jenny. I loved her writing style and the way the characters leapt to life on the page.

This book follows Annie after the mining tragedy where she lost her husband. After marrying to provide security for her children- their life takes a different path. Lucy does not like Algernon- her mother's new husband and when she sees a way to escape from his house she seeks refuge with her aunt.

We see her dip her toes into the Music Hall life and the seedier characters around the theatre life. I loved this side to the story. Trying on the costumes and rehearsals.

There is plenty of heartbreak in this book- but lots of wonderful characters to fall in love with. You really care what happens to them all.

With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read this one.

This book is fantastic. It is the second in 'The Families of Fairley Terrace' series. I had not read the first and don't think it is necessary to do so. The story is set in the early 1900's. After the death of her miner husband, widow Annie, who has two daughters Lucy and Kitty, is left destitute. She marries widower Algernon who has a stepson, Joe, the same age as her girls. Over the years Joe and Lucy fall in love. Kitty is housebound due to chronic illness. Annie finds Algernon to be a violent, cruel, unforgiving and sadistic husband. The book continues to be a great page turner and I thoroughly recommend it.

This book was brilliant. Highly recomend it.