What a welcome return to Ironbridge, if a bit sad!
Following Alfie & Jo Woodvine as they navigate married life with new addition Harry. Jo is missing the social interaction of other adults, loving her wee family as she does, is it enough? Mother-in-law Maria, thankfully notices the signs and decides to take Jo to a meeting, thus begins Jo’s journey into the suffragette movement where she becomes a dedicated member..
It’s all about finding your strengths. Equally so for Alfie who has his gardens which he’s happy with, until war breaks out, then he needs more. Will this change their paths in life?

I loved this book and recommend it. My favourite character was Jo who had plenty backbone, least favourite was war itself for the destruction caused. Thought Charlie special for his wisdom. Loved the Easter-eggs.

Jo and Alfie Woodvine were best friends from when she started at the same school as him. Over the years, their friendship and love for each other grew, and they married. When baby Harry came along, Jo became distant, she struggled with life in general, then her mother-in-law took her to a meeting that changed everything. It’s 1914 in Ironbridge, and Jo has attended a meeting of the Sufragettes. Back home, Jo is a changed woman, she has a passion for something, no longer feels so lonely, fire is burning in her for the rights of women.

As quick as it started, things change … World War One is taking all the men away, and Alfie also joins up. The Sufragettes have to pause whilst war is ongoing. Feeling alone and anxious again, Jo gets involved with helping evacuees who come to England needing help. Her life takes on purpose again, she keeps busy, and we follow her life through these difficult and troubling times.

Mollie Walton is a superb writer, I’ve loved all of the Ironbridge stories, she takes you on a journey with the characters in the books. You come to know these characters well and feel their pain, their joy, their love.

Jo’s character took a piece of my heart, from her childhood to adulthood, she saw things she shouldn’t have, she was an angry but loving woman. I loved the relationship she had with Alfie, and also her in-laws.

The research shines off the pages, so much detail and information regarding Sufragettes, as well as life in the trenches and the devastation caused by World War One.

I also enjoyed the cameo appearances and Easter eggs in the story.

A stunning and heartwarming read that I found to be emotional at times too.

WW1 heartwarming saga.
Book 5 from this unique story teller.
Ironbridge Stropshire1911
Jo and Alfie Woodvine with Jo fast becoming involved with the suffragette group.
1914 see's the news of the breakout of war, we see Jo helping others at the refugee office in Ironbridge.
This book is full of courage and beauty, compelling right through.
With the suffrage of women warriors to give us the same rights as men.
I could not put it down reading on chapter after chapter.
It truly is a wondering story.