In the early 1800s,
the town of Amberdale is torn by strife between the weavers and the
mill owners. Kate Dearborne, ten-years-old, and her best friend
Frederica Pennington, come apart. Frederica’s father, a mill owner,
tells Frederica that she can no longer be friends with a weaver’s
daughter and besides, she’s slated to marry Henry Stockton,
grandson of Stockton Mills owner.
The break between
the girls illustrates the strained relationships in the town. Both
sides are angry, and it inevitably leads to violence. Henry’s
grandfather is murdered. Now Henry, newly returned from the
Peninsular army, must discover who killed the man. In the process he
comes to respect Kate’s opinions, but who will he choose to marry?
The author does a
good job presenting a community in transition. The weavers and other
skilled workers tied to the production of fine woolens see their
livelihood disappearing as their skills are no longer needed in the
automated factories. The story is about people learning to accept
each other and beginning to work together.
Kate and Henry are
strong characters. Both want to do the right thing and must come to
realize that there is truth on both sides of the dispute between the
families. The plot is intricate with plenty of twists, and the
historical background is accurate.
I recommend the book
if you enjoy a well written historical romance.
I received this book
from Net Galley for this review.
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