The Rector's Daughter: A stunning saga with a sweeping sense of place for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin

by Jean Fullerton

[Lynn]

I've always been a reader who prefers choosing a book by reading the blurb rather than seduced by a cover. The Rector's Daughter is a perfect example of this and far exceeded my expectations as well as introducing me to a new author whose work I will seek out more. 

Charlotte lives with her Father, Reverend Percival Hatton at St. Mary's Church in Rotherhithe, London. It's her job to assist her father in the way the wife of a clergyman would assist her husband in his work within the parish because her mother died. When work begins on a tunnel to go under the river Thames, in Rotherhyde, she meets Josiah Martyn, an engineer on the project. Even though she's expected to marry Captain Paget, she and Josiah are determined to be together. The result is an understanding they will find a way to be together. The beginning of a journey fraught with familial dislike. 

The history and research for this novel are outstanding. I always love learning about real-life events and understanding the social impact on these feats. It adds a fulfilling depth to the narrative for the reader to become enveloped in. As someone who reads mostly romance, I was invested in Charlotte and Josiah's relationship and appreciated the forbidden love aspect of their journey to a happy ending. 

It's saga full of action, drama and facts. Aided with plenty of colourful characters adding insight and villainy along the way. The author wraps this all together beautifully creating a wonderful novel for readers who love history and romance. 

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***