Hearts of Gold

Hearts of Gold #1

by Catrin Collier

Trainee midwife Bethan Powell lives in the shadow of the workhouse during the Depression. It's difficult to say which is harder for her and fellow nurse Laura Ronconi—their grueling work in the hospital, or the frictions and financial hardships at home. Bethan's Communist miner father, rigidly Chapel mother, unruly brothers, and delightful but dubiously honest aunt, and Laura's vast Italian café-running family, cause the girls as much worry as any difficult case or strict ward sister. But working-class Pontypridd agrees on one thing—the "crache," or gentry, who live in the big houses on the Common, may be just the other side of town, but they inhabit a different world. So when Bethan and Laura are smitten by two young doctors, can love really bridge the divide? Or is the pull of family too strong, the gulf too wide?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Romance

Audio Cassette

First published April 21, 1994

About the author

Catrin Collier is Wales' most prolific and well-known author of historical, romantic fictions. The daughter of a Prussian refugee and Welsh father, she grew up in Pontypridd. Her first historical novel Hearts of Gold, was filmed as a mini-series by the BBC in 2003. Her crime book, By Any Name, written as Katherine John was filmed by Tanabi and released on Amazon Prime in 2017. She lives with her family on the Gower Peninsula, near Swansea. More information on Catrin Collier, Katherine John and Caro French's books can be found on her website www.catrincollier.co.uk

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - it introduced me to Collier's books and I went on read the entire series. It is easy to fall in love with and genuinely care about what happens to the characters - definitely - A Keeper, to be read over and over.

[✿ Natalie ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I once watched the BBC adaptation of this book on the TV one Christmas and really enjoyed it.

I love Catrin Collier books, and have read another series by her, Beggars and Choosers (highly recommended!).

This story is set in 1930’s Pontypridd. It follows Bethan Powell, a Nurse at the local hospital, who falls in love with the handsome Dr Andrew John.
A good cast of characters populate Bethan’s life, each with their own life issues to deal with. But at it’s heart this is a love story, fraught with the specific challenges of life in 30’s Wales.

I thought this book showed really clearly the class differences still at play in the UK during this time.
Seen through the lens of Bethan and Andrew’s daily lives, we see the economic issues at play through their work at the hospital and Workhouse, the closure of the mines, the increased educational opportunities becoming available to all people, and the particular challenges facing women.

[Johanna Cogbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this as a teenager and I have since read it lots of times, each time I love it just as much as the first, this book introduced me to the wonderful writing of Catrin Collier and I have been a huge fan of her books for over thirty years. A fantastic insight into South Wales valley life pre WW2, the atmosphere, situations and characters are so authentic, and all the rest of the books in this series are just as emotive and absorbing.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent love story between a miners daughter and a doctor.

[Hamsika Bandi]

DNF

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Liz Balaam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The story of a Welsh Coal Mining Village and its inhabitants. Bethan, the daughter of a coal miner, and a nurse, meets a Doctor from the upper classes. The book explores how the two overcome the divide of their classes. It is also an eye opener to the hardships suffered by the coal miners and families during those times - around the 1920's. Very good. I am definitely going to read the next one in the series.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a refreshing change for me.
I really loved reading a book set in the town that I live. It made me google historical pictures of Pontypridd.
I really liked the characters and really willed for them to have some good luck and fortune.
This book is a lesson that just because you have a favourite genre ......... you can definitely find a gem out side of your comfort zone.

[Sue Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it because I live in Wales and recognised so much I am familiar with. A light read that nevertheless provoked discussion in our book club about the characters and about Wales and the issues raised.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of a series in 8, set in Pontypridd in Wales and following the lives of a small mining community. This, the first book starts during the Depression and the main character is Bethan Powell a trainee nurse / midwife. Similar style to Maeve Binchy

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good old love story! Bethan, young poor welsh trainee nurse meets and falls in love with Andrew, rich dashing doctor. Both families disapprove but will their love conquer all?? What more could you want for in a book! Loved it!!

[Kathy E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book looking forward to reading rest of series.
I found that you can imagine how the characters lived in the late thirties in the valleys with the depression. The Powell family all had vert strong ties to each other.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. a cracking story of love & families from both sides of the tracks in depression hit 30's Wales

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. Would recommend it and the other books in the series.

[joan caryl jewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first-class read

I am so glad that I have discovered this writer, I have enjoyed this book so much and now am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the series !!!

[irene black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book found it hard to

Put down storyline was really interesting characters were so good .would recommend to anybody and they would really enjoy it enjoy it

[Angela Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant

This was my first read by Catrin Collier, it certainly won’t be my last. I will be reading a lot more by her. Thank you Catrin Collier

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but I just hated the love story. She so should not have gone out with the doctor and she should never have slept with him and never have gotten back together.