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Elliott Family
Liam's Story
Continuing the story of the historical novel "Louisa Elliot", this is a tale of lost innocence, family conflict and an overwhelming but impossible love.
608 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
8 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Ann Victoria Roberts
14 books39 followersAnn Victoria Roberts is the author of six historical novels, set mainly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the wife of a sea-captain, her writing life has often been interrupted by voyages with her husband and children; she even received news of her first novel’s acceptance while on the bridge of an oil tanker entering port!
Her new book, ‘Housewife Writes Bestseller’, is a memoir, a light-hearted look back at the crazy days of the 1980s.
A keen reader and researcher, Ann enjoys painting pictures with words and regards historical fiction as an enjoyable way to discover the past. Born in York, Ann now lives in Southampton UK with her Master Mariner husband.
Her new book, ‘Housewife Writes Bestseller’, is a memoir, a light-hearted look back at the crazy days of the 1980s.
A keen reader and researcher, Ann enjoys painting pictures with words and regards historical fiction as an enjoyable way to discover the past. Born in York, Ann now lives in Southampton UK with her Master Mariner husband.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 9, 2017
There is no way I can easily describe the powerful effect that this tremendous work of fiction blended skillfully with fact had on me. The writing is skilled and carries the reader forward in the quest to know more and the story line is heartbreakingly beautiful and moving, with three separate love stories weaving in and out of the book and entwining with each other. Don't be mistaken, however, in thinking that this is a lightweight romance story. The love is part of the whole panoply of a meticulously researched story of WWI, the shipping of oil during the Gulf Wars and life in England, Ireland, Australia and also Egypt.
The characters and their emotions are so real that I had to keep pausing to come to terms with their pain and confusion and when one prominent character died, I genuinely was unable to carry on reading for three days and entered a state almost of mourning.
This is a book that can be read on so many levels and by lovers of so many genres with equal enjoyment and will always pass the test of time and come out as fresh today as when it was written.
It is an absolutely wonderful book. If I could give it ten stars I would.
The characters and their emotions are so real that I had to keep pausing to come to terms with their pain and confusion and when one prominent character died, I genuinely was unable to carry on reading for three days and entered a state almost of mourning.
This is a book that can be read on so many levels and by lovers of so many genres with equal enjoyment and will always pass the test of time and come out as fresh today as when it was written.
It is an absolutely wonderful book. If I could give it ten stars I would.
September 20, 2014
Liam’s Story is a natural sequel to the romantic saga of the Elliott family as told by Ann Victoria Roberts in her previous book entitled Louisa Elliott. To quote the closing lines of the book:
Stephen knew what Liam wanted, he wanted it written down for the living to read. It shook him so much that all he could do was reach for Zoe and hold her, very close, against his heart.
‘I’ll do my best,’ he whispered as he raised his face to the light. ‘I’ll do my very best.’
Stephen (one of the leading characters) may well be fictional but if he had indeed had the opportunity to do his best he could not have told Liam’s story any better than Ann Victoria Roberts has done in this book.
Much like her earlier book this, too, is a hefty tome. Weighing in at over 500 pages it is definitely more convenient to read as an eBook. The length of the book can, however, easily be forgiven in the light of the author’s ability to bring her scenes to life with her picturesque prose.
Unlike the earlier book which unfolds Louisa’s life in chronological order from 1892 into the first years of the 20th century Liam’s Story is told through the eyes of a 21st century couple who find themselves researching their own family history. Much of the book focusses on the Elliott family shortly before and then during the First World War while the modern day couple are affected by the present conflicts of the Middle East. The chapters cleverly transport the reader between the two eras while developing the romantic alliances within the Elliott family in both centuries with highly evocative, but never erotic, language. Ann Roberts has an uncanny knack of moving the reader from one era to the other and back without apparently having set out to do so.
One does not need to have read the earlier book, Louisa Elliott, to enjoy reading Liam’s Story but it certainly helps to have done so in order to provide the reader with an historical background of the family and their romantic relationships one with the other. Perhaps one thing that would assist the reader is a family tree in order to be better able to separate the several generations over which Liam’s Story extends.
Stephen knew what Liam wanted, he wanted it written down for the living to read. It shook him so much that all he could do was reach for Zoe and hold her, very close, against his heart.
‘I’ll do my best,’ he whispered as he raised his face to the light. ‘I’ll do my very best.’
Stephen (one of the leading characters) may well be fictional but if he had indeed had the opportunity to do his best he could not have told Liam’s story any better than Ann Victoria Roberts has done in this book.
Much like her earlier book this, too, is a hefty tome. Weighing in at over 500 pages it is definitely more convenient to read as an eBook. The length of the book can, however, easily be forgiven in the light of the author’s ability to bring her scenes to life with her picturesque prose.
Unlike the earlier book which unfolds Louisa’s life in chronological order from 1892 into the first years of the 20th century Liam’s Story is told through the eyes of a 21st century couple who find themselves researching their own family history. Much of the book focusses on the Elliott family shortly before and then during the First World War while the modern day couple are affected by the present conflicts of the Middle East. The chapters cleverly transport the reader between the two eras while developing the romantic alliances within the Elliott family in both centuries with highly evocative, but never erotic, language. Ann Roberts has an uncanny knack of moving the reader from one era to the other and back without apparently having set out to do so.
One does not need to have read the earlier book, Louisa Elliott, to enjoy reading Liam’s Story but it certainly helps to have done so in order to provide the reader with an historical background of the family and their romantic relationships one with the other. Perhaps one thing that would assist the reader is a family tree in order to be better able to separate the several generations over which Liam’s Story extends.
November 15, 2014
An incredible story. I am in awe of the research that must have gone into this book. It was good that I had read "Louisa Elliot" first since this is a continuation of this family drama. I love Ann Victoria Roberts' style, - her talent to 'paint' pictures in your mind is incredible. She doesn't need to tell you what you see or where you are...it's hust there.
At times this story, based on a diary of a relative is shocking, seems impossible and one hopes or wishes for a different outcome. But, - it is what it is and at the end one is at least somehow satisfied but also sad for many reasons...for bout a week I could not start to read another book. I really had to "digest" it.
At times this story, based on a diary of a relative is shocking, seems impossible and one hopes or wishes for a different outcome. But, - it is what it is and at the end one is at least somehow satisfied but also sad for many reasons...for bout a week I could not start to read another book. I really had to "digest" it.
March 30, 2020
This sweeping historical novel kept me enthralled for a couple of weeks. That may not sound very impressive, but it's a long one (639 pages).
The characters, in WWI and the time of the Gulf War, were very rich and interesting. There are mysteries and family secrets unearthed. Love discovered, both enriching and forbidden.
There are parallels between the generations of the Elliot family then and now. When Zoe Clifford begins to follow the path to answers she meets Stephen Elliott. He is in possession of a collection of letters from the time of WWI and they join forces to find out more.
This journey is an interesting one. I recommend this for pandemic reading, it's very absorbing.
The characters, in WWI and the time of the Gulf War, were very rich and interesting. There are mysteries and family secrets unearthed. Love discovered, both enriching and forbidden.
There are parallels between the generations of the Elliot family then and now. When Zoe Clifford begins to follow the path to answers she meets Stephen Elliott. He is in possession of a collection of letters from the time of WWI and they join forces to find out more.
This journey is an interesting one. I recommend this for pandemic reading, it's very absorbing.
February 6, 2012
'Morning's Gate' is the American edition of 'Liam's Story'
June 9, 2012
This is another book that I read out of order from the other two but I did enjoy it immensely. I very much like to follow family saga through the years. This is one of my favs.
May 22, 2014
Roberts, Ann Victoria. LOUISA ELLIOT (1989 list)
MORNING'S GATE (1992 list)
Zoe Clifford and Stephen Elliot, cousins who both descend from Louisa Elliott's children, meet while doing genealogical research on Louisa. They become obsessed with finding out the truth behind the mixed emotions and relationships which they discover in a diary kept by Louisa's son Robert while a soldier in World War I. As their research progresses, Zoe and Stephen become aware that they are falling in love, and also are painfully aware of the parallels which their own lives hold with Robert's. (Stephen is captain of a tanker which is transporting oil from the Middle East in the days just before the Persian Gulf War, and Robert had fought at Gallipoli.) MORNING'S GATE is the story of their discoveries about Louisa's life, which was unconventional, especially by the standards of the Victorian age in which she lived. I had read Louisa Elliott first, so I knew the "secret" of the children's births and Louisa's marriage, which took place in England and Ireland in the 1890's. Looking back, I wish I had read the sequel first. (You won't find out the whole of Louisa's story just by reading Morning's Gate, however.)
MORNING'S GATE (1992 list)
Zoe Clifford and Stephen Elliot, cousins who both descend from Louisa Elliott's children, meet while doing genealogical research on Louisa. They become obsessed with finding out the truth behind the mixed emotions and relationships which they discover in a diary kept by Louisa's son Robert while a soldier in World War I. As their research progresses, Zoe and Stephen become aware that they are falling in love, and also are painfully aware of the parallels which their own lives hold with Robert's. (Stephen is captain of a tanker which is transporting oil from the Middle East in the days just before the Persian Gulf War, and Robert had fought at Gallipoli.) MORNING'S GATE is the story of their discoveries about Louisa's life, which was unconventional, especially by the standards of the Victorian age in which she lived. I had read Louisa Elliott first, so I knew the "secret" of the children's births and Louisa's marriage, which took place in England and Ireland in the 1890's. Looking back, I wish I had read the sequel first. (You won't find out the whole of Louisa's story just by reading Morning's Gate, however.)
January 11, 2016
This epic, time-shifting, historical romance is the remarkable sequel to Louisa Elliott. Continuing the dramatic story of the Elliott family, the novel finds two descendants uncovering the secrets of the past through recently discovered letters and a diary from World War I. The complicated (to say the least) family relationships and the horrors of war makes this lengthy novel a compelling read. A fascinating story, I could not put it down. Highly recommended for historical fiction and romance fans.
February 6, 2012
'Liam's Story' is the original British title of the novel that followed 'Louisa Elliott'
In the USA, it was published later as 'Morning's Gate.' In fact I preferred that title, but sadly we had trouble with the editing of the book, and it contains more typographical errors than the British version.
October 12, 2017
Couldn't put down.
I read all of Ann Victoria Books a good while ago, they are absolutely stunning ..
I need to re- read and buy her latest books ..
She is a wonderful writer you fall into the pages of her books ....
The first book I read was Louisa Elliott an amazing book .
I read all of Ann Victoria Books a good while ago, they are absolutely stunning ..
I need to re- read and buy her latest books ..
She is a wonderful writer you fall into the pages of her books ....
The first book I read was Louisa Elliott an amazing book .
October 27, 2021
Liam’s Story
This book tells the story of one extended family from WW1 prior to and during The Great War, And then to current day life.The main character Zoe Clifford is researching her family history, especially that of her eccentric Great Aunt, and decides to go from London to York to visit the area to view where her ancestors lived. She meets Stephen Elliot a distant relative she didn’t know at all. Stephen is given a trunkful of old family memorabilia photos and letters. They decide to view those letters together, and most certainly fall in love through their mutual interests.
Secrets of two past generations are revealed and Zoe and Stephen are reliving the contents of the diaries and letters. They find that they are in love, but Stephen is perplexed as he joins a ship bound for the Middle East, and he thinks about Zoe.
This is a superb read, many ups and downs throughout the story. It goes into Liam’s life in the early 1900’s, with disappointments, deceptions, family secrets, and misunderstandings up to the current time with Zoe and Stephen. The author keeps you interested in the story, as we can all picture characters like that. This book is full of revelations. The elaborate description about the battles in Turkey during WW1, the emotional pain, malaise, destruction and human loss felt by Liam was distressing. The description of the battles in France, during WW1 were so detailed, the readers comprehension is enlightening . After Stephen read Liam’s diary, he had first hand concerns about being in the Dardanelles through the Gallipoli peninsula. Fascinating book. Definitely worth reading.
This book tells the story of one extended family from WW1 prior to and during The Great War, And then to current day life.The main character Zoe Clifford is researching her family history, especially that of her eccentric Great Aunt, and decides to go from London to York to visit the area to view where her ancestors lived. She meets Stephen Elliot a distant relative she didn’t know at all. Stephen is given a trunkful of old family memorabilia photos and letters. They decide to view those letters together, and most certainly fall in love through their mutual interests.
Secrets of two past generations are revealed and Zoe and Stephen are reliving the contents of the diaries and letters. They find that they are in love, but Stephen is perplexed as he joins a ship bound for the Middle East, and he thinks about Zoe.
This is a superb read, many ups and downs throughout the story. It goes into Liam’s life in the early 1900’s, with disappointments, deceptions, family secrets, and misunderstandings up to the current time with Zoe and Stephen. The author keeps you interested in the story, as we can all picture characters like that. This book is full of revelations. The elaborate description about the battles in Turkey during WW1, the emotional pain, malaise, destruction and human loss felt by Liam was distressing. The description of the battles in France, during WW1 were so detailed, the readers comprehension is enlightening . After Stephen read Liam’s diary, he had first hand concerns about being in the Dardanelles through the Gallipoli peninsula. Fascinating book. Definitely worth reading.
January 30, 2019
WW1 History
This is a well written historical fiction, love story and genealogy. Descriptive and atmospheric. I would've given it a 5 star rating except I felt it too long and wordy and I found myself skimming over a portion of several chapters. Definitely worth reading. Evidently this book is part of a series and I plan to read the other books.
This is a well written historical fiction, love story and genealogy. Descriptive and atmospheric. I would've given it a 5 star rating except I felt it too long and wordy and I found myself skimming over a portion of several chapters. Definitely worth reading. Evidently this book is part of a series and I plan to read the other books.
September 27, 2022
plot was a good premise, but story dragged. I will not bother with this author again.
December 8, 2012
Unlike the 1st book, Louisa Elliott, that takes place in Queen Victoria's time....this sequel takes place in modern day York, England. Zoe is on a mission to learn more about past generations. When meeting a distant cousin, their friendship blossoms while they uncover information regarding several of the characters in the 1st book, Louisa Elliott. Lots about WWI, the Australian's part in it and how Zoe's family became entangled and the secrets she uncovers that Queen Victoria still would not have approved of!
January 8, 2016
A slightly romantic novel (a genre that I have never cared for) about a woman who is entranced by a photo she has of two brothers taken during WWI that leads her to a search of her ancestry and in tracking down relatives, which leads her to Liam's diary and the secrets that torn generations of two families apart.
Well crafted and a fast read in spite of its at times syrupy conventions
Well crafted and a fast read in spite of its at times syrupy conventions
December 8, 2009
Character development was a little poor. I never got the feeling that I rally knew these characters. But it was interesting to follow these people during WWI. The story was too long in some areas and lacking in others.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews