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A Stitch in Time #1
The Runaway Daughter
It’s 1926, and Anna Darton is on the run from a terrible crime she was forced into committing. Alone and scared in London, salvation comes in the form of Nancy, a sassy American dancer at the notorious nightclub, The Zip. Reinventing herself as Vita Casey, Anna becomes part of the lineup and is thrown into a hedonistic world of dancing, parties, flapper girls and fashion.
When she meets the dashing Archie Fenwick, Vita buries her guilty conscience, and she believes him when he says he will love her no matter what. But unbeknownst to Vita, her secret past is fast catching up on her, and when the people closest to her start getting hurt, she is forced to confront her past or risk losing everything she holds dear.
When she meets the dashing Archie Fenwick, Vita buries her guilty conscience, and she believes him when he says he will love her no matter what. But unbeknownst to Vita, her secret past is fast catching up on her, and when the people closest to her start getting hurt, she is forced to confront her past or risk losing everything she holds dear.
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Published July 25, 2019
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About the author
Joanna Rees
13 books47 followersJoanna Rees cresceu no Essex, em Inglaterra, e licenciou-se em Inglês e Teatro no Goldsmiths College, em Londres. Após uma sucessão de empregos bizarros, que vão desde um negócio de entrega de sandes à escrita de textos promocionais em embalagens de cereais, publicou o seu primeiro romance em 1997, sob o seu nome de solteira, Josie Lloyd. Isto permitiu-lhe conhecer o romancista Emlyn Rees, com quem escreveu vários bestsellers traduzidos para vinte e seis línguas e com quem casou e teve três filhos. A partir de 2007, voltou a escrever a solo.
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August 17, 2021
Starting in the year 1926 the reader is introduced to Anna Darton. Anna flees her home after she commits a dreadful crime. She makes her way to a London. But then what? Fortunately she falls in with Nancy, an American, who is a dancer at The Zip Club. Under her assumed name of Verity Casey, Anna becomes one of the dancers and enters into a world of parties, alcohol, sexual freedoms and drug taking. She makes friends with Percy who is into costumes for the dancers. With Percy’s help Verity, now known as Vita, starts a business designing and making brassieres. When Verity meets Archie and falls in love, she is afraid to tell him who she really is. Meanwhile the past is still a danger of catching up with her.
The historical period is well conveyed. The sense of menace from the past hovers over the pages. Even so, the story does tend to drag in places and I have to admit that much of the time I became very frustrated with Vita and the choices she makes. I didn’t find her a particularly likeable character.
Apparently this is the the first in a trilogy of historical books. While this was an okay book and I liked it well enough, I don’t think I’m interested enough to want to read any more about these characters. But if historical fiction is your thing you may enjoy the insights into the London nightclub scene. I am sure there will be plenty of others who will appreciate it more than I did.
The historical period is well conveyed. The sense of menace from the past hovers over the pages. Even so, the story does tend to drag in places and I have to admit that much of the time I became very frustrated with Vita and the choices she makes. I didn’t find her a particularly likeable character.
Apparently this is the the first in a trilogy of historical books. While this was an okay book and I liked it well enough, I don’t think I’m interested enough to want to read any more about these characters. But if historical fiction is your thing you may enjoy the insights into the London nightclub scene. I am sure there will be plenty of others who will appreciate it more than I did.
November 14, 2019
Reseña completa en mi blog: https://lapeceraderaquel.wordpress.co...
En 1926 Anna Darton escapa de su casa tras cometer un crimen, llega en un tren a Londres donde conoce a una bailarina de un famoso club nocturno, Nancy, huyendo del crimen, de su casa y de la policía, se cambia el nombre por el de Verity Casey y comienza a trabajar en el club nocturno. Allí conoce Percy, un hombre con quien mantendrá una relación especial y que la llevará de la mano, por el mundo de la moda. En la capital londinense conocerá a otro hombre que marcará su vida. Mientras intenta salir adelante, el pasado la persigue.
A media novela el ritmo se hace muy lento, repetitivo. Coge ritmo hacia el final de la novela con un nuevo misterio, y el cerco al que está sometida la protagonista.
Me ha gustado la ambientación el trato a algunos protagonistas y el final abierto con ganas de seguir leyendo.
No me ha gustado el trato de la protagonista principal que todo le sale bien, sea cual sea su situación.
En 1926 Anna Darton escapa de su casa tras cometer un crimen, llega en un tren a Londres donde conoce a una bailarina de un famoso club nocturno, Nancy, huyendo del crimen, de su casa y de la policía, se cambia el nombre por el de Verity Casey y comienza a trabajar en el club nocturno. Allí conoce Percy, un hombre con quien mantendrá una relación especial y que la llevará de la mano, por el mundo de la moda. En la capital londinense conocerá a otro hombre que marcará su vida. Mientras intenta salir adelante, el pasado la persigue.
A media novela el ritmo se hace muy lento, repetitivo. Coge ritmo hacia el final de la novela con un nuevo misterio, y el cerco al que está sometida la protagonista.
Me ha gustado la ambientación el trato a algunos protagonistas y el final abierto con ganas de seguir leyendo.
No me ha gustado el trato de la protagonista principal que todo le sale bien, sea cual sea su situación.
June 29, 2019
Glamorous, absorbing, and incredibly atmospheric!
The Runaway Daughter is an immersive, alluring tale that takes you into the life of Anna Darton, a determined, naive, resilient, young woman who suddenly finds herself alone, overwhelmed, and on the run from a past filled with cruelty, dominance, and violence.
The prose is fluid and expressive. The characters are well drawn, authentic, and intriguing. And the story sweeps you away to the bustling city of London during the 1920s when extravagance and self-indulgence were rampant, and women were cutting their hair, shortening their skirts, getting their groove on, and gaining some independence.
Overall, I would have to say that The Runaway Daughter is a smashing tale by Rees that has just the right amount of drama, romance, and suspense to be a pleasing, entertaining read for historical fiction lovers everywhere.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Runaway Daughter is an immersive, alluring tale that takes you into the life of Anna Darton, a determined, naive, resilient, young woman who suddenly finds herself alone, overwhelmed, and on the run from a past filled with cruelty, dominance, and violence.
The prose is fluid and expressive. The characters are well drawn, authentic, and intriguing. And the story sweeps you away to the bustling city of London during the 1920s when extravagance and self-indulgence were rampant, and women were cutting their hair, shortening their skirts, getting their groove on, and gaining some independence.
Overall, I would have to say that The Runaway Daughter is a smashing tale by Rees that has just the right amount of drama, romance, and suspense to be a pleasing, entertaining read for historical fiction lovers everywhere.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Joanna Rees also writes novels under the names of Josie Lloyd and Jo Rees, but this is my first experience of this author’s writing. The Runaway Daughter also represents the first novel in a planned three book series. A novel defined by moments of danger, peril, despair, desperation, glamour, creativity, ambition, love and friendship, The Runaway Daughter is a great pick for historical fiction fans.
Set in the year 1926, a young woman by the name of Anna Darton makes a grand escape, following the aftermath of a crime she was coerced into committing. Anna finds herself far away from home, but seemingly out of danger when she arrives by train to London. Anna is lucky to fall into the company of Nancy, a spirited American woman, who is a dancer in a famous club in the capital. In order to preserve her safety and true identity, Anna becomes Verity (Vita) Casey and she joins Nancy’s night club. Anna/Verity becomes embroiled in a new life, which is far removed from her past. Love comes Verity’s way, in the form of a charming man named Archie. However, Verity’s future happiness is threatened by the past – which she has tried hard to keep buried. It is a matter of life and death as Verity races against the hands of time to save both herself and those closest to her from a figure from her past.
Despite the fact that I have had A Twist of Fate, also penned by Joanna Rees, on my shelf for a great deal of time now, this is my first experience of this writer’s work. Historical fiction is definitely my preferred genre and the opportunity to read a book set in one of my favourite historical periods, post World War I, was very much welcomed on my part. The Runaway Daughter is rather lengthy. I did feel its weight at times and I noticed my attention to this novel did lag at some points of the book. This could be either be a personal reading issue, or a pacing difficulty. However, the short and frequent chapter breaks ensured that I could take a rest from this story, as and when I needed to.
The Runaway Daughter leans on Anna Darton’s story. Anna has an insufferable home life when we first meet her. Both her father and brother are despicable excuses for men, true bullies. Anna is lined up for a marriage that she does not want, and when she becomes linked to a crime, she takes the escape route. Anna’s escape is quite a bold move for a woman of this time and I admired her for this. It takes guts to flee from this kind of situation, but Anna was really in an impossible bind. Rees displays some strong character building in her novel, both with Anna, her family members and the friends that enter her life once she arrives in London. Overall, I did enjoy following Anna’s rather tumultuous life and times in London.
Friendship, relationships and vital bonds form a significant proportion of The Runaway Daughter. Anna relies on the hand of friendship extended by dancer Nancy when she first arrives sacred and unsure of herself in London. Once Anna reinvents herself as Verity, she forges an important link with a man name Percy. I really liked Percy, he represented the struggles and prejudice faced by homosexual men of this era. Likewise, the character of Archie, who becomes Verity’s love interest, was agreeable. There are many of good and bad faces that define this novel, along with a number of trustful and deceptive characters. Rees balances these out well.
The period detail present in The Runaway Daughter was my favourite part of the novel. I think Rees did a good job of portraying the new found vices and freedoms of the post World War I period. A time of hedonistic acts and frivolity, often fused by drugs, sexual activity/experimentation and alcohol, this was a time of great change. Women in particular were starting to test the waters, as their rights came under scrutiny. This was all explored within the context of the novel and I appreciated learning more about the colourful nightclub culture of this time. The costume work was a real treat to glean a little more about, through the various experiences outlined in the novel, along with the glamorous dancing sections.
There is undercurrent of suspense sweeps through The Runaway Daughter. It is constantly feeding into the events of the novel, offering plenty of twists and turns. The past does eventually catch up with the woman formerly known as Anna Darton, with a surprising turn of events. The ending paves the way for a solid opening for the next chapter in this new historical based series.
A tale of escaping your past demons, reinvention, throwing caution into the wind, finding love and your passion in life, The Runaway Daughter is an engaging read from Joanna Rees.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
3.5 stars
Joanna Rees also writes novels under the names of Josie Lloyd and Jo Rees, but this is my first experience of this author’s writing. The Runaway Daughter also represents the first novel in a planned three book series. A novel defined by moments of danger, peril, despair, desperation, glamour, creativity, ambition, love and friendship, The Runaway Daughter is a great pick for historical fiction fans.
Set in the year 1926, a young woman by the name of Anna Darton makes a grand escape, following the aftermath of a crime she was coerced into committing. Anna finds herself far away from home, but seemingly out of danger when she arrives by train to London. Anna is lucky to fall into the company of Nancy, a spirited American woman, who is a dancer in a famous club in the capital. In order to preserve her safety and true identity, Anna becomes Verity (Vita) Casey and she joins Nancy’s night club. Anna/Verity becomes embroiled in a new life, which is far removed from her past. Love comes Verity’s way, in the form of a charming man named Archie. However, Verity’s future happiness is threatened by the past – which she has tried hard to keep buried. It is a matter of life and death as Verity races against the hands of time to save both herself and those closest to her from a figure from her past.
Despite the fact that I have had A Twist of Fate, also penned by Joanna Rees, on my shelf for a great deal of time now, this is my first experience of this writer’s work. Historical fiction is definitely my preferred genre and the opportunity to read a book set in one of my favourite historical periods, post World War I, was very much welcomed on my part. The Runaway Daughter is rather lengthy. I did feel its weight at times and I noticed my attention to this novel did lag at some points of the book. This could be either be a personal reading issue, or a pacing difficulty. However, the short and frequent chapter breaks ensured that I could take a rest from this story, as and when I needed to.
The Runaway Daughter leans on Anna Darton’s story. Anna has an insufferable home life when we first meet her. Both her father and brother are despicable excuses for men, true bullies. Anna is lined up for a marriage that she does not want, and when she becomes linked to a crime, she takes the escape route. Anna’s escape is quite a bold move for a woman of this time and I admired her for this. It takes guts to flee from this kind of situation, but Anna was really in an impossible bind. Rees displays some strong character building in her novel, both with Anna, her family members and the friends that enter her life once she arrives in London. Overall, I did enjoy following Anna’s rather tumultuous life and times in London.
Friendship, relationships and vital bonds form a significant proportion of The Runaway Daughter. Anna relies on the hand of friendship extended by dancer Nancy when she first arrives sacred and unsure of herself in London. Once Anna reinvents herself as Verity, she forges an important link with a man name Percy. I really liked Percy, he represented the struggles and prejudice faced by homosexual men of this era. Likewise, the character of Archie, who becomes Verity’s love interest, was agreeable. There are many of good and bad faces that define this novel, along with a number of trustful and deceptive characters. Rees balances these out well.
The period detail present in The Runaway Daughter was my favourite part of the novel. I think Rees did a good job of portraying the new found vices and freedoms of the post World War I period. A time of hedonistic acts and frivolity, often fused by drugs, sexual activity/experimentation and alcohol, this was a time of great change. Women in particular were starting to test the waters, as their rights came under scrutiny. This was all explored within the context of the novel and I appreciated learning more about the colourful nightclub culture of this time. The costume work was a real treat to glean a little more about, through the various experiences outlined in the novel, along with the glamorous dancing sections.
There is undercurrent of suspense sweeps through The Runaway Daughter. It is constantly feeding into the events of the novel, offering plenty of twists and turns. The past does eventually catch up with the woman formerly known as Anna Darton, with a surprising turn of events. The ending paves the way for a solid opening for the next chapter in this new historical based series.
A tale of escaping your past demons, reinvention, throwing caution into the wind, finding love and your passion in life, The Runaway Daughter is an engaging read from Joanna Rees.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 22, 2020
Really getting into historical fiction! This was another great story with a strong female character. Looking forward to the next book in the series soon!
August 2, 2019
Wow I really enjoyed The Runaway daughter by Joanna Rees. It’s the first book I have read from the author and it won’t be my last.
It’s 1926 and Anna Darton who is part of the Darton family and own their own cotton mills. Is running away from her family due to her thinking that she has killed her abusive brother Clement. She takes a train first not knowing where she is heading until she hears someone talk about a train going to London. So, she hops on there and arrives in London.
At first, she goes and books in a hotel for herself on the first night. But it takes most of her money. She didn’t realise the cost, so she is determined to find cheaper lodgings. Whilst she is on her travels she is mistakenly recognised as a friend of a friend who is up for an audition at the Zip club. She manages to wing the audition and also the owner of the club seems to admire her, so she manages to get the job.
The Runaway daughter highly entertaining gripping book that I couldn’t put it down. I thought it was well researched of the subjects that were important in them times. I cant wait for the next book in the series.
It’s 1926 and Anna Darton who is part of the Darton family and own their own cotton mills. Is running away from her family due to her thinking that she has killed her abusive brother Clement. She takes a train first not knowing where she is heading until she hears someone talk about a train going to London. So, she hops on there and arrives in London.
At first, she goes and books in a hotel for herself on the first night. But it takes most of her money. She didn’t realise the cost, so she is determined to find cheaper lodgings. Whilst she is on her travels she is mistakenly recognised as a friend of a friend who is up for an audition at the Zip club. She manages to wing the audition and also the owner of the club seems to admire her, so she manages to get the job.
The Runaway daughter highly entertaining gripping book that I couldn’t put it down. I thought it was well researched of the subjects that were important in them times. I cant wait for the next book in the series.
December 9, 2019
Estou muito zangada 😡, então este livro tem continuação?!!!! Detesto ler livros que tenham continuação sem ter os livros seguintes comigo para ler de seguida.
Enfim.. vamos ao livro em si.
Adorei !!! Um livro que se lê muito rápido pois os capítulos são muito pequenos. Gostei imenso da história, Anna evoluiu muito neste livro mas acho que no fim ainda está muito ingénua. Tudo fica em aberto !!!
Enfim.. vamos ao livro em si.
Adorei !!! Um livro que se lê muito rápido pois os capítulos são muito pequenos. Gostei imenso da história, Anna evoluiu muito neste livro mas acho que no fim ainda está muito ingénua. Tudo fica em aberto !!!
July 10, 2020
“El arte nunca miente. Si te fijas en los grandes artistas, verás que siempre ensalzan las formas femeninas.”
“La hija fugitiva” nos cuenta la historia de una mujer bastante ingenua e inocente que sale al mundo por primera vez dejando atrás todo aquello que conoce. Nuestra protagonista, Anna Darton es una joven de buena familia que ha cometido un crimen, y aterrorizada huye hacia Londres, en donde debe reinventarse para comenzar de cero y subsistir, hasta convertirse en un mujer capaz, luchadora y entusiasta que vive apasionadamente cada segundo.
Hasta aquí todo bien, la trama te engancha con el suspenso y el misterio que arroja el crimen en sí… pero que se vuelve agua entre las páginas, y para mi gusto, le ha faltado profundidad y peso a la historia. Por el contrario, se torna en una narración (cansina, hasta cierto punto) de las vicisitudes que se le presentan a la protagonista, los amigos que hace en el camino, el primer amor, los sueños que quiere cumplir… haciendo algunas partes tediosas y repetitivas.
Los puntos a favor de esta novela que valen la pena destacar, y de allí mi puntuación, han sido:
- La ambientación perfecta que ha hecho la autora, enseñándonos los musicales y la moda del Londres de los años 20. Nos sumergimos en la época dorada del jazz, los clubs nocturnos, la moda y surge la nueva lencería femenina.
- La potente narrativa es sencilla, descriptiva y bastante ágil. Con capítulos narrados en terceras persona, súper cortos…
- Los personajes femeninos, unas mujeres fuertes, tolerantes y adelantadas a su época.
El final? Es bastante apresurado, y aunque se cierran muchos puntos importantes… quedan muchos hilos por concluir… lo que da pie a la trilogía que se espera.
Y aunque parezca paradójico después de los puntos que no me gustaron, la autora me deja el gusto de querer saber qué va a pasar a continuación.
“La hija fugitiva” nos cuenta la historia de una mujer bastante ingenua e inocente que sale al mundo por primera vez dejando atrás todo aquello que conoce. Nuestra protagonista, Anna Darton es una joven de buena familia que ha cometido un crimen, y aterrorizada huye hacia Londres, en donde debe reinventarse para comenzar de cero y subsistir, hasta convertirse en un mujer capaz, luchadora y entusiasta que vive apasionadamente cada segundo.
Hasta aquí todo bien, la trama te engancha con el suspenso y el misterio que arroja el crimen en sí… pero que se vuelve agua entre las páginas, y para mi gusto, le ha faltado profundidad y peso a la historia. Por el contrario, se torna en una narración (cansina, hasta cierto punto) de las vicisitudes que se le presentan a la protagonista, los amigos que hace en el camino, el primer amor, los sueños que quiere cumplir… haciendo algunas partes tediosas y repetitivas.
Los puntos a favor de esta novela que valen la pena destacar, y de allí mi puntuación, han sido:
- La ambientación perfecta que ha hecho la autora, enseñándonos los musicales y la moda del Londres de los años 20. Nos sumergimos en la época dorada del jazz, los clubs nocturnos, la moda y surge la nueva lencería femenina.
- La potente narrativa es sencilla, descriptiva y bastante ágil. Con capítulos narrados en terceras persona, súper cortos…
- Los personajes femeninos, unas mujeres fuertes, tolerantes y adelantadas a su época.
El final? Es bastante apresurado, y aunque se cierran muchos puntos importantes… quedan muchos hilos por concluir… lo que da pie a la trilogía que se espera.
Y aunque parezca paradójico después de los puntos que no me gustaron, la autora me deja el gusto de querer saber qué va a pasar a continuación.
August 14, 2019
I read about 2/3 of this novel then gave it up.
Anna (aka Verity aka Vita) runs away to London. There is much talk about the big, bad city and all the horrible things that can happen to young ladies on their own. However, Anna finds a landlady who lets her move in even though she has no money and no job. She gets a job as a showgirl/dancer even though she has no training, skill, or experience and doesn't audition. She finds people who pay for her food, drinks, drugs, clothing, shoes, and even a haircut. She falls into the company of a young, fashionable man who snubs an ex-girlfriend because Anna doesn't like her and Anna is thrilled over the "social triumph". She decides to design bras (after much fondling of her own breasts in front of other people, I might add) and immediately finds a costume maker who sews them for free and shop owners who can't wait to sell them for her. I mean, seriously, are we honestly supposed to believe there is any tension or any danger to Anna when her whole life is handed to her sweetly and eagerly by everyone she meets?
I finally gave up on the book after Anna meets Archie and of course falls instantly in love. Looks are everything, apparently, so she and Archie fall for each other even though they know exactly zero about each other. The part that bothered me so much is that the minute she meets him she assumes that he will only like her if she is a "nice girl" and becomes ashamed of all of her adventures. Not that all of her adventures are admirable, since she drinks too much, frequently indulges in various recreational drugs, and experiments with sex in the tub with her friend. But if she is okay with all of that, why does she suddenly crawl with shame because she thinks this new, unknown man MIGHT not approve? Why isn't her own opinion of her own actions enough? Why does his perspective - or at least what she assumes is his perspective - matter more than her own moral compass?
I just found Anna unlikeable, unrelatable, foolish, morally vacant, and a user of people who have something she wants or needs.
This book is a poor man's "Forever Amber". Though this book copies its general theme of the naive country girl set adrift in the big city, this one has none of Forever Amber's power, grit, or insight.
Anna (aka Verity aka Vita) runs away to London. There is much talk about the big, bad city and all the horrible things that can happen to young ladies on their own. However, Anna finds a landlady who lets her move in even though she has no money and no job. She gets a job as a showgirl/dancer even though she has no training, skill, or experience and doesn't audition. She finds people who pay for her food, drinks, drugs, clothing, shoes, and even a haircut. She falls into the company of a young, fashionable man who snubs an ex-girlfriend because Anna doesn't like her and Anna is thrilled over the "social triumph". She decides to design bras (after much fondling of her own breasts in front of other people, I might add) and immediately finds a costume maker who sews them for free and shop owners who can't wait to sell them for her. I mean, seriously, are we honestly supposed to believe there is any tension or any danger to Anna when her whole life is handed to her sweetly and eagerly by everyone she meets?
I finally gave up on the book after Anna meets Archie and of course falls instantly in love. Looks are everything, apparently, so she and Archie fall for each other even though they know exactly zero about each other. The part that bothered me so much is that the minute she meets him she assumes that he will only like her if she is a "nice girl" and becomes ashamed of all of her adventures. Not that all of her adventures are admirable, since she drinks too much, frequently indulges in various recreational drugs, and experiments with sex in the tub with her friend. But if she is okay with all of that, why does she suddenly crawl with shame because she thinks this new, unknown man MIGHT not approve? Why isn't her own opinion of her own actions enough? Why does his perspective - or at least what she assumes is his perspective - matter more than her own moral compass?
I just found Anna unlikeable, unrelatable, foolish, morally vacant, and a user of people who have something she wants or needs.
This book is a poor man's "Forever Amber". Though this book copies its general theme of the naive country girl set adrift in the big city, this one has none of Forever Amber's power, grit, or insight.
January 12, 2023
Būt laipnam un gaišam atmaksājas, dzīve tev piespēlē dažādas iespējas, gluži kā grāmatas varonei, kura pati maina savu likteni - izvēlas nedzīvot negribēta, vērā neņemta. Izvēle sākt no nulles, izvēle ticēt, ka sliktāk vairs nebūs, izvēle...kuru dzen slepkavības maldi.
June 28, 2020
I read this book in one weekend such was the pleasure it was to read. I think I was ready for this one as a break between some thrillers and contemporary reads I have been reading lately.
There was something in the writing of this book that just made me feel like I was with Vita/Anna on her adventure. I felt her marvel and eyes-open look at life during that time in London, all the while looking over her shoulder for when it might come to an end. I loved the friendships she made, and how some of the characters declared their positions early, while some she took a little longer to figure out. The highs and the lows of friendships and disappointments of it all.
I loved the strength of character of Vita beyond her tender years. She wasn't entirely sure where she was going but knew where she did not want to be. Nor did she get maudlin and introspective when she was disappointed, she just kept on keeping on, and hopefully finds a position of safety for book 2. I'm not convinced Nancy is going to be a particularly good horse to bet on though and think Vita will be in for some lessons within this friendship.
Thank you to Macmillan for providing me with the electronic copy of this book as a precursor to the copy of The Runaway Wife that will be out in a couple of days. I didn't know it was a series at the point I received it, so hats off to Charlotte at Macmillan Australia for steering me in the right direction.
There was something in the writing of this book that just made me feel like I was with Vita/Anna on her adventure. I felt her marvel and eyes-open look at life during that time in London, all the while looking over her shoulder for when it might come to an end. I loved the friendships she made, and how some of the characters declared their positions early, while some she took a little longer to figure out. The highs and the lows of friendships and disappointments of it all.
I loved the strength of character of Vita beyond her tender years. She wasn't entirely sure where she was going but knew where she did not want to be. Nor did she get maudlin and introspective when she was disappointed, she just kept on keeping on, and hopefully finds a position of safety for book 2. I'm not convinced Nancy is going to be a particularly good horse to bet on though and think Vita will be in for some lessons within this friendship.
Thank you to Macmillan for providing me with the electronic copy of this book as a precursor to the copy of The Runaway Wife that will be out in a couple of days. I didn't know it was a series at the point I received it, so hats off to Charlotte at Macmillan Australia for steering me in the right direction.
November 30, 2021
Já devia ter saído a continuação
September 16, 2019
A glorious 1920s based romp following Vita from controversy in the North down to the bright lights of London. Lots of colourful characters and intrigue throughout. I’m really hopeful there’s a next instalment. Well worth reading.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
July 28, 2022
Nav nekāds literatūras šedevrs, bet lieku augstāko vērtējumu, jo priekš "brīvdienu romāna" bija pietiekami interesants un oriģināls.
September 5, 2023
Tomēr kādas 2,5 zvaigznes. Sižets dzīvelīgs. Klasiska lubene.
July 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I could barely put it down. I spent most of the book really feeling for Anna/Verity, and admired her courage and determination. If I could reach through the pages of a book and punch a character in the face, I would definitely punch Clement, and hard!
The story is quite gripping, and I found myself walking in Verity's shoes, seeing and experiencing London as she works at the Zip Club and builds on her underwear designs. You really get a feel for what living in London in the 1920s was like.
I'm so glad I got to read and enjoy this book!
The story is quite gripping, and I found myself walking in Verity's shoes, seeing and experiencing London as she works at the Zip Club and builds on her underwear designs. You really get a feel for what living in London in the 1920s was like.
I'm so glad I got to read and enjoy this book!
January 22, 2020
Anne Darton es una joven que huye de haber asesinado a su hermano Clement, pero no sabemos qué es lo que ha pasado para llegar a cometer ese hecho. Huye en tren hacia Londres y en ese tren conoce a Nancy, a la que le dirá su nuevo nombre Verity Casey, Vita para sus amigos, que la ayudará para encontrar trabajo como bailarina en un club nocturno donde conocerá a Percy que le enseñará a confeccionar y diseñar ropa, descubriendo así una nueva pasión para ella en diseñar y coser, una pasión que ella hará que cambie su vida con la ayuda de sus amigos. Descubriremos el motivo de su huida y del asesinato que ella cree que cometió, lo que nos mantendrá en vilo durante toda la historia. Tenéis la reseña completa en el blog: https://sintiendotusletras.blogspot.c...
August 24, 2019
Although this book is the first in a trilogy it is still a stand alone novel which will set you up for what is to follow.
Brace yourself for ripping good yarn that will transport you to the roaring twenties with flapper girls and the bright young things of that era.
Wandering into this is Anna escaping from a toxic family life and a crime that she thinks that she has committed.
Befriended by a group of girls who are dancers at a London club her life changes beyond all recognition but is she safe and she is always looking over her back
Can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy
Brace yourself for ripping good yarn that will transport you to the roaring twenties with flapper girls and the bright young things of that era.
Wandering into this is Anna escaping from a toxic family life and a crime that she thinks that she has committed.
Befriended by a group of girls who are dancers at a London club her life changes beyond all recognition but is she safe and she is always looking over her back
Can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy
March 3, 2024
The Runaway Daughter is a quick, easy read, and for the most part pretty entertaining.
Unfortunately, that's about it.
The character line up in Rees' novel play out like a checklist of stereotypical small town girl takes on the big city, along the lines of "Coyote Ugly", and "Burlesque." In fact I was so reminded of these films that the first half of the book could easily have been skipped. Tropes such as the gatekeeper, the skeptical hot girl bully/rival, and the gay best friend roll out before us rather expectedly, and our main character is no exception.
Anna Darton, our heroine, is the quintessential small town girl sheltered from and then dully thrown headlong into the glamour and sin of 1920's London. The lifelong victim of abuse at the hands of her anti-social brother, and ambivalent parents, Darton seeks to reinvent herself as "Verity/Vita Casey," after running away from home one particularly harrowing night. I will not reveal too much about the plot, but Rees' main character evolves exactly as one might expect: Naive, unfailingly kind, sweetness to a fault, and utterly oblivious to her purportedly irresistible feminine charms. After a couple of obligatory "big city" hurdles, Vita Casey is given almost instant access to the upper echelons of London flapper society and her transformation from small town sweetheart to Gal about town is all but complete.
Without divluging too much, the remainder of the plot rolls out every bit as expectedly as the list of characters, and our heroine makes her exit predictably unscathed.
Upon looking up other reviews for the book, I see that this one is intended as the first instalment of a 3 part series. This makes sense, since the conclusion of the novel is rather rushed with a number of loose ends rather loosely tied off. Everything is resolved, but with very little depth. Characters that absorbed large portions of the stories plot lines are left behind with rather little regard, and what could have amounted to being one of the most interesting plot lines regarding the origins of Anna/Vita's villainous older brother's insidious nature, is largely glossed over.
On a positive note, Rees paints an appealing and enticing portrait of London in the roaring twenties. She describes the parties, the fashions, and the energy of the time period with exquisite detail. The characters, while a bit cliche, are likeable and entertaining. The spirit of escapism throughout the novel is particularly on theme given the plot of the story.
I gave this book a 3/5 because of the lack of originality, but strong points for entertainment value.
I probably won't seek out the next installments of the series, but if I were to stumble upon them in an airport book store, I would give it a whirl.
Unfortunately, that's about it.
The character line up in Rees' novel play out like a checklist of stereotypical small town girl takes on the big city, along the lines of "Coyote Ugly", and "Burlesque." In fact I was so reminded of these films that the first half of the book could easily have been skipped. Tropes such as the gatekeeper, the skeptical hot girl bully/rival, and the gay best friend roll out before us rather expectedly, and our main character is no exception.
Anna Darton, our heroine, is the quintessential small town girl sheltered from and then dully thrown headlong into the glamour and sin of 1920's London. The lifelong victim of abuse at the hands of her anti-social brother, and ambivalent parents, Darton seeks to reinvent herself as "Verity/Vita Casey," after running away from home one particularly harrowing night. I will not reveal too much about the plot, but Rees' main character evolves exactly as one might expect: Naive, unfailingly kind, sweetness to a fault, and utterly oblivious to her purportedly irresistible feminine charms. After a couple of obligatory "big city" hurdles, Vita Casey is given almost instant access to the upper echelons of London flapper society and her transformation from small town sweetheart to Gal about town is all but complete.
Without divluging too much, the remainder of the plot rolls out every bit as expectedly as the list of characters, and our heroine makes her exit predictably unscathed.
Upon looking up other reviews for the book, I see that this one is intended as the first instalment of a 3 part series. This makes sense, since the conclusion of the novel is rather rushed with a number of loose ends rather loosely tied off. Everything is resolved, but with very little depth. Characters that absorbed large portions of the stories plot lines are left behind with rather little regard, and what could have amounted to being one of the most interesting plot lines regarding the origins of Anna/Vita's villainous older brother's insidious nature, is largely glossed over.
On a positive note, Rees paints an appealing and enticing portrait of London in the roaring twenties. She describes the parties, the fashions, and the energy of the time period with exquisite detail. The characters, while a bit cliche, are likeable and entertaining. The spirit of escapism throughout the novel is particularly on theme given the plot of the story.
I gave this book a 3/5 because of the lack of originality, but strong points for entertainment value.
I probably won't seek out the next installments of the series, but if I were to stumble upon them in an airport book store, I would give it a whirl.
August 26, 2019
’d forgotten how good it feels to lose oneself in an all-encompassing saga. Joanna Rees has written the first book in a trilogy that is reminiscent of Barbara Taylor Bradford at her best.
Set in 1926, the titular Runaway Daughter is Anna Darton, daughter of a cotton mill owner. The mills are going through hard times and unbeknownst to Anna, her father and her cruel and unsavoury brother, Clement, have hatched a plan that will see them right, even although it pretty much guarantees Anna’s enduring unhappiness.
Before they can enact it, however, Anna and her brother have an altercation that leaves Anna with no other option than to run away as far as she can from home.
Almost penniless, Anna will have to reinvent herself and discover her own fortitude if she is to survive in the city of London. Anna has never before lived away from home. She is young, naïve and yet determined not to give in and return home.
Rees draws an excellent picture of 1920’s London that is full of possibilities. Class distinctions were just beginning to erode; women over 21 were not far away from getting the vote and though they did not know it, the country was on the verge of a national strike.
These were heady times when ‘Flappers’ wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behaviour. Anna, or Vita as she restyles herself, is lucky enough to fall in with a group of young women who dance in a nightclub and take Vita under their wing.
What follows is a novel that is part historical fiction, part adventure story and part romantic fiction. It is a story of naivety melded with courage and resilience. With just the right amount of glamour and a touch of seediness, Rees paints a colourful picture of the life and mores of the younger generation of the time and of a country emerging from war to celebrate a new found zest for life.
Rees’ characters are well portrayed, engaging and sufficiently risqué to be interesting. She builds a suspenseful plotline with a strong sense of drama, coupled with the warmth of friendship and more than a hint of sexual attraction.
Verdict: All in all, this is a perfect way to lose yourself in a book and I thoroughly recommend it. Bring on the next in the series. I can’t wait to find out what Vita does next.
Set in 1926, the titular Runaway Daughter is Anna Darton, daughter of a cotton mill owner. The mills are going through hard times and unbeknownst to Anna, her father and her cruel and unsavoury brother, Clement, have hatched a plan that will see them right, even although it pretty much guarantees Anna’s enduring unhappiness.
Before they can enact it, however, Anna and her brother have an altercation that leaves Anna with no other option than to run away as far as she can from home.
Almost penniless, Anna will have to reinvent herself and discover her own fortitude if she is to survive in the city of London. Anna has never before lived away from home. She is young, naïve and yet determined not to give in and return home.
Rees draws an excellent picture of 1920’s London that is full of possibilities. Class distinctions were just beginning to erode; women over 21 were not far away from getting the vote and though they did not know it, the country was on the verge of a national strike.
These were heady times when ‘Flappers’ wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behaviour. Anna, or Vita as she restyles herself, is lucky enough to fall in with a group of young women who dance in a nightclub and take Vita under their wing.
What follows is a novel that is part historical fiction, part adventure story and part romantic fiction. It is a story of naivety melded with courage and resilience. With just the right amount of glamour and a touch of seediness, Rees paints a colourful picture of the life and mores of the younger generation of the time and of a country emerging from war to celebrate a new found zest for life.
Rees’ characters are well portrayed, engaging and sufficiently risqué to be interesting. She builds a suspenseful plotline with a strong sense of drama, coupled with the warmth of friendship and more than a hint of sexual attraction.
Verdict: All in all, this is a perfect way to lose yourself in a book and I thoroughly recommend it. Bring on the next in the series. I can’t wait to find out what Vita does next.
August 14, 2019
Anna Darton believes she has committed a heinous crime and therefore she has to escape, she has no choice, no one will understand what happened or believe her.
She heads to London, bit of a cliche perhaps but the only place she knows she can hide.
Whilst determined to survive, her sheltered upbring makes her naive and susceptible to being conned.
Then she meets Nancy, a chance meeting leads her to reinvent herself as Verity 'Vita' Casey and she becomes immersed in Nancy's world of society, dancing, drinking, love and fashion.
Meeting a wide variety of people, Vita starts to become immersed in the fringes of 1920s London society and her past seems just a distant memory. Her past though is about to catch up with her and will she be able to make the right choices.
One of those choices is Archie, enamoured with Vita a love affair begins and she knows that this is the man that will love her forever, but are other forces at work and will a love affair survive all the friendships she has forged in her new life.
This book, the first in a proposed trilogy took you right into the heart of Twenties London, where everything was starting to change, The Great War starting to become a memory and the "Young Bright Things" are pushing boundaries, raising hemlines, cutting hair short and embracing being women who now have more of a say. Experimenting with alcohol, drugs, friendships and differing sexual relationships this book manages to pack it all in. Not in a sensationalist way but with what can be seen as thorough research to enrich the storyline.
I had to keep reading to see whether the past ever caught up with Vita and whilst the denouement ties lots of loose ends together it left many unresolved, I was slightly disappointed with Vita's actins and I was surprised I felt this way when I had been her greatest advocate all the way through the book. But now I want to know where and how the author is going to take this story so I am looking forward to book two.
A great historical read, enthralling, captivating and will have you reading long into the night as you immerse yourself in the 1920s. A must for historical fiction fans.
She heads to London, bit of a cliche perhaps but the only place she knows she can hide.
Whilst determined to survive, her sheltered upbring makes her naive and susceptible to being conned.
Then she meets Nancy, a chance meeting leads her to reinvent herself as Verity 'Vita' Casey and she becomes immersed in Nancy's world of society, dancing, drinking, love and fashion.
Meeting a wide variety of people, Vita starts to become immersed in the fringes of 1920s London society and her past seems just a distant memory. Her past though is about to catch up with her and will she be able to make the right choices.
One of those choices is Archie, enamoured with Vita a love affair begins and she knows that this is the man that will love her forever, but are other forces at work and will a love affair survive all the friendships she has forged in her new life.
This book, the first in a proposed trilogy took you right into the heart of Twenties London, where everything was starting to change, The Great War starting to become a memory and the "Young Bright Things" are pushing boundaries, raising hemlines, cutting hair short and embracing being women who now have more of a say. Experimenting with alcohol, drugs, friendships and differing sexual relationships this book manages to pack it all in. Not in a sensationalist way but with what can be seen as thorough research to enrich the storyline.
I had to keep reading to see whether the past ever caught up with Vita and whilst the denouement ties lots of loose ends together it left many unresolved, I was slightly disappointed with Vita's actins and I was surprised I felt this way when I had been her greatest advocate all the way through the book. But now I want to know where and how the author is going to take this story so I am looking forward to book two.
A great historical read, enthralling, captivating and will have you reading long into the night as you immerse yourself in the 1920s. A must for historical fiction fans.
August 29, 2019
Anna Darton is running away from something bad and is determined to start a new life, re-inventing herself as Vita Casey, and taking a job as a dancer in a London night club. This is quite a risky move and is so far removed from her normal life that Vita feels like a fish out of water. London in the 1920s is home of the latest fashions and the new risqué world of flappers and good time girls, and whilst her sheltered upbringing hasn't prepared Vita for this exciting new life she very quickly throws herself into the heart of the action with steely determination.
The story takes us right into the hedonistic world of the 1920s when those who had money could live a fine life filled with gaiety and pleasure and yet, beneath the facade of everyone having a good time, prejudices flourished and petty squabbles and jealousy could make or break those with fragile personalities.
It's been interesting to spend time with Vita, seeing London through her eyes and watching as she goes from wide eyed and frightened ingénue, to a strong and determined young woman. The journey she must take in order to get there is fraught with danger and filled with intrigue especially when her past threatens her fragile new future. The author writes well and has certainly captured time and place and gives us a real sense of an exciting time when women doing their utmost to become more independent and yet, as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers, they were still at the mercy of unscrupulous and dominant men.
The Runaway Daughter is the start of A Stitch in Time trilogy, and by the end of the novel, which I enjoyed immensely, and with the exciting finish, I'm already looking forward to seeing where the story takes us to next.
The story takes us right into the hedonistic world of the 1920s when those who had money could live a fine life filled with gaiety and pleasure and yet, beneath the facade of everyone having a good time, prejudices flourished and petty squabbles and jealousy could make or break those with fragile personalities.
It's been interesting to spend time with Vita, seeing London through her eyes and watching as she goes from wide eyed and frightened ingénue, to a strong and determined young woman. The journey she must take in order to get there is fraught with danger and filled with intrigue especially when her past threatens her fragile new future. The author writes well and has certainly captured time and place and gives us a real sense of an exciting time when women doing their utmost to become more independent and yet, as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers, they were still at the mercy of unscrupulous and dominant men.
The Runaway Daughter is the start of A Stitch in Time trilogy, and by the end of the novel, which I enjoyed immensely, and with the exciting finish, I'm already looking forward to seeing where the story takes us to next.
October 22, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. This is book one in the "Stitch in Time" Series.
As a historical fiction fan I absolutely adored this book. Depicted in the roaring 20s era, women in this time were changing from the demure, quiet females they were expected to be, to more outgoing, hair and skirt shortening flappers.
Joanna Rees can truly weave a beautiful story. Her protagonist is an incredible lady who is determined to survive a terrible past and family misunderstanding that resulted in murder; she does this by running away and re-inventing herself. Nightclub life comes to the foreground when she is mistaken for another woman who is auditioning and then she meets up with another incredible woman who helps her become someone else.
This is about danger, fear, family dynamics, colorful characters and relationships/friendships. With strong, well-developed characters and an unsettling past that refuses to go away, this book holds a remarkable charm with its writing prose and style, face-paced plot, well-fleshed out characters and extraordinary premise.
If you enjoy books by Penny Vincenzi and Lesley Pearse, you'll enjoy this book.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. This is book one in the "Stitch in Time" Series.
As a historical fiction fan I absolutely adored this book. Depicted in the roaring 20s era, women in this time were changing from the demure, quiet females they were expected to be, to more outgoing, hair and skirt shortening flappers.
Joanna Rees can truly weave a beautiful story. Her protagonist is an incredible lady who is determined to survive a terrible past and family misunderstanding that resulted in murder; she does this by running away and re-inventing herself. Nightclub life comes to the foreground when she is mistaken for another woman who is auditioning and then she meets up with another incredible woman who helps her become someone else.
This is about danger, fear, family dynamics, colorful characters and relationships/friendships. With strong, well-developed characters and an unsettling past that refuses to go away, this book holds a remarkable charm with its writing prose and style, face-paced plot, well-fleshed out characters and extraordinary premise.
If you enjoy books by Penny Vincenzi and Lesley Pearse, you'll enjoy this book.
August 21, 2019
As I mentioned previously, one of my goals this year is to read more Historical Fiction. I've read a few amazing books so far and The Runaway Daughter was just as great as the ones I've read so far.
I loved this book! I spent the entire time reading it wanting to know what would happen next. I admired Anna/Verity's courage and determination throughout the story. The author's writing style was spot on. The reader can definitely feel what living in London in the 1920's was like. Everything is starting to change, people are pushing boundaries, woman are dressed in shorter dresses and cutting their hair short. The reader gets to experience everything through the characters and the story.
I will be keeping an eye out for the second book in this trilogy as I want to know more of what will happen.
A great captivating historical read that will have you reading past your bedtime I'm sure!
Thank you to PGC Books for my gifted copy.
I loved this book! I spent the entire time reading it wanting to know what would happen next. I admired Anna/Verity's courage and determination throughout the story. The author's writing style was spot on. The reader can definitely feel what living in London in the 1920's was like. Everything is starting to change, people are pushing boundaries, woman are dressed in shorter dresses and cutting their hair short. The reader gets to experience everything through the characters and the story.
I will be keeping an eye out for the second book in this trilogy as I want to know more of what will happen.
A great captivating historical read that will have you reading past your bedtime I'm sure!
Thank you to PGC Books for my gifted copy.
March 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It's a rip-rolling adventure made by a spirited character running away from her abusive home in 1926, a brave thing to do, and as far as being the heroine of the story is concerned, Anna (becomes Vita) does not let us down!
The story moved at high pace, is full of little twists and turns and is historically brilliant. I found myself drawn into Vita's world and actually cared about seeing her become a success. I have never seen anything like the ending of this book before and it's a great and appropriate twist!
The only thing that stops me giving the book a 5* rating is that some of the 'rags-to-riches' parts of the plot are just a little bit convenient or unrealistic, but I will definitely be looking for more books by this author to read.
The story moved at high pace, is full of little twists and turns and is historically brilliant. I found myself drawn into Vita's world and actually cared about seeing her become a success. I have never seen anything like the ending of this book before and it's a great and appropriate twist!
The only thing that stops me giving the book a 5* rating is that some of the 'rags-to-riches' parts of the plot are just a little bit convenient or unrealistic, but I will definitely be looking for more books by this author to read.
October 14, 2019
After being force to commit a terrible crime, Anna Darton flees her home in Northern England arriving in London where she is befriended by Nancy, a sassy American dancer at The Zip nightclub, The Zip. Hiding her past, Anna turns herself into Vita Casey, joining the fast world of flappers, parties and fashion. Love comes too when she meets handsome, charming, upper class Archie Fenwick. It looks like all will be well until her secret past catches up with her. First novel in a sweeping historical trilogy. A light, fast paced story with an appealing heroine that captures London in the 20's.
August 26, 2019
Well, it’s official, the bonkbuster sub-genre is dead. I shouldn’t be surprised since I’ve known this for quite some time. […] Historical novels are still the in thing, apparently. Hence, this one penned by former bonkbuster writer Joanna Rees (as Jo Rees). THE RUNAWAY DAUGHTER (2019, Pan) it is called. Though it may not be a bonkbuster novel per se…
https://sleaze-factor.blogspot.com/20...
https://sleaze-factor.blogspot.com/20...
September 28, 2019
This is the first book I have read from the author and it won’t be my last. A wonderful story set in London in the twenties. Well written with a fantastic cast of characters, I loved this book. Well paced, with twists and turns throughout - I was gripped from the start and can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended, I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Highly recommended, I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
February 16, 2021
At 115 chapters it seems a long read, but some are only a couple of pages. It's a lovely story of a runaway who finds herself in 1920s London and living on her wits. The writing builds a picture of London and the characters, both the seedy and unpleasant and the nicer people she meets. It made me smile that she spent £3 to spend a night in the Midland Hotel.
I have read several books from this author and am looking forward to the next one.
I have read several books from this author and am looking forward to the next one.
October 9, 2023
Hermoso audio de una hija de los años 1920 en Inglaterra donde las mujeres todavía no tenían ningún derecho y estaban sumisas a la voluntad de los hombres , dure ge está niña que se revela a no ser tomada en cuenta en su perdona y sus ideas y hulls de casa creyendo qué mató a su hermano abusivo y logra llegar a lo seres donde con algo de suerte pero con mucho empeño y sabiufytia forja su dedo o en el diseño de ropa y en el baile
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