An Independent Woman

by Anna Jacobs

Can she find freedom against the odds?

As the Great War ends Serena Fleming is due an inheritance that could free her from a bullying father. But little does she know how far he will go to prevent her leaving home. Or how desperate he is to limit her and keep his secrets hidden. When she turns thirty, Serena must risk everything to escape his iron rule.

Meanwhile, Marcus Graye’s life has also been changed by the War. His injuries may heal, but his elderly aunt and a crumbling old house are now in his sole care. When he saves Serena from a kidnapping, his life will take an unexpected turn, one that may bring him love but will put his life in danger.

Can they survive a wicked man’s attacks? And can Serena at last fulfil her true potential?

From the bestselling and much-loved Anna Jacobs, this inspirational saga is perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Ellie Dean and Margaret Dickinson, a heart-warming tale of one woman’s fight for a life worth living.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Anna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).

She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com

Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.

Reviews

[Henna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5⭐️

This was an interesting book not to say the least.

I think the first 100 pages were just telling about the life Serena has and for me it was kind of sad to know, she did not have a pleasant life. it was hard for me to get into the first chunk of the book.

then the middle of the book came when Marcus rescues Serena from her father. it got a bit better from there, tropes like fake marriage were involved.

however then, murder and whatnot were introduced into the book and i was just itching to get to the end of the book because i was getting REALLY bored 😐

overall, i’d say give it a try, you might end up liking it 🫤

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be entertaining and would definitely recommend it. Most of the characters were likeable especially the two main ones Marcus and Serena and the rest were loveable whereas you could hate the villian Ernest Fleming, which made this an enjoyable read for me.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena and Marcus

Serena has been raised by a man she thought was her father he was a cruel and vindictive man but on her mother's deathbed she told Serena that Ernest Fleming wasn't her father . On Serena,s 30th birthday she came into a windfall that was left her by her godmother and decided to escape from Ernest Fleming who tries to stop her even by using force and that's when Marcus comes into the picture read the book for a riveting story 5 STARS for a fabulous read .

[Julie Hair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a fabulous story loved the characters

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of her better books a bit light on depth of characters.

[Jenny Sanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read two of this author's works back to back I felt they were quite formulaic and utterly predictable. Nevertheless, as a distraction during a tricky time there was enough in them to keep me sufficiently interested to read to the end and find a degree of satisfaction.

This one sees Serena turn thirty, come into her inheritance and so seize the opportunity to extricate herself from the control of her father who has been gambling her annuity and forging her signature on documents for years and so frittering her maternal inheritance away. Saved by a local hero returned from war who has just inherited 'the Hall' you can see where all this is going, and sure enough it does. A few twists and turns follow as Serena's father, like the cruel and draconian mill owner in 'Marrying Miss Martha' (they could be interchangeable considering the lengths to which they are prepared to go to inflict harm on their own, let alone anyone else), tries to claw her back and a long lost brother turns up to aid the denouement. Of course he does.

[Rachel Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a solid decent- barely made the cut of me wanting to finish it out and not quit halfway through, but I did finish it so I guess that's something! Perhaps I would've liked it better at age 16, because the writing is just not very advanced and the simple and wordy language annoyed me at times. The plot was definitely interesting and I liked the setting that I was inspired to picture in my head, but it was very predictable. Also there was a bit of a daddy-issues/sexy savior complex theme throughout, so depending on ones opinions on that you may like or dislike it more. Overall this book was somewhere in the middle for me!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books that I enjoy reading but it is a few authors work whose writing I will repeatedly go back to and enjoy multiple time. Anna Jacobs as a flare and simplicity of writing that engages even the most tired brain with her characters. 'An Independent Woman' is no different. Its characters offer the opportunity to fall in love every time it is read with themselves as well as their story.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

By now I know the formula to these Anna Jacobs books: there are always certain characters, and similar events .... in fact, I could probably work out the various life hurdles which the author has encountered in her own life!
But, none of that stops me from enjoying these books: starting a new Anna Jacobs is like settling down in a comfy chair beside a glowing fire, with a dog at my feet and a coffee within reach - what's not to like?!

[Joy Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A psychological suspense with attention to historical detail. Easy book to read and good wins out. A well kept secret becomes known by the daughter on her mothers death bed and the consequences of that. Loved all the twists and turns the book has however it does become a little repetitive and a bit of a stretch to what does happen in the story. Good wins out which is a great result

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book couldn’t put it down when I was able to read it
So glad was a Happy Ending for all the characters and Mr Fleming got what he deserved. Definitely a must read for anyone
Anna Jacobs is a brilliant Author her books are now in my top 3 and this is the 1st book I’ve read of hers

[Lynn Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really inspirational tale of a women fleeing her violent and controlling father just at the end of WW1. After her mother's death, Serena finds the courage to flee. She discovers from her mother on her death bed that the bully she knew as her father was in fact not. A tale of courage, unexpected love, danger with a just ending. A fantastic read.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely book. Though the ending wasn't very logical it states at the end that the Serena was very heroic but the truth is that Serena had once again bowed to her not real father's orders once again so her boyfriend would not get shot. the heroin in this book was in fact Pamela who shot Mr Fleming. If it wasn't for her actions Serena would of been back to square one.

[Mrs Linda Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my god what a story

I don’t think I have ever been so enthralled reading a story. I loved reading about Serena, Marcus and all the other characters, I found it extremely hard to put it down and because of that this is the fastest I have ever read a book! I felt so strongly about every single character, every twist and turn the story took. Thank you so much Anna

[Emma Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very engaging story about the plight of a young woman in the midst of a changing world. It is a story of a young woman yearning to be free from her "father's" control and domineering ways and an injured soldier of the great war learning to find love in strange circumstances.

[josephine Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good story

This was the second time that I have read this story. It is as all Anna Jacob's stories, very good. As usual I can't put the book down but I am sorry to finish it.

[Miss T A Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from chapter 1! I read the whole thing in one day, I just couldn’t put it down! The whole story came together perfectly and every character was well explained and you knew how they fitted in to the book.

[Anouk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jacobs needs to take a class on ending her novels in something other than surprises and unexpected turns of events all condensed in the last 5-10 pages of her novels. Enjoyable read, but nothing more than that.

[Maureen Constable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

Another blow enjoyed. I look forward to the next one. Such a mixture of so much intrigue. All Anna's books are a pleasure to read.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s like reading the script for a Hallmark movie!

[Rachel Paton · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I've ever read by Anna Jacob's and I absolutely loved it hardly put the book down the characters were so likeable and story was well written the ending was a surprise.

[Lorraine Nurdin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read

[Patricia M. Blatz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tied up in a neat bow

A bit too neat & tidy, but we'll written as always, interesting concept. Good plot, but the story begs belief.

[Nicola (Nikki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by this Author I have read & oh my word it was SO good I could not put it down when I started reading it! Definitely will read more by this Author! .

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from this author

[william shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book.

[Linda Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab read

[Novelle Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Marcus and Serena so much and the writing is so good. It’s very hard hitting though z

[Sue Hickling · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this story .

[June Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read this author but will certainly read more of her books. Very enjoyable.