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A Mother's Courage
The captivating new saga set in turn-of-the-century London by the author of The Best of Sisters ; The Cockney Sparrow ; and Mermaids Singing .
From the Hardcover edition.
From the Hardcover edition.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
76 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Dilly Court
83 books416 followersDilly Court grew up in North-east London and began her career in television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband. She is the author of eighteen novels and also writes under the name of Lily Baxter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 14, 2024
Firstly, as this is not a book I would normally pick off the shelf, I would like to say how it come to be in my possession. I was given a box of books by an elderly lady, even though I had no idea of the titles that were inside, as an avid reader, I felt like a kid who'd been given a treasure box.
Now for the book, I’ll admit the blurb on the back did not grab me, so it was put to the bottom of the to-read pile, and as it turned out, I had saved the best for last.
Secondly, the blurb is a little misleading, and I believe it does not do the book justice. The story is set in London 1879 when life for a woman was much different from today. Welfare was unheard of, a woman's social standing had a big impact as to how she was treated, a blind eye was turned to sexual abuse, and the age of consent was 12. Now for those that feel my comments mean this book is about sexual abuse, it is not, but it has a reference to the story.
So now we come to the story. Eloise Cribb receives news that the tea Clipper 'Hellebore' went down during a typhoon in the China Sea, with the loss of all hands, her husband, First Officer Ronald Cribb was onboard. Devastated by the news, she immediately bundles up her two small children, to seek solace in the comforting arms of her mother and father, who is a parish priest. Unbeknown to Eloise, her father sends word to her in-laws of her plight.
The following day her father informs her and her shocked mother that he has accepted a posting in Africa. Eloise is forced to take the long journey to Yorkshire to be cared for by her in-laws. On her arrival, she soon discovers her mother-in-law is determined to separate her from her children, and her main interest is her son Joss, whom she renames Ronald, after her deceased son.
Eloise endures her mother-in-law and her sister, until she uncovers a shocking family secret, which forces her into action. She makes a promise to her children she will do whatever it takes to protect them, but also, they will stay together.
I won't give away anymore of the story, I'll leave that for you to discover for yourself, but I will say for me personally, it took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Being a mother, there were times I was reaching for the tissues as I tried to picture myself in her shoes, and found it difficult to put the book down. I believe this story is much more than 'A Mother's Courage'; it's about a mother's love, and what we will do to protect our children!
Well done Dilly Court, I will certainly look for more of your books.
This is a book I would highly recommend.
Now for the book, I’ll admit the blurb on the back did not grab me, so it was put to the bottom of the to-read pile, and as it turned out, I had saved the best for last.
Secondly, the blurb is a little misleading, and I believe it does not do the book justice. The story is set in London 1879 when life for a woman was much different from today. Welfare was unheard of, a woman's social standing had a big impact as to how she was treated, a blind eye was turned to sexual abuse, and the age of consent was 12. Now for those that feel my comments mean this book is about sexual abuse, it is not, but it has a reference to the story.
So now we come to the story. Eloise Cribb receives news that the tea Clipper 'Hellebore' went down during a typhoon in the China Sea, with the loss of all hands, her husband, First Officer Ronald Cribb was onboard. Devastated by the news, she immediately bundles up her two small children, to seek solace in the comforting arms of her mother and father, who is a parish priest. Unbeknown to Eloise, her father sends word to her in-laws of her plight.
The following day her father informs her and her shocked mother that he has accepted a posting in Africa. Eloise is forced to take the long journey to Yorkshire to be cared for by her in-laws. On her arrival, she soon discovers her mother-in-law is determined to separate her from her children, and her main interest is her son Joss, whom she renames Ronald, after her deceased son.
Eloise endures her mother-in-law and her sister, until she uncovers a shocking family secret, which forces her into action. She makes a promise to her children she will do whatever it takes to protect them, but also, they will stay together.
I won't give away anymore of the story, I'll leave that for you to discover for yourself, but I will say for me personally, it took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Being a mother, there were times I was reaching for the tissues as I tried to picture myself in her shoes, and found it difficult to put the book down. I believe this story is much more than 'A Mother's Courage'; it's about a mother's love, and what we will do to protect our children!
Well done Dilly Court, I will certainly look for more of your books.
This is a book I would highly recommend.
June 8, 2018
Really enjoyed this story,a mother struggles with two young kids after the death of her husband.she had a comfortable life her parents move to Africa.and she had to stay with her husband family who are no so friendly.theres alot of hardship and friendly people.liked this one.great writer.
November 28, 2010
i had bought this on holidays when i had ran out of books to read. at first i started to read it out of boredom as this is totally not the kinda of book i would ever even think of reading but as i got further and further into the book i really began to enjoy it. it was a very plesent surprise. just goes to show you should never judge a book by its cover..or even the book title.
October 13, 2014
4.5 stars
I really liked this book, even though parts of it were a little bit predictable. The author drew the characters really well and made you want the main character to succeed despite her circumstances
I really liked this book, even though parts of it were a little bit predictable. The author drew the characters really well and made you want the main character to succeed despite her circumstances
January 18, 2018
I devoured this book by Dilly Court. As with all of Dilly' s books this was a gritty tale of hardship and poverty and I liked the fact that it's full of strong women. Eloise finds herself in one bad situation after another but is determined not to loose her children at any cost.
February 7, 2018
I couldn't put this book down. I enjoyed every word that was written. Storytelling at it's best.
November 24, 2009
It was likeable. Some words were repeated too many times in a chapter, but that might be because I'm picky with things like that. Got a little repetitive after a while, though, and it annoyed me how she kept refusing help from good people.
August 20, 2017
Story of a mothers struggle with 2 children after her husband is drowned at sea. I often thought that she made some silly decisions which put her and their lives in danger, however she came through in the end. I like these books about survival through poverty and lifes toughness.
October 11, 2017
This was a really sweet story, that left behind a warm glow. It was interesting, stressful at times and absolutely frustrating at others. But I can easily say this was a goodread. I would recommend this book to those who love a historical romance with a bit of drama.
March 18, 2018
Really enjoy dilly court books,found it abit long but enjoyed the storyline.
April 1, 2018
Set in 1879 East London "A Mother's Courage" opens as Eloise Cribb’s life changes when her husband and the crew of his ship are lost at sea; her parents are called to the mission field in Africa; and she’s forced take her children to Yorkshire to live with her in-laws. Almost destitute, facing hostility and the obsession of her mother-in-law to oversee her son’s upbringing, Eloise in desperation to protect her children at all costs escapes the bullying at Cribbs Hall and begins a journey back to London where she hopes to stay temporarily with a friend and her family while she searches for work.
With ups and downs that sees her on the brink of prostituting herself to provide for the children she adores and being chased by a private investigator working for her in-laws, Eloise takes a chance abandoning her three-year-old Joss and baby Beth at a Foundling Hospital where she finds work after disguising her identity.
Historically-based in a period when women have no rights and must depend on the largess of others or be sent to a workhouse to survive, skillfully Dilly Court draws you into the plight of Eloise Cribb who after the death of her husband is foisted on her in-law’s goodwill only to be tormented by Hilda Cribb and her sister Joan Braithwaite. The plot heats up when she flees her nightmare at Cribbs Hall only to face hardship and the cruelty of life in London and being forced to finally abandon her children. Fast-paced, emotionally-charged and intriguing as events unfold Eloise discovers her heart re-opening after her husband’s loss when she meets Barton Caine and his daughter Maria at the Foundling Home, although her secrets could destroy the budding relationship.
Breathing life into the story are a wonderful cast of complex and moving characters like the humble, loving and spirited Eloise Cribb; her mother the practical and strong Grace Monkham; the kindhearted, generous Glady’s Danby; the spoiled and unpredictable five-year-old Maria who yearns to be loved; and Barton Caine who haunted by betrayal hides a caring and passionate heart behind arrogance and a harsh manner.
Like all of Dilly Court’s historical romances I loved “A Mother’s Courage” and continue to be a fan of her novels.
With ups and downs that sees her on the brink of prostituting herself to provide for the children she adores and being chased by a private investigator working for her in-laws, Eloise takes a chance abandoning her three-year-old Joss and baby Beth at a Foundling Hospital where she finds work after disguising her identity.
Historically-based in a period when women have no rights and must depend on the largess of others or be sent to a workhouse to survive, skillfully Dilly Court draws you into the plight of Eloise Cribb who after the death of her husband is foisted on her in-law’s goodwill only to be tormented by Hilda Cribb and her sister Joan Braithwaite. The plot heats up when she flees her nightmare at Cribbs Hall only to face hardship and the cruelty of life in London and being forced to finally abandon her children. Fast-paced, emotionally-charged and intriguing as events unfold Eloise discovers her heart re-opening after her husband’s loss when she meets Barton Caine and his daughter Maria at the Foundling Home, although her secrets could destroy the budding relationship.
Breathing life into the story are a wonderful cast of complex and moving characters like the humble, loving and spirited Eloise Cribb; her mother the practical and strong Grace Monkham; the kindhearted, generous Glady’s Danby; the spoiled and unpredictable five-year-old Maria who yearns to be loved; and Barton Caine who haunted by betrayal hides a caring and passionate heart behind arrogance and a harsh manner.
Like all of Dilly Court’s historical romances I loved “A Mother’s Courage” and continue to be a fan of her novels.
March 3, 2018
Unputdownable
Dilly court brought all the characters to life, I felt as though I knew Ellie who struggled to keep her family together, at times when her life was so bad, I felt her pain. This is definitely one of those books that are hard to put down, I loved it!
Dilly court brought all the characters to life, I felt as though I knew Ellie who struggled to keep her family together, at times when her life was so bad, I felt her pain. This is definitely one of those books that are hard to put down, I loved it!
May 23, 2018
Love this author. A sad story with a happy ending. A mother who became a widow with two small children who would do anything and everything to protect her children at all costs. The hardships she had to endure and only through her courage and determination did she survive. A good read. One to add to your shelf
March 3, 2021
First one of her books I have read,really enjoyed it,you realise how women were treated in the 1800's.once started couldt put down.
May 17, 2019
I'm surprised to see so many 5* reviews of this book. I did enjoy it but early on it mentions breastfeeding the younger baby and it felt like the author didn't understand the habits of a breastfeeding baby or mother and only put that in there because of the time it was set. No more mention of it later when the baby was still not old enough to wean. It made it hard to believe in the story or characters from the start. The plot and characters are fairly straightforward and the ending was utterly predictable but it was a fun enough read but I probably won't seek out anything more by the author.
March 29, 2016
I have to give it at least a three because I was compelled to finish the book even though Eloise has frustrated me all the way through. I have thought that the book should have been called A Mother's Stupidity. I think she should have just swallowed everything and stayed with her in-laws, who knows, in time she may have gotten her own way a little. What she put those children through was pure selfishness I think, even if the ending was for the good of all.
June 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, it is a historical sage about a young woman who loses her husband and whose parents go to South Africa as missionerys. She is left alone to bring up her children and sinks from one disaster to another. There is a lovely twist at the end. Dilly Courts books are easy to read and very interesting.
March 29, 2009
What can I say about this book? She is an awesome mother and will do anything to provide for her children the struggle from the loss of her husband and heartless in loves does not slow her down her main goal to be a mother to her babies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2020
1879...what hard lives people had.
Favourite quote
'Each time she left the nursery it felt as though she left a piece of her heart clutched in their tiny hands. Soon she would have none left, and perhaps the agony would go away.'
Favourite quote
'Each time she left the nursery it felt as though she left a piece of her heart clutched in their tiny hands. Soon she would have none left, and perhaps the agony would go away.'
April 23, 2009
I love Dilly Court romances - there is always a great struggle during the story but usually there s a happy ending for the characters in the book - this book was particularly moving.
February 5, 2011
cockney saga brill loved it couldnt put down
March 24, 2011
This book was really enjoyable as I love victorian families, i was really happy when it turned out to be a very surprising happy ending.
August 31, 2012
Great book, thoroughly enjoyed it. Was first book of Dilly Courts I read and now I have read them all!
September 22, 2015
An enjoyable, easy read... If a bit predicable!
Fairly repetitive though..same problems in different places!
Fairly repetitive though..same problems in different places!
September 19, 2015
wasy to read book. goid story
February 17, 2019
What an amazing read!
This is not the typical book that i would pick up off my shelf, but im so happy that i did. Graphically this book has a beautiful cover and gives a clear insight to the characters from the get go.
From the beautiful countryside of Dorset, where the young and free spirited Eloise Cribb grew up, she was happy with her mother and father, even with his strict and formal parish nature. After the death of her sea official husband Ronald Cribb, Eloise a newly renouned widow is left penniless and struggling to look after her two young children, Joss and Beth.
She is sent to Yorkshire to live with her horrible and miserable in laws who want nothing to do with her all they want is their grandson.
What happens from here....find out by picking up the book. I highly recommend it, after starting i could not put it down.
This is not the typical book that i would pick up off my shelf, but im so happy that i did. Graphically this book has a beautiful cover and gives a clear insight to the characters from the get go.
From the beautiful countryside of Dorset, where the young and free spirited Eloise Cribb grew up, she was happy with her mother and father, even with his strict and formal parish nature. After the death of her sea official husband Ronald Cribb, Eloise a newly renouned widow is left penniless and struggling to look after her two young children, Joss and Beth.
She is sent to Yorkshire to live with her horrible and miserable in laws who want nothing to do with her all they want is their grandson.
What happens from here....find out by picking up the book. I highly recommend it, after starting i could not put it down.
March 24, 2021
This isn’t the typical book I usually go for but I nonetheless found it enjoyable. It was a very easy read and I enjoyed getting to know the various characters on Elouise’s journey through motherhood. The dialogue was colloquial and formed the bulk of the story. The book raised some important insights into the difficulties women faced in that time and raised some awareness of the foundling hospital. Although this is fictional, you did feel like you were on a journey with Eloise, and I became invested in her and her children’s well-being and happiness. I would definitely recommend this book to others looking for an easy, enjoyable read.
March 10, 2025
Reading on a roll! 250 pages of English text in a day—my personal record. I had an insight:
– Not everyone is naturally good with kids. A child can have many caregivers, but that doesn’t mean they’ll connect.
– Until that one person comes along who will love the child unconditionally, show genuine interest, and incorporate discipline.
– But back to the first point: not everyone has this ability. Or, to put it bluntly, it’s an exhausting effort for those who don’t.
The book is about finding that third, fourth, or even tenth wind in difficult circumstances, about being a good mom, staying by your children's side, and not leaving them.
A decent book—just what I was looking for.
– Not everyone is naturally good with kids. A child can have many caregivers, but that doesn’t mean they’ll connect.
– Until that one person comes along who will love the child unconditionally, show genuine interest, and incorporate discipline.
– But back to the first point: not everyone has this ability. Or, to put it bluntly, it’s an exhausting effort for those who don’t.
The book is about finding that third, fourth, or even tenth wind in difficult circumstances, about being a good mom, staying by your children's side, and not leaving them.
A decent book—just what I was looking for.
April 15, 2021
How can you not like Dilly Court books? I always find myself hoping that in the next chapter things will get better for the family or person concerned and you know they will by the end of the story. Even though in parts they are predictable I find them such an enjoyable read. Love her books. Also writes as Lily Baxter.
August 30, 2018
Really enjoyed this book
As usual dilly court has written another good book. You can’t help but care about the characters.
Read it in a few days couldn’t put it down
Highly recommend
As usual dilly court has written another good book. You can’t help but care about the characters.
Read it in a few days couldn’t put it down
Highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews