The Rector's Daughter

by Jean Fullerton

Charlotte, daughter of Reverend Percival Hatton, has been content to follow the path laid out for her. Charlotte has an understanding with Captain Nicolas Paget - every inch the gentleman - who she expects someday to marry. But then she meets Josiah Martyn, and everything changes...
A driven and ambitious Cornish mining engineer, and the complete opposite to Captain Nicholas, Josiah has come to London to help build the first tunnel under the river Thames. When unpredictable events occur at the inauguration of the project, Josiah and Charlotte are suddenly thrown into an unexpected intimacy.
But not everyone is happy with Charlotte and Josiah growing closer. As friends turn to foes, will they be able to rewrite the stars and find their happy ever after, although all odds seem to be stacked against them...?

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2019

About the author

I was born into a large, East End family and grew up in the overcrowded streets clustered around the Tower of London. I still live in East London, just five miles from where I was born. I feel that it is that my background that gives my historical East London stories their distinctive authenticity.

I first fell in love with history at school when I read Anya Seton’s book Katherine. Since then I have read everything I can about English history but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th and 19th century and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular which is why I write stories to bring that vibrant area of London alive.

I am also passionate about historical accuracy and I enjoy researching the details almost as much as weaving the story. If one of my characters walks down a street you can be assured that that street actually existed. Take a look at Jean’s East End and see the actual location where my characters played out their stories.

Reviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical romances packed with danger, drama and romance, look no further – this story has them all. There’s everything from machinery, floods, irate family, arranged marriage and more in this action packed story. Charlotte is the heroine of the story. She’s the rector’s daughter, someone who always strives to help the poor of the parish and one of the first to volunteer in times of need. She first meets Josiah Martyn when he prevents her being crushed to death and the relationship between the two is fraught with misunderstandings and the meddling of others all mixed together, of course, with a plentiful helping of love. However, with so much working against them, will this couple ever have a chance for a HEA together?

There are a real mix of characters in this story, including some you really won’t like. There’s everything from a scheming mother with an obnoxious, entitled, young son to a brother (or two) who thinks he is the only one to sort things out – even if no one else agrees with his solution! The story has plenty of twists and turns, this romance is definitely not a smooth running one and even the ending has its own suspense filled dramatic moments! It is a page turner that I recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre!

I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Emmy B.]

A great advantage of being part of a library is that you get to try out books you might never have risked reading if you had to make your decision on the basis of how much money you can spend at a given time. The disadvantage is that you sometimes end up reading things that are just not for you.

In this case, I was attracted by the premise, as this is a historical romance without a London-during-the-Season setting, and by a hero who has a job and a girl who is not a debutante. But apparently this is like eating the same meal in a different restaurant: the same old tropes of "I saw him and couldn't stop thinking about him" and the constant mention of eye-colour and hair-colour (ugh, seriously, editors, start chucking that shit out, it serves nothing!), were repeated as they are in every. single. romance. book. ever. fucking. written. The research seems okay, and I applaud the author for picking an interesting historical backdrop, but I found the characters bland and nothing was done (literally nothing) to make me care what happens to anybody there. DNF.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rector's Daughter is set in 1825 in the Rotherhithe area of London. Charlotte Hatton, the Rector’s daughter. is a very charitable young lady, always trying to help those in need. She lives with her father who is a widower. Captain Paget has an interest in her, but he is taking care of his mother, and she dislikes Charlotte. There is a tunnel being built under the Thames in the parish, so there are a lot of workers moving in. One is Josiah Martyn, an engineer who worked his way up from the Cornish mines. There is a spark between him and Charlotte from the first time they met, when he saved her from a serious accident, but they are from different social classes and her father will not let her associate with him. Living in the same parish, they constantly run into one another and their feelings towards each other grow. When Josiah has an accident that nearly takes his life, he decides to tell Charlotte how he feels. Will they be able to work through the class differences and her father's unfair feelings?

The setting of this story was so realistic. The author did a lot of research to make sure that the tunnel, the people, the working conditions and living conditions were accurate. The characters were very well developed and the author does a great job of making you dislike the characters who were the villians in the story. I was appalled at the way the Vicar treated the "lower class" citizens. I hated the way he treated Charlotte and berated her when she tried to help the poor persons and single moms. This mix of characters made for a good balance in the story. This was not an easy romance. The road to happiness for Charlotte and Josiah had many twists and hurdles. The Rector’s Daughter is an enjoyable read with a happy ending (it is a romance after all), but there is still more to the story of Charlotte and Josiah. I would love to see another book to find out what happens to them next, but if not, I was happy with the ending of this story. I recommend this book to lovers of historical romance or historical stories where villains get their comeuppance. I want to thank Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of this book. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Anne Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, now I know why people so love Jean Fullerton’s books! She’s a wonderful story teller, and the twists and turns of this book kept me reading into the early hours with hopes of a happy ending. Her meticulous research is evident – the detail around the construction of the first tunnel under the Thames, with a recreation of what life was like for the workers and the introduction of a few real-life historical figures, was simply fascinating, and so well brought to life.

There’s a tremendous authenticity about her fictional characters too. Charlotte’s quite wonderfully drawn – real kindness and selflessness in her involvement in her father’s parish duties, and with a nice wry humour about the ups and downs of her personal life. Her father’s a total horror, but so well depicted through those statements that make you cringe – and he really does rather deserve the predatory attention of Mrs Palmer, another character who leaps off the page quite wonderfully (as does her obnoxious spoilt son). Although attracted to Josiah, the second engineer at the tunnel (and let’s face it, who wouldn’t be?), Charlotte sees little possibility of overcoming the class divide or of escaping her duties and obligations – and she has the additional complication of being “promised” to slimy Nicholas Paget, although the demands of his mother consistently prevent a marriage being in the offing.

The setting’s so vividly described – life in the East End at all levels, the detail around the construction of the tunnel and the conditions suffered by those who build it – and it also deals well with the issues of the time around class divides and the position of women, while capturing the change in the air in its pre-Victorian period. Even the writing itself feels right – it wouldn’t be difficult to think this was a story written in its time, in both its use of language and the development of the story.

There’s high drama, there’s romance, there’s a lot of bad behaviour – and the book really is a quite gripping read as it unfolds, with characters you grow to love at its centre. So well done – I really enjoyed this one.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love Jean Fullerton's books as they draw you into the story.The Rector is not a nice man and not well liked,a lovely story that has you turning the pages.There is a love interest and emotional parts.Well done to Jean Fullerton 5*

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for the ideal book to sit down on a Sunday afternoon then pick up a copy of The Rector’s Daughter by Jean Fullerton because it is fabulous and you will not want ot put it down until you have turned the final page!

Set in 1825 in the Rotherhithe area of London, it is where I meet Charlotte Hatton, the Rector’s daughter. She is a very charitable and is always trying to help those in need. She has an admirer in the form of Captain Paget, a chap I took a dislike to initially and if I am honest my opinion of him didn’t improve.

There are a lot of new people in the area as work to build a tunnel under the Thames is due to begin. One of the workers is Engineer Josiah Martyn a man who has worked his way up from the Cornish mines and learnt his trade. There is a spark between him and Charlotte but they live in different social classes. Charlotte has had her life mapped out and her father believes she should be wed to a man who can provide for her and maintain or better her social standing.

Living and working in the same area, it is inevitable that these two should meet. Josiah is a proud man and has good morals and understands that he is not looked on favourably. But will it be enough!

The story is absolutely addictive, the mentions of the Brunels really does help fix the setting. The various mentions of living and working conditions are fabulous and I love it when an author uses comparisons in a story and Jean does this so well. These comparisons are so well worked into the story and give a wonderful cross-section of society.

The story itself is not straightforward and could have gone in various directions. There are many little twists and ruses on the way that kept this reader eagerly turning the pages. There are several characters that I met in this story, some I liked, some I did not which made for a good balance. I liked the different opinions and attitudes, they are suited for the time and I at times my blood boiled for the way that some of the characters acted and treated others!

The Rector’s Daughter is a fabulous read and I would love to think that there was another book to follow. I hope there is because even though this book finished in a brilliant way I am still curious.

A brilliant book that I adored and is perfect for readers of Historical fiction and Romance I would definitely recommend it.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been my great pleasure to have had the opportunity to read and review a couple of Jean's books now. I haven't read them all but I am getting there. The promotional blurb says that this book would be perfect reading for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin. As soon as I read that, I just knew that I had to read the book as soon as I could. I was fortunate enough to be able to sneak a peek at an early review copy. I had high hopes for 'The Rector's Daughter' and I wasn't disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Rector's Daughter' but more about that in a bit.
I couldn't help but take to the character of Charlotte Hatton from the first moment I met her. Her father is the rector for the particular parish that they live in. Her mother has passed away and so Charlotte has taken on a fair amount of the duties that a rector's wife would normally be expected to do. She has a lot of pressure on her shoulders. She does what she can within the parish and she also helps with school duties too. I loved the way in which she could get on with anybody. Charlotte is a canny young lass (lady) who would do anything for anybody if they were stuck. She is kind, compassionate, sensitive and she treats everybody the same irrespective of their rank or social status. She meets a young Cornish labourer called Josiah and to say that there is chemistry there is an understatement. They come from completely different backgrounds but for me that just backs up the old saying 'opposites attract'. I was just keeping everything crossed that despite the hurdles and barriers that are put in their way, Charlotte and Josiah would find a way to be together and that they would get the happy ever after ending that they so deserved. Do they get that 'happy ever after' ending? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It took me no time at all to get into this book. In fact as soon as I started to read I knew that I wouldn't be able to do anything else but read for the rest of the day. I quickly became engrossed in the story and I took to certain characters more than others. I just couldn't put the book down. It wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I did not want to miss a single second of the story. The more of the book I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages were turning. I seemed to fly through the latter half of the book but I think that was in part due to my desperation to find out how the story concluded and what implications the ending had for Charlotte and Josiah. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I anticipated, expected or wanted. I was enjoying the author's writing style, the storylines and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue for longer.
Jean Fullerton has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. 'The Rector's Daughter' is written in a slightly different way to Jean's other books in that 'The Rector's Daughter' is written more in keeping with the language used during the time in which the story was set, which is pre-Victorian times. The fact that Jean has adapted her writing style to suit the time in which the story is set, helps to make the story seem that bit more authentic. Jean has clearly done a lot of research for 'The Rector's Daughter' and this shows in the quality of her writing. Jean certainly knows how to grab your attention and keep that attention for the duration of the book. Jean writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. I found that I was becoming far too caught up in the story when I began to interact with the book. Yes I know this is a work of fiction but I find that if I love a book to the extent that I loved this one, I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real. I would say things as if the different characters could hear me. There were several times where I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to remonstrate with certain characters for their actions or for their treatment of Charlotte.
In short, Jean Fullerton has done it again and she has written an absolutely fantastic book, which is sure to fly off the shelves as it were. I would second what the blurb says and agree that fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin will absolutely LOVE reading 'The Rector's Daughter'. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rector's Daughter is a stand-alone novel by Jean Fullerton.

Charlotte is the daughter of Reverend Percival Hatton. Since her mother passed away Charlotte has stepped into her role of helping with the parishioners and looking after her father. Her life is simple, stable and she just goes along with what is expected of her. That includes having an understanding with Captain Nicolas Paget. He hasn't yet asked her to marry him, he is waiting to broach the subject with his mother, but it's a foregone conclusion that eventually they will marry. Charlotte has never questioned it, but all that changes when she meets Josiah Martyn.

The very first tunnel to be built under the Thames in London was being built in her home town of Rotherhithe. The quiet town was soon bustling with workmen including the head engineer of the project, Cornishman, Josiah Martyn. Their first meeting was quite dramatic with him saving Charlotte from a disaster. After the initial shock of what happened and when they got to take a good look at each other, an instant attraction occurs between them. An attraction that must be kept at bay because Josiah knows he isn't of her class and there could be no future for them. That doesn't stop him making a point of talking to her in church every Sunday and helping her out when he can. He is a real gentleman!

Their possible romance was very slow in coming to a point where they admitted their feelings for each other but in the meantime, the story was able to keep my attention with the fascinating insights into the building of the tunnel and the struggles the workers had. There were also two other women whose stories kept the book intriguing. One is a widow with a very spoiled son who is trying to ensnare the reverend but who also trying to get Josiah into her bed! Also, there is a conniving young debutante who has decided she wants Josiah to be hers and will go to any lengths to make it so. He isn't interested in either female because his heart is firmly held by Charlotte.

I won't go into any more of the story because I don't want to give too much away. I just want to say that although for me the story got off to a slow start I am glad I persevered with it because once Josiah and Charlotte were honest with each other about their attraction things really took off. The drama unfolded and I couldn't read the book quickly enough to find out how it would end. I wasn't disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am more than happy to recommend it.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1825, this romantic family saga explores the engineering feat of building the first underwater tunnel in London, by Brunel. The vision of this late Regency event comes across well in this story, but so does the human cost, of such a dangerous undertaking.

Charlotte is the Rector's daughter, who since her mother's untimely death has fulfilled the parish duties expected of a Rector's wife. She is compassionate, clever and courageous, and does what she can to help the parish's poor and unfortunate. The Rector is judgemental about his poorer parishioners. He is the antithesis of his daughter and prepared to put his material needs above his pastoral duties.

Charlotte meets Josiah, an engineer working for Brunel on the tunnel when he averts a near-tragic accident for her. The attraction although immediate and powerful builds through friendship when they meet on many occasions, through Charlotte's parish duties and mutual acquaintances. Their romance appears ill-fated, when her father's desire to maintain his reputation overrides the needs and wishes of his daughter, leading to an angst-ridden emotional climax to this story.

The historical background is well researched and written in a vivid real-time way that allows the reader to experience some of the events of the era. The characters are complex. Many are disagreeable but add to the story. All act in a way that fits with this exciting historical period. The social class divide is marked, but the evidence of change that the future Victorian era witnessed is seen here.

An absorbing plot, with vividly written characters, historical events, and a believable but utterly romantic love story, makes this the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter's afternoon.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Corvus Books in return for an honest review.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTF

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ An Engrossing Storyline, Beautifully Romantic and Rich in History!


The Rector’s Daughter Is a wonderfully engrossing historical romance set in 1825, that was poignant and equally compelling.

Charlotte is the Rector's Daughter.
Unfortunately for her this means her father has strict views as to what Charlotte's path should be.
He very much believes she should Marry someone of wealth and stature and with someone lined up for her to marry, she doesn't have a choice! Or does she?
But you can't help who you fall in love with can you?

When Charlotte meets Josiah after he saves her, she is instantly taken in by his gentlemanly charm.
But Josiah is merely an Engineer solely there to help build the tunnel under the Thames.
He is her forbidden fruit, with no class, wealth or stature her father is sure to object.
But fate has a way of throwing them together!

The Rector’s Daughter Is more than just an Historical Romance, it's a poignant and compelling look into the history and lives of the workers.
Jean gives a rich and vivid insight into the tunnel and the historical events of that era.
All of the precise intricate details were very Authentic and perfectly plotted.
The ambience, what life was like for everyone, the dangers involved, the sounds, sights and smells. It all felt so real.

The Characters are very well researched, written and Complex, not all are necessarily likeable but they create the right emotions you expect from historical fiction.

The Rector’s Daughter has a wonderfully engrossing storyline, it's beautifully romantic, rich in history and the setting descriptions are superbly written.
Jean always has a way of captivating her readers and making them feel part of the story.

Once again Jean has written a Gem of a book i can't recommend enough!

Thank you to Corvus Books and Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.




My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating historical setting, the building of the first tunnel under the Thames, and brilliantly researched by the author. The social mores of the time are well documented and the reader cannot but help empathise with Charlotte who is desperate to break away from the path that her fate has decided for her. This isn't a book to rush through, rather take your time and savour the development of events and the interrelationships of the characters.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say I was totally enthralled with this story. Set in 1825 when London was in high anticipation for the commencement of an engineering feat by Brunel on building the first tunnel under the River Thames. A tunnel that was an ambitious goal and one that would cost in both monetary value and humankind. Author, Jean Fullerton, puts you at the heart of the beginning of this highly anticipated event in engineering history and also the history of transport in and around the city of London. Driving through the tunnels today I have never thought about what the workforce went through back in Regency England when the first tunnel was originally built but Jean Fullerton's words in The Rector's Daughter gives you a glimpse into a time gone-by and to a new beginning for many.
This is the story of Charlotte Hatton, the daughter of the local Reverend. Charlotte is committed to her work as the Rector's daughter and is very efficient in her parish duties helping the needy and also taking stock of the parish accounts. On 2nd March 1825, the official ceremony of the commencement of the tunnel works is taking place and all villagers and VIP's have been invited to attend. Charlotte is due to attend but a mishap at the ceremony puts her in danger and also under the spotlight of the Assistant Engineer, a Cornish man in the name of Josiah Martyn. There is an instant attraction between the Rector's daughter and the Assistant Engineer and during the next few weeks Charlotte and Josiah keep bumping into each other and a friendship develops. However, another suitor has eyes for Charlotte and he is none too pleased with this blossoming friendship.
With the tunnelling works in operation the villagers are coping with an influx of workmen and plenty of dignitary visiting the site. New friendships are blossoming but not everything goes to plan for all concerned.
With new exciting constructions comes danger and Jean Fullerton has included plenty of drama in this storyline leaving you on edge and gripped with concerns for the outcome. My heart was pulled in all directions and I was left on tenterhooks many a time with this thrilling story. A story that was full of historical events, family saga, dramatic scenes and a romance to leave you wanting more. I loved every page of this story, thank you so much to the author for introducing me to an event in history I knew nothing about.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rector’s Daughter is actually the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from author Jean Fullerton. I was so impressed with this story and Ms. Fullerton’s writing style that I’m planning on going back and reading her backlist! This was an absolutely fantastic read set in London 1825 during the building of the underwater Thames Tunnel that connects Rotherhithe and Wapping. Such an interesting and intriguing backdrop for a story!

Charlotte Hatton is the daughter of the Rector in Rotherhithe. She helps with the tasks at the rectory and within the parish in place of her mother who passed away. She’s a kind young woman who is always looking out for others.

Josiah Martyn is the Senior Engineer on site for the Thames Tunnel project. He’s a miner’s son from Cornwell who has worked hard to get where he is today.

I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end and I struggled to put it down!  I instantly liked both Charlotte and Josiah and started rooting for them as a couple. From the moment they meet, they can’t stop thinking about each other. As their love grows and their feelings become known to each other and the people around them, people do their best to keep this couple apart. They were a sweet couple who faced many obstacles to get to their HEA.

Ms. Fullerton did an amazing job of pulling you into the story with her wonderful writing. It’s obvious she does tremendous research as the book is richly detailed. There were so many fabulous secondary characters that added to the suspense and enjoyment of this book. From Charlotte’s family, Mrs. Palmer & her son, Josiah’s brother & wife, the people in Rotherhithe, I could easily revisit these characters and the setting to get more of their stories. I’ll admit this story had me on the edge of my seat more than once and I found myself picking up this book frequently throughout the day to read just one more page... I would love to catch up with Josiah and Charlotte at a later date to see their family and where they ended up!

With a fabulous storyline, a couple who captured my heart and wonderful secondary characters, I absolutely loved everything about this story. This one is definitely a keeper! Highly recommend!

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in London in 1825 this story takes us straight into the heart of late-Georgian life as Charlotte Hatton tends to the needs of her father’s parishioners. The Reverend Percival Hatton is reliant on his daughter for much of the good work that takes place within his parish of St Mary's in the Rotherhithe district of London, and initially there’s a sense that Charlotte is rather overshadowed and content to support her father and stay in the background. She has a sort of ambiguous romantic connection with a certain Captain Nicholas Paget, who is a bit of damp squib in the romance stakes, and who doesn’t set Charlotte’s heart racing as much as the handsome Josiah Martyn, a young man who is working as an engineer building the ambitious new tunnel under the River Thames. Charlotte’s growing involvement with Josiah causes a great deal of speculation within the parish.

What then follows is a beautifully written historical saga which looks at all the social complexities which beset young women during this time. The author brings the story alive with her descriptions of Charlotte’s life, especially the restrictions placed on women whose only security came from securing a husband. The story flows well and kept my interest throughout and the many twists and turns in the plot add an interesting dimension to Charlotte's burgeoning friendship with Josiah Martyn. There’s a nice array of characters, some were far more likeable than others, but it was interesting to see how they all fitted into the wider detail of the story. I have to admit to knowing absolutely nothing about the Thames tunnel, so it has been fascinating to learn more about this event, and of the real life people who were involved with its construction.

This type of romantic historical fiction is something of a departure for this author whose previous novels have been set in a later time period, so its been interesting to see how she brings the London she knows so well alive in an altogether earlier historical setting.

The Rector's Daughter is a well researched and beautifully authentic historical saga by an author who really knows how to bring history alive in the imagination

[Deborah J Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I loved the writing style, the story, the settings, the characters...

Written by Jean Fullerton, whose WWII Ration Book series I am avidly following, The Rector's Daughter is set in the 1820s.

It tells the story of a well-born young woman called Charlotte Hatton, the daughter of the Reverend Percival Hatton, Rector of St Mary's in Rotherhithe, South East London. Charlotte's mother died some time ago, and Charlotte has stepped into her shoes, and taken on the sort of tasks expected of a cleryman's wife. In the course of her duties she meets Josiah Martyn, an engineer working on the construction of the Rotherhithe Tunnel, and over time they fall in love.

Knowing that her father would never allow them to marry, they make plans to elope, but events overtake them, and Charlotte is sent away to marry a man she has never met.

The Rector's Daughter has been well researched, and delivered. My mother was born in Rotherhithe, so I am familiar with the tunnel, St Mary's, and the road names used in this story. I got quite excited wondering which landmarks would appear next, and what else I might learn about the area.

As I have already said, I loved this story. I was hooked from the first page. I love historical novels that provide me with some facts about the time in which they are set as I'm absorbing the story. I am a big fan of Barbara Cartland for just this reason, and The Rector's Daughter was every bit as good as any of Ms Cartland's historical novels.

I enjoyed the sub plot of Mrs Palmer, an impoverished widow with a dreadful, badly-behaved son, setting her cap at the Reverend. Mrs Palmer's own behaviour is also questionable; her hands rove as much as her eye! At first I didn't think the Reverend deserved her, but soon changed my mind when I realised he was more concerned with this own importance than his daughter's welfare.

The Rector's Daughter is a carefully crafted story, and one which I would highly recommend.

[Chelle W (teaandplottwists) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte, is at the ceremony of the start of a project to dig the first tunnel under the Thames, when something unexpected happens….she’s very nearly in an accident but is saved by a handsome stranger…..

Charlotte and Josiah are both unable to stop thinking about the other and as time moves on, there are many things that get in the way…..including many people who don’t wish to see them together. As the daughter of the local Rector and the son of a Miner, they are not ‘socially’ suitable and many people try to get in the way. Not only that but there are others who have feelings for both Charlotte and Josiah. But with many obstacles thrown at them, will they finally end up together….?

As a massive historical fiction fan, I absolutely LOVED this! Set in 1825, Jeans descriptions are amazing! This is the second book I have read by this author and each time I have been fully sucked into the story and surroundings and genuinely felt like I was there! The descriptions of the clothing, and day to day lives of the characters and the way they speak with each other fully immerses you in the 19th century.

And because of this, The Rector’s Daughter is a truly delightful and charming novel. I was completely hooked….the ‘will they, won’t they’ aspect kept me turning every page and wanting to see what happens next!

Some of the characters in this and their actions are terrible! The lengths people will go to, to either make themselves happy or to make people of another class feel rubbish, is appalling but we know it would have happened at the time (and probably still does in some aspects today!)

This is truly fantastic and you will be thoroughly thrown into the story. Even if you’re not an historical fiction fan, if you love a bit of true romance then you NEED to check this out! Most definitely recommended by me; I can’t wait to read more from Jean!

[Lynn Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a reader who prefers choosing a book by reading the blurb rather than seduced by a cover. The Rector's Daughter is a perfect example of this and far exceeded my expectations as well as introducing me to a new author whose work I will seek out more. 

Charlotte lives with her Father, Reverend Percival Hatton at St. Mary's Church in Rotherhithe, London. It's her job to assist her father in the way the wife of a clergyman would assist her husband in his work within the parish because her mother died. When work begins on a tunnel to go under the river Thames, in Rotherhyde, she meets Josiah Martyn, an engineer on the project. Even though she's expected to marry Captain Paget, she and Josiah are determined to be together. The result is an understanding they will find a way to be together. The beginning of a journey fraught with familial dislike. 

The history and research for this novel are outstanding. I always love learning about real-life events and understanding the social impact on these feats. It adds a fulfilling depth to the narrative for the reader to become enveloped in. As someone who reads mostly romance, I was invested in Charlotte and Josiah's relationship and appreciated the forbidden love aspect of their journey to a happy ending. 

It's saga full of action, drama and facts. Aided with plenty of colourful characters adding insight and villainy along the way. The author wraps this all together beautifully creating a wonderful novel for readers who love history and romance. 

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine historical read from an author who always delivers!

Charlotte Hatton, though young, has taken on the traditional role of a vicar's wife for her widowed Reverend father. She is expected one day to marry Captain Nicolas Paget, a man of breeding complete with a family fortune to meet her father's expectations of her future match - but then, one day she makes the acquaintance of a certain Josiah Martyn, a Cornish mining engineer working on a local project who makes her heart beat faster than Captain Paget ever has . . .

This is a superb historical read, painting a wonderful picture of the life in the time it's set with a great cast of characters, both likeable and not. I always enjoy the fashion details in books like this, finding they add to the mental image I have of the characters! The story is attention-grabbing and entertaining, and rather gripping towards the end. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it and read faster and faster as I got further in. Quite a delightful and satisfying novel which I'm happy to recommend to all lovers of good historical fiction; completely earning all five stars.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reactor’s Daughter was very well written and researched, making me feel like part of the story. I absolutely enjoyed the realism that was involved. The tunnel, the working conditions, and the living conditions were vividly written and I could see, hear, feel and smell the things the author was writing.

The characters were also super well written. It was hard.to read about the way the lower class was treated and I could not stand Vicar and his berating of poor Charlotte. The characters were so realistic, it was easy to forget they weren’t real people.

I appreciated that this wasn’t a cookie cutter romance either. Charlotte and Josiah had to endure many hurdles, and it made their relationship powerful. I was cheerleading for them from the beginning.

Overall, The Rector’s Daughter is a fantastic historical romance. With compelling characters and settings, it would be hard to give this novel anything less than 5 stars. Highly recommended.

*Complimentary copy received for a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Ration Book series so had high hopes for this but nearly gave up on it as it was rather slow to get going, and just felt full of idle gossip, trivial scandal, and classism without much depth to the story or characters. Once the story did finally progress, it became quite the page turner and the ending was very satisfying.

Overall, 3.5 stars

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The runaways

Again from the first page I was hooked. I have enjoyed the pit and how the poor men suffred. Then the long trip was very enjoyable. Thank you for another fabulous story. xx

[J.J. JOHNSTONE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Yet another good book from Jean Fullerton. Once I got into it could not put it down. Was a bit confused at times as there appears to be some wrongly used names e.g. Anderson used instead of Armstrong!

[Nadine Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was very good reading.
Kept you interested from beginning to end.

[Gabrielle Wales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet little book with a very predictable plot and beautiful descriptions. However the constant contradiction became rathe tiresome after a while

[Lily Mulholland]

DNF at 50%

A fabulous setting and a great setup let down for me by tedious writing. He said, she said, they said, we said, ad infinitum. A strict edit would have done wonders for this book.

[Maureen Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Absolutely brilliant book I could not put it down.
So very very well written.
I just hope many people read it.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Rector's Daughter, we are taken right back to the early 1800s and introduced to Charlotte Hatton, daughter of Reverand Percival Hatton. Charlotte does what she can for the parish and shows compassion for others who are not as fortunate as herself. 

By chance, she meets Josiah, an engineer working on the construction of the pioneering Rotherhithe Tunnel. Josiah is ambitious and hardworking but from a much different background to Charlotte. The friendship grows into a deeper relationship but Charlotte knows that she will never be allowed to marry Josiah. Her father has his own plans for a partner for Charlotte, one which will improve her social standing.

This is a gripping novel with all the intricate historical detail which comes with a Jean Fullerton book. It draws you in from the first chapter and takes you on a journey full of drama, secrets, and class conflict. As always the characters are beautifully portrayed and my heart went out to Charlotte at times.

The book is extremely well researched and I found the story informative and compelling. I can't wait to see what Jean Fullerton writes next, she is a brilliant author and born storyteller.