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The Constant Heart
Despite living by the side of the Thames, with its noise, disease and dirt, eighteen-year-old Rosina May has wanted for little in life. Until her father's feud with a fellow bargeman threatens to destroy everything. To save them all, Rosina agrees to marry Harry, the son of a wealthy merchant. But a chance encounter with a handsome river pirate has turned her head and she longs to meet him again.
When her father dies a broken man, Harry goes back on his promise and turns Rosina out onto the streets. She is forced to work the river herself, ferrying rubbish out of London and living rough. In spite of her hardships, she cannot forget her pirate and when tragedy threatens to strike once more she is forced to make a choice. But is she really prepared to risk everything for love?
When her father dies a broken man, Harry goes back on his promise and turns Rosina out onto the streets. She is forced to work the river herself, ferrying rubbish out of London and living rough. In spite of her hardships, she cannot forget her pirate and when tragedy threatens to strike once more she is forced to make a choice. But is she really prepared to risk everything for love?
547 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
99 people are currently reading
470 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 49 reviews
December 19, 2013
This is isn't the first time I have read a Dilly Court book, so I knew that I would fully enjoy reading this particular book. I already had high expectations and guess what? I wasn't disappointed. There were some forgiving moments when I could see some flaws with little sub-plots; for example, the initials on the golden locket. The initials is the same as the character's that she's questioning and she doesn't acknowledge that, instead she's confused. There were a few other moments when I thought it was a little strange, but I can't exactly pin-point where in the book. I must say, at the beginning of the book, I didn't really sense any chemistry between the two characters, not until that one faithful night out. Since that part, I then knew the truth of things, even when it was at one point revealed it was something else; I knew the truth even then! I dare say I'm not a detective but I was indeed pleased with myself. You can see the transition of the main character through-out the whole book, for example, to start off with she was innocent and naive; she becomes more grown up and independent. I must say once I have finished reading this book, I quickly re-read through the parts between the two characters; and now I see the chemistry way before I became suspicious before hand. It was a good read! I fully enjoyed it. Thanks again Dilly Court.
March 24, 2011
This book kept me up almost all night, i could never put it down it was so very romantic and Dilly should do more books in the future like this one.
April 21, 2017
Love dilly court books but this book was predictable still a good read.
May 5, 2021
Rosie, has always lived near the Thames, Knowing London and its River so well He r father works the river on his barge The Ellie May. As she grows older she sees her father and how hard he works. One Night she sneaks out to a dance. There she meets her Pirate. In his mask but who is he? She can't forget that one night. Or The man she met, But will she ever see him again, ????
WHO WAS HE WHERE DID HE COME FROM?
SHE CONTINUES WITH HER LIFE, Then her father dies while she is away in Holland? when she comes home she leans of her fathers death, now she is alone in the world. She has to find work and fast.
She has no other way to survive........ what will her fate be , will she ever meet The Pirate again?
WHO WAS HE WHERE DID HE COME FROM?
SHE CONTINUES WITH HER LIFE, Then her father dies while she is away in Holland? when she comes home she leans of her fathers death, now she is alone in the world. She has to find work and fast.
She has no other way to survive........ what will her fate be , will she ever meet The Pirate again?
February 17, 2023
Brilliant heartfelt story - a few unexpected twists. This tale is based around the families who worked the barges around the Thames in London. It is well written and oozes palpable emotions - a good read with a duvet and a cuppa
April 29, 2013
I enjoyed this book. When I first started reading it, I thought that it would be a bit predictable but it wasn't at all. The story took many twists and turns that made it very entertaining. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I wouldn't mind trying some more of her work. I would class this as a romance but with a good story making it an interesting read.
October 24, 2018
Dilly Court’s delightful historical romance “The Constant Heart” opens along the Thames in 1874 with an old feud between eighteen-year-old Rosina’s father, Captain of the Ellie May and barge owner Ham Barnum; her engagement to Harry Gostellow and their breakup because of his licentious behaviour; her father’s death; and her struggle to keep the business afloat by ferrying rubbish out of London.
Dilly Court brings to life “the noise, disease and dirt” in the rough area along the wharf area and in the East End where, although raised as a lady she struggles to find a solution to father’s failing business and to keeping her small family – housekeeper Berthe Spinks, Caddie Trigg and her three sons- from being sent to the workhouse; a fate worse than death. Woven into the main theme are subplots that include the breakdown and death of Captain Edward May; the mystery man she falls in love with; and the incarceration of her father’s bookkeeper Walter Brown.
The emotional tension and suspense escalate when she risks her reputation to pursue evidence that will free Walter and the challenges she faces to ferry garbage out of London to keep the business afloat and to support her family after her father’s death. Yet amid the harsh realities of life Rosina has to make a decision to marry Harry Gostellow and forget the “pirate” who won her heart. The romance sparks when Rosina meets her pirate at an outing with Sukey and Harry after being propositioned by a wealthy rake only to have his identity remain a mystery even after receiving a medallion from her bookkeeper with the initials WB.
Although predictable in plot there is a strong focus on character development as spoiled, naïve and innocent Rosina May’s world begins to crumble around her. Stubborn, impulsive and often reckless, she has a generosity of spirit, caring nature and indomitable will that help her overcome her adversity. Serious, hardworking, dull but loyal Walter Brown hides a secret as he struggles to help Rosina, the woman he loves. In contrast Harry Gostellow, rich, boyishly good-looking, and vain hides a bossy, patronizing, controlling and roguish nature under his charm.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Constant Heart” with its captivating plot and realistic, well-developed characters that infuse the story with heartbreak, victory and love.
Dilly Court brings to life “the noise, disease and dirt” in the rough area along the wharf area and in the East End where, although raised as a lady she struggles to find a solution to father’s failing business and to keeping her small family – housekeeper Berthe Spinks, Caddie Trigg and her three sons- from being sent to the workhouse; a fate worse than death. Woven into the main theme are subplots that include the breakdown and death of Captain Edward May; the mystery man she falls in love with; and the incarceration of her father’s bookkeeper Walter Brown.
The emotional tension and suspense escalate when she risks her reputation to pursue evidence that will free Walter and the challenges she faces to ferry garbage out of London to keep the business afloat and to support her family after her father’s death. Yet amid the harsh realities of life Rosina has to make a decision to marry Harry Gostellow and forget the “pirate” who won her heart. The romance sparks when Rosina meets her pirate at an outing with Sukey and Harry after being propositioned by a wealthy rake only to have his identity remain a mystery even after receiving a medallion from her bookkeeper with the initials WB.
Although predictable in plot there is a strong focus on character development as spoiled, naïve and innocent Rosina May’s world begins to crumble around her. Stubborn, impulsive and often reckless, she has a generosity of spirit, caring nature and indomitable will that help her overcome her adversity. Serious, hardworking, dull but loyal Walter Brown hides a secret as he struggles to help Rosina, the woman he loves. In contrast Harry Gostellow, rich, boyishly good-looking, and vain hides a bossy, patronizing, controlling and roguish nature under his charm.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Constant Heart” with its captivating plot and realistic, well-developed characters that infuse the story with heartbreak, victory and love.
August 25, 2017
Rushed, not very well Developed, Boring.
To be honest this story wasn't my favourite and is not memorable. I feel like this is a book that Dilly Court just rushed out for the sake of publishing a new book and cashing in a pay cheque. The characters, especially Walter, were not very well thought through or developed. I didn't create "bonds" with them or really cared that much for their outcomes. The plot was VERY predictable and I would of only given this book a 2 star rating if not for the ending which basically saved the story.
The ending is the only decently satisfying part of the story that i read and was thoroughly interested in it. It brought this not very interesting/ exciting book to a good ending and so for that I give this book 3 stars. But unfortunately would not recommend this book.
To be honest this story wasn't my favourite and is not memorable. I feel like this is a book that Dilly Court just rushed out for the sake of publishing a new book and cashing in a pay cheque. The characters, especially Walter, were not very well thought through or developed. I didn't create "bonds" with them or really cared that much for their outcomes. The plot was VERY predictable and I would of only given this book a 2 star rating if not for the ending which basically saved the story.
The ending is the only decently satisfying part of the story that i read and was thoroughly interested in it. It brought this not very interesting/ exciting book to a good ending and so for that I give this book 3 stars. But unfortunately would not recommend this book.
October 22, 2021
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would :-(
I enjoyed all the historical colour and the writing style was good, but the difficulties the main character faced - and the resolutions of these difficulties - seemed too contrived.
For example, Roland Rivers was presented initially as an unsavoury character but ends up having a major change of heart and being very helpful to the main character; and this character development just didn’t seem authentic.
The identity of the river pirate was pretty obvious.
I did like the character development of the heroine, going from a happy-go-lucky, fairly spoiled girl to a determined, hard-working young woman.
I enjoyed all the historical colour and the writing style was good, but the difficulties the main character faced - and the resolutions of these difficulties - seemed too contrived.
For example, Roland Rivers was presented initially as an unsavoury character but ends up having a major change of heart and being very helpful to the main character; and this character development just didn’t seem authentic.
The identity of the river pirate was pretty obvious.
I did like the character development of the heroine, going from a happy-go-lucky, fairly spoiled girl to a determined, hard-working young woman.
did-not-finish
August 6, 2021More like the constant snooze 😴. It took me two days to get through the first 98 pages. (That’s not a good sign for me ).
I thought things would go bad for our dear Rosie from the start instead i was treated to two grown ass men fueding and her frenemy Miss Sukey. I skimmed the rest of the book and picked up the gist of the story. The dialogues seemed off, I’m no historian but it felt like the 1920’s American instead of Regency England.
It was a NO, from me.
I thought things would go bad for our dear Rosie from the start instead i was treated to two grown ass men fueding and her frenemy Miss Sukey. I skimmed the rest of the book and picked up the gist of the story. The dialogues seemed off, I’m no historian but it felt like the 1920’s American instead of Regency England.
It was a NO, from me.
December 22, 2017
This is only the second book I’ve read by this author and it was brilliant. Dilly puts in so much detail to her stories that the characters come alive. I really didn’t think this story was going to turn out well as the reader is left right until the last but one page before all is resolved! I love these books.
Read
February 9, 2021The Constant Heart sucked. I probably should have guessed this from the ridiculous title, but alas, I read it anyway. Any character development that occurred throughout the novel, was demolished in the last chapter. The characters were week and lacking personality, it was predictable and unrealistic. This one is going to the Op shop.
March 20, 2021
Reading a Dilly Court novel is like pulling a warm comforting blanket over you - you know what you are going to get, strong female lead who runs into trouble, lots of male admirers and a happy ending! I still love them, they are guilty pleasure and I read this quickly! Not my favourite (as guessed who the pirate was from the outset) but an easy read!
November 15, 2021
Not the most well written book, although I genuinely did enjoy Rosina's resourcefulness with her barge life. I almost wish they'd stuck it out and make a life with it.
The whole Clark Kent gig with Will was eye-rolling.
The whole Clark Kent gig with Will was eye-rolling.
May 12, 2023
I really struggled to finish this book - I found the story line unbelievable and in truth I didn't read the last few pages.
I found the whole pirate storyline ridiculous and I'm afraid it will be a long time, if ever, that I read one the the authors books again.
I found the whole pirate storyline ridiculous and I'm afraid it will be a long time, if ever, that I read one the the authors books again.
June 3, 2017
Wow
He book was a little slow to start then you are drawn in what a brilliant book love it great
He book was a little slow to start then you are drawn in what a brilliant book love it great
August 4, 2018
I enjoyed reading this
August 30, 2018
Another fantastic Dilly Court read.
January 23, 2019
Very good read
I enjoyed this book immensely although I did work out who was the mystery person early on but still found it exciting.
I enjoyed this book immensely although I did work out who was the mystery person early on but still found it exciting.
August 7, 2019
Slow to get going, but more interesting at the end . Enjoyed reading it
October 31, 2019
Great story
Silly Court puts so much into her books, can't put it down , great story line and good characters in all her books, I think I have read them all.
Silly Court puts so much into her books, can't put it down , great story line and good characters in all her books, I think I have read them all.
November 15, 2019
Lacked depth, I couldn't exactly pinpoint why I it did. Dilly Court writes well enough, but it just came off as flippant.
December 17, 2019
When I started reading it was boring but i continued reading it's interesting i wish I read it a thousand times and plz make a movie
October 31, 2020
From page one I was right into the the book it had such a good story line ,it was a page turner all the way through just couldn’t put it down
November 17, 2020
Great read. Up half the night reading this but that goes for most of her book.
November 21, 2020
The constant heart
I enjoyed reading this novel. It has kept me sane during a part of this lockdown and feel sorry that it has ended. I look forward to the next novel.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It has kept me sane during a part of this lockdown and feel sorry that it has ended. I look forward to the next novel.
March 15, 2021
Not my fave book I'm sorry to. Say as so other dilly court books I've truly loved. I just didn't get into this one...
July 25, 2021
Absolutely loved this . I had worked out some quite easy on but great story and great escapism
February 9, 2022
Another great story by Dilly Court .
June 11, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews