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An Unsuitable Match
'Humour, toughness, resolution and generosity are Cookson virtues . . . In the specialised world of women's popular fiction, Cookson has created her own territory.' - Helen Dunmore, The Times
Just two years after the death of their mother, Hector Stewart tells his children he plans to remarry and has chosen a distant relative from Ireland to be his bride. Money is tight and the only thing the children remember about Moira Connelly is that she lives in a castle; they suspect that her apparent wealth is the reason their father is so keen to remarry.
But Moira has also been far from forthcoming about her own circumstances – thinking she’s about to marry into landed gentry, she expects a lifestyle to match this title. So when she arrives in rural Fellburn she is surprised to find a rundown farm as her new home…
Can a marriage based on deception survive?
Catherine Cookson was the original and bestselling saga writer, selling over 100 million copies of her novels. If you like Dilly Court, Katie Flynn or Donna Douglas, you'll love Catherine Cookson.
Previously published as The Desert Crop
Just two years after the death of their mother, Hector Stewart tells his children he plans to remarry and has chosen a distant relative from Ireland to be his bride. Money is tight and the only thing the children remember about Moira Connelly is that she lives in a castle; they suspect that her apparent wealth is the reason their father is so keen to remarry.
But Moira has also been far from forthcoming about her own circumstances – thinking she’s about to marry into landed gentry, she expects a lifestyle to match this title. So when she arrives in rural Fellburn she is surprised to find a rundown farm as her new home…
Can a marriage based on deception survive?
Catherine Cookson was the original and bestselling saga writer, selling over 100 million copies of her novels. If you like Dilly Court, Katie Flynn or Donna Douglas, you'll love Catherine Cookson.
Previously published as The Desert Crop
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
61 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
457 books689 followersCatherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 2, 2017
I read Catherine Cookson when I just want to read a good story. But I wouldn't call her "light reading". Her books are often very gritty and full of tragedy, and yet she usually gives us a happy ending. She is expert at dissecting human behavior and exploring motive. Many times, with her, people's behavior does come down to just plain good v. evil. "The Desert Crop" is one of my favorites of Cookson's. It's got some powerful themes, for example exploring the issue of women's rights, (the story takes place in the late 1800's), to what degree are we obligated to family, what happens when you actively hate a family member, how society punishes the innocent.
The main character is a young man, whom we meet as a child. He is motherless but has a fairly sunny disposition. However, his sister's intelligence and mistreatment by their father eventually opens his eyes to this parent's many failings. His father remarries and through his selfishness begins to heap misery on his new family. Our character, Daniel, comes of age burdened by his many half-brothers and sisters needs, the running of a farm and manor house, and the sacrifice of his own education. There are many, many plot twists, one of which is Daniel's love interests. It's all a wonderfully well-told story, classic Cookson.
The main character is a young man, whom we meet as a child. He is motherless but has a fairly sunny disposition. However, his sister's intelligence and mistreatment by their father eventually opens his eyes to this parent's many failings. His father remarries and through his selfishness begins to heap misery on his new family. Our character, Daniel, comes of age burdened by his many half-brothers and sisters needs, the running of a farm and manor house, and the sacrifice of his own education. There are many, many plot twists, one of which is Daniel's love interests. It's all a wonderfully well-told story, classic Cookson.
February 16, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Storytelling at it's best.
December 22, 2023
This is a really good historical fiction with characters that you really care about.
September 19, 2022
Het boek leest moeilijk er worden gesprekken gevoerd met de taal van vroeger waar het verhaal zich ook afspeelt waardoor het lezen moeilijk is. Het is een romantische verhaal met voldoende drama aanwezig maar wel voorspelbaar.
December 24, 2007
Set in England in the 1880s, this is a story of family conflict, poverty and love. After his father remarries for the promise of future money, Daniel Stewart must give up his dreams of attending university and help out on the failing farm. But giving up university is only the beginning of his sacrifices as he devotes his life to his father’s new wife and their growing family. It takes tragedy to change his life course and open his eyes to true love. Enjoyable, easy to read book.
October 28, 2019
I received this novel as a gift. I'll admit I judged the book by it's cover, because it's not something that I would have chosen for myself. However, I really enjoyed it. The characters were likable (or at least most were) and it was at times sad to see them progress through the many hardships of 19th century life.
This was the first novel that I have read of Catherine Cooksons, but now I will be keeping an eye out for more.
This was the first novel that I have read of Catherine Cooksons, but now I will be keeping an eye out for more.
August 6, 2020
I loved reading this book. The story takes place in the 1880's in Fellburn, England. It follows a boy growing up on a farm with many hardships. Such rich relationships he forms with family members. Your heart goes out to him while he grows up and asks himself hard life questions. I will definitely be on the look out for more Catherine Cookson novels.
March 27, 2020
This was an excellent book by Cookson in her usual style.
This was a powerful novel, but by the cover and the title you might think it is a romantic love story. It is much more than that. It could have been called more appropriately:
“The drunken wife beater.” Red it - you wil be glad you did.
This was a powerful novel, but by the cover and the title you might think it is a romantic love story. It is much more than that. It could have been called more appropriately:
“The drunken wife beater.” Red it - you wil be glad you did.
October 24, 2017
I read this when I was in Year 7 and I've been searching for this book since then and I finally got my hands on it! I remember it being my favourite, now I wonder if i was insane.
August 17, 2025
Why booktubers never mention this fabulous author, I'll never understand. This was a fantastic story, set in the 1800s, English countryside. First off, the title does NOT do this book justice - it just confuses potential readers. There is no "desert" in this story, and very little in the way of "crop", either. It's the beautifully written tale of an English family on a farm and how they face many of life's ups and downs. It begins with 10 year old Daniel and his 14 year old sister Pattie, dealing with the death of their mother - and their father's potential remarriage to a young Irish woman who is supposed to come into some money, and save the family farm. What we get is a multifaceted family saga that carries on for quite a few years, and with it, all the ups and downs of rural life in this time period. A read that grabbed me and didn't let me go until the final page.
I highly recommend most (if not all) books by Catherine Cookson. Their titles don't work for the most part, but oh- the stories do!
I'm currently working on reading this wonderful prolific author to zero, and yes, I've still a ways to go!!
I highly recommend most (if not all) books by Catherine Cookson. Their titles don't work for the most part, but oh- the stories do!
I'm currently working on reading this wonderful prolific author to zero, and yes, I've still a ways to go!!
January 10, 2024
This is the first Catherine Cookson I've read and I really enjoyed it. I was drawn right into the story from the start. Every time I picked it up to read I was flying through the pages to see what would happen next and wondering how it would all work out in the end. It was a rather dark story considering all the hardships the family endured mostly due to the father being a right jerk most of the time. And it was a bit gritty but not explicitly so. But it had its lighter moments and wasn't as bleak as some of Thomas Hardy's rip-your-heart-into-shreds novels. I'm looking forward to reading more of Cookson's books.
July 20, 2021
I received this novel as a gift. I'll admit I judged the book by it's cover, because it's not something that I would have chosen for myself. However, I really enjoyed it. The characters were likable (or at least most were) and it was at times sad to see them progress through the many hardships of 19th century life.
This was the first novel that I have read of Catherine Cooksons, but now I will be keeping an eye out for more.
This was the first novel that I have read of Catherine Cooksons, but now I will be keeping an eye out for more.
June 29, 2022
I've never read any of her books before but I have enjoyed some of her TV adaptations so I knew more or less what to expect and it was fairly predictable but none the less I still enjoyed the story. I think she was one of the first and most notable of the Family Saga writers and was certainly a master at it.
August 21, 2017
It has been awhile since I read a book by Catherine Cookson. I generally like her, and I did here, too. She writes about England/Ireland families, and that setting is near to my heart.
It's good. You won't waste your time reading this.
It's good. You won't waste your time reading this.
March 4, 2019
I chose to read this novel because I look at these challenges as a way to broaden my horizons - it is by far one of the most depressing and dour books I have read. Badly written with characters I just don't give a damn about.
December 31, 2023
Historical fiction at its best- well developed characters you come to love. Though the ending is predictable, you cannot put the book down as you try to figure out how she'll manage it. The scenery descriptions are wonderful.
July 4, 2017
As always visually alive. This was not as dark as I have often found some of Cookson's books (even though I love them all). This is a delight.
January 8, 2018
A great story. Very moving in parts. A page turner! Such a great storyteller :)
March 16, 2021
My book is called ' An Unsuitable Match ' with the same cover. A book with a lot of detail which I enjoyed
September 28, 2021
A interesting glimpse into the not so distant past. Fully vindicates my life view that "life is a crap shoot".
November 21, 2021
This book has now been publish as the An Unsuitable Match, so don't get caught out as I did.
The story is very good and a gripping read.
The story is very good and a gripping read.
May 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book but I thought the book started slowly
October 5, 2025
A very good read! But sadness on almost every page. Can make you appreciate your own life.....
July 18, 2023
Een heel goed boek. Catherine Cookson is een rasechte vertelster.
June 15, 2020
Beautifully descriptive and visual narrative with engaging and at times complex characters.
The story is about the boy and young man Daniel Stewart who is the peacemaker of a very dysfunctional family - a harsh, abusive father with a drink problem, a warm-hearted young stepmother who has her own secrets who bears several children with Daniel’s father Hector but whom look to Daniel rather than their father for guidance and affection.
His own elder sister Pattie is independent and outspoken, unafraid to challenge society's & her father’s outlook on women. She and her father have a difficult relationship due to knowing some of his secrets and her knowledge of his young mistress whilst their mother was alive.
Whilst Daniel accepts his stepmother Moira & her friend Maggie Ann Pattie is more intolerant of them at first.
As Daniel grows to adulthood he is forced by his father to leave school and give up his dreams of university and this is only the beginning of his sacrifices as he devotes his life to his father’s new wife and his siblings. It is a life of hardship realistically depicted by Cookson.
At the same time he finds himself in love with the local beauty the cruel and selfish Frances Talbot. His other female friend from childhood Janie is in love with Daniel but he remains too blinded by his love for Frances to see that Janie is the more worthy partner. It takes a tragedy to change his life course and open his eyes to true love.
This for me was the most frustrating section of the book as he was so slow in realising Janie's true worth. However, this says more about my impatience than the flow of the novel. Cookson remains true to her characterisations.
Catherine Cookson was not just an enjoyable storyteller she often wrote very gritty novels that are both humorous and tragic, with lots of social realism of the times she sets her novels and yet she will mostly give the reader a happy ending.
Cookson was expert at dissecting human behaviour and in exploring the motivations of her characters whilst engaging her readers in this process, which invests the reader in the outcome of her stories.
The story is about the boy and young man Daniel Stewart who is the peacemaker of a very dysfunctional family - a harsh, abusive father with a drink problem, a warm-hearted young stepmother who has her own secrets who bears several children with Daniel’s father Hector but whom look to Daniel rather than their father for guidance and affection.
His own elder sister Pattie is independent and outspoken, unafraid to challenge society's & her father’s outlook on women. She and her father have a difficult relationship due to knowing some of his secrets and her knowledge of his young mistress whilst their mother was alive.
Whilst Daniel accepts his stepmother Moira & her friend Maggie Ann Pattie is more intolerant of them at first.
As Daniel grows to adulthood he is forced by his father to leave school and give up his dreams of university and this is only the beginning of his sacrifices as he devotes his life to his father’s new wife and his siblings. It is a life of hardship realistically depicted by Cookson.
At the same time he finds himself in love with the local beauty the cruel and selfish Frances Talbot. His other female friend from childhood Janie is in love with Daniel but he remains too blinded by his love for Frances to see that Janie is the more worthy partner. It takes a tragedy to change his life course and open his eyes to true love.
This for me was the most frustrating section of the book as he was so slow in realising Janie's true worth. However, this says more about my impatience than the flow of the novel. Cookson remains true to her characterisations.
Catherine Cookson was not just an enjoyable storyteller she often wrote very gritty novels that are both humorous and tragic, with lots of social realism of the times she sets her novels and yet she will mostly give the reader a happy ending.
Cookson was expert at dissecting human behaviour and in exploring the motivations of her characters whilst engaging her readers in this process, which invests the reader in the outcome of her stories.
September 15, 2012
Well, at first I thought it was just a cheesy ole romance novel. Guy looks at girl. Girl looks at guy. Cue fireworks. Expressions of love.
The usual cup of tea.
The novel was anything but. Cookson weaves in a story about Daniel and his dysfunctional family. His sister, outspoken, bold and challenging society's outlook on women. She and her father have a relationship like oil and water.
Their father, Hector is a drunk; selfish, cruel and abusive. He has mistress, whose existence is discovered and not well recieved by his children, when they realize he was unfaithful to their late mother.
Their step-mother, Moira and her maid Maggie-Ann are introduced to further stir the plot. Moira is a sweet, humble, patient woman and it isn't long before she has the love of her step children. Maggie-ann is just as good hearted as well as boisterous and caring.
Daniel's sister leaves to marry, sick of her father and not tolerant of the two irish women at first.
Daniel is our peace-maker. He keeps everything together, keeping the farm running, challenging his father and looking after his step mother and all his half-siblings.
Then we have Frances Talbot. Dim-witted, selfish, cruel girl that Daniel finds himself in love with.
Pattie is in love with Daniel but he is too blinded by his love for Frances to see that Pattie was more worthy.
I think I've spoilt the novel but anyhow, that's the outline of the whole plot. It's a really great read. Very inspirational.
The usual cup of tea.
The novel was anything but. Cookson weaves in a story about Daniel and his dysfunctional family. His sister, outspoken, bold and challenging society's outlook on women. She and her father have a relationship like oil and water.
Their father, Hector is a drunk; selfish, cruel and abusive. He has mistress, whose existence is discovered and not well recieved by his children, when they realize he was unfaithful to their late mother.
Their step-mother, Moira and her maid Maggie-Ann are introduced to further stir the plot. Moira is a sweet, humble, patient woman and it isn't long before she has the love of her step children. Maggie-ann is just as good hearted as well as boisterous and caring.
Daniel's sister leaves to marry, sick of her father and not tolerant of the two irish women at first.
Daniel is our peace-maker. He keeps everything together, keeping the farm running, challenging his father and looking after his step mother and all his half-siblings.
Then we have Frances Talbot. Dim-witted, selfish, cruel girl that Daniel finds himself in love with.
Pattie is in love with Daniel but he is too blinded by his love for Frances to see that Pattie was more worthy.
I think I've spoilt the novel but anyhow, that's the outline of the whole plot. It's a really great read. Very inspirational.
July 13, 2009
Set in Northern England in the late 1800's, widowed farmer Hector Stewart decides to marry Irishwoman Moira Conelly but here's the rub - he thinks she's coming into money and she thinks he's much better off than he truly is. Nor does Moira realize at first she's married a drunken, womanizing wastrel on the edge of running the farm into the ground. Nevertheless, Moira has a secret or two of her own and she does her best to make the best of it, which includes an ever growing brood of children.
Hector's debts and drinking continue to drag down the family's livelihood, until a fatal accident changes all their lives - but it forever binds Daniel to the land and Moira's children. Will Daniel ever be able to break free and claim the woman he loves? Does Frances really love him or is she just looking for the best free ride life can hand her? Will Daniel ever wake up and smell the coffee and see the woman who has loved him for years? Inquiring minds want to know....
While this isn't the fasted paced, page turning, action packed book you're likely to come across I enjoyed it a great deal and definitely plan on seeking out more from the author - and at about 100 novels she should keep me very busy for quite some time. This is the kind of feel-good comfort book that's perfect for snuggling up with on a rainy day or a wintry afternoon. 4/5 stars.
Hector's debts and drinking continue to drag down the family's livelihood, until a fatal accident changes all their lives - but it forever binds Daniel to the land and Moira's children. Will Daniel ever be able to break free and claim the woman he loves? Does Frances really love him or is she just looking for the best free ride life can hand her? Will Daniel ever wake up and smell the coffee and see the woman who has loved him for years? Inquiring minds want to know....
While this isn't the fasted paced, page turning, action packed book you're likely to come across I enjoyed it a great deal and definitely plan on seeking out more from the author - and at about 100 novels she should keep me very busy for quite some time. This is the kind of feel-good comfort book that's perfect for snuggling up with on a rainy day or a wintry afternoon. 4/5 stars.
June 23, 2016
When Moira marries into the Stewart family she thought she was getting out of Ireland and leaving for a new life but she is mired on a failing farm, an abusive, drunk, cheating and wastrel of a husband is letting the business go to rack and ruin, she is struggling with Pattie his daughter as she at first is reluctant to accept her, her only allies are her companion Maggie Ann and Hector Stewart's son Daniel who loves Moira like an adoptive mother.
Over the years, miseries and heartbreaks abound which lead to Daniel being stuck on the farm trying desperately to take his father's place and make ends meet and having virtually no life of his own as his one attempt at a relationship has failed due to the strains put upon it by the family situation.
One person though loves him steadfastly, Janie Farringdon and due to his love for the flighty Frances Daniel never notices poor Janie.
Can this troubled family ever find happiness in their lives and personal relationships?
Set in the latter part of the 19th century this is a wonderful historical novel by Cookson, rich in period detail and with a brilliantly engaging story.
A must for her fans.
Over the years, miseries and heartbreaks abound which lead to Daniel being stuck on the farm trying desperately to take his father's place and make ends meet and having virtually no life of his own as his one attempt at a relationship has failed due to the strains put upon it by the family situation.
One person though loves him steadfastly, Janie Farringdon and due to his love for the flighty Frances Daniel never notices poor Janie.
Can this troubled family ever find happiness in their lives and personal relationships?
Set in the latter part of the 19th century this is a wonderful historical novel by Cookson, rich in period detail and with a brilliantly engaging story.
A must for her fans.
January 18, 2017
I have read quite a few Catherine Cookson novels in the past and have enjoyed them but by page 32 this book irritated me and I couldn't read on. Why was it irritating? The fact that one of the Irish characters was saying 'Begod' every two minutes! I'm married to an Irishman and I don't think I have EVER heard him or any of his family say that word. I'm surprised Catherine didn't throw a few 'To be sure's in there for good measure....maybe she did further on in the book but I'm not going to read on to find out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews