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The Storm Child
From the top-ten bestselling author of One Snowy Night, Rita Bradshaw, comes The Storm Child, a sweeping family saga set during the run up to WW2 in the north-east of England.It’s mid-winter, and in the throes of a fierce blizzard Elsie Redfern and her husband discover an unknown girl in their hay barn about to give birth. After the young mother dies, Elsie takes the infant in and raises her as her own daughter, her precious storm child.Gina grows into a beautiful little girl, but her safe haven turns out to be anything but. Torn away from her home and family, the child finds herself in a nightmare from which there’s no waking, but despite her misery and bewilderment, Gina’s determined to survive.Years pass. With womanhood comes the Second World War, along with more heartbreak, grief and betrayal. Then, a new but dangerous love beckons; can Gina ever escape the dark legacy of the storm child?
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2020
35 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Rita Bradshaw
48 books112 followersRita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, whichat the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who wouldmake a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep thehouse buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it anyother way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Althoughhaving enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted tolive anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday homeclose to the sea one day.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 3, 2021
A brilliant book.
I can honestly say that this was the best book I'd read for a while.
This is Gina's Story, she is the storm child, she was born in a barn and her mother died after giving birth. Elsie who had recently given birth herself, took Gina into her home and into her heart. Unfortunately Kenneth Redfern, her husband didn't accept Gina, in fact he treated her badly. When Gina was five the man she believed to be her father took her to the workhouse and left her there.
There is so much to Gina's story, she is ill treated but she never gives up, she eventually makes her own way in the world, getting jobs and looking after herself then at the outbreak of world war two she joins the WAAF.
I loved the way the story takes you in and whisks you into Gina's world. Fantastic writing and a very satisfying ending.
I can honestly say that this was the best book I'd read for a while.
This is Gina's Story, she is the storm child, she was born in a barn and her mother died after giving birth. Elsie who had recently given birth herself, took Gina into her home and into her heart. Unfortunately Kenneth Redfern, her husband didn't accept Gina, in fact he treated her badly. When Gina was five the man she believed to be her father took her to the workhouse and left her there.
There is so much to Gina's story, she is ill treated but she never gives up, she eventually makes her own way in the world, getting jobs and looking after herself then at the outbreak of world war two she joins the WAAF.
I loved the way the story takes you in and whisks you into Gina's world. Fantastic writing and a very satisfying ending.
November 22, 2020
Inspirational read
1921 North East England.
Sophia Maliana falls into semi consciousness fighting through a blizzard hugging her swollen belly after fleeing the Richmond's household, the pains were coming fast she had to find shelter, finding a haybarn that belongs to Kenneth Redfern Cowslip Farm who finds her and gets his wife Elsie from the farmhouse she had only just birthed her fourth child giving them all boy's. Baby Gina is born then Sophia takes her last breathe. Elsie has not option but to feed both babies and two weeks later wants to keep her and bring them up as twins the farm is isolated no one would ever know. Sophia body cannot be buried in hard ground so Kenneth gives her a river burial and her body is never found.
Five year's later the couple get their wish and baby Betty is born and Kenneth unknown to his wife has a plan and takes Gina to the Gateshead workhouse on the doorstep she is to remain in the cottage homes till she's fifteen years old.
A Heartbreaking story but this book also leaves a heart warming feel as you get gripped into the book.
Gina story is an inspiration to read and will capture all your emotions right through her life.
Reader's are going to love this perfect Christmas read.
1921 North East England.
Sophia Maliana falls into semi consciousness fighting through a blizzard hugging her swollen belly after fleeing the Richmond's household, the pains were coming fast she had to find shelter, finding a haybarn that belongs to Kenneth Redfern Cowslip Farm who finds her and gets his wife Elsie from the farmhouse she had only just birthed her fourth child giving them all boy's. Baby Gina is born then Sophia takes her last breathe. Elsie has not option but to feed both babies and two weeks later wants to keep her and bring them up as twins the farm is isolated no one would ever know. Sophia body cannot be buried in hard ground so Kenneth gives her a river burial and her body is never found.
Five year's later the couple get their wish and baby Betty is born and Kenneth unknown to his wife has a plan and takes Gina to the Gateshead workhouse on the doorstep she is to remain in the cottage homes till she's fifteen years old.
A Heartbreaking story but this book also leaves a heart warming feel as you get gripped into the book.
Gina story is an inspiration to read and will capture all your emotions right through her life.
Reader's are going to love this perfect Christmas read.
January 15, 2021
This is a lovely well written story that has your interest from start to finish. I found it a very moving story and thoroughly recommend it.
September 12, 2022
I loved this book , a wonderful story sad at times but so worth reading 📚.
December 12, 2020
Excellent
I especially enjoyed this book because of the "epilogue" ! It's an interesting story , I don't like to reveal anything in case it spoils it for someone . I recommend it!!
I especially enjoyed this book because of the "epilogue" ! It's an interesting story , I don't like to reveal anything in case it spoils it for someone . I recommend it!!
November 3, 2025
Good book.enjoyable read.
June 8, 2023
Title : The Storm Child
Author: Rita Bradshaw Genre:Historical Fiction Rating: 4.8 / 5 Summary: Its mid-winter, and in the throes of a fierce blizzard Elsie Redfern discovers an unknown girl in her hay barn about to give birth. After the young mother dies, Elsie takes the infant and raises her as her own daughter, her precious stormchild.Gina grows into a beautiful little girl, but her safe haven turns out to be anything but. Torn away from her home and family the child finds herself in a nightmare from which there’s no awakening, but despite her misery and bewilderment Gina’s determined to survive.Years pass. With womanhood comes World War II along with more heartbreak, grief and betrayal. Then a new but dangerous love beckons; can Gina ever escape the dark legacy of the storm child? Review: This is the first book by Rita Bradshaw that I have read and she didn't disappoint. Beautifully portrayed story of the protagonist, his suffering and abandonment, her struggles through it all and her sacrificial love all along. An engrossing and descriptive writing that engulfs you into Gina's world. Well written and a satisfying end too ,a story that won't disappoint!
Author: Rita Bradshaw Genre:Historical Fiction Rating: 4.8 / 5 Summary: Its mid-winter, and in the throes of a fierce blizzard Elsie Redfern discovers an unknown girl in her hay barn about to give birth. After the young mother dies, Elsie takes the infant and raises her as her own daughter, her precious stormchild.Gina grows into a beautiful little girl, but her safe haven turns out to be anything but. Torn away from her home and family the child finds herself in a nightmare from which there’s no awakening, but despite her misery and bewilderment Gina’s determined to survive.Years pass. With womanhood comes World War II along with more heartbreak, grief and betrayal. Then a new but dangerous love beckons; can Gina ever escape the dark legacy of the storm child? Review: This is the first book by Rita Bradshaw that I have read and she didn't disappoint. Beautifully portrayed story of the protagonist, his suffering and abandonment, her struggles through it all and her sacrificial love all along. An engrossing and descriptive writing that engulfs you into Gina's world. Well written and a satisfying end too ,a story that won't disappoint!
March 31, 2023
A lovely well written book. Elsie Redfern and her husband live on a farm. One very cold stormy night they find a young woman in a barn, she is about to give birth. Unfortunately the mother dies but the baby, Gina, survives and Elsie, against her husbands wishes, decides to bring Gina up as one of her own. Gina and Elsie form a close bond until at about aged five Gina is brutally removed from her family and spends the rest of her childhood in a workhouse. Gina is determined to live a full filling. independent life. At the start of the second world war she joins the WAAF. Gina is eventually reunited with her first family, but not without some anguish.
November 24, 2020
Gina
When a young girl gives birth in a terrible storm she asks Elsie to name the baby Gina before she dies the baby is so small Elsie didn't think she would live but Elsie gave her love and and with just having a baby herself she fed Gina and Gina thrived and the 2 children thought they were twins but Elsie's husband hated the baby and when his own daughter was born he needed rid of Gina and so Gina's heartbreak began. 5 stars for a wonderful book.
When a young girl gives birth in a terrible storm she asks Elsie to name the baby Gina before she dies the baby is so small Elsie didn't think she would live but Elsie gave her love and and with just having a baby herself she fed Gina and Gina thrived and the 2 children thought they were twins but Elsie's husband hated the baby and when his own daughter was born he needed rid of Gina and so Gina's heartbreak began. 5 stars for a wonderful book.
April 10, 2021
I have never read any Rita Bradshaw books before but I am so glad I got this book out the library. I loved the character of Gina, she always stays true to herself. Also I love the history of the Second World War in particular how German citizens became brainwashed by Hitler plans. This was a brilliant story, well worth a read
October 7, 2021
A novel you must read!
I just loved reading this novel. History is portrayed in a way that makes you really understand the difficulties that two countries at war with each other can totally change lives. Love finds a way in the end for Gina although I don't want to spoil things by telling too much. Read for yourselves and find out you will be enthralled!
I just loved reading this novel. History is portrayed in a way that makes you really understand the difficulties that two countries at war with each other can totally change lives. Love finds a way in the end for Gina although I don't want to spoil things by telling too much. Read for yourselves and find out you will be enthralled!
June 23, 2022
Well I have to say this was an excellent story, not my usual pick up book, was advised it was good, and boy it was. It is a romantic novel but that is a tiny part of the book, its all about a girl called Gina and what happens to her during her growing up years. An ace story, you will not be disappointed!
I feel I should have given five stars, maybe four and a half.
I feel I should have given five stars, maybe four and a half.
July 12, 2022
A fabulous story of a baby born in a winter storm in a barn belonging to strangers. The child's mother died after giving birth and the child was brought up by the family who owned the farm. The book follows the fate of the storm child through her hard and often cruel life. A truly wonderful read from start to finish.
May 13, 2023
Beautiful character building. There is a connection to the protagonist that is built through the struggles so effectively portrayed by the author. It is a book about hardship and independence, stressing the importance of both. The book is slightly longwinded in some passages but it is necessary due to the historical context it includes and is beneficial to the reader’s understanding of the story.
January 30, 2021
A gritty Novel following the life of Gina the storm child from pre ww2 and the hard years during and after the war
‘Because the eyes are the window of the soul and your soul is still gentle and forgiving’
‘Because the eyes are the window of the soul and your soul is still gentle and forgiving’
March 4, 2021
Great read
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.once again Rita Bradshaw has given me another good story. She always brings about a few years during reading.Would recommend this book.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.once again Rita Bradshaw has given me another good story. She always brings about a few years during reading.Would recommend this book.
January 8, 2021
With this epic, beautifully written story, Rita Bradshaw (a new author to me) became auto read! It's that good!
April 18, 2021
New author for me. Really enjoyed this book, felt I got to know the main characters well. Looking forward to discovering more from this author
August 18, 2021
A must read
What a great book, I could not put this book down. Gina never have up and to find the love of her life. Rita Bradshaw knows how to keep people engrossed in her books.
What a great book, I could not put this book down. Gina never have up and to find the love of her life. Rita Bradshaw knows how to keep people engrossed in her books.
October 14, 2021
I always enjoy Rita's books but really loved this one. Gina is a lovely character and her story flowed nicely. I was hooked from start to finish! Definitely worth a read!
August 7, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Interesting to read an account of the Second World.War from the German point of view as well as the UK
September 23, 2022
Absolutely loved this story, from beginning to end.
February 25, 2023
Second book I've read from this author and she is becoming a fast favourite! I really love the writing style
July 25, 2023
If I could have given this book more stars I would have, easily the best book I have ever read. Full of happy tears. I can’t stress more if you haven’t read this book then read it.
February 9, 2024
Beautifully written once started could put it down
June 15, 2024
I did mainly enjoy but at some points I skipped paragraphs as I lost focus but did enjoy
July 9, 2022
This book was a masterpiece, the words on the pages came to life and the emotions with them too. The protagonist was excellently written and her story was thrilling. I do not reccomend this book if you do not like romance or WWII, and the only issue i have with Rita Bradshaw's books is that they almost always end in they same way, i thoroughly enjoy it anyhow and personally wouldn't change the endings.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews