Jack of All Trades

Millcastle #4

by Kate Pearce

When the brash railway contractor Elijah Hepworth and his rowdy crew of navvies arrive in Millcastle the town is divided between those who embrace the possibility of change and those who want things to remain the same. Alice Collins, who has recently come to live at Grafton Hall, knows which side she’d prefer to be on, but Mr. Hepworth obviously has other ideas. When the comfortable, safe existence Alice hoped for is snatched from her grasp, will she accept an offer from a man who never claims to be a gentleman, but who might be what she needed all along?

Genres: Historical Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Historical, Audiobook, Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2022

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.

She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

Reviews

[TMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger Warnings: infidelity, child birth difficulties, alcoholism, abandonment, women's rights, illegitimacy, social nonconformity.

Well this was my first historical romance, from this author and generally. I think the last time I read a historical novel was Persuasion By Jane Austen hehe. So it's been a while.

But I enjoyed this one a lot. Despite my initial frustration with a couple of characters, I did enjoy it so - plus it gave me a lot of pride and prejudice vibes, I'll be honest.

And despite the time-period being set in 1839 (when the suffragette movement was about to start/had started), I still enjoyed how strong and courageous the women were, and so determined
to make a step into change as well. Ugh, my heart soared (probably heard the exploding sound somewhere by didn't you). The men were the perfect byronic heroes - gosh dang I need to stop imagining them as Mr Darcy but whatever!! They were wonderful except for Ian Grovesdale - blasted kaput Mr Wickham...but nope not bitter about it at all.

And everything was so simple, and plotted out well, even the little misgivings the characters had amongst themselves, was solved in such an uncomplicated way -I just delighted in that so much.

Overall, I can't share my delight and utter amusement about how wonderful and addictive this novel was - and how peaceful it made me feel in a long time, since having had a rocky start this year.

So yeah, I was grateful, appreciative and full of confidence that the next historical romance written by Kate will be even more fantastic and delightful than this one.

Until the next read,
-TMR

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Alice Collins arrives at Grafton Hall without a penny to her name & fears Frances Grafton will throw her out on her ear, she couldn’t have been more wrong. When the brash railway contractor Elijah Hepworth and his rowdy crew of navvies arrive in Millcastle the town is divided between those who embrace the possibility of change and those who want things to remain the same. When the comfortable, safe existence Alice hoped for is snatched from her grasp, will she accept an offer from a man who never claims to be a gentleman, but who might be what she needed all along?
This is the fourth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. It’s nearly three years since the last book in the series & I'm so glad to read more. Another page turner from the author, the characters are strong & believable the pace is very good. I was drawn in from the first page & my interest held until the end. I loved the cool, calm & collected Alice who reminded me of a swan gliding along effortlessly whilst paddling madly out of sight. Elijah was big, loud & hard working. I loved how they eventually found love, the chemistry between them sizzled but they both had secrets, which clouded their outlook at times. I would have loved an epilogue as I wanted to find out what happened to them in the coming months
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elizajane40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this is series! I hope it continues. The H is a more realistic version of a Lisa kleypas self-made man, and the setting is fairly gritty for a romance. Fascinating subplots that I didn’t skim. Pearce is willing to break some rules. The hero is described as heavyset when he’s introduced. Yum! The heroine is a person you root for, a quiet survivor and the hero sees her so much more clearly than those around her from the beginning. I think there was some emotional intensity between the h and H that I felt was lacking. So maybe 4.5. But still so great

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Mephala · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with previous books in this series, Jack of All Trades falls somewhere between historical romance and historical fiction with romantic elements. This one feels mostly like the latter.

Alice and Elijah’s story is grounded and feels rather gritty. It’s a character study of hard working self-made man and an illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat, who both try to find their place in an somewhat alien world of the nobility.

This is a marriage of convenience trope in its purest form; neither Alice nor Elijah ever hide why they are marrying, and it’s the first clear glimpse how ruthless the hero can be. He knows Alice loves another, she doesn’t seemed interested in him, but in the end he decided to pursue her. And when due to meddling third parties, Alice decides to marry Elijah, it feels somewhat forced – she’s upset and feels she doesn’t have a choice in matter. But, on the other hand he’s giving her a way pout of life of servitude in a home of the man she has feelings for and his new wife – her friend.

So it’s really rather glum beginning, but I guess it fits the harsh realities of those two characters' lives.

Between Alice and Elijah, I feel like her character had much more development then his. The hero stayed pretty much the same: driven, work-focused, pragmatic. While the heroine slowly but surely found her place in his world; found her purpose without losing herself in the process.

As for romance between them, I’d say it was subtle, but very organic. The story feels like it’s more about them as characters, somewhat separated, while being connected, if that makes sense. The focused seems mostly on the railway construction, a lot of time passes between chapters and at times I felt lost, because so little happened between the main couple.

As happened in the previous books in this series, sex seemed the first and the strongest link that connected our heroine and hero. It was physical attraction that made him noticed her, and it was the first times Alice felt “seen” by her husband. It was also one of the few areas in her life when Alice felt equal to Elijah. Moreover, because of how busy the hero was, they basically saw each other only at night, but their relationship lacked certain intimacy, and I feel like the romance suffered because of that.

3/5 stars

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Millcastle series about everyday people. It's dirty, gritty and people work hard. It is set in the dawn of the industrial age in a suburb of London, a mill town that's growing. This one is about the bringing of the railway into town, those who are funding it and those who oppose it. It is an interesting love story of a woman who through strength, loyalty and determination supports her man finding love along the way.

Alice Collins is the illegitimate half-sister to Viscount Frances Grafton, whom we met in book #1. He's taken her in when she had nowhere else to go and was penniless. He doesn't care about her birth status, he's just glad to have a sister. Alice and family decide to call her a cousin and she has made her home with them. She lives with Frances, his wife Caroline, their young son Joseph, Carolyn's sister Ivy & her mother Mrs. Delisle.

Elijah Hepworth is a railway contractor. He's the one who gets the railway built and in time under contract. He has his money invested in this project too and is determined to fulfill the contract. Elijah, is a widower with two children. When he meets Alice he sees the perfect woman to be the mother to his two children. Frances' neighbor son, Mr. Ian Grovedale has returned home from his South American jaunt studying plants. He finds himself drawn to Alice but Ivy is determined to marry him to travel with him. Things happen and Ian and Ivy marry then leave on another trip. Elijah seizes the opportunity to make a deal with Alice and they marry. Love slowly blooms as Alice helps Elijah by tending home & his children while he fights tooth and nail to produce the rail line on time.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alda Delicado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Pearce's books always surprise me with the depth of her stories and the humane characters she can create. This series is one of my favorite historicals and I sincerely hope she will continue it.

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Pearce brings us another installment in the Millcastle series with Alice and Elijah. We meet Alice when she appears at the door of Caroline and Captain Francis Grafton. Alice finds safety and love with them. The addition of a railroad station brings Elijah Hepworth into town and is immediately drawn to Alice. He sees her as the perfect wife who would stand by his side and care for his children. The wedding of Caroline's sister Ivy and Ian Grovedale prompts Alice to accept Elijah's proposal. The railroad station brings problems of its own to the townspeople who are divided and add the political turmoil going on during that time. With all these changes and tension swirling around, it starts to affect the progress of the station. Is Alice strong enough to stand by Elijah's side as he works to hold on to the project and all the deadlines? Will this strengthen their bond, or will it only break them?

Kate Pearce brings us back to the residents of Millcastle. I always enjoyed Kate Pearce's modern stories, so I was looking forward to reading this one. Reading Alice and Elijah's story and meeting Caroline and Francis, I got interested in their story. Because of this interest, I went and purchased the first three books in this series. I enjoyed how Alice and Elijah interacted with each other throughout the book and how they changed from when we first meet them and their influence on each other.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank Kate Pearce for this privilege.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The railway is coming to Millcastle, bringing with it a new tide of change, and self-confident constructor Elijah Hepworth with his crew of workers is the man responsible for
making sure that the job is completed on time. He’s a man who knows what he wants and when he sees kind and apparently demure Alice Collins, he knows he wants her for his wife.
Alice has just began to settle in a new life and she would prefer a peaceful and quiet gentleman for her husband. But when her life is upended again, she is left with no choice but accept Elijah’s offer. But will their a marriage of convenience stand a chance?
Admittedly this book was a bit slow at the beginning, but when it picked up I was so intrigued that I couldn’t put it down until the end. I loved the way the relationship between Elijah and Alice grew and changed. The marriage of convenience and the opposites attract tropes are both skillfully developed. Alice is a great character, calm, posed, collected, but passionate inside. Elijah is more irritating at times, with his wild, outspoken, tactless ways, but his honesty is disarming. A really good book even if I’d have trimmed it a little here and there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joan M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alice Collins is the illegitimate half-sister of Viscount Grafton-Wesley who turns up on his doorstep unannounced. Unsure of her welcome, she's embraced by her brother, his wife, Caroline and sister-in-law, Ivy. Trouble arises when Alice falls for neighbor, Mr. Grovedale, who Ivy had long decided to marry. Enter railroad contractor, Elijah Hepworth. He's a brash, unrefined widower with two children and an interest in Alice.
This book is fourth in a series. While it works as a standalone, the background story of Grafton-Wesley and Caroline is important. The central love story of Alice Collins and Elijah Hepworth shares the spotlight with the rivalry between Alice and Ivy. This is as much about family as it is about the love story.

I received an advance copy of this book in return for my opinion.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Millcastle historical romance series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. The book is set in Millcastle, England, an industrial town with mills. A railway is currently being constructed in order to connect the town to other areas for the transport of industrial goods and provide transportation. Elijah Hepworth is the railway contractor in charge of making sure that the project is completed on schedule. He has a group of investors who support the project, but there are also people in opposition.

After the death of her mother, Alice Collins finds herself homeless. Armed only with a letter explaining her paternity, she travels to Millcastle and specifically to Grafton Hall, the home of Viscount Francis Grafton who is her half-brother. Knowing of his father's promiscuous reputation, Viscount Grafton is not at all surprised to learn of and confirm that Alice is his half-sister. He welcomes her to his family and home. Francis is also an investor and partner in the railway project.

Also living at Grafton Hall is Francis' wife, Caroline, and their son, Joseph; Caroline's sister, Ivy, and their mother, Mrs. Delisle. Ian Grovedale is a neighbor who is opposed to the railway and frequently calls at Grafton Hall. He and Alice are attracted to each other, but Ivy is also attracted to him. Ian is planning to propose to Alice, but Ivy and her mother intercede and put Ian in a position where he is pressured into marrying Ivy. All this time, Elijah Hepworth, a widower with two children, has had his eye on Alice. Elijah and Alice are both strong personalities and it is interesting to watch the dynamics of this relationship and find out where it goes.

I really enjoyed this book and now look forward to reading the first three books in the Millcastle series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank Book Funnel and the publisher for the privilege.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The railway is coming to Millcastle, bringing with it a new tide of change, and self-confident constructor Elijah Hepworth with his crew of workers is the man responsible for
making sure that the job is completed on time. He’s a man who knows what he wants and when he sees kind and apparently demure Alice Collins, he knows he wants her for his wife.
Alice has just began to settle in a new life and she would prefer a peaceful and quiet gentleman for her husband. But when her life is upended again, she is left with no choice but accept Elijah’s offer. But will their a marriage of convenience stand a chance?
Admittedly this book was a bit slow at the beginning, but when it picked up I was so intrigued that I couldn’t put it down until the end. I loved the way the relationship between Elijah and Alice grew and changed. The marriage of convenience and the opposites attract tropes are both skillfully developed. Alice is a great character, calm, posed, collected, but passionate inside. Elijah is more irritating at times, with his wild, outspoken, tactless ways, but his honesty is disarming. A really good book even if I’d have trimmed it a little here and there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the Millcastle series. I normally bypass most historicals. I will always stop for a Millcastle book. I read this one until I passed out from sleep at about 82% into the book. I woke up in the early morning hours and finished it.

It was great to see Alice come into her own. Having always been strong, it was an experience to see her appreciate her strength, wisdom, and kindness. Also, to have her realize that she deserves the love, respect, and reciprocal kindness. I was also glad when Elijah finally voiced how he really felt about Alice.

Some of the other characters were quite questionable. Namely, her friend Ivy, Ian, and Sarah. I would never consider them to be friends of Ivy's.

There was a pinch of suspense as Elijah fought not only his demons, but fought to finish his project. The suspense for Alice had to go with Ian and Elijah, and her self worth issues. Overall, this was a very enjoyable experience and I hope we will be treated to another book in the Millcastle Series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Lupe McClan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice & Elijah
In the 4th book of the Millhouse series, Alice is close to falling in love with a gentleman with whom she has much in common with & is overjoyed that he seems to reciprocate those feelings. But how can the illegitimate offspring of a Viscount hope to marry above her position in polite society? The plot twists… the object of Alice’s dream follows a different path and Alice finds herself accepting the marriage proposal of the man who is constructing the railroad, Mr. Hepworth, who is worshiped by some & barely tolerated by others. But that’s all Alice deserves right?
The book is filled with twists and turns, leading to a great HEA conclusion.
One can definitely read this as a stand-alone book but it’s always great to read the series for filling in small gaps. Another great read written by Kate Pearce.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow for me, then picked up speed until I was reading late into the night. I really enjoyed the characters, who were exceptionally well written. I felt like I could see and hear them as I was reading this story. Elijah was a big bear of a man I didn’t really like at first, but came to admire. His daughter, Ada, was a brat, who grew up during the short timeframe of the story. And Alice, our heroine, was a woman simply looking for security and found a special kind of love as she learned her own value. It was a very heartwarming story that left a strong sense of ‘feel good’ at its conclusion. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my freely given, honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like the most about the Millcastle stories is that troubles and struggles are followed by realizations and strength. Alice's past has left her feeling uncertain about change and grateful for family. Elijah's business takes determination and focus to keep on task. While neither are aristocrats, both have associations with the more noble classes and understand where the difficulties lie. Acceptance and coming to rely on each other despite all else shows just how special finding that one person in your life really is the most important thing.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle ebook

Alice arrives at her half-brother’s house penniless & soaking wet. She’s the illegitimate half sibling to Viscount Frances Grafton from the first book in this series. She longs for the security she lacked growing up. She is ready to marry the first man who offers for her to obtain that security.

Due to many bad decisions she is left with a marriage of convenience to an asshole. Yes, our hero is an absolute ass. He basically wants her to have sex with him & raise his children because he’s a railway builder & needs to be gone all day & all night. He doesn’t care that his children don’t like Alice & he treats her like dirt.

I liked the bones of the story & the pacing. It was well written, but I just didn’t click with the H.

[Becky L Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

audiobook. scribd/ everand exclusive series. 4 books in. reasonably good series. I might even give them 5 stars if they weren't so explicit but such is the problem with modern romance genre. I do appreciate the break away from main characters ONLY being part of titled gentry or whatever you call them. reads much more like a modern contemporary women's fiction that just happens to be set in the past. author does seem to have a decent grasp of human nature which is not always a given in the romance genre.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very emotional story about a marriage of convenience that turns into more over several months. It is part of a series that I had not read, but I didn't have any trouble understanding anything in the story. Most of the plot centers on Alice and how she shows everyone -- including herself -- exactly how much she is worth. While everything is falling apart in Millcastle, she continues to do the right thing with a cheerful attitude.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Alice comes to Grafton Hall as her last recourse and finds a family for the first time. Elijah is in charge of the construction of the new railway line but is also intrigued with Alice, possibly for a new mother for his children. Nice to engage a whole slew of characters and how there was a crunch to get the railroad built on time. Jealousy and trust play a big part in this story.

[Connie Schoepske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so gripping from the beginning to the end. I was so happy that it focused on a working man. The inclusion of children made it all the more intriguing. It was also nice to see how the ton dealt with in such a decisive manner. I love this book. I read it the first day I downloaded it. I have read it 3 times. This author is phenomenal.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking into play the time period, strong, supportive Alice shines, rolls with it and is a trooper in this camp. She's exactly what this brash entrepreneur needs to balance out his life and household. Their story is unpredictable, engaging and entertaining. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and leave a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a part of a series but I haven’t read any of
the books before this one and had no trouble understanding
the plot.
I thought the storyline was interesting and well developed.
The characters seems to draw you into the pages it’s a little
emotional at times which makes it a real page turner.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightfully compelling, adult early British railroad romance set in Millcastle starting in 1839 features 26-year-old orphaned Miss Alice Collins, Viscount Francis Grafton-Wesley, and Mr. Elijah Hepworth, chief contractor for the Millcastle Steam Locomotive Company, and kept me up well past midnight. I had an ARC via Bookfunnel and this voluntary review is my own opinion.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice arrives at Viscount Grafton-Wesley's home drenched from the rains and broke. Her mother has died and Alice is left with nothing but her pride.

There is a long road ahead for Alice to succeed in life.
Enjoyable book and am looking forward to other reads by Kate Pearce.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best thing about Jack of all Trades?
Is that Elijah is a working man. He gets by on his wits and hard work. Dirty work. Alice is illegitimate.
Elijah is not what Alice wants but could be exactly who she needs.

Recommend.

[Martimagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual reading genre, but a thoroughly enjoyable read. Interesting characters and the issues they had to work through were believable and dealt with sometimes with humor and other times with intensity. Will definitely read the others in the series.

[Linda de Sosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kate Pearce books, I must mention. This one started a little slow for me, but then revved it up. She has great character development as always and an intriguing plot. I was given an advance reader's copy.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Alice and Elijah who were both nuanced and compelling characters. What starts out as a union of convenience, blossoms into something unexpected and worthwhile. I liked reading along as Elijah and Alice dealt with their issues while finding love along the way. A well written addition to the Millcastle series that continues to entertain.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Millcastle series a well written story of misunderstandings. Railway contractor Elijah Hepworth and Alice Collins' story kept me turning pages, the story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.