What a beautifully written story about a rich boy and a poor girl who are totally in love--but because of their stations in life they know it can never be. Annie and Robert meet frequently where no one can see them--under the Mazzard Tree. When Robert has to go back to school he tells Annie to wait for him. He is determined to marry her. Annie took a position in his home and was ultimately raped. She had no idea who the man was-but she ended up getting fired.
Against his father's wishes Robert's older brother joined the army-and was killed in action. His father had a stroke--Robert now being the sole heir would be inheriting the estate. Annie married a long time aquaintance so her baby would have a father--then Robert came home. Annie would not leave her husband although she was still very much in love with Robert. Then Annie's husband died in a fire trying to save his parents.
Robert actually cared about the tenants and was going around fixing their homes. He was there when Annie was changing her baby--and he knew immediately who had raped Annie. I was shocked as I am sure you will be as well. Will these two star crossed lovers ever find a happily ever after? We will just have to read the 2nd in this series to find out--or maybe it will be the third--I will be reading both of them!!
About the Book: (from Amazon)
1880 North Devon, England Annie Carter is a farm labourer’s daughter and life is a continual struggle for survival. When her father dies of consumption, her mother, Sabina, is left with seven hungry mouths to feed and another child on the way. To save them from the workhouse or starvation, Annie steals vegetables from the Manor House garden, risking jail or transportation. Unknown to her, she is watched by Robert, the wealthy heir to the Hartford Estate, but far from turning her in, he befriends her.
Despite their different social backgrounds, Annie and Robert develop feelings they know can have no future. Harry Rudd, the village blacksmith, has long admired Annie, and when he proposes, her mother urges her to accept. She reminds Annie, that as a kitchen-maid, she will never be allowed to marry Robert. Harry is a good man and Annie is fond of him. Her head knows what she should do, but will her heart listen?
Set against the harsh background of the rough, class-divided society of Victorian England, this heart-warming and captivating novel portrays a young woman who uses her determination and willpower to defy the circumstances of her birth in her search for happiness.
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About the Author: (from Amazon)
I was born in North Devon, a rural and picturesque area in the far South West of England. I am a farmer's daughter, and my family has lived in this region for generations. I have always enjoyed the peaceful way of life to be found here, and would never wish to live anywhere else.
When I left school I worked in a bank for several years until I married my husband, Bryan, and then stayed at home for a few years to care for my three sons. As they grew older, I returned to work, first as a Marie Curie nurse caring for the terminally ill, and then for the local authority managing school transport. I remained in this job until retirement.
I like gardening, and we grow most of our own vegetables. I'm interested in researching family history, and this hobby inspired some of the characters in my books. I love reading and also walking in the beautiful Devon countryside.
I have written three books in the "Hartford Manor Series" which is set in North Devon in Victorian times. I wrote my first book "The Mazzard Tree", in spare moments over several years as I was also working full time and raising my family. The second book is called "The Angel Maker", and the third book, "The Rabbit's Foot". You can find out more about me and my books on my website: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/
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