Previous Finalists

'A smartly plotted historical novel offering an intriguing insight into the Suffragette movement and what they were fighting for. Highly recommended!' The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
I'm a big fan of historical novels, so this was right up my street. The author, Rosemary Hayward, has worked wonders here, offering readers a thought-provoking insight into women's rights in England at the beginning of the 1900s. Shown through the eyes of Harriet, the daughter of a rather forward thinking father, the story follows her as she fights for her rights, and the rights of all women, even getting to meet (and follow) the enigmatic Emmeline Pankhurst.
I must say, there's a lot to enjoy in this smartly plotted novel. Firstly, the writer did a superb job of balancing family drama with historical events of the time. For example, the developing chemistry between the protagonist and Tom Bardhill is well-handled whilst, at the same time, the author's knowledge of, say, the voting system of the time, is excellent. Secondly, I loved the flow of the story. It's accessibly written, the author smartly allowing her characters to put across the news of the day as opposed to long info dumps. And thirdly, the setting 'feels' correct – whether it's the way the characters talk or travel, or dress – you just know it's correct – or as correct as it could be.
So, if you happen to be on the look out for a drama-filled novel which successfully puts across the battle many women went through to get the vote, this book is for you. I think most readers will find it not only educational (the book was inspired by a story about Helen Watts, a daughter of the vicar of Lenton and a suffragette), but they'll also be rooting for Harriet and Tom to find a happy and fulfilling life – even if they end up travelling a long way to find it.