Having met Chrissie Bradshaw a number of times at writing conferences I couldn't wait to read  something she'd written and I'm only sorry its taken me this long to actually get round to reading one of her books. It was so worth the wait though because Rose's Ever After was brilliant. The book can be read as a standalone although I think I'd have liked to have read the first book in the series just to get a really good feel of the characters and their backgrounds, although the book is written in a way that the reader is given some information on the previous story as its woven throughout this current book. 

I absolutely adore a good saga and this book certainly delivered in terms of well thought out and immersive plot and interesting characters who pull the reader into the book and leave them desperate for more. 

When the story first begins we see Rose very unhappy with some news that her father springs on everyone. Rose finds it difficult to accept her father is moving on and I must admit that at first I did feel she was being a little unreasonable and spoilt, however as I became more involved in the story I could understand her viewpoint about some issues a little clearer and it helped me see just what made her tick.

Rose is quite a forward thinking woman for the period and is desperate to do something she enjoys. She has thrown herself into motherhood but wants something a little more just for her so jumps at the chance of a job working with horses that have been retired from the local mines. However, as life would have it, nothing goes smoothly for Rose and challenge after challenge and heartache after heartache ensue which would break any other mere mortal. Rose however finds an inner strength each time and faces down everything that comes her way. She is brave, fierce but dignified throughout when actually she had every right to kick and scream against all of life's injustices. She typifies the strength of working class women who were the backbone of their families during that time.

Chrissie Bradshaw has successfully woven the time period and themes that were current at that time into the book in a way that made the reader feel they were really there and it was clear to see that a lot of research has been put into the book with lots of historical references.

If you enjoy a well thought out, emotive saga then this is the perfect book for you. But be warned, there will be sad as well as happy tears! Treat yourself and buy book 1 too! You deserve it! A highly recommended read!