“Love and courage can carry you through even the darkest days.”
--A Mother's Promise, Dilly Court
A Mother’s Promise by Dilly Court, published by HarperCollins, is a heartfelt historical novel set in Victorian London. It tells the story of a mother’s courage and determination to protect her child against the odds. Known for her emotional storytelling and vivid portrayal of family life, Dilly Court once again captures the strength of women who face hardship with hope and love. This book reminds readers that even in the toughest times, a mother’s promise can become her greatest source of strength.
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Synopsis from Goodreads...
When Hetty Huggins made a promise to her dying mother that she would look after her younger sister and brothers, little did she know how difficult this would be. But despite the threat of being turned out onto the streets by the unscrupulous tallyman and the never-ending struggle just to exist, Hetty is determined her family will never starve or want for a roof over their heads.
Longing for something better out of life than the daily grind of making matchboxes for a pittance, she dreams of setting up her own business. With the help of friends she sells hot potatoes on the streets and things begin to look up for them all. But when the tallyman comes calling, they are faced once more with a future full of hardship and despair ...
My reaction to this novel...
I recently read A Mother’s Promise by Dilly Court, and I went into it with a mix of curiosity and expectation. I’ve heard so many good reviews about her books over the years, but this was actually my first time reading one of her works. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was definitely intrigued, especially knowing that her stories have been loved by readers for a long time.
At first, I noticed that the pacing of the story is quite slow. It’s not the kind of book where everything happens quickly or dramatically right away. But surprisingly, I didn’t get bored. There’s something about the way the author writes which is simple yet engaging that keeps you turning the pages. Even when the scenes are calm or focused on everyday moments, there’s still this quiet pull that makes you want to continue. I found myself getting hooked without even realizing it.
One of the things I appreciated was the characterization. Hetty, in particular, stood out to me. I really liked how strong-willed she is. She’s not the type of character who easily gives up, and there’s a certain resilience in her that makes her easy to root for. You can feel her struggles, but at the same time, you see her strength in how she handles everything that comes her way. She felt real to me, and I enjoyed following her journey.
On the other hand, not all characters worked for me. Jane, for example, was a bit too much. I found her overly sensitive at times, and her reactions felt a little exaggerated. Instead of adding depth to the story, there were moments when she just became frustrating to read. I think her character could have been toned down a bit to make her more balanced.
When it comes to the romance aspect, I have mixed feelings. There’s a part of the story where Hetty tells the male lead that she only sees him as a friend, and then later on, after a certain incident, she suddenly falls in love with him. For me, that transition felt a bit off. It came across almost like a rebound rather than something that developed naturally over time. I was expecting a more gradual emotional build-up, so that shift felt a little forced and confusing.
Despite these points, I still found myself wanting to give the book a high rating because overall, it was an engaging read. However, the ending held me back. It felt rushed, as if the author suddenly decided to wrap everything up quickly. The development of the main characters’ relationship, especially toward the end, felt incomplete and a bit raw. I was hoping for a more satisfying and well-developed conclusion, but instead, it left me feeling like something was missing.
In the end, A Mother’s Promise is a good story, one that is easy to read, emotionally engaging, and quietly captivating. It may not be perfect, especially in terms of pacing at the end and the development of the romance, but it still has a charm that makes it worth reading. As my first book from Dilly Court, it definitely made me curious to explore more of her works, and I can now understand why many readers continue to appreciate her storytelling.
My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
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