The Weaver's Daughter

Now this one is a good story! A Regency centered around the strife between the weavers and the millers as machine-weaving mills take over the previously hand-done cloth industry—both unique and interesting in scope. It was hard to lay it aside to do other tasks, and I found both Henry and Kate to be equally engaging and principled characters. It was a joy to spend time with both of them, to see how Kate endeavors to show respect to her difficult father, and how Henry defends his livelihood with compassion and forgiveness. I wanted to root for both of them to succeed. I also loved how their romance was circumspect and appropriate to the time period they are in.

The antagonists were also believable and interesting. For example, Frederica is just as trapped as Kate is, despite her fancy lifestyle and better position in society.

I definitely am hoping that this is the start of a new series, and that we get to have a book on Frederica and a book on Kate's brother Charles!

Cons: I didn't like how Mollie's having a child out of wedlock was portrayed in a couple places. At first it was made clear that she had asked God's forgiveness for her “indiscretion,” but in later scenes it was called “error in judgment” and “perceived sin,” which made it sound like she hadn't done something all that bad. It's hinted that her sin of lying is greater than her sexual sin, while Biblically both are against God's laws.

Language: “for heaven's sakes” used lightly

Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy. A favorable review was not required.