Diane Allen – A Precious Daughter

‘A Precious Daughter’ by Diane Allen is a sweeping historical saga that spans countries as well as the years in its telling.

Ethan Postlethwaite and his wife Grace decide that the time has come for them to leave the beautiful Yorkshire Dales behind to seek their fortune in Canada. Grace’s parents are naturally heartbroken at the thought that their daughter and their beloved granddaughter Amy will be living so far away from them on the other side of the world. However, the future looks bright and promising and they cannot stand in their way. Ethan is sure that riches await him in Canada’s goldfields, however, little does he realise that their journey across the Atlantic will be fraught with danger, regret, devastation…and loss.

When they finally arrive in Canada and find the goldfields already plundered, it seems that the bright future they had been promised has been cruelly snatched away from them. Having sacrificed so much already, this is a cruel blow from which Ethan doesn’t think he will recover, but there is worse to come when a horrible tragedy leaves him and Amy with no choice but to set sail back home to England.

Arriving in Liverpool, Amy finds herself having to once again readjust to a whole new life. Finding a job as a cow-keeper, Amy quickly begins to feel restless and unsettled – until a face from the past comes back into her life leading her to wonder just where her future lies and whether she will ever find the happiness which she has long been craving…

An expertly crafted saga that takes us from Yorkshire all the way to Canada, with the promise of riches. Then brings us back to Liverpool with only losses to bear for Ethan and Amy.

Diane Allen is a fantastic storyteller. Her rich descriptions of Canada really created a scene in my head. I felt I could have been there alongside Ethan and his family in this harsh reality they discovered. She writes with such feeling that you can’t help but be invested in this family’s journey.

Her character building is so good. Every character came alive for me. She manages to create people who are so human in their personalities. Ethan comes to mind immediately, with his flawed thinking that Canada would be the proverbial pot of gold for him and his family. He is a man that is so clearly pictured in this book. Saying that, it is true for all of them. We see their weaknesses and strengths, their fears and hopes.

A story that gives me reason to add Diane Allen’s books to my list. A talented author who has created a book that can transport you anywhere.

Thank you to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Pan for my copy of the book