Linda Finlay

Just seventeen years old, Lily Rose scratches out a meagre living making lace in Devon, responsible for her siblings following the death of their parents. But opportunity beckons. Hundreds of miles away, in London, Queen Victoria is preparing for her wedding. She will wear the most exquisite dress in history, bearing the famous Honiton lace. When Lily is selected as one of the few to work on this top-secret commission it is the answer to her prayers. Lily quickly makes an impression, both as an expert lacemaker and a natural leader of the women working day and night. But there are others who want to see Lily fail, including Squire Clinsden who issues her with a terrible ultimatum - work for him, and be subject to his unwanted advances, or put her loved ones at risk. Torn between her duty and her dreams of a better life, Lily battle the odds to ensure her family's survival.

The Royal Lacemaker

Catalina Petre

I received a copy of this book for free as a first reads giveaway. 
I enjoy historical fiction very much, and this book was lovely. I have enjoyed reading the story of Lily Rose and seeing her transformation and development. Lily is a poor peasant girl, orphan, with a lot of responsibility on her shoulders, from an early age. When she is commissioned to work on the lace for Queen Victoria’s wedding dress she feels special and extremely lucky. The story only lasts six months, while the lace is completed, but it’s full of action and turn of events. When she starts working for Miss Bodney, she is a shy, quiet and gullible young girl, however she quickly learns that not everyone is as kind-hearted and compassionate as she wanted to believe. At the end of a novel she is a much stronger woman, who everyone is expecting to achieve a lot in life. 
There are other interesting characters in the book, that help or put stumble blocks in Lily’s way. Tom, is her betrothed, a kind man, with strong principles, who feels very protective towards Lily, but also allows his jealousy and insecurity to get between them. Aunt Elizabeth is another person who for a few short moments mistrusts Lily’s sincerity, but who in fact has her best interests at heart and wants to help as much as her means allow her to. The Squire and his wife are two opposing characters. One is determined to get what he wants at all costs, regardless who gets hurt in the process, while the other is a charitable soul who wants to help the poor.
This was a great book and I am looking forward to the sequel. There must be a second book as there are too many loose ends.

The Royal Lacemaker

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