The story of a young woman's struggles in a poverty-stricken life, battling with an abusive father, a mother with secrets, and the difficulties of romance.

I personally didn't enjoy this book. I found Hilly Hardwick to be a little frustrating in her perfection throughout. She seemed a little flat, a tad one-dimensional for me. I'm someone who enjoys a character one can sink their teeth into; she was not that. I also found some of the dialogue a little bit clunky and unrealistic.

That being said, there were some wonderful examples of prose and description in this book. Perhaps it simply wasn't for me.

Set in a time where women and girls did not have much say in their lives. It was acceptable to leave school at 14 and go to work. And that is what Hillie did. Much to her own dismay. She works and must turn her paycheck over to her father, who in turn physically and verbally abuses her on a daily basis as well as her mum.

Hillie doesn't understand why her father does this. Why he hates her so much. She just wants out. And in her desperation she makes a choice she may later come to regret.

This story of families, secrets, hardship and life in the 30's was a little sad, but ultimately seeing Hillie free herself allows other girls to stand up to their overbearing parents and grab the life and love that they want.

Good, Solid story!
NetGalley/Aria March 01,2018