I loved this book. It is a story about relationships set against the background of a small Welsh mining village during World War One.
Idris volunteers to join the army but is sent home again because of a medical condition he didn’t know he had. On his return, he breaks up with his childhood sweetheart, Anwen, convinced he has no future to offer her. Heartbreak in the Valleys is the story of those who stayed behind during the war. It offers an insight into the lives of ordinary people. Anwen has an ailing mother, a sickly younger sister, an abusive father and Idris, the love of her life, who she believes no longer loves her. In her attempts to forget about Idris, she struggles with her home life, finds work in the manager's house, a friend in his daughter, and an admirer in his son.
It is a real saga, a retelling of the struggle of the people left at home during the great war. The characters were well rounded, with one or two exceptions but the story of Idris and Anwen made up for that.
It was a great light read and I would heartily recommend it for anyone who enjoys family saga or historical fiction.
#HeartbreakintheValleys
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

This is a book that draws you into the story of Anwen and Idris who are hoping to marry next year,then war is declared and idris goes to enlist but fails on medical grounds which hits him hard.I can highly recommend this book 5*

Heartbreak in the Valleys is the story of a small Welsh mining village during WWI. The story particularly focuses on Idris Hughes and his girlfriend Anwen Rhys. Idris volunteers for the Army but is sent home due to a medical condition. Anwen deals with an abusive father, invalid mother and the severe poverty of this small village. We come to meet many members of the small, tight knit community as the story progresses.

This book was just a cozy warm read about village life. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to give my honest review on #HeartbreakintheValleys.

This is a story set in the first world war in a small Welsh mining village. I could easily picture the surrounding valley and life in the village from the authors vivid descriptions.

The affects of the war can be felt throughout the story with loved ones not returning or in the case of Anwen, returning but having changed. I couldn’t be annoyed with Idris though as I loved his character as much as I did Anwen’s. They are both trying to do their best to provide and bring money in to support their families.

Being a saga, Anwen’s family and life in general, make for some emotional reading. A mother who is bed ridden and an abusive father. She has had to take on many roles like many did in those days but it hits home how things have changed and children back then had to grow up fast. I thought the author portrayed those times wonderfully and has definitely done her research.

Heartbreak in the Valleys was an all engrossing story that swept me along with it. It is a wonderful historical saga that brought to life the mining community as well as village life. With a hint of romance, this is a story that focuses more on family life and the relationships within. It had me go through an array of emotions and I would love for there to be more of Anwen and Idris in the future.

This story is set in a place and time I knew little about, a Welsh mining community during the early days of the Great War. Anwen is a young woman who has a lot to deal with - an abusive father, an invalid mother, poverty, the loss of two brothers and the illness of her younger sister, as well as the sadness of her childhood sweetheart calling off their engagement. Yet she carries on, finding work, keeping house, and getting involved in a new allotment project to provide fresh food for local people, while trying to protect those she loves. There really is a lot of heartbreak in the valleys, culminating in a terrible accident that changes many lives. The village and surrounding landscape come across as very real, and I especially liked Elizabeth from the big house who has no airs and graces, and the rumblings of the growing suffragette movement which the reader knows will finally make such a difference to women's lives and independence. My only criticism is the huge cast of minor characters, all given names, making it hard to keep track of who they all are. I will look out for the second book in the series, promised for later in the year

booklover BEV

the story of Anwen Rhys and Idris Hughes both hoping to get married next year. this book is set in Barry Island Wales and the year is 1914. War is declared and Idris enlist but fails on medical grounds and is sent home. Anwen is missing him so much and hopes he gets his old job back down the mine. but then her heart is broken as Idris give her the news she just didnt expect to hear. this is such a warm hearted book, taking us through all the characters lives ,with lots of heart breaking momentsi loved every bit of this book will Anwen and Idris find happiness to the end? i would ask all readers to read this book and see for yourself. i loved it it was wonderful.

Oh I loved this book. Really family saga. Have read several books similar war romance family life all rallying together