The Beleaguered

Beneath the Alders, Book 2

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Pub Date 25 Oct 2019 | Archive Date 27 Dec 2019

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Description

On an August afternoon in 1914, the Stephens family acknowledged what most Canadians knew: Canada was at war. They acknowledged it without knowing the innocence they would lose; the beleaguered state they would assume.

Welcome to the world of Jessie Stephens, an inquisitive girl about to become a modern woman; her brother who vied for the Mann Cup in Vancouver and military victory in Greece; her sister whose chance for love was put asunder by bigotry.

Written by the great-niece of the real-life Jessie, The Beleaguered follows the Stephens family at home in Brampton, to the war effort far beyond.

On an August afternoon in 1914, the Stephens family acknowledged what most Canadians knew: Canada was at war. They acknowledged it without knowing the innocence they would lose; the beleaguered state...


Advance Praise

Praise for the Beneath the Alders Series

“Lynne Golding knows how to tell a story. With yarns she gathered at her great aunt’s knee, she has woven a compelling story that harkens back to a time of pre-war innocence in a town I’ve always been proud to call my own.” — Former Ontario Premier the Honourable William G. Davis


“Lynne Golding has opened a magical door to the past and ushered us into Edwardian Brampton to marvel at a simpler time... [The Innocent] will make you laugh and weep and wonder, and be fondly remembered long after the final pages are read.”
—Cheryl Cooper, author of the Seasons of War series


“It’s easy to forget that everything about the roads we drive, the hydro and water to our homes, the schools and health care we need, comes from the cradle of community. This book is a journey back in time to what was needed for building a future that cares for many thousands for decades to come. Through a fascinating family, Lynne Golding’s novel leads us into the past in a whimsical way that can’t help but connect to our own ambitions.”
—Lorna Dueck, CEO, Crossroads Global Media Group


“A lovingly crafted work, so engaging, pulsing with life, sensitive to the foibles of family relationships. I love the wry humour, gentle handling of tragedy, of constrained family competition, of church, and of politics. The Innocent is a wonderful study of social relationships in a small community. I’m much touched by the chapter on starting school, and the quiet, non critical intervention of Uncle James to still the child’s fears when passing the Iron Works Repair Shop. It would rival any of James Rainey’s small town tales.”
—Ruth Redelmeier, Ontario Historian

Praise for the Beneath the Alders Series

“Lynne Golding knows how to tell a story. With yarns she gathered at her great aunt’s knee, she has woven a compelling story that harkens back to a time of...


Marketing Plan

•Book tour in Ontario of bookstores, libraries, and related outlets

•Print, television, radio, and online media campaign for major regional and national media, focusing on novel’s setting and author’s hometown of Brampton ON as well as historical fiction angle

•Digital marketing including Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit AMA

•Literary award and literary festival submissions across Canada

•ARC mailing to targeted outlets and digital reader copies available through NetGalley

•Book tour in Ontario of bookstores, libraries, and related outlets

•Print, television, radio, and online media campaign for major regional and national media, focusing on novel’s setting and...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781988279831
PRICE CA$19.99 (CAD)

Average rating from 1 member


Featured Reviews

We rejoin Jessie Stephens and her family in Brampton just before the outbreak of The Great War.
What is refreshing about this book (and the first one too for that matter) is how the story is told - from Jessie's viewpoint aged 11 years old. She sees and interprets things in a different manner than an adult would. Great writing from Ms Golding that captures the child's viewpoint and opinions.
I read many parts of this book with Google Earth open alongside to search streets and places. To my great delight I found both the homes of the Stephens and the Darlings. I would like to see the map and some of the photos on the author's website in the book too.
The Author's Note is brilliant too, separating the fact from the fiction in the book.
A poignant read. Having it based on true events and people makes it just that much more special.
I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens next and if the reason why the Stephens family may not enter the Presbyterian church is resolved.
As this is the second book in a series, I would recommend reading the first book before this one as there is knowledge in the first book essential to the second book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.

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