Reviews

With plenty of adventure, romance and passion this gripping and delightfully different book had me entranced to the very last page. A great read. The plot, the characters (especially the feisty heroine Tilly) and the period setting all come together beautifully and make for an unputdownable book. I read 'The Water Gypsy' in two sittings and think it is a wonderful debut novel from a very talented writer. (Book lover) I downloaded this book Saturday morning thinking I would read a few pages, do the housework and then come back to it. The housework did not get done as I immediately became engrossed in Tilly's story. I couldn't put the book down! I loved her character and really felt for her as she dealt with her situation. I love historical novels and the description and dialogue here were spot on. I was truly taken back in time. I would certainly recommend this book and hope to read more from this author. It's definitely worthy of five stars.(Female reader) thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Water Gypsy'. It deals with prejudice and poverty, injustice and exploitation but it is done in such a subtle and thoughtful way that it does not detract from a gripping story line with compelling characters. The best thing about it was that I had no idea what would happen next! I look forward to more writing from this author. (Female reader & Historian) I loved it! I stayed up until 3am to make sure I finished it as I couldn't put it down. The characters are enchanting and you really bond with them and want things to turn out well for them. You laugh and cry and worry with the characters. The plot is well mapped out and moves at a suitable pace. I hope the author is working on another novel. This book was wonderful and well written, I couldn't put it down. I really felt for Tilly and all her hardships she had to face many times I had to go back a couple of pages and 're read them as I was eager to find out what was going to happen, and was skipping bits out in order to see what way the story would end.I was a little sad when I got to the end as I wanted to read more and more. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially those that likes Victorian and pre war times. I hope the author brings more books out in the future. I would love to read more from her. I'm now going to pass this over to my mum and auntie, as I know they are going to really like this too. Female reader) An excellent well paced read with lots of exciting twists and turns in Tilly's life, right to the end. Good characterisation and period setting. . I read this on holiday and could not put it down. (Female reader) I really enjoyed this lively rags to riches tale of the innocent and starving young girl who has been brought up on the waterways with little education and a tough life on the canals. Tilly wants something different, but her attempts to improve her life are fraught with challenges and danger. With plenty of adventure, romance and passion this gripping and delightfully different book had me entranced to the very last page. A great Summer read, Kay paints a colourful picture of the struggles of a hardworking girl trying to make her way in life and better herself amidst the prejudices of Victorian Society. (Sixtyplussurfers)