A Shilling for a Wife

By: Emma Hornby

Narrated by: Penelope Freeman

Random House presents the audiobook edition of A Shilling for a Wife by Emma Hornby, read by Penelope Freeman.

Sally Swann thought life couldn't get much worse. Then a single coin changed hands.

A dismal cottage in the heart of Bolton, Lancashire, has been Sally’s prison since Joseph Goden 'bought' her from the workhouse as his wife. A drunkard and bully, Joseph rules her with a rod of iron, using fists and threats to keep her in check.

When Sally gives birth, however, she knows she must do anything to save her child from her husband's clutches. She manages to escape, and taking her baby, flees for the belching chimneys of Manchester, in search of her only relative.

But with the threat of discovery by Joseph, who will stop at nothing to find her, Sally must fight with every ounce of strength she has to protect herself and her son, and finally be with the man who truly loves her. For a fresh start does not come without a price . . .

A SHILLING FOR A WIFE is powerful, absorbing storytelling that is perfect for fans of saga by Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Maggie Hope.

Critic reviews

A woman’s lot was shocking in the 1850s as this Cooksonlike saga brilliantly describes... Have some tissues handy!

Easy Listen

Enjoyed this book. Sometimes predictable but worked its way out. Narrated perfectly.. Would definitely recommend.

How much can a person endure??

Some of the story made me cringe, but I know there are women and girls that have and are still enduring the subject matter! We tend to romanticize the 'olden days' This book gives you some insight into the day to day living of the less privileged in society.

Not too bad

the story was ok until the horrible beating would not stop OMG how much can one person take then the story takes a unbelievable turn ok the men caught up the wicked horrible man and what that they do I would say they gave him a little talk and let him go give me a break I wanted to stop reading but press on because I know it's like the story starting over but I guess it works out in the end