One Perfect Family

The final instalment in the uplifting Ellindale Saga

By: Anna Jacobs

Narrated by: Anne Dover

One Perfect Family . . . can bring a whole village together

Lancashire, 1934. When Tam Crawford is unexpectedly bequeathed some money, he can finally realise his dream of settling down in the beautiful village of Ellindale.

Tam knows he can be impulsive - his nickname isn't Crazy Tam for nothing! - but this time he is determined not to be ruled by his big heart and hot head. Yet somehow, within just one day, he has taken on a fiancée and two children to keep them out of the poorhouse - or worse. Despite their unconventional start, as Tam and his new family get to know and love each other, they come to realise that his act of charity is the best thing that could have happened to all of them. But there are still problems and they struggle to find somewhere to live.

Tam and his makeshift family are not the only ones facing difficulties. Local benefactor Finn Carlisle's attempts to help the unemployed are being sabotaged by an unscrupulous local councillor, and Tam's cousin-by-marriage Hilda Kerkham has been widowed and is struggling even to feed her son. Will the people of Ellindale be able to help one another in these hard times?

Praise for the Ellindale series

'One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read! *****' - Between the Pages

'A book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. *****' - Stardust Book Reviews

'I was gripped from the very first word on the very first page and I wasn't released until the last word on the last page . . . When I finished I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer. *****' - Ginger Book Geek

(P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2019 Anna Jacobs

Critic reviews

Praise for the Ellindale series

One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read! *****

A book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. *****

I was gripped from the very first word on the very first page and I wasn't released until the last word on the last page . . . When I finished I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer. *****

Praise for Anna Jacobs

[Anna Jacobs' books have an] impressive grasp of human emotions

Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around

[Anna Jacobs is] especially big on resourceful, admirable women. Great stuff!

I am an Anna Jacobs fan for sure!

I have finished this entire series and loved them all. As the world seems to spin out of control and people are worried about food shortages and economic woes, it is good to realize that people have survived and even thrived during very trying times.

The fact that most of the people in her series are or have struggled. Yes, there are bad ones in the mix, but for the most part these books portrayed the important lesson (with no preaching) that when people work together and help one another out, all come out better. There is sadness and triumph. Reading these boks makes me want to try harder to look out for those who are struggling worse than I am.

I think for most people, the desire to be kind and helpful is important. When helping others get ahead, you are blessed. There is not one bit of preaching. The stories all end up with things wrapped up, but that's part of the aha! and ahhh! of finishing a book series which makes you feel better rather than worse about others.

I loved the reader for this book and can't wait for my next credits to buy another of Jacobs books. It's good to have a feel good series which also doesn't shy away from the fact that many people's lives are very shaky because of little or no income as well as sometimes evil people. It's also nice to see the nasty ones given there just desserts by the people who want their village and surroundings to thrive!

a good book

anna Jacobs stories are always enjoyable. easy listening and always with joy, and intrigue. a lovely story

Bravo

I enjoy another wonderful story from this author and series the characters I can relate to I didn't want the story to end the narrator as always did a excellent job credit well spent