I'm a sucker for historical fiction and wanted something to read whilst enjoying the surprisingly nice weather outside. This book fitted that perfectly. 

I really loved the character of Bess, she might just be one of my favourite protagonists I've read in a while. Her relationship with Charlotte/Clara throughout the story was so tender and, at times, heartbreaking, and overall very well written. I also thought Alexandra was a well thought out character, although it took me a lot longer to like her (although I'm guessing that's supposed to be the case with her!). However, it was when she talks about grief, specifically pertaining to women's grief, towards the end (I can't remember the exact quote but I'll edit it in later), that I immediately liked her better. She's still very flawed but it definitely warmed me up to her a little. 

Speaking of that quote, it was absolutely gorgeous. You could feel Alexandra's anger at the injustice she and other women face radiating off the page. It's one of the quotes I wanted to scribble down immediately after writing it. 

I did think the ending perhaps wrapped things up a bit too quickly and neatly but I'm a sucker for a happy ending so I'm just glad everyone ended up okay.