SARAH ANN ELLIOTT Book 1: 1823-1829

by C. A. HOCKING

An Epic Family Saga 

based on a true story

SARAH ANN ELLIOTT Book 1 is a poignant and harrowing story of one family’s struggle to survive the grim mill towns of 19th century England, and is the first in the series of SARAH ANN ELLIOTT books.

Sarah Ann Elliott was born in 1823 into a family of weavers whose lives were entirely dependent on the textile mills of the booming Northern England town of Stockport. Her family is much like any other with highs and lows, joys and sorrows, but when 10,000 spinners and weavers go on strike for nine months in the infamous 1829 Stockport Turnout, the Elliotts are plunged into a life of hardship and turmoil from which no one is spared.

Little Sarah Ann is swept along with the events that surround her and it is only her indomitable spirit that carries her through. The harsh lessons learned in those early years will shape her into the strong, resilient woman she will one day become.

FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Available as Kindle and Paperback from all Amazon Marketplaces, including the links below:

• SARAH ANN ELLIOTT Book 1: Amazon US
• SARAH ANN ELLIOTT Book 1: Amazon UK
• SARAH ANN ELLIOTT Book 1: Amazon Canada
• SARAH ANN ELLIOTT Book 1: Amazon Australia/New Zealand
• SARAH ANN ELLIOTT Book 1: India

Reviews on Amazon and/or Comments in the Reply Box below are very welcome.

REVIEWS

Efrona Mor

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Great read, inspiring story!

August 12, 2018

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Being a fan of history, I particularly enjoyed not only the wonderfully written story but how the book transports the reader back to 1823 where the story begins. I felt as if I woke up in Sarah’s life; felt the highs and lows alongside her. The inspiration of how a family survived such hardships so long ago, and how a little girl turned into a woman during a time most challenging to be a woman, is an inspiration for our modern day. All that said, it’s also great just to have a fantastic book to read! The kind to smile with, frown with, dream with, and the kind you just can’t put down! Loved it.

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True Blue

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A story and a history lesson.

25 March 2018

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

After reading the description, I wasn’t sure about buying this book, but I have read several of C.A.Hockings books and have never been disappointed, and at the price I had little to lose.

Boy, am I glad I did buy it. It is so much more than just the tale of a little girl, though that in itself is worth the price. Sarah Ann is an endearing little soul who, in the face of terrible adversity, maintains a positive attitude and always finds a way to overcome any problem. You just can’t help falling in love with her.

But it is also a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the disadvantaged in the grimy north of England during the Industrial revolution and the pride and dignity of their struggle as well as their determination to rise above and improve their lives. The description of life during the “turnout” (strike) of 1829 is quite harrowing and makes you realise just how hellish life must have been in Victorian England for the under privileged.

Sarah Ann is born the weaker one of twins, but grows to establish herself as the confident optimist with a maturity well beyond her years. She experiences hardship and tragedy within her own family and yet maintains an indomitable spirit to see a brighter future. At the age of only 6 she goes to work in the mill to supplement the family’s meagre income.

The story is told in an effortless way with the life of Sarah Ann interwoven with the tumultuous events of the time in a seamless manner. And what makes it so impressive is that the story is based on fact, the historical events relayed really did happen, Sarah Ann really did exist. The author has added her imagination to great effect and created a work of fiction based on fact.

What I didn’t realise before I bought the book was that this is to be a series of books detailing Sarah Ann’s whole life, and as this first book only takes her to the age of 6, I wonder how many books are still to come. I know that I, for one, am now eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

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Anne H

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A Fascinating tale of history. This book will leave you wanting more

8 April 2018

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Very impressed with the research of the era that must have gone into this book. Very authentic history blended skilfully with the imagination of the writer to bring us a great read. It has it all, sadness of what families in the Victorian era of the early 1800’s had to endure but lightened with wonderful humour and wit by the writer. Not my usual reading genre, but CA Hocking has me wanting more and I need the next book, like now.

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Mary Ford

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Brilliant book

24 August 2018

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

I can not find words to express how well you have written your Elliott family story. You are a brilliant Author. Congratulations, I am looking forward to book 2.
Hours of your time and research, taking us back to early 1800’s with such explicit detail, thank you.

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