News
STOP PRESS...
Joanna's article: "The Making Of Mrs. Maydwell," about the research process behind the writing of the book, is published in the press on Saturday 13th December; 'Memories' section, Northern Echo. The full article is visible on the Gallery page.
She now also has a social media presence, which you can access by clicking on the link here:
Hope to see you soon!
Reviews
5* Reader's Reviews, Amazon (click on image to view online)
Margaret Hedley, author of the trilogy: 'Daughters Of The Durham Coalfield."
Within the pages of this book, readers encounter incidents of illegitimacy, abuse, and hardship faced by a young woman who always remained connected to her County Durham heritage. She seemed to gain strength from each hardship she endured and that resilience shaped every future decision she made whilst building her own self-belief and confidence. It was assumed that working class women in the Victorian period were often at the mercy of men’s decisions, being dependent on them for money and a roof over their heads, with little say in their own destinies, however Chrissie quickly learned to take control of her own circumstances, recognise her own strengths and compare them favourably to that of the males in her life, especially when it came to finding a means to support her family. Chrissie didn’t allow social norms to get in the way as she consistently made decisions that went against what was expected of a woman of her class. She was on a journey of self-discovery for much of her life, realising it was her skills that were responsible for the success the family enjoyed, and not necessarily those of the men she had chosen. This book shows that women could be formidable, resourceful and ruthless, if they were brave, and Chrissie was certainly brave.
Jane Anstey, author of 10 historical fiction novels, including 'Thirteen forty-Nine.'
I read Joanna Bailey’s book about her great-grand-aunt Christiana Whitfield with great interest, as Christiana is my great grand-aunt too! Joanna has mixed facts gleaned from extensive research with fictional filling in of the inevitable gaps to make a compelling tale. With admirable page-turning skill, Joanna presents her great grand-aunt as a woman of remarkable individuality and charisma – a picture which cannot, I think, be gainsaid. The events of Christiana’s life – from her early efforts to escape the rural life of the family farm at Wheatbottom in County Durham, through the entrepreneurial activities she and her husband pursued in the hospitality trade while bringing up their young family, to her flight from her husband at dead of night for a new life in New Zealand and later Australia with the help of a lover – all speak of her unconventional approach to life. Whatever you make of Christiana Whitfield, it’s a very good story.
About the Author
Joanna Bailey grew up in Durham City in the North East of England. An English graduate, she dedicated over twenty years to teaching in sixth form colleges, eventually becoming a Principal and the CEO of a multi-academy trust.
Now retired, Joanna divides her time between the North Yorkshire coast and Murcia, Spain. She enjoys reading, genealogy and a wide variety of arts and crafts. Joanna is a proud mother of two children and a grandmother, sharing her life with her partner.
Jo is an author passionate about bringing history to life through her writing. Her meticulously researched novels reflect her dedication to authenticity and storytelling
Explore the world of historical fiction through Jo Bailey's eyes, delving into the writing process, historical inspirations, and the author's journey in creating a captivating narrative.
