Rating: 5 starsCover synopsis: When her father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience, Margaret Hale is uprooted from her comfortable home in Hampshire to move with her family to the north of England. Initially repulsed by the ugliness of her new surroundings in the industrial town of Milton, Margaret becomes aware of the poverty and suffering of the local mill workers and develops a passionate sense of social justice. This is intensified by her tempestuous relationship with the mill-owner and self-made man, John Thornton, as their fierce opposition over his treatment of his employees masks a deeper attraction.
I had to pick up this novel after watching the BBC movie. I loved the movie and have been recommending it to everyone with a pulse. I loved the book too, though there are quite a few differences. I liked the nice mix of romance with social awareness. I enjoyed watching Margaret grow as a character, as well as Mr. Thornton. And, of course, I enjoyed watching them grow together. :)
