Picture a Somerset storyteller who spun tales of heartbreak and hope in the shadow of 19th-century coal mines—meet Jennie Felton! With her knack for weaving emotionally gripping sagas, Felton has captured readers’ hearts through her beloved series, The Families of Fairley Terrace. From sneaking stories under her school desk to becoming one of Britain’s favorite saga authors, her journey is as inspiring as her novels.
Born and raised in the rolling hills of Somerset, Felton’s stories are steeped in the grit and warmth of her homeland. Her novels, inspired by real-life mining tragedies, bring the past to life with vivid characters and heartfelt drama, earning her praise as ‘one of the nation’s favourite saga writers’ by the Lancashire Post.
The Making of Jennie Felton
Jennie Felton’s love for storytelling began in her Somerset childhood, where she scribbled serials for her grammar school classmates on exercise book paper. Caught writing during a chemistry lesson, she feared expulsion, but her teacher, charmed by her tales, encouraged her to pursue publishing. This early spark fueled a lifelong passion. In the late 1960s, Felton broke into professional writing, crafting short stories and serials for women’s magazines, honing her ability to hook readers with emotional narratives.
Under her real name, Janet Tanner, she published her first novel, The Black Mountains, a family saga set in a fictional Somerset mining town. This debut laid the groundwork for her later works as Jennie Felton, where her deep connection to Somerset’s coalfields and history would shine through in her signature series.
Jennie Felton’s Unforgettable Stories
Felton’s most celebrated work is The Families of Fairley Terrace Sagas, a series that began with All The Dark Secrets in 2014. Set in a tight-knit mining community in South Compton, the novels explore love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of a real 1839 mining disaster, where a snapped rope killed twelve miners. The series’ debut follows the residents of Fairley Terrace as they navigate secrets and suspicions tied to the tragedy, blending historical accuracy with heartfelt drama.
Other standout titles include The Miner’s Daughter, which delves into a young woman’s fight for independence, and The Girl Below Stairs, a moving tale of Edie Cooper’s dreams and dilemmas as a lady’s maid. Felton’s 2023 release, The Coal Miner’s Wife, portrays Lorna Harrison’s struggle to support her family after a pit accident, showcasing Felton’s gift for crafting plucky, relatable heroines. Her style—rich with vivid settings, believable characters, and emotional depth—draws comparisons to saga giants like Katie Flynn, as noted by author Rosie Goodwin.
Felton’s stories resonate because they’re grounded in real history and human experiences. Her ability to balance hardship with hope creates a gripping yet uplifting read, perfect for cozy evenings. With 17 novels, including standalone works like The Stolen Child, her bibliography is a treasure trove for saga fans.
Why Jennie Felton Matters
Jennie Felton’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into forgotten corners of history. By spotlighting the struggles and triumphs of Somerset’s mining families, she honors their legacy while crafting stories that feel timeless. Her novels have built a loyal readership, with fans praising her ‘cracking’ storytelling, as Books With Wine and Chocolate noted. Felton’s work also bridges generations, offering younger readers a window into the past and older ones a nostalgic reflection.
Her influence extends beyond bookshelves. Through her vivid portrayal of strong women like Sunday Small and Lorna Harrison, Felton inspires resilience and empathy, making her sagas more than just stories—they’re a celebration of human spirit. Her quiet rise from a schoolgirl scribbler to a saga star proves that passion and persistence can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Somerset, England
- Key Works: The Families of Fairley Terrace Sagas, The Stolen Child, The Coal Miner’s Wife
- Fun Fact: Felton also writes as Janet Tanner and Amelia Carr!
Ready to lose yourself in a world of miners, dreamers, and fighters? Snag All The Dark Secrets and dive into Jennie Felton’s heartwarming sagas today!