A family of nine works to get by as the Great War looms over their English coal-mining town in this “sensitive and exceptionally polished” novel (Manchester Evening News).

The Hall family lives under the brooding shadow of the Black Mountains, in the mining town of Hillsbridge. Charlotte, James, and their seven children are independent spirits, but united by strong family bonds. Living in a coal mining community is never easy, and when the shadow of impending war threatens, they must pull together to face the hardship to come. Can this close-knit family overcome whatever tragedy life throws at them? And is there hope for a life beyond this valley one day?

The Black Mountains is the first novel in Janet Tanner’s moving saga of love, happiness, and heartbreak in the early years of the twentieth century.

Praise for the writing of Janet Tanner:

“A pleasure to read.” —Booklist

“This well-told story holds the reader’s attention.” —Publishers Weekly