Beckside Lights by John Ackworth is a beautifully written and captivating novel that immerses readers in the world of a small English village. The author's descriptive language brings the setting to life, from the windswept moors to the cozy cottages lining the streets.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own secrets and struggles that keep the reader engaged. The story unfolds at a steady pace, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

Ackworth's writing style is both lyrical and engaging, drawing readers in with vivid imagery and poignant moments. The themes of love, loss, and redemption are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, creating a touching and satisfying read.

Overall, Beckside Lights is a truly delightful novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy heartfelt storytelling and richly drawn characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thoughtful and engaging read.

Book Description:
John Ackworth was the pen name of the Rev. Frederick R. Smith, a Methodist minister who was born in Snaith, Yorkshire, but spent much of his career as a circuit preacher in Lancashire. Beckside Lights is the sequel to his popular collection of stories Clog Shop Chronicles. Set in the fictional village of Beckside (said to be somewhere between Manchester and Bolton), the book consists of 12 tales of everyday life in a close-knit Methodist community, which continue with a third volume, Doxy Dent (1899). Based on an entertaining group of Methodist who gather around Jabez Clegg's clog shop fire, the stories are sentimental at times, but Ackworth has a nice sense of irony and refrains from proselytizing. Ackworth was also a student of the Lancashire dialect and the spoken passages in his books are mostly written in a phonetic version of late 19th-century Bolton speech, which I have done my best to reproduce. ( Phil Benson)