Saga storytelling at its finest for all Catherine Cookson fans

Cassandra Blake has raised her three motherless sisters. The girls are the pride of their book-loving, impractical father, and not in a hurry to marry. Then the American Civil War cuts off supplies of cotton to Lancashire, the mills fall silent and there is no work. There is a stark choice: stay and risk starvation or pack up and begin again elsewhere.

Cassandra has fallen in love with Reece Gregory, but he can't support a wife. When he's given the chance to start a new life in Western Australia, he seizes the opportunity, promising to send for her.

Then an old feud tears the family apart. Cassandra is kidnapped and her sisters are forced to sail with a group of desperate cotton lasses to Fremantle. Penniless and alone, Cassandra is determined to find them again - but when she is offered a way, there is a painful price to pay.

"'A compelling read.'" - Sun on FREEDOM'S LAND

"Impressive grasp of human emotions." - The Sunday Times

"Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around." - Historical Novels Review

"Jacobs excels at creating vivid, memorable characters." - Booklist USA

"Vivid insight into family relationships" - Coventry Evening Telegraph

"'A gripping storyteller.'" - Sunday Star Times, Auckland, NZ

"'This is a fascinating insight into a piece of Australia's history that receives little attention.'" - Newcastle Herald , Australia - FREEDOM'S LAND