The entralling story of when Connie Bell meets Dan Stewart and the dark and terrible history between their families threatens to destroy them.

Connie Bell, newly orphaned, is just twelve when she's taken on at the laundry in Sunderland's grim workhouse. Although she's little more than a child the events of her past have forged a driving determination to rise above her beginnings. But when she applies for a job as a nurse Connie's turned down: her mother was forced by poverty to work the streets and the Bell name is tainted. Bitterly hurt but undaunted, Connie's soon assistant housekeeper at the Grand Hotel and saving hard for her own business. When her path crosses Dan Stewart's, though, everything Connie's ever dreamed of is threatened. There's a dark and terrible history between the Bells and the Stewarts, and Dan's mother Edith will do anything to keep Dan and Connie apart.

"Praise for Rita Bradshaw: 'Catherine Cookson fans will enjoy discovering a new author who writes in a similar vein" - Home and Family

"If you like gritty, rags-to-riches Northern sagas, you'll enjoy this" - Family Circle

"What an emotional rollercoaster ride of a book! It grabs your attention from page one and does not let go until the end" - Sunderland Echo

"Displaying an uncanny ability to spin a good yarn" - Sunderland Echo

"All published writers have skill and creativity, but a few have more. It's called magic. I'm beginning to believe Bradshaw has it!" - Historical Novels Review