Manchester, 1867

Mara longs for a peaceful life free of violence and poverty. But she has married into the O'Hara family, who have a reputation for drunkenness and quick tempers. Her eldest stepson Conrad is the worst of them all - a brute and a criminal who makes Mara's life a misery.

But when Conrad is accused of a crime he didn't commit, Mara is the only one who can prove his innocence. Perhaps this is her chance to finally free her family from his toxic influence . . .

Will Mara clear Conrad's name, or will she have the courage to break away from her stepson's villainy?

Readers love Emma Hornby:
'Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story'
'Emma Hornby's books just keep getting better and better'
'Keep writing Emma, you are very talented and can't wait for your next book'
'Emma is a wonderful storyteller and I can't wait for the next one!'

About the Author
Emma Hornby lives on a tight-knit working-class estate in Bolton and has read sagas all her life. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly, to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She was inspired to write after researching her family history; like the characters in her books, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums.

Reviews
'Emma Hornby writes strong, working-class women with heart and humour. The book is an absolute joy' * Glenda Young, author of The Miner's Lass *
'Compelling. A gripping and powerful tale of vengeance and reprisal' * Val Wood, author of Children of Fortune *
'I loved the twists and turns. The emotional pull on my heartstrings was exquisite. Emma Hornby is a natural storyteller who always delivers and, from the first words to the last, my attention was captured. Read this story at your leisure, read it on the bus or on the train, in your lounge or in your bed - but you must read it. Storytelling at its best' * Sheila Riley, author of The Mersey Mistress *
'Edge of your seat drama, a book not to be missed!' * Lindsey Hutchinson, author of The Hat Girl from Silver Street *
'A moving picture of an abused mother's love for her family, beautifully written and enthralling from the very first word' * Gracie Hart, author of The Baker's Girl *



Book Information
ISBN 9780552178105
Author Emma Hornby
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Penguin (Transworld)
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 251g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 127mm * 22mm