A family torn apart. A daughter determined to stay together.

When the parish guardians send Lydia, daughter of convict James Knowles, to be an apprentice in the cotton mill at Caton, she is distraught at being parted from her younger siblings and mother, Betty, but she has no choice.

At the mill, Lydia is bullied by some of the other girls and things do not go well when she stands up to the ringleader. Fearing she has killed someone and with the word murderess ringing in her ears, Lydia runs for her life.

Meanwhile, Betty and her children have been granted passage to Australia to join her husband, but Lydia cannot be found so Betty is forced to leave without her.

When Lydia arrives home to find her family has gone she is determined to follow them, all the while avoiding the law who seek to return her to the mill.

A dramatic and emotional family saga for fans of Emma Hornby, Joanne Clague and Kitty Neale.

Praise for The Runaway Daughter

'A definite page turner.' Reader review

'Absolutely brilliant read, fans of Catherine Cookson will love it.' Reader review

'A dark and gritty read that I devoured, as I know all historical fiction lovers will. I laughed and cried but could not stop reading until I got to the end.' Reader review

'An incredible story of a strong family bond, even as they struggle.' Reader review

'Well worth reading the series. Such a good read and well told.' Reader review

'Wow, what a brilliant book. So many emotions and some hard hitting moments. Family saga at its best!' Reader review

About the Author
Libby was born and raised in Lancashire, where she can trace her own family history back to the Middle Ages and many generations of which worked themselves in the Lancashire mills. It was while researching her family history that she realised there were so many stories about ordinary working people that she wanted to tell.


Book Information
ISBN 9781800326590
Author Libby Ashworth
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Canelo Saga
Publisher Canelo
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 18mm