Set against the harsh and gritty background of the Industrial Revolution, this is a story of poverty and star-crossed love, of sexual exploitation and deceit, of greed, murder and revenge.

Luther Dearne has made a fortune wheeling and dealing with the wealthy ironmasters of South Riding, and by cheating the Swedish shippers who bring their iron to sell in England. Rich, powerful and apparently above the law, he has everything his heart desires - except children. When one day a woman turns up in the tavern with an orphaned little girl for sale, Luther does not hesitate, he buys her. Little does he know that Lissie, with her great beauty and mysterious origins, whom his wife hates at first sight, will prove to be both his greatest joy and his deepest heartache - and finally his undoing.

* Review coverage

About the Author

Catherine King was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. A search for her roots - her father, grandfather and great-grandfather all worked with coal, steel or iron - and an interest in local industrial history provided inspiration for her stories. Catherine wrote ten novels, including A Sister's Courage and Her Mother's Secret. Her second novel, Silk and Steel, was shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year award.

Catherine sadly passed away in 2015.

Reviews
She writes with authority, skill and confidence . . . a real old-style Victorian drama . . . [with] a mix and balance of wickedness and purity * Elizabeth Gill, author of The Secret *
A gritty and realistic tale . . . This book paints a vivid picture of the harshness of life for many.The characters are so richly drawn and authentic that they pull the reader along in the story effortlessly. A very satisfying read * Anne Bennett, author of To Have and to Hold *
A powerful and page-turning saga * Dee Williams, author of Sunshine After Rain *
Hard hitting and powerful, this gritty tale features an appealing heroine, a dashing hero, and a whole host of intriguing characters ranging from the charming to the downright evil. The out-of-the-ordinary North Country setting adds flavour to the plot and the dialogue pulls no punches. Catherine King has written a first-rate novel * Maureen Lee *


Awards
Long-listed for Romantic Novel of the Year 2007 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9780751539073
Author Catherine King
Format Paperback
Page Count 464
Imprint Sphere
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 240g
Dimensions(mm) 178mm * 108mm * 32mm