Orpha Buchanan and Peg Meriweather had a very different start in life. Orpha surrounded by wealth and riches, Peg dumped on a doorstep as a baby with nothing to her name. But one thing they had in common was a mother who despised them and wished them gone. Hortense Buchanan wasn't made to be a mother. Bullied herself when she was a child, she continues the tradition with her own children. When her daughter, Orpha, runs away from home, Hortense celebrates, never once worrying for her safety. Circumstances bring Orpha and Peg together, and soon they're as close as family, making their way in the bustle of a booming Birmingham and the smoke-filled Black Country. But before long, Hortense realises that her daughter stands in the way of the one thing she really cares about, and the bitter legacy of the Buchanans looks set to destroy them all...
Beloved author Lindsey Hutchinson is back with another novel of triumph over adversity set in the heart of a Black Country community. Perfect for fans of Josephine Cox and Lyn Andrews. Taken into service, orphan Lily Rae has heard all the stories about what entitled masters think their pretty maid's duties include. But when the very worst happens to her, she knows scrubbing the scullery floors of Ryder House no longer provide refuge from the sadistic Sebastian Ryder. . . Cold and alone, Lily makes for the town of Wednesbury, knowing she has only herself to rely on. . . Tilley Green has nothing to her name except a fine figure her worn, patched-up clothes can't disguise, and the voice of an angel. Destined to be a chorus-hall star Tilley must first escape the clutches of her opportunistic and violent manager, a certain Seb Ryder. . . Life has been a long tough struggle for both Lily and for Tilley, but the town of Wednesbury just could be where they can find their own glimmer of happiness...
Left an orphan, five-year-old Rosie Harris is found and raised by Maria, a Romany gypsy. Life on the road is hard, but the little girl soon feels one of the tribe with the travellers.
As she grows older, Rosie realises she has 'second sight' and is able to read people's palms and see into their futures. Needing to make a living of her own, she befriends the canal folk, known as the 'cut-rats' traversing the Black Country waterways with their cargo, and so offers readings to anyone who can pay.
Pursued by Jake Harding, a Romany bandolier who wants her for his wife, Rosie instead finds herself falling in love with a married man. And despite growing ominous signs that her future may be cursed, Rosie can't quite break away from the dream of a happily ever after...
Lindsey Hutchinson is a master storyteller, and her Black Country sagas are heart-breaking, uplifting and truly addictive.
When Cara Flowers' beloved grandmother dies she leaves not only an enormous fortune, but also a huge responsibility - to find their estranged family. Cara's quest leads her to the doors of the imposing Bilston workhouse. Shocked by the appalling conditions, Cara vows to find a way to close the workhouse and rescue its residents. Fraught by countless hurdles, her mission becomes personal; what has her missing mother got to do with the looming workhouse?
When her violent stepfather meets a tragic end, Violet Clancy feels justice has been done. Looking around the pitiless Black Country town of Wednesbury, she realises that there are many other wrongs that she could help to put right.
Joining a coterie of women who call themselves ‘The Wednesbury Wives,’ Violet and her friends soon set about winning justice for the abused. But will their friendships survive when some of their good deeds are brought into doubt?
Lindsey Hutchinson returns with another Black Country saga; perfect for fans of Josephine Cox. A gritty tale of triumph over hardship and justice for the downtrodden from an exciting new talent.
