'The Queen of raw family romances' Telegraph
'Catherine Cookson soars above her rivals' Mail on Sunday
'Her characters have the grit of real life' Sunday Times

Her secret could tear their family apart . . .

When Elisabeth Duckworth is charged with the care of blinded soldier Matthew Wallingham, she's determined to bring the light back to his life. Through her kindness and warmth she gradually restores his faith in the future, and soon love blossoms between them, nurtured by their care for one another.

However, when they return to Matthew's family home hoping to marry, they find the house fractured: his father is ill, his mother clearly unhappy, and his brother full of resentment after running the farm alone for so long. Worst of all, though, Matthew's parents are unable to look past Elizabeth's humble upbringing and refuse to accept their marraige.

Elizabeth is desperate to convince Matthew's family that she is not the untrustworthy girl they have made her out to be. But unbeknownst to Matthew, there is a secret hanging over her, one that she must keep hidden. For if it comes out, she's sure that the Wallingham house will be torn apart . . .

Readers love Cookson's gripping historical sagas:

'Storytelling at its best'
'Cookson's stories are timeless'
'A great choice for a summer read'
'Always a joy to read'