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 their drunkenness and quick tempers. Her eldest stepson Conrad is the worst of them all - a brute and... Read more

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 their 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 then Conrad is accused of a crime he didn't commit, and 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 free 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!' Less