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...

Revenge
Mariah Bowes thinks that being alone and penniless is the worst thing that can happen to her, but then she becomes the innocent victim of a horrifying act of revenge.
Deception
Daniel Thorpe is consumed with guilt, it's his fault that Mariah endured such a terrible punishment, he'd never realised the terrible consequences his affair with the beautiful Lily would bring. Will he ever convince Mariah to trust him again?
Secrets
But for Mariah there are further horrors to face, truths to uncover. Not least the terrible secret that her father, Ezekiel Bowes, successful...

Abandoned. Olivia Copley is an orphan. Sent to live with her uncle, the ruthless mine owner Hesley Mexton, she soon discovers that a house ruled by men can not only be desperate: it can be cruel.
Humiliated. A new governess, Harriet Trent, offers Olivia a glimpse of hope. But Harriet's past is full of secrets and, alone and without protection, Olivia realises that Hexley Mexton will take full advantage of her vulnerability - despite her governess's protests.
Determined. Starved of love, Harriet and Olivia form a bond that helps them to endure their harsh conditions. But, when forced...