AustLit

'1863: Recently widowed, Hannah Firth is still young enough to dream of a new life, but her spiteful daughter-in-law wants to use her as an unpaid servant. When Hannah tries to leave, Patty’s malice puts her in a dreadful position, from which she can only escape by going back to act as a servant in her son’s household. It’s a miserable life and she’s determined to escape.

'Nathaniel King’s life is ruined when his landlord’s son lays waste to his market garden for a prank. The shock kills his invalid wife and leaves him with a young son to raise. But the resulting feud puts not only Nathaniel’s livelihood at stake, but his home.

'Eventually Hannah manages to escape, but has only a few coins and her dreams of a happier future to sustain her as she tramps the roads and tries to evade pursuit. When she meets Nathaniel, the attraction between them cannot be denied and they join forces. But their enemies have money and powerful allies on their side and will stop at nothing to get rid of them . . .'

Source: Publisher's blurb.