Valerie Wood

The story of three related families, with the triumphs and tragedies of their lives as the whaling industry of Hull starts to decline.

Hull, 1852. Matty has had to care for her three younger sisters ever since their mother’s death 10 years ago. She and the girls’ beloved father have worked hard to keep the family together, and now it’s time to celebrate as Matty turns 18. But their joy is short-lived when tragedy suddenly strikes and their father disappears on his way to London. The sisters have no way of knowing what has happened to him - only that he hasn’t returned home. With little money left they’re now forced to battle life’s misfortunes alone....

Hull, 1874. The beautiful Jewel Newmarch, adopted as a baby, turns heads wherever she goes - her exotic looks point to her origins far away from the streets of Hull. Even at her cousin Elizabeth's wedding, she is the belle of the ball. But as she looks on at the newly-married couple she feels an intense longing to know her own roots. And so she decides to return to her birthplace in America, taking the bride's twin sister Clara as her companion. In discovering the mysteries of Jewel's past the girls realise that this is a life-changing voyage of discovery for both of them, as they learn important lessons about family, friendship, love and home. But most importantly, love...

Sarah Foster’s parents have been fighting a constant battle with poverty, disease and crime. When her father, Will, is involved in a terrible accident at work, their lives became even harder. But John Rayner provides them with work and a house on the estate owned by his wealthy family. As John grows closer to Sarah, he becomes increasingly aware of his love for her. But could these two very different people ever make their love story truly work?

At only thirteen, Mikey Quinn is arrested for stealing a rabbit to feed his family. Despite his age, he's shown no mercy by the wealthy lawyer who sends him to prison. He returns home to find that his mother has died and his younger siblings taken into the workhouse.

With only his determination, Mikey makes his way to London to seek a better life for his family. Whilst there, he meets Eleanor who he recognises as the daughter of the lawyer who ruined his life. Desperate, they band together forging a new life for themselves on the streets of London.

Overlooking their initial differences, the two come to rely on each other and, when the time comes to return to Hull, they face the long walk home together.

Dorothy Mortimer, spoilt daughter of a wealthy family, is sent to stay with the Benders to give birth to her illegitimate daughter. The baby, Lizzie, is brought up by estate workers, the O'Malleys. Over the years Joey O'Malley grows suspicious of the attention given to Lizzie and takes her to Merseyside to claim her birthright.

Hull, 1856.

James Ripley and his wife Moira have always looked out for the poor of Hull. When, during one stormy night, there is a flood in a nearby cellar - a popular shelter for the homeless - James rushes to help.

Among those rescued is a dark-haired little girl who speaks a language no one can understand. Some say that she came to the cellar with her mother, but no one knows where the mother is now.

Concerned for the child's safety, James is unsure of what to do. Where has the girl's mother disappeared to? And what can be done to help the homeless who have lost the only shelter they knew?