In the oppressive shadow of the cotton mill, the Hopewell family’s spirit is nearly crushed. The grind of machinery and relentless hours weigh heavily on young Gwen and her sister, Roberta. The loss of their father to the mill’s clutches and their mother’s ruined legs are constant reminders of the high cost of survival. But when a tragedy befalls Teddy, their youngest, the family’s already fragile foundation shatters and a heart-wrenching decision by their mother propels them towards an even grimmer fate, the unforgiving doors of the workhouse loom large.

There, separated from their ailing mother, Gwen and Roberta cling to each other. It’s within these walls they meet Nick, a kind-hearted soul who seeks to help them and soon a sweet love begins to blossom. But behind the workhouse walls, treachery is rife and Gwen’s attempts to protect her sister come at a shocking price and Gwen, Nick and Roberta are cast to the streets.

Now the trio must brave the dangerous streets and alleyways, doing whatever they can to survive, but when Nick’s brave attempt to avoid arrest ends in a plunge into the dark waters, and Roberta vanishes, leaving behind only a haunting smear of blood, Gwen is heartbroken fearing them dead. Now Gwen must grapple with heartbreak once more and find her way in the unforgiving life of the London alleyways.

“In a world where loyalties are tested and bonds are shattered, will Gwen find the strength to move forward? Can she uncover the fate of her loved ones and rebuild the fragments of their broken family? Embark on a poignant journey of resilience, love, and one family’s battle against insurmountable odds.

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Twins born into misfortune: A tale of survival amid the Victorian shadows.

1880s Manchester

In the shadow of poverty, sisters Grace and Agnes struggle to cope with their father’s sudden death. Soon, the joy of a fleeting romance with a visiting sailor brings innocent Grace more than she bargained for.

With the birth of twins, Grace’s struggles amplify as her health crumbles. Angered by her sister’s folly, a resentful Agnes sees an opportunity for escape, plotting to use the twins and the lovestruck sailor as stepping stones. Alas, her selfish plan is threatened when one twin mysteriously vanishes in a bustling market square.

What becomes of the missing child in this treacherous web of deceit? Can the sailor decipher Agnes’s self-serving lies before it’s too late? Amidst mounting dangers, can Grace shield her children from peril and allow love to return to her life?

Escape into this heartrending Victorian saga of love tested, innocence betrayed, and a mother’s desperate fight against all odds. This engrossing tale of love, grit, and determination is a must-read for fans of evocative historical dramas and poignant, strong women’s saga romance. Don’t miss this tale that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Praise for the author:

“Emma’s ability to evoke raw emotions and weave a compelling narrative of Victorian Britain makes this women’s historical saga an absolute must-read for fans of heartfelt tales of survival and resilience.” – Mary P, US

“Hardwick is a true gem in the world of historical fiction. Her vivid descriptions and richly drawn characters transport me to the heart of Angel Meadow, captivating from the first page.” – Beryl F, UK

“Emma’s beautiful Victorian romance novels capture the essence of the era, making me feel as if I’m living alongside the characters. Utterly gripping. Her depictions of gritty stories about strong women are unmatched.” – Elsie J, UK

“Hardwick’s storytelling prowess makes this a truly unforgettable read. A must-read for fans of women’s historical saga fiction that explores the strength of the human spirit.” – Elizabeth M, UK

“If you love the Victorian romance of Catherine Cookson, Downton, Mimi Matthews, or Eliza Heaton, you’ll love this captivating tale of struggle and resilience. Emma’s skill in crafting narratives that resonate long after the last page is a testament to her talent. Well done, Emma!” – Patricia S, US

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Two babies swapped at birth. One a lowly miner’s boy, the other a high-born daughter. Will untamed tongues expose the family secret?

Lady Napier is desperate to give her high-society husband an heir. Devastated by the birth of yet another girl, a secretive plot is hatched to replace the disappointing child with the newborn son of a local village woman.

Julia Jones grows up on Miner’s Row believing she is the daughter of a deprived working family. Surrounded by ugly rumours about her heritage little Miss Jones is sent to London with her family only to find that tragedy and the workhouse awaits.

Will the workhouse angel find love and a future? Or will the fears of those who want her hidden finish her before she discovers who she really is?

Join Dolly Price for a heart-thumping Victorian romance filled with intrigue, skulduggery, and a blazing love that burns through the darkness.

The Workhouse Angel is a clean and wholesome Victorian Romance suitable for all ages.

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As the streets surrounding them turn dangerous, the girls are confined to the cottage. Alice’s only friend is Charlie Tillman, a cheerful young dockworker who is always looking out for her and her sisters. But Alice’s entire world crumbles one Christmas when her grandfather has no choice but to send them away to their aunt—an aunt who dotes on the two littlest ones but wants nothing to do with Alice.

Alice’s quest is to return home to her grandfather and Charlie, but with every passing Christmas, it becomes more and more impossible. She struggles though devastating jobs, deceitful masters, and eventual homelessness. It will take one last great miracle to bring both Charlie and Alice home in time for Christmas.

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Jane knows how very lucky she is not to be hungry and desperate this Christmas. She tries to use her luck to help others, but everything is changing, and whether she likes it or not, she is at the very centre of those changes.

Jane has been working for the Berringford Foundation for a long time now. She does good work, and she is passionate about helping people who don’t have enough to eat at Christmas, or on any other day of the year.

But some items have gone missing from wealthy people’s houses, and those same wealthy people appear on a list of potential patrons the charity has approached. Trouble is knocking, and soon everybody’s going to be swept into its path.

Alvin has been tasked with the job of investigating the robberies. It’s not his dream assignment, but he has no choice. He does it begrudgingly up until the moment he meets Jane, at which point he finds an enthusiasm he’d long forgotten.

With Winter in full swing, and Christmas only weeks away, Jane just wants to see to it that everybody is looked after, while Alvin is struggling with the morality of what he must do.

Events, along with their emotions, are spiralling out of their control.

The Christmas Thief is the story of two people brought together by fate, each with their own troubles, worries and secrets. Is this the greatest love either of them will ever know, or should they never have crossed paths at all?

By the time Christmas arrives, neither of them will have any doubt.

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Grumpy meets Sunshine in this hilarious festive romcom that will have you wishing for a HEA!

Sutton Alsop hates Christmas. So much so, when confronted with a house that looks like Santa himself vomited Christmas all over it, she accidentally (drunkenly) destroys every fairy light, fake reindeer and candy cane in sight. Unfortunately for Sutton, this house belongs to none other than Gus Langston, single dad and owner of the village’s year-round Christmas shop – aka Mr Christmas himself.

But Mr Christmas has a secret only Sutton knows…

With the two of them forced together for the holidays, the sparks between them are hot enough to melt even the coldest of hearts!

Readers have fallen in love with Confessions of a Christmasholic

‘I finished this in one afternoon (or 2 coffees, a cup of tea and half of a beer).’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This may be my new holiday romcom of choice.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cute romcom.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is a cute, humorous romance tale. Perfect for getting you in the mood for Christmas.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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