A Scottish saga of hope and overcoming adversity from Sunday Times betselling author Evelyn Hood

Can an orphaned young woman find her way in a time of social upheaval?

Paisley, Scotland 1828

Orphaned Elizabeth Cunningham is taken on as a companion to the lady of the Montgomery household at the age of fourteen. When the mistress dies, Elizabeth becomes housekeeper. and runs the fine household for domineering Rab Montgomery and his sons Matthew and James, all who work for the family shawl-manufacturing business.

Elizabeth is only seventeen on the fateful day when overseas naval surgeon Adam Montgomery, Rab’s eldest son, briefly returns home to his father’s house after the death of his fiancée in India. From that day, Elizabeth’s life is changed forever.

Family loyalties are tested as cholera sweeps through the town of Paisley and illness ravages those close to Elizabeth. When tensions in the town grow due to the epidemic, violence threatens those she loves. Elizabeth’s position as housekeeper is under threat when Rab loses the respect of the town, and Elizabeth must make some hard decisions about her future.

A story of optimism and finding a beacon of light and hope through the harsh times.
Storytelling at its best, Evelyn Hood is the original bestselling Scottish saga writer.

Previously published in paperback as A Stranger to the Town

'Evelyn Hood has been called Scotland's Catherine Cookson. Unfair. She has her own distinctive voice' - Scots Magazine