Heart-wrenching yet beautifully uplifting, this captivating story of triumph over adversity is perfect for readers who love Dilly Court, Kitty Neale, and Katie Flynn.

When tragedy strikes a mining family, a young girl must fight to find her own happiness.

Yorkshire 1920s

Seven-year-old Cally Manfield’s world revolves around her gentle mother, Ada. But in the soot-stained shadow of Calthorpe Colliery, life is precarious. When Ada dies tragically in childbirth, Cally's happy childhood is shattered. Her grief-stricken father, George, descends into an abyss of guilt and drink, leaving Cally entirely at the mercy of her vain, spiteful Aunt Annie.

Quickly taking her sister's place in George's bed, Annie becomes a cruel and vindictive stepmother. Confined to a bleak existence in Jackson's Yard, Cally is robbed of her treasured books and subjected to daily drudgery and harsh beatings. Yet, the spirited young girl refuses to be broken. Finding solace in the shelter of the ash pits, Cally draws on her mother’s memory and her own vivid imagination to forge her own path.

But as Annie's hostility grows, Cally realizes she must escape the crushing grip of her unhappy home. Armed with her intelligence and fierce determination, can the child from the ash pits survive her cruel stepmother and build a new life?

Readers love Chrissie Walsh:

Couldn't put this book down. The characters were so believable. One of the best books I have read for a long time. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys romance with drama.’

‘This book is so well written, such a sad, cheerful, meaningful read very hard to put down. Recommend this author.’

‘Wow! What a fab read this book has been. Kept me enthralled. Easy characters to love (and hate!). Keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat sometimes. Immersive and heartfelt. Loved it!’

‘I can’t say enough positives about this book , I couldn’t wait to get back to it every night . Every character held their own & the story was excellent you will be able to follow the story easily & understand what they are going through - definitely recommend this book . Been an absolute joy to read I’m just sorry it’s finished.’

‘A fabulous read yet again. Many emotions are brought to the fore front of your mind, goosebumps will raise and a few tears may fall if you read this book. Give it a go. You won't be disappointed. I wasn't!’