Joanne Clague

Mothers against daughters. Lovers on opposing sides. Families torn apart. Where will she fall in this battle for what''s right?While her mother is preparing Alice Leigh for marriage, she has other plans. Working at the House of Help for Friendless Girls, Alice’s eyes have been opened to the injustices faced by girls and women. Instead of a husband, she now dreams of fighting for women’s rights.Meanwhile, Isaac Hinchcliffe is set to take over his adoptive father’s steel works when his long-lost birth mother reappears. But when he turns to Alice for support, he finds her distracted by politics he cannot agree with – soon, their friendship is torn apart.With both her mother and childhood best friend against her, will Alice continue to fight for a fairer world? Can she and Isaac reconcile before tragedy strikes, or are their differences too big to overcome?A thrilling and inspiring Victorian saga, perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Diane Allen and Val Wood.

''Quite a romp!'' Val WoodA new resident has fetched up at the House of Help for Friendless Girls and she’s about to set the cat amongst the pigeons…Nineteen-year old Nan Turpin is in trouble again, accused of stealing. She’s guilty. Cast out by her family, she turns to the House of Help for Friendless Girls, which promises Nan a fresh start – it’s the House or gaol.She and warden Hetty immediately clash, but Hetty has her own secrets to keep her busy. With her sister Amelia drawing ever closer to their dark family past, will Hetty find the courage to reveal the truth before it’s too late?As romance blossoms for Nan outside of the House, can resist her lightfingered ways to forge a future for herself?A dramatic and compelling Victorian saga for fans of Val Wood, Emma Hornby and Kitty Neale.Praise for The Lightfingered Lass ‘Compelling and heartwarming. I loved the sassiness of the characters… it’s littered with interesting historical facts’ ????? Reader review‘I really enjoyed this book and loved the style of writing’ ????? Reader review