Farm laborer Charles Jackson doesn't expect much from life. For the price of a few pints of ale and enough food on the table, he's happy to take work where he can get it. Until he finds himself at Chadwick's farm. Falling in love with the farmer's daughter wasn't part of his plans. But when they're found in an intimate embrace, his troubles are only just beginning . . .

With no husband and two small children to care for, survival is Mary's only concern. She needs money . . . and can't be too choosy about the job. Mr. Wetherby doesn't need any more workers for his expanding business, but as a favor to an old acquaintance, he'll make an exception . . . for Mary. He wants her. She needs him. Can they build the foundations of a happy life together? Or will a web of lies and deceit be their undoing?

In 1860s England, it's a man's world and women aren't expected . . . or allowed . . . to upset the status quo. Living with her domineering uncle, Harriet is desperate to break free. Could the charming young man who has come to stay with them be her way out? Or will he be just like the rest? Happy to keep her in her place . . . Not prepared to sit around while her dreams die, Harriet risks everything to stand her ground. But she underestimates how far some will go to silence her.

As Mr. Wetherby's wealth and power increase, he won’t tolerate interference in his affairs . . . From anyone. But Harriet isn't 'just anyone' and when she sees him involved in a serious incident, she stores the information away. Maybe one day she can use it to get the future Mr Wetherby is intent on denying them. Biding her time, she finally gets her chance. But facing the wrath of Mr. Wetherby, she soon discovers she has more to worry about than her own ambitions . . .

Keen to get away from her abusive father, Lydia happily accepts the post of housekeeper at the Jackson family home. But when William senses romance in the air between Lydia and his son William-Wetherby, he is determined to put an end to it. For good. As a feud erupts between father and son, Mr. Wetherby has other things on his mind. He's still furious about Harriet's betrayal . . . and he's going to make sure someone pays.

Setting off in search of his brother, William-Wetherby heads to Liverpool. Since they were last together their world has changed and with no one to turn to, he needs a friend. When he rents a room with a local family, he refuses to tell his landlady or her daughter, Bella, anything about his past. But their curiosity is piqued . . .

Widowed at the age of twenty, Ann has no optimism for the future. At the beck and call of her domineering mother she longs to make a new life for herself. But it's not that easy. Her world is turned upside down when a curious gentleman stops to speak to her. He's new to the area but seems to know a lot about her . . . and he appears very well-to-do. Could he be her savior? With newfound hope Ann dares to dream.