The Heart's Choice

In 19th century England, an era of sweeping change and industrial marvels, the lives of two unlikely souls intertwine in a tale of love, societal expectations, personal growth-and murder. Set against the backdrop of Lancashire's booming cotton industry, this is the story of Roger Sandiford, a ruthless, self-made industrialist, and Beatrice Parker, the daughter of a vicar. The future of Roger's once thriving mill is threatened by the cotton famine caused by the American Civil War. Adding to his woes is the discovery of the body of a young boy in his mill. Sergeant Halliwell of the local police force leads the investigation into the boy's death. Bea is obliged to leave her native Dorset when her father inherits a barony in Lancashire. Initially, she cannot cope with the cultural shock of life in a dirty northern town, but she soon comes to admire the grit and determination of the working people of Lancashire. Her life is complicated by a cousin who wants to marry her and refuses to take no for an answer. The cousin eventually turns out to be more than just a persistent suitor. The story explores the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in spite of themselves. Will they attain their happily-ever-after or will the greed of a jealous cousin endanger Bea's life and keep them apart?