The Sisters' Fortune

THE QUEEN OF SCOTTISH SAGAS A sweeping and compelling story of two sisters' trials over adversity to find happiness from Sunday Times bestselling author Evelyn Hood! Will hasty decisions, made in desperate circumstances lead to their downfall? Greenock, Scotland, 1872 When their father commits suicide rather than facing bankruptcy, sisters Annis and Olivia Kerr are left penniless. Annis marries their older neighbour, merchant Douglas Moncrieff, out of necessity so they both have a roof over their heads once more, albeit not a happy one. When Gideon Brenner, a handsome American shipmaster, arrives with Douglas's new clipper, eighteen-year-old Annis begins to wonder if her decision to marry a staid man thirteen years her senior was a wise one. Olivia meanwhile becomes the focus of Gideon's attentions and rather than submitting to his unwanted courtship, she takes charge of her own destiny by accepting a position as a governess in Melbourne, Australia. But Olivia struggles in her role, leaves her job and she faces destitution once again only to be saved by an unexpected marriage proposal. Both sisters come to rue their marriages made out of desperation, especially when a series of tragedies strike. Can one sister become a little more assertive and the other a little humbler in order to improve their fortunes? Previously published as A Pride of Sisters PRAISE FOR EVELYN HOOD 'Compelling from the start, heartfelt and beautifully written.' - Rosie Clarke 'If you like Catherine Cookson, you'll love Evelyn Hood's books.' - Lizzie Lane 'Evelyn Hood's characters step off the page and into your heart.' - Sheila Riley 'This is addictive and heartfelt storytelling, with colourful characters you'll never want to say goodbye to.' - Jane Lark ''Loved the strong, relatable characters. A lively, refreshing read.' - Kate Eastham 'Wonderfully descriptive, with memorable characters and a true sense of place.' - Tracy Baines 'Faultless historical detail and emotionally complex characters makethese engrossing and intelligent Evelyn Hood's sagas deeply satisfying' - Maisie Thomas 'Evocative, beautifully rich, brilliantly detailed and meticulously researched - this story transported me and kept me up way past my bedtime - a triumph of a story. I very highly recommend Evelyn Hood' - Renita D'Silva 'Scotland's Catherine Cookson' - Scots Magazine 'Hood is immaculate in her historical detail' - Scottish Herald 'Quite simply, I couldn't put it down. A rich and rewarding read' - Emma Blair 'Evelyn Hood has been called Scotland's Catherine Cookson. Unfair. She has her own distinctive voice' - Scots Magazine 'Touching, romantic and unforgettable' - Reader Review 'Love all her books' - Reader Review 'Evelyn Hood produces the best of stories' - Reader Review 'I cannot put her books down' - Reader Review 'Love everything Evelyn Hood writes' - Reader Review 'Evelyn Hood is a fantastic writer, bringing the past to life and drawing you right into the story' - Reader Review