An uplifting saga of rags to riches, as a young woman unravels the secrets that surround her past in order to find happiness. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Hutchinson and Dilly Court. 'An enjoyable historical read . . . Very readable, with good dialogue and well-drawn characters' Ipswich Evening StarA young couple . . . and the dark and terrible history between their families that threatens to destroy them. Connie Bell, newly orphaned, is just twelve when she's taken on at the laundry in Sunderland's grim workhouse. Although she's little more than a child, the events of her past have forged a driving determination to rise above her beginnings. But when she applies for a job as a nurse Connie's turned down: her mother was forced by poverty to work the streets and the Bell name is tainted. Bitterly hurt but undaunted, Connie's soon assistant housekeeper at the Grand Hotel and saving hard for her own business. When her path crosses Dan Stewart's, though, everything Connie's ever dreamed of is threatened. There's a dark and terrible history between the Bells and the Stewarts, and Dan's mother Edith will do anything to keep Dan and Connie apart. What readers are saying about Ragamuffin Angel:'A story of true heartache and courage against the backdrop of poverty and war' ? 'You can feel the characters' plight, their anguish and their suffering as if you'd been there yourself . . . These are stories that linger on your mind long after you've put the book down' ?'Great characters, their stories beautifully told through the passage of time' ? 'If you love stories of the old days, sharing their hardships and difficulties, Rita Bradshaw knows how to draw in words a picture to remember!' ? 'Holds you transfixed from beginning to end. Truly a wonderful story teller' ?