Author Description

London. 1857. In the filth-ridden streets of East End in London, Young Elsie Griggs knows little more than grueling poverty and constant hunger. The bright spot in her life is her loving mama, who means everything to her. When Mama becomes ill, Elsie must get a job to support the family--since her rebellious brother Philip is hardly ever home. But Elsie does so willingly; she'll do anything for her mother.But working as a personal maid in Whiston Manor proves a constant challenge for Elsie. Mrs. Whiston is irritable, critical, and hateful to her. The only good thing about the manor is Mrs. Whiston's grandson, the kind and charming Andrew--who is out of bounds to Elsie.As Elsie's attraction to Andrew grows, she has no way of knowing a series of tragedies are barreling toward her that will rip her entire world apart, setting her on a new path. But will this new path include Andrew? Or will it lead her further away from him and into a world of loneliness and regret?A gripping read set in Victorian London with people so desperately poor, they will do anything to survive.