My Books Abandoned and alone, they must find the courage to survive... Olivia Copley is an orphan. Sent to live with her uncle, the ruthless mine owner Hesley Mexton, she soon discovers that a house ruled by men can not only be desperate: it can be cruel. A new governess, Harriet Trent, offers Olivia a glimpse of hope. But Harriet’s past is full of secrets and, alone and without protection, Olivia realises the Hesley Mexton will take full advantage of her vulnerabilty - despite her governess’s protests. Harriet and Olivia form a close bond... but will they find the courage to defy the man who seeks to hold them captive? A story of loves lost and found, of sexual exploitation, deceit,greed and murder... For Sale: One child, six months old. Lissie. The Seller: Grace Beighton watched the mother die. Only she knows who the real father is. The Buyer: Corrupt, powerful, apparently above the law, Luther Dearne has everything he could possibly want - except children. ‘She writes with authority, skill and confidence... a real old-style Victorian drama...’ Elizabeth Gill  ‘A gritty and realistic tale... the characters are so richly drawn and authentic...’ Anne Bennett A powerful tale of bitter revenge and sweet retribution... Mariah Bowes thinks that being alone and penniless is the worst thing that can happen to her, but then she becomes the victim of a horrifying act of revenge... Silk and Steel was shortlisted for The Romantic Novel of the Year Award, 2008. ‘A wonderfully told tale of pain and passion,’ said Judge, Helen Lederer. ‘Rotherham-born King superbly evokes time and place in this good old-fashioned, page-turning story of one woman’s brave battle for survival in a world that has conspired to make life as tough as it can get.’ Lancashire Evening Post   Destitute Quinta Haig is struggling to make ends meet at Top Field with her ailing mother, Laura. Their small Yorkshire farm is run-down and isolated and when the only way to take their goods to market is lost, Quinta is prepared to sacrifice almost anything for both of them to survive. Coveted Noah Bilton, a wealthy neighbour, has designs on Top Field as well as ideas for the future of Laura and her daughter. He offers an uneasy workhouse, but with it, or him. looking for solution to keep them out of the Laura Haig will have nothing to do When strangers appear at Top Field shelter, Quinta's hopes are renewed - but Noah is means or foul. Deserted Quinta finds love against all odds, but is deserted at her most vulnerable. The hardships that follow give her a steely determination to seek retribution from the man who has wronged her - but can revenge ever bring back her happiness? 'Little Sarah is found on Christmas Day: a new-born baby, soon to be an orphan. As her unnamed mother breathes her last, Sarah is taken in at the grand Meadow Hall in South Riding, Yorkshire. As soon as she can hold a scrubbing brush, her working life begins.   Feisty and headstrong, Sarah's temper often leads her into trouble. At fourteen she decides to escape the life of a servant and run away. Dressed as a boy, she meets good-hearted Aidan and impulsive Danby, forming an unlikely but happy trio. Sarah's true identity eventually comes to the surface after nearly a year, along with new feelings for Aidan. However, knowing that the place for a teenage girl is definitely not with two young men, Aidan reluctantly takes Sarah to the workhouse. He plans to rescue her from this miserable place just as soon as he can, but something keeps Aidan from his promise - and nearly takes his life...   Reunited as adults, and now strangers to each other, Sarah holds a secret about Danby, Aidan and her unborn child. But can she do what is right for her baby, even if it means losing the love of her life?    Zoë  King - Designs for Writers