A stirring novel of passion, lost loves and one girl's determination to conquer the odds from the author of Child of the Mersey. When Connie Pride finds herself alone and pregnant in the rough courts of Liverpool, she despairs. Deserted by her lover, menaced by his bullying uncle, and too proud to ask her estranged family for help, there seems no hope. Rescued from the gutter, she is offered the chance to train as a nurse at the Poor Hospital. Life becomes a whirl of hard work and long shifts, but also lively evenings at the music hall with her fellow nurses and the newly drafted soldiers. Finally Connie has a purpose in life - especially when the wounded of World War 1 start to arrive in their droves on the hospital wards. With a roof over her head and a steady wage, if she can stay out of trouble, the future looks brighter. Even love seems possible again ... But then a face from the violent past turns up to disrupt Connie's new life and shatter her dreams. All she has built up is threatened - and she herself is in physical danger. It will take every ounce of the courage she possesses to overcome the odds - and a little help from old friends and new ... • Annie Groves's first novel, ELLIE PRIDE, was selected as part of WHSmith's Fresh Talent promotion. • Prolific, professional and with a real gift for storytelling, Annie Groves draws you fully into the intricately crafted world of her characters. • Now that we have acquired Josephine Cox, it's the perfect opportunity to groom Annie Groves as the new up-and-coming star in this field and further strengthen our position in this crucial area of the market. • Sagas have grown in value and volume over the past few years and the top regional saga writers are regular top ten, 100, 000+ bestsellers.
