Should she choose duty and security or passion and jeopardy?

Sandyford, Scotland, 1900

Heartbroken Nurse Rose Gibb sets sail for South Africa during the Boer War after being rejected by the man she loved for the sake of her pretty half-sister.

When things don’t work out for Rose, entitled Blair Crawford is charged with escorting her home to the Clydeside town of Sandyford where their relationship is eagerly encouraged. However, Rose is intrigued by her mother’s lodger, Magnus MacBride, who is in the process of refloating a tired old inherited paddle steamer.

Rather than return to nursing, Rose embarks on a furniture restoration business, aided by Magnus but using premises owned by Blair. Rose soon discovers that Magnus’s history is tragically linked with Blair’s, and the rivalry between the two causes trouble for Rose.

Rose must ultimately decide where she belongs in Sandyford society. Is she destined to be the laird’s wife or partner to the paddle boat line owner?
Can she continue to be a businesswoman in her own right?

Previously published as Penny for a Song by Louise James**

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

Previously Published as Penny for a Song