The Fortune of the Rougons (1871) is a novel by French author Emile Zola. The first of twenty volumes of Zola's monumental Les Rougon-Macquart series is an epic story of family, politics, class, and history that traces the disparate paths of several French citizens raised by the same mother. Spanning the entirety of the French Second Empire, Zola provides a sweeping portrait of change that refuses to shy away from controversy and truth as it gets to the heart of heredity and human nature. Adelaide Fouque is a woman of Plassans, a town in southern France. Alongside her son Pierre Rougon, whose deceased father was her husband, Adelaide raises the Macquart siblings, her children from a brief, passionate affair. Despite their shared upbringing, the three children take vastly diverging paths in life. Pierre, desperate to prove his legitimacy, becomes an ambitious middle-class man whose deepest desire is to win favor with the aristocracy and to climb even further from his humble roots. Meanwhile, his half siblings struggle to make a living for themselves and their working-class families. As Pierre's ambitions lead him to not only disinherit the Macquarts, but to position himself as a supporter of Napoleon III in his attempt to overthrow the French government. At the same time, Silvere Mouret, Adelaide's grandson, and his lover Miette Chantegreil find themselves on the side of the republicans who attempt to resist Napoleon's coup. The Fortune of the Rougons is a story of family and fate, a thrilling and detailed novel that sets up a world rich enough for its author to explore in nineteen subsequent volumes. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Emile Zola's The Fortune of the Rougons is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.

Set in a unique and isolated community, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel follows a small, private village by the sea and its occupants. Owned by the Castlemaine family, the community is old and quirky, with haunted ruins and gothic aesthetic. Despite the seemingly dreary atmosphere, the people of the Greylands are content and comfortable, until Peter Castlemaine, a leading member of the Greylands' social scene, makes a grave financial mistake due to his own flaws. Stuck in an undesirable position, Peter realizes that his error could potentially harm the whole town. Hoping to keep his situation a secret for as long as possible, Peter confers with his closest friends, trying to find ways to delay the inevitable. Though it never received the same amount of attention of her other novels, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood is among the prolific author's few gothic works. Featuring a clever and compelling novel set in a unique setting with life-like characters, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel captivates its audience, engrossing them in the story of a man's foolish mistake. Embellished with an intricate amount of detail, Wood describes the community of the Greylands with vivid prose and explores the characters of the Greylands with great care. First published in 1872, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel remains to memorize readers with the spirit of the obscure setting and characters. This edition of The Master of the Greylands: A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood now features an eye-catching new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of The Master of the Greylands: A Novel creates an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery and drama of Mrs. Henry Wood's work.

Surrounded by mountains, valleys, and forests, Ashliegh, England is a picturesque village, and seemingly the perfect place to live. However, still mourning the death of her father and navigating the sometimes-suffocating love of her mother, Amy Neville longs for a change of scenery. After being encouraged and supported by a family friend, Mrs. Elrington, Amy is finally given an opportunity to grow when she is offered a governess position for a family in another village. When she is finally able to convince her mother to allow her to move away, Amy is excited and nervous to start her journey into her professional life. However, the Linchmore family is hardly inclined to make anything easier for her. Tasked with caring for and educating children that want nothing to do with her, Amy struggles to be a positive influence in the children's life. Meanwhile, Amy must attempt to keep the peace between she and Mrs. Linchmore after getting caught in the middle of drama nearly a decade in the making between Mrs. Linchmore and Mrs. Elrington. First published in 1865, It May Be True by Mrs. Henry Wood is an obscure and sentimental work of historical fiction filled with secret and drama. Featuring stunning detail of characters, customs, and settings, Wood portrays an intimate perspective of the culture and social norms of the class division in 19th century England. This edition of It May Be True by Mrs. Henry Wood now features a striking new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of It May Be True crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original sentiment and drama of Mrs. Henry Wood's work.

Though Charles rarely finds himself in the sticky situations many of his friends do, he is happy to listen, sympathize, and offer advice. Known for being charming and morally upright, Charles enjoys his reputation of strong values, because of the turbulent adolescence he experienced which led to the adoption of these beliefs. As a child, Charles was forced to give up special occasions, such as birthday parties, to accommodate his sick mother. Finding solace in faith as she succumbed to her illness, Charles' mother did her best to impart her ideals on her young son. After her passing, Charles was raised by his father and Leah, a loyal worker employed by the family. As he grows, Charles struggles to adjust to the constant changes in his life. From losing his mother, growing older, and accepting his father's new marriage, Charles must hold tight to the values passed on to him from his family and community, careful not to lose them in the chaotic journey of becoming an adult. Featuring themes of friendship, family, and morality, The Story of Charles Strange by Mrs. Henry Wood follows the life of an idealistic man. With perfect prose and intimate detail, readers are allowed to accompany Charles as he comes of age, overcoming tragedy and adversity. First published in the late 19th century, The Story of Charles Strange continues to fascinate and delight audiences with its insight on the culture and customs of the time, as well as its lovely storyline. This edition of The Story of Charles Strange by Mrs. Henry Wood now features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of The Story of Charles Strange crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original sentiment and drama of Mrs. Henry Wood's work.

Black and White Tangled Threads (1920) is a novel by African American author Zara Wright. Published at the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance, Wright's novel earned nationwide praise as a "realistic portrayal of individuals and events [that] lifts one to the heights of earthly ambitions." Despite this critical success, Wright does not appear to have written more than Black and White Tangled Threads and its sequel, Kenneth, which were published together in 1920. Although recent scholars have made attempts to return her name to its rightful place on the pantheon of pioneering African American writers, mystery still clouds her life and career to this day. Like many of her contemporaries, Wright took interest in the sociopolitical realities of life as a Black or mixed-race person in the early twentieth century. In this novel, she explores the consequences of passing, interracial marriage, and class on the lives of individuals in the United States and Europe. Black and White Tangled Threads is a story of love, family, and faith from a forgotten writer of the Harlem Renaissance. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Zara Wright's Black White and Tangled Threads is a classic work of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.

When superstition plagues a small village, the workers go on a strike, leaving time for reflection. What started as a normal day in the dreary mining town of Trennach quickly spirals into disarray after the sound of the Seven Whistlers is heard, warning of impending doom. The Seven Whistlers are harbingers of death, said to be the spirits of fishermen and miners killed by accidents related to their trade. According to the legend, an unmistakable bird's cry can be heard right before a tragedy or death, alerting those nearby. After a miner in Trennach is pierced by this sound, he warns his fellow workers, who band together and refuse to go in the mines to work. However, not everyone in the small town is so inclined to believe in legends, or the word of just one man. Set in the 19th century, Edina: A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood is a dramatic sensation novel first published nearly one-hundred and fifty years ago in 1876. With vivid description of the setting and intimate portraits of the town's occupants, including a sickly bookstore owner, a talented doctor, superstitious miners, and more, Edina: A Novel provides modern audiences with an intricate perspective of the Victorian working class and their motivations. With timeless themes of morality, class, and the supernatural, Edina: A Novel is both compelling and insightful. This edition of Edina: A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood now features a striking new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of Edina: A Novel crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original sentiment and drama of Mrs. Henry Wood's work.

Two hundred years have not dimmed Fielding's realism. His humor is closer to our own than that of any other writer before the present century."-Kingsley Amis "An exquisite picture of human manners."-Edward Gibbon "The plotting is complex, astonishing and perfect. It brims with good nature and generosity of spirit....it's full of jokes, suspense, cliffhangers, narrative reversals and pathos."-Jonathan Cole The History of Tom Jones is Henry Fielding's greatest work and one of literature's earliest examples of a fully realized protagonist, with both virtues and vices on abundant display. The picaresque story of the orphan Tom, his exile, then subsequent adventures and loves is bristling with the spirit of mid-18th century Britain yet remains a deeply ambitious novel.The frank portrayal of human nature and innovative narrative structure of this classic continues to entice readers hundreds of years after it's publication. When Mr. Allworthy, a kind country squire, returns from London he finds a baby boy in one of the beds of his estate. Through his inquiry, he determines that the mother is a local woman named Jenny Jones. Allworthy sends her away from the country, and decides to raise the boy, named Tom Jones, with his unmarried sister in their home. Soon after, Allworthy's sister marries and gives birth to her own boy, known as Blifil. He initially appears to be virtuous, yet as he grows it becomes apparent he inherently deceitful. Years later, when Squire Allworthy falls ill Blifil betrays Tom, and he is banished from the house. In his exile, Tom's adventures across his country begin. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The History of Tom Jones is both modern and readable.

Black and White Tangled Threads (1920) is a novel by African American author Zara Wright. Published at the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance, Wright's novel earned nationwide praise as a "realistic portrayal of individuals and events [that] lifts one to the heights of earthly ambitions." Despite this critical success, Wright does not appear to have written more than Black and White Tangled Threads and its sequel, Kenneth, which were published together in 1920. Although recent scholars have made attempts to return her name to its rightful place on the pantheon of pioneering African American writers, mystery still clouds her life and career to this day. Like many of her contemporaries, Wright took interest in the sociopolitical realities of life as a Black or mixed-race person in the early twentieth century. In this novel, she explores the consequences of passing, interracial marriage, and class on the lives of individuals in the United States and Europe. Black and White Tangled Threads is a story of love, family, and faith from a forgotten writer of the Harlem Renaissance. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Zara Wright's Black White and Tangled Threads is a classic work of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Originally published in Robin Goodfellow magazine, Lady Audley's Secret is the essential work of Mary Elizabeth Braddon and is considered a staple of sensation fiction. The story centers on a mysterious woman, whose dark past slowly comes to light. Lady Audley is a former governess who marries the wealthy widower, Sir Michael Audley. She thoroughly enjoys the life of privilege and status associated with her new husband. Although she appears beautiful and polished, Lady Audley is more than meets the eye. She has a dark secret that could jeopardize everything she's worked for. To maintain her facade, she plots and schemes to silence those who threaten her happiness. Lady Audley will stop at nothing to maintain her comfortable lifestyle, including murder. Lady Audley is driven by desperation and fear. Her outlandish behavior leads to an unpredictable narrative taking the reader on a journey full of twists and turns. A combination of melodrama, crime and romance, Lady Audley's Secret is an extreme commentary on Victorian gender and class. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Lady Audley's Secret is both modern and readable.

In Victorian era England, longtime friends Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley experience love and loss alongside the many colorful members of their unique social circle. Despite the ups and downs, they attempt to maintain their dignity and connection. Becky Sharp is a bold spitfire who's driven by ambition and eager to solidify her station in life. Her childhood friend, Amelia Sedley, is a modest and passive woman, who is mostly viewed as warm and endearing. Their glaring personalities are on full display as they encounter various male suitors including Rawdon Crawley and George Osborne. Becky's flirtatious and manipulative manner makes her a topic of conversation, while Amelia's loyalty proves to be a cross too heavy to bear. Vanity Fair is one of William Makepeace Thackeray's most famous novels. It has been adapted multiple times for television and film, including a 2004 feature starring Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon as the feisty Becky. She is often considered Thackeray's most memorable character. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Vanity Fair is both modern and readable.

As the youngest son of a noble family, Val has always been sheltered. Though he is friendly and good-hearted, Val rarely takes initiative, as most of his life is planned for him. However, when Val is forced to hide a life-altering secret about himself, he is finally motivated to be accountable for himself, especially in his romantic endeavors. As he tries to preserve his reputation and suppress his mistakes, Val begins to transform into a new man, but how long will the change last? As he continues his journey, his secret inevitably looms over him, shrouding his life with mystery, manipulation, and even tragedy. While the mystery unfolds, Val must confront the consequences of people uncovering his secret, facing surprising reactions and earning unlikely allies. With elements of romance and mystery, Mrs. Henry Wood's Elster's Folly: A Novel is thrilling from start to finish. Featuring descriptive prose and vivid settings, Elster's Folly: A Novel depicts the conflicts of Victorian culture with life-like characters and compelling drama. Set in a charming aristocratic village in the midland of England, this classic sensation novel offers insight on the lives of Victorian aristocrats through the portrayal of well-developed characters, secrets, and class dynamics. First published in 1866, Mrs. Henry Wood's Elster's folly: A Novel remains to be a fascinating tale even over one-hundred and fifty years later. This edition of Elster's Folly: A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood now features an eye-catching new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of Elster's Folly: A Novel crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original sentiment and drama of Mrs. Henry Wood's work.

Set in a unique and isolated community, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel follows a small, private village by the sea and its occupants. Owned by the Castlemaine family, the community is old and quirky, with haunted ruins and gothic aesthetic. Despite the seemingly dreary atmosphere, the people of the Greylands are content and comfortable, until Peter Castlemaine, a leading member of the Greylands' social scene, makes a grave financial mistake due to his own flaws. Stuck in an undesirable position, Peter realizes that his error could potentially harm the whole town. Hoping to keep his situation a secret for as long as possible, Peter confers with his closest friends, trying to find ways to delay the inevitable. Though it never received the same amount of attention of her other novels, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood is among the prolific author's few gothic works. Featuring a clever and compelling novel set in a unique setting with life-like characters, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel captivates its audience, engrossing them in the story of a man's foolish mistake. Embellished with an intricate amount of detail, Wood describes the community of the Greylands with vivid prose and explores the characters of the Greylands with great care. First published in 1872, The Master of the Greylands: A Novel remains to memorize readers with the spirit of the obscure setting and characters. This edition of The Master of the Greylands: A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood now features an eye-catching new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of The Master of the Greylands: A Novel creates an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery and drama of Mrs. Henry Wood's work.

The Forest Gods Reign is a purely fictional and escapist teen fiction novel. It follows the story of a group of fifteen-year-olds who find out they are reincarnations of the Greek gods of Olympus. Forced into a war that pits them against one another, the gods struggle to balance their lives as both gods and regular students, especially when a mysterious human boy of the same age suddenly shows up in their beloved forest. While portraying relatable emotional struggles, The Forest Gods Reign also delves into deeper topics such as the real difference (or lack thereof) between humans, gods, and monsters.

The Godolphin family runs a small-town bank, keeping the business in the family and earning them an enviable reputation. However, after the patriarch of the Godolphin passes away, he bequeaths the bank to his two sons, Thomas and George. Nearly polar opposites, the bank is the only thing that the brothers share. Thomas is pious, honest, and serious, haunted by the untimely death of his fiance. George is dapper, fun, and irresponsible. Though he has a wife, Mary, George spends most of his time with a woman named Charlotte. While Thomas sees the bank as an inherited responsibility, and is eager to uphold the family legacy, George views their inheritance as an opportunity. Despite Thomas's best efforts, George's gambling addiction threatens their business. As his debts begin to overwhelm the careless man, George becomes tempted to commit shameful crimes. Headed for social ruin, George sows seeds of trouble, consequently dragging the rest of his family down with him. Hailed as one of the author's most beloved works, The Shadow of Ashlydyat by Mrs. Henry Wood is a dramatic masterpiece. With themes of family, morality, and class, The Shadow of Ashlydyat is as thought-provoking as it is compelling. Featuring complex, wonderfully-written characters, this Victorian drama leaves its audience conflicted on who to root for, and allows readers to invest in the personal dramas of the Godolphin family. This edition of The Shadow of Ashlydyat by Mrs. Henry Wood now features a striking new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of The Shadow of Ashlydyat crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original sentiment and drama of Mrs. Henry Wood's work.

George Eliot's most acclaimed work, Middlemarch displays the author at the peak of her powers, weaving multiple plotlines and a memorable collection of characters together to create a wide-ranging novel of remarkable insight. First appearing in 1871, Middlemarch is a historical novel set 42 years before its publication. Political and social concerns of the era are present but serve as background and contrast to four compelling plotlines focused on a set of unforgettable characters striving against circumstance, each other, and themselves. Powerful themes, religion, love, marriage, education, society's treatment of women and much more, are dealt with as fully fused elements of the story and integral parts of the lives of the characters. The author conveys a sweeping vision of small-town England in the Victorian era, the rich and the poor, the people of the countryside and the people of the city, while unspooling several interlocked storylines full of passion, uncertainty and suspense. Middlemarch received a mixed reaction upon its initial appearance, but has gained in standing among critics and general readers until it is now commonly considered one of the high points of 19th century fiction and even of English literature as a whole. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Middlemarch is both modern and readable.

Nancy, Amy and Katie Siddons are three of the prettiest nurses south of the Mersey. They've been brought up to respect their elders and uphold family honour at all times. Then sweet, naive Katie falls pregnant, bringing shame upon the family's name. Alec Siddons, a local police constable, cannot and will not forgive his daughter for her immoral behaviour. But Katie isn't the only one with troubles ahead. Amy is in love with her cousin Paul, but owing to a family feud the mere mention of his name is forbidden in her father's presence; and Nancy is eager to wed her fiance Stan before the Second World War takes him away. With the outbreak of war, the three sisters offer each other comfort and support. Their mother, meanwhile, is battling with painful memories of the past, and their father lives in dread that his own dark secrets will be revealed. As the war takes its toll on the Merseyside girls they learn that few things in life are more precious than honesty, love and forgiveness.

An unexpected windfall gives Peggie Cartwright the lucky break she deserves. At last she can save her family from financial ruin. Ever since Cyrus Crabbe stole her father Septimus's brake and claimed it as his own vehicle, Sep has dreamed of the day he would run a bus service for the villagers of Leicester to put the Crabbes out of business once and for all. It now looks like that day is in sight. But Cyrus Crabbe is a dangerous man, determined to stop the Cartwrights from succeeding. A wicked remark from his acid tongue forces Septimus to abandon his beloved brood, and as Sep's absence stretches from weeks to months, Peggie watches her mother sink into a deep decline. Peggie's brothers and sisters are used to heartache but when Billy is beaten black and blue and Cyrus's son Reginald turns his attentions to young Letty it seems that none of the family is to be spared... Peggie knows it's up to her to keep the business afloat and spirits raised. For no matter what obstacles are thrown her way she is determined to fulfil her father's dream.

The Burnsides' move from Glasgow's tenement slums to the sunny new suburbs of Flannery Park brings hope to all members of the family. But heartbreak awaits among the tidy gardens and green lawns and soon seventeen-year-old Alison is forced to take on responsibility for her out-of-work father and brothers and put her own ambitions aside. Love as well as loss threatens Alison's future, however, and leads her into a relationship with teacher Jim Abbott, an affair which her brothers, even the brooding Henry, are powerless to understand, let alone prevent. Throughout the Depression years of the early 30s, the Burnsides - united by a shared heritage yet divided by their dreams - square up to the challenge of poverty and fight to hold the family together, whatever the cost.

The first book in the dramatic new saga from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Holding the letter in trembling hands, Daisy's future crumbled before her - the words engraved on her heart forever. The village of Little Creek, the long winter of 1867 The first flakes of snow are falling when Daisy Marshall, secretly engaged to her master's son, finds herself jilted at the altar. Heartbroken, Daisy flees to the small village of Little Creek, nestled on the coast of Essex. There she is warmly welcomed - but the village is poverty-stricken, suffering under a cruel Lord of the manor. And when cholera hits, the villagers are truly in dire straits. Determined to help, Daisy makes new friends in earnest doctor Nicholas and dashing smuggler Jay - but also dangerous new enemies, who threaten to destroy everything she's built. Can Daisy save the village and find happiness in time for Christmas?

When a new feature on Pete Newbury's popular TV programme shows his adult image digitally transformed to that of a young child, Beth is shocked to realise that he's her baby brother, who disappeared without a trace thirty-eight years ago. He vanished at the age of three and her family has grieved for him ever since, believing him to be dead. But the path to reunion and happiness is fraught with complications, not least Beth's feelings towards a close friend of her long-lost brother and then the reappearance of her runaway daughter, complete with child. Bridges take time to build, but after so many years of heartache, can Beth manage to keep hold of everything she holds dear?

The Liverpool-based World War II saga from the new Katie Flynn

When Sam Grey joins the ATS, and is posted to Liverpool she wants to show that she s as brave as any man, and when she doesn t get the chance her lively nature leads her into confrontation with her authoritarian boss. Sparks also fly when she encounters Johnny, whose heroic work in bomb disposal makes him very attractive to many women but Sam s determined not to fall for his charm.

Sally wants nothing more than to protect her small children while her husband is a prisoner of war. She works hard doing shifts in a factory and singing at the Grafton ballroom, confessing to no-one the shameful reason why she needs two jobs. But help is at hand, from a most unlikely source.

This stirring tale of women fighting together to do their bit for their country, keep their families together and finding love and fulfilment in the process will delight her fans and win her many more."

Praise for Judy Summers: 'I thoroughly enjoyed this book... The characters are well drawn and believable' Lyn Andrews 'Fascinating insights into Victorian Liverpool and a heart-warming story make for an inspiring read' Mollie Walton Can she save her family when they need her the most? Liverpool, 1847. At seventeen, Delilah Shaw is the eldest of the eight Shaw siblings, and the one who must take charge when her mother and brother die in a tragic manner, and her father is left disabled in an accident at the docks. Taking care of the cooking, cleaning, washing and childcare is hard enough, but when they can no longer afford to live in the family home, Delilah must make the heartbreaking choice to leave it and to take two of her younger sisters to the workhouse. Determined to earn enough to get them back, Delilah conjures up a plan to start a flower-selling business, with the support of her new friends, Irish siblings Bridget and Frank, as well as trusted dockworker Abraham. But as her father's drinking habit gets worse, and her siblings grow weaker, Delilah must ask whether she can really forge a better life for her family before it's too late?

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Blessed Child; perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Katie Flynn and Catherine Cookson. 'Goodwin is a master of her craft. The perfect book for a cold winter's evening' Lancashire Evening Post 'Goodwin is a fabulous writer' Worcester Evening News 'A vibrant page-turner with entrancing characters' Margaret Dickinson 'Rosie writes such heartwarming sagas' Lyn Andrews Thursday's child has far to go . . . 1912, London. Eighteen-year-old Flora Butler is going up in the world. She has the prized position of lady's maid to young Constance Ogilvie, and is able to provide for her beloved parents and four younger siblings. She has even fallen in love, and though she does not feel quite ready to marry the charming Jamie Branning, her future seems clear. But Flora's life is turned upside down when her mistress's father dies in a tragic accident. Connie is forced to move to New York to live with her aunt until she comes of age, and begs Flora to go with her. Flora has never left the country before, and now faces a difficult decision - give up her position, or leave her family behind. But when her beau lets her down, her mind is made up. Soon Connie and Flora head for Southampton to board the RMS Titanic ... A Maiden's Voyage is the fifth book in Rosie Goodwin's Days of the Week Collection. Why not try the rest, Mothering Sunday, The Little Angel, A Mother's Grace, The Blessed Child, A Precious Gift and Time to Say Goodbye?

1880. Everyday life in London's slums is hard enough for Jane Roberts and her three children, but when her ne'er-do-well husband Bert walks out on his family, times are particularly dark. In the wake of his desertion, Jane longs to regain both her financial independence and her identity by divorcing him, but the path to such freedom is long and fraught with unforeseen obstacles. With help from a neighbour, a lucky break and fresh opportunities, the road ahead starts to look more promising. But can Jane and her children finally be free of Bert's clutches?