The Heart's Choice — Anna Markland

In 19th century England, an era of sweeping change and industrial marvels, the lives of two unlikely souls intertwine in a tale of love, societal expectations, personal growth-and murder. Set against the backdrop of Lancashire's booming cotton industry, this is the story of Roger Sandiford, a ruthless, self-made industrialist, and Beatrice Parker, the daughter of a vicar.The future of Roger's once thriving mill is threatened by the cotton famine caused by the American Civil War. Adding to his woes is the discovery of the body of a young boy in his mill. Sergeant Halliwell of the local police force leads the investigation into the boy's death.Bea is obliged to leave her native Dorset when her father inherits a barony in Lancashire. Initially, she cannot cope with the cultural shock of life in a dirty northern town, but she soon comes to admire the grit and determination of the working people of Lancashire.Her life is complicated by a cousin who wants to marry her and refuses to take no for an answer. The cousin eventually turns out to be more than just a persistent suitor.The story explores the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in spite of themselves. Will they attain their happily-ever-after or will the greed of a jealous cousin endanger Bea's life and keep them apart?