Böcker av Marie Sarginson

Embark on a captivating journey through the canals in Keeper of the Red Shawl: The Secret Shadows, the enchanting sequel to the novel Keeper of the Red Shawl. Set in the vibrant 1920s, this riveting tale follows narrowboat owner Frances as she navigates life's changes. Amidst the challenges of a growing family, Frances finds herself swept away by love once again, this time with a younger hired hand from a neighbouring narrowboat family. However, their happiness is short-lived, as the harsh reality sets in that they must keep their love hidden from prying eyes. In stolen moments of passion, they cling to each other, longing for the next clandestine rendezvous. But fate has even more obstacles in store. As war engulfs the world, Frances and her beloved family are thrust into a maelstrom of uncertainty and sacrifice. Prepare to be captivated by this tale of forbidden love, as secrets unravel and hearts are tested in the face of adversity. Against the backdrop of a vibrant era and the haunting beauty of the canals, Keeper of the Red Shawl: The Secret Shadows is a poignant exploration of love's resilience and the enduring power of the human spirit.

This romantic novel begins in the Victorian Era and is based on the eventful life of my grandmother, Frances. It tells the tale of the four men who helped or hindered her path to freedom. Fate was unkind to Frances, but throughout her life, she battled forward fighting convention and the class system. The story starts when her well-to-do, but aged, parents marry her off at the age of seventeen to Jack, a cold-hearted widower with a young son. Respectfully she did as she was told but this was her first mistake. She became the brunt of his sarcasm and abuse in the bedroom. Fortunately, Jack soon met with a suspicious end!Then, along came a dashingly handsome JamesBut wait, there's someone else watching this particular saga unfold, patiently biding his time!