Southampton, 1912. Jessie is just nineteen when her father passes away and her mother decides to return to her native Ireland. But Jessie, headstrong and independent, prefers to take charge of her own destiny and finds employment at a workman’s cafe, becoming the darling of the dockworkers who are fiercely protective of her.

When one of her customers charms his way into her heart, Jessie becomes Mrs Conor McGonigall and soon assumes ownership of the cafe. All the pieces of her life are coming together. But when a pushy local businessman and a former employee with a grudge have other ideas, everything she has worked for is slowly chipped away. Can she find the strength to rebuild the life she wants in the face of immeasurable personal loss?

‘Her debut book caused a stir among Cookson and Cox devotees, and they’ll love this. Compulsive reading’ Woman’s Weekly

‘A heart-rending tale’ Gilda O’Neill

‘A page-turner for all saga lovers’ Katie Fforde

‘A heart-warming tale with a vividly drawn central character’ Peterborough Evening Telegraph

‘Excellent and gripping . . . compelling. I am eagerly awaiting June Tate’s next offering’ Sussex Life