Becky Ryan - Tapa dura

Throughout her childhood, Becky Ryan has lived in fear of her alcoholic mother and selfish stepsister, Dora, as the family struggle to survive on a miner's wage. With only her other sister, Liz, for support, she determines that she will run away to Newcastle as soon as she is old enough. Once in Newcastle, Becky's feisty spirit and talent for dress-making combine to launch her on a new life - a life that will take her far from the hardship and misery of her childhood to a new world of romance and independent success. Yet she remains close to Liz during the years that follow, and the bond between the two sisters is a source of strength to both girls as they confront adversity.

Sheila Jansen grew up in Newcastle, where all her novels have been set, but now lives in California with her husband. She still visits Newcastle regularly to see family and friends, do local research and refresh her memories of the Geordie dialect and sense of humour. She is the author of three previous sagas, Mary Maddison, Della Dolan and Bridget Brannigan.