The Blessed Child by Rosie Goodwin

Wednesday's child is full of woe . . . 1864, Nuneaton After Nessie Carson's mother is brutally murdered and her father abandons them, Nessie knows she will do anything to keep her family safe. Unprotected, she soon attracts the unwanted attention of her lecherous landlord, who will stop at nothing to get his way. Then, when her fragile young brother's health deteriorates, she meets the Doctor Oliver Dorsey. As dashing as he is kind, Nessie is attracted to him. But they can never be together. Soon Nessie finds herself in the darkest of times and saddest of places. But there is light and the promise of happiness if only Nessie is brave enough to fight for it . . . The perfect treat for fans of Dilly Court, Katie Flynn and Catherine Cookson.