Abandoned, penniless and orphaned as young children, Bertram and Alice saved each other from a terrible fate.

For seven long years they have been kept apart, Bertram, BJ to his friends, learning how to survive and then thrive in the penal colonies of Australia, and Alice growing her prosperous chain of bakeries in the Black Country town of Wednesbury.

Now BJ’s sentence is nearly up and he has a choice to make. Queen Victoria’s England has changed since he’s been away and so has Alice. Should he leave behind the life he’s built and face the terrifying, months-long voyage back home?

The memory of the boy who saved her from starvation by teaching her how to pick pockets has sustained Alice for all these years and now he may be coming back to her. Can Alice and BJ finally get their happy ending or does fate have other plans for the pickpocket orphans?

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with an unforgettable story of friendship and bravery, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Readers love Lindsey Hutchinson:

‘I love Lindsey Hutchinson books and have really enjoyed each and every one. This book about BJ and Alice was such a lovely story, I couldn’t put it down, therefore it was read in 2 days. Excellent easy reading.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘It was a very good read. I couldn't stop reading and it was early hours in the morning before putting out the light to go to sleep.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘You can’t help but get gripped, once I started I couldn’t put it down. Please say that there is a follow on.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Really enjoyed this story and was desperate to find out what the next chapter would bring. Look forward to more from this author.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful writing that transported me to each location along with the characters. I am looking forward to the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.