Book excerpt: She had left behind everything she loved to forge a future for the one she treasured most... A dangerous journey from Ireland to America. A mother's sacrifice. A family secret. Inspired by heartbreaking true events, the unforgettable new novel from the No. 1 bestselling author of THE PAPER BRACELET and THE AMERICAN GIRL. 'A true storyteller who keeps you turning the pages' CATHY KELLY, Sunday Times bestselling author 'Beautifully written... tugs at the heartstrings. Two women, separated by an ocean, discover secrets which have been hidden for generations. A poignant story about surviving incredible hardship and of making a brave new start against all odds' Real reader review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A beautiful and heart-wrenching tale of love, family, and courage beyond imagination' Real reader review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A wonderful, incredibly rich novel. I wasn't able to put it down. I was absolutely captivated' Real reader review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ _____ When journalist Jessie Daly loses everything she holds dear, she travels home to Ireland's west coast, and helps an old friend researching life during the famine. Jessie becomes drawn into the heartbreaking story of a brave young mother, Bridget Moloney, and her daughter, Norah. On the other side of the ocean, in Boston, Kaitlin Wilson is researching her family tree. She unearths a fascinating story, but her research forces her to confront uncomfortable truths about the past, as she uncovers an unexpected connection to Ireland in famine times. Generations before, in the small town of Boherbreen, a young mother faced a heart-wrenching choice: to watch her baby girl perish with hunger, or to start out for a new life in America, alone, in order to protect the one she loves most... 'Rich in historical detail, a powerful, emotional tale that will endure in the mind long after the final page' Swirl and Thread _____ Your favourite authors love the novels of Rachael English: 'A powerful, important, beautiful book' Sinéad Crowley 'Utterly moving and compelling. I was hooked' Patricia Scanlan 'Compelling' Sheila O'Flanagan 'Fantastic storytelling' Liz Nugent 'Outstanding. I was on the edge of my seat' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'It broke my heart. Rachael has managed to tell a truly heartbreaking story beautifully and with real grace and dignity' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A beautifully written story, uncovering some untold truths' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐