Book excerpt: A gripping saga from Liverpool's very own bestselling author, Sheila Riley1910 LIVERPOOL DOCKS Ruby Swift is a hard-working, straight-talking woman of substance who does not suffer fools gladly. But when tragedy strikes on a bitter Christmas Eve, Ruby and her beloved husband Archie take matters into their own hands when a trusted employee’s house is mysteriously engulfed by flames and lives are lost. Orphaned by the fire, Ruby welcomes heartbroken sixteen-year-old Anna Cassidy, into her home but is unable to save Anna's twelve-year-old brother Sam, who is sent by the Church to Canada as a Homeboy. Can Ruby help mend a broken heart and can these two children ever be reunited or is there another higher game in play? Mersey Mistress takes you on a journey to another time, another place. From the banks of the River Mersey to the frozen waters of the Canadian Saint Laurence River. Praise for Sheila Riley: 'A powerful and totally absorbing family saga that is not to be missed. I turned the pages almost faster than I could read.' Carol Rivers 'A fabulous story of twists and turns - a totally unputdownable, page turner that had me cheering on the characters. I loved it!' Rosie Hendry 'A thoroughly enjoyable, powerful novel' Lyn Andrews 'An enchanting, warm and deeply touching story' Cathy Sharp 'Vivid, compelling and full of heart. Sheila is a natural-born storyteller.' Kate Thompson 'This author knows the Liverpool she writes about; masterly storytelling from a true Mersey Mistress.' Lizzie Lane