She can't bear to tell her mother about her tragedy… it breaks her heart that she must part with her beautiful child forever… Young Beth Sherwin dreams of going to university – a heady ambition for a girl whose family work in Potteries factories.But when a violent encounter leaves her pregnant at just seventeen, Beth can’t bring herself to tell her widowed mother. She bears the burden alone and gives up her precious baby daughter for adoption.Heartbroken but determined, Beth works hard to finish school and take on a challenging job. She even finds herself falling in love with the charming eldest son of the wealthy Rushton family, Michael.But if Michael proposes to her, Beth will face a dilemma: does she dare tell Michael the secrets of her past? Because even if Michael would stand by her, how can Beth cope knowing that the brute who fathered her lost child could destroy her wedding? This heart-wrenching and engrossing historical romance is perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Dilly Court, and Glenda Young. This novel was previously published under the title Ring of Clay. Readers love Margaret Kaine! 'I was completely gripped from the very beginning… Draws you in so completely… A touching, memorable read that will stay with me for a long time… I'll definitely be looking out for the next in the series!' Reader review ★★★★★'Will keep you reading long into the night!' Reader Review ★★★★★'This is one book not to be missed!' Reader Review ★★★★★'Brilliant' Reader Review ★★★★★'5 star read' Reader Review ★★★★★