Libby Ashworth – författare

One woman dreams of a better life for her family – but how do you find it when all you've ever known is poverty?Ireland, 1848 The potato famine has left the Cavanah family destitute. Kitty and Peter manage to secure tickets for America - seeking hope in an unknown land. But still fortune will not favour them. On a terrifying crossing of the Irish Sea, Peter vanishes, and with him their tickets.Now, Kitty and her young family are stranded in Liverpool - with not a penny to their name. Facing prejudice and distrust, they move to Blackburn, where the welcome is no warmer, but Kitty at least can gather rags and scraps to exchange for a coin or two. She refuses to give up hope - on finding Peter, on getting to America. Yet Kitty knows they are just one bad day away from the evils of the workhouse . . .The Rag Maiden is a powerful and enthralling tale of one woman's struggle to save her family.

One woman dreams of a better life for her family – but how do you find it when all you've ever known is poverty?Ireland, 1848 The potato famine has left the Cavanah family destitute. Kitty and Peter manage to secure tickets for America - seeking hope in an unknown land. But still fortune will not favour them. On a terrifying crossing of the Irish Sea, Peter vanishes, and with him their tickets.Now, Kitty and her young family are stranded in Liverpool - with not a penny to their name. Facing prejudice and distrust, they move to Blackburn, where the welcome is no warmer, but Kitty at least can gather rags and scraps to exchange for a coin or two. She refuses to give up hope - on finding Peter, on getting to America. Yet Kitty knows they are just one bad day away from the evils of the workhouse . . .The Rag Maiden is a powerful and enthralling tale of one woman's struggle to save her family.

AN UPLIFTING TALE OF HOPE, LOVE AND DEFYING YOUR FAMILY SET IN 1890S' LANCASHIRE ----Agnes Cavanaugh has watched her mother, Kitty, struggle to put food on the table ever since they crossed the sea from Ireland. So when she sees an opportunity to help earn some money by selling cheese at the local market she begins to work with the local farm to boost sales.Much to her mother, Kitty’s, disappointment, Agnes is immediately drawn to the farmer’s son, Jonas. And Jonas can’t help but be enchanted by Agnes. But their love faces many challenges, Agnes has been promised to another and Jonas cannot marry a Roman Catholic.Will Agnes risk everything she’s done for her family in her quest for happiness?----Readers are loving The Cavanah Family Series ‘A really sad story but one of survival through the hard times. The determination of Kitty made a very enjoyable read’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘What a story, full of hardship for a family of Irish immigrants, proving that above all Family is everything, as it should be!’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘A wonderful story’ 5 ***** Reader Review

AN UPLIFTING TALE OF HOPE, LOVE AND DEFYING YOUR FAMILY SET IN 1890S' LANCASHIRE ----Agnes Cavanah has watched her mother, Kitty, struggle to put food on the table ever since they crossed the sea from Ireland. So when she sees an opportunity to help earn some money by selling cheese at the local market she begins to work with the local farm to boost sales.Much to her mother, Kitty’s, disappointment, Agnes is immediately drawn to the farmer’s son, Jonas. And Jonas can’t help but be enchanted by Agnes. But their love faces many challenges, Agnes has been promised to another and Jonas cannot marry a Roman Catholic.Will Agnes risk everything she’s done for her family in her quest for happiness?----Readers are loving The Cavanah Family Series ‘A really sad story but one of survival through the hard times. The determination of Kitty made a very enjoyable read’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘What a story, full of hardship for a family of Irish immigrants, proving that above all Family is everything, as it should be!’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘A wonderful story’ 5 ***** Reader Review

Love, Lies, and Survival: The Unforgettable Conclusion to the Cavanagh Family series!Will Kitty and her family break free from the mills of Blackburn and seize their chance at a new life in America?–It’s been several years since Kitty Cavanagh’s life was turned upside down when her family made the perilous journey across the Irish Sea to Blackburn and she became a widow. After facing near destitution she’s finally making enough to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.Until, that is, the day she is out rag collecting and finds a bag of coins – coins that turn out to be counterfeit – and Kitty soon finds herself caught up in a police investigation. If found guilty, Kitty could end up losing everything she’s worked so hard to protect.Questioned by charming Constable Westwell, Kitty doesn't know if she can really trust him. Dare she open her heart to him? But will the truth damn, or save, her?–Readers love The Cavanah Family Series‘A really sad story but one of survival through the hard times. The determination of Kitty made a very enjoyable read’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘What a story, full of hardship for a family of Irish immigrants, proving that above all Family is everything, as it should be!’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘A wonderful story’ 5 ***** Reader Review

The rise of the mills is about to change everything . . .If you love Catherine Cookson and Val Wood, you will love this brand new series set in the mill town of Blackburn, Lancashire. ______________________'Brimming with drama, heartbreak, love, friendship and the powerful bonds of family' Lancashire Post'Engrossing tale of hardship, struggles, love and family' Kitty Neale'Vividly drawn characters . . . gritty and heartfelt . . . a must-read' Evie Grace______________________Lancashire, 1826When Jennet and Titus Eastwood are forced to move from their idyllic cottage into the centre of Blackburn to find work in the cotton mills, their lives are changed in ways they could never have imagined and their new home on Paradise Lane is anything but . . .Then Titus is arrested and sent to prison for attending a Reform meeting. Jennet is left to fend for herself and things go from bad to worse as she finds herself pregnant and alone - with another man's child . . ._________________________

The brand new novel from Libby Ashworth, set in the mill towns of Lancashire. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Val Wood.______________________'The doyen of the Northern saga, Catherine Cookson, would have loved this gritty tale' Peterborough Telegraph ______________________Will she follow her head or her heart?Lancashire, 1842Sixteen-year-old Bessie works long hours as a weaver in Blackburn, helping to support her family. Meanwhile, her older sister Peggy works as an apprentice at the Girls' School, hoping for a more prosperous future as a schoolteacher.Jennet and Titus Eastwood have always made decisions for their daughters' futures. But as the sisters near adulthood they are determined to make their own choices. And with temptation in the way, will the girls find love - or infatuation - leads them astray?Then an unexpected but familiar face arrives in town, and the family's future is threatened. For Bessie and Jennet, a difficult choice must be made - love or family . . .______________________ Praise for Libby Ashworth 'Brimming with drama, heartbreak, love, friendship and the powerful bonds of family' Lancashire Post'Engrossing tale of hardship, struggles, love and family' Kitty Neale'Vividly drawn characters . . . gritty and heartfelt . . . a must-read' Evie Grace

THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE INSPIRATIONAL MILL TOWN LASSES SERIES. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Catherine Cookson.______________________Lancashire, 1832Maids Hannah and Mary find themselves with no jobs and no home when their employer, Henry Sudell, loses all his money and disappears in the middle of the night. They have no choice but to return to Blackburn where Hannah is lucky to be taken in by her sister Jennet and brother-in-law, Titus, but Mary must seek lodgings in the infamous Star beer house.Mary tries to get her job back as a weaver, but the influx of workers from the countryside and no support for the working class means that jobs are scarce. With no other choice she remains at the beer house, forced to risk her reputation and even her life.In the middle of a cholera outbreak and political upheaval, can Mary ever find a way to recover all she's lost?______________________Praise for Libby Ashworth'An engrossing tale of hardship, struggles, love and family' Kitty Neale'Vividly drawn characters . . . gritty and heartfelt' Evie Grace'Brimming with drama, heartbreak, love, friendship and the powerful bonds of family' Lancashire Post______________________

The rise of the mills is about to change everything . . .If you love Catherine Cookson and Val Wood, you will love this brand new series set in the mill town of Blackburn, Lancashire. ______________________'Brimming with drama, heartbreak, love, friendship and the powerful bonds of family' Lancashire Post'Engrossing tale of hardship, struggles, love and family' Kitty Neale'Vividly drawn characters . . . gritty and heartfelt . . . a must-read' Evie Grace______________________Lancashire, 1826When Jennet and Titus Eastwood are forced to move from their idyllic cottage into the centre of Blackburn to find work in the cotton mills, their lives are changed in ways they could never have imagined and their new home on Paradise Lane is anything but . . .Then Titus is arrested and sent to prison for attending a Reform meeting. Jennet is left to fend for herself and things go from bad to worse as she finds herself pregnant and alone - with another man's child . . ._________________________

The brand new novel from Libby Ashworth, set in the mill towns of Lancashire. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Val Wood.______________________'The doyen of the Northern saga, Catherine Cookson, would have loved this gritty tale' Peterborough Telegraph ______________________Will she follow her head or her heart?Lancashire, 1842Sixteen-year-old Bessie works long hours as a weaver in Blackburn, helping to support her family. Meanwhile, her older sister Peggy works as an apprentice at the Girls' School, hoping for a more prosperous future as a schoolteacher.Jennet and Titus Eastwood have always made decisions for their daughters' futures. But as the sisters near adulthood they are determined to make their own choices. And with temptation in the way, will the girls find love - or infatuation - leads them astray?Then an unexpected but familiar face arrives in town, and the family's future is threatened. For Bessie and Jennet, a difficult choice must be made - love or family . . .______________________ Praise for Libby Ashworth 'Brimming with drama, heartbreak, love, friendship and the powerful bonds of family' Lancashire Post'Engrossing tale of hardship, struggles, love and family' Kitty Neale'Vividly drawn characters . . . gritty and heartfelt . . . a must-read' Evie Grace

THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE INSPIRATIONAL MILL TOWN LASSES SERIES. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Catherine Cookson.______________________Lancashire, 1832Maids Hannah and Mary find themselves with no jobs and no home when their employer, Henry Sudell, loses all his money and disappears in the middle of the night. They have no choice but to return to Blackburn where Hannah is lucky to be taken in by her sister Jennet and brother-in-law, Titus, but Mary must seek lodgings in the infamous Star beer house.Mary tries to get her job back as a weaver, but the influx of workers from the countryside and no support for the working class means that jobs are scarce. With no other choice she remains at the beer house, forced to risk her reputation and even her life.In the middle of a cholera outbreak and political upheaval, can Mary ever find a way to recover all she's lost?______________________Praise for Libby Ashworth'An engrossing tale of hardship, struggles, love and family' Kitty Neale'Vividly drawn characters . . . gritty and heartfelt' Evie Grace'Brimming with drama, heartbreak, love, friendship and the powerful bonds of family' Lancashire Post______________________

A family torn apart. A daughter determined to stay together.When the parish guardians send Lydia, daughter of convict James Knowles, to be an apprentice in the cotton mill at Caton, she is distraught at being parted from her younger siblings and mother, Betty, but she has no choice.At the mill, Lydia is bullied by some of the other girls and things do not go well when she stands up to the ringleader. Fearing she has killed someone and with the word murderess ringing in her ears, Lydia runs for her life.Meanwhile, Betty and her children have been granted passage to Australia to join her husband, but Lydia cannot be found so Betty is forced to leave without her.When Lydia arrives home to find her family has gone she is determined to follow them, all the while avoiding the law who seek to return her to the mill.A dramatic and emotional family saga for fans of Emma Hornby, Joanne Clague and Kitty Neale.Praise for The Runaway Daughter 'A definite page turner.' Reader review'Absolutely brilliant read, fans of Catherine Cookson will love it.' Reader review'A dark and gritty read that I devoured, as I know all historical fiction lovers will. I laughed and cried but could not stop reading until I got to the end.' Reader review'An incredible story of a strong family bond, even as they struggle.' Reader review'Well worth reading the series. Such a good read and well told.' Reader review'Wow, what a brilliant book. So many emotions and some hard hitting moments. Family saga at its best!' Reader review

Can she keep her family together?When Molly Holden's husband, Thomas, is convicted in 1812 of being a Luddite on the word of a secret informer, he is sentenced to be transported to Australia. Left with their baby daughter, Molly must find work to survive.But the man who informed on Thomas is a former suitor of Molly's, and Isaac believes that with Thomas out of the way she will return to him Yet Molly is determined to join her husband and find a way to pay for passage, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of Isaac's nefarious interferences. But will it be enough to cross the ocean and be reunited with her beloved Thomas?Based on real events, this is an inspiring Lancashire saga of one woman's journey of love, family and survival. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Kitty Neale and June Francis.Praise for The Convict's Wife 'For all Saga fans this book is a must! I found it to be an extremely good and totally absorbing read, particularly as it is based on fact. I particularly warmed to Molly, a typical "Lancashire lass". Her sheer determination was so commendable and heart warming. A thoroughly satisfying read, I will look forward to Libby's next novel.' LYN ANDREWS, author of The Girls from Mersey View'A beautifully crafted saga, that kept me enthralled by Molly's love and faithfulness to her husband. A wonderful, fireside read, filled with hope and determination, just what we need in these hard times.' DIANE ALLEN, author of For the Sake of Her Family'An exciting tale of love, intrigue and family ties set in 1812 that moves between Bolton and Australia. I look forward to reading Libby's next book in the series.' LINDA FINLAY, author of The Farringdon's Fate series'Using her vast local knowledge and research, and her gift for transforming real history into page-turning drama, this is a captivating opener to what promises to be an exciting new series.' Lancashire Post

Will love be enough to protect her children?After her husband Jack is transported to Australia as a convict, Hannah and her children are sent to the workhouse. Hearing nothing from Jack and believing he's dead, Hannah reluctantly agrees to marry widower Ellis Duxbury.But her children must remain in the workhouse, and when they are sent away as apprentices, it's up to Hannah to track them down.On Christmas Eve, Hannah is blessed with a miracle when Jack returns to the village. Yet more trouble lies ahead as Hannah is arrested, accused of bigamy and threatened with deportation herself. Having fought so long for her and her children's freedom, Hannah must once more dig deep to keep her family together.A gripping and inspiring saga for readers of Val Wood and Emma Hornby.Praise for A Mother's Fight 'I loved reading this book. It was so well written I couldn't put it down.' Reader review'An absorbing story I am never normally a fan of historical fiction but this book had me hooked from page one!' Reader review'A lovely emotional read with good characterisation. Well written storyline.' Reader review'I enjoyed this exciting read and the poor plight of Hannah and her children. It was well written with a great story and interesting characters.' Reader review'What a brilliant book so many emotions! If you love family saga you will definitely love A Mother's Fight.' Reader review'Love Libby Ashworth books and this was no exception. It followed on so well from The Convict's Wife the style of writing hooked me. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend this absorbing tale.' Reader review

PRAISE FOR THE SOUP KITCHEN GIRL'This was such a good read...Sally, Ruth and Caroline felt like friends - I could read a whole series about them!' – Emma Hornby, best-selling author of the Worktown Girls at War series PRAISE FOR LIBBY ASHWORTH'Engrossing' – Kitty Neale, Sunday Times best-selling authorA captivating Victorian Saga filled with love, female resilience and friendship for readers of Dilly Court and Mollie Walton.With the closure of the cotton mills, the rich become poor and the poor even poorerSally Grimes is a mill girl, the eldest of a family of six surviving children. When the mills stop work completely, they have nothing left to live on. The family decide to emigrate to America where the mills are looking for workers.Ruth Hodgson's father has a confectionery business, but the workers are not buying luxuries and his business is in ruins. He is given the job of supervising the soup kitchen, but when he falls ill, it is up to Ruth to persuade the relief committee that she is capable of taking on the work in his place.Caroline Haworth is the daughter of a local mill owner. She volunteers at the soup kitchen but they are running out of money. The only solution is accepting a loan from the wealthy Dutton family, but it comes with strings attached.Can the three woman from different classes come together in difficult times?