House of Help for Friendless Girls Series

Mothers against daughters. Lovers on opposing sides. Families torn apart. Where will she fall in this battle for what’s right?

While her mother is preparing Alice Leigh for marriage, she has other plans. Working at the House of Help for Friendless Girls, Alice’s eyes have been opened to the injustices faced by girls and women. Instead of a husband, she now dreams of fighting for women’s rights.

Meanwhile, Isaac Hinchcliffe is set to take over his adoptive father’s steel works when his long-lost birth mother reappears. But when he turns to Alice for support, he finds her distracted by politics he cannot agree with soon, their friendship is torn apart.

With both her mother and childhood best friend against her, will Alice continue to fight for a fairer world? Can she and Isaac reconcile before tragedy strikes, or are their differences too big to overcome?

A thrilling and inspiring Victorian saga, perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Diane Allen and Val Wood.

‘Quite a romp!’ Val Wood

A new resident has fetched up at the House of Help for Friendless Girls and she’s about to set the cat amongst the pigeons

Nineteen-year old Nan Turpin is in trouble again, accused of stealing. She’s guilty. Cast out by her family, she turns to the House of Help for Friendless Girls, which promises Nan a fresh start it’s the House or gaol.

She and warden Hetty immediately clash, but Hetty has her own secrets to keep her busy. With her sister Amelia drawing ever closer to their dark family past, will Hetty find the courage to reveal the truth before it’s too late?

As romance blossoms for Nan outside of the House, can resist her lightfingered ways to forge a future for herself?

A dramatic and compelling Victorian saga for fans of Val Wood, Emma Hornby and Kitty Neale.

Praise for The Lightfingered Lass

‘Compelling and heartwarming. I loved the sassiness of the characters it’s littered with interesting historical facts’ Reader review

‘I really enjoyed this book and loved the style of writing’ Reader review

In the dead of night, a young woman is found on the doorstep of the House of Help for Friendless Girls

Winter 1887. Matron Hetty Barlow suspects Hope is lying when she claims to be suffering from amnesia. The girl is taken in, but it isn’t long before her pregnancy is discovered, which could put the future of the house a new experiment in dealing with destitute women in jeopardy. Hetty’s future depends on keeping her position as matron.

They named her Hope, but Emma Hyde knows she can’t keep up her deception forever. She’s hundreds of miles away from home, but her well-to-do parents will be searching for her.

Amelia yearns to break away from her overbearing sister, Hetty. She meets a man who offers an escape, but her ticket to freedom means revealing Emma’s secrets. Will she betray a friend for a chance at a new life?

Gripping, emotional and inspiring, this Victorian saga is perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Emma Hornby and Dilly Court.

Praise for The House of Hope

‘A moving and passionate story of three women; two who are keeping their secrets close to their hearts and one who is willing to give her heart away in exchange for love. They all arrive at this house that promises safety and free from harm, but are they brave enough, honest enough, to tell their compelling stories and reveal the truth or forever live a lie?’ Val Wood

‘I thoroughly enjoyed The House of Hope, it is well written and gives a vivid insight into the life of working class girls. Joanne brings her characters to life and I was hooked from the first page.’ Lyn Andrews

‘A beautiful intertwined story of three very different women, all hiding dark secrets from the past, and the healing and hope they find in one of Britain’s first women’s refuge. The House of Hope is an emotional and uplifting tribute to the power of female friendship’ Judy Summers

‘I love historical books and this is one of the best ones I have read lately. I highly recommend it’ Reader review

‘Very moving. Well written, great characters, and the author has really managed to capture the era’ Reader review

‘The characters will capture your heart. I so look forward to the next in this new series’ Reader review

‘A heartwarming story about unfortunate girls who find themselves destitute, homeless and in need of a safe haven. Wonderful’ Reader review

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I definitely look forward to reading more in this series! Reader review