Emma Appleby's arrival in the County Durham village of Tow Law is sudden and mysterious, provoking deep suspicion in the locals. And because she has a child with her, seemingly out of marriage, they want nothing to do with her - except for pub landlord Mick Castle. When Emma opens an academy and sets herself up in competition with the local school, she provokes a savage response from the community. But she will not be deterred - even when her past catches up with her and Mick is forced to choose between his heart and his family.
Elizabeth Gill was born in Newcastle upon Tyne and as a child lived in Tow Law in County Durham where her family owned a steelworks. She has spent all her life in Durham but recently moved to North West Wales to be near her family. She can see the sea from her windows and spends a lot of time eating seafood, drinking orange wine and walking the family dogs on the beautiful beaches.