An emotional and uplifting read from Evelyn Hood in 2026
Should she choose duty and security or passion and jeopardy?
Sandyford, Scotland, 1900
Heartbroken Nurse Rose Gibb sets sail for South Africa during the Boer War after being rejected by the man she loved for the sake of her pretty half-sister.
When things donât work out for Rose, entitled Blair Crawford is charged with escorting her home to the Clydeside town of Sandyford where their relationship is eagerly encouraged. However, Rose is intrigued by her motherâs lodger, Magnus MacBride, who is in the process of refloating a tired old inherited paddle steamer.
Rather than return to nursing, Rose embarks on a furniture restoration business, aided by Magnus but using premises owned by Blair. Rose soon discovers that Magnusâs history is tragically linked with Blairâs, and the rivalry between the two causes trouble for Rose.
Rose must ultimately decide where she belongs in Sandyford society. Is she destined to be the lairdâs wife or partner to the paddle boat line owner?
Can she continue to be a businesswoman in her own right?
Previously published as Penny for a Song by Louise James**
PRAISE FOR EVELYN HOOD
'Compelling from the start, heartfelt and beautifully written.' - Rosie Clarke
'If you like Catherine Cookson, youâll love Evelyn Hoodâs books.â - Lizzie Lane
âEvelyn Hoodâs characters step off the page and into your heart.â - Sheila Riley
âThis is addictive and heartfelt storytelling, with colourful characters you'll never want to say goodbye to.â - Jane Lark
''Loved the strong, relatable characters. A lively, refreshing read.' - Kate Eastham
'Wonderfully descriptive, with memorable characters and a true sense of place.' - Tracy Baines
'Faultless historical detail and emotionally complex characters makethese engrossing and intelligent Evelyn Hood's sagas deeply satisfying' - Maisie Thomas
âEvocative, beautifully rich, brilliantly detailed and meticulously researched - this story transported me and kept me up way past my bedtime - a triumph of a story. I very highly recommend Evelyn Hoodâ â Renita DâSilva
'Scotland's Catherine Cookson' - Scots Magazine
âHood is immaculate in her historical detailâ - Scottish Herald
'Quite simply, I couldn't put it down. A rich and rewarding read' - Emma Blair
'Evelyn Hood has been called Scotland's Catherine Cookson. Unfair. She has her own distinctive voice' - Scots Magazine
âTouching, romantic and unforgettableâ - Reader Review
âLove all her booksâ - Reader Review
âEvelyn Hood produces the best of storiesâ - Reader Review
âI cannot put her books downâ - Reader Review
âLove everything Evelyn Hood writesâ - Reader Review
âEvelyn Hood is a fantastic writer, bringing the past to life and drawing you right into the storyâ - Reader Review
Previously Published as Penny for a Song
Publication
2026
Pages
368
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Boldwood Books
Collection
Resilient Women
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