The Orphan's Dream

<p><b>The heartwarming and nostalgic new novel from the <i>Sunday Times</i> Top Ten bestselling author of <i>The Beggar Maid</i>.</b><br><br><br>Motherless since she was five Mirabel Cutler was raised by her father to be a lady. But when he dies suddenly Mirabel finds herself cast out on the street by her ruthless stepmother. <br><br>She is taken to a place of refuge by charismatic sea captain Jack Starke. But the safe haven turns out to be a house of ill-repute. Here she becomes a parlour maid and catches the eye of an elderly retired army officer Hubert Kettle.<br><br>Mirabel has fallen in love with Jack Starke but when she hears that his ship has foundered and all were lost she has little choice but to accept Hubert&#146;s offer of a home and marriage. Although desperately unhappy Mirabel is determined to make the best of her life. <br><br>Until she receives unexpected news and her life is thrown into turmoil once more.</p>