Historical fiction setting immerses readers in a remote Lancashire valley for a vivid backdrop
Complex protagonist, Hugh Armstrong, offers a relatable exploration of personal and societal challenges
Unlikely allies, including a Quaker woman and a spirited local, provide diverse perspectives
Themes of faith, doubt, and social conscience resonate with readers seeking meaningful stories
Summarized by Shop
1814. The Napoleonic Wars reach even the quietest corners of England.
When Hugh Armstrong takes a post as a land agent in a remote valley of mostly Quaker tenants, he hopes for a respectable and orderly life—far from violence and the secrets he would rather forget.
But in a single day, he faces escaped French prisoners and a body thawin