"Another gripping and heartbreaking tale . . . well-drawn characters, intelligent and fast-paced plotting, real authenticity make this novel a page-turner." Historical Novels Review

Fans of Nadine Dorries, Rosie Goodwin, Dilly Court, Freda Lightfoot and Catherine Cookson will adore this emotional and inspiring family saga.

Tania Crosse is the winner of the Best Romantic Saga in the 60th annual RoNA Awards.

Originally published as Cherrybrook Rose and A Bouquet of Thorns.

A GRIPPING TALE OF LOVE AND SELF-SACRIFICE SET ON WILD DARTMOOR

Dartmoor, 1875. Rose Maddiford, beautiful, vivacious and intelligent, could have her pick of men across Dartmoor. But she is in no hurry to marry unless it is for true love - and certainly not while she can help her father manage the Cherrybrook Gunpowder Mills.

Then tragedy strikes. Rose's father is injured by an explosion at the mill and the family is left teetering on the edge of poverty. Rose is left with just two options: accept arrogant, controlling Charles Chadwicks's proposal and move to London or let her family perish.

ROSE MUST CHOOSE DUTY OVER LOVE

As Rose dives into her new life, she turns her attention to the plight of prisoners held in Dartmoor Prison and discovers new passion and new injustice as she forges a friendship with a wrongly convicted man. Can Rose find justice?

As the situation builds to a heart-rending climax, Rose soon discovers what terrible acts jealousy can spur.

TANIA CROSSE weaves blissfully human stories with impeccable research, giving her characters all the complexity and colour of real life.

The Gunpowder Girl brings together Cherrybrook Rose and A Bouquet of Thorns for the first time, revealing Rose's full story just as the author intended.

WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT TANIA CROSSE:

"This absorbing historical with its strong themes of romance and feminist equality." Booklist

"This captivating Victorian tale will tug at your heartstrings. An unforgettable story of tragedy, passion, courage and strength." singletitles.com

"I know you spend many hours researching your subject and this truly shows by the way you bring your stories to life. I can never put the book down I have always enjoyed your books - particularly the Devon ones as it gave us "up country folk" an insight into Devon life and its social history. Can't wait for the next one now " H.

"Highly recommend this read. Moments of tragedy are uplifted by a sense of empowering and inspiring strength from the main characters. The narrative is brilliantly authentic and every emotion that is expressed by the characters is mirrored in the reader's heart." Cindy

"I now look forward to reading more from this brilliant author." John H.

"Tania Crosse is an excellent story teller. She tells a story of how tragedy turns to happiness in the most unexpected way." S.J.

"This is the first book I've read by Tania Crosse, but it won't be the last. I started this just before bedtime, feeling rather sleepy, and then just couldn't stop reading. I loved everything about this heartwarming story . . . Highly recommended." Sarah M.

ALSO BY TANIA CROSSE
THE GUNPOWDER GIRL
THE QUARRY GIRL
THE RAILWAY GIRL
THE AMBULANCE GIRL
THE WHEELWRIGHT GIRL

THE GUNPOWDER GIRL a compelling saga of love, loss and self-discovery - pokkari, Englanti, 2020