What a formidable young woman Maria Keay’s is, after a family disaster Maria decides to make her own way in the world.This is helped along initially by Mr Bowden at the barbers when he spots something special in the young woman . Over time Maria becomes friendly with local schoolmaster Charlie Woodvine. When Charlie makes an offer to Mara will the price be too high.
Maria gets the offer of a job at one of the large department stores, this costs her more than one friendship. Once settled at Harborne’s Maria’s eyes are opened to how much of a man’s world it really is. When she is offered promotion Maria uses her interview to put forward how a women’s work is never done & how undervalued they really are. It’s quite a speech for such a young woman, will it cost her the job? When Maria gets the opportunity to earn extra money on her day off after one of her customers leaves his card on her counter is he really doing her a favour, or looking after his own needs!

I really enjoyed Maria’s story, if a little sad at times. There were some real characters among her colleagues, especially Polly.
My favourite character was Maria for her strength, least favourite was Oskar for obvious reasons. Biscuit sounded adorable.
Look forward to the next one.

Will she find love again?
1892 seventeen years old Maria Keay wants to make something of her life starting jobs firstly for Mr Boden in his barber and tobacco shop then Nixons drapers.
She's aiming big and get the chance of a job at Harbornes department store which will see her moving to Shrewsbury from Ironbridge she is really going to miss school teacher Charlie Woodvine, the friendship and love that has developed, she turns down his marriage proposal but they promise to write.
The job is hard going for Maria working long hours and sickly rules and only having Sundays off but she's a strong determined woman.
This book is heartbreaking that will leave you crying out to Maria.
Harrowing chapters that are unputdownable.
Will she find love with the right man?
I love this series and hopefully won't have to wait for more to come.
Absolutely loved it.