In 1898, Kathleen Wyman lies in labor at Bessington Hall, her husband Edward sure that she has been unfaithful to him. In his blind, jealous rage, he gives away the baby to gypsy Rona Parrish, summoned to help with the delivery. Kathleen, frenzied with grief, is soon locked away in an asylum. Rejected by her father, the little girl begins her new life with only a valuable brooch pinned to her shawl as a clue to her true origins. Starlena grows up in ignorance of her true parentage and vast inheritance, believing her birthplace to be the beautiful Whistledown Valley. And Rona, always afraid, stays watchful over the years for any sign that someone might track Starlena downsomeone who wishes her harm.
Unravel a captivating tale of betrayal, loss, and enduring love in Josephine Cox's "Whistledown Woman," a sweeping historical saga that will grip you from the very first page. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century England, this enthralling novel plunges into a world of secrets, simmering resentments, and the unbreakable bonds of family. In the year 1898, at the grand Bessington Hall, Kathleen Wyman endures a harrowing labor. Her husband, Edward, consumed by unfounded jealousy, wrongly accuses her of infidelity. Blinded by rage, he commits an unthinkable act giving their newborn daughter away to Rona Parrish, a Romani woman summoned to assist with the delivery. Consumed by grief and despair, Kathleen is unjustly confined to an asylum, her cries of innocence unheard. The infant, rejected by her own father and robbed of her birthright, embarks on a new life with Rona. Her only connection to her past is a valuable brooch, a silent testament to her true lineage and a potential key to unlocking the truth. Named Starlena, she grows up in the idyllic Whistledown Valley, completely unaware of her noble heritage and the vast inheritance that is rightfully hers. Rona, burdened by the secret she carries, becomes fiercely protective of Starlena. Haunted by the fear that someone might discover the truth and seek to harm the innocent child, she remains ever vigilant, shielding Starlena from the shadows of her past. "Whistledown Woman" is more than just a historical romance; it's a poignant exploration of societal prejudices, the devastating consequences of unchecked jealousy, and the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Josephine Cox, a beloved author known for her emotionally resonant storytelling and unforgettable characters, weaves a rich tapestry of love, loss, and redemption. Fans of Catherine Cookson and Rosie Goodwin will find themselves utterly captivated by this heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting novel. This paperback edition of "Whistledown Woman," published by Headline Book Publishing, offers 566 pages of enthralling reading. Lose yourself in the vividly depicted landscapes of Whistledown Valley and the opulent halls of Bessington Hall as you follow Starlena's journey to uncover her true identity and reclaim her rightful place in the world. Discover the secrets that have been buried for years and experience the power of love to conquer even the most formidable obstacles. "Whistledown Woman" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys sweeping family sagas, historical fiction, and tales of enduring romance. Don't miss this captivating story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.