From the corridors of a revered mental asylum, to the plains of rural Australia, via a perilous sea voyage. For the sake of two unborn babies ...

(Back cover)

One dismal day in 1857, Maria Mundy arrives at the local mental asylum, Hatter's Hall, assigned to care for Isabelle Montgomery, the daughter of an influential landowner. But Isabelle is not insane. She, like many other young women confined within the solitary walls, has been banished here by her family. Hatter's Hall hides women, unmarried but in the family way, from prying eyes…

As the two women’s lives become entwined, they realize the perils of their predicament and plan an escape. There is one person who can help them: Isabelle’s brother Joshua – who can barely keep his eyes off Maria – who is also in search of a new life. For if they stay at Hatter’s Hall, there’s every chance they might never leave…

Praise for Rosie Goodwin:

‘Goodwin is a master of her craft: she excels in writing about the complexity of relationships, the hardships of life, the ties of family and the joys of love and friendship.’ Lancashire Evening Post

‘Rosie is a talented storyteller.’ Dee Williams

One dismal day in 1857, Maria Mundy arrives at Hatter's Hall, the local mental asylum, not as an inmate but as a worker. Here, she is ordered to care for Isabelle Montgomery, the daughter of an influential land-owner. But Isabelle is not insane. She, like many other young women confined within the walls, has been banished here by her family. Hatter's Hall serves to hide unmarried women, in the family way, from prying eyes…

As the women’s lives become entwined, they realise the dangers they face. But there is only one way out of Hatter's Hall. The women must escape and there is one man who can help, Isabelle’s brother Joshua – who can barely keep his eyes off Maria. Otherwise, there’s every chance they might never leave…