The Defiant Seamstress

A heartbreaking, emotional saga for fans of Dilly Court and Catherine Cookson! Richly woven Scottish storytelling at its best

She wanted freedom. She found forbidden love. Christian Knox’s courage and ambition set her apart but her heart may be her undoing

Paisley, Scotland 1784

Christian Knox dreams of a life beyond that of a Paisley housewife and at thirteen is determined to further her education. When her disobedience causes her father to withdraw his financial support, she resolves to pay for her education herself by working at her uncle’s weaving business.

Headstrong and enterprising Christian soon becomes the manager, representing the local weaver women. But as problems begin to mount at home and at work, has she taken on too much?

When her hard work and savvy business acumen are recognised, Christian is further promoted but is pursued by her cousin Rab with an unwanted proposal of marriage.

Years later, she succumbs to a cossetted marriage to an older husband and is forced to give up work and is torn over her attraction to younger, Benjamin Selbie.

Meanwhile, spurned Rab is not prepared to let sleeping dogs lie as he causes further heartache and turmoil for Christian.

When Christian finally gets a second shot at success and will her relentless drive to succeed stop her from finding love?

Previously published as The Damask Days