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The River Maid

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What to expect

The first in a stunning new series from Sunday Times bestseller, Dilly Court

London, 1854: twenty-year-old Essie Chapman lives with her father in poverty stricken Limehouse, working on the river as a boatman. Her life seems set before her, never to leave this part of London and forever at her father’s beck and call.

Then, one night, she must transport a mysterious man from a foreign ship to the banks of the Thames, a man who ends up renting a room in Essie’s house, identifying himself only as ‘Raven’.

When curiosity gets the better of her, Essie follows him and unwittingly becomes involved in something far greater than she could ever have guessed. Finding herself on a ship bound for the penal colonies in Australia with Raven and his cousin Alice, this is only the start of a remarkable journey taking her to the other side of the world and back again…

Critics Review

  • Praise for Dilly Court:

    ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express

    ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend

    ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice

    ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly

    ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail

    ‘A fast-paced, riveting read’ Sunday Express

    ‘A heart-warming, fast-paced story that will keep you gripped till the end’ The People’s Friend

    ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express

    ‘Atmospheric, vivid and compelling’ My Weekly

    ‘An excellent, well-researched read’ People’s Friend

    ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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