Ambition & Destiny

To start again, Mary must leave the past behind . . . With no husband and two small children to care for, survival is Mary's only concern. She needs money . . . and can't be too choosy about the job. Mr. Wetherby doesn't need any more workers for his expanding business, but as a favor to an old acquaintance, he'll make an exception . . . for Mary. He wants her. She needs him. Can they build the foundations of a happy life together? Or will a web of lies and deceit be their undoing? Inspired by a true story, Hooks & Eyes begins an epic saga of one family's trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.

A woman's place is in the home . . . That's what she's always been told. But Harriet has other ideas . . . In 1860s England, it's a man's world and women aren't expected . . . or allowed . . . to upset the status quo. Living with her domineering uncle, Harriet is desperate to break free. Could the charming young man who has come to stay with them be her way out? Or will he be just like the rest? Happy to keep her in her place . . . Not prepared to sit around while her dreams die, Harriet risks everything to stand her ground. But she underestimates how far some will go to silence her. Inspired by a true story, Less Than Equals continues the epic saga of one family's trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.

Tensions are rising but Harriet refuses to backdown . . . As Mr. Wetherby's wealth and power increase, he won't tolerate interference in his affairs . . . From anyone. But Harriet isn't 'just anyone' and when she sees him involved in a serious incident, she stores the information away. Maybe one day she can use it to get the future Mr Wetherby is intent on denying them. Biding her time, she finally gets her chance. But facing the wrath of Mr. Wetherby, she soon discovers she has more to worry about than her own ambitions . . . Inspired by a true story, When Time Runs Out continues the epic saga of one family's trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.

A family divided . . . with no signs of reconciliation. Will Lydia rue the day she ever met them? Keen to get away from her abusive father, Lydia happily accepts the post of housekeeper at the Jackson family home. But when William senses romance in the air between Lydia and his son William-Wetherby, he is determined to put an end to it. For good. As a feud erupts between father and son, Mr. Wetherby has other things on his mind. He's still furious about Harriet's betrayal . . . and he's going to make sure someone pays. Inspired by a true story, Only One Winner continues the epic saga of one family's trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.

After a bitter family breakdown, William-Wetherby seeks a new life far from home. But being rid of Mr. Wetherby isn't as simple as it seems . . . Setting off in search of his brother, William-Wetherby heads to Liverpool. Since they were last together their world has changed and with no one to turn to, he needs a friend. When he rents a room with a local family, he refuses to tell his landlady or her daughter, Bella, anything about his past. But their curiosity is piqued . . . As their friendship develops and he begins to trust her, Bella hopes he'll settle down. But a final surprise from Mr. Wetherby reignites past grievances . . . and this time William-Wetherby is ready for a fight. Inspired by a true story, Different World is the final book in the Ambition & Destiny series, a five part family saga set in Victorian-era England.

She has the money to live like a lady . . . but there are plenty who want it from her. When an enigmatic stranger steals her heart, can she know he wants her for the right reasons? Widowed at the age of twenty, Ann has no optimism for the future. At the beck and call of her domineering mother she longs to make a new life for herself. But it's not that easy. Her world is turned upside down when a curious gentleman stops to speak to her. He's new to the area but seems to know a lot about her . . . and he appears very well-to-do. Could he be her savior? With newfound hope Ann dares to dream. As their friendship grows, there are those who want to keep them apart . . . but when Ann learns of his past, she realizes that only she can decide what their future holds. Set forty years before the start of VL McBeath's historical family saga the Ambition & Destiny series, The Young Widow is a standalone story that adds another dimension to this epic series.

Finding the girl of his dreams should have been a blessing. But people were watching . . . prepared to do anything to keep them apart. Farm laborer Charles Jackson doesn't expect much from life. For the price of a few pints of ale and enough food on the table, he's happy to take work where he can get it. Until he finds himself at Chadwick's farm . . . Falling in love with the farmer's daughter wasn't part of his plans. But when they're found in an intimate embrace, his troubles are only just beginning . . . Inspired by real events, Condemned by Fate is a standalone, short story prequel to the Ambition & Destiny series, an epic family saga set in Victorian-era England. If you like love stories that are more than just a romance, then you'll love the prequel to VL McBeath's engaging series.