The Brightest Star: 19th Century story of tragedy and all-consuming love?

'Fans of Anna Jacobs and Catherine Cookson will love this.'

Would his life be defined by one secret tragedy, or would Jack Ryan find true love in the fields of home?

Jack Ryan is one of the few survivors of the Seahorse which sank off the coast of Tramore in 1816. While walking home to Cork, unable to face up to his trauma, an accident brings him into contact with the Turner family and the serene and lovely Eliza.

Eliza's closeness to Lord Beconsford's family makes a love match with her an unlikely dream for Jack. He must be content to admire her from afar.

Then Fate takes a hand when Jack's shrewd Granny Sheila presents him with the means to pursue his dream of becoming a landscape gardener in one of Ireland's 'Big Houses'. Can he now dare hope to win Eliza? And mend his broken spirit after the trauma of shipwreck?

A new generation sees Jack's beloved daughter Margarita blossoming into a gifted singer, while hiding the heartache of unrequited love. She, too, must learn to hope and strive to fulfil her dreams.