The Sewing Class Girl

THE UNMISSABLE SECOND BOOK IN THE VICTORIAN-SAGA COTTON CRISIS SERIES PERFECT FOR FANS OF DILLY COURT

Praise for the series

'Such a good read. Libby has done a sound job with her portrayal of the unimaginable hardships faced by the working poor during the cotton crisis.' – Emma Hornby

The cotton crisis continues and the towns people are out of work and living on relief. The mayor of Blackburn realises that employment must be found or there is a danger of disturbances and rioting as anger and frustration grows. Classes are formed for the men to teach them to read and write, and for the women a sewing class is set up to teach basic skills and to provide cheap clothing for the townsfolk.

Sally, Ruth and Caroline continue in their individual struggles to keep their families afloat, navigating hard work, romance and heartbreak.

Bessie and Joshua Anderton are affected by the violence caused by the riots and eager to help their community - even in the face of prejudice. Joshua is a former cotton plantation slave and Bessie is a dressmaker. Bessie has to tread a careful path between the gentry who are supporting the workers with their charity and the workers who, although grateful for the help, would much rather be self-reliant.