Val Wood delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of life, often infused with an undercurrent of mystery and suspense. His writing is celebrated for its atmospheric quality, adeptly drawing readers into psychological dramas. Wood explores the core motivations of his characters and the moral quandaries that shape them. His work frequently examines timeless themes concerning human nature and societal dynamics.
After her devious husband Billy tries to sell her at a wife sale, Lily Fowler finds herself alone, frightened and heavily pregnant on the streets of Hull. Seeing potential where others see only destitution, Lily and her `fallen angels' join forces to outwit the low-life brothel-keeper.
Young Mikey Quinn, scavenging on the streets of Hull, is thrown into prison for stealing a rabbit from the butcher. His chief accuser, a well-to-do lawyer, has a daughter, Eleanor, whom he badly mistreats. When Mikey is released he goes to London to seek his fortune. There he meets Eleanor again, and between them they face the dangers of London and gradually make a new life for themselves. Together they have to face journeying back to Hull and the long walk home. From the Paperback edition.
When Georgiana Gregory and her maid, Kitty, make the long sea journey from their native Hull for New York, they are expecting to begin a new life in the freedom of the newly formed United States of America. But in New York, the women discover that the dangers and passions of this new country and its people threaten to overwhelm them.
When Lucy's parents are killed in a train crash, her kindly uncle steps in to look after the little girl - to the initial apprehension of his wife and her son. However, Lucy's sweet, spirited charm slowly wins over her new family, and as she overcomes the trauma of her childhood, she grows up inspired to become a doctor, just like her father. But studying medicine in London takes Lucy far from her home in Hull and the people she loves, and she has to battle to be accepted in a man's world. With the dark clouds of the First World War gathering on the horizon, an even greater challenge approaches. Can a woman find her place on the front line of battle? Will Lucy be able to follow her dreams - and find love - in a world shattered by war? Val Wood's wonderful historical sagas are perfect for readers of Dilly Court, Maggie Hope and Rosie Goodwin.
Jenny is determined to make her own way in the world, and she secures a job as the kitchen maid in a grand house in Beverley.She gradually gains the attention of Christy, the young master of the house, and they fall in love.But slowly their hopes and dreams turn to nightmares and culminate in a scandal which will force Jenny to leave Beverley and everything she knows. Cast aside by her own family, and all alone in the world, Jenny has to rely on her ailing aunt Agnes, who was banished from the family many years before.Living with Agnes and her husband Stephen St John Laslett, she learns that Stephen's wealthy family have disowned him and they have to eke out a meagre living on their small farm. Times are hard, and as Agnes grows weaker, she asks Stephen to make her an unusual promise, one that will affect the rest of Jenny's life. Jenny the kitchen maid becomes the mistress of Laslett Hall, and although she tries to fit in with the world that she now inhabits, she never forgets the words that the gypsy told her: that one day she will return to where she was once happy - and there Jenny will find her true love.