A Daughter’s Burden

THE QUEEN OF SCOTTISH SAGAS 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 A gritty historical novel of finding happiness from Sunday Times bestselling author Evelyn Hood! Must-read for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Lindsey Hutchinson 📖

'I loved it and am sure you will too' Fenella J. Miller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Will achieving independence mean forgoing happiness?

Scotland, 1918

As the war ends, Jenny Gillespie plans a new life in Glasgow, eager to escape her domineering, alcoholic father. But when her brother Maurice is reported missing in action, she must remain in the Clydeside town of Ellerslie, working at a shipyard tracing office to help support her struggling family—including her parents, grandmother, younger sister, and Maurice’s unmarried partner and child.

Frustrated by her stalled future, Jenny is unsettled by the return of her former beau, Robert Archer, now her supervisor. Though married, his wife is absent, and Jenny resists his influence. Instead, she accepts a proposal from a local widower, hoping for stability rather than love.

Marriage proves difficult, as she navigates a cold husband, a rebellious stepson, and concern for her infant daughter’s wellbeing. When tragedy strikes, Jenny’s world shifts, forcing her to confront difficult choices about her future and the life she wants for her child.

Previously published as A Handful of Happiness

PRAISE FOR EVELYN HOOD

'Compelling from the start, heartfelt and beautifully written.' - Rosie Clarke

'If you like Catherine Cookson, you’ll love Evelyn Hood’s books.’ - Lizzie Lane

‘Evelyn Hood’s characters step off the page and into your heart.’ - Sheila Riley

‘This is addictive and heartfelt storytelling, with colourful characters you'll never want to say goodbye to.’ - Jane Lark

''Loved the strong, relatable characters. A lively, refreshing read.' - Kate Eastham

'Wonderfully descriptive, with memorable characters and a true sense of place.' - Tracy Baines

'Faultless historical detail and emotionally complex characters makethese engrossing and intelligent Evelyn Hood's sagas deeply satisfying' - Maisie Thomas

‘Evocative, beautifully rich, brilliantly detailed and meticulously researched - this story transported me and kept me up way past my bedtime - a triumph of a story. I very highly recommend Evelyn Hood’ – Renita D’Silva

'Scotland's Catherine Cookson' - Scots Magazine

‘Hood is immaculate in her historical detail’ - Scottish Herald

'Quite simply, I couldn't put it down. A rich and rewarding read' - Emma Blair

'Evelyn Hood has been called Scotland's Catherine Cookson. Unfair. She has her own distinctive voice' - Scots Magazine

‘Touching, romantic and unforgettable’ - Reader Review

‘Love all her books’ - Reader Review

‘Evelyn Hood produces the best of stories’ - Reader Review

‘I cannot put her books down’ - Reader Review

‘Love everything Evelyn Hood writes’ - Reader Review

‘Evelyn Hood is a fantastic writer, bringing the past to life and drawing you right