'Dad, it's the happiest day of my life,' Kate said. 'I wish time would stand still and it could be today forever.' It's June 1897, and Kate is celebrating her eleventh birthday on the day of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Kate's joy is short-lived, as tragedy strikes, threatening her family with the loss of all they hold dear. A journey of hope and heartache follows which takes Kate from the hardships of the workhouse to the dubious comforts of a position in service to the rich; from the joys of marriage to a good man, to the sorrows and losses suffered during the Great War. Guided by her indomitable spirit and sense of humour, she discovers that it is possible to find contentment despite all that life throws at her.

Author Biography

Billy Hopkins, who is better known to his family and friends as Wilfred Hopkins, was born in Collyhurst in 1928. A teacher for many years, Billy now lives in retirement with his wife in Southport.