Riches of the Heart

by June Tate

From the shadows of post-war Southampton comes a tale of bravery, survival and resilience — and one girl whose courage will light the way.

Southampton, 1920.
Living under the oppressive thumb of her abusive father and indifferent mother, Lily Johnson's world is filled with fear. Until one desperate night, when she breaks free and flees into the dangerous docklands of Southampton with nothing but her fierce will to survive.

All alone in the world, Lily's luck changes when she finds work at a bustling second-hand shop. Rachel Cohen, a tough but kind-hearted widow, offers Lily a safe haven where she can begin to find strength and a sense of purpose that she never knew was possible.

As she navigates her new life, Lily encounters Tom McCann, a charismatic and protective Irishman who offers her a glimpse of a brighter future.

But Lily’s newfound happiness is jeopardised when Vittorio Teglia, a dangerous criminal, sets his eyes on her. His desire for her threatens to drag Lily back into the darkness she’s so desperately trying to escape.

Lily dreads the day that Vittorio’s relentless pursuit will test her courage and resilience like never before.

A day that dawns far too soon . . .

A gripping tale of love, survival and an unbreakable spirit that captures the essence of a bygone era.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2000

Reviews

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful well written story once you get into it you just cannot put it down. Looking forward to reading reast of Southampton series,

[Jenny Sass · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that the storyline was terrible; I just didn't care much for Lily. She's proof positive that if you're a beautiful woman you pretty much get whatever you want as men bend over backwards for you.

I'm not sure the title Riches of the Heart is an accurate book description either. I was hopeful for her and Tom and then he becane an obsessive stalker. Lily is drawn to a mobster and she overlooks his shady and murderous past to build a future. I don't find that particularly romantic. All the while, her inner monologue is how she wants to be a free and independent woman. Then, tragedy strikes after she realizes that she truly has found love.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Really Good Read

Lily Johnson ran away from home away from the abuse by her father and a mother who didn't care. She had nothing but was lucky to get a job at a second hand clothes store ran by Rachel Cohen, who made a corner of the shop for Lily to sleep in. All was going well until Rachel's son returned home and Lily had to run away again. She catches the eye of Vittorio Teglio, night club owner and criminal. Lily tries to ignore his advances but she needs a job and a home and despite all the warnings she accepts a job with him. This was a really good read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember reading anything by this author before, but I definitely would again, especially since I've discovered that there are two more books that follow on from this one.

It's definitely, full of everything that a good saga should be, a good solid storyline, with strong characters, and a great sense of atmosphere.

A true tale of triumph over adversity.

[josephine Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story.

This story went from sad to enjoyable to very sad. I enjoyed it very much but I wish it had a different ending, it is putting me off other stories by this author in case they all finish in such a sad way, I like to finish a story happy!

[wendy kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This is a great read , I could not put it down. Get you gripped from the start. Highly recommend

[Jennifer Cadge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stimulating

What a great writer you are, I couldn't put this book down, I absolutely loved this book. Well done. 10 out of ten.

[Paula Hein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly engaging book, but did not meet my expectations after seeing all of the glowing 5 star reviews.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Pamela Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching

A story that touched my heart. The strong characters so real, strong and believable. One book i will recommend again and again.

[Bernie Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

Great read on a miserable day I enjoyed it and looking for the next one . Glad I have found this author

[Mrs Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love this author. Light read but fun

[Gloria M. Comstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to.put down

As I Saud in the title it was hard to put the book down.
I liked how Lily made the best if her lot in life. And I could see Rachel thinking of her as a daughter

[LESLEY HEDISON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dont have anythig you have to do if you pick this book up to read

An unputable down book cannot wait to read the follow up book later .Time for a quick tea bteak I think

[Carolanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it but didn't love it. Also writes as Kim Hunter & Gary Kilworth


June Tate was born in Southampton, England, U.K.