Bit of a Catherine Cookson readalike. About the North East of England - it was an ok read - I read it but wouldn't say it was a must read.
Back Cover Blurb: Found abandoned on the quayside, the young waif is taken in by the Jacksons whose own daughter was lost in a tragic accident. They never know her true identity. Emily grows up in the gatekeeper's lodge on Nathaniel Franklin's estate until Franklin's cousin, the evil would-be heir, conspires to descredit her family and turns them out. Determined to help save her family from destitution, Emily takes up the offer of service recommended by Franklin's cousin. Only to find his accomplice is hell-bent on seducing her. Emily finds work where she can, but her ambition is to run a fleet of ships. An impossible dream according to handsome Captain David Walsh - at least for a girl. Battling through heartbreak and terrifying threats, Emily determines to succeed in a man's world and to make her dreams come true.
Quite enjoyed fast moving a lot happens. She was loved and protected by lovely Ada and Bert. Except his victims most seemed so naive about sly Bradley except Tom. He could see things were not adding up about her mother's death.
It had the potential to be a great book but it was poorly written, lacking detail and interesting vocabulary. The characters and story line were interesting but the writing style ruined the book for me.