Born to Trouble

by Rita Bradshaw

A compelling saga guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings. Born into the worst of families in Sunderland's filthy, crime-ridden East End, Pearl Croft's childhood is miserable. Shortly after her violent, drunken father is killed in a fight, Pearl's elder brothers are sent to prison leaving her, still a child herself, to care for her baby brothers. Pearl's mother brings her 'clients' to the house, one of whom has a penchant for little girls... Terrified and hurt, Pearl runs away from home and is found, feverish and near death, by Romany gypsies. But this is far from the end of Pearl's struggles. Years pass, and as Pearl reaches womanhood she begins to wonder if she is simply born to trouble or will she find happiness one day?

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Rita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, whichat the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who wouldmake a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep thehouse buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it anyother way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Althoughhaving enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted tolive anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday homeclose to the sea one day.

Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming,and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in thesun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking ofcourse!)

For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as sheapproached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babiesand hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.

Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latteran unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.

Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of purejoy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own bu tshe loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth isstranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.

Reviews

[George McLay]

This is the first time I have read Rita Bradshaw, and it will not be the last, she is a great teller of stories.

[Pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about pearl and her family. A good book liked reading when in the gypsy camp. 5 stars

[Carol Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nah! Another doom & gloom book!
I’ll try a more recent book 🤞

[alison campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This is the first I have read any of her books and I loved it. The story line was brilliant and once I started I couldn't put it down. I usually read Maureen Lee books but this was just as good. I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends l

[Sarah Lovick-rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great easy reading book. You can feel your emotions changing from happiness to sadness as circumstances change to pearl and the struggles of life

[Dale lippitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave that 5stars as enjoy reading that book from start to finish .I will be read more of Rita Bradshaw

[Barbara Meadowcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

Could not out this book down. Very gripping story. Would recommend it to anyone who lives a good read and a little year now and again.

[Christina Tookey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

My first book of Rita Bradshaw's, very enjoyable. I wasn't sure if I would like it at first but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. I will read more from this author.

[Christina Rochester · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a bit of a jumpy read with nothing much to recommend it. Slightly disappointed, but I hope future Rita Bradshaw novels will be worth the read.

Read if you want, but it's not high up my list of recommendations.

[Rowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me from start to finish.

[Sally Hogston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gypsy girl

Really enjoyed this book gripping story right to the last page. First book from this authors I've read. Look forward to the next one

[Stephanie Gardiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book easy reading , always love a happy ending

[Sharon Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved this book such a great story with some sad and some happy parts great characters and well written now ready for another one

[Helen McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, great storylines, really enjoyed this book

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Rosarie O'Mahony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, could not put it down.

[karyn smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

A story of struggles and triumph...such a good story didn't want it too end..I would definitely recommend reading this book

[Bronwyn Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Rita Bradshaw 😊

[Christine Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Time Round

Twice now I've read this happy/sad/happy story. Really enjoyed every page and stage through Pearls life. A very good read

[l kingdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Sad and happy, excellent read. Very well written. Sorry to see the end of it, many twists and unexpected turns.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it dragged a little at the end and you could guess what the ending was going to be. Still an easy read and enjoyable

[sandralamont1943yshoo.co.uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rillisnt

This book was brilliant full of twists and turns. I have found a new author to follow. This is the second book I have read.

[jacqueline pulford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written kept me hooked from beginning to end can't wait to read more

Kept me hooked beginning to end can't wait to read more and has a few smiles and tears along journey

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books, I highly suggest this book if you're ready for a lot of emotion and adult themes.

[Marlene]

This is a very god author. This book is almost spellbinding from beginning to end.

[christine smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book with the ups and downs then ups again for Pearl so sad at times but comes together at the end. It was hard to put book down it was so good !!!!

[Rachel Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Great from start to finish. Couldn't put it down.

[Alison Hurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in Tenerife

[Jade Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual sort of book, but really enjoyed it

[Tracy campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book