Rhona Randall Boeken

It is the late 1920s and Sarah loves her work as an apprentice in the sheds at the Staffordshire pottery Frenshaws. She is able to escape her miserable home life where her hateful step-father Joe abuses her mother, though not completely because Joe is Frenshaws’ chief thrower. When Sarah’s talent is recognized by the master potter and owner, Daniel, she is sent to Design School where she meets wealthy Annabel and they become friends. But Sarah’s life is far from settled. Her brutal step-father lies in wait for her one night and rapes her. She escapes to live with her grandmother where she learns secrets about her past and heritage, and a life she had never imagined opens up for her.

Refusing to let his pregnant sister marry her suitor creates havoc and misery to the Drayton family, set against the background of industrial potteries of 18th century England