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A Sister's Sacrifice
Yorkshire, England, 1914.
Olivia Brodie is a devoted parlourmaid serving the Broadbent family at Hawthorn Manor and spending precious time with her father and brothers at the family forge. But everything changes the day Spencer Middleton, the Broadbents’ charming and enigmatic grandson, arrives. Sparks fly between Olivia and the army officer. Their connection is undeniable—but so too are the rigid boundaries of class and propriety. When Spencer departs, promising to return, Olivia dares to dream of a future that defies society’s expectations.
However, tragedy strikes Olivia’s family, devastating her. Compounding her grief is the news that the manor is sold, leaving her homeless and jobless. With her younger brother Lachie to care for she is forced to seek work in the nearby bleak industrial town, and Olivia finds herself far from the countryside she loves—and from the man who captured her heart.
Desperate to keep Lachie out of the perilous coal mines, Olivia finds hope when she secures a position as housekeeper to Stephen Sheridan, a gifted but reclusive pianist haunted by his past. As danger follows her through the dark alleys of the town and Sheridan’s secrets begin to surface, Olivia must decide who she can trust.
Torn between the memory of first love and the comfort of newfound companionship, Olivia faces an impossible choice. Can she build a new future from the ashes of her old life—or will love find its way back to her against all odds?
Set against a backdrop of social upheaval and changing fortunes, this is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the resilience of a young woman determined to forge her own destiny.
Olivia Brodie is a devoted parlourmaid serving the Broadbent family at Hawthorn Manor and spending precious time with her father and brothers at the family forge. But everything changes the day Spencer Middleton, the Broadbents’ charming and enigmatic grandson, arrives. Sparks fly between Olivia and the army officer. Their connection is undeniable—but so too are the rigid boundaries of class and propriety. When Spencer departs, promising to return, Olivia dares to dream of a future that defies society’s expectations.
However, tragedy strikes Olivia’s family, devastating her. Compounding her grief is the news that the manor is sold, leaving her homeless and jobless. With her younger brother Lachie to care for she is forced to seek work in the nearby bleak industrial town, and Olivia finds herself far from the countryside she loves—and from the man who captured her heart.
Desperate to keep Lachie out of the perilous coal mines, Olivia finds hope when she secures a position as housekeeper to Stephen Sheridan, a gifted but reclusive pianist haunted by his past. As danger follows her through the dark alleys of the town and Sheridan’s secrets begin to surface, Olivia must decide who she can trust.
Torn between the memory of first love and the comfort of newfound companionship, Olivia faces an impossible choice. Can she build a new future from the ashes of her old life—or will love find its way back to her against all odds?
Set against a backdrop of social upheaval and changing fortunes, this is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the resilience of a young woman determined to forge her own destiny.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2025
About the author
AnneMarie Brear
65 books301 followersAustralian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 15, 2026
Into the pits
Life can change on a dime. From house maid to extreme poverty. To the pits for her brother and to being a house maid again for our heroine. Some where in there she fell in love with a officer and a gentleman.
Life can change on a dime. From house maid to extreme poverty. To the pits for her brother and to being a house maid again for our heroine. Some where in there she fell in love with a officer and a gentleman.
April 12, 2026
Heartfelt
A reader can count on good prose when choosing a book written by Author Brear. I am eager to read the sequel to "A Sister's Sacrifice." This book was written from the heart.
A reader can count on good prose when choosing a book written by Author Brear. I am eager to read the sequel to "A Sister's Sacrifice." This book was written from the heart.
February 1, 2026
Enjoyable
Another enjoyable read fr.om AnneMarie. I am very much looking forward to the next three books. She has the gift to bring her characters alive
Another enjoyable read fr.om AnneMarie. I am very much looking forward to the next three books. She has the gift to bring her characters alive
April 20, 2026
Absolutely love Annemarie Brear books full of passion for writing and especially about Yorkshire and surrounding cities, she brings her stories to life. Can't wait to read her next book.
May 7, 2026
Good Read
Liked this book. Was enjoyable to read & learn the history of the war. So many trials these young people had to bear.
Liked this book. Was enjoyable to read & learn the history of the war. So many trials these young people had to bear.
May 11, 2026
A wonderful story of hardship,love and mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend others to read jt.I cannot wait to read book 2 Where The Poppies Dance!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend others to read jt.I cannot wait to read book 2 Where The Poppies Dance!
May 31, 2026
Very enjoyable.
June 9, 2026
Brilliant!
I really enjoyed this book except for the copy editor who made so many mistakes. Absolutely appalling and therefore only 4 stars given.
I really enjoyed this book except for the copy editor who made so many mistakes. Absolutely appalling and therefore only 4 stars given.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews