Struggling to survive on Britain's waterways Tilly Thompson, a girl from the canal, is caught stealing a pie from the terrace of The Imperial Hotel, Athelstone. Only the intervention of Captain Charles Thackery saves her from prison. Tilly soon finds out the reason for the rescue. With the Captain Tilly sees life away from the poverty and hardship of the waterways, but the Captain's favour stirs up jealously and hatred among the hotel staff, especially Freddie, the stable boy, who harbours desires of his own. Freddie's pursuit leads Tilly into far greater danger than she could ever have imagined. Can she escape the prejudice, persecution and hypocrisy of Victorian Society, leave her past behind and find true happiness? This is a story of love and loss, lust and passion, injustice and ultimate redemption.

Kay Seeley is a talented storyteller and bestselling author. Her short stories have been published in women's magazines and short-listed in competitions. Her novels had been finalists in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. She lives in London and loves its history. Her stories are well researched, beautifully written with compelling characters where love triumphs over adversity. Often heart-wrenching but always satisfyingly uplifting, her books are perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs, Emma Hornby and Josephine Cox. Kay writes stories that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. All her novels are available for Kindle, in paperback and in Large Print.One Beat of a Heart is her seventh historical novel set in London.