Julia's Way - Hardcover

Elizabeth Lord was born in the East End of London but has lived in Essex most of her life. She has a son and two daughters. Ruth Rendell describes her as a natural storyteller .

Julia, 21, is about to get engaged, although she is not positive she loves Chester. Her autocratic father is pushing for the marriage, and as a good English daughter in 1921, she acquiesces to his will. But before the engagement is announced, Julia's father dies, leaving the family penniless. Friends disappear and Chester calls off the engagement. Her mother is helpless, so Julia struggles to keep the family together. Just before her home is repossessed to pay creditors, Julia goes to her father's import-export warehouse and removes several bolts of expensive fabric. She knows she can make money with them and finds a way when she meets Simon, the proprietor of the store beneath their apartment. The two become successful business partners, but when romance blooms, Julia's mother strongly objects. Julia struggles in this new world as her past returns to haunt her and the Great Depression looms. Lord provides great insight into 1920s London with her signature gifts for detail and vivid storytelling --Booklist, 15th September 2009