The Staley Family Series by Anna Jacobs

When Madge Carter goes back to her home town of Northby, she takes her daughter with her, but continues to live from immoral earning. Unfortunately, as Emmy grows up she catches the eye of Madge's protector, who tries to force her down the same path as her mother. Then a wealthy gentleman becomes obsessed by her and pursues her, though Emmy seeks only to earn an honest living as a maid. Other people are facing difficulties in Northby... moreWhen Madge Carter goes back to her home town of Northby, she takes her daughter with her, but continues to live from immoral earning. Unfortunately, as Emmy grows up she catches the eye of Madge's protector, who tries to force her down the same path as her mother. Then a wealthy gentleman becomes obsessed by her and pursues her, though Emmy seeks only to earn an honest living as a maid. Other people are facing difficulties in Northby. Jack Staley is working hard to support his mother and brothers and sisters and must accept the charity of his employer after his father’s death. Widowed Tibby Oswald is having trouble making ends meet. Rich Jane Rishmore is trying to avoid marriage to the man her parents have chosen, but whom she loathes. As Jack and Emmy grow up they fall in love, but neither feels free to marry. Jack simply cannot afford it and Emmy has vowed not to bring her mother’s shame to any man. When her employer dies she moves in with her uncle and family, but her aunt ill-treats her, so she has to move away from Northby. Even then, the gentleman stalking her does not give up his pursuit. Jack cannot bear to live without Emmy and brings her back, but they must still face difficulties and dangers before they can find happiness together. less

Calico Road runs through a tiny Lancashire hamlet up on the edge of the moors, miles from anywhere. In 1827 its folk are an independent breed - and a thorn in the side of the vicious mill owner in the valley below. Toby Fletcher’s rich father has ignored his bastard son all his life, but just before his death the old man gives Toby the rambling old inn on Calico Road, an inn that hides many secrets... moreCalico Road runs through a tiny Lancashire hamlet up on the edge of the moors, miles from anywhere. In 1827 its folk are an independent breed - and a thorn in the side of the vicious mill owner in the valley below. Toby Fletcher’s rich father has ignored his bastard son all his life, but just before his death the old man gives Toby the rambling old inn on Calico Road, an inn that hides many secrets. Meg Staley grows up in Northby, but after the death of her father she gets married young to escape her mother’s cruel ways. She and her husband leave the town, Meg hopes for ever. When tragedy sends her back there to her family she works hard to build a new life, but after a second tragedy she runs away and takes to wandering the moors. Toby finds her up there one day, cold and starving, and brings her back to the inn. Together they start to find happiness, then danger threatens Toby and the people of Calico. Meg fights with them against an evil man. Will the two find a way to defeat him or will he once again use his power and money to wreak destruction on those who get in his way? less