Born in the English Lake District in 1738, John Rigg, known as 'Moses' to his companions, is by 1762 a successful smuggler of graphite forcibly stolen from the royal wad mines near Keswick.

John's childhood sweetheart Elicia Salkeld lives near Ambleside, but they part in distressing circumstances. He is captured and transported, leaving untold secrets behind…

Eventually, John meets Arabella Tucker, a beautiful woman of mixed race and the mother of a mute son. She fills his life with love, only for it all to be taken away by cruel fate in the war with France.

Will a return to England, where betrayal awaits, bring peace to his tortured soul…?

Friends and lovers are woven into a story that celebrates the courage and resilience of the human spirit.

Chris Lane

Books