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With no one to rely on, she must make an unthinkable choice…

Mari Evans has always known life would be hard, but nothing could have prepared her for how quickly things would fall apart. First, the devastating news that her father has a second family – and chose them over her. Then the tragic accident in the pit that leaves her eldest brother unable to work.

It started as an off-hand joke, a comment by her brother. ‘Cut your hair, Mari. You could pass for a lad and work the pit in my place.’

But with cholera sweeping the village and hunger gnawing at their stomachs, it’s Mari’s only option. Disguised as a boy, she takes her brother’s place underground, risking everything to keep her family from ruin.

But danger isn’t only found in the harsh conditions of pit work. One wrong step could cost her the job, her safety – and even her life.

As whispers circulate and secrets threaten to surface, Mari must tread carefully. How far will one girl go to protect the people she loves?