<p><b>Set deep in the Yorkshire Dales, Diane Allen’s <i>A Child of the Dales</i> is a sweeping novel of family, deceit, separation and love.</b><br><br>Abandoned as a baby on the steps of a remote inn, Ruby Blake has been raised by the innkeeper’s wife, Martha Metcalfe, unknowing of the family searching for her. One wild stormy night, Ruby is reunited with her long-lost father, who wants to whisk her away to Banksgill Farm for a happy life with her true family. Feeling betrayed by Martha, Ruby follows her father for the chance of a new life.<br><br>However, for her Romani heritage, Ruby is quickly outcast from her real family by everyone – everyone except the charming stable hand, Tom Adams.<br><br>Struck with loneliness in a village of people who find ways to make her miserable, she seeks friendship and love in Tom. As their relationship blossoms, Ruby is faced with the temptations of a han
