The Bondage of Love — Catherine Cookson

Years ago Bill Bailey had met and married Fiona, a young widow with her own family. The Baileys made their home in the Tyneside town of Fellburn, where Bill's business prospered. When one of Fiona's children, Willie, acquired a new friend, the wayward Sammy Love, Sammy and his father Davey were, in various ways, able to enhance the lives and fortunes of the Baileys.

Now with Davey dead there were new challenges to face. It had been agreed that Sammy would live with them -- but would this formidable lad with his colourful language fit in as a fully-fledged member of the Bailey family? As for Fiona, it was she who bore the brunt of the arguments and disagreements that were an inevitable part of life in the Bailey household. Whatever life had in store, however, she knew she could always rely on Bill, that rock of a man with a rough tongue but a heart of gold.