Beyond the Shining Water — Audrey Howard

Set in the slums of 19th-century Liverpool, this novel tells the story of a girl's journey from riches to rags.

Lily Elliott is not so much spoiled as loved -- petted and indulged by her adored Ma and Pa, dreaming of the day when she will be captain of Pa's ship, the Lily-Jane of Liverpool. Until the day comes, however, when news arrives that Richard Elliott is dead. As her mother sinks into a dream world and the money that had always seemed sufficient turns out to have been mostly debts, Lily watches bewildered as her safe, happy world falls apart...

Lily watches, bewildered, as destitution comes ever closer for the Elliott women and their loyal housekeeper. Then two rescuers appear. One is the most unlikely saviour: Liam O'Connor, a poor seaman who selflessly befriends the unhappy little girl. The other is Joshua Crowther, the wealthy owner of Oakwood Place, a grand country mansion where the desperate women finally find refuge.