The Homecoming — Elizabeth Gill

Born to a mother who died in childbirth, and to a father who could never truly love him, Niall McAndrew grows up a solitary child. His only friend is Bridget, a young girl forced prematurely into womanhood, who takes him under her wing and demands his lifelong devotion. Niall has brains, spirit and ambition, as well as devastating good looks. He becomes famous throughout the Newscastle area by befriending powerful mine-owner Aulay Redpath-and his beautiful daughter Caitlin-but his loveless childhood has left its mark and he strives to find the personal happiness he yearns for.