The Invisible Cord — Catherine Cookson

It was a white wedding, but it was not a love match. Annie Cooper married Georgie McCabe for one reason only: she was expecting his child. Georgie might not be all that bright, but he was a hard worker; and as time went by, the family prospered. Four children were born to Annie, but it was the first who held her heart in the hollow of his hand.

From early childhood, Rance was a problem. There were traits in his character hard to excuse or understand, but whatever trouble he got into, Annie at least would forgive him. He only had to look at her in a certain way, and she was undone. Mother and son were bound together by an invisible cord; invisible, yet strong enough to become a noose for both of them ...