‘Blood Ties’ is a bittersweet, unmistakably romantic tale set in Bradford in the 1960’s. This is a very different offering to the first three in ‘The Tales of the Notorious Hudson Family’ series, namely that the Hudson’s do not make an appearance (though they are mentioned). The same gritty tone and background is evident, however the scurry of criminal feet remains at a distance, this is set around a working family, who run a pub. If you’ve read the first three in the series and loved to hate, or be astounded by certain members of the Hudson family, then you are in luck, as Irene, Kathleen’s step-mother is all too easy to dislike. Kathleen herself is 16, and this is her tale, love is just around the corner, but can love conquer all? The story just zips along, and with occasional smacks of grim reality, this is another readable (but not quite as feisty tale) from Julie Shaw. ~ Liz Robinson
Blood Ties Family is Not Always a Place of Safety Synopsis
Family is not always a place of safety. Kathleen was just eight years old when her mother was tragically killed in a car accident. And when her father remarries it is to the bitter and resentful Irene who has two children of her own and no space in her heart for another. Irene goes out of her way to make Kathleen's life as miserable as possible and will stop at nothing to get her out of their lives...When Kathleen is sixteen, a shocking incident rocks the family, and life takes a darker turn. Among this darkness, Kathleen finds a glimmer of hope in an older man, but Irene is ruthless in her mission to destroy her. Can Kathleen find happiness or is she destined for tragedy?
My name is Julie Shaw, and my father, Keith, is the only surviving member of the 13 Hudson siblings, born to Annie and Reggie Hudson on the infamous Canterbury Estate in Bradford. We were and are a very close family, even though there were so many of us, and those of us who are left always will be.
I wanted to write these stories as a tribute to my parents and family. The stories are all based on the truth but, as I’m sure you’ll understand, I’ve had to disguise some identities and facts to protect the innocent. Those of you who still live on the Canterbury Estate will appreciate the folklore that we all grew up with: the stories of our predecessors, good and bad, and the names that can still strike fear or respect into our hearts – the stories of the Canterbury Warriors.
