Footsteps in the Past - The Secret

Following on from 'Footsteps in the Past', 'The Secret' takes the main characters, Jane and John, 41 years on from the Pottery Riots of 1842.  There is a mining disaster at Lillydale Colliery, Stoke, in which their son is involved.  While nursing John back to health after his attempt to rescue their son, Jane reminisces what has happened over the past 41 years.  Her stories unravel, while desperately awaiting news if their son is still alive or not.  These include the coming of the railway and her work at the appalling workhouse hospital - leading to the gradual improvement of hospitals and hygiene plus the introduction of trained nurses.  The book also references the introduction of unions and widows' aid.

Through paranormal experiences, Jane's secret is eventually enlightened to John - something he would not believe at first, and which led to years of separation.

The book concentrates on the small area surrounding Werrington, Staffordshire - a microcosm of life at the time - and brings in characters, who actually existed.  The historical events are accurate.