“Alice is cast in the mold of a character created by an earlier Alcott, the passionate and spunky Jo March. A refreshingly old-fashioned heroine, she makes THE DARING LADIES OF LOWELL appealing” --The New York Times Book Review “Offers up a compelling slice of both feminist and Industrial Age history”-- Christian Science Monitor From the New York Times bestselling author of THE DRESSMAKER comes a moving historical novel about a bold young woman drawn to the looms of Lowell, Massachusetts--and to the one man with whom she has no business falling in love.   Eager to escape life on her family’s farm, Alice Barrow moves to Lowell in 1832 and throws herself into the hard work demanded of “the mill girls.”  In spite of the long hours, she discovers a vibrant new life and a true friend—a saucy, strong-willed girl name Lovey Cornell.   But conditions at the factory become increasingly dangerous, and Alice finds the courage to represent the workers and their grievances.  Although mill owner, Hiram Fiske, pays no heed, Alice attracts the attention of his eldest son, the handsome and reserved Samuel Fiske. Their mutual attraction is intense, tempting Alice to dream of a different future for herself.   This dream is shattered when Lovey is found strangled to death. A sensational trial follows, bringing all the unrest that’s brewing to the surface. Alice finds herself torn between her commitment to the girls in the mill and her blossoming relationship with Samuel.  Based on the actual murder of a mill girl and the subsequent trial in 1833, THE DARING LADIES OF LOWELL brilliantly captures a transitional moment in America’s history while also exploring the complex nature of love, loyalty, and the enduring power of friendship. Alcott (The Dressmaker, 2012) chooses another working-class girl as the heroine of her second historical novel. To Alice Barrow, a job at a textile mill in 1832 Lowell, Massachusetts, represents both an escape from her rural roots and a chance to forge an independent future. Although the hours are long and the work arduous, she enjoys the companionship of the mill girls and the opportunity to take advantage of the intellectual subculture of Lowell, including the mill’s literary magazine and lectures at the Lyceum. Alice’s common sense and intelligence attract the attention of Samuel Fiske, the mill owner’s son, who invites her to act as an emissary for her coworkers at a meeting with his family. However, when Alice’s best friend is found hanged, her burgeoning relationship with Samuel is threatened as his family withholds crucial evidence during the investigation. Set against an authentically detailed mill-town backdrop, this novel interweaves the ­industrial ­revolution, feminism, and workers’ rights into an engrossing narrative with a love story at its core. --Margaret Flanagan Praise for THE DARING LADIES OF LOWELL “Offers up a compelling slice of both feminist and Industrial Age history”  -- Christian Science Monitor “Alice is cast in the mold of a character created by an earlier Alcott, the passionate and spunky Jo March. A refreshingly old-fashioned heroine, she makes THE DARING LADIES OF LOWELL appealing to girls of all ages” --The New York Times Book Review " Both inspiring and thought-provoking . Ms. Alcott’s interweaving themes of strength, courage, love, loss and betrayal will keep the reader captivated for hours" -- Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star "The storytelling is lively.” -- The New York Times    “A riveting historical novel… In this book, and in real life, there's no story--or change--if people don't push the boundaries of what is acceptable, or give voice to uncomfortable truths.” – Huffington Post “Alcott draws from dramatic events indelibly etched in history and offers a fresh perspective…. Alcott's work will attract historical romance fans who will be entertained by the antics of the daring ladies who leave everything they know and embrace less-than-ideal conditions to gain their freedom.” -- Library Journal , starred review   “Alcott draws on a real-life trial to lend authenticity to her romantic story….the book will illuminate and satisfy.” -- Publishers Weekly   “This spirited story of young working women making hard choices has a compelling core” -- Kirkus Reviews "Set against an authentically detailed mill-town backdrop, this novel interweaves the industrial ­revolution, feminism, and workers’ rights into an engrossing narrative with a love story at its core." --Booklist  "Rendered in vivid, authentic period detail,  The Daring Ladies of Lowell  is a suspenseful, compelling tale of courageous young women fighting for justice—and sometimes their very lives—in the cotton mills of mid-nineteenth century Massachusetts." —Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker    “Set during the turbulent days of America’s industrial revolution, The Daring Ladies of Lowell captures the spirit and courage