It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Riches to Rags

Riches to Rags

Summary

A moving and uplifting tale set in 1920s London, for fans of Downton Abbey, Dilly Court, and Lesley Pearse

November, 1929

Sixteen-year-old Eugenie Winford is looking forward to Christmas in her family's elegant Russell Square mansion. But shortly before the holidays her world is shattered when her father suddenly dies.

Destitute and desperate to escape the marriage her mother has arranged to save them, Eugenie runs away, changing her name and disguising herself as a servant.

Hiding in the rundown streets of Lambeth and struggling, like so many others, with poverty and hardship, she finds true kindness and even love.

Yet little does Eugenie know she is hunted by her greedy blood relations - and a young man who hopes to save her . . .

Who will find her first? And can she ever return to the life she had before, even if she wanted to?

Praise for Beryl Matthews:

'A heartwarming and uplifting tale' Daily Express

'Catherine Cookson fans will love this' Woman's Own

Previously published as A Change of Fortune

Reviews

  • Praise for Beryl Matthews
    -

About the author

Beryl Matthews

Beryl Matthews is the beloved and bestselling author of The Winter Child (previously The Open Door), The Orphan of Farthing Street (previously One Step at a Time), Her Mother's Daughter (previously A Time of Peace) and The Spitfire Sweetheart (previously Wings of the Morning).

She grew up in a family of avid readers and writes from experience. Amongst other jobs, she has worked at an aircraft factory and as a credit controller.

Beryl published her first book at the age of 71 after joining a writers' group and has since written over twenty novels. Her hobbies include travelling, swimming and golf, but writing is her first and foremost joy.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more