The Constant Heart

Eighteen-year-old Rosina May faces hardship after her father's death and a broken promise from her fiancé, Harry. As she navigates life on the Thames, she must choose between love and survival. The Constant Heart explores her journey.

In The Constant Heart, set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century London, we follow the journey of eighteen-year-old Rosina May, who lives along the Thames, surrounded by its noise, disease, and filth. Despite these challenges, Rosina has led a relatively comfortable life. However, her world is turned upside down when her father's feud with a fellow bargeman threatens their future. In a bid to protect her family, Rosina reluctantly agrees to marry Harry, the son of a wealthy merchant, believing it to be the solution to their troubles.

As Rosina navigates her new reality, she encounters a captivating river pirate who ignites her imagination and stirs her heart. This chance meeting complicates her feelings as she grapples with her impending marriage to Harry. Tragedy strikes when her father dies, leaving Rosina vulnerable and alone. In a cruel twist of fate, Harry breaks his promise and casts her out onto the streets, forcing her to fend for herself by working the river, ferrying refuse out of London and enduring a life of hardship.

Despite her struggles, Rosina remains haunted by thoughts of the pirate, and as new challenges arise, she faces a pivotal decision. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience as Rosina must decide whether she is willing to risk everything for the chance at true love. With rich historical detail and emotional depth, The Constant Heart captures the essence of a young woman's fight for her future amidst the trials of life.