Peter Rolls

Shadow of the Phoenix Peter Rolls

Joe Bradley is a self-made man and proud of it. Unlike most young men of his age, he is not called up for World War I. While he stays at home managing his factory and producing vital war supplies, he has the pick of the women in town. Mary, the lovely widow who works for him, steals his heart but his head steers toward Hannah, the daughter of a wealthy man. Joe has never been one to let his heart rule his head and chooses accordingly. It is the worst mistake of his life, while his businesses prosper, his home life is a sham. Mary survives the stigma of bearing Joe a son out of wedlock, carving out a useful life for herself, starting her own business and winning love and support when she goes into local government. Bolstered by his success in business, Joe also goes into politics, becoming eventually a Member of Parliament. His illegitimate son, grows into a personable young man who, having met his father socially, thinks that 'Mr. Bradley' is a wonderful man until he discovers the truth of his parentage. This threatens his relationship with Mary, his mother. Meanwhile, one very determined woman seeks to spoil Joe's plans, and will not rest until his business and political careers are shattered.