Sapphire

Sophie and Kelsey are sisters who have always relied on each other. When their mum is diagnosed with cancer and their dad does not step in to help, the girls are placed in the care system. Sophie believes they will be fine as long as she is there to protect her younger sister.

Then Kelsey is placed with a foster family that cannot take Sophie as well. Left behind in an unsafe home, Sophie is forced to do things against her will. Moving in with a foster family of her own brings relief, but it does not last, because her new foster parents betray her trust.

With nowhere left to turn, Sophie ends up homeless. She finds a new street family and joins the working girls, and her new identity as Sapphire takes hold. Life on the streets is hard, and many of the people around her try to take advantage. The hope of finding Kelsey again may be what keeps her going.

Sapphire is part of a series by Heather Burnside, which the publisher recommends to fans of Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole.