WHEN her family opened a dilapidated inn in 19th- century Hull, Bella's life was changed forever.
The reliable 13-year-old had to give up her dream of becoming a school mistress and forge a new future.
Bella's story is the creation of author Val Wood in her new book.
With the historical research she puts into each novel, it could almost be true.
"I do a lot of research but, fortunately, there are plenty of places in the area to go," Val said. "There is a huge amount of research available.
"Even though I am writing fiction, I have to get my facts right to make it believable to the reader."
Her new novel, The Innkeeper's Daughter, begins in Holderness.
Val loves the area and feels a deep connection with it.
She lived near the wild coastline for more than 40 years.
"I lived there for most of my married life," Val said.
"It's been an inspiration to see so many writers and artists.
"There is just something very special about it. I suppose, because I lived there, I get a special sensation from it."
The Innkeeper's Daughter is her 18th book.
Although Val's work focuses on regional history, she is always keen to incorporate the major events of the time.
"It was the time of the Crimean War and a time things were changing for women," she said.
"I do use real events, such as fishing tragedies in Hessle Road."
Bella has a brother who goes off to fight in the Crimean War, a three-year conflict with Russia that started in 1853.
Val's novels are all set in roughly the same period.
She enjoys writing about East Yorkshire's history in the changing times of the 1800s.
"I am happy with the 19th century," she said. "It is fixed, it happened. I like that aspect. It was so interesting. There were so many changes coming up."
A recurring feature of her novels is strong women.
As the century gathered pace, it brought rising demands for equality between the sexes.
"Things were happening for women. They had to fight for their rights," the author said.
"My women are always very strong. In all my books, the women have overcome difficulties in their lives. Even the ones who were not poor still did not have many rights."
Working on her computer, Val tends not to plan exhaustively before starting to write.
"I sit down and tell a story," she said. "My stories are character-led.
"I am not saying I have to go where they go, but sometimes, something will happen which becomes a cameo I can use."
There are personal elements in her latest book, which Val has been signing at East Yorkshire shops this month.
"Bella works in the Woodman Inn, which is a name I stole from West Yorkshire," she said. "My forebears used to run one there by that name.
"Occasionally, I use things that happened in my life, such as my grandparents being innkeepers – things like that can trigger off all sorts of ideas."
Val, who now lives in Beverley, has been a published author since 1993.
Her first book, The Hungry Tide, won the Catherine Cookson Prize for fiction.
"You can go for years and years without being published," she said. "Sometimes we all need a lucky break.
"You have to be very determined but it is the most fantastic thing to do."