The Umbrella Lady - V.C. Andrews

Saffron Faith Anders is certain her father will return shortly.  Hours later, still left on the train platform in some small village, the eight-year-old clings to her suitcase like a life raft.  When a peculiar old woman approaches, Saffron is cautious, but exhaustion has her agreeing to rest at the woman's house while she awaits her father.

Confined to the strange house, Saffron will undergo months-and then years-of transformation at the hands of the Umbrella Lady.  Saffron's hair is cut to the root.  The clothes in her suitcase are destroyed.  No visitors are allowed.

When letters arrive from Saffron's father-saying he has started a new family and will send for her soon-hope returns to her heart.  Still, as all children in the world of V.C. Andres learn, those who claim to care for you most will often hurt you the worst.....