The Last Orphan

Amherst Island #6

by Kate Hewitt

If these children could heal, shouldn’t Rosie be able to as well? What made her grief so strong that it kept her from trying again, from learning to live, to really live, and to love once more?

1945, England : When Rosie Lyman travels to the Lake District as a volunteer to help children rescued from the horror of the concentration camps after the Second World War, she hopes that by caring for the young orphans, she can distract herself from the loss of the man she loves and her beloved daughter.

From the moment the children arrive, Rosie is rushed off her feet as she welcomes the new arrivals. But when she notices one particularly quiet girl, who has isolated herself from the other children, Rosie senses a wealth of sadness inside Frieda similar to her own and becomes determined to help her.

As she struggles to connect with the young girl, Rosie meets one of the adults traveling with the children, Leon Rosenblat . And although they don’t always see eye to eye, as they begin to care for the orphans, Rosie senses a warmth within him, and soon finds herself thinking about his kind smile, dark hair and glittering brown eyes…

But as time passes, Rosie finds her own grief harder to contain. And as she watches Frieda and the other children begin to heal, she realises she must face her own heartbreak and loss. Is Rosie brave enough to share her story? And, if she is, will she finally be able to trust her heart once more?

The sixth novel in the unmissable page-turning Amherst Island series, set after the Second World War in England, this unputdownable and truly gripping read is perfect for fans of The Orphan Sisters and My Name is Eva.

Readers love Kate Hewitt’s Amherst Island

“ An incredible book … I didn’t want to stop reading … I fell in love with the island and everyone there. It’s been ages since a book spoke to me as much … It reminds me of the Anne of Green Gables books… or Little House on the Prairie . I cried like a baby several times … One of the best stories I have read .” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“ Simply amazing … Hewitt paints such a vivid picture… I found myself reading it slowly so I could savor everything … I didn’t want the story to end… If you love a sweeping historical fiction story with a character you can’t help but love, then you definitely will want to start this wonderfully amazing series .” Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“ Phenomenal … The descriptions of the landscape and the island are so real … This inspirational historical fiction is a must read .” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“ A tearjerker! The storytelling is wonderful and draws you in . I cried buckets! ” Karen_loves_reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This book was sad, happy, and so well written . I could picture the beautiful island, I could feel the emotions and yes, at one point I cried . I really enjoyed reading this.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“ Omg I love this series. I seriously inhaled the book.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This book had me turning the pages so fast to see what would happen with Ellen and those that she loves so much… I cannot wait until I can read the next book.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Amazing… This engrossing page-turner will have you cheering Ellen on and grabbing for the tissues . [She] will feel like a best friend and a sister… This was a great read .” PageTurners Blog ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I’ve fallen hard for Ellen and her world… I loved every word of this .” The Book Lovers Boudoir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Historical Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2023

About the author

Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.

She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

England in 1945 was still suffering from rationing, there were many people who'd lost loved ones during the war, who were grieving, and Rosie Lyman was one of those people. Her young man had been killed, and their baby girl had died, never to take a breath. Rosie was consumed with sadness, and hoped that caring for orphaned Polish children who'd suffered so much at the camps would help her heal, as she helped them heal. Three hundred children from very young to fifteen and sixteen years old arrived at the home in the Lake District, and at the start they were terrified of what was happening.

Gradually the children settled into a routine, with the adults who'd come with them to prepare, and care for them, many of them also having been incarcerated at the camps. Going for walks, working on art, a calming and soothing restorative, even going to the cinema - the children responded to it all in a positive manner. But one young girl, around twelve years old, Frieda, kept to herself, didn't make friends. Rosie was determined to help her, and her story was a shocking one. One of the adults, Leon Rosenblat, also felt for Frieda. Could they help her forget her terrible memories? Leon's kindness and caring nature was a balm to them all.

The Last Orphan is the 6th in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not sure if it's the final book, but it feels like it might be. The setting of the Lake District was beautiful, the characters very special. But I loved the return to Amherst Island, a place in Canada on Lake Ontario, which took me back to the earlier books. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Orphan gives us insight into what went on after the war with the Jewish orphans who have been displaced.
A story of survival through adversities.
As always, Kate Hewitt writes a compelling and passionate story
Though The Last Orphan is part of a series, can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good to be back with Rosie as she helps to chaperone the children from the concentration camps. It's hard not to have your heart broken at the atrocities that were committed to the people at the Nazi camps. The additional characters of Frieda and Leon were so special as well.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Debra Sinkula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last orphan

Loved the WW2 history. The author Kate Hewitt spins a good story. I read all six books in the series.

[GREGORY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 6th book in the series and at the request of my wife I read it as well in between my own reading interests. As in the previous 5 books in the series she found this one just terrific and hard to put down. Although I read them it was a kind of speed reading and I am not a speed reader if you know what I mean. I did cover enough of this story like the others to confirm once again, Hewitt knows how to capture her readers' interests. She did build up to the climax of this one slower than the others for my liking, I almost gave it up halfway through. But for the 6th time she eventually brought it to a 6 book grand conclusion almost bringing tears to one's eyes (not mine), and not leaving any delayed excitement for the next book, of which there is naught. No woman should hesitate to read this author, her writing is very good, she tells great stories.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

the war is over but for some its still a struggle

rosie lyman is herself suffering and hopes that with her volunteering to help with the jewish children re-home or settle them that it will somehow help her

this is a lovely story of hope and what can happen if you wish hard enough for it..... those children suffered so much in those concentration camps and rosie was witnessessing all the pain and suffering and above it all healing

but will it be enough for her

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted storyteller Kate Hewitt stuns her readers once again with her latest engrossing historical novel, The Last Orphan.

After enduring a heart-breaking loss, Rosie had travelled to the Lake District where she had volunteered to help children rescued from the atrocities of the concentration camps. Being there for these children is the distraction Rosie needs to keep her from thinking about her own grief and despair. Among the group of children she is helping, Rosie has noticed a young girl who is shy, withdrawn and who seems to keep herself to herself and everyone else at bay. What has poor Frieda been through in her young life? And will Rosie be able to get through to her?

Leon Rosenblatt is travelling with the children and although him and Rosie do not always see eye to eye, he wants to do everything he possibly can for his young charges. Romance is the very last thing on his mind, but as he begins to grow closer to Rosie he wonders whether she could be a small chink of light in a world that has recently been marred by uncertainty and despair.

As the children begin to heal, Rosie realises that her grief is still all consuming and overwhelming. If Rosie wants to move forward with her life, she first needs to share her story, let down the barriers she had built around herself and learn to trust. But is she strong enough to do this? Or is she about to squander this second chance at happiness?

Kate Hewitt never lets her readers down and The Last Orphan is a wonderfully moving, beautifully written and poignant historical novel that will have readers reaching for the tissues. Sure to tug at every reader’s heartstrings, The Last Orphan is an emotional, hopeful and captivating page-turner from a writer of extraordinary talent: Kate Hewitt.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

England, 1945: Rosie Lyman has a heart to help the children rescued from the concentration camps after the War. She is a volunteer helping at an orphanage in the Lake District. Rosie has lost so much in her life, her daughter and the man she loves. There are so many children that need her help, her love and attention. Leon Rosenblat arrives with so many orphan children in need, Rosie can’t help but notice one in particular, Frieda. She is one of the many Polish Jewish children that has been rescued and is seeking help at Rosie’s orphanage. She is withdrawn and Rosie’s heart goes out to her. She is determined to help Frieda no matter the cost. Rosie and Leon spend a lot of time together helping the orphans through such a horrible time in their life. Rosie and Leon make it their mission to restore the lives of the orphans and give them hope.

The Last Orphan by author Kate Hewitt is book six in the Amherst Island Series. This story is one of reliance, strength, and hope. It was a wonderful addition to such a phenomenal series. I cried many times as I flipped through each page. This heartbreaking story is one that is sure to remain in my heart. This was a story of brokenness, resilience, strength and courage, while relying on those around you for love and encouragement. I loved everything about this unforgettable series and it is one that I will continue to recommend again and again.

[Samadhee Ismail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional and heartbreaking story set after the WWII in England.

Although I have read Kate Hewitts' books before, Amherst Island series, this is the first book I have read from this series. The story starts off with Rosie Lyman who travels to Lake District as a volunteer to help the children who were survivors of Nazi concentration camps. While working as a volunteer, she meets a young girl named Freida, who seemed to be suspicious and distrustful of everyone including Rosie. Rosie soon eventually gain the trust of Freida. She also has to work with Leon Rosenthal and initially, they didn't see eye to eye but eventually Rosie starts developing romantic feelings towards Leon...

I like Kate's style of writing--it was engaging and she knows how to make the reader feel like they are a part of the story. The emotions that are described in the book, the things that children would have gone through while at the Nazi concentration camps were all too real and sad to read. I do like how Rosie and Freida eventually learn to trust each other and I really like Freida's character. There were certain parts of the story that will make you feel emotional and heartbreaking particularly when hearing Rosie's story but nonetheless, this book was an enjoyable read and readers will really love reading the books--worth five stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars of awesomeness. The Last Orphan is different from my usual WW2 historical fiction. The Last Orphan explores the aftermath of the war and the child survivors of the camps. I have read so many books about the war itself, but I am embarrassed to admit that I haven't read much on what happened after the treaty was signed. I have done the victims a disservice.

In The Last Orphan 300 child survivors are brought an estate in England. The goal was to find a surviving family member to take each child. If that wasn't possible, then adoption was the next solution. Of course, Jewish parents were what was wanted.

Rosie, one of the volunteers, didn't qualify. She wasn't Jewish. Over a period of months she became close to Frieda, a twelve year old that chose isolation among a room filled with children being children. It took months to knockdown Frieda's walls. During that time the author shows the reader some of what the children had survived. More importantly, I was shown the challenges they faced daily and the nightmares that haunted them.

I can't thank the author enough for reminding me that the war did not end with the signing of the treaty. The survivors battled every minute to get through each day. After all the tears I shed while reading it was nice to have the story end with Frieda finding her happy place.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie's story

For those who have read the Amherst Island series, we've watched Rosie grow up. Now she is 23 years old, through with her service in the CWAC's, and temporarily helping out at an orphan's refuge in the Lake District. Rosie has been through so much loss in the past short amount of time, Thomas, her love, being killed in the war and then losing their unborn daughter. Caring for the children is a balm for her soul, especially after she meets young Frieda.

Frieda is one of many Polish Jewish children, rescued from the camps after the war, but now left homeless and without families. They've all watched horrible atrocities take place, and they live with constant nightmares of their time in the camps. Frieda, like many, are very guarded with her emotions, not wanting to let anyone in. Little by little, a bond a formed between Rose and Frieda, later bringing in Leon, a man who also survived the camp.

This was a book of survival, resilence, pain, heartbreak and love. I think it is probably the last book in this series, wrapping up all the loose ends and closing Rosie's story. I enjoyed this book and the series, recommend!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LAST ORPHAN is the latest novel in the Amherst Island series by KATE HEWITT, but it can easily stand alone. I have read the whole series and have enjoyed each book immensely, but this one is my absolute favourite! The author has given us a beautiful story of restoration and love in the midst of the horrific after effects of WW11. It is heart wrenching to see the effects that Nazi brutality has had on these children who survived the camps, whilst losing everything, but it is also heart warming to see how they respond to the loving care they receive at Calgarth Estate in Windermere.
Rosie Lyman has her own great sorrow - it is truly a case of “broken calls to broken” as she works among the children and forms close relationships with twelve year old Frieda and fellow helper Leon Rosenblat……
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I found The Last Orphan profoundly thought provoking and inspirational and cannot recommend the novel highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Orphan (Amherst Island Book 6) begins about where book five ends. Kate Hewitt’s next installment is still Rosie Lyman’s story of helping with Jewish children rescued and sent to England in 1945. Rosie is still recovering from her own grief, but the children’s needs come first. As the story continued bits and pieces of the horrifying, shocking truth of the concentration camps comes out. Heartbreaking but also inspiring as the children began to heal, showing resiliency that is to be admired.

As the story progresses Rosie stays busy, makes friends and even slowly sees a future. However, twist and a huge surprise comes Rosie’s way. I was not expecting it at all so was as surprised and shock as Rosie. Very emotional, realistic story of the aftermath of war on people.

I loved the epilogue with a return to the beginning, Amherst Island. Now I am hoping that another story will find Rosie and family doing exactly as they dream at the conclusion.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brooklyn ملكة · Rating 3 out of 5]

**2.5/5 stars rounded up**

I tried my very best to give this novel as many chances to grab my attention as possible, but it just never happened. The story line is okay and fairly easy to follow. Rosies is working with an organization to temporarily foster children who were displaced coming from various camps following WWII. Rosies grows fond of a distant young girl, Frieda, who seems to want nothing to do with anyone. The relationship between Rosie and Freida begins to develop, as well as other relationships that Rosie would not have excepted.

I found certain parts of the book to be very repetitive and not worth mentioning, as well as the ending seemingly rushed and thrown together. I am not familiar with all of the other novels in the series, but enough was mentioned throughout this book that I did not feel like I was missing any key information for the storyline.

I may give one of Hewitt's other series a try, as I did not grow very find of Rosie.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting (im)patiently for The Last Orphan (Book 6 of the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt and oh my gosh, it was worth the wait! Rosie has gone to the Lake District to help the Jewish children rescued from war-torn countries in 1945. She will only be there for a few months as that is all they could get funding for. The beautiful Lake District setting is just what the children - and Rosie - need to help them heal after the suffering they've endured. When the children arrived at the centre, they were accompanied by some adults who stayed to help look after them. One of these songs is Leon who was also a refugee. Rosie begins to feel a connection with one of the young people and wants to do all she can go help. When Leon realises this, he also does all he can.

Can Rosie succeed in mending her broken heart by getting closer to Leon and help Frieda too? I do hope there's more to the Amherst Island series but I fear this may have been the last. Let's hope I'm wrong!!

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this whole series has been a real joy for me. Not always easy, but still, an incredible series of stories, all linked by Amherst Island. This particular one I think was even more special because it was set AFTER the events of WWII, when people are trying to put their lives back together, a period of history that not many books tackle.

Rosie is a volunteer working with children who have survived concentration camps. Obviously, these children have seen and done things that the average child has not. Rosie has been through trauma as well, so she finds herself drawn to one particular little girl, Frieda. She also butts heads with Leon.

As the story unfurls, we discover a little more about what both Frieda and Leon have gone through. And Rosie's reaction to it.

Beautiful storytelling, very emotional at times.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this novel. Though well written and interesting historically speaking , I felt Rosie's own problems were overwhelming. I couldn't really relate to her (as I did in the previous novel), she was for me rather whining too much. I disliked that because I could not but compare her with the children (she wanted to help) had survived extremely traumatic experiences in concentration camps. They were not complaining!!!! The storyline just didn't work for me. Halfway through the novel, I could guess the conclusion which I don't want while having still half of the book to read.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

In THE LAST ORPHAN, Rosie Lyman heads to the Lake District in the UK after suffering a terrible loss in order to help care for children who have been rescued from the concentration camps in WW2. Rosie is in a bad place after the death of the serviceman she loved and the loss of her child, but these children have lost everyone they knew. Rosie quickly finds ways to help them, especially Frieda, a girl who pushes everyone else away. I loved the way this series came full circle, with Rosie’s mother Ellen Copley as an orphan coming over from Ireland in book one at the start of the series, and Frieda and the other children as orphans at the end in this book. (Of course I always hope there will be more books in this series, but this seemed like a lovely place to close the series if it does end here.) 4/5 stars.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Emotional Read

I can't even begin to imagine what the men, women, and children who were in the concentration camps experienced. Oh, I've read many books, but, they can't even do justice to the emotional, psychological, and physical effects they endured. It was such a nice idea to have the kids all go to an estate for many months where they could decompress and get acclimated back into the world. It is here where we meet our main characters.
This story was well written and researched. You could really tell that it was important to the author, that we understand as much as we could, what these souls went through. Great story!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book in this series and loved them all. They center around women who do what they feel is needed for their country during wartime even if their families don’t agree. The Last Orphan is the story of children after the camps are liberated. They are sent to an estate where volunteers help them reunite with their families.
I loved all the characters. The author does a wonderful job of bringing them to life. This is the 6th book in the series but each book can be read as a standalone.

[Gill Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of the healing power of love and the way nature can restore and inspire. I was completely invested in Rosie and Frieda, the terrible suffering they both endured and the heartwarming message that broken people can reach out to each other and bring mutual joy. Kate Hewitt is a compassionate writer with a talent for drawing readers in and leaving them a lasting memory of hope. A wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Mary n. escarcega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

I certainly did enjoy reading this series. I started this series because they werefree. I have been buying kindle. Book s since 2008, I am 83. June 17 I opened my tablet and all my books were gone...I have not been able to retrieve them. So I will only read free book. Thank you for the many hours I enjoyed reading your books, they are truly inspiring. M escarcega

[Nisha Mathias castelino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Orphan is the sixth book in the Amherst Island series and my first by this author. This book can be read as a standalone.

I loved everything about this book. From the cover to the premise and its execution, the characters and the author's ability to showcase the struggles of three very different people trying to put their lives back together and find love and a sense of belonging among themselves after WWII.

I highly recommend this powerful tale of healing and transformation. Thank you @bookouture for having me on the #booksontour and @netgalley for the digital ARC to read and review.

[Sherri Morris]

Ok but not enough

This set of stories were interesting. I've now read all 6 of them. The stories didn't feel complete, as though parts were skipped over. Her father was simply written off in a sentence, and Ellen's house in Scotland with her friends living in it were completely ignored except for a few sentences.
Good story, not enough to recommend.

[James Sweikert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Continuation

I enjoyed this cont inuation of the Orphan saga as I did the previous books. I was always interested in the history of WWII, but don’t recall learning the fate of all the Jewish people after being liberated from the camps. Now I know about some of the children at least. Thank you!

[Kim Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

I've loved this series so much from Ellen as a young girl all the way through her day, Rosie, as a young woman. Shedding light on the aftermath of the 2nd world War was both sad and triumphant in the stories of these survivors. I have felt like I am a part of the Lyman family. I'm looking forward to starting my next Kate Hewitt series.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author never fails to write an outstanding book. This is a story of survival, disappointment, and love. I can not imagine sending my child to live in another country without me. Many parents made that decision. The Jewish parents in this book were faced with an impossible decision. This story will pull at your heart strings.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book!

Rosie has been stationed in England during WWII and afterward she went to volunteer at an estate in the UK for orphaned Jewish children who survived the unspeakable horrors of concentration camps.
This was a wonderful book and fantastic series!

[William · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous rhetoric

Stopped reading on page nine. Too much repetition. Too much second guessing. Hate it when the author can't write a story and feels like they have to repeat themselves over and over just to fill the pages.

[Alyson Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely last book in the series!! Sad for it to end but a wonderful, hope filled series about a family. This book ends with world war 2 and some of the aftermath and lives it forever changed. Wonderful little read.