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The Narrowboat Orphans
Dolly will do anything to protect her family on the canals of the West Country. But when poverty is pitted against wealth, can she succeed? And does she dare to dream of a happily ever after?
When a tragedy leaves Dolly and her siblings orphaned, she vows she will do whatever it takes to save them from the dreaded workhouse and keep them together.
Life takes an unexpected turn when they are rescued by an aunt and uncle she never knew they had.
But Verity and Bert live on a narrowboat, travelling the waterways of the West Country with their cargo, which means leaving behind everything they’ve ever known.
Not only that, but for reasons she doesn’t understand, her childhood friend, Joe suddenly turns against her as well.
Dolly and her siblings are swept into a new life on The River Maid. Where poverty is never far away, but family and friends stick together.
But she soon discovers that some people don’t look favourably on the canal folk.
Especially the arrogant and entitled Dominic Smallwood, who is set to become the master of Nailsbridge Mill, which Dolly and her family rely on for their meagre income.
Joe comes back into her life, and Dolly finds herself falling in love. However, Dominic has other ideas, and his jealousy triggers a terrifying sequence of events.
When Dolly discovers a shocking secret, she finds herself at the mercy of someone who is determined to make her stay quiet.
And when her family is put in danger, Joe and Dolly must risk everything to save the people they love…
The Narrowboat Orphans is a page-turning, heart-warming romance, full of gritty drama, courage, heartache, and hope, that will linger in your mind long after you finish it.
Another feel-good historical saga by Daisy Carter, the popular author of The Pit Girl’s Scandal, The Snow Orphan’s Destiny, and more. Fans of Dilly Court, Tania Crosse, and Catherine Cookson will adore this thrilling and unforgettable story.
When a tragedy leaves Dolly and her siblings orphaned, she vows she will do whatever it takes to save them from the dreaded workhouse and keep them together.
Life takes an unexpected turn when they are rescued by an aunt and uncle she never knew they had.
But Verity and Bert live on a narrowboat, travelling the waterways of the West Country with their cargo, which means leaving behind everything they’ve ever known.
Not only that, but for reasons she doesn’t understand, her childhood friend, Joe suddenly turns against her as well.
Dolly and her siblings are swept into a new life on The River Maid. Where poverty is never far away, but family and friends stick together.
But she soon discovers that some people don’t look favourably on the canal folk.
Especially the arrogant and entitled Dominic Smallwood, who is set to become the master of Nailsbridge Mill, which Dolly and her family rely on for their meagre income.
Joe comes back into her life, and Dolly finds herself falling in love. However, Dominic has other ideas, and his jealousy triggers a terrifying sequence of events.
When Dolly discovers a shocking secret, she finds herself at the mercy of someone who is determined to make her stay quiet.
And when her family is put in danger, Joe and Dolly must risk everything to save the people they love…
The Narrowboat Orphans is a page-turning, heart-warming romance, full of gritty drama, courage, heartache, and hope, that will linger in your mind long after you finish it.
Another feel-good historical saga by Daisy Carter, the popular author of The Pit Girl’s Scandal, The Snow Orphan’s Destiny, and more. Fans of Dilly Court, Tania Crosse, and Catherine Cookson will adore this thrilling and unforgettable story.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 17, 2023
the feel good factor
A lovely, old fashioned story, I enjoyed this so much, I read it in one sitting. The characters of the youngsters, growing from childhood friends to loving couples reminded me of my parents’ own love story, they met as teenagers & were together for life. My father was a coal miner, too, so that’s a common theme. Thank you.
A lovely, old fashioned story, I enjoyed this so much, I read it in one sitting. The characters of the youngsters, growing from childhood friends to loving couples reminded me of my parents’ own love story, they met as teenagers & were together for life. My father was a coal miner, too, so that’s a common theme. Thank you.
June 12, 2023
A enjoyable simple story about life on Narrowboats and interactions with rich mill owners and villagers. Nice characters and romantic story interwoven with hardship and villains. Not particularly long, so read very quickly.
April 5, 2024
An interesting story of narrowboats
I always enjoy family stories no matter whether blood or orphans. It's interesting to hear how families lived and earned their living on the narrowboats. People working together is heartwarming.
I always enjoy family stories no matter whether blood or orphans. It's interesting to hear how families lived and earned their living on the narrowboats. People working together is heartwarming.
March 31, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed
Loved this story from the beginning to end, would highly recommend, looking forward to the next one, not a rags to riches just a nice story where the scoundrel reaps his rewards. Don’t want to spoil it for others a must read.
Loved this story from the beginning to end, would highly recommend, looking forward to the next one, not a rags to riches just a nice story where the scoundrel reaps his rewards. Don’t want to spoil it for others a must read.
June 29, 2025
Fabulous story
From the very first page I've loved this book. Some sad times but also some happy one's. It's been great reading about the family. Thank you Daisy your books are amazing ❤
From the very first page I've loved this book. Some sad times but also some happy one's. It's been great reading about the family. Thank you Daisy your books are amazing ❤
June 2, 2023
What an amazing read, Dolly saves the day with Joe! I hope you have a follow up as it is a great story!!!……..
September 2, 2023
Good read
Pleasant Reading and enjoyed the sweet way it all turned out in the end and it didn't include violence and cruelty when I was expecting it may
Pleasant Reading and enjoyed the sweet way it all turned out in the end and it didn't include violence and cruelty when I was expecting it may
September 11, 2023
Loved this book. First time reader of this author.
It was a great little story.
It was a great little story.
March 6, 2024
orphans survive
Great read characters were all so interesting lovely story of hardships struggles and survival and eventually happiness couldn’t put down
Great read characters were all so interesting lovely story of hardships struggles and survival and eventually happiness couldn’t put down
September 11, 2024
life on a narrow boat, plus plenty of romance
I loved this book. All the characters came to life in their own various ways.
Happy ever after, that the best part. X
I loved this book. All the characters came to life in their own various ways.
Happy ever after, that the best part. X
March 10, 2025
A really good story about lives on the canal, great character's with mill owners and the people who went up and down the canals to earn a living.
June 29, 2025
The Narrowboat orphans
Another brilliant read , really intense but heartwarming story . Looking foward to book 2 . Would highly reccomend this book .
Another brilliant read , really intense but heartwarming story . Looking foward to book 2 . Would highly reccomend this book .
April 15, 2026
Enjoy this story as a different scene and ideas . Easy read .
October 24, 2026
This is the first book by this Author I have read, and won't be the last. I enjoy family sagas. and this is exactly what this book is. I thought it would be sad/hard to read, but whilst sad in parts, it was lovely. I usually read Christian Fiction books as I find the bad language off putting in secular books, but I'm so thankful that this was free of any bad language etc. I found the book really engrossing and the plot kept me reading. I am a bit disappointed though that the 2nd book doesn't run on from the first, but I will give it a go.
I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
May 27, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book, it really had me mesmerised
January 25, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading another one now from the same author.
July 26, 2023
Another great story , I couldn't put it down
May 26, 2023
This was a feel-good story about orphan siblings rescued from the workhouse by their estranged aunt and uncle. It is about their adventure on the narrowboats (London). I enjoyed the twists and turns and even the 'bad ' guy.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews