The Bad Penny

by Lindsey Hutchinson

When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn’t hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story? Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with. Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn’t willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is. Jared and Clarice have one thing in common – they are survivors – and in Queen Victoria’s Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn’t everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined… Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. What readers are saying about Lindsey ‘I have read most if not all of Lindsey Hutchinson’s books having read a lot of her mother’s as well. She is a super storyteller and seems to be able to write about a multitude of subjects and obviously does a lot of research into her books.’ ‘I loved this book, such a heart-warming read to the end.’ ‘The Ragged Orphan was a consuming read that brought history to life under the masterful pen of Lindsey Hutchinson.’ ‘This book will make you cry in places and laugh in others and like me once you finish a chapter you will want to just hurry on to the next chapter to discover more about Jared and the other characters.’ ‘Such a cosy book that is gently and easy to read but will keep you wanting to go back to it.’ ‘Absolutely loved it I couldn't put it down great story great characters ad tears in my eyes at times really enjoyed it.’

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

Reviews

[Booklover BEV]

Birmingham 1894.
Her life can turn on the toss of a coin.

Jared Johnson manager at the rag and bone yard, McGuire, hears a scream a man is beating his own daughter and saves her, Clarice Connaught a dark haired beauty, after afternoon tea he believes in love at first sight.
But Clarice wants more than love that a man can offer and find a new more comfortable life away from her father, becoming Clara Christian she get greed from casino's but she is a bad penny and nothing last forever.
Jared has moved on with his life and is happy in his life and work.

This book was superb, gripping, heart breaking. I love these two characters in their own role right up to the ending, but I certainly wouldn't like to cross Clarice, she is one psycho woman that wont stop at nothing to get revenge.
readers are going to love this read and it's is one of my favourites from this author.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared and Clarice meet by chance one day. Each follow different paths and make different choices. It’s an easy to read book. I liked Jared and felt nothing for Clarice.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bad Penny is the second book I’ve read by this author and yet again it’s one that completely hooked me from the very first chapter. This book is a follow up to The Ragged Orphan but it can 100% be read as a stand-alone. After reading the blurb for this one I thought it would be a nice romantic type of read but no this was way more than that. It was so nice to be back with Jared and his friends and discovering how life is for them all. Then in this book we are introduced to Clarice who seems to be having a difficult time with her father and Jared is determined to help this poor young lady. There is so much happening in this book that every single chapter is an absolute page turner. Lindsey Hutchinson is such a wonderful story teller as she reels you right in from the very first chapter.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life can turn on the toss of a coin...

Birmingham 1894: We meet up with Jared Johnson once again as he manages Toby Maguire's Rag and Bone yard, this time not as a ragged orphan, but an established man of means and dreams. When he hears the screams of a young girl being beaten by her father, Jared immediately comes to her rescue of this damsel in distress. He offers her to afternoon tea and to take her on as a housekeeper to keep her away from her father's mean drunken fists. But Clarice has other ideas. Grander ideas. And they won't be found with Jared Johnson.

Clarice Connaught is the only child of John and Jenny, her mother having died of pneumonia after the death of a baby she tried birthing. Since then she has had to skivvy and keep house for her and her father while he works hard to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. At 19, John feels it's long past time Clarice got herself a job to help bring in another wage. That, or finds herself a husband. But again, Clarice has other ideas. None of which mean lifting a finger or become a man's skivvy.

As soon as Jared saw Clarice he was taken in by her beauty...and the stories she told him about her life at home. He worried for her and her safety and stopped by the next day to check on her. As he turned to leave, he was disheartened to see that she did not wait to see him off but had rather closed the door. Jared thought it was love at first sight...until he met Rose. Then life changes considerably as he finds love and secures his place in the world.

Wanting more than love and a life of skivvying, Clarice packs a few belongings and with the housekeeping money flees to find greener pastures. She wants a more comfortable life, a grander life. She wants money and status and all the things those have to offer which she won't find around here. And so she becomes Clara Christian and meets Clifford St John who introduces her to casinos. There she plays the hand she knows best - cards - and wins handsomely. Her appetite whet, she craves the tables and the winnings she collects from them, building her wealth and therefore able to keep herself in the luxuries to which she has grown accustomed. But like a bad penny, nothing lasts forever...

What a delightful read THE BAD PENNY is! I was so thrilled to revisit Jared and his friends at Maguire's once again. Though mostly feel good throughout, there is an emotional event that is both heartbreaking and lifechanging for Jared and everyone else. I love how they all band together like one big family. The two stories of Jared and Clarice are woven together nicely while two separate threads they still entwined on the fringes. As much of a bad penny Clarice was, I was actually please with her outcome despite the circumstances. And as for Jared? I'd love to see more of him, Rose and their friends.

As usual, Lindsey Hutchinson has woven another delightful tale that is worthy of 5 stars. It is an exceptionally easy and quick read easily devoured in one sitting.

I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheBadPenny in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love historical fiction. I was thrilled that this was available to read.

I didn't realize that I read a previous book with the same characters. You could read this as a stand alone but I recommend that you read The Ragged Orphan first.

I really enjoyed the story. What wonderful characters! I came to love Jared, Alice, Tobey and Sam. They were family even though they were not blood related.

I hated the idea of any of them being hurt. I held my breath until the very end. I won't give anything away but WOW!


The Bad Penny
If you're born with nothing you have to make your own luck.

When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn’t hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story?
Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.

Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn’t willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is.
Jared and Clarice have one thing in common – they are survivors – and in Queen Victoria’s Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn’t everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined…
Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheBadPennysocial

Author Bio –
Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.

Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Linds...
Twitter https://twitter.com/LHutchAuthor
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LindseyHutchinsonNews


#rararesources
#blog tour
#LindseyHutchinson

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s some time since I have reviewed historical fiction and come across a Lindsey Hutchinson novel, and I was excited when it was offered as a review title. I knew I loved the story as soon as I started the novel. Clarice and Jared meet quite by chance and it’s not in good circumstances. I liked how concerned he was for her well-being. But is her story of why she was so vulnerable really true? Is her father really the bad person she makes him out to be?

The atmosphere of the time and everyone’s ups and downs in life are very well shown and I was immersed in the book, thanks to the plot and

The backstory for each character was expertly weaved in. I was torn over what to feel for Clarice: I believed what she went through at first, then I had my doubts. The way Lindsey Hutchinson made me feel this was vey well done. I was angry at her father then felt for him.

Clarice is illiterate but very astute, and I did not like Clifford. She wove her way into his life to get what she wanted and this was also well shown by the author.

I wanted Jared and Clarice to be together, and felt for Jared as his thoughts don’t stray from Clarice, even as he gets on with his life. I was glad Jared had friends. I liked how they supported him and was sad for Sam and his mother’s death,

The Lucky Penny is an amazing journey of resilience through hardship, the ups and downs of life and finding support and moving on as well as you can.There are people who have different life realities

Jared’s commitment to Clarice and finding her again, is admirable yet heartbreaking and his priority is always her welfare. I was really nervous waiting to see if they would see each other again.

Then I agreed with Judith that he’d be better off with someone else. I loved how he feet Rose and the constant support of his friends whatever happened in life.

Lindsey Hutchinson has done it again and this is definitely worth 5 stars. It’s my favourite Lindsey Hutchinson novel so far, and I liked the play on words for the title which I won’t reveal, but which I’ll let those who are interested in the book figure out. It’s skilful, that’s for sure.

I adore this book and know I will remember it for a long time. I finished it in a day.

I am so happy I got the last slot on the blog tour for The Bad Penny. It’s a gem of a book.

Thanks to Lindsey Hutchinson, Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jared Johnston first meets Clarice Connaught, he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn't hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story? Jared Johnston started with nothing. At just twelve-old-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire's Rag and Bone yard and surrounded by his friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.

Birminghan, 1984. We are back with Jared Johnston and his friends. Jared is now the manager at McGuire's rag and bone yard. One day he hears a scream and sees a man beating his daughter. Jared saves Clarice Connaught from her father. But Clarice is not all that she seems, she's a bad penny who keeps turning up.

I do love a Lindsey Hutchinson book and it was nice to be back with Jared, his friends and some new characters. This is quite a heart breaking read, but it will also make you laugh. I was pulled in from the first page. This story feels true to the era it was written in, descriptively written and the pace is steady. The characters are well developed, and I just love Jared, a boy with an adult head who had to quickly grow up and take care of himself. This is another fantastic read by the author.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #TheBadPenny in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bad Penny by Lindsey Hutchinson is a marvellous historical novel that continues on from The Ragged Orphan. I can recommend reading that first for maximum enjoyment. Although this can be read as a stand-alone.
The year is 1894 as the reader returns to the rag and bone yard in Birmingham. We see that hard work does pay off when your boss is fair and kind. There is a camaraderie between the boys in the yard as they look out for each other.
Romance is in the air as new love matches meet up.
And there is tragedy too as death comes calling.
In contrast to the steadfastness of many of the characters, we meet the bad penny – a character who is happy to use people for personal gain, caring little for family and friends. It is a life of lies and greed, never being satisfied. When money motivates, you can be sure of a downward spiral.
All of the characters were well drawn and realistic.
Nineteenth century Birmingham comes alive under Lindsey Hutchinson’s masterful pen. We see the dirt and the squalor as well as the theatres and casinos. Ironically it is in the slums that the good hearts reign as the folk of Birmingham are the salt of the earth. In the upper echelons of society we find the darker hearts.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bad Penny and look forward to more from Lindsey Hutchinson.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Joanne Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author but I was immediately drawn into the narrative. Comprised of short chapters packed with events, there’s plenty to keep you turning the pages.

I love an historical saga and this one, set in Victorian Birmingham, is packed with references applicable to the time period which gives the storyline authenticity.

I loved the array of characters; from the supposedly downtrodden but full of heart to those considered to be in higher society, yet often too wrapped up in their own affairs to realise what is before them, it’s an eclectic mix which all adds to the plot.

While I admired Clarice’s tenacity and determination, it was hard to warm to her overall as a character as she seemed so driven by greed and a desire to live the high life, no matter who she needed to trample over on the way.

In contrast, Jared is utterly endearing, not only in the way he looks after his employee#, but also in the way he allows himself to experience his emotions without fear, despite his traumatic early experiences.

This was a delightful read and a great introduction to this author. I look forward to reading future releases.

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to meet up with Jared and all his friends at the rag-and-bone yard. This continues on from book 1 in the series but it would be possible to read this as a standalone.

This time two stories are interwoven - though the connections between the two are a bit tenuous in my opinion.

Clarice - or Clara as she wishes to be known - is determined to make good in her life whether by good means or foul. The story of her dependence into gambling is well researched and timely I imagine in today's times.

She was not a likeable person at all and had few redeeming features - other than a Dad who could see her bad side but continued to love her. I found myself getting really annoyed with her antics.
Jared carried on working hard for Toby and deserved the things that came his way -both in love and tragedy.

The book is well written and well researched - I found the end rather rushed and, for Clarice, rather unbelievable - though she got what she wanted in the end I suppose.

Hopefully we will hear more from Jared and Co?

This is another historical triumph from Lindsey Hutchinson

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bad Penny by Lindsey Hutchinson is one marvelous read. I was thrilled to see Jared Johnson (The Ragged Orphan) as manager of McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard business. Also to catch up with the others there which now includes his father. Loved those Cavenor Brothers too! I do think that if one had not read Jared’s first book that they could still enjoy this one.

As the story began, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Clarice even though Jared seemed smitten with her. No fear, Lindsey Hutchinson knew exactly what and who Jared needed. Still Clarice showed another side to life in the Black Country. Sometimes life can be cruel but also kind in the end.

This is a heartwarming and heart-breaking story that shows life as it really is. The good, the bad and the sometimes-sad things that are going to happen in life. The characters’ resilience and friendships that are closer than family at times may this one special story. I loved The Bad Penny, recommending it to other readers too.

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

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be on this Tour because I loved and adored the Ragged Orphan and I couldn’t wait to get back to Jared and the scrapyard plus all his friends.

Even though this is the second in a series it definitely can be read as a standalone as the first book is Jared’s background story when he was younger.

This story starts packing a punch, when we see Jared rescuing a young Clarice from her dad when he’s violently attacking her in the middle of the street, Jared can’t just walk away so he intervenes and rescues Clarice and takes her for a lovely afternoon tea.
He thinks it could be love at first sight?.

Oh my this book was just so wholesome and lovely, I was delighted to be back in this world again, meeting old friends and a few new ones.

The author writes so beautifully and sets the scene that just draws you in and transports you back in time.

Jared has had so much sorrow in his young life and he deserves some happiness now he’s sorted with his friends and a job but what I didn’t expect was a character like Clarice she was absolutely unbelievable and quite scary I thought.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bad Penny is the latest novel from Lindsey Hutchinson and what a great story it is.

It's 1894 in Birmingham and Jared saves Clarice from her father's beating and finds himself attracted to her. Meanwhile his friend and house guest, Seth meets Judith in the Unicorn pub when the lads at work decide to have a night out. Love quickly meets Seth while things go awry for Jared.

Although you can read this as a standalone, we first met Jared, Toby, Seth, Alice and the other lads in The Ragged Orphan which I recommend you read as it will give you the characters backstory.

I enjoyed being to know the new characters and watching the young men fall in love. I felt as though I was their granny looking on! I read in one sitting!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leaves a lot to be desired

*Spoilers — If you are looking for a deep, well written book, this is not it. It started out very simply and reminded me of something I would have read, and loved, as a 12 year old. But then it took an odd turn. Two male characters met young women and fell madly in love, one proposing after just one date. The way the men talked to each other was ridiculous. They sounded like giddy teen girls. Not realistic whatsoever. I was surprised by a sex scene given the innocence of the story, but it was tastefully done. However, later in the book sexual abuse and rape were sped through as though the actions were no big deal. I would not recommend this book.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared has a chance meeting with Clarice as she is being beaten in the street by her father. Jared of course steps in and after rescuing her he realises that he really likes her but there is more to Clarice then meets the eye and she may be more trouble than she is worth. I jumped at the chance to read this book and I have definitely not regretted it as it had me glued to my kindle. I liked all the characters except I felt nothing for Clarice and the plot is so addictive. It made me cheer and cry along with all the characters as I felt there pain and there joy. I hope that there will be many more books about Jared and his friends. It's definitely a winner from me!

[Claire (c.isfor.claire_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bad Penny is the second book in the series but I found it worked well as a standalone story. It's also the first book I've read by the author and I am definitely keen to read the first in this series.


It's 1894, and Jared is the manager of a Rag and Bone yard in Birmingham. I love a good saga, and this was no exception. Drawn into Jared's and Clarice's lives I galloped through the pages. (It definitely helps being on holiday and having more time to read). The storyline was both gripping and emotional and I loved the story being told. I'll be adding Lindsey Hutchinson to my 'want to read more by' list.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story, I liked the characters and the camaraderie with the men who work in the rag and bone yard run by Jared Johnson.

Clarice Connaught beautiful as she is, is only out for one thing and that is money. She`s a devious liar but she keeps the story interesting keeping up with her conning ways and high life.

Great book and at times gripping. There`s everything to keep the reader interested.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked it!!

At first I decided I didn't want to read this book because of Clarice Was sure she was going to somehow destroy one or more of the other main characters. I pushed on though and I'm glad I did. Great descriptions of the times, great characters, and good story. Clariice turns out to be worse than I ever imagined! Read it to find out how!!

[Mrs Gail Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

You've done it once again Lindsey , wonderful storyline, such a twist from the beginning. I so love Jared and the gang. But to loose Toby!! Oh I sobbed. Can't wait for the next

[Carol Shafto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Reading

The Bad Penny could almost be a mystery book. I never knew from one chapter to the next what was going to happen, so it made for interesting & fascinating reading. I really loved how it ended.

[Miriam Balfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

ended abruptly

I would love to have heard what happened to Claris after she went to America. Did she get away with her three murders maybe you have a follow-up book
I’d love to know also did Sam meet someone Lots of stuff left for me to decide what way things ended

[Walter Gaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bad penny has a historical basis

An interesting view of old English cultural in merry old England. When we first met Penny we were heartbroken at her situation. It turns out not be the case another story line develops into two romantic stories.

[sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor character development

The story moves too fast for how much information we actually learn about the characters. There are two deaths, two weddings and three murders in a short time. We don’t get to know the characters well enough. It was a drag to read and the conversations do not sound very pertinent to that time period.

[Sian]

My review of The Bad Penny can be found on my blog...


https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written gripping story by Lindsey Hutchinson, it has very solid characters and the story holds you from beginning to the end.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I enjoyed reading this book immensely, I wish it had been longer and now I feel disappointed that I have finished it, it could have had more to end of story

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Had me gripped from the beginning to end I was smiling one minute and crying the next, I loved it.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this unreadable. Stopped. It was crude and vulgar.

[audrey page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Really enjoyed this book a real
Page turner would recommend it
Always sure of a good read with one of her books

[Jacquie Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

slow story

Wasn’t keen on this book very slow and not much to get invested in. It was maybe just me but have read better books by this author