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Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage
Discover Suzanne Lambert's magical true story of love and motherhood in Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage.
When Suzanne was left, two weeks old, at the door of Nazareth House orphanage, she was abandoned by those who should have protected and loved her. But it was Nancy, a nanny at the orphanage, who was to provide all the love and support that a child could need, going on to fight for the right to adopt Suzanne and give her a mother figure for life.
Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage tells the story of these two women, of how their lives entwined and of life at the orphanage. It was a magical place where their lack of money could only be substituted by kindness, as every year Nancy would work tirelessly throughout the night before Christmas to sew together dolls made out of rags, so that the children would have at least one present from Santa. But the story also tells of how their lives came full circle, as towards the end of her life, Nancy developed dementia, with Suzanne in turn becoming the supportive, protective caregiver.
Full of touching, tear-jerking and unforgettable stories, Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage is Suzanne Lambert's story of motherhood, childhood and Christmas, and everything that comes between.
Suzanne Lambert is the winner of Penguin and Take a Breakmagazine's life story competition. She lives in Newcastle and this is her first book.
When Suzanne was left, two weeks old, at the door of Nazareth House orphanage, she was abandoned by those who should have protected and loved her. But it was Nancy, a nanny at the orphanage, who was to provide all the love and support that a child could need, going on to fight for the right to adopt Suzanne and give her a mother figure for life.
Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage tells the story of these two women, of how their lives entwined and of life at the orphanage. It was a magical place where their lack of money could only be substituted by kindness, as every year Nancy would work tirelessly throughout the night before Christmas to sew together dolls made out of rags, so that the children would have at least one present from Santa. But the story also tells of how their lives came full circle, as towards the end of her life, Nancy developed dementia, with Suzanne in turn becoming the supportive, protective caregiver.
Full of touching, tear-jerking and unforgettable stories, Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage is Suzanne Lambert's story of motherhood, childhood and Christmas, and everything that comes between.
Suzanne Lambert is the winner of Penguin and Take a Breakmagazine's life story competition. She lives in Newcastle and this is her first book.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 24, 2016
Christmas At The Ragdoll Orphanage by Suzanne Lambert is a powerful memoir of the bond between Nancy and her daughter Susan. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry.
Nancy had a heart just made for mothering. Living and working in Nazareth House for thirty six years meant many children passed through her care. However only one six day old baby girl stole her heart. Nancy may not have birthed Susan but their bond could not have been closer.
The book is written from the perspective of both Nancy and Susan. An overwhelming sense of love pervades the whole novel.
Prejudices and discrimination were rife in Britain in the 1950's. Unmarried mothers were forced to give up their babies. Children of mixed races were frowned upon. Walking out with children but without a ring on her finger earned Nancy many stares. "It was injustice and prejudice at its worse... God forgive them." Nancy rose above the looks, the stares and the gossip. She loved unconditionally. She had no prejudices, just a great big heart that kept on giving.
Nancy was 'love in action.' Her feelings of love were not voiced. She lived out her love. "The words 'I love you' were in every thought, word and deed."
There was a great sense of community in the book. "The people on the street had very little but what they had they were always willing to share." People looked out for each other. Today in our fast paced lives, we have ceased to see and to care. Community is missing today.
There were some highly amusing anecdotes in the book. I particularly liked the account of the various disasters that had accompanied Susan's acting career. They had me laughing out loud.
I really enjoyed Christmas At The Ragdoll Orphanage. I wish I had known Nancy, although having read the book, it felt like I did. It's a wonderful memoir of a life living and loving others. I can highly recommend it.
Nancy had a heart just made for mothering. Living and working in Nazareth House for thirty six years meant many children passed through her care. However only one six day old baby girl stole her heart. Nancy may not have birthed Susan but their bond could not have been closer.
The book is written from the perspective of both Nancy and Susan. An overwhelming sense of love pervades the whole novel.
Prejudices and discrimination were rife in Britain in the 1950's. Unmarried mothers were forced to give up their babies. Children of mixed races were frowned upon. Walking out with children but without a ring on her finger earned Nancy many stares. "It was injustice and prejudice at its worse... God forgive them." Nancy rose above the looks, the stares and the gossip. She loved unconditionally. She had no prejudices, just a great big heart that kept on giving.
Nancy was 'love in action.' Her feelings of love were not voiced. She lived out her love. "The words 'I love you' were in every thought, word and deed."
There was a great sense of community in the book. "The people on the street had very little but what they had they were always willing to share." People looked out for each other. Today in our fast paced lives, we have ceased to see and to care. Community is missing today.
There were some highly amusing anecdotes in the book. I particularly liked the account of the various disasters that had accompanied Susan's acting career. They had me laughing out loud.
I really enjoyed Christmas At The Ragdoll Orphanage. I wish I had known Nancy, although having read the book, it felt like I did. It's a wonderful memoir of a life living and loving others. I can highly recommend it.
December 3, 2019
A delightful book
Newcastle upon Tyne Nancy Harmer story. Nazareth House covent school orphanage. After her mother dies of tuberculosis nancy and her sister Margaret are taking to stay at the house, there father a miner can no longer look after them. Unknown to Nancy it would be her home for the next thirty six years. Such a Heartbreaking tale children come and go over the year's and the bond formed between Nancy and Susan Lambert turns to a mother and daughter that will last for ever. as years go by the story is forever touching your heart. Nancy's life is a treasure to read, I really enjoyed it all.
Newcastle upon Tyne Nancy Harmer story. Nazareth House covent school orphanage. After her mother dies of tuberculosis nancy and her sister Margaret are taking to stay at the house, there father a miner can no longer look after them. Unknown to Nancy it would be her home for the next thirty six years. Such a Heartbreaking tale children come and go over the year's and the bond formed between Nancy and Susan Lambert turns to a mother and daughter that will last for ever. as years go by the story is forever touching your heart. Nancy's life is a treasure to read, I really enjoyed it all.
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November 23, 2018A lovely book all about the author's life in Newcastle my home town. Sad,happy and her mother Nancy is wonderful.
February 16, 2018
❤ Heartwarming True Story
This wonderful book touched my heart ❤ ! Please read this story of love, motherhood, creating new families, and the blessing of friendship. Love, caring, core values,and respect for others and yourself matter greatly. One small criticism. The term Drama Queen did not exist yet. The film Almost Famous, starring Kate Hudson, made the same mistake. You can do a little research online and determine when it entered popular and cultural language. Best Wishes! 🌈
This wonderful book touched my heart ❤ ! Please read this story of love, motherhood, creating new families, and the blessing of friendship. Love, caring, core values,and respect for others and yourself matter greatly. One small criticism. The term Drama Queen did not exist yet. The film Almost Famous, starring Kate Hudson, made the same mistake. You can do a little research online and determine when it entered popular and cultural language. Best Wishes! 🌈
June 7, 2023
Such an incredibly sad story as it was true and set very close to where I live but a great read - well written and some lovely references to local events such as the Fenwicks Xmas window !
January 29, 2022
This is a story of Nancy & Susan and their incredible bond. Nancy grew up in Nazareth House Orphanage and ended up devoting her life to the children there. 1 girl was taken there at 6 days old - Susan. Nancy became her mother and this book tells the story of their life together. There is laughter, tears, and lots of emotion in this book. I did find it quite slow for quite a bit of the book. I was om the verge of giving up, just stick with it, the book does pick up pace.
I loved the book, esp the funny things that happened. It was strange to think that Nancy always thought that Billy would take Susan away. Also Sad to think that Nancy found it hard to actually say the words I love You,although that is probably typical of the era.
If you like family sagas then it is worth trying this book. It wasn't all about Christmas though, so if you are thinking it is a Christmas story, then it isn't, although Christmas is a part of the story. It is more about their lives.
I loved the book, esp the funny things that happened. It was strange to think that Nancy always thought that Billy would take Susan away. Also Sad to think that Nancy found it hard to actually say the words I love You,although that is probably typical of the era.
If you like family sagas then it is worth trying this book. It wasn't all about Christmas though, so if you are thinking it is a Christmas story, then it isn't, although Christmas is a part of the story. It is more about their lives.
August 12, 2016
was a bit boring and took me ages to read it
May 15, 2014
Brought Me To Tears On Multiple Occasions *X*
December 21, 2015
Such a brilliant book!! Had me in tears at many points throughout but floods by the end
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December 21, 2015Great read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews