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The Rockwood Chronicles #7
The Lucky Penny
Escape with the next heart-warming historical novel from the nation’s favourite saga writer. Dilly Court's book 'Dolly’s Dream' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 13-02-2023.
480 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2024
10 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Dilly Court
83 books416 followersDilly Court grew up in North-east London and began her career in television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband. She is the author of eighteen novels and also writes under the name of Lily Baxter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 28, 2024
The storyline was progressing well up until the marriage of Bella. There after the storyline becomes loose and sloppy - almost as if the author has a ‘deadline to meet’ Could have finished with ‘and they all lived happily ever after’ at the wedding day.
May 30, 2024
Another great book by Dolly Court, but I would advise readers to read The Rockwood Chronicles first (6 books) then A Thimble for Christmas, followed by this book as characters reappear which is so special x
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March 27, 2025I just felt there was no real depth to anything , at times when reading about her life, I thought that is just so daft and unreal, the characters lacked depth and there were at times too many I read till the end as the plot was good in it's own way, but could have been given more depth and reality 2 stars
January 8, 2024
Loved this new book about Flora and her life as a young girl living with people whom she believes are her family. A lucky chance changes her life for good and her story is a good one. Nice to have a mention of Rockwood and the Carey family. Excellent read
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the early read
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the early read
December 21, 2024
Introduction
The Lucky Penny by Dilly Court is a historical fiction set in London in the 1860s. This standalone coming-of-age novel follows the life of young Flora Lee and the struggles she faces to find her place in the world. The suspense behind Flora’s original background and family serves as the central plot of the story and provides the author justification for most of Flora’s actions throughout the book.
Summary
The wealthy Stewart family chances upon a pale, shy, shabbily dressed six-year-old Flora on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is immediately drawn to her. They rescue her from the mean clutches of the people who claim to be her aunt and uncle and bring her up as a companion for their daughter, Arabella. Throughout the story, we are privy to Flora’s thoughts and feelings of misplacement despite the kindness of the Stewart family. Flora struggles with her identity as she finds that she is neither a servant nor entirely part of the upper echelons of society, which fuels her determination to carve out a place for herself in the world.
Strengths
-- The connection between Arabella and Flora is like a warm embrace throughout the story, providing a steady emotional anchor.
-- The story features many pleasing, hardworking characters like the Tullivers, Daniel and his mother, and Amelia. These characters serve as an inspiration to Flora and add a touch of relatability to the common man’s struggles during that era. Flora’s time with the Tullivers offers a hopeful glimpse into her potential future.
-- Captain Cutler and his cousin Ralph inject much-needed thrills into the storyline, keeping the narrative from becoming too predictable.
-- Dilly Court’s rich descriptions bring Victorian London to life, immersing readers in the historical setting.
Weaknesses
-- Flora’s reason for staying with the Tullivers and her reason for leaving them both feel somewhat underdeveloped, which could have been explored further to enhance emotional impact.
-- The pacing of the story feels slow. However, this may appeal to readers who enjoy a more leisurely narrative.
-- Flora’s confusing feelings towards Daniel lack the emotional depth needed to make their relationship truly compelling, though it adds realism to her personal struggles.
Personal Reaction
While the initial part of the story kept me glued and intrigued to see what would happen next to young Flora, some sections of the story felt slower, which may not resonate with all readers. The concluding chapters, while revealing important details about Flora’s past, felt a little rushed and fizzled out compared to the earlier, slower buildup. Promising characters like the Tullivers and Daniel added depth and meaning to Flora’s life. It would have been satisfying to see these relationships more fully developed. Despite this, Flora’s struggles and ultimate discoveries are relatable and provide a fulfilling, if not explosive, conclusion.
Recommendation
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy leisurely family dramas with a touch of mystery and historical context. Fans of Danielle Steel will likely adore The Lucky Penny. While readers seeking a fast-paced plot or deeply intricate storyline may find it less satisfying, the heartwarming relationships and a young woman’s struggles to find her place in the world make this a worthwhile read for fans of coming-of-age tales set against a rich Victorian backdrop.
The Lucky Penny by Dilly Court is a historical fiction set in London in the 1860s. This standalone coming-of-age novel follows the life of young Flora Lee and the struggles she faces to find her place in the world. The suspense behind Flora’s original background and family serves as the central plot of the story and provides the author justification for most of Flora’s actions throughout the book.
Summary
The wealthy Stewart family chances upon a pale, shy, shabbily dressed six-year-old Flora on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is immediately drawn to her. They rescue her from the mean clutches of the people who claim to be her aunt and uncle and bring her up as a companion for their daughter, Arabella. Throughout the story, we are privy to Flora’s thoughts and feelings of misplacement despite the kindness of the Stewart family. Flora struggles with her identity as she finds that she is neither a servant nor entirely part of the upper echelons of society, which fuels her determination to carve out a place for herself in the world.
Strengths
-- The connection between Arabella and Flora is like a warm embrace throughout the story, providing a steady emotional anchor.
-- The story features many pleasing, hardworking characters like the Tullivers, Daniel and his mother, and Amelia. These characters serve as an inspiration to Flora and add a touch of relatability to the common man’s struggles during that era. Flora’s time with the Tullivers offers a hopeful glimpse into her potential future.
-- Captain Cutler and his cousin Ralph inject much-needed thrills into the storyline, keeping the narrative from becoming too predictable.
-- Dilly Court’s rich descriptions bring Victorian London to life, immersing readers in the historical setting.
Weaknesses
-- Flora’s reason for staying with the Tullivers and her reason for leaving them both feel somewhat underdeveloped, which could have been explored further to enhance emotional impact.
-- The pacing of the story feels slow. However, this may appeal to readers who enjoy a more leisurely narrative.
-- Flora’s confusing feelings towards Daniel lack the emotional depth needed to make their relationship truly compelling, though it adds realism to her personal struggles.
Personal Reaction
While the initial part of the story kept me glued and intrigued to see what would happen next to young Flora, some sections of the story felt slower, which may not resonate with all readers. The concluding chapters, while revealing important details about Flora’s past, felt a little rushed and fizzled out compared to the earlier, slower buildup. Promising characters like the Tullivers and Daniel added depth and meaning to Flora’s life. It would have been satisfying to see these relationships more fully developed. Despite this, Flora’s struggles and ultimate discoveries are relatable and provide a fulfilling, if not explosive, conclusion.
Recommendation
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy leisurely family dramas with a touch of mystery and historical context. Fans of Danielle Steel will likely adore The Lucky Penny. While readers seeking a fast-paced plot or deeply intricate storyline may find it less satisfying, the heartwarming relationships and a young woman’s struggles to find her place in the world make this a worthwhile read for fans of coming-of-age tales set against a rich Victorian backdrop.
December 29, 2025
This was my first time reading a Dilly Court book and it was easy to read.
Bella was a good sister to Flora but sometimes I didn't like the way she acts or speaks to Flora specially on the beginning of the story. The Pettigrew cousins are the worst characters. I thought Gabriel will be Flora's chance but he turned out to be a real idiot.
The progression of the story was fast paced after Bella's wedding and for a second I was confused if Flora is really the main character here because she kept on being absorbed to the background. Just then she suddenly thought of her real parents and determined to find them and herself. I already predicated that she and Moses were realated when the river was mentioned and I'm quite disappointed because it's so predictable.
The way Flora has to prove that she's the real daughter was so disappointing also. He clearly only wanted his son and not Flora.
The story of Daniel and Flora was a roller coaster ride because Flora couldn't make up her mind. The scene where she rushed to Daniel's cottage was cringe given that she was raised to be lady-like.
I liked the story but every plot was so predictable for me.
Bella was a good sister to Flora but sometimes I didn't like the way she acts or speaks to Flora specially on the beginning of the story. The Pettigrew cousins are the worst characters. I thought Gabriel will be Flora's chance but he turned out to be a real idiot.
The progression of the story was fast paced after Bella's wedding and for a second I was confused if Flora is really the main character here because she kept on being absorbed to the background. Just then she suddenly thought of her real parents and determined to find them and herself. I already predicated that she and Moses were realated when the river was mentioned and I'm quite disappointed because it's so predictable.
The way Flora has to prove that she's the real daughter was so disappointing also. He clearly only wanted his son and not Flora.
The story of Daniel and Flora was a roller coaster ride because Flora couldn't make up her mind. The scene where she rushed to Daniel's cottage was cringe given that she was raised to be lady-like.
I liked the story but every plot was so predictable for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
Flora is forever grateful for the day the Stewart family rescued her from her life of poverty on London's streets. Adopted as one of their own, she shed her rags and was finally given a place to call home.
Flora Lee was just six years old when her aunt and uncle sold her to the wealthy Stewart family as a companion for their daughter, Arabella. But life doesn't quite go as she first thought it would. Flora has been brought up in a life of luxury, but then things start to go horribly wrong.
Dilly Court is one of my go-to authors. I never read the premise, I just request it because no matter what the story is about, I know I won't be disappointed. There's a good mix of characters and drama in this coming-of-age story. It's well-written, believable, and hard to put down. There were some characters that make an appearance from previous books. This is another fabulous read. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #DillyCourt for my ARC of #TheLuckyPenny in exchange for an honest review.
Flora Lee was just six years old when her aunt and uncle sold her to the wealthy Stewart family as a companion for their daughter, Arabella. But life doesn't quite go as she first thought it would. Flora has been brought up in a life of luxury, but then things start to go horribly wrong.
Dilly Court is one of my go-to authors. I never read the premise, I just request it because no matter what the story is about, I know I won't be disappointed. There's a good mix of characters and drama in this coming-of-age story. It's well-written, believable, and hard to put down. There were some characters that make an appearance from previous books. This is another fabulous read. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #DillyCourt for my ARC of #TheLuckyPenny in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2024
Dilly Court usually produces a good read and this is no exception. A rag to riches story of a young girl who endured horrific poverty at the beginning of her life but a chance meeting changes her life forever.
A small spoiler.
The storyline was good as was the characterisation but one thing bothered me - why did Flora want to stay at the pub after the abduction to help build up the Tulliver's business? One would have thought Flora would be yearning to get back home to Bella and the Stewarts! She should have been full of immense gratitude to them and her first concern should have been to give them an explanation why she went missing and where she was. It seemed so out of character that she didn't appear to have any emotional ties to the family, especially with Daniel and the Captain. Her conscience only seemed to kick in when the family found out where she was and came to see her. Very puzzling!
A small spoiler.
The storyline was good as was the characterisation but one thing bothered me - why did Flora want to stay at the pub after the abduction to help build up the Tulliver's business? One would have thought Flora would be yearning to get back home to Bella and the Stewarts! She should have been full of immense gratitude to them and her first concern should have been to give them an explanation why she went missing and where she was. It seemed so out of character that she didn't appear to have any emotional ties to the family, especially with Daniel and the Captain. Her conscience only seemed to kick in when the family found out where she was and came to see her. Very puzzling!
September 28, 2025
Thought I would give this is a try as it was on sale in WH Smith now TG Jones but it was a real struggle. The story was ok rags to riches and the characters nicely drawn also the writing was good, clear and engaging, but there was no real substance or emotion to either the story or the plot. No real jaw dropping twists, nothing unique about the authorial voice, no depth or complexity of emotion, and the whole thing felt 'made-up'. Strange when you think all novels are 'made-up' but successful novels create believable worlds, realistic complex characters and intruiguing plots while also managing to convey heartfelt and stirring emotion. It makes you realise how difficult it is to write a novel and achieve all these things. I kept chugging along with this one but finally felt so drained I just didn't want to read it to the end. It's a nice book but I'm just looking for a little more to get my teeth into.
January 17, 2024
Flora is a 6 year old child who has a hard up bringing, living with her Aunt and Uncle who have taught her to pick pocket, she is a waif who is starving.
When she is taken in by the Stewart’s to be a companion for their daughter Arabella Flora’s life changes for the better, with all the luxury and opulence of a wealthy family, but as Flora gets older she realises she will need to do something for herself as she has no money and she has been brought up to be a lady.
This is a coming of age story with Flora having to delve into her past and work out where she will go in the future.
Great mixture of characters with a interesting storyline and smaller stories intertwined within it, well written and a compelling read.
When she is taken in by the Stewart’s to be a companion for their daughter Arabella Flora’s life changes for the better, with all the luxury and opulence of a wealthy family, but as Flora gets older she realises she will need to do something for herself as she has no money and she has been brought up to be a lady.
This is a coming of age story with Flora having to delve into her past and work out where she will go in the future.
Great mixture of characters with a interesting storyline and smaller stories intertwined within it, well written and a compelling read.
February 1, 2024
Another truly special book from Dilly. I would highly recommend it- lots of wonderful characters and some not so wonderful! Warm and touching with friendship and romance in the mix. Flora was found as a young child after a ship went down and had a hard life with the people who found her, but life was to eventually take an unexpected turn.
March 16, 2024
Could not put this down. Loved every page. A story that touches one’s heart. Can imagine a child looking for its birth parents. Must be so hard. Flora was found by terrible people when a baby and exploited by them but was taken in when 6 by a family whose daughter wanted a sister and they turned her into a lady. It has a very happy ending but wanted it to go on.
February 10, 2024
Another delightful story from Dilly Court. It is always so easy to identify with her characters and become involved in the story. This one once again brought out the best of the characters, leaving a great basis for a follow on.
February 12, 2024
Loved this book so much and was great to catch up with characters from The Rockwood Chronicles series too. So happy to read Freddie's story in this too. If you read this book and haven't read the Rockwood Chronicles then I can highly recommend those too.
February 18, 2024
A lovely read.I thought it all a bit convenient the way things worked out for Flora in the end (but I do love a happy ending so still enjoyed it)but was really pleased that Freddie finally got a wife.All in all everything ended well and I would recommend this book.
April 1, 2024
Bridgerton meets Oliver Twist is how I’d describe this Vibrant and charming story. The Lucky Penny was a really enjoyable read from first to last page. A first read by Dilly Court, but definitely not the last.
May 3, 2024
As the old saying goes, 'you should never judge a book by its cover,' which I did, at first.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the pacing was excellent and the characters very well written- I'm excited to find my next Dilly Court read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the pacing was excellent and the characters very well written- I'm excited to find my next Dilly Court read!
June 19, 2024
Dilly delights us again with a lovely story.
A lovely, description of characters but not too many.
The main character Flora is delightful and strong.
Reading a Dilly court book is like putting on an old, loved pair of slippers. The story just sailed along enveloping you in its warmth.
A lovely, description of characters but not too many.
The main character Flora is delightful and strong.
Reading a Dilly court book is like putting on an old, loved pair of slippers. The story just sailed along enveloping you in its warmth.
July 2, 2024
Flora was saved from a life of poverty and went to live with Arabella and her family who brought her up. This book is Floras story and how she grew up and worked out what she wanted from life. Fairly simple plot but a nice easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Yet another brilliant read from Dilly Court.
February 18, 2024
What can I say? I loved this! From start to finish I just had to keep reading to find out what happened to Flora. I liked revisiting past characters too
February 20, 2024
This book was so good ,cant wait for her next one to come out .
March 14, 2024
Really enjoyed this book of Dilly Court. I think one of her best to date.
March 18, 2024
Excellent read
March 25, 2024
Another success, as always, loved the Rockwood connection!!
March 27, 2024
I loved this story. Dilly Court's books are well worth reading. Love the way she brings characters from her other books.
March 30, 2024
Really enjoyed this book
March 31, 2024
Another lovely read about a girl’s journey through many twists and turns -
April 6, 2024
This is one of dilly courts best reads
April 20, 2024
Brilliant up to the wedding then it got a bit sloppy almost like it was a little rushed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews