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The Orphan’s Heartbreak
With no parents to protect her, Darcy Earnshaw must make her own way in the world. After the death of her beloved mill-owner father, thirteen-year-old Darcy Earnshaw is left in the care of her lascivious uncle Abe. Not only is he determined to steal her inheritance, but as she blossoms into a captivating young woman, he longs to steal her innocence too. Desperate to avoid his advances, Darcy decides to flee.
Alone and homeless, she is soon taken under the wing of John Carver, a kind-hearted beloved street performer and his family who is captivated by Darcy’s beautiful voice. But it’s Danny, an Italian singer, who captures Darcy’s heart and finally seems to offer the promise of a happy future.
But, when war breaks out, and the pressure on Danny and John to enlist mounts, all Darcy’s dreams start to crumble. And with her evil uncle Abe still determined to wreak his terrible revenge on her, surely now there can be no happy ending for the orphan songbird?
Heartbreaking, heart-warming, page-turning and uplifting, Chrissie Walsh’s brilliant stories are perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Kitty Neale.
Alone and homeless, she is soon taken under the wing of John Carver, a kind-hearted beloved street performer and his family who is captivated by Darcy’s beautiful voice. But it’s Danny, an Italian singer, who captures Darcy’s heart and finally seems to offer the promise of a happy future.
But, when war breaks out, and the pressure on Danny and John to enlist mounts, all Darcy’s dreams start to crumble. And with her evil uncle Abe still determined to wreak his terrible revenge on her, surely now there can be no happy ending for the orphan songbird?
Heartbreaking, heart-warming, page-turning and uplifting, Chrissie Walsh’s brilliant stories are perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Kitty Neale.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
224 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 23, 2024
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
I felt a connection with Darcy from the beginning. Her initial situation brought tears to my eyes, but it seemed that her struggles made her stronger. Darcy's love of singing was something that went to my heart.
I enjoyed the portrayals of love and friendship throughout the story, and I became emotionally invested, as I followed Darcy's journey. This was a heartwarming historical saga with some tearjerker moments, and it was lovely to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
I felt a connection with Darcy from the beginning. Her initial situation brought tears to my eyes, but it seemed that her struggles made her stronger. Darcy's love of singing was something that went to my heart.
I enjoyed the portrayals of love and friendship throughout the story, and I became emotionally invested, as I followed Darcy's journey. This was a heartwarming historical saga with some tearjerker moments, and it was lovely to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
July 29, 2024
Darcy Earnshaw is suffering at the hands of her uncle.
The Orphan Songbird was not what I was expecting. I had anticipated a rather gentle saga with a happy ever after ending. I hadn’t reckoned on a gritty, feminist and occasionally quite sexually explicit #metoo style narrative that not only fitted the early 1900s era brilliantly, but which had complete relevance to today’s society too. I think The Orphan Songbird would somewhat surprise readers who eschew the genre as too twee for their tastes!
The story is very much about Darcy Earnshaw, but it is set against an authentic historical backdrop that feels real and interesting. As many men head off to war, the author makes such a large global event feel personal and affecting which makes for high impact. Other elements such as the fight for Women’s suffrage give depth and colour. So too do the themes of the story. Family and belonging are very much at the heart and Chrissie Walsh illustrates perfectly that family does not necessarily mean blood relatives. Reading The Orphan Songbird brings home powerfully what is important in life. I loved the title too because it suggests both Darcy’s actual status in life with both her parents dead, and her singing skill, as well as the metaphorical concept of a bird in a cage which very much fits some of the things that happen to her.
The characters are vividly drawn with Darcy at the heart of the action, but her interplay with others from her odious uncle Abe, her relationship with Danny and her various friendships, give her a special depth and appeal. I thought her the way she developed beyond the trauma of her childhood to realise that her past may have shaped her present, but does not need to constrain her future was a gloriously uplifting message.
Darker and more profound than I had imagined it to be, The Orphan Songbird packs a punch that I thoroughly enjoyed. And as for my expectation of a happy ever after ending, well, you’ll just have to read it for yourself to see if I got one!
The Orphan Songbird was not what I was expecting. I had anticipated a rather gentle saga with a happy ever after ending. I hadn’t reckoned on a gritty, feminist and occasionally quite sexually explicit #metoo style narrative that not only fitted the early 1900s era brilliantly, but which had complete relevance to today’s society too. I think The Orphan Songbird would somewhat surprise readers who eschew the genre as too twee for their tastes!
The story is very much about Darcy Earnshaw, but it is set against an authentic historical backdrop that feels real and interesting. As many men head off to war, the author makes such a large global event feel personal and affecting which makes for high impact. Other elements such as the fight for Women’s suffrage give depth and colour. So too do the themes of the story. Family and belonging are very much at the heart and Chrissie Walsh illustrates perfectly that family does not necessarily mean blood relatives. Reading The Orphan Songbird brings home powerfully what is important in life. I loved the title too because it suggests both Darcy’s actual status in life with both her parents dead, and her singing skill, as well as the metaphorical concept of a bird in a cage which very much fits some of the things that happen to her.
The characters are vividly drawn with Darcy at the heart of the action, but her interplay with others from her odious uncle Abe, her relationship with Danny and her various friendships, give her a special depth and appeal. I thought her the way she developed beyond the trauma of her childhood to realise that her past may have shaped her present, but does not need to constrain her future was a gloriously uplifting message.
Darker and more profound than I had imagined it to be, The Orphan Songbird packs a punch that I thoroughly enjoyed. And as for my expectation of a happy ever after ending, well, you’ll just have to read it for yourself to see if I got one!
July 11, 2024
Will she ever find a place to call home.
The Orphan Songbird Darcy Earnshaw lives at Northcrop house with her uncle Abe he is always Mauling her he makes her squirm and it was wrong, she misses her dead parents more than ever, and after coming for her in her bedroom she knew she had to flee the house.
John Carver his wife Betsy and daughter Angela take her in, and busking at the market with John known as Tarquin she becomes a street performer, even meeting Danny Capp and all is looking well for her, till war is declared and John and Danny are sent away to fight.
This is a beautiful story to read, a unique storyteller that can take you into another time and place.
I loved it right through.
The Orphan Songbird Darcy Earnshaw lives at Northcrop house with her uncle Abe he is always Mauling her he makes her squirm and it was wrong, she misses her dead parents more than ever, and after coming for her in her bedroom she knew she had to flee the house.
John Carver his wife Betsy and daughter Angela take her in, and busking at the market with John known as Tarquin she becomes a street performer, even meeting Danny Capp and all is looking well for her, till war is declared and John and Danny are sent away to fight.
This is a beautiful story to read, a unique storyteller that can take you into another time and place.
I loved it right through.
September 6, 2024
In her latest book, Chrissie Walsh brings the early twentieth century to life through the eyes of Darcy Earnshaw, an orphan trapped under her creepy uncle’s thumb until she manages to flee her childhood home and everything she knew. Rebuilding her life with the help of street performer John Carver and his family, Darcy discovers a new family, music, and love with Italian singer Danny. When war breaks out, however, their happy lives crumble in the face of the war and the looming specter of her uncle, and Darcy and her family must rally to protect those they love. With a powerful emotional narrative and vibrant interpersonal connections, Walsh has created a moving story that readers will be invested in. Darcy is a fascinating protagonist whose life is particularly tragic and joyful; she has a big heart and fosters friendships and love easily. Readers should bear the content warnings for sexual assault and sexual assault of a minor in mind while reading, but Walsh does an excellent job handling these moments and the characters’ trauma and recovery throughout the novel. An excellent read for fans of historical fiction and Walsh’s other titles, this is a charming, powerful historical fiction novel with a great emotional storyline.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
August 24, 2024
What a Story
Wow! This story takes us so many places.
The story is of the young orphan girl Darcy , left in the care of a miserly uncle who is abusive toward her. Darcy is only fifteen, but when she can no longer stand the abuse from her uncle she runs away.
Alone on the streets of Halifax England in 1915 with no money and only her clothes she must learn to survive. She gets lucky when she happens on a street performer named John who takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter Angela. The Carvers adopt Darcy into their family.
In her life with the Carvers she fills many roles. She joins woman sufferage , sings with John on the street, meets Danny and marries.
She has good times and trying times and sometimes feels like giving up but she keeps going one day at a time.
When world war 1 comes to England, Danny and John volunteer to fight in the service for England leaving Darcy and Betsy in England as they travel to war.
Tragedy strikes as her uncle tries to get rid of her so he can have the sawmill her father left to her. This is a very dark time, but she makes it through.
It is a story of the men and women of the common working type doing the best they can to make a living and live life to the fullest. How they coped during and after the war and faced tragedy when it occurred.
It was a delightful book with wonderful characters, I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a copy for free, the review is voluntary and in my own words.
Wow! This story takes us so many places.
The story is of the young orphan girl Darcy , left in the care of a miserly uncle who is abusive toward her. Darcy is only fifteen, but when she can no longer stand the abuse from her uncle she runs away.
Alone on the streets of Halifax England in 1915 with no money and only her clothes she must learn to survive. She gets lucky when she happens on a street performer named John who takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter Angela. The Carvers adopt Darcy into their family.
In her life with the Carvers she fills many roles. She joins woman sufferage , sings with John on the street, meets Danny and marries.
She has good times and trying times and sometimes feels like giving up but she keeps going one day at a time.
When world war 1 comes to England, Danny and John volunteer to fight in the service for England leaving Darcy and Betsy in England as they travel to war.
Tragedy strikes as her uncle tries to get rid of her so he can have the sawmill her father left to her. This is a very dark time, but she makes it through.
It is a story of the men and women of the common working type doing the best they can to make a living and live life to the fullest. How they coped during and after the war and faced tragedy when it occurred.
It was a delightful book with wonderful characters, I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a copy for free, the review is voluntary and in my own words.
August 17, 2024
The Orphan Songbird features Darcy who has lost both her parents and is left in the care of her horrible uncle. After reaching her breaking point when her uncle makes advances on her. Darcy runs away, eventually she meets a street performer John who takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter Angela. Darcy is welcomed into their family and is safe and secure. Darcy then meets singer Danny who she falls in love with. The story has many powerful dangers and Darcy is forced to face them head on. The era is told so effortlessly with vivid pictures that make you feel like you are right there in the middle of it all. It's told with suffrage and the effects of war but what gets the characters through is there love for one another. A beautifully written historical saga that gripped me and didn't let go. It's a brilliant story that I really enjoyed.
March 14, 2025
3.5 stars because of the ending.
What happened to the ending? It just finished!!
Throughout the whole book, Darcy’s uncle was panicking about her finding out her father’s wishes. It was referred to many times during the book. Yet when the lawyer and doctor confirmed it was her and confirmed the paperwork… Darcy wasn’t told about the sawmill? Surely inheriting a sawmill would be big news and surely be mentioned in the book.
Even if they didn’t tell her straight away, I’m sure news of why her uncle had been arrested reached Arthur, the sawmill manager, and he could have sent a letter to Darcy.
This point has really annoyed me. Why mention something throughout your story if you aren’t going to continue it or carry on with that story thread!!
What happened to the ending? It just finished!!
Throughout the whole book, Darcy’s uncle was panicking about her finding out her father’s wishes. It was referred to many times during the book. Yet when the lawyer and doctor confirmed it was her and confirmed the paperwork… Darcy wasn’t told about the sawmill? Surely inheriting a sawmill would be big news and surely be mentioned in the book.
Even if they didn’t tell her straight away, I’m sure news of why her uncle had been arrested reached Arthur, the sawmill manager, and he could have sent a letter to Darcy.
This point has really annoyed me. Why mention something throughout your story if you aren’t going to continue it or carry on with that story thread!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
This wonderful book has everything heartbreak, love also some hardship.
Darcy lives with her Uncle as her parents have died and he does not treat her very well. She comes to a decision to leave him because of his treatment of her. She meets John who is a performer and he takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter. Darcy meets Danny who she falls in love with. Will her Uncle find her again. We see over the years what happens to Darcy.
This book was so well written and I just wanted to read on as I enjoyed all,the characters in the book.
Certainly one of the best books of the year.
Darcy lives with her Uncle as her parents have died and he does not treat her very well. She comes to a decision to leave him because of his treatment of her. She meets John who is a performer and he takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter. Darcy meets Danny who she falls in love with. Will her Uncle find her again. We see over the years what happens to Darcy.
This book was so well written and I just wanted to read on as I enjoyed all,the characters in the book.
Certainly one of the best books of the year.
August 24, 2024
The Orphan Songbird is wonderful but at times a heartbreaking and emotional read. This book completely captivated me right from the very beginning. Darcy was a wonderful character and she stole my heart from the very start. There were some nasty characters also but of course some really lovely ones. It’s an easy read but one that I really enjoyed and found it difficult to put down. My heart went out to Darcy many times through this book but as the story progresses we see what a strong character she is. Another excellent historical saga book that I highly recommend for readers of this genre.
May 9, 2025
This story has you laughing and crying. But what a story, Darcy sexually assaulted by her cruel uncle, so she left home and just walked away from everything!
But John an acrobat saw something in her and he took her home with him. His wife and daughter were both happy to have this lovely girl in the family!
Amshe then finds a lovely Italian singer, and they fall in love and marry when she was of age, I could go on but I would not give the rest of what happens in the book! Definitely a five star read!
But John an acrobat saw something in her and he took her home with him. His wife and daughter were both happy to have this lovely girl in the family!
Amshe then finds a lovely Italian singer, and they fall in love and marry when she was of age, I could go on but I would not give the rest of what happens in the book! Definitely a five star read!
August 26, 2024
Really enjoy books by Chrissie Walsh and her style of writing means that from page one you are interested- this book being no exception. Darcy is the main character and she experiences many hardships in her relationships but is very stoic and somehow manages to survive . A well written novel that has you wondering what’s coming next and the emotional roller coaster keeps you hooked all the way through would recommend
December 16, 2024
Fantastic
Totally brilliant piece of writing. It was captivating from the beginning all the way to the end. The main characters certainly came into their own. Sadly the intimacy between them was a bit explicit for my tasting hence one star removed but overall I did enjoy it. Thank you 😊
Totally brilliant piece of writing. It was captivating from the beginning all the way to the end. The main characters certainly came into their own. Sadly the intimacy between them was a bit explicit for my tasting hence one star removed but overall I did enjoy it. Thank you 😊
February 9, 2025
Great story with characters you really connect to
I really enjoyed reading this book. My only disappointment was the sudden end. There was nothing wrong with it, but I had expected another chapter with her inheriting the mill. Mention of the mill manager and helping other unfortunates.
I really enjoyed reading this book. My only disappointment was the sudden end. There was nothing wrong with it, but I had expected another chapter with her inheriting the mill. Mention of the mill manager and helping other unfortunates.
August 20, 2024
The orphan songbird features Darcy. Darcy is orphaned and lives with her uncle but due to the way he is with her Darcy needs to find a forever home. Good story you feel as if you are Darcy at points. Thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book I loved it.
October 17, 2024
The orphan's heartbreak.
Thank you for the happy ending.You gave me quite a fright when I thought Darcy was going to loss the baby,and then that horrible uncle.Can't wait to read more of your books.
Thank you for the happy ending.You gave me quite a fright when I thought Darcy was going to loss the baby,and then that horrible uncle.Can't wait to read more of your books.
December 13, 2024
riveting storyline
A gripping story from start to finish showing the happiness sadness and desperation and the will of a young girl striving to endure it.
Will certainly purchase other books by Christie Walsh.
A gripping story from start to finish showing the happiness sadness and desperation and the will of a young girl striving to endure it.
Will certainly purchase other books by Christie Walsh.
January 25, 2025
very touching read
A bit slow to get into, but once it got moving it was very hard to put down. The horrors of death and destruction suddenly brought home the futility of war. Hopefully there will be a sequel.
A bit slow to get into, but once it got moving it was very hard to put down. The horrors of death and destruction suddenly brought home the futility of war. Hopefully there will be a sequel.
Read
March 8, 2025Wonderful
A great story beautifully written. At times happy and amusing and then devastatingly sad. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to loose themselves in a good book.
A great story beautifully written. At times happy and amusing and then devastatingly sad. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to loose themselves in a good book.
August 17, 2025
Brilliant
I have never read anything of Chrissie Walsh before but I have to say it will not be my last could not leave it down. I was so engrossed and so looking forward to read my next book by Chrissie ten out of ten
I have never read anything of Chrissie Walsh before but I have to say it will not be my last could not leave it down. I was so engrossed and so looking forward to read my next book by Chrissie ten out of ten
August 28, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. An excellent author.
October 30, 2024
Fantastic book. Struggled to put it down. So intense
December 21, 2024
Fantastic book
Just wonderful, read every work lunch hour, stunning and highly recommend!! Brilliant author and look forward to other books in the future!
Just wonderful, read every work lunch hour, stunning and highly recommend!! Brilliant author and look forward to other books in the future!
December 22, 2024
Heartwarming
Lovely story about the suffering of people during the Great War. Also very heartwarming about all the mothers and wives struggles during that period
Lovely story about the suffering of people during the Great War. Also very heartwarming about all the mothers and wives struggles during that period
December 27, 2024
Brilliant
First I have read a book by this author I was sad and happy, I do hope there will be a second book, so we know what happens about the mil
First I have read a book by this author I was sad and happy, I do hope there will be a second book, so we know what happens about the mil
January 4, 2025
Fabulous
Really enjoyed this book kept me wanting to read more every night until it was early hours of the morning
Really enjoyed this book kept me wanting to read more every night until it was early hours of the morning
January 10, 2025
Thrilling.
What a fabulous must read!
Absolutely gripping from beginning to end. I honestly couldn’t stop reading it.
💯 Chrissie Walsh, very well written 👍
What a fabulous must read!
Absolutely gripping from beginning to end. I honestly couldn’t stop reading it.
💯 Chrissie Walsh, very well written 👍
May 2, 2025
Absolutely brilliant like all of Christie Walsh’s books unable to put down, heartwarming, sad in places but beautifully written 11/10
June 9, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this book, never read anything from Chrissie Walsh but will definitely find another one
September 1, 2025
Loved this book from start to finish.
Lovely characters and an endearing story.
Lovely characters and an endearing story.
December 28, 2025
I couldn't put the book down to find out what happens to Darcy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews