What do you think?
Rate this book
The Orphan's Promise
Orphaned at a young age, Rose Hamilton can barely remember a mother’s warmth or a father’s protection. Instead, she has endured the cold, loveless rule of her embittered Aunt Win, a woman who seems to take pleasure in making Rose’s life as difficult as possible. The only comfort Rose has ever known comes from the loyal household staff—Jackson, the butler, Mary, the cook, and Katy, the housemaid—who have become the family she never had.
But as her twenty first birthday draws near, Aunt Win is determined to see Rose married off—to any man who will have her. Rose, spirited and independent, refuses to be bartered away like chattel and makes a promise to herself – she will only ever marry for love.
As Rose fights to take control of her own future, she stumbles upon a long-buried secret—a revelation so shocking it threatens to unravel everything she has ever believed about her past, her family, and even herself. And when a connection sparks with a man her aunt vehemently opposes, another promise takes root within Rose – to wait, no matter the cost, for the hand her heart truly desires.
Can Rose uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will her aunt’s scheming change the course of her life forever?
But as her twenty first birthday draws near, Aunt Win is determined to see Rose married off—to any man who will have her. Rose, spirited and independent, refuses to be bartered away like chattel and makes a promise to herself – she will only ever marry for love.
As Rose fights to take control of her own future, she stumbles upon a long-buried secret—a revelation so shocking it threatens to unravel everything she has ever believed about her past, her family, and even herself. And when a connection sparks with a man her aunt vehemently opposes, another promise takes root within Rose – to wait, no matter the cost, for the hand her heart truly desires.
Can Rose uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will her aunt’s scheming change the course of her life forever?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2025
151 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 6, 2025
Rose Hamilton had lived with her embittered Aunt Win since her parents had died in India, and now, at age nineteen, Aunt Win was desperate to marry Rose off. It was the late 1800s, and every party, ball and soiree meant Rose had to suffer the indignation of being paraded in front of salivating single men, whatever age. Rose and Win had constant arguments but Rose had vowed to only marry for love. She spent much time in the kitchen of the family home, with the only people she loved, and who loved her. Jackson, the butler, Mary, the cook, and Katy, the maid.
At one such event, she did meet a man, older than her but one she thought she could love. But still, she would not marry until she turned twenty-one, and Win was beginning to despair that Rose was too strong for her. What would happen as the secrets which had been hidden for years suddenly came to the fore?
I quite enjoyed The Orphan's Promise by Lindsey Hutchinson. A gentle historical novel, as the bitter Win and her ward battled out something Rose was confused about. Rose, Jackson, Mary and Katy were all excellent characters, well written, compassionate and caring. While poor Win went about things all wrong. A recommended read.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
At one such event, she did meet a man, older than her but one she thought she could love. But still, she would not marry until she turned twenty-one, and Win was beginning to despair that Rose was too strong for her. What would happen as the secrets which had been hidden for years suddenly came to the fore?
I quite enjoyed The Orphan's Promise by Lindsey Hutchinson. A gentle historical novel, as the bitter Win and her ward battled out something Rose was confused about. Rose, Jackson, Mary and Katy were all excellent characters, well written, compassionate and caring. While poor Win went about things all wrong. A recommended read.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
June 24, 2025
Birmingham.
Rose Hamilton nineteen years old, living with her scheming aunt Win (Winifred Jacobs) with only one thing on her mind for a reason and that is to see her niece to be married before she is twenty one.
Upon meeting handsome Charles Dean he is the only one for her, but her aunt is against it and it's for a big secret and lies, enough to send her mad, but Rose is holding onto her word.
With only the staff at the house to keep her going, why is her aunt jealous?
A legacy of lies.
A promise of love.
This is a very good read.
It takes us through lots of secrets, lies and love.
I certainly loved reading it all the way through to the end.
Rose Hamilton nineteen years old, living with her scheming aunt Win (Winifred Jacobs) with only one thing on her mind for a reason and that is to see her niece to be married before she is twenty one.
Upon meeting handsome Charles Dean he is the only one for her, but her aunt is against it and it's for a big secret and lies, enough to send her mad, but Rose is holding onto her word.
With only the staff at the house to keep her going, why is her aunt jealous?
A legacy of lies.
A promise of love.
This is a very good read.
It takes us through lots of secrets, lies and love.
I certainly loved reading it all the way through to the end.
July 13, 2025
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the free advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you love Downton Abbey, you might really enjoy this book. It actually is a cross between parts Downton Abbey and parts Bridgerton. It started a little slow because I was confused about this book and the title. I have said before in my reviews that I am a sucker for any book that has the word "orphan" in the title. This book had me confused because yes, Rose was technically an orphan - her Aunt Win was her guardian, but as the book begins, she is 20 years old. The attraction of an "orphan" book to me is when a young child loses their parents and the journey to find a new family. Once I let the title go and re-adjusted my expectations, and about 1/3 of the way in as the plot started to reveal itself, I enjoyed the storyline more than I thought I would, to be honest.
Without spoiling anything, there is a secret and conflict in the relationship between Rose and her controlling and negative Aunt who is trying to marry her off when she doesn't want to wed. The parade of suitors and visits to dressmakers was a bit like Bridgerton but the majority of the book played out like a few episodes of Downton Abbey where Rose's friends are the servants of the house and there is the gossip that happens downstairs about things that happen upstairs. There is eavesdropping, plenty of parties, formal dinners, and all of the basic simplicity of an earlier time.
If you love Downton Abbey, you might really enjoy this book. It actually is a cross between parts Downton Abbey and parts Bridgerton. It started a little slow because I was confused about this book and the title. I have said before in my reviews that I am a sucker for any book that has the word "orphan" in the title. This book had me confused because yes, Rose was technically an orphan - her Aunt Win was her guardian, but as the book begins, she is 20 years old. The attraction of an "orphan" book to me is when a young child loses their parents and the journey to find a new family. Once I let the title go and re-adjusted my expectations, and about 1/3 of the way in as the plot started to reveal itself, I enjoyed the storyline more than I thought I would, to be honest.
Without spoiling anything, there is a secret and conflict in the relationship between Rose and her controlling and negative Aunt who is trying to marry her off when she doesn't want to wed. The parade of suitors and visits to dressmakers was a bit like Bridgerton but the majority of the book played out like a few episodes of Downton Abbey where Rose's friends are the servants of the house and there is the gossip that happens downstairs about things that happen upstairs. There is eavesdropping, plenty of parties, formal dinners, and all of the basic simplicity of an earlier time.
August 30, 2025
This is the story of young Rose Hamilton, orphaned at a young age and now living with her Aunt Win who is determined to get Rose married before her 21st birthday. And there is a very important reason for that in Win's books. But Rose doesn't want to get married unless it is for love and doesn't know of the reasons why her aunt is so keen to get her married off.
But before long all the secrets and lies come to the surface and when Rose meets Charles Dean this brings more tension between rose and Aunt Win. Rose feels alone except for her friends who are of course the house staff who she loves and trusts. This begins the search for the secrets and lies that have laid hidden since her parents died. There is plenty of tension, some heartache and a lot of sneaking around to find the truth.
A sort of slow burn read but it never got boring as there was always something happening. I loved the characters and the relationships between them all, loved the setting and found it a rather charming read in the end. My only gripe would be the ending was a bit vanilla, a bit 'Happy ever after'. All in all a good read, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to historical fiction lovers. 4 1/2 stars from me for this one.
The Orphan's Promise
Lindsey Hutchinson
But before long all the secrets and lies come to the surface and when Rose meets Charles Dean this brings more tension between rose and Aunt Win. Rose feels alone except for her friends who are of course the house staff who she loves and trusts. This begins the search for the secrets and lies that have laid hidden since her parents died. There is plenty of tension, some heartache and a lot of sneaking around to find the truth.
A sort of slow burn read but it never got boring as there was always something happening. I loved the characters and the relationships between them all, loved the setting and found it a rather charming read in the end. My only gripe would be the ending was a bit vanilla, a bit 'Happy ever after'. All in all a good read, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to historical fiction lovers. 4 1/2 stars from me for this one.
The Orphan's Promise
Lindsey Hutchinson
July 21, 2025
"A legacy of lies, a promise of love"
...
'The Orphan’s Promise' is a richly atmospheric, delightfully detailed and deliciously slow-burning historical saga, set in late Victorian England, which cleverly manages to blend a tender and moving romance, with an absorbing and suspenseful mystery, which is character and plot driven in equal measure. So many of my recent reads have been set on location in the north of the UK and this coming-of-age saga continues that trend, being set among the society conscious, middle-class echelons of Birmingham.
It follows spirited, yet vulnerable, Rose Hamilton, who, at a young age, was orphaned and subsequently raised under the oppressive control of her unmarried Aunt Win, from whom she now fights to claim her own destiny, as she embraces her coming of age celebrations. However, Win appears overly anxious to see Rose married off before that auspicious day and is quite ruthless in placing before her, just about any man who has a pulse and the required status and wealth, regardless of his age or disposition.
Rose has always found solace, kindness and true friendship in the household staff; Jackson the butler, Mary the cook, and Katy the maid, who represent the loving and caring family she never had. So it is to them that she now turns as Aunt Win becomes more vociferous in her mission to find her a husband and it is they, with their proverbial 'noses to the ground and eyes and ears to the walls', who are able to help her piece together the reasons for her benefactor's strange and erratic behaviour.
With her newly acquired knowledge about her Aunt's true motives, Rose becomes more determined than ever that she will only ever marry a man of her own choosing, at a time which is right for her and, most importantly, only for true love. So, when by sheer chance, that man comes along and is willing to wait until she comes of age before he proposes to her, Rose is overjoyed. Despite knowing of Win's ulterior motives in needing to marry her off quickly, neither Rose nor her 'downstairs' family can fathom the apoplectic jealous rage and vitriolic hatred which spews forth from Win when Charles declares his intentions towards her niece.
When the final twist is thrown into the mix and the last missing piece of the jigsaw eventually falls into place, emotions run high, with devastating consequences.
...
Watching Rose mature into a strong and independent young woman, is a delight. It is clear that her attitudes towards her below stairs staff do not reflect the general societal norms of the time, which bodes well for the future when she will need to manage her own household in a way which facilitates a happy, respectful and mutually cooperative environment.
I found Win to be a sour, bitter woman, who despite having some good cause for her greed and envy, has decided that Rose owes her for her years of perceived sacrifice. Her disposition has made her quite unlikeable, making her appear older than her probable years and potentially sealing her fate to remain a spinster for the rest of her life.
Lindsey depicts her characters sympathetically and in great detail, until she gets the synergy between them just right. This, together with a well-researched storyline, which is broken down into chapters of just the right length, ensures that the resulting read is a sheer joy and exactly the way I like my historical fiction, not too 'cheesy' and with some substance.
I know that I have some of author Lindsey Hutchinson's earlier novels on my shelves somewhere, so this being the first of her books I have actually read, I can't wait to visit some of her previous titles.
...
'The Orphan’s Promise' is a richly atmospheric, delightfully detailed and deliciously slow-burning historical saga, set in late Victorian England, which cleverly manages to blend a tender and moving romance, with an absorbing and suspenseful mystery, which is character and plot driven in equal measure. So many of my recent reads have been set on location in the north of the UK and this coming-of-age saga continues that trend, being set among the society conscious, middle-class echelons of Birmingham.
It follows spirited, yet vulnerable, Rose Hamilton, who, at a young age, was orphaned and subsequently raised under the oppressive control of her unmarried Aunt Win, from whom she now fights to claim her own destiny, as she embraces her coming of age celebrations. However, Win appears overly anxious to see Rose married off before that auspicious day and is quite ruthless in placing before her, just about any man who has a pulse and the required status and wealth, regardless of his age or disposition.
Rose has always found solace, kindness and true friendship in the household staff; Jackson the butler, Mary the cook, and Katy the maid, who represent the loving and caring family she never had. So it is to them that she now turns as Aunt Win becomes more vociferous in her mission to find her a husband and it is they, with their proverbial 'noses to the ground and eyes and ears to the walls', who are able to help her piece together the reasons for her benefactor's strange and erratic behaviour.
With her newly acquired knowledge about her Aunt's true motives, Rose becomes more determined than ever that she will only ever marry a man of her own choosing, at a time which is right for her and, most importantly, only for true love. So, when by sheer chance, that man comes along and is willing to wait until she comes of age before he proposes to her, Rose is overjoyed. Despite knowing of Win's ulterior motives in needing to marry her off quickly, neither Rose nor her 'downstairs' family can fathom the apoplectic jealous rage and vitriolic hatred which spews forth from Win when Charles declares his intentions towards her niece.
When the final twist is thrown into the mix and the last missing piece of the jigsaw eventually falls into place, emotions run high, with devastating consequences.
...
Watching Rose mature into a strong and independent young woman, is a delight. It is clear that her attitudes towards her below stairs staff do not reflect the general societal norms of the time, which bodes well for the future when she will need to manage her own household in a way which facilitates a happy, respectful and mutually cooperative environment.
I found Win to be a sour, bitter woman, who despite having some good cause for her greed and envy, has decided that Rose owes her for her years of perceived sacrifice. Her disposition has made her quite unlikeable, making her appear older than her probable years and potentially sealing her fate to remain a spinster for the rest of her life.
Lindsey depicts her characters sympathetically and in great detail, until she gets the synergy between them just right. This, together with a well-researched storyline, which is broken down into chapters of just the right length, ensures that the resulting read is a sheer joy and exactly the way I like my historical fiction, not too 'cheesy' and with some substance.
I know that I have some of author Lindsey Hutchinson's earlier novels on my shelves somewhere, so this being the first of her books I have actually read, I can't wait to visit some of her previous titles.
August 15, 2025
The Orphan’s Promise by Lindsey Hutchinson is a sweet, yet sad, story of a young woman, Rose, whose parents had been killed and she came to live with her aunt Win. It was not a great life. She never felt loved. Now her aunt was pushing her to marry, and she didn’t really care to whom. It was maddening and Rose was having none of it. As things became clearer, it was obvious that Win was still in love with a long-ago beau. Charles Dean had told her years ago that he didn’t feel that way about her, but she never gave up hope. Now he was attending the same balls and soirees that Win and Rose attended. Win instructed Rose to stay away from him, but she couldn’t. She found herself drawn to him, despite the fact she was much younger than he. She confided in her friends in the kitchen, the only friends she really had. The cook and the butler knew why Win was so opposed to the match, but felt it was not their place to share with Rose. What they didn’t share turned out to be even more explosive than they thought it would be.
Rose and Charles wee good characters, of a little aloof. Win was excellent, but then the bad guys always are. The story was a good one. The plot a little different and very creative, I thought. The story unraveled slowly and masterfully with the reader left in the dark until the moment Rose discovered the whole shocking truth of her life. It was a good read.
I was invited to read The Orphan’s Promise by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #LindseyHutchinson #The OrphansPromise
Rose and Charles wee good characters, of a little aloof. Win was excellent, but then the bad guys always are. The story was a good one. The plot a little different and very creative, I thought. The story unraveled slowly and masterfully with the reader left in the dark until the moment Rose discovered the whole shocking truth of her life. It was a good read.
I was invited to read The Orphan’s Promise by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #LindseyHutchinson #The OrphansPromise
August 5, 2025
Orphaned at a young age, Rose Hamilton can barely remember a mother's warmth or a father's protection. Instead, she has endured the cold, loveless rule of embittered Aunt Win, a woman who seems to take pleasure in making Rose's life as difficult as possible. The only comfort Rose has ever known comes from the loyal household staff - Jackson, the butler, Mary, the cook, and Katy, the housemaid - who have become the family she never had. But as her twenty-first birthday draws near, Aunt Win is determined to see Rose married off - to any man that will have her. Rose, spirited and independent, refuses to be bartered away like a chattel and makes a promise to herself - she will only ever marry for love.
Lindsey Hutchinson is one of my go to authors, I never read the premise, I just jump straight into the book.
Set in late Victorian England, this is a character driven story. I liked Rose and the staff who worked for her Aunt Win, but Win isn't a nice character and holds a secret that could change everything for Rose. It's also an informative read - I didn't know that back then that single women were frowned upon for wearing bold colours, and wearing red meant you were no longer pure. Another entertaining read from the fabulous Lindsey Hutchinson.
Published 10th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #TheOrphansPromise in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsey Hutchinson is one of my go to authors, I never read the premise, I just jump straight into the book.
Set in late Victorian England, this is a character driven story. I liked Rose and the staff who worked for her Aunt Win, but Win isn't a nice character and holds a secret that could change everything for Rose. It's also an informative read - I didn't know that back then that single women were frowned upon for wearing bold colours, and wearing red meant you were no longer pure. Another entertaining read from the fabulous Lindsey Hutchinson.
Published 10th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #TheOrphansPromise in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book and finding out what happened to the characters but I had worked out the storyline (mostly) from the blurb - so in some ways it was a bit of a disappointment to be proved correct,
I love Lindsey Hutchinsons books usually and looked forward to this one - but I think I read it with a slightly tinged mindset.
It was well written and well researched though for me the end was rushed - we had had all the information about the balls and soirées, the buying of gowns and frocks and of course the love story between Charles and Rose. But the final denouement and all that went with this fitted into the last chapter or so - and felt it didn’t fit with the rest of the story.
Was I the only one to feel slightly disturbed by the age difference between Charles and Rose? After all he had been the beau of her Aunt Win but then again that seemed the norm for the times as Win had tried to marry Rose off to several gentlemen much older than she was. How times and views change?
The camaraderie between Rose and the ‘downstairs’ staff seemed a little odd and I felt that Win would’ve tried (and probably not succeeded) to have stopped Rose being so friendly with them - although they had been in her life for so long. I know she felt they were ‘family’
So in some ways a satisfying read but not in others. Not Lindsey Hutchinson’s best unfortunately
I love Lindsey Hutchinsons books usually and looked forward to this one - but I think I read it with a slightly tinged mindset.
It was well written and well researched though for me the end was rushed - we had had all the information about the balls and soirées, the buying of gowns and frocks and of course the love story between Charles and Rose. But the final denouement and all that went with this fitted into the last chapter or so - and felt it didn’t fit with the rest of the story.
Was I the only one to feel slightly disturbed by the age difference between Charles and Rose? After all he had been the beau of her Aunt Win but then again that seemed the norm for the times as Win had tried to marry Rose off to several gentlemen much older than she was. How times and views change?
The camaraderie between Rose and the ‘downstairs’ staff seemed a little odd and I felt that Win would’ve tried (and probably not succeeded) to have stopped Rose being so friendly with them - although they had been in her life for so long. I know she felt they were ‘family’
So in some ways a satisfying read but not in others. Not Lindsey Hutchinson’s best unfortunately
September 3, 2025
In this emotional new historical fiction novel, readers follow orphaned Rose Hamilton as she prepares for her twenty-first birthday and her chance at freedom from her bitter Aunt Win’s rules and punishments. Only knowing happiness with the loyal household staff -- butler Jackson, cook Mary, and housemaid Katy -- Rose refuses to comply with her aunt’s plan for her marriage and commits to only marrying for love. Fighting to control her future, Rose discovers one of her aunt’s secrets that threatens to unravel everything Rose knows about her past, her family, and her future. Intense, emotional, and complex, readers will love this novel and the complex relationships between characters. Rose is a competent and engaging protagonist whose stubbornness and commitment to her found family will endear her to readers. The other characters in the book are detailed and well-written, while the historical setting and added elements of drama and conflict add great depth to this charming historical fiction novel. The emotional beats are well-written, and the depth of the many character arcs add some fascinating complexities to the book. Well-written, entertaining, and emotional, readers will love this new historical fiction novel from Lindsey Hutchinson and its fantastic characters, complex relationships, and brilliant details.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
August 6, 2025
Wow the ending was shocking!!! Rose Hamilton's parents have died and she is sent to live with her Aunt Win Jacobs. Her Aunt Win is in a rush to get her married because is she were married Win would benefit. Every party invitation is accepted in order for Win to find a spouse for Rose before her 21st birthday. Meanwhile Rose has fallen in love with the handsome but much older Charles Dean, who was the former beau of her Aunt. He rejected marrying her many years ago and she has carried her unrequited love for him for decades.
Ms. Hutchinson delivers a made for television with amazing dialogue and a fast-paced storyline. The characters are fleshed out and it shows the author did her research of the period norms. Fans of the Victorian time period will thoroughly enjoy this novel. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Hutchinson delivers a made for television with amazing dialogue and a fast-paced storyline. The characters are fleshed out and it shows the author did her research of the period norms. Fans of the Victorian time period will thoroughly enjoy this novel. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
The Orphan’s Promise is another super book by Lyndsey Hutchinson. Set in Birmingham in England in the late 1880’s. After the tragic death of her parents Rose Hamilton is being brought up by her Aunt Win. Win is a very bitter woman with hidden secrets and her main aim in life is to have Rose married before she is 21. Yes this did happen in that time where young women of high society were invited to to many balls and fancy parties in the hope of finding the man of their dreams to settle down with and marry . But are Aunt Win’s reasonings for Rose to be married as clear cut as that ? This book for me had an excellent storyline and also wonderful characters . The author has really developed the characters, even those I wasn’t overly keen on . Ms Hutchinson is one of my go to authors of this genre and I can’t wait to hear what her next book will be. Highly recommend this one for fans of historical fiction sagas .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 10, 2025
The Orphan's Promise is a story of life during a time of class consciousness that is based on position and money but not character. Rose Hamilton sees through that looking at the heart of people, so do the servants who work for her Aunt and guardian. Rose is an orphan who has reached the age for her devious aunt to use. The story is an historical mystery romance where the heroine is at risk, but the everyday people support and watch her back. It is also The romance is one that her Aunt works to ruin and stop. There is so much more in the secrets, hatred and bitterness that comes out as this story progresses. By Lindsey Hutchinson, it is written with heart and grit. You will be wishing that you could rally with the servants who are true friends to Rose to stand and support her and Charles.
July 16, 2025
Rose is nineteen years old and I love when her firecracker side comes to life. Rose was orphaned and left in the care of her aunt Win who needs to see Rose married before she turns twenty one. Rose has no interest in getting married especially not to the suitors her aunt chooses. Rose has no interest in any man until she meets the dashing Charles Dean who her aunt seems to strongly dislike. I enjoyed the attention to detail and learning that women wearing bright colours was frowned upon even more so if it was red as you would be considered to be a floozy. I love how rich and easy the story flowed making it fast paced although the twists come faster at the end. The mystery was revealed slowly building the anticipation. When it is revealed I was beyond shocked 😲.
August 9, 2025
Okay. Fifty eight chapters. I knew I had to read this as my review is due in a few weeks. How was I to finish this in time? Well, I started last night and I just finished tonight. I couldn't put it down. I barely gave myself time to ear.
Yep. I loved it. The story kept my interest to the very last page. It was unpredictable. I had my "OH MY" moments.
I loved Rose. She was caring and loving. Her relationship with the maids, the cook and the butler was touching. They became her family. Now her relationship with her Aunt was a different story. The fights that they had were numerous and loud. And eventually it lead to more serious consequences.
A great book. I loved it. I loved every single page.
Yep. I loved it. The story kept my interest to the very last page. It was unpredictable. I had my "OH MY" moments.
I loved Rose. She was caring and loving. Her relationship with the maids, the cook and the butler was touching. They became her family. Now her relationship with her Aunt was a different story. The fights that they had were numerous and loud. And eventually it lead to more serious consequences.
A great book. I loved it. I loved every single page.
June 21, 2025
I found this book to be an easy read. I enjoyed the storyline and read the book one evening and finished it the next afternoon. I couldn't wait to see how things worked out in the end. What I didn't like was how the book would refer in one sentence as "cook" and the next sentence using the cook's name, Mary. That was consistent throughout the book with all of the staff and I just found it annoying. Just a pet peeve of mine. That's the reason for 4 stars instead of 5.
I would like to thank the author and Boldwod Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I would like to thank the author and Boldwod Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2025
This is the story of Rose and her life with her aunt Win after her parents died while travelling. Rose is more welcome in the kitchen with her friends there and who feel more like family than her aunt. Win starts to try and find a husband for Rose and wants her to marry before she is 21. Along comes Charles Dean who is an old beau of Win’s and secrets are hidden with the two of them, Charles falls for Rose but Win is so jealous.
A lovely story with some lovely characters.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Publisher Boldwood books for the early read for an honest review.
A lovely story with some lovely characters.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Publisher Boldwood books for the early read for an honest review.
September 2, 2025
A wonderful book that had everything romance and friendship. Woven with a fantastic story.
I really enjoyed this book it had a bit a mystery to it which it will be become clear at the end of the book. I really liked the main character she was a very nice person and treated everyone as an equal. I was thinking would things go wrong and not turn out right. The story was enjoyable and it al worked well and I didn’t find anything of the book I did not like.
I always like these kind of books.
Would recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book it had a bit a mystery to it which it will be become clear at the end of the book. I really liked the main character she was a very nice person and treated everyone as an equal. I was thinking would things go wrong and not turn out right. The story was enjoyable and it al worked well and I didn’t find anything of the book I did not like.
I always like these kind of books.
Would recommend this book.
June 30, 2025
I enjoyed the clean read. It was a romance with a significant age difference. There were many secondary characters who were very much part of the storyline. One thing I found hard to believe was that the business ran so smoothly for years without an owner being involved more or at least the lawyers of the deceased owner. The FMC was very likeable and very caring. Her aunt was a selfish person. The MMC seemed to know what he wanted.
August 4, 2025
So. Many. Words. So. Many. Balls. So. Much Shopping., I'm usually a fan of this genre, but this book just was so repetitive.
Slow to begin, and I didn't really understand the premise except there were 'secrets'. The first third of the book was the most repetitive and I almost gave up....except...the secrets kept me going. Once some of the secrets were out, the book became more interesting, moving the story quickly along. The final secret was worth the read.
Slow to begin, and I didn't really understand the premise except there were 'secrets'. The first third of the book was the most repetitive and I almost gave up....except...the secrets kept me going. Once some of the secrets were out, the book became more interesting, moving the story quickly along. The final secret was worth the read.
August 17, 2025
Twists turns sadness and laughter brilliant
I've read a great many extremely good books this is up there at the top of them the twists and turns you didn't see coming was amazing such heart wrenching times before the sun finally came out for poor Rose if I could give this book more than five stars then I would if you haven't already read it why not you really don't know what you are.missing
I've read a great many extremely good books this is up there at the top of them the twists and turns you didn't see coming was amazing such heart wrenching times before the sun finally came out for poor Rose if I could give this book more than five stars then I would if you haven't already read it why not you really don't know what you are.missing
December 30, 2025
A sweet, cozy novel
This is a very well-written novel, a wonderful storyline with little mysteries to be pondered, and lovely characters (well . . . most are lovely; some are quirky, some funny, and one downright mean). I enjoyed the "ride" as I pondered on who was related to whom. Author Lindsey Hutchinson is an author to follow.
This is a very well-written novel, a wonderful storyline with little mysteries to be pondered, and lovely characters (well . . . most are lovely; some are quirky, some funny, and one downright mean). I enjoyed the "ride" as I pondered on who was related to whom. Author Lindsey Hutchinson is an author to follow.
July 29, 2025
This was such an easy read. The author does such a great job of making the reader draw to the characters smoothly. The reader gets hooked and has a hard time putting down the story if Rose and her adventures.
December 8, 2025
Very easy read
Loved the way this was written. A very easy book to read. Great characters, I was transported back to Victorian Britain. it was nice to read this era book that wasn't full of poverty.
Loved the way this was written. A very easy book to read. Great characters, I was transported back to Victorian Britain. it was nice to read this era book that wasn't full of poverty.
June 23, 2025
A sweet and mild family romance without a lot of tragedy, but one big mystery that comes out at the end. Since Rose wasn’t really an orphan, I’m not sure the title actually applies.
July 23, 2025
vaguely victorian work that generally works pretty well, if at times feeling a hair flat in the character develop,ment field. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
August 27, 2025
Fantastic
Really enjoyed the storyline, keeping you gripped throughout with secrets. I loved Meg Hutchinson's books, now can't wait to read her daughters. What a legacy
Really enjoyed the storyline, keeping you gripped throughout with secrets. I loved Meg Hutchinson's books, now can't wait to read her daughters. What a legacy
October 15, 2025
Delightful!
An enjoyable read full of romance and drama. The unfolding mystery and surprising turn of events truly made me smile. Another win for Ms. Hutchinson!
An enjoyable read full of romance and drama. The unfolding mystery and surprising turn of events truly made me smile. Another win for Ms. Hutchinson!
Read
November 6, 2025Brilliant book. Lots of twists. Recommended to read. Could not put it down
December 30, 2025
one of the best
From the beginning it was very hard to put down. The author made every chapter full of excitement . Very good !
From the beginning it was very hard to put down. The author made every chapter full of excitement . Very good !
December 16, 2025
I loved this story, didn't put it down until finished. Thought now what can I read that will be as good. OK so you sort of know how it will end but it was still well worth the read. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews