An Orphan's Choice : Book 2 The Orphanage Chronicles : Historical Fiction Strong Women Fighting for Hope in the 1930s

by Rachel Wesson

When a deadline threatens everything they've built, one small community must decide what truly matters...

Hope House has always operated on a shoestring budget, but when a fire marshal delivers an impossible ultimatum—install a costly fire escape within thirty days or close forever—Lauren Greenwood faces her greatest challenge yet. With ten children depending on her and three more arriving from a tragic mining accident, failure isn't an option.

As autumn leaves fall across rural Virginia in 1936, unexpected allies emerge from the shadows. A shopkeeper with a hidden past finds healing through two special children, a troubled boy discovers his mechanical genius in a forgotten garage. And two young orphans embark on a dangerous adventure that might just save everything.

Through harvest festivals, community prejudices, and the quiet rekindling of long-dormant romances, "The Orphan's Choice" weaves a tapestry of lives interconnected by love, loss, and the fierce determination to protect what matters most. Return to Delgany in this heartwarming second instalment of The Orphanage Chronicles, where faith is tested, community is redefined, and hope refuses to be extinguished. Perfect for readers who love historical fiction, strong women, and stories that stir the soul.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Rachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.

Reviews

[Jennifer Woodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

history in the making

This is a great book, as is every other one Rachel Wesson has written that I have read. Her characters are set from the depression to Hitler’s rise. It rings with the truth of that era and brings to mind this era. It is told through the people of the Hope House orphanage. I personally have read 4 of her books in a week. You will love them.

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful heartwarming continuation of characters and a great story line. The whole town comes together to save the orphanage.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1936 in Virginia, lives in Europe are being disrupted; people escaping to other countries including the United States; and orphanages are becoming overcrowded. Diseases claiming parents, accidents killing relatives and miscellaneous problems leaving children alone. With no one who cares, Hope House in Delgany, Virginia, always has a place for one more. Growing children, loud voices and some with frailties, it's the old saying about tossing another potato in the pot. Lauren and Becky operate this house along with Nanny Kat who does mounds of cooking. This storyline will make you cry, bring smiles about child antics and keep you reading because you can't put the book down. Whether it is opening the door to another child, finding a place for them to sleep or making sure everyone is clothed, each and every day is a challenge to be read about in this story. Thanks for excellent writing and wonderful storytelling by this author.

[Gosia Nealon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating book that will stay with me for a long time. This author never disappoints in delivering unforgettable and touching stories. I'm still thinking about it, so glad that I read it.
The plot is well paced and the characters are masterfully built. This is the kind of book that will pull on the strings of your heart. It's perfect for fans of historical fiction and anyone who likes high-quality novels. I highly recommend it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[christine mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Rachel another great book like last the others, this carries on from previous books, along with the problems which in turn are solved,also people start to soften to hope house, but nothing lasts, when hope house looks like it may close down Fred and Cal cause mischief again but all comes good when they get a reward and hope house is safe along with other bits of good news

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this WWII era book. Reminded me a lot of the Walton’s, covering the depression and going to war before we officially joined it. I feel you definitely need to read the first book in the series, as it referenced a lot from earlier times. You won’t be disappointed when you read both. A lot of feel good with a lot of promise for good with hope. I look forward to the next addition!

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story. I didn't read book 1 first, and that definitely would have helped; however, I still enjoyed this book. I love how passionate Lauren is for her kids, for the way she fights for them.

[Karol L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring, tender, and realistic story

This story shows the struggles and rewards of being family. Working together through thick and thin, family is created. Regardless of background, patience, perseverance, and a whole lot of love can conquer the biggest obstacles.

[Sherry Salzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next chapter. I have enjoyed this series.

[Dawn Markusic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read Series

I don't want this series to end! Another great book, by an amazing Author.

Your emotions are on a roller coaster through this whole book. A must read.