The Ragged Runaway

by AnneMarie Brear

A heartwrenching and emotional tale of courage, friendship and lost love   

Wakefield, 1901

Emmeline Ashworth has never known real want. As the grocer’s daughter, she has warm meals, a solid roof, and a father who dotes on her. She’s always understood she is luckier than most, but nothing prepares her for the day a half-starved young woman runs into the shop, desperate for help.

The girl – Lily - is bruised and ragged from the slums that sprawl at the edge of town and opens Emmie’s eyes to the harsh realities of life for some in Wakefield. Determined to offer her friendship and a lifeline, Emmie faces resistance from her beau, Rupert, who insists Emmie must keep her distance.

Then Emmie meets Sebastian Fraser, a passionate local councillor fighting to improve conditions in the slums. His compassion mirrors her own—and awakens feelings she can’t ignore. Feelings she’s never had for Rupert.

As Emmie risks everything to protect Lily from the dangers she’s fled, she must choose between the safe life she’s always known and the braver, kinder world she longs to build.

But can Lily find a place in Emmie’s life or will the shadows of the slums follow her to their door?

Genres: Historical Fiction

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2026

About the author

Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1901, Wakefield, England, and Miss Emmeline Ashworth was content working in the grocery store with her father, Linus Ashworth, and being cared for by the woman who had been part of her life, although an employee, for as long as she could remember. Emmie's mother had died and she didn't remember her; Emmie's life was easy, quiet, but lonely. When a distraught and raggedy young woman raced through their shop, Emmie, against the wishes of her father, took care of her. Lily was a runaway from the slums of the city, had been beaten brutally and was desperate to escape the only life she'd known. Could Emmie help her?

Rupert, Emmie's fiancé, was against Lily, determined he would keep them apart. Emmie's life, other than the grocery store, was filled with volunteer work to help the poor and destitute. Her heart was gold - but not everyone wanted to be saved. Meeting with a councillor who was as passionate as Emmie with helping rebuild the slum area, she worked with him serving in the soup kitchen among other things. But danger was lurking...

The Ragged Runaway is another exceptional historical novel by Aussie author AnneMarie Brear which I loved. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, Emmie's life changed in a big way when Lily entered it. They became like sisters, filling Emmie with hope and laughter like she'd never known before. I've read several of this author's work, and loved each one; this one is no different. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wakefield, 1901: Emmeline Ashworth has never known a real want. As the grocer's daughter, she has warm meals, a solid roof, and a father who dotes on her. She's always understood she's luckier than most, but nothing prepares her for the day a half-starved young woman runs into the shop, desperate for help. The girl - Lily - is bruised and ragged from the slums that sprawl at the edge of the town and opens Emmie's eyes to the harsh realities of life for some in Wakefield. Emmie faces resistance from her beau, Rupert, who insists Emmie must keep her distance. Then Emmie meets Sebastian Fraser, a passionate local councillor fighting to improve conditions in the slums.

I loved this well-written and researched story. We get a mixed bunch of characters coming from all walks of life. I like a good strong female character, and Emmie was all that and more. She wasn't frightened to fight for what she believed in. I also liked Sebastian Fraser, the passionate local councillor. There's a chance of budding romance for Emmie, but will she take it or stick with Rupert.

Published 24th April 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnnemarieBrear for my ARC of #TheRaggedRunaway in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from AnneMarie Brear.

For me it was a bit formulaic and predictable somehow but kept be interested enough to want to know what happened.

Emmeline (Emmie) works in her father’s grocer store in Wakefield. She has been told her mother died when she was young.
Linus her father is in love with Sibby - who with her son Roddy - is housekeeper for the family.
Rupert is a doctor at the local asylum and courts Emmie.

But then Lilly runs through the shop in a battered, disheveled and dirty state. We never find out her real name.

Emmie takes Lily under her wing and nurtures her into the ‘lady’ she aspires to be.

There is a lot of writing about the poverty and backstreets in Wakefield and the councillor Sebastian who endeavours to change what he is able to.

So there are twists and turns, Lily’s wayward father and brother cause endless problems. The brother really was nasty.
There are also relationship twists as well - but again they seemed predictable.

Has Lily really turned a corner - or reverted to what she knows and her ‘type’?

Well written and well researched but I wonder if it was AnnMarie’s best work this time?

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy to review

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ragged Runaway is another excellent read by one of my favourite historical saga fiction authors. This book pulled me right in from the very start and it didn’t take me long to get immersed in the story. The two main characters Emmeline and Lily are from totally opposite sides of the track. Emmeline works in her Father’s Grocery store and is quite well off . Lily on the other hand is an urchin from the slums of Wakefield. When Emmeline encounters Lily one day she is determined to look after her and protect her from the evils waiting for her back in the slums . Not all of Emmeline’s family and friends are supportive of what she is doing and she faces some opposition in her quest to help Lily. This was both a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking read that had me gripped from start to finish. A well written and researched read with a great mix of characters and one which I highly recommend.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily had to escape.  Her life was in danger. By chance, she met Emmie.  This meeting changed both their lives. Two young women from different sides of the track.  They became close. So close, they were almost like sisters. Unfortunately, Lily had a plan. This plan changed everything.

Wow! I lost some sleep reading this one.  I found myself going "no, no, don't do that". Lily didn't listen to me. She went ahead and made a mess of things.

The old couple in the country touched my heart.  They became Emmie's adopted grandparents.  Family isn't always through blood. They opened their door and hearts to her in her time of need.

I really enjoyed the story. Drama. Secrets. Pain and passion. It had it all.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma line knows she is fortunate as she works in her father’s shop, however she is lonely and also kind at heart. So when Lily crosses her path, in need of help, and destitute,Emmaline pushes hard to have Lily stay. They become friends, however Lily worries when Emmaline becomes engaged to Rupert. Betrayal and heartache follow, yet Emmaline actually has met someone else who is more her soulmate. Secrets are revealed, things happen, and eventually issues are resolved. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this story, as well as the exploration of class and gender issues. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for bringing this author to me.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rags to riches is the heart of this story and it had me entranced by it's grandness. Emmeline is living with and working for her father in the local grocers and has always had nice clothes, a roof over her head and warm food. Lily is the opposite and is living in the slums. When by chance Lily and Emmeline meet, Lily is beaten and broken but Emmeline is determined to help her and befriend her too. It's the perfect combination of the times and I enjoyed the exploration of the different classes and gender roles. It had me wide eyed and the secrets and betrayals were twisted into the impressive storyline. It's a enjoyable but tough read for sure.

[Lyn Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

AnneMarie is one of my favorite authors of Historical Romance novels and this one did not disappoint. It covered a lot of different moral issues in so much as family members keeping secrets from one another, helping the down and out even though it brings danger to loved ones and finding forgiveness to those who betray you. It was an easy read and kept me wanting to know more as it went along. It only got a four star rating because a couple of incidents were a bit far fetched, other than that I did enjoy it.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the new book from Annemarie Brear. The story of Emmie and her small family and the girl who comes for help and gets it and a second chance from Emmie, her father and housekeeper. Things take a turn and decisions must be made, a terrible secret must be heard but will Emmie come back from this.
Excellent read and my thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Boldwood Books for the chance of the early read

[irene currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Wow wow

This book is unputdownable from the first sentence the laughter and heartache comes along with a deep compelling story of loneliness lies and being deceived Anne Marie Brear has outdone herself once again if you haven't already read this book then I highly recommend reading it five stars plus is not enough Anne's books are so compelling to read as you walk along beside the characters

[Kelly Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sad story for Emmy. Her new friend Lilly had ulterior motives! Emmy was so trusting and took this girl in and helped her.
In the end, they all lied to her.. all of them!
Her dad, Rupert, the housekeeper..
I know she walked away with some serious trust issues!
Some surprise twists and turns in there!

[Barbara Daniels Dena]

Best yet

Best of Ms. Brear's novels to date. Mystery, intrigue, fear, joy, unimaginable twists at every turn of the page. This book has it all. If you have Kindle Unlimited, you may add the audio at a reduced price to get the real feel of the action.

[Julia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

the ragged runaway

An emotional historical drama around two young ladies, one who knew not what it was like to live without, the other whom had to fight to survive. How their paths crossed and entwined, through a web of violence, love, betrayal and lies.
How forgiveness is possible no matter what the deed

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely, I became thoroughly absorbed in it! I especially liked the Epilogue ....I know exactly what happened which is so satisfying! I would recommend.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I enjoyed the storyline of riches and rags. This grabbed me at the beginning and held me to the end. Can’t air for the next book!

[gaynor williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

ragged runaway

Brilliant story love AnneMarie Brear books
Gritty but powerful great story of poverty and friendship love and lies
Thank you

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵 Blurb-
Wakefield, 1901
Emmeline Ashworth has never known real want. As the grocer’s daughter, she has warm meals, a solid roof, and a father who dotes on her. She’s always understood she is luckier than most, but nothing prepares her for the day a half-starved young woman runs into the shop, desperate for help.
The girl – Lily - is bruised and ragged from the slums that sprawl at the edge of town and opens Emmie’s eyes to the harsh realities of life for some in Wakefield. Determined to offer her friendship and a lifeline, Emmie faces resistance from her beau, Rupert, who insists Emmie must keep her distance.
Then Emmie meets Sebastian Fraser, a passionate local councillor fighting to improve conditions in the slums. His compassion mirrors her own—and awakens feelings she can’t ignore. Feelings she’s never had for Rupert.
As Emmie risks everything to protect Lily from the dangers she’s fled, she must choose between the safe life she’s always known and the braver, kinder world she longs to build.
💚 Review -
This was such an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the time setting in the story. It's obvious that the author has done their research for the story as the attention to detail was spot on. The story was well written and I loved the great mix of characters. There was plenty of content to keep me interested and reading until the end. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author AnneMarie Brear and Boldwood Books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.