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Black Country #5
The Girl on the Doorstep
Left an orphan, five-year-old Rosie Harris is found and raised by Maria, a Romany gypsy. Life on the road is hard, but the little girl soon feels one of the tribe with the travellers. As she grows older, Rosie realises she has 'second sight' and is able to read people's palms and see into their futures. Needing to make a living of her own, she befriends the canal folk, known as the 'cut-rats' traversing the Black Country waterways with their cargo, and so offers readings to anyone who can pay. Pursued by Jake Harding, a Romany bandolier who wants her for his wife, Rosie instead finds herself falling in love with a married man. And despite growing ominous signs that her future may be cursed, Rosie can't quite break away from the dream of a happily ever after... Lindsey Hutchinson is a master storyteller, and her Black Country sagas are heart-breaking, uplifting and truly addictive.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
691 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 15, 2018
5☆ A Stunning Must Read!
THE GIRL ON THE DOORSTEP is a stunning story that had me simply enchanted by the characters and the life of the travellers.
Rosie was just 5years old when her mother died of a heart attack. Alone and scared, along came Gypsy Maria Valesco, to save her from the Workhouse.
Maria took Rosie under her wing, and taught her all about the life and culture of the Romanies.
Rosie quickly came to realise the discrimination the Romanies faced every day. But she also embraced the culture and soon became to realise that like Maria she too had 'The Sight' the ability to tell fortune.
When Rosie meets Margaret Mitchell aka Margy, who is part of “cut-rats” (the canal travellers) she senses a connection and a deep sadness, and trouble ahead for her.
Rosie finds Margy again and they soon become friends, as Margy welcomes her into the cut-rats family. Rosie settles in perfectly and soon begins to use her abilities to earn money and pay her way.
Rosie doesn't have it easy, every time she appears to be doing well, something happens. But Rosie is strong and resilient and she just keeps dusting herself off and getting back up!
I don't want to delve anymore into the story as I may give something away.
This story absolutely melted my heart.
I love reading books about the Romanie Gypsies, their beliefs and traditions.
But particularly enjoyed learning about the 'cut-rats' which I haven't yet come across before.
Lindsey Hutchinson has written a highly absorbing, Enchanting, Compelling and poignant read, that was authentic, it had romance, tragedy, drama, heartache, discrimination, tradition, loyalty, strength, friendship, fortune telling. It was heart warming, emotional, and had me hooked!
The characters were spot on! I built up connections with the characters and truly felt part of the story which I loved.
This is my first book I have read by Lindsey and I now have her on my must read list.
The Girl on the Doorstep is 5th book in the series and I am definitely going to look into the other books.
If you enjoy Historical Fiction, that has a rich Romanie storyline, that is simply absorbing, beautifully written, a cast of intriguing characters, that will have you captivated then you will adore The Girl on the Doorstep.
Thank you to Aria books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
THE GIRL ON THE DOORSTEP is a stunning story that had me simply enchanted by the characters and the life of the travellers.
Rosie was just 5years old when her mother died of a heart attack. Alone and scared, along came Gypsy Maria Valesco, to save her from the Workhouse.
Maria took Rosie under her wing, and taught her all about the life and culture of the Romanies.
Rosie quickly came to realise the discrimination the Romanies faced every day. But she also embraced the culture and soon became to realise that like Maria she too had 'The Sight' the ability to tell fortune.
When Rosie meets Margaret Mitchell aka Margy, who is part of “cut-rats” (the canal travellers) she senses a connection and a deep sadness, and trouble ahead for her.
Rosie finds Margy again and they soon become friends, as Margy welcomes her into the cut-rats family. Rosie settles in perfectly and soon begins to use her abilities to earn money and pay her way.
Rosie doesn't have it easy, every time she appears to be doing well, something happens. But Rosie is strong and resilient and she just keeps dusting herself off and getting back up!
I don't want to delve anymore into the story as I may give something away.
This story absolutely melted my heart.
I love reading books about the Romanie Gypsies, their beliefs and traditions.
But particularly enjoyed learning about the 'cut-rats' which I haven't yet come across before.
Lindsey Hutchinson has written a highly absorbing, Enchanting, Compelling and poignant read, that was authentic, it had romance, tragedy, drama, heartache, discrimination, tradition, loyalty, strength, friendship, fortune telling. It was heart warming, emotional, and had me hooked!
The characters were spot on! I built up connections with the characters and truly felt part of the story which I loved.
This is my first book I have read by Lindsey and I now have her on my must read list.
The Girl on the Doorstep is 5th book in the series and I am definitely going to look into the other books.
If you enjoy Historical Fiction, that has a rich Romanie storyline, that is simply absorbing, beautifully written, a cast of intriguing characters, that will have you captivated then you will adore The Girl on the Doorstep.
Thank you to Aria books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
August 3, 2018
Left an orphan, five year old Rosie Harris is found and raised by Maria, a Romany gypsy. Life on the road is hard, but Rosie soon settles in with the travellers lifestyle. As she grows older, Rosie realises she has "second sight" and is able to read palms and predict their futures.
Rosie needs to earn her keep so she befriends the canal folk, known as the "cut-rats" who work the Black Country waterways. Rosie does readings for anyone who can pay for them. Margy and Abner Mitchell become good friends with Rosie and they take her under their wings when things get really bad for her. Then there is Jake Harding, the Romany bandolier who wants Rosie to marry him, but Rosie has her sights set on someone else, but he's also a married man.
Things just seem to keep getting worse for Rosie Harris. Just when things start looking up, she is quickly knocked back down again in this tale of hardships, death of loved ones, heartbreak and poverty. The book does have a happy ending though. I have only recently been aware of Lindsey Hutchinson but I'm quickly becoming a fan.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Aria and the author Lindsey Hutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rosie needs to earn her keep so she befriends the canal folk, known as the "cut-rats" who work the Black Country waterways. Rosie does readings for anyone who can pay for them. Margy and Abner Mitchell become good friends with Rosie and they take her under their wings when things get really bad for her. Then there is Jake Harding, the Romany bandolier who wants Rosie to marry him, but Rosie has her sights set on someone else, but he's also a married man.
Things just seem to keep getting worse for Rosie Harris. Just when things start looking up, she is quickly knocked back down again in this tale of hardships, death of loved ones, heartbreak and poverty. The book does have a happy ending though. I have only recently been aware of Lindsey Hutchinson but I'm quickly becoming a fan.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Aria and the author Lindsey Hutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book In exchange for an honest review.
I'm not ashamed to say I shed a few tears in the reading of this book.
Rosie life has so much heartache yet she loved unconditionally and continues to help anyone she can .
Many of the characters show love and forgiveness and how the bonds between family are not always just blood.
It was lovely to read about the Romany gypsies lives and highlight the attitudes towards them and how their lives and traditions are changing .
The people of the waterways the "cut rats" way of life and how they looked out for eachother was heartwarming .
Several times the characters lives seemed to go full circle, their lives and futures twisted and tangled into a messy web with drama after drama. I could put it down .
A really enjoyable read.
I'm not ashamed to say I shed a few tears in the reading of this book.
Rosie life has so much heartache yet she loved unconditionally and continues to help anyone she can .
Many of the characters show love and forgiveness and how the bonds between family are not always just blood.
It was lovely to read about the Romany gypsies lives and highlight the attitudes towards them and how their lives and traditions are changing .
The people of the waterways the "cut rats" way of life and how they looked out for eachother was heartwarming .
Several times the characters lives seemed to go full circle, their lives and futures twisted and tangled into a messy web with drama after drama. I could put it down .
A really enjoyable read.
March 2, 2019
Saved from the workhouse aged 5 when her Mum dies suddenly five-year old Rosie is found and raised by Maria a Romany Gypsy.
As she grows up Rosie realises she has second sight and is able to read palms which she makes a good living out of on the Black Country waterways amongst the cut-rats canal folk.
Although having second sight means nothing if your heart rules your head and here is where Rosie struggles when she becomes embroiled in a forbidden love triangle in the pursuit of happiness.
A really informative story. I enjoyed learning of the Romany and cut-rats customs and traditions.
It was so atmospheric I could in detail visualise it all and this kept me hooked.
Such an interesting read that I would recommend.
My thanks go to the publisher, author and Netgalley in providing this arc in return for a honest review.
As she grows up Rosie realises she has second sight and is able to read palms which she makes a good living out of on the Black Country waterways amongst the cut-rats canal folk.
Although having second sight means nothing if your heart rules your head and here is where Rosie struggles when she becomes embroiled in a forbidden love triangle in the pursuit of happiness.
A really informative story. I enjoyed learning of the Romany and cut-rats customs and traditions.
It was so atmospheric I could in detail visualise it all and this kept me hooked.
Such an interesting read that I would recommend.
My thanks go to the publisher, author and Netgalley in providing this arc in return for a honest review.
August 9, 2018
The Girl on the Doorstep by Lindsey Hutchinson is the fifth book in A Black Country Novel series. Rosie Harris is crying on her doorstep in Wednesbury when she is found by Maria Valesco, a Romany gypsy. Rosie’s mother has just passed away and she has no other relatives. Maria takes in Rosie and teaches her the gypsy ways. Thirteen years later, the pair return to Wednesbury for the annual The Gathering. It is the time when the younger generation find their life partner. Rosie does not participate that year much to Jake Harding’s dismay. Rosie is fortunate to make the acquaintance of Margy Mitchell, a cut-rat. When Maria passes away, Rosie needs to find a new home and Margy offers her one aboard their boat. Rosie, who has second sight, traverses the waterways with the Mitchell’s and provides readings to folks to earn a living. When Margy’s son, Bill along with his twin sons leave home to return to his roots, Rosie departs the Mitchell’s boat. She joins Betty on her boat since she can no longer manage on her own and eventually buys that boat. All this time, Jake Harding keeps an eye on Rosie since he is determined to make her his wife. However, Rosie’s heart is taken by another. While Rosie can see the future for others, she cannot see her own. What does the future have in store for Rosie? Return to the Black Country for Rosie’s journey in The Girl on the Doorstep.
The Girl on the Doorstep is an absorbing historical novel (I was up quite late finishing it). Rosie is a friendly main character who possesses the sight. The secondary characters are equally delightful. Margy is quite a character and Sarah, Bill’s wife, is an individual that you will love to hate. I thought the book was well-written and had gentle pacing. It was interesting to find out more about the gypsy lifestyle as well as the “cut-rats”. Before trains and trucks took over transporting goods, items were shipped along the canals in England. Their boats were their whole life. It provided their livelihood as well as a place to live, entertain and raise their family. I like how the “cut-rats” looked out for each other. Life is full of ups and downs as we see in The Girl on the Doorstep which is a story about the working class. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters as well as their can-do spirit, courage, and generous natures. There are good life lessons presented throughout the book and I liked the variety of characters. Lindsey Hutchinson did not disappoint with The Girl on the Doorstep.
The Girl on the Doorstep is an absorbing historical novel (I was up quite late finishing it). Rosie is a friendly main character who possesses the sight. The secondary characters are equally delightful. Margy is quite a character and Sarah, Bill’s wife, is an individual that you will love to hate. I thought the book was well-written and had gentle pacing. It was interesting to find out more about the gypsy lifestyle as well as the “cut-rats”. Before trains and trucks took over transporting goods, items were shipped along the canals in England. Their boats were their whole life. It provided their livelihood as well as a place to live, entertain and raise their family. I like how the “cut-rats” looked out for each other. Life is full of ups and downs as we see in The Girl on the Doorstep which is a story about the working class. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters as well as their can-do spirit, courage, and generous natures. There are good life lessons presented throughout the book and I liked the variety of characters. Lindsey Hutchinson did not disappoint with The Girl on the Doorstep.
July 25, 2018
via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
'Rosie was afraid, she’d heard about gypsies taking off with young children.'
Maria Valesco is a ‘dreaded’ gypsy, the sort that Rosie has been warned to fear, but as she is crying on the steps of her cottage, with a mother who ‘won’t get up’ and no father at all, Maria is her salvation. It’s either trust in the gentle, kind Gypsy or be sent to the workhouse, the harsh reality for poor orphans in the late 1800’s, England. Rosie and Maria become like mother and child, befriending the ‘cut-rats’ (people who work on canal) and are treated just as lowly as the Romany. Coming of age, learning the traditions of the Maria’s people, traveling in a caravan has been a life of love, but all that ends with a loss and Rosie finds herself dependant on the kindness of Margy and Abner Mitchell. Soon, she is living on their boat, until she can figure out what to do with her future.
Rosie has the gift of second sight, and before long word spreads and she has clients. Not everyone likes what they hear about their future, and Rosie has uncomfortable predictions for Margy too, involving a woman and her own beloved son and grandchildren. Rosie’s own love is uncertain, falling for a much older and very married man. Then there is the Jake Harding, a Romany bandolier who wants her desperately as his monashay (wife), despite discovering that she wasn’t Maria’s biological daughter, hence not a true Romany. He is dangerous, and won’t give up. The man she has fallen in love with has complications of his own, and the future of his sons are utmost in his mind, despite his growing feelings for Rosie.
The Mitchell’s daughter in law has caused them nothing but untold grief, kept them from being around their grandchildren and son with her devious lies and manipulations. I actually thought Sarah was needed in this novel, with her flaring temper. Every family seems to have that one difficult person, pulling everyone’s strings, making a mess.
With every step Rosie takes, and despite her gift of sight, things keep going wrong. While she has brought hope and friendship to the Mitchell’s, her own life seems to be under a dark cloud. Is it truly darkest before the dawn? Will Rosie have the happy ending she desperately longs for? beginning with the devastating grief of a child losing her mother and growing into a strong young woman raised by an incredible selfless gypsy, Rosie’s future couldn’t possibly end without genuine love. This is a delightful, historical fiction with characters whose lives have a lot of difficulties besides making a living. Most of them caused by other family members. What’s a love story without obstacles?
August 7, 2018
Aria
'Rosie was afraid, she’d heard about gypsies taking off with young children.'
Maria Valesco is a ‘dreaded’ gypsy, the sort that Rosie has been warned to fear, but as she is crying on the steps of her cottage, with a mother who ‘won’t get up’ and no father at all, Maria is her salvation. It’s either trust in the gentle, kind Gypsy or be sent to the workhouse, the harsh reality for poor orphans in the late 1800’s, England. Rosie and Maria become like mother and child, befriending the ‘cut-rats’ (people who work on canal) and are treated just as lowly as the Romany. Coming of age, learning the traditions of the Maria’s people, traveling in a caravan has been a life of love, but all that ends with a loss and Rosie finds herself dependant on the kindness of Margy and Abner Mitchell. Soon, she is living on their boat, until she can figure out what to do with her future.
Rosie has the gift of second sight, and before long word spreads and she has clients. Not everyone likes what they hear about their future, and Rosie has uncomfortable predictions for Margy too, involving a woman and her own beloved son and grandchildren. Rosie’s own love is uncertain, falling for a much older and very married man. Then there is the Jake Harding, a Romany bandolier who wants her desperately as his monashay (wife), despite discovering that she wasn’t Maria’s biological daughter, hence not a true Romany. He is dangerous, and won’t give up. The man she has fallen in love with has complications of his own, and the future of his sons are utmost in his mind, despite his growing feelings for Rosie.
The Mitchell’s daughter in law has caused them nothing but untold grief, kept them from being around their grandchildren and son with her devious lies and manipulations. I actually thought Sarah was needed in this novel, with her flaring temper. Every family seems to have that one difficult person, pulling everyone’s strings, making a mess.
With every step Rosie takes, and despite her gift of sight, things keep going wrong. While she has brought hope and friendship to the Mitchell’s, her own life seems to be under a dark cloud. Is it truly darkest before the dawn? Will Rosie have the happy ending she desperately longs for? beginning with the devastating grief of a child losing her mother and growing into a strong young woman raised by an incredible selfless gypsy, Rosie’s future couldn’t possibly end without genuine love. This is a delightful, historical fiction with characters whose lives have a lot of difficulties besides making a living. Most of them caused by other family members. What’s a love story without obstacles?
August 7, 2018
Aria
October 7, 2018
I loved it
This author never disappoints me in her work. orphaned Rosie Harris is taking in by gypsy romany maria valesco avoiding the workhouse. She soon settles into travelling around in Maria's valdo all over the county. She learns she has been blessed with the gift of signs and making a living out of telling fortunes. After Maria's death Rosie then gets homed with the Mitchell's on their barge and makes some good friends along the way. GypsyJake Harding still hold Rosie as his own one day, but rosies heart is for another man. I found this book so easy reading and enjoyable, I just couldn't put it down,this author has a way of giving pleasure to her reader's
This author never disappoints me in her work. orphaned Rosie Harris is taking in by gypsy romany maria valesco avoiding the workhouse. She soon settles into travelling around in Maria's valdo all over the county. She learns she has been blessed with the gift of signs and making a living out of telling fortunes. After Maria's death Rosie then gets homed with the Mitchell's on their barge and makes some good friends along the way. GypsyJake Harding still hold Rosie as his own one day, but rosies heart is for another man. I found this book so easy reading and enjoyable, I just couldn't put it down,this author has a way of giving pleasure to her reader's
August 1, 2018
A great read following the life of Rosie who was left alone at 5 years old when her Mum died. You get to see her grow up with the Romany’s and also the cut rats on the canals. I highly recommend this book
July 28, 2018
This book is absolutely brilliant. The best I’ve read in a while. It held your interest from start to finish.
August 17, 2018
Lindsey Hutchinson latest novel set in the Black Country centres around the life of Rosie Harris. Orphaned at just five Rosie spent much of her childhood growing up with gypsy Marie and living the Romany way of life. It’s here that Rosie has the gift of “second sight” and can read palms, a skill which comes in handy when Marie dies, and Rosie is left alone once more. Seeking solace with the “cut-rats”, the name given to the cannel folk at the time, Rosie settles into life afloat and its here where she finds herself falling in love with an older, married man. Rosie’s longs for her happy ever after but is met with disaster so often she begins to lose hope. The only man who’s ever shown her love is gypsy bandolier Jake Harding, a man Rosie has no intention of marrying.
Like previous novels by Ms. Hutchinson that I have read I was soon addicted to Rosie and her plight for happiness. Life on the “cut” has really been brought to life through the vivid array of characters which Rosie meets. Most of the characters were likeable, my favourite being Margy Mitchell. The cannel folk and the gypsies all had a grit and determination to make an honest living despite being viewed by most of society as outcasts and a lower social class than people of the land and the town. I loved the loyalty and spirit which flowed through these two communities, especially down by the cannel where even strangers were given a bed aboard a boat if needed.
I loved all the twists and turns which Rosie and the wider Mitchell family faced as they all looked for work and their own piece of happiness. With so many threads developed during the story I was a little disappointed with the ending as I felt the story ended abruptly in the final chapter. I was rather hoping there was going to be a sequel as I felt there was more story which could have been told, but this is a feeling I always get when I’m really enjoying a family saga.
The Girl on the Doorstep is a wonderful tale of love, loyalty and family deceptions and it’s a novel which will keep you hooked until the very end. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys family sagas with plenty of twists, turns, laughter and tears.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me a copy to review and to Aria for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
Like previous novels by Ms. Hutchinson that I have read I was soon addicted to Rosie and her plight for happiness. Life on the “cut” has really been brought to life through the vivid array of characters which Rosie meets. Most of the characters were likeable, my favourite being Margy Mitchell. The cannel folk and the gypsies all had a grit and determination to make an honest living despite being viewed by most of society as outcasts and a lower social class than people of the land and the town. I loved the loyalty and spirit which flowed through these two communities, especially down by the cannel where even strangers were given a bed aboard a boat if needed.
I loved all the twists and turns which Rosie and the wider Mitchell family faced as they all looked for work and their own piece of happiness. With so many threads developed during the story I was a little disappointed with the ending as I felt the story ended abruptly in the final chapter. I was rather hoping there was going to be a sequel as I felt there was more story which could have been told, but this is a feeling I always get when I’m really enjoying a family saga.
The Girl on the Doorstep is a wonderful tale of love, loyalty and family deceptions and it’s a novel which will keep you hooked until the very end. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys family sagas with plenty of twists, turns, laughter and tears.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me a copy to review and to Aria for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
July 23, 2018
This historical romance is set in the Black Country of the Midlands, during the time of the canal boats. Many would find it a bit of a snooze to read of the lives of the working poor, but their loves are as strong as any other. Rosie, our heroine, certainly has guardian angels watching out for her, as her mother has just died and the first person to come upon the weeping five-year-old is a gypsy fortune teller in her vardo, or traveling home.
The Romany value children, and rather than be sent to the workhouse, Rosie clings to her skirts and becomes her daughter. She has been dropped exactly where she can develop her own psychic abilities to the full, and with complete acceptance. For the rest of her life it is how she will make her living. When she sees the 'pictures' and feels the shiver down her spine, they will not let her rest until she has told them.
For the rest of the book, we hear about a regular soap opera of characters when at last her beloved Maria has died and her vardo is burnt around her, according to Gypsy custom. Rosie is taken in by an elderly couple of her clients upon the canal boats, the 'cut-rats'. Those who work and live upon the canals, or 'cuts', are despised nearly as much as the Gypsies by some of the land dwellers. Margy and Abner Mitchell's only son left to please his new bride by working upon the railway instead, and his bunk is empty, as are their hearts. They have never seen their twin grandsons at all.
Of course Rosie is able to tell them enough to rekindle hope for them, but try as she might, she's unable to see her own future! Yet in the end, she will be entwined into this loving family and the happy ending flows steady as the cuts themselves beneath their unfolding lives.
I would dearly wish that this author knew and used the Oxford comma. However the regional dialect is quite refreshingly seasoning the narration until it feels crass to notice the lack. Slow down your expectations for action to a pluvial pace and you will better enjoy this rather long story.
The Romany value children, and rather than be sent to the workhouse, Rosie clings to her skirts and becomes her daughter. She has been dropped exactly where she can develop her own psychic abilities to the full, and with complete acceptance. For the rest of her life it is how she will make her living. When she sees the 'pictures' and feels the shiver down her spine, they will not let her rest until she has told them.
For the rest of the book, we hear about a regular soap opera of characters when at last her beloved Maria has died and her vardo is burnt around her, according to Gypsy custom. Rosie is taken in by an elderly couple of her clients upon the canal boats, the 'cut-rats'. Those who work and live upon the canals, or 'cuts', are despised nearly as much as the Gypsies by some of the land dwellers. Margy and Abner Mitchell's only son left to please his new bride by working upon the railway instead, and his bunk is empty, as are their hearts. They have never seen their twin grandsons at all.
Of course Rosie is able to tell them enough to rekindle hope for them, but try as she might, she's unable to see her own future! Yet in the end, she will be entwined into this loving family and the happy ending flows steady as the cuts themselves beneath their unfolding lives.
I would dearly wish that this author knew and used the Oxford comma. However the regional dialect is quite refreshingly seasoning the narration until it feels crass to notice the lack. Slow down your expectations for action to a pluvial pace and you will better enjoy this rather long story.
September 13, 2018
The Girl on the Doorstep. The title alone begs it to be read.
A story of a young girl left alone by fate and taken in to live the life of a traveler It was a story I have yet to read. I think that's why I found it so captivating as it is a story not often told.
Rosie finds herself alone at the young age of five only to be taken in by the kind-hearted Maria. Life for Rosie would be anything but easy. All she ever wanted was a home but to find it she will have to go through many heartaches.
I will say the author painted a beautiful picture fo the life of a traveler both on and off the land. The characters she created were colorful and kind. Within a few chapters, I was in love with Rosie and rooting for her to find her forever home and family. I was immediately taken in and enjoyed the ride the author took me on.
Another great part of this book even though I learned it was the fifth installment in a series of books it was a stand-alone story so even if you haven't read anything previous such as myself you will have no problem diving in and enjoying the story. It can totally be a stand-alone book.
I highly recommend getting a copy and reading this book from cover to cover. It is a story of love, friendship and finding a place you can call home.
A story of a young girl left alone by fate and taken in to live the life of a traveler It was a story I have yet to read. I think that's why I found it so captivating as it is a story not often told.
Rosie finds herself alone at the young age of five only to be taken in by the kind-hearted Maria. Life for Rosie would be anything but easy. All she ever wanted was a home but to find it she will have to go through many heartaches.
I will say the author painted a beautiful picture fo the life of a traveler both on and off the land. The characters she created were colorful and kind. Within a few chapters, I was in love with Rosie and rooting for her to find her forever home and family. I was immediately taken in and enjoyed the ride the author took me on.
Another great part of this book even though I learned it was the fifth installment in a series of books it was a stand-alone story so even if you haven't read anything previous such as myself you will have no problem diving in and enjoying the story. It can totally be a stand-alone book.
I highly recommend getting a copy and reading this book from cover to cover. It is a story of love, friendship and finding a place you can call home.
July 16, 2018
A very easy to read book, it is the tale of the "cut rats", the men and women who sail the canal picking up and delivering heavy loads of equipment for the local merchants. Included in the plot too are a band of gypsies despised and distrusted by the people of the town.
The story is related through the activities and interactions of the characters who are mostly likable, kind, and caring with each other, who meet opposition with honestly and courage. Their strength lies in their loyalty to each other. Their lives are hard as they sail through the canal and through life.
The tales of the boat men and the gypsies-rather rare, but interesting and informative reading.
If you are a historical fiction fan this is for you!
The story is related through the activities and interactions of the characters who are mostly likable, kind, and caring with each other, who meet opposition with honestly and courage. Their strength lies in their loyalty to each other. Their lives are hard as they sail through the canal and through life.
The tales of the boat men and the gypsies-rather rare, but interesting and informative reading.
If you are a historical fiction fan this is for you!
August 4, 2018
I would like to thank the Aria editions and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted to the blanket and the catchphrase below: "All she wanted was a place called house"
Rosie left as orphan is found and taken under the wing of Maria. Life for Maria is difficult on the roads as travelers, but Rosie acclimates well. As Rosie grows older, she realizes that at second sight she can read the future in her hands. Needing to make a living, she decides to leave with the people of the canal.
I loved this book filled with suspense and twists with the endearing Rosie character and a captivating, captivating story. Look forward to reading other books by this author.
I was immediately attracted to the blanket and the catchphrase below: "All she wanted was a place called house"
Rosie left as orphan is found and taken under the wing of Maria. Life for Maria is difficult on the roads as travelers, but Rosie acclimates well. As Rosie grows older, she realizes that at second sight she can read the future in her hands. Needing to make a living, she decides to leave with the people of the canal.
I loved this book filled with suspense and twists with the endearing Rosie character and a captivating, captivating story. Look forward to reading other books by this author.
July 6, 2018
The story starts with Rosie Harris at the age of 5 crying her eyes out on her doorstep, she can't wake up her mum, when a Romany gypsy stops to help Rosie out, Rosie's life of travel has started with Maria taking Rosie on and travelling around the country.
Rosie is devastated when she is older and Maria passes on, Rosie makes a decision by leaving the travellers camp and moving on with the canal people, how can Rosie make her living and would having the "sight" help in anyway.
This is a great story with a great mix of characters, well written and keeps you hooked with each page turn!!!!
Rosie is devastated when she is older and Maria passes on, Rosie makes a decision by leaving the travellers camp and moving on with the canal people, how can Rosie make her living and would having the "sight" help in anyway.
This is a great story with a great mix of characters, well written and keeps you hooked with each page turn!!!!
October 15, 2023
The story starts with Rosie Harris at the age of 5 crying her eyes out on her doorstep, she can't wake up her mum, when a Romany gypsy stops to help Rosie out, Rosie's life of travel has started with Maria taking Rosie on and travelling around the country.
Rosie is devastated when she is older and Maria passes on, Rosie makes a decision by leaving the travellers camp and moving on with the canal people, how can Rosie make her living and would having the "sight" help in anyway.
This is a great story with a great mix of characters, well written and keeps you hooked with each page turn!!!!
Rosie is devastated when she is older and Maria passes on, Rosie makes a decision by leaving the travellers camp and moving on with the canal people, how can Rosie make her living and would having the "sight" help in anyway.
This is a great story with a great mix of characters, well written and keeps you hooked with each page turn!!!!
December 31, 2018
Good story
This was a good story that kept me reading and wanting to see how things ended up. I really couldn't see the relevance of the Bill/Rosie relationship. The story would've been fine without it. It was sort of an abrupt ending, although things were quickly wrapped up. I did enjoy the various characters. Hutchinson needs a copy editor who knows how to punctuate. That aspect needs a lot of work.
This was a good story that kept me reading and wanting to see how things ended up. I really couldn't see the relevance of the Bill/Rosie relationship. The story would've been fine without it. It was sort of an abrupt ending, although things were quickly wrapped up. I did enjoy the various characters. Hutchinson needs a copy editor who knows how to punctuate. That aspect needs a lot of work.
July 15, 2018
An absolutely brilliant book i loved reading of Rosie and her friends of how they lived,loved and lost.Rosie has had to live her life knowing she has a gift but not every one liked her because she was raised by a romany.Through life she makes friends who all care for her but one man has designs on Rosie being his wife.I can highly recommend this book well worth 5*
January 26, 2019
A very heartfelt story
Full of love, heartbreak, and the struggle to survive in a setting that takes the reader to a place where you are a part of the story. The storyline takes place in the Black Country, surrounded by the grit of the coal mines and the grit of the people who live and work and love there.
Wonderfully written and lovingly shared.
Full of love, heartbreak, and the struggle to survive in a setting that takes the reader to a place where you are a part of the story. The storyline takes place in the Black Country, surrounded by the grit of the coal mines and the grit of the people who live and work and love there.
Wonderfully written and lovingly shared.
July 14, 2022
The Girl on the Doorstep.
I really loved reading this Historical novel. Lives and loves of ordinary families who lived in the days without the trappings we have today. I recommend this book for an entertaining and beautifully written read at any time. I can guarantee anyone would love it.
I really loved reading this Historical novel. Lives and loves of ordinary families who lived in the days without the trappings we have today. I recommend this book for an entertaining and beautifully written read at any time. I can guarantee anyone would love it.
August 18, 2018
Rosie
This is one of the best books I've read it has adventure ,romance , and reading about the cut rats and the gypsies it was a riveting read Lindsey writes a Fab book if I could I would give it 10 stars but a well deserving 5 STARS .
This is one of the best books I've read it has adventure ,romance , and reading about the cut rats and the gypsies it was a riveting read Lindsey writes a Fab book if I could I would give it 10 stars but a well deserving 5 STARS .
April 6, 2019
Gypsy
WOW I have enjoyed every page in this book. I have learnt about Gypsy's and boat people. Also if the life gay men had all those years ago. Fabulous story for anyone. Thank you Lindsey x
WOW I have enjoyed every page in this book. I have learnt about Gypsy's and boat people. Also if the life gay men had all those years ago. Fabulous story for anyone. Thank you Lindsey x
September 29, 2019
Amazing book
I absolutely loved the story of Rosie and Bill and the twists and turns of her and the people she thought of as family.
A lovely happy ending made it even better
Recommended 100%
I absolutely loved the story of Rosie and Bill and the twists and turns of her and the people she thought of as family.
A lovely happy ending made it even better
Recommended 100%
June 18, 2021
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
interesting read that kept me right to the end of the book, love these sort of books so will be keeping an eye out for more from this author
interesting read that kept me right to the end of the book, love these sort of books so will be keeping an eye out for more from this author
February 14, 2022
Girl on the Doorstep
I have enjoyed this book learning about the life and ways of the 'cut rats'. Ms Hutchinson's stories are always big as life, causing sadness and happiness as well.
I have enjoyed this book learning about the life and ways of the 'cut rats'. Ms Hutchinson's stories are always big as life, causing sadness and happiness as well.
June 26, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Aria for the ARC.
Wonderful characters, beautiful surroundings. This is a fast paced feelgood read full of adventure. Treat yourself!
Wonderful characters, beautiful surroundings. This is a fast paced feelgood read full of adventure. Treat yourself!
September 8, 2018
Great story
Loved following the life of rosie. It sounds like living the canal life was exciting back then. Nice easy read 5*
Loved following the life of rosie. It sounds like living the canal life was exciting back then. Nice easy read 5*
September 30, 2018
Dieselblackcat
What a fantastic book loved every minute of this book. It has so many twists and turns that you don’t see it coming.
What a fantastic book loved every minute of this book. It has so many twists and turns that you don’t see it coming.
October 11, 2018
Beautiful tale
I enjoyed this very much because it gave an insight to some of the prodigious about in earlier years. I would like to read the follow up now. Can't wait.
I enjoyed this very much because it gave an insight to some of the prodigious about in earlier years. I would like to read the follow up now. Can't wait.
November 19, 2018
Good
I enjoyed this book a lot .I love blokes set in the olden days . The story was great also sad with happy endings .I will be reading more from Lindsey..
I enjoyed this book a lot .I love blokes set in the olden days . The story was great also sad with happy endings .I will be reading more from Lindsey..
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