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The Orphans of Ardwick
After a cold, hard winter on the streets, three orphan children are about to give up hope when unexpected events bring them to the doorstep of a grand house in Ardwick, Manchester. Taken in by the firm but kind-hearted cook, the young friends can hardly believe their luck. But behind Bracken House's impressive facade lies a household steeped in troubles and mystery, with residents above and below stairs hiding their own dark secrets. Not everyone is happy about the new arrivals and soon the orphans' safety is in danger. Will they come to regret ever leaving the mean slum streets they once called home?
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Published January 1, 2019
109 people are currently reading
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About the author
Emma Hornby
12 books60 followersMother-of-three Emma Hornby was born and raised in Bolton, England.
History has always been her passion and she grew up with her nose buried in sagas. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She later wrote short stories and non-fiction pieces for the internet, print and stage and also worked as a freelance poet.
Emma's books are gritty historicals set in Victorian and WWII Bolton and Manchester, which she began writing after researching her family history. The colourful folk she unearthed gave her plenty of inspiration; like the characters in her novels, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums. Her first book, A Shilling for a Wife, was the bestselling debut saga novel of 2017. Her subsequent titles regularly appear in the official bestsellers' charts.
Visit Emma's website at emmahornby.com for more.
History has always been her passion and she grew up with her nose buried in sagas. Before pursuing a career as a novelist, she had a variety of jobs, from care assistant for the elderly to working in a Blackpool rock factory. She later wrote short stories and non-fiction pieces for the internet, print and stage and also worked as a freelance poet.
Emma's books are gritty historicals set in Victorian and WWII Bolton and Manchester, which she began writing after researching her family history. The colourful folk she unearthed gave her plenty of inspiration; like the characters in her novels, many generations of her family eked out life amidst the squalor and poverty of Lancashire's slums. Her first book, A Shilling for a Wife, was the bestselling debut saga novel of 2017. Her subsequent titles regularly appear in the official bestsellers' charts.
Visit Emma's website at emmahornby.com for more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 10, 2018
Don't forget tissues before reading
Three street urchins pip, simon and mack(bread) living life on the streets of Manchester were harrowing times for them. All overwhelmed with hunger on Christmas eve entering an open back door to a well to do house, and getting spotted by the cook who becomes their savour, and takes them under her wings. Bracken house becomes their new home and they begin working for their keep. Many happy years are ahead for these
Three children but along the way a lot of dark secrets come to light and heartache and tragedies. This book blew me away I loved all the ups and downs in the household that keep coming to the surface of the story. It really will truly put a lot of tears in your eyes as you read. This author has truly got the gift to tell it how it is and grip you into understanding all the characters. Look forward to many more
Three street urchins pip, simon and mack(bread) living life on the streets of Manchester were harrowing times for them. All overwhelmed with hunger on Christmas eve entering an open back door to a well to do house, and getting spotted by the cook who becomes their savour, and takes them under her wings. Bracken house becomes their new home and they begin working for their keep. Many happy years are ahead for these
Three children but along the way a lot of dark secrets come to light and heartache and tragedies. This book blew me away I loved all the ups and downs in the household that keep coming to the surface of the story. It really will truly put a lot of tears in your eyes as you read. This author has truly got the gift to tell it how it is and grip you into understanding all the characters. Look forward to many more
February 7, 2018
I was lucky enough to win a signed copy of this book in a competition run by Emma Hornby on Facebook. I'm sure I've read millions of books over the years but I can honestly say this is most definitely one I won't forget for a long time!!! It was the sweetest, most heartfelt book. A story of three orphans, not related, living, and surviving however they can on the streets!! Until the day they happen upon a house, obviously belonging to the gentry. Here they try their luck at getting something to eat. What happens next? Read it to find out!! Emma Hornby you are truly gifted!!!
February 12, 2018
Simon,Pip and Mack/Bread are homeless orphans scratching about for food and somewhere to sleep.I will say that this a very emotional story had me welling up quite a bit.When the three children happen to end up at Bracken House they begin to settle to a new life,but that comes at a price.If you want to know what happens then please read this book it is well worth 5* but if i could give more then i would as i loved it.Well done to Emma Hornby.
June 19, 2020
Another great story from Emma Hornby.
April 7, 2018
3 Orphans Pip, Simon & Mack (Bread) who are living on the streets in Manchester, how much more can they endure, no food, freezing cold and Mack can no longer walk because his feed are in so much pain.
Then they come across a large house in Ardwick with an unlocked door, on entering the house they find a large feast of food, do they risk everything to be able to eat, will they end up in the work house??
This is a great story with Mabel the cook taking the children under her wing, but not everyone wants the children in the house and the house contains so many secrets, will they be able to live here safely or will they always be at risk??
Well written saga with many twists and turns, this story is a real page turner.
4**** Recommended Read.
Then they come across a large house in Ardwick with an unlocked door, on entering the house they find a large feast of food, do they risk everything to be able to eat, will they end up in the work house??
This is a great story with Mabel the cook taking the children under her wing, but not everyone wants the children in the house and the house contains so many secrets, will they be able to live here safely or will they always be at risk??
Well written saga with many twists and turns, this story is a real page turner.
4**** Recommended Read.
May 11, 2018
Another great read from Emma. Three children stick together living on the streets. A cruel maid tricks Simon into carrying all her shopping when he’s weak and starving but could this actually be the start of their luck changing. A kindly Cook takes them in and feeds them then offers them a bed for the night they can’t believe their luck on a freezing Christmas Eve. After scrubbing them clean Cook arranges with the master for them all to stay on in the lovely house where they never go hungry. Thinking the bad times are behind them they try and settle into their new lives but things aren’t as they seem and their troubles are far from over.
June 8, 2018
Good story, if a little predictable but certainly very readable. Three young children starving and homeless and struggling to stay alive on the streets in Victorian Manchester. Events lead the three friends to Bracken House where they are taken in and helped. Unfortunately the household are facing so many disturbing problems that the children do not find their new lives easy.
August 17, 2018
Beautifully written
Was recommended by an older lady in Tesco , so decided to check it out on Amazon kindle and was surprised it was a quarter of the price.
Nice story, kept me reading into the early hours.
Story had a lots of unsuspecting twists.
Love a happy ending.
Warmed the heart, reminded me of the books I read as a child some 40 odd years ago.
Was recommended by an older lady in Tesco , so decided to check it out on Amazon kindle and was surprised it was a quarter of the price.
Nice story, kept me reading into the early hours.
Story had a lots of unsuspecting twists.
Love a happy ending.
Warmed the heart, reminded me of the books I read as a child some 40 odd years ago.
June 3, 2018
5 stars !!
Loved this story loved its characters pip Mack or bread As Simon called him.. It was such a good story you just had to keep in reading it .can't wait to read other storys by Emma hornby....
Loved this story loved its characters pip Mack or bread As Simon called him.. It was such a good story you just had to keep in reading it .can't wait to read other storys by Emma hornby....
September 21, 2018
Excellent reading surprises in every chapter i love stories like this with a happy outcome really good feel good book
Excellent reading surprises in every chapter i love stories like this a happy ending well done Emma such a good book
Excellent reading surprises in every chapter i love stories like this a happy ending well done Emma such a good book
March 24, 2018
Another Amazing book by Emma Hornby. This is the 3rd one she has written, waiting and looking forward for her next one.
March 26, 2018
Wow
I have read Emma's other 2 books and gave them both 5* this book I read In 2 days! Absolutely brilliant. Fell in love with simon pip and bread...lol sad its finished.
I have read Emma's other 2 books and gave them both 5* this book I read In 2 days! Absolutely brilliant. Fell in love with simon pip and bread...lol sad its finished.
June 21, 2018
What a brilliant read. Loved this latest book by Emma and can’t wait for her next novel. Emma is a very talented writer from my home town - Bolton.
July 4, 2018
Great read right til the end
Wow what a read there were twist and turns in this and a great read from start to finish great
Wow what a read there were twist and turns in this and a great read from start to finish great
July 29, 2018
Fantastic book
I have read all 3 of Emma's books and they are all fantastic. This book has a great story with lots of twists and turns. Once I started I couldn't put it down.
I have read all 3 of Emma's books and they are all fantastic. This book has a great story with lots of twists and turns. Once I started I couldn't put it down.
August 20, 2018
Amazing
absolutely brilliant really good 👍 wish it had a second part u really need to read it in going to read this author again
absolutely brilliant really good 👍 wish it had a second part u really need to read it in going to read this author again
September 2, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable saga.
Pace was good and was a believable story which had intrigue and pathos in abundance. Portrayed the times very well.
Pace was good and was a believable story which had intrigue and pathos in abundance. Portrayed the times very well.
October 1, 2018
Excellent
Brilliant book
Enjoyed every minute of it would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story. Worth the cost
Brilliant book
Enjoyed every minute of it would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story. Worth the cost
October 7, 2018
It was a bit predictable but I enjoyed the story. Was hoping for more aspects of social history of the area though.
October 24, 2019
Set in Manchester in the year 1860 three orphan children are sheltering in an outside privy . Cold , hungry and almost beyond hope they stagger out into the freezing morning , hoping to find something , anything ! to eat. Pip , Simon and the youngest Mack , nicknamed Bread by Simon when he found him and befriended him only want somewhere to live.
Unexpectedly they arrive at the tradesmans entrance to a grand house in a better part of Manchester . The kindly cook takes pity on them and arranges with the Master for them to stay and work for their keep.The children have a bath and more food than they have seen in a long time . They feel as though they have died and gone to heaven !
Soon however they find that not everybody wants them there and they could be in danger . A mystery needs to be solved and it is upto Pip and Simon to do so . Will their happy home be taken away ?
A good read with likeable characters
Unexpectedly they arrive at the tradesmans entrance to a grand house in a better part of Manchester . The kindly cook takes pity on them and arranges with the Master for them to stay and work for their keep.The children have a bath and more food than they have seen in a long time . They feel as though they have died and gone to heaven !
Soon however they find that not everybody wants them there and they could be in danger . A mystery needs to be solved and it is upto Pip and Simon to do so . Will their happy home be taken away ?
A good read with likeable characters
March 16, 2025
A real page-turner. It had me interested from the first page and it continued until the end. A really good story with very good characterisation. I actually found I was detesting the lady of the house, Caroline, a very good sign that the writing is good. The dreadful poverty and hardship the children had to endure in the beginning was particularly described very well.
One thing I felt was a bit strange was when the children had a bath and they put on damp clothes. I really couldn't see that happening. Also, without giving away the storyline, I felt the revelation towards the end with Simon, a bit incredible and far too coincidental.
Finally, I'm going to continue my rant over joining words being omitted. I really do dislike this new style of writing, it really doesn't sit well with me at all. It is for these reasons that I cannot award 5 stars!
One thing I felt was a bit strange was when the children had a bath and they put on damp clothes. I really couldn't see that happening. Also, without giving away the storyline, I felt the revelation towards the end with Simon, a bit incredible and far too coincidental.
Finally, I'm going to continue my rant over joining words being omitted. I really do dislike this new style of writing, it really doesn't sit well with me at all. It is for these reasons that I cannot award 5 stars!
February 6, 2025
A intriguing and intricately woven story.
Three children struggling to survive in the sqaulid slums of 1860 Manchester have a serendipitous encounter, that lead them into a household of secrets and broken relationships. Pip is at the heart of the story. It seems one struggle leads to more complex challenges, one after another. Yet Pip and her two street companions use courage, cleverness and determination to persevere and overcome.
Three children struggling to survive in the sqaulid slums of 1860 Manchester have a serendipitous encounter, that lead them into a household of secrets and broken relationships. Pip is at the heart of the story. It seems one struggle leads to more complex challenges, one after another. Yet Pip and her two street companions use courage, cleverness and determination to persevere and overcome.
October 17, 2021
As you can see it took me some time to get through this book but that was due to life and not the book, in fact every time I picked it back up I was right back into it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it was a little different than what I normally read. I loved all the different turn of events and the authors ability to make you understand the connection between the three children !
February 9, 2023
You know what, this is not my kind of fiction, it just isn't, but I enjoyed myself with this. It's definitely my fave of the Emma Hornby books I've read. I don't see myself returning to this specific kind of historical fiction/saga story for awhile but it just scratched the itch for drama I was wanting and it's another one down on my Kindle!
February 27, 2018
Great
I think this book has both brilliant characters and story. It makes you smile and cry in every chapter. Emma is a wonderful writer. She hooks the reader into the story from the first word. Emma has a unique way to hold the reader wanting more. A must read book.
I think this book has both brilliant characters and story. It makes you smile and cry in every chapter. Emma is a wonderful writer. She hooks the reader into the story from the first word. Emma has a unique way to hold the reader wanting more. A must read book.
August 25, 2018
A gripping tale
A fascinating story of twists and turns which makes you wanting to read just one more chapter to find out what happened next I would definitely recommend this book
A fascinating story of twists and turns which makes you wanting to read just one more chapter to find out what happened next I would definitely recommend this book
July 28, 2023
It had its ups and downs, though overall it was great! A heartwarming story of kinship, struggle and yet holding onto one's morals. Amazing story build up, interesting characters and a beautiful story that'll leave you with a smile.
February 19, 2018
AMAZING!!!
Yet again another AMAZING book by Emma!!! They keep getting better and better! I can't wait for the next book to be released! Hopefully it will be very soon!
Yet again another AMAZING book by Emma!!! They keep getting better and better! I can't wait for the next book to be released! Hopefully it will be very soon!
March 5, 2019
Really couldn’t get into this book so hence my rating
June 17, 2020
A book that can be remembered forever for its harsh realities of life and the plight of the orphans...
But it gives us the hope that Humanity still exists ...........
But it gives us the hope that Humanity still exists ...........
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews