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The Five Shilling Children
Tears and tribulations, laughs and heartbreak, from the queen of Black Country sagas.
Adam and Polly Fitch face a bleak future after being sold for just five shillings to Miss Reed's orphanage by their bullying father. Missing their mother Minnie, and their three brothers still at home, they know they must stick together to survive.
But the orphanage does have one advantage – a merry band of children who soon form their own kind of family – and they're all determined to escape the clutches of the wicked Miss Reed.
Adam decides to survive he'll need to fight, so he sneaks out to have boxing lessons with the famous pugilist Billy Marshall. Lessons he needs sooner than he expects when his beloved sister Polly is sold to the rich Bellamy family, and Adam decides to go to her rescue.
Can Adam, Polly and their band of friends survive life with only each other to rely on, and will they ever have the happily ever after they so long for...
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2019
304 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 16, 2019
This story revolves around the Fitch family and the hardship they endure on a daily basis. They have no money, no food or coal to heat them. Life is harsh. Gerald, the father drinks most of his wages. Minnie, the mother has three sons, a daughter and a new baby to try and find food for as well as her husband. The two eldest sons try their best to scavenge the markets for rotten fruit and vegetables to bring home. Adam and Polly are just ten and nine. Their father takes them against Minnie's wishes and sells them to Reeds Orphanage for five shillings each. This is where their adventure starts and Minnie's heartbreak begins.
This story will play with your emotions. Several books you read tell you about the hardships of that era. Y heart went out to Minnie married to Gerald who is a drunk and a bully. Adam and Polly soon make new friends in the orphanage. But it's not long before the despicable Miss Reed, the owner of the orphanage, sells Polly to a wealthy family. Adam vows to find his sister and we meet a few lovable rogues on his journey.
When you pick up a Lindsey Hutchinson novel you know firstly, that you are going to be reading a good book. Secondly, you will lose a few hours as the book pulls you in and won't let you go until you've finished it. There's a lot of heartbreak but there is also some laugh out loud moments too. I loved all the kids and how they stuck by each other. I couldn't wait to see if Gerald would get his comeuppance. But my heart went out to Minnie. When she cried, I cried. I was happy everything came together in the end. I read this book in one sitting.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Aria and the author Lindsey Hutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story will play with your emotions. Several books you read tell you about the hardships of that era. Y heart went out to Minnie married to Gerald who is a drunk and a bully. Adam and Polly soon make new friends in the orphanage. But it's not long before the despicable Miss Reed, the owner of the orphanage, sells Polly to a wealthy family. Adam vows to find his sister and we meet a few lovable rogues on his journey.
When you pick up a Lindsey Hutchinson novel you know firstly, that you are going to be reading a good book. Secondly, you will lose a few hours as the book pulls you in and won't let you go until you've finished it. There's a lot of heartbreak but there is also some laugh out loud moments too. I loved all the kids and how they stuck by each other. I couldn't wait to see if Gerald would get his comeuppance. But my heart went out to Minnie. When she cried, I cried. I was happy everything came together in the end. I read this book in one sitting.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Aria and the author Lindsey Hutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2019
The Five Shilling Children by Lindsey Hutchinson is a nice work of historical fiction.
Nine-year-old Polly Fitch and her ten-year-old brother, Adam, are sold for five shillings each to an orphanage by their abusive father, Gerald. They’re distraught, but they have each other, three filling meals a day, their own beds and a brand new set of friends that treat them better than their biological family ever did. The one exception being new arrival, Rodney Dukes, whose bullying of Polly prompts Adam to hatch a plan to sneak out of the orphanage to learn how to box. Pugilist Billy Marshall agrees to train Adam after he realizes that Adam is the son of an old secret crush, Minnie Fitch.
Polly is eventually sold to a wealthy family and Adam remains in the orphanage. His distress is so profound his nemesis, Rodney Dukes, comes to his aid and comforts him. Everyone in the orphanage is upset at his profound sorrow, except the owner, Una Reed. All the children band together to help Adam escape so he can search for his sister. The children have come to depend upon each other and now long for independence and the type of companionship and love that can only come from family. The question is: what makes a family?
The Five Shilling Children is an excellent read. The characters are fully-developed and completely relatable. The plot is engaging and has surprising twists. The ending is wonderful. I truly enjoyed this novel and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fiction with a historical backdrop.
My thanks to Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Nine-year-old Polly Fitch and her ten-year-old brother, Adam, are sold for five shillings each to an orphanage by their abusive father, Gerald. They’re distraught, but they have each other, three filling meals a day, their own beds and a brand new set of friends that treat them better than their biological family ever did. The one exception being new arrival, Rodney Dukes, whose bullying of Polly prompts Adam to hatch a plan to sneak out of the orphanage to learn how to box. Pugilist Billy Marshall agrees to train Adam after he realizes that Adam is the son of an old secret crush, Minnie Fitch.
Polly is eventually sold to a wealthy family and Adam remains in the orphanage. His distress is so profound his nemesis, Rodney Dukes, comes to his aid and comforts him. Everyone in the orphanage is upset at his profound sorrow, except the owner, Una Reed. All the children band together to help Adam escape so he can search for his sister. The children have come to depend upon each other and now long for independence and the type of companionship and love that can only come from family. The question is: what makes a family?
The Five Shilling Children is an excellent read. The characters are fully-developed and completely relatable. The plot is engaging and has surprising twists. The ending is wonderful. I truly enjoyed this novel and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fiction with a historical backdrop.
My thanks to Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
September 28, 2019
When you pick up a Lindsey Hutchinson book, you just know you are going to be lost for hours in what will essentially be another good read. There is just something about historical fiction that pulls you in and keeps you there until the end. And THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN is no different.
Ten year old Adam Fitch and his nine year old sister Polly are sold for five shillings each to Reed's Orphanage by their bully father, Gerald, who leaves them there without a backward glance. Distraught and missing their mother, the children still have each other and soon discover that life for them is somewhat an improvement on the one they had scavenging and living hand to mouth with their parents and three brothers. Now they have their own beds, three generous meals a day, proper schooling and a new group of friends that treat them better than anyone else ever had.
But then Rodney Dukes arrives. Loud, brash and disruptive without any respect for authority, he doesn't care who he hurts and takes great pleasure in bullying everyone, especially young Polly. This prompts Adam to sneak out on a nightly basis to learn how to box after watching pugilist Billy Marshall win a fight. Billy agrees to teach Adam upon realising that he is the son of a woman he once new and secretly loved, Minnie Fitch. The lessons are successful and Adam becomes accomplished at defending his sister from bully, Rodney, who is humiliated and in turn bides his time to take Adam by surprise.
One Sunday when the children would usually walk to church, they are told to stay in their rooms. Adam and his roommate Joe are looking out the window to see what is happening outside. They see a horse and carriage come up the drive and stop at the orphanage's entrance, as a wealthy looking couple step out. Several minutes go by before they reappear holding the hand of a young girl, who is squirming and kicking out. Adam is aghast to discover it is Polly, who has been sold to the wealthy family as a companion for their spoilt daughter Cora. Adam runs downstairs and out the door screaming for his sister as they disappear, his heartbreaking howls of distress heard by everyone. But the one affected most by Adam's distress is his nemesis Rodney, who comes to his aid and comforts him. Everyone at the orphanage feels Adam's sorrow and their hearts break for him...all except the owner, Una Reed, who sees selling the children a profitable business to make way for new additions.
The remaining children band together to help Adam hatch a plan of escape so he can search for Polly. Despite them all coming to depend on each other, Adam knows he must leave if there was to be any chance of him reuniting with his sister again. But where were they to go from there? They couldn't go home...not as long as Gerald was there. And would they ever see their new friends again? The only ones they have come to depend on for companionship and love - what is to become of them?
Across town that is a far cry from where she had come, Polly finds herself in a new home with a new family. And she hates it. Cora is vindictive and spiteful, doing anything she an to get Polly into trouble just for her sheer pleasure. And their governess, Prudence, believes the little minx every time as she seems to take as much pleasure from doling out discipline to Polly at Cora's every whim. She yearns to go back to the orphanage, to Adam, to May and all her friends. She hates it here.
Meanwhile back on Banks Street in the Fitch household, Minnie has had it with her abusive husband Gerald. Out of work, he has taken to gambling every last penny on cock fights and then drinks his winnings at the public house, returning home drunk with not a farthing left for his starving family. Minnie kicks him out but Gerald is not going quietly. He continues to return, banging on the door and demanding Minnie let him in. But she refuses and he acquiesces. During the day when she goes out scavenging for some morsels for her family she has taken to locking the doors to prevent Gerald from gaining access. This, however, does nothing to dissuade him as she returns once again to find the window smashed or the door broken on its hinges, and Gerald sitting in his chair by the hearth demanding she get his dinner. But Minnie has hardened. This man who sold her two children, buried another and gambles and drinks away any penny that crosses his palm, she will not stand for his ways anymore. But as he raises his hand once again to punch her into submission, Minnie knows things will never change.
THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN is a heartbreaking tale of poverty and hardship surrounding the Fitch family. With no money for food or coal, the must scavenge on a daily basis for the dregs that others have rejected just to get through another day or night. With five children to feed, life is harsh. So when Gerald sells Adam and Polly for just five shillings each, against Minnie's wishes, he doesn't take the money home to feed and warm his family but rather drinks it all away...again.
You will fall in love with little Adam and Polly and the other children, and find yourself cheering them on throughout all the hardships they face. You will enjoy seeing them get the better of their elders as they seek a better life together.
THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN will definitely play with your emotions and you will laugh as well as cry along with the children. But it Minnie my heart mostly went out to. I felt her pain and cried when she cried. To feel so utterly trapped, destitute and hopeless. I so waited with baited breath to see if Gerald got comeuppance and cringed for Minnie every time he reappeared.
A wonderfully heartbreaking and yet heartwarming tale, THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. I was wondering how it was all going to end happily for all and was not disappointed.
THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN is an enjoyable and quick read I thoroughly recommend for any historical fiction fans.
I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #NetGalley and #Aria for an ARC of #TheFiveShillingChildren in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Ten year old Adam Fitch and his nine year old sister Polly are sold for five shillings each to Reed's Orphanage by their bully father, Gerald, who leaves them there without a backward glance. Distraught and missing their mother, the children still have each other and soon discover that life for them is somewhat an improvement on the one they had scavenging and living hand to mouth with their parents and three brothers. Now they have their own beds, three generous meals a day, proper schooling and a new group of friends that treat them better than anyone else ever had.
But then Rodney Dukes arrives. Loud, brash and disruptive without any respect for authority, he doesn't care who he hurts and takes great pleasure in bullying everyone, especially young Polly. This prompts Adam to sneak out on a nightly basis to learn how to box after watching pugilist Billy Marshall win a fight. Billy agrees to teach Adam upon realising that he is the son of a woman he once new and secretly loved, Minnie Fitch. The lessons are successful and Adam becomes accomplished at defending his sister from bully, Rodney, who is humiliated and in turn bides his time to take Adam by surprise.
One Sunday when the children would usually walk to church, they are told to stay in their rooms. Adam and his roommate Joe are looking out the window to see what is happening outside. They see a horse and carriage come up the drive and stop at the orphanage's entrance, as a wealthy looking couple step out. Several minutes go by before they reappear holding the hand of a young girl, who is squirming and kicking out. Adam is aghast to discover it is Polly, who has been sold to the wealthy family as a companion for their spoilt daughter Cora. Adam runs downstairs and out the door screaming for his sister as they disappear, his heartbreaking howls of distress heard by everyone. But the one affected most by Adam's distress is his nemesis Rodney, who comes to his aid and comforts him. Everyone at the orphanage feels Adam's sorrow and their hearts break for him...all except the owner, Una Reed, who sees selling the children a profitable business to make way for new additions.
The remaining children band together to help Adam hatch a plan of escape so he can search for Polly. Despite them all coming to depend on each other, Adam knows he must leave if there was to be any chance of him reuniting with his sister again. But where were they to go from there? They couldn't go home...not as long as Gerald was there. And would they ever see their new friends again? The only ones they have come to depend on for companionship and love - what is to become of them?
Across town that is a far cry from where she had come, Polly finds herself in a new home with a new family. And she hates it. Cora is vindictive and spiteful, doing anything she an to get Polly into trouble just for her sheer pleasure. And their governess, Prudence, believes the little minx every time as she seems to take as much pleasure from doling out discipline to Polly at Cora's every whim. She yearns to go back to the orphanage, to Adam, to May and all her friends. She hates it here.
Meanwhile back on Banks Street in the Fitch household, Minnie has had it with her abusive husband Gerald. Out of work, he has taken to gambling every last penny on cock fights and then drinks his winnings at the public house, returning home drunk with not a farthing left for his starving family. Minnie kicks him out but Gerald is not going quietly. He continues to return, banging on the door and demanding Minnie let him in. But she refuses and he acquiesces. During the day when she goes out scavenging for some morsels for her family she has taken to locking the doors to prevent Gerald from gaining access. This, however, does nothing to dissuade him as she returns once again to find the window smashed or the door broken on its hinges, and Gerald sitting in his chair by the hearth demanding she get his dinner. But Minnie has hardened. This man who sold her two children, buried another and gambles and drinks away any penny that crosses his palm, she will not stand for his ways anymore. But as he raises his hand once again to punch her into submission, Minnie knows things will never change.
THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN is a heartbreaking tale of poverty and hardship surrounding the Fitch family. With no money for food or coal, the must scavenge on a daily basis for the dregs that others have rejected just to get through another day or night. With five children to feed, life is harsh. So when Gerald sells Adam and Polly for just five shillings each, against Minnie's wishes, he doesn't take the money home to feed and warm his family but rather drinks it all away...again.
You will fall in love with little Adam and Polly and the other children, and find yourself cheering them on throughout all the hardships they face. You will enjoy seeing them get the better of their elders as they seek a better life together.
THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN will definitely play with your emotions and you will laugh as well as cry along with the children. But it Minnie my heart mostly went out to. I felt her pain and cried when she cried. To feel so utterly trapped, destitute and hopeless. I so waited with baited breath to see if Gerald got comeuppance and cringed for Minnie every time he reappeared.
A wonderfully heartbreaking and yet heartwarming tale, THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. I was wondering how it was all going to end happily for all and was not disappointed.
THE FIVE SHILLING CHILDREN is an enjoyable and quick read I thoroughly recommend for any historical fiction fans.
I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #NetGalley and #Aria for an ARC of #TheFiveShillingChildren in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 13, 2019
What a lovely heart warming story of the Fitch family and their struggle to survive having no money for food or coal.Gerald Fitch drinks what little money they do get and then he sells the two younger children Adam and Polly to Reeds orhanage for five shillings,but life doesn't get any better.I won't spoil the book for others but i have loved reading this story and it is well worth the 5* well done to Lindsey Hutchinson another excellent book.
September 15, 2019
The Five Shilling Children by Lindsey Hutchinson takes to Wolverhampton in the heart of the Black Country. Polly and Adam Fitch are sold to Reed’s Orphanage by their father for five shillings each. They miss their mother (not their bully father), but they are thankful for a warm bed to sleep in each night plus hot meals to eat. They are especially grateful that they still have each other. Adam has always been protective of Polly. The siblings become close friends with the other children at the orphanage. The bond strengthens over time making this assortment of children a family. When Una Reed sells Polly to a wealthy family, Adam escapes the orphanage with the help of the other kids to get his sister back. The Five Shilling Children is a heart wrenching tale. I like that the author gives us different perspectives: the children, their mother, a nanny, and two ladies at the orphanage. It is shocking what these children suffered at the hands of adults. I was drawn into this emotional novel right away and I stayed up late to finish it. I wanted to see what would happen to Adam, Polly and their makeshift family. As the story evolves, we find out why Gerald Fitch went from a loving husband and father into an abusive man who drank through his earnings. I enjoyed the various storylines in the book and how it all tied together. The Five Shilling Children is my favorite book by Lindsey Hutchinson. The love between Adam and Polly was strong and touching. I loved how the kids came together and were loyal to each other. It was so sweet that they never forgot to pray for help and guidance. The Five Shilling Children is an emotional historic novel with a nasty nanny, a famine of funds, a supportive pugilist, a vile father, and hopeful children.
October 1, 2019
Emotional read
Such a beautiful book. That is set in the run down Bank Street in Wolverhampton 1890 Pollyanna Flitch with her brother's her mother Minnie and drunken no good father Gerald live hand to mouth. Their father take Polly and brother Adam to Una Reeds orphanage and sells them for five shillings each. The children get well cared for in the hands of Ruth Ashby and the staff. Adam is very protective of his sister, and all seems to go well for a while. But their mother never forgets them and vows one day to buy them back. And so we begin the children's journey. This book is such a well worthy emotional read right through to the very end. It will pull at your heartstrings, heartwarming and such a delight. I so love this author's work, it shines through in all her books its totally deserves the star ratings.
Such a beautiful book. That is set in the run down Bank Street in Wolverhampton 1890 Pollyanna Flitch with her brother's her mother Minnie and drunken no good father Gerald live hand to mouth. Their father take Polly and brother Adam to Una Reeds orphanage and sells them for five shillings each. The children get well cared for in the hands of Ruth Ashby and the staff. Adam is very protective of his sister, and all seems to go well for a while. But their mother never forgets them and vows one day to buy them back. And so we begin the children's journey. This book is such a well worthy emotional read right through to the very end. It will pull at your heartstrings, heartwarming and such a delight. I so love this author's work, it shines through in all her books its totally deserves the star ratings.
January 8, 2020
Polly and Adam are sold to an orphanage by their father. When Polly is given her new home her brother is desperate to find her. I loved the book set in the Black Country and the bond between the brother and sister and the other children at the orphanage. I will definitely read more by Lindsey Hutchinson.
October 9, 2019
Minnie Fitch and her 5 children live in squaller, they constantly have no food, heat or decent clothes as any money she gets her husband Gerald either drinks or gambles away. He is an abusive man and has thoughts that Adam 10 years and Polly 9 years are not his children so he sells them to Reed's orphanage for 5 shillings.
The orphanage is run and owned by Una Reed, who is strict and takes no-nonsense. The children are well-fed, have a clean bed and new friends but are distressed and long for their mother.
A new boy Rodney Dukes comes to the orphanage, his behaviour is a challenge for Una and a bully to the children. He picks on Polly and makes her cry Adam is furious and wants his revenge so he seeks out boxer Billy Marshall to teach him to box, sneaking out of the orphanage at night to learn.
Polly is sold to a rich family leaving both the children and their friends distraught.
Adam with the help of his friends escapes from the home to find Polly. Unbeknown to him his mother and older brothers are also searching for both of them.
The story unfolds the journey of the family and their struggle to find each other.
It is traumatic in places, and an excellent book, with believable characters, you feel drawn in from the beginning and find yourself hungry to pick the book up again to see what happens next.
The orphanage is run and owned by Una Reed, who is strict and takes no-nonsense. The children are well-fed, have a clean bed and new friends but are distressed and long for their mother.
A new boy Rodney Dukes comes to the orphanage, his behaviour is a challenge for Una and a bully to the children. He picks on Polly and makes her cry Adam is furious and wants his revenge so he seeks out boxer Billy Marshall to teach him to box, sneaking out of the orphanage at night to learn.
Polly is sold to a rich family leaving both the children and their friends distraught.
Adam with the help of his friends escapes from the home to find Polly. Unbeknown to him his mother and older brothers are also searching for both of them.
The story unfolds the journey of the family and their struggle to find each other.
It is traumatic in places, and an excellent book, with believable characters, you feel drawn in from the beginning and find yourself hungry to pick the book up again to see what happens next.
September 18, 2019
Lindsey Hutchinson’s The Five Shilling Children is the first book I have read written by this author. She wrote a complex, intertwined story of life for the those in the Black Country years ago. The two main children Adam and Polly stole my heart as they make their way upstairs in the first chapter. This is not the first book that I have read of family members selling the children but it is the most memorable.
Foes becomes friends, family takes sides and some even get their comeuppance in the end. Many characters in this story but all have very clear roles so that they do not become confusing. Adam is as apt a hero as I have ever read, even with him being only ten. Intelligent, being a better judge of character than his mother, quick study, hard honest worker and possesses a heart that is determined to protect his sister, he is unforgettable.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Foes becomes friends, family takes sides and some even get their comeuppance in the end. Many characters in this story but all have very clear roles so that they do not become confusing. Adam is as apt a hero as I have ever read, even with him being only ten. Intelligent, being a better judge of character than his mother, quick study, hard honest worker and possesses a heart that is determined to protect his sister, he is unforgettable.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 24, 2019
Ms. Hutchinson had me at the first page. I did not want to put this book down. You will be reading long into the night. It is one of the best that I have read this year. The story of the Fitch Family's struggle to survive with no money, nothing to eat and no coal for heat breaks your heart. Many were hurting financially at this time period. But when this family got a little money the father went out and got drunk. If he won while gambling, he never purchased food or coal, he went to the taverns. The love that is expressed between the youngest brother and sister is so sweet. It was a very difficult time and a hard story to read about. I can not imagine selling my children for any amount of money. Lindsey Hutchinson was able to draw hope out of this darkness. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 23, 2019
Oh, this is a grand tale! Heart-wrenching and heartwarming, it has everything going for it!
Adam and Polly Fitch have no idea where they are headed when their father takes them away from home, until he knocks at a door and hands them over in return for five shillings each - then leaves without a backward glance. They didn't come from a perfect home, but they are heartbroken at being parted from their mother and brothers, one of whom is only a babe in arms. At least they still have each other, and pledge to stick together whatever life has in store for them. Settling in to the orphanage, they soon make friends with the other children living there, but it's a good job none of them know what's ahead of them . . .
I'm very fond of historical sagas like this one; set in times when poverty was a very serious state of affairs (far worse than not having the latest model of mobile phone), it is astonishing how some families managed to survive. This is a well-plotted and attention grabbing novel; it pulled me in from the very first page and kept me there until the very last. With terrific characterisation and several riveting story lines, all cleverly intertwined, this is a saga I heartily recommend. Not my first read by this author, and it won't be the last - Lindsey Hutchinson consistently delivers superb books. A five star read, no doubt about it!
Adam and Polly Fitch have no idea where they are headed when their father takes them away from home, until he knocks at a door and hands them over in return for five shillings each - then leaves without a backward glance. They didn't come from a perfect home, but they are heartbroken at being parted from their mother and brothers, one of whom is only a babe in arms. At least they still have each other, and pledge to stick together whatever life has in store for them. Settling in to the orphanage, they soon make friends with the other children living there, but it's a good job none of them know what's ahead of them . . .
I'm very fond of historical sagas like this one; set in times when poverty was a very serious state of affairs (far worse than not having the latest model of mobile phone), it is astonishing how some families managed to survive. This is a well-plotted and attention grabbing novel; it pulled me in from the very first page and kept me there until the very last. With terrific characterisation and several riveting story lines, all cleverly intertwined, this is a saga I heartily recommend. Not my first read by this author, and it won't be the last - Lindsey Hutchinson consistently delivers superb books. A five star read, no doubt about it!
September 3, 2019


Member Review

The Five Shilling Children
by Lindsey Hutchinson
Pub Date: 19 Sep 2019
Review by

Trick W, Reviewer
Last updated on 03 Sep 2019
My Recommendation
Net Galley gave me this book to read and I really enjoyed the story,the characters and the way you get to know all these people especially the kids! If started out really well so I interesting funny and tears!.Horrible the way they had to live,two stories going on well really three they turned into one!.It keeps you going I what will happen next. The only thing that got to me was it just kept on and on where it didn't need to be! It was like it just kept repeating itself,day after day,same thing over and over and it didn't have to! You do need to read it has a surprising end!!! Makes you think how fortunately your life is!! Enjoy!! 🙉🙈🙊

Member Review

The Five Shilling Children
by Lindsey Hutchinson
Pub Date: 19 Sep 2019
Review by

Trick W, Reviewer
Last updated on 03 Sep 2019
My Recommendation
Net Galley gave me this book to read and I really enjoyed the story,the characters and the way you get to know all these people especially the kids! If started out really well so I interesting funny and tears!.Horrible the way they had to live,two stories going on well really three they turned into one!.It keeps you going I what will happen next. The only thing that got to me was it just kept on and on where it didn't need to be! It was like it just kept repeating itself,day after day,same thing over and over and it didn't have to! You do need to read it has a surprising end!!! Makes you think how fortunately your life is!! Enjoy!! 🙉🙈🙊
August 30, 2020
Good story
I couldn't give this anymore than three stars because of all the punctuation errors. This author has no idea how to use commas. It was distracting. Otherwise, the story was good. It must've been hard living in the Black Country with no money and a drunken husband and too many mouths to feed. The story clipped along nicely. The hijinks of the kids in the orphanage were amusing. They got the best of the nasty orphanage mistress, Una. The tale wound its way full circle to a good ending that was sewn up nicely with no loose ends. If not for the punctuation errors, I would've given it a higher rating.
I couldn't give this anymore than three stars because of all the punctuation errors. This author has no idea how to use commas. It was distracting. Otherwise, the story was good. It must've been hard living in the Black Country with no money and a drunken husband and too many mouths to feed. The story clipped along nicely. The hijinks of the kids in the orphanage were amusing. They got the best of the nasty orphanage mistress, Una. The tale wound its way full circle to a good ending that was sewn up nicely with no loose ends. If not for the punctuation errors, I would've given it a higher rating.
January 8, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As an author Lindsey Hutchinson is new to me, so I was not sure if this would be my cup of tea or not. I am so happy that I found her and that this book was so enjoyable. Brother and sister Adam and Polly are sold to an orphanage due to family hardship. The strength and loyalty of their bond enables them to make a life for themselves, despite trials and tribulation. An uplifting book!
As an author Lindsey Hutchinson is new to me, so I was not sure if this would be my cup of tea or not. I am so happy that I found her and that this book was so enjoyable. Brother and sister Adam and Polly are sold to an orphanage due to family hardship. The strength and loyalty of their bond enables them to make a life for themselves, despite trials and tribulation. An uplifting book!
September 15, 2019
I loved this story! I loved how all of the character's lives intertwined and we could read from their different perspectives.
I'm not sure how realistic it was but it was heart-warming and an even better-than-expected ending!
I felt invested in the characters and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
A brilliant, new, Victorian British historical fiction novel.
I'm not sure how realistic it was but it was heart-warming and an even better-than-expected ending!
I felt invested in the characters and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
A brilliant, new, Victorian British historical fiction novel.
September 19, 2019
Polly and Adam
Started this this morning couldn't put it down .the story is about Polly and Adam 2 children who lived with there man and dad and brothers but things are not going well for the family everyone is hungry then there dad has a thought .this is a definite 5 STARS.
Started this this morning couldn't put it down .the story is about Polly and Adam 2 children who lived with there man and dad and brothers but things are not going well for the family everyone is hungry then there dad has a thought .this is a definite 5 STARS.
November 20, 2019
Worth every shilling and more 😊
This is the first book I've read by this author. I will definitely be reading more. Loved every page of it, from start to finish, definitely recommend.
This is the first book I've read by this author. I will definitely be reading more. Loved every page of it, from start to finish, definitely recommend.
May 12, 2020
A Story of Courage
An Intriguing Story of how the main characters Adam and Polly are being sold to an orphanage for five
Dollars each by their own drunken father meet other characters that creates a moving book.
An Intriguing Story of how the main characters Adam and Polly are being sold to an orphanage for five
Dollars each by their own drunken father meet other characters that creates a moving book.
December 18, 2021
Brings tears to your eyes
This has never happened 😭 to me before, this book is so well written, it has many, many twists and turns, it has many low's but then the story turns to happy tears, a fantastic read, thank you.
This has never happened 😭 to me before, this book is so well written, it has many, many twists and turns, it has many low's but then the story turns to happy tears, a fantastic read, thank you.
October 3, 2019
Dieselblackcat
This is a great read. I loved how it ended with a new start to everyone live. Keep these book coming please
This is a great read. I loved how it ended with a new start to everyone live. Keep these book coming please
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October 6, 2019Reeds orphanage
Yet another brilliant book by Lindsey Hutchinson. So gripping and real. A real page turner. Loved hearing how Adam and Polly progressed
Yet another brilliant book by Lindsey Hutchinson. So gripping and real. A real page turner. Loved hearing how Adam and Polly progressed
October 11, 2019
Excellent
Great read.. This book was very good. The kids went through very tough times but stuck together. I loved the ending.
Great read.. This book was very good. The kids went through very tough times but stuck together. I loved the ending.
October 12, 2019
Great read
I really enjoyed the story about how children sold to an orphanage came good in the end. I found it hard to put down as it kept my interest all the way through
I really enjoyed the story about how children sold to an orphanage came good in the end. I found it hard to put down as it kept my interest all the way through
October 17, 2019
Good book
Very good book will tell people to read this book can't wait to read more from Lindsey Hutchinsons
Good story number one book
Very good book will tell people to read this book can't wait to read more from Lindsey Hutchinsons
Good story number one book
December 28, 2019
Orphans once again
I enjoyed this book very much. The children were a pitiful lot who amazeling enough stuck together no matter what. I loved the ending.
I enjoyed this book very much. The children were a pitiful lot who amazeling enough stuck together no matter what. I loved the ending.
December 28, 2019
What a wonderful story of family life and loyalty! I cried and laughed as I was drawn in as a family member looking in. Thank you
January 2, 2020
Good story
Enjoyed the story. Very warming to the heart. Wish the ending was not so short and wrapped up I a few pages.
Enjoyed the story. Very warming to the heart. Wish the ending was not so short and wrapped up I a few pages.
April 19, 2020
Great read
A lovely book with lot's of twists and turns.sad at times but a happy ending. Well worth the time.enjoy it.
A lovely book with lot's of twists and turns.sad at times but a happy ending. Well worth the time.enjoy it.
May 13, 2020
A must read!
I come from a large family and related to much of the family/ friend dinamics! Lindsey you have done it again. Thank you
I come from a large family and related to much of the family/ friend dinamics! Lindsey you have done it again. Thank you
August 19, 2020
Wonderful story
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Great storyline. Sad, funny & believable. Was totally caught up in the life of the characters.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Great storyline. Sad, funny & believable. Was totally caught up in the life of the characters.
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