The Winter Orphan

The Children of the Workhouse #3

by Cathy Sharp

A heartbreaking story of one child’s courage, from the bestselling author of The Orphan’s of Halfpenny Street.Ella has never known love. Left as a baby outside the workhouse, Ella has only ever been treated with unkindness; especially from the hateful guardians of the workhouse, who hold the fate of the inmates in their cruel hands.When she is sold as a scullery maid to a new home, Ella hopes for a better life. But her hopes are dashed as she struggles to do all the work heaped on her thin shoulders by her brutish master.Daring to escape her harsh treatment, it isn’t long before she is caught and once again finds herself at the mercy of an uncaring world. Can Ella resist giving in to despair and somehow to find the strength to carry on alone…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2019

About the author

Cathy Sharp is happily married and lives with her husband in a small Cambridgeshire village. They like visiting Spain together and enjoy the benefits of sunshine and pleasant walks, while at home they love their garden and visiting the Norfolk seaside.

Cathy loves writing because it gives pleasure to others, she finds writing an extension of herself and it gives her great satisfaction. Cathy says, 'There is nothing like seeing your book in print, because so much loving care has been given to bringing that book into being.'

Reviews

[Pat Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and interesting to read how poor children were treated back then.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading these books of the determination of one man to make life better for inhabitants of workhouses.Arthur Stoneham is a man with a heart a man that hates to see people suffer so if he can he tries his best to help.After the death of Katherine arthur goes in search of any news as to what happened to her sister but fearing he may never know.While travelling the road one night his horses are disturbed by something in the road,as arthur approaches he is shocked to see a young woman in need of help.I won't spoil the story and i can highly recommend the workhouse series well worth 5*EXCELLENT.

[Francesca Sennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really disappointed to have to give this book 4 stars as I loved it all the way through and just lost my love around the 95% mark, the story follows a young widowed gentleman, Arthur, who attempts to right the wrong doings of a workhouse and it’s masters. Arthur is searching for his late wife’s sister and comes across a young lady who informs him of the mistreatment of the women and children at the workhouse however he not she knows what he will actually uncover when he digs a little deeper. Throughout the book I thought each character was well explored and detailed and Cathy sharp works really well to paint a picture when writing, the book switches between characters and points of view seamlessly and does so with such elegance and grace. I was disappointed with the relationship between Arthur and hetty and thought that the relationship was poorly thought out and rushed during the story. It actually took me longer to read the last 20 pages than it did to read the rest of the book as I found them painful and out of place with regards to the whole story, it seemed a separate issue that needed to be dealt with either throughout the whole book or not at all as to try and randomly fit it into the last 2 chapters made it awkward and underdeveloped. The fact that Cathy chose to include both Sarah and Kathy in Arthur’s past seemed unnecessary and didn’t allow for us to make a connection with either character, due to this it was also difficult to have high levels of sympathy for Arthur (which I believe Cathy intended for us to have) as they were underdeveloped and under explored. Regardless of this the book was inviting and interesting and had strong morals and a strong story and for that I believe it deserves 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[MsEleanorMae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened with 13 yo daughter who was very engaged as was I with the characters and story. A great way to introduce history to young people. Simply written.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Winter Orphan is the third and final book in The Children of the Workhouse series by Cathy Sharp - an outstanding compelling series. I enjoyed the first two books and could not wait to get started on the final book. Yet again Cathy Sharp has given us an extraordinary storyline with characters that are brought to life and so realistic - Arthur Stoneham is a great character who has a heart of gold and who hates to see the suffering of those in the workhouses and will do all he can to help. We meet Bella who very sadly lost her mother Marie when she was a baby. We read about her very harrowing life and the appalling conditions she lived and worked in.

The settings in The Winter Orphan were also described so vividly - the first lines of the book draw you straight in. We get to read about how desperately hard it was living in the 1800s and the dreadful conditions of working in a workhouse.

If you enjoy historical fiction, then I highly recommend The Children of the Workhouse series. I would love for there to be a fourth book!

[Laureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I love listing to Cathy Sharp's audio books in the car. They are never so complex that you cannot miss a sentence if driving conditions need total concentration. Pity the Libraries are closed due to COVID-19 or I would order some more to listen to. I might have to resort to buying a couple.

[Lesley Puncher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and love learning about the workhouse etc. My only complaint is I think the same points are raised excessively e.g Hetty's relationship with Arthur and how they met. I understand that others may not have read the earlier books in the series and need the facts but it was even being repeated in the last couple of pages.

[Alex Cawood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the series looking forward to her next book an another good read . Hope others that read these books enjoy them as much as I do an share them with others.

Loved the series enjoyed reading all of her books an for others to enjoy an share with family an friends

[Lucia Farrance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real ‘switch off’ book! I listened to the audiobook version and it really allowed a great sense of escapism and switch off. An easy to follow story line with some twists and turns to keep it interesting. Not the most captivating story, genuinely just an easy winter read.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella

Another beautiful story from Cathy Sharp and the children of the workhouse Arthur stoneham in his quest to find marrieann he came across meg and pledged to help her .5 STARS

[Sue Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book of Cathy Sharp, certainly won’t be my last.

[Sue Hickling · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read .

[Heidi M. Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really awesome book series, have to see if there is a fourth. Historical fiction in late 1800s and the horrors of the workhouses

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading, the sort of book you might like to take on holiday. There are some serious social issues which makes for an interesting story

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5 stars

[Kay Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

has always a brilliant book

[Elizabeth Cleland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book!

Enjoyed this book author such a terrific story teller and very intriguing what will happen next in storyline? Characters in book came alive.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this series. So well written and conveyed several emotions throughout. Preferred the first 2 books a lot more to the finale but still an excellent read.

[Sheila Timms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Cathy.

[Libby Howell · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Winter Orphan is a touching and evocative read that provides a glimpse into a difficult period in history. Despite its predictable plot and pacing issues, it remains a worthwhile read for those interested in historical fiction and stories of perseverance.