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The Children from Gin Barrel Lane
Ten-year-old Jack Larkin has seen more than his fair share of shocking sights, growing up in the notorious Crown Saloon.
Broken hearts and broken bones are just a fact of life in a Gin Palace, but for orphan Dolly, the Crown is her last hope.
Broken hearts and broken bones are just a fact of life in a Gin Palace, but for orphan Dolly, the Crown is her last hope.
After the death of her mother, Dolly ran away from her sleazy step father Arthur, only to find herself living on the streets. When Jack discovers her hiding in the back yard of The Crown, he persuades his mother Nellie Larkin, to take Dolly in.
But Dolly has a secret - a very valuable secret - and Arthur is determined to get his clutches on her at any cost. And when local hard-man Ezra Morton joins in the hunt, the Larkins may have to risk everything to keep Dolly safe…
The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with a page-turning, heart-warming, laugh-out-loud story to remember. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 11, 2020
Dolly's mum had recently passed away. Her stepfather, Arthur told her he wanted her to her to take her mother's place in the house and his bed. So she runs away. Hiding in the yard of a gin palace she's found by ten year old Jack. He eventually persuades her to come inside where his mother, Nellie invites Dolly to live with them. Dolly soon settles into her new life and works hard even though she had a withered leg and a stick to get around. Arthur is desperate to find Dolly. He believes she took something with her that should have been his. We also meet Ezra Morton, a notorious money lender who pops in and out of Nellie's life.
I really like Lindsey Hutchinson. Her books are always true to the era they are written in. There is a great list of characters. I liked that Nellie took everyone in they quickly became like family members and they all had their jobs to do in the gin palace. There was ot one thing that I did not like about this book. I was pulled into the story quickly. This is an enchanting tale. A other great read from the author.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Lindsey Hutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really like Lindsey Hutchinson. Her books are always true to the era they are written in. There is a great list of characters. I liked that Nellie took everyone in they quickly became like family members and they all had their jobs to do in the gin palace. There was ot one thing that I did not like about this book. I was pulled into the story quickly. This is an enchanting tale. A other great read from the author.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Lindsey Hutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
There is just something about Lindsey Hutchinson's books that are all-encompassing, all-engrossing and completely captivating. And yet they are simple stories about every day people of the era with a style that is so easy to read. I have only read two of her books but I am hooked and THE CHILDREN OF GIN BARREL LANE is no different.
Nellie Larkin is a tough, formidable woman who runs a gin palace known as The Crown Saloon, a well patronised establishment by the local community on a street known locally as Gin Barrel Lane. The year is 1857 and life is hard in the industrial black country of Birmingham. Nellie's ten year old son Jack and young barmaid Poppy work alongside Nellie behind the bar whilst her longtime friend Nancy Sampson keeps them fed from her kitchen.
Jack is no more than a skivvy, yielding daily to his mother's demands under the constant bellow of her booming voice, and he dreams of a day when he's old enough to leave and work on a farm breathing in the fresh air instead of city fumes. One day when he is out in the yard, he hears a sobbing and stumbles across a cold and frightened young girl hiding amongst the barrels. Encouraging her into their warm kitchen, Nancy feeds the girl and Nellie is soon persuaded to let the girl stay.
Dolly Perkins is 13 years old and, after the death of her mother, took to the streets when her stepfather Arthur decided that young Dolly was to take her mother's place both in the kitchen and in his bed. She had been scavenging and sleeping in doorways for three months before Jack stumbled across her in the yard amongst the empty barrels. Settling into her new life with her new family, Dolly soon more than earns her keep with her know-how and academia, becoming a life-saver for Nellie on more than one occasion. It is obvious the girl has had a good education, something which is sadly lacking in the working class, making her an invaluable addition to the household.
Arthur Micklewaite wants desperately to find young "Dolly Daydream". She has a valuable diamond necklace bequeathed to her by her mother which he believes should rightly be his and he will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. And if he can also bring Dolly home to warm his bed, that would be an added bonus. In the meantime, Arthur intends to find other wealthy widows in the funeral notices to worm his way into their lives and fleece them of their riches and keep him in the lifestyle to which he believes he is entitled to.
But Arthur is also a pickpocket, finding opportunity to deftly snatch wallets and purses from the unsuspecting at markets or railway stations. And it is at the market one day that he spies young Dolly with Jack and Nancy...and decides to follow them to see where his step-daughter has ended up. As he watches them walk into the yard of The Crown Saloon he can't help but think that young Dolly has landed on her feet...and so forms a new plan to relieve her of that diamond necklace.
Unable to sleep one night for the heat, Dolly goes to open the window and let in some air when she sees a shadow in the yard below trying to break into The Crown. It's dark and she cannot see his face, but there is something familiar about him. Alone in her room, Dolly can't help but feel frightened despite the man being unable to gain access and she tells everyone about it the next morning.
Ezra Morton is a hard man but he is also a rich man. He owns a brewery and operates a money lending business. On one such occasion Nellie Larkin was forced to borrow money from him to renovate The Crown after she inherited it from her parents needing a great deal of work. Enter Ezra Morton. He lent her the money on the condition that she could only buy her supply of gin from him. Over the years she had been paying him back the minimum but now he was wanting to increase her repayments, and Nellie was shocked to find that despite repaying him she still owed the exact amount she had borrowed from him! She wished she could pay him off once and for all and never have to do business with him again.
Then Dolly had a proposition for her and despite refusing her help, Dolly insisted. So when Nellie turned up the next day with the amount paid in full, Ezra was shocked and wondered where on earth Nellie had come up with that amount of money. Not to be shown up by a woman, Ezra vowed to bring Nellie Larkin down and ruin her once and for all.
You could not help but fall in love with this wonderful cast of characters, with the exception of Ezra and Arthur of course, as Nellie continued to add to her fold. Although she is a formidable woman, Nellie is completely likable alongside her band of waifs and strays, taking in those in need of work and a place to sleep. They are a unique kind of family and proof that you don't have to be related to be family.
The setting is atmospheric and the characters are well developed as they shine in a well paced suspenseful plot. Well crafted and engaging, THE CHILDREN OF GIN BARREL LANE has a real sense of family, despite none of them being related, with plenty of drama amidst the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian England.
THE CHILDREN OF GIN BARREL LANE is an entertaining and delightful story that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. And when it does end, you will be left with wanting more. Lindsey Hutchinson has that effect on you.
The reader is pulled in quickly with an incredible sense of the life and times in Victorian England. There isn't one thing I didn't like about this book...except maybe that I didn't really want it to end.
I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheChildrenFromGinBarrelLane in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Nellie Larkin is a tough, formidable woman who runs a gin palace known as The Crown Saloon, a well patronised establishment by the local community on a street known locally as Gin Barrel Lane. The year is 1857 and life is hard in the industrial black country of Birmingham. Nellie's ten year old son Jack and young barmaid Poppy work alongside Nellie behind the bar whilst her longtime friend Nancy Sampson keeps them fed from her kitchen.
Jack is no more than a skivvy, yielding daily to his mother's demands under the constant bellow of her booming voice, and he dreams of a day when he's old enough to leave and work on a farm breathing in the fresh air instead of city fumes. One day when he is out in the yard, he hears a sobbing and stumbles across a cold and frightened young girl hiding amongst the barrels. Encouraging her into their warm kitchen, Nancy feeds the girl and Nellie is soon persuaded to let the girl stay.
Dolly Perkins is 13 years old and, after the death of her mother, took to the streets when her stepfather Arthur decided that young Dolly was to take her mother's place both in the kitchen and in his bed. She had been scavenging and sleeping in doorways for three months before Jack stumbled across her in the yard amongst the empty barrels. Settling into her new life with her new family, Dolly soon more than earns her keep with her know-how and academia, becoming a life-saver for Nellie on more than one occasion. It is obvious the girl has had a good education, something which is sadly lacking in the working class, making her an invaluable addition to the household.
Arthur Micklewaite wants desperately to find young "Dolly Daydream". She has a valuable diamond necklace bequeathed to her by her mother which he believes should rightly be his and he will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. And if he can also bring Dolly home to warm his bed, that would be an added bonus. In the meantime, Arthur intends to find other wealthy widows in the funeral notices to worm his way into their lives and fleece them of their riches and keep him in the lifestyle to which he believes he is entitled to.
But Arthur is also a pickpocket, finding opportunity to deftly snatch wallets and purses from the unsuspecting at markets or railway stations. And it is at the market one day that he spies young Dolly with Jack and Nancy...and decides to follow them to see where his step-daughter has ended up. As he watches them walk into the yard of The Crown Saloon he can't help but think that young Dolly has landed on her feet...and so forms a new plan to relieve her of that diamond necklace.
Unable to sleep one night for the heat, Dolly goes to open the window and let in some air when she sees a shadow in the yard below trying to break into The Crown. It's dark and she cannot see his face, but there is something familiar about him. Alone in her room, Dolly can't help but feel frightened despite the man being unable to gain access and she tells everyone about it the next morning.
Ezra Morton is a hard man but he is also a rich man. He owns a brewery and operates a money lending business. On one such occasion Nellie Larkin was forced to borrow money from him to renovate The Crown after she inherited it from her parents needing a great deal of work. Enter Ezra Morton. He lent her the money on the condition that she could only buy her supply of gin from him. Over the years she had been paying him back the minimum but now he was wanting to increase her repayments, and Nellie was shocked to find that despite repaying him she still owed the exact amount she had borrowed from him! She wished she could pay him off once and for all and never have to do business with him again.
Then Dolly had a proposition for her and despite refusing her help, Dolly insisted. So when Nellie turned up the next day with the amount paid in full, Ezra was shocked and wondered where on earth Nellie had come up with that amount of money. Not to be shown up by a woman, Ezra vowed to bring Nellie Larkin down and ruin her once and for all.
You could not help but fall in love with this wonderful cast of characters, with the exception of Ezra and Arthur of course, as Nellie continued to add to her fold. Although she is a formidable woman, Nellie is completely likable alongside her band of waifs and strays, taking in those in need of work and a place to sleep. They are a unique kind of family and proof that you don't have to be related to be family.
The setting is atmospheric and the characters are well developed as they shine in a well paced suspenseful plot. Well crafted and engaging, THE CHILDREN OF GIN BARREL LANE has a real sense of family, despite none of them being related, with plenty of drama amidst the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian England.
THE CHILDREN OF GIN BARREL LANE is an entertaining and delightful story that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. And when it does end, you will be left with wanting more. Lindsey Hutchinson has that effect on you.
The reader is pulled in quickly with an incredible sense of the life and times in Victorian England. There isn't one thing I didn't like about this book...except maybe that I didn't really want it to end.
I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheChildrenFromGinBarrelLane in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 12, 2020
Hard to believe
First off, Hutchinson must've had a thesaurus sitting in front of her. She must've thought of a word, then opened the thesaurus to find the most hard-to-pronounce, obscure word to replace it. I have a very good vicabulary, but I was looking up words all the time. It made for choppy reading.
Second, there are a lot of grammar and spelling errors. I reported some. If I had reported all, I would've been doing it a good amount of the time.
Third, after those distractions, who in their right mind takes in a 13-year-old disabled girl (Dolly), then, when she's 14 has her running a gin joint and living over top of it? That's ridiculous. And she made every important decision for the family of adults except for Jack, a precocious 10-year-old boy. The adults were more like dumb juveniles than adults.
Fourth, the sniveling Snidely Whiplash character, Arthur Micklewhite, was like a typical down-on-his luck cartoon character. He was bested, so to speak, by a local gangster mafia heavy weight. I can't even remember his name!
The entire story was far fetched, and I didn't find any of the characters endearing. The character, Nancy, would always use wrong words when speaking, such as defecated instead of defected. I think that gave Hutchinson an excuse to open her thesaurus again.
I say don't bother reading this. I selected it because it was free in Kindle Unlimited, and I have a free trial offer right now.
First off, Hutchinson must've had a thesaurus sitting in front of her. She must've thought of a word, then opened the thesaurus to find the most hard-to-pronounce, obscure word to replace it. I have a very good vicabulary, but I was looking up words all the time. It made for choppy reading.
Second, there are a lot of grammar and spelling errors. I reported some. If I had reported all, I would've been doing it a good amount of the time.
Third, after those distractions, who in their right mind takes in a 13-year-old disabled girl (Dolly), then, when she's 14 has her running a gin joint and living over top of it? That's ridiculous. And she made every important decision for the family of adults except for Jack, a precocious 10-year-old boy. The adults were more like dumb juveniles than adults.
Fourth, the sniveling Snidely Whiplash character, Arthur Micklewhite, was like a typical down-on-his luck cartoon character. He was bested, so to speak, by a local gangster mafia heavy weight. I can't even remember his name!
The entire story was far fetched, and I didn't find any of the characters endearing. The character, Nancy, would always use wrong words when speaking, such as defecated instead of defected. I think that gave Hutchinson an excuse to open her thesaurus again.
I say don't bother reading this. I selected it because it was free in Kindle Unlimited, and I have a free trial offer right now.
September 19, 2020
Some wording a bit off putting.
I enjoyed this book and only reason I'm giving it just 3 stars is because I found it irritating to have to use a dictionary constantly in the first part of the book. There was no need for all the long and , to me, unrecognisable words that were being thrown in. Bearing in mind this was the 19th century and mostly uneducated characters, I found it unbelievable that they would even know the meaning of existence of such words..
I enjoyed this book and only reason I'm giving it just 3 stars is because I found it irritating to have to use a dictionary constantly in the first part of the book. There was no need for all the long and , to me, unrecognisable words that were being thrown in. Bearing in mind this was the 19th century and mostly uneducated characters, I found it unbelievable that they would even know the meaning of existence of such words..
June 9, 2020
2.5 Stars
I admit first that "family sagas" aren't normally my genre of choice.
I found this book a bit odd - I think I liked it (mostly) and I liked the characters but something didn't quite gel for me. Others have loved this book but it's obviously not for me. Saying that, it would be a very dull world if we all liked the same books!!!
I admit first that "family sagas" aren't normally my genre of choice.
I found this book a bit odd - I think I liked it (mostly) and I liked the characters but something didn't quite gel for me. Others have loved this book but it's obviously not for me. Saying that, it would be a very dull world if we all liked the same books!!!
January 5, 2021
First time reading a Lindsey Hutchinson book took me a while to understand get to enjoy it ,not a book where l could keep reading and wouldn't put it down .not like most of Lesley Pearce books or Margaret Dickinson,Lyn Andrews books .
August 18, 2020
Great read
I loved the characters in this book, they were so relatable . I will definitely be reading more of Lindsey's books
I loved the characters in this book, they were so relatable . I will definitely be reading more of Lindsey's books
February 12, 2020
Set in the Victorian era, this historical saga encapsulates the danger, depravity and dire circumstances the majority of the Victorian population endured. Despite this, the sense of community survives, and this is evident in this story.
Nellie runs a Gin Palace, which is well patronised by the local community, her young son Jack, friend Nancy, and Poppy, help her run it. The hours are long, the work is hard, and the atmosphere less than conducive for children, but there is food on the table, somewhere safe and warm to sleep, and love and understanding, which is more than most have. When Jack finds a young girl running away from an abusive step-father, he befriends her and soon she is part of the delightful, dysfunctional family.
The setting is atmospheric and vividly described, and lets you experience the sights smells and uproar of the gin palace. The characters are well crafted, it reminded me of Fagin’s boys and Nancy in Oliver, even though the children here are spared a life of crime. The camaraderie and banter draw you into their lives. The plot is simple but effective. It lets the characters shine, whilst delivering a smartly paced, suspenseful plot, that keeps you turning the pages.
The villains are what you’d expect in the Victorian era, and they threaten Nellie’s family and her livelihood. The story is the perfect length, encompassing, the sense of family, place and time, even though it is shorter than most sagas of this type.
Female characters take the lead in this story, which delivers an engaging family drama, amidst the sights sounds and smells of Victorian England.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Nellie runs a Gin Palace, which is well patronised by the local community, her young son Jack, friend Nancy, and Poppy, help her run it. The hours are long, the work is hard, and the atmosphere less than conducive for children, but there is food on the table, somewhere safe and warm to sleep, and love and understanding, which is more than most have. When Jack finds a young girl running away from an abusive step-father, he befriends her and soon she is part of the delightful, dysfunctional family.
The setting is atmospheric and vividly described, and lets you experience the sights smells and uproar of the gin palace. The characters are well crafted, it reminded me of Fagin’s boys and Nancy in Oliver, even though the children here are spared a life of crime. The camaraderie and banter draw you into their lives. The plot is simple but effective. It lets the characters shine, whilst delivering a smartly paced, suspenseful plot, that keeps you turning the pages.
The villains are what you’d expect in the Victorian era, and they threaten Nellie’s family and her livelihood. The story is the perfect length, encompassing, the sense of family, place and time, even though it is shorter than most sagas of this type.
Female characters take the lead in this story, which delivers an engaging family drama, amidst the sights sounds and smells of Victorian England.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 11, 2021
* includes minor spoilers *
Based on the average reviews for this novel I am clearly in the minority, but will put my two cents in. It's not that I didn't like this book, the story was lovely, it was just TOO lovely. Everything just simply and easily fell into place for the main/likeable characters, that for me the story didn't hold much depth, nor was it very believable. A 14 year old orphaned runaway girl does not know all the legal/business/revamping proceedings that Dolly appears to throughout the book, and both Nancy and Nellie's "oh I would never have thought of that!" frequent comments to Dolly's suggestions paints them in quite a patronising light. The timeline of events seemed to be so out of kilter too. Things happening way too quickly than they believably would. Nancy and Fred had barely spoken 2 words to each other when they got engaged and apparently are totally infatuated with each other?? There seemed to be next to no character development and a "too perfect" storyline that had even me (lover of happy endings and all the good vibes) sighing at the simplicity of how events unfolded.
I did enjoy the book in that it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, but it didn't have the complexity and character development I expected such a highly rated book to have.
Each to their own though!
Based on the average reviews for this novel I am clearly in the minority, but will put my two cents in. It's not that I didn't like this book, the story was lovely, it was just TOO lovely. Everything just simply and easily fell into place for the main/likeable characters, that for me the story didn't hold much depth, nor was it very believable. A 14 year old orphaned runaway girl does not know all the legal/business/revamping proceedings that Dolly appears to throughout the book, and both Nancy and Nellie's "oh I would never have thought of that!" frequent comments to Dolly's suggestions paints them in quite a patronising light. The timeline of events seemed to be so out of kilter too. Things happening way too quickly than they believably would. Nancy and Fred had barely spoken 2 words to each other when they got engaged and apparently are totally infatuated with each other?? There seemed to be next to no character development and a "too perfect" storyline that had even me (lover of happy endings and all the good vibes) sighing at the simplicity of how events unfolded.
I did enjoy the book in that it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, but it didn't have the complexity and character development I expected such a highly rated book to have.
Each to their own though!
December 26, 2019
Family does not have to be related
This was a little bit different type of story, but I enjoyed it. Nellie, the owner of the "Crown Saloon" has a tendency to take in those unfortunates needing a job and a place to live. These different types of Characters come together and become a family that care for each other.
This all takes place in a hard economic time in a historic period of England. The descriptions of the gas lamps along the streets and on the saloon is enchanting. The characters are wonderful and either likable or unlikable as villains. What a great job the author did with those characters.
Three strong women characters appeared, Nellie, Nance and Dolly, proving that women, even then, were strong and resilient. I loved the character of Dolly especially.
There were some strong mail characters such as Jack and the villain Ezra. The battle between Nellie and Ezra was a good battle.
In the worst of times the best people emerge and stand strong and tall. This entertaining and delightful story will keep you turning pages and you will enjoy reading every page. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Lindsey Hutchinson, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book.
This was a little bit different type of story, but I enjoyed it. Nellie, the owner of the "Crown Saloon" has a tendency to take in those unfortunates needing a job and a place to live. These different types of Characters come together and become a family that care for each other.
This all takes place in a hard economic time in a historic period of England. The descriptions of the gas lamps along the streets and on the saloon is enchanting. The characters are wonderful and either likable or unlikable as villains. What a great job the author did with those characters.
Three strong women characters appeared, Nellie, Nance and Dolly, proving that women, even then, were strong and resilient. I loved the character of Dolly especially.
There were some strong mail characters such as Jack and the villain Ezra. The battle between Nellie and Ezra was a good battle.
In the worst of times the best people emerge and stand strong and tall. This entertaining and delightful story will keep you turning pages and you will enjoy reading every page. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Lindsey Hutchinson, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book.
February 13, 2020
Sometimes the strongest family bond is the one that is made out of kindness in a harsh world. The Children from Gin Barrel Lane by Lindsey Hutchinson is an unforgettable story of kindness, a family made, opportunities explored and hard work rewarded in life.
Despite the title, the children, Jack and Dolly are only two of the memorable main characters in this heart lifting story. Others are just as unique and colorful. In harsh times, personal strength and determination comes through. Authentic and believable, to the point where not always do the bad guys get caught. That along with the fact that the group found a way to survive based on the direct ruin of others gave me pause. Life is certainly that unclear with lines blurring at times.
Without a doubt, a page turner that holds your interest as well as giving you much to think on when you are finished.
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.
Despite the title, the children, Jack and Dolly are only two of the memorable main characters in this heart lifting story. Others are just as unique and colorful. In harsh times, personal strength and determination comes through. Authentic and believable, to the point where not always do the bad guys get caught. That along with the fact that the group found a way to survive based on the direct ruin of others gave me pause. Life is certainly that unclear with lines blurring at times.
Without a doubt, a page turner that holds your interest as well as giving you much to think on when you are finished.
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.
March 13, 2020
A powerful read
Ten year's old Jack Larkin and his mother Nellie run The Crown Saloon on Bailey Street known to the locals as Gin Barrel Lane in the year 1857, the black country Birmingham, the pub is full of gin drinking swigglers, and Jack is like a skivvy and cannot wait for the day when he's old enough to leave this place and work on a farm in the country side in the fresh air. But then he stumbles across a girl outside by the name of Dolly Perkins thirteen year's old on the run from her step father the awful Arthur Micklewhite, he takes her in and she works for his mother and becomes a sister that he never had . His mother is in money troubles with bad man Ezra Morton and with Dollys help they become a family, and Jack finds out a secret that nellie has been holding from him all his life. This is a mixture of strong characters, all working keeping the pub running with witty sad and happy moments as you read. I really enjoyed every bit of it and do enjoy all this author work.
Ten year's old Jack Larkin and his mother Nellie run The Crown Saloon on Bailey Street known to the locals as Gin Barrel Lane in the year 1857, the black country Birmingham, the pub is full of gin drinking swigglers, and Jack is like a skivvy and cannot wait for the day when he's old enough to leave this place and work on a farm in the country side in the fresh air. But then he stumbles across a girl outside by the name of Dolly Perkins thirteen year's old on the run from her step father the awful Arthur Micklewhite, he takes her in and she works for his mother and becomes a sister that he never had . His mother is in money troubles with bad man Ezra Morton and with Dollys help they become a family, and Jack finds out a secret that nellie has been holding from him all his life. This is a mixture of strong characters, all working keeping the pub running with witty sad and happy moments as you read. I really enjoyed every bit of it and do enjoy all this author work.
December 21, 2019
After being threatened by her pickpocketing stepfather Arthur that little Dolly is to take the place of her recently dead mother both in his bed and around the house, she flees onto the streets ending up in the yard of The Crown, a gin palace run by Nelly Larkin.
Jack Larkin Nelly's ten-year-old son finds her, cold and frightened, after encouraging her into the warm kitchen, Nelly is persuaded to let Dolly stay. With a little non-related family of misfits, she soon settles into her new life, where she is loved and treasured by everybody.
Arthur wants to find her desperately as she has a valuable necklace left to her by her mother for which he wants to get his hands on. He enlists the help of local villain and gang leader Ezra Morton, who he knows he can pay back once he gets his hands on the necklace and sells it.
Such a good book, great characters, lots of drama which keeps you on the edge of your seat with every page turn. Well worth a read.
Jack Larkin Nelly's ten-year-old son finds her, cold and frightened, after encouraging her into the warm kitchen, Nelly is persuaded to let Dolly stay. With a little non-related family of misfits, she soon settles into her new life, where she is loved and treasured by everybody.
Arthur wants to find her desperately as she has a valuable necklace left to her by her mother for which he wants to get his hands on. He enlists the help of local villain and gang leader Ezra Morton, who he knows he can pay back once he gets his hands on the necklace and sells it.
Such a good book, great characters, lots of drama which keeps you on the edge of your seat with every page turn. Well worth a read.
April 22, 2020
This was a great story that I really enjoyed reading and was given the amazing feeling of truly being in the Victorian era! This story was funny, suspenseful and held my attention all while I kept turning the pages! Lindsey Hutchinson is a very talented writer and the way this story comes together with mischief, laughter, a secret, the chase, strangers turning instantly into family, pulling at my heartstrings and then with such quick ease, wrapping it all up and making me want to read another of her books! The Gin Palace was perfectly depicted and I didn't want this book to be over so quickly!
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary eARC of this novel. I am always honored to be approved and enjoy writing an honest review to each novel I am able to read.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary eARC of this novel. I am always honored to be approved and enjoy writing an honest review to each novel I am able to read.
May 8, 2026
Started may 5 ended may 8
The Children from Gin Barrel Lane by Lindsay Hutchinson Audiobook listened to on Hoopla app
At ten years old, Jack Larkin has had his share of unusual experiences as he has grown up at the Crown Saloon, but even he is unaware how much influence and light Dolly will bring to his family’s life when he discovers her hiding in the backyard.
Scared, dirty, and lame; little Dolly has ran away from her abusive stepfather after the death of her mother. She is so grateful to Jack’s mom for agreeing to take her in and giving her a safe place to live and a new loving fàmily in Jack his mother and the other people who work at the Crown Saloon. But no one suspects at how their fortune and lies will change with Dolly now in their lives.
The Children from Gin Barrel Lane by Lindsay Hutchinson Audiobook listened to on Hoopla app
At ten years old, Jack Larkin has had his share of unusual experiences as he has grown up at the Crown Saloon, but even he is unaware how much influence and light Dolly will bring to his family’s life when he discovers her hiding in the backyard.
Scared, dirty, and lame; little Dolly has ran away from her abusive stepfather after the death of her mother. She is so grateful to Jack’s mom for agreeing to take her in and giving her a safe place to live and a new loving fàmily in Jack his mother and the other people who work at the Crown Saloon. But no one suspects at how their fortune and lies will change with Dolly now in their lives.
January 2, 2020
The Children of Gin Barrel Lane is captivating in its storyline and the characters weaved throughout! The era it was set in was interesting to read about and the depiction of the town and market was fun to read about. I enjoyed the storyline of Dolly finding her "home" and family in the unique Gin Palace of Nellie's. I was charmed by Dolly's wise helpful advice and how she later became a partner in business with Nellie at a young age. I had no problem staying engaged in the storyline and rad thru it quickly. I also love the cover of the book.
January 27, 2022
I couldn't make my mind up if I liked this book or not. I don't remember any mention of what year it was set in but as cars weren't mentioned I guessed mid to late 19th century. I struggled to relate to the monetary values mentioned whilst the wages seemed in keeping with the period the loans and jewellery values seemed way off. I have read and listened to approximately 100 Victorian stories and this is the first time I've felt confused by this.
I listened to the Audiobook and would give the narrator 4 stars.
I listened to the Audiobook and would give the narrator 4 stars.
February 25, 2020
Another great read from Lindsey Hutchinson. Set in Victorian times it tells of the hardships of the era. Dolly ends up on the streets after the death of her mother leaves her in the care of her heartless money grabbing stepfather. By chance she is found by Jack who takes her home to his Mum Nellie who welcomes Dolly into the family. This story tells that although you might be poor the love of a good family and friends can help you with anything.
April 13, 2020
Wow what great read this was. I was disappointed when it came to an end I wanted more.
This book is a real page turner. If you haven't read any book by This author you are truly missing out. Thank you Lindsey for this book I got to know the and love the people. I am now for your next book.
Jill Williams xx
This book is a real page turner. If you haven't read any book by This author you are truly missing out. Thank you Lindsey for this book I got to know the and love the people. I am now for your next book.
Jill Williams xx
January 3, 2022
More please
A very readable book with some twists and turns which make this book different from other family saga books. But makes this book is the assortment of believable and colourful characters. Just couldn't put it down and didn't wanting to end. Really hoping their are more books featuring these memorable characters.
A very readable book with some twists and turns which make this book different from other family saga books. But makes this book is the assortment of believable and colourful characters. Just couldn't put it down and didn't wanting to end. Really hoping their are more books featuring these memorable characters.
October 16, 2022
Lovely warm characters
A great story. Though frustrating in the middle of reading to have to stop and look up meanings for some of the odd words, which kept popping up and didn't seem necessary nor relevant to the times. It detracted from the flow of the story. Still hoping to read the next in the series.
A great story. Though frustrating in the middle of reading to have to stop and look up meanings for some of the odd words, which kept popping up and didn't seem necessary nor relevant to the times. It detracted from the flow of the story. Still hoping to read the next in the series.
May 10, 2020
Now this is a must read, it takes you to tears yet keeps you reading with a longing to see what happens. Jack and Dolly face untold hardships and only with the help of Nellie do they make it through.
May 14, 2020
Brilliant
Great unputdownable. book. Lindsey Hutchinson. has written yet another fabulous story. which really gets the reader involved. It sets you up to read all her other books. Joy Whitaker
Great unputdownable. book. Lindsey Hutchinson. has written yet another fabulous story. which really gets the reader involved. It sets you up to read all her other books. Joy Whitaker
August 2, 2020
This is the first novel I've read by Lindsey Hutchinson and it didn't disappoint. The charatcters jump off the page and Lindsey is an excellent story teller. I'm a sucker for a rags to riches story and this has all the right ingredients. I look forward to reading more of Lindsey's novels.
February 14, 2021
Lovely book.
Such an enjoyable book about survival in the last century. A wonderful lady who takes in young children and helps them get on in life. Very well written and entertaining and the characters are so real and lovable and down to earth.
Such an enjoyable book about survival in the last century. A wonderful lady who takes in young children and helps them get on in life. Very well written and entertaining and the characters are so real and lovable and down to earth.
December 30, 2021
I've listened to a few of Lindsey Hutchinson's books and loved them all, this one is no exception, excellent story, characters are very real and endearing. This made me titter, laugh out loud and hold my breath. Fully recommend you read it, now onto books 2. ☺️
January 28, 2022
Children of Gin Barrel Lane
I have enjoyed all of Ms Hutchinson's books so far and look forward to reading more. Jack finds Dolly half frozen in the backyard and brings her home. This is the growing up years of Jack and Dolly. And don't forget the villains.
I have enjoyed all of Ms Hutchinson's books so far and look forward to reading more. Jack finds Dolly half frozen in the backyard and brings her home. This is the growing up years of Jack and Dolly. And don't forget the villains.
August 2, 2022
Good story once you read this you be able to read the next book
Excellent story writer. Once you start reading you can not put it down. It all based on Birmingham. It really reminds me how Birmingham once was.
Excellent story writer. Once you start reading you can not put it down. It all based on Birmingham. It really reminds me how Birmingham once was.
August 14, 2022
A new favorite author
I like both Jack and Dolly. Ms. Hutchinson has a way of making you feel everything the characters are going through. I cried, laughed, sympathized throughout the story. I totally enjoyed it.
I like both Jack and Dolly. Ms. Hutchinson has a way of making you feel everything the characters are going through. I cried, laughed, sympathized throughout the story. I totally enjoyed it.
April 17, 2023
Daydreams come true
Bit sad children 10,13 serving gin but apart from that a good read. I don't think the Maggie guy should have got dolly's family home. That wasn't good. Rest excellent
Bit sad children 10,13 serving gin but apart from that a good read. I don't think the Maggie guy should have got dolly's family home. That wasn't good. Rest excellent
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