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Minnie's Orphans

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Let bestselling author Lindsey Hutchinson transport you back in time to Marshall’s Children’s Home, for this heart-warming and unforgettable tale from the Black Country.

The Fitch children are finally safe, after they and their friends were rescued from the grim orphanage Reed House by Minnie and Billy Marshall. Their children’s home Marshall’s is full of love and laughter, and a world away from their terrible ordeal of being sold to Una Reed for five shillings.

There are many more children who still need a home, especially in a world where the workhouse is the last option for desperate families, and so Minnie makes it her mission to build Marshall’s into a refuge for all the waifs and strays.

But kind hearts can be taken advantage of, and before long, Marshall’s in under attack. Can Minnie and Billy keep their family together and keep all the children safe, or will they be torn apart again?

The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with a heart-warming, unputdownable and unforgettable tale of triumph against the odds. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

544 people are currently reading
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Lindsey Hutchinson

22 books90 followers

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5 stars
996 (64%)
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363 (23%)
3 stars
130 (8%)
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29 (1%)
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23 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,683 reviews1,691 followers
September 30, 2020
The Fitch children are now safe and secure and living with their mother and her new husband, Billy. Minnie and Billy Marshall have opened up their own children's home. Marshall's is full of love and laugnter and everyone is treated equally. Una Reed, the owner of Reed House and Minnie run their homes differently. The kettle is never off in Minnie's home, and the children are looked after and well fed. Una punishes the children in her care and she feeds the children substandard meals.

The storynfollows on from where The Five Shilling Children left off. All the characters from the previous book are back, plus we meet a few more. There's quite a lot going on in the book. Adam and his sister Polly are still as close. Adam takes care of the allotment and becomes friendly with old Mr Jackson. James, Minnie's oldest son, is getting married to Felicity (Fliss). Una Reed who runs Reed House resents Minnie. Una once thought that it would be her that Billy married. I love Lindsey Hutchinson. She's one of my go to authors. She never disappoints.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #BoldworldBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dash fan .
1,519 reviews715 followers
October 19, 2020
4☆ A Heart warming, Authentic and Compelling Historical Saga.

Minnie’s Orphans is my first book in this series. However I don't recommend you read it as a standalone, as it took me a while to figure out the characters and their stories.

That said once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. I just wish I had read the previous book.
For this reason I'm not going to go into the plot incase your yet to read this one and I wouldn't want to risk spoilers.

I really enjoy Historical Sagas and this one was beautifully written, it was gripping, poignant, heartwarming, authentic, and compelling.
The characters were endearing, complex and were wonderfully written.
Minnie’s Orphans is a story about friendship, family, love, trust, survival, the orphanage and new beginnings.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Lindsey Hutchinson.


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.




You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/1...
Profile Image for Christine.
653 reviews86 followers
December 16, 2020
Before this book, I’d never heard of this author. And now, after having read this delightful book, I’m feeling the need to check out all of Lindsey Hutchinson’s books!

As someone who has a heart for children, this book touched me on so many levels. I love the way the characters in this book came together and made a home for children in need. I know this is fiction, but it really warmed my heart to read about this couple taking care of children, many of whom, were treated so poorly.

Lindsey Hutchinson is a talented story-teller, who evokes emotions and sucks the reader into her story.

I’m fairly certain there are more books in this series, but I wasn’t at all lost for not having read any of the previous books.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
October 3, 2020
I haven’t quite caught up with all of Lindsey’s books just yet as I have only fairly recently discovered just how fantastic her books are. I am now a huge fan and will endeavour to catch up with all her books before long. ‘Minnie’s Orphans’ is Lindsey’s latest book and it was released on 1st October 2020. I was lucky enough to have a sneaky peek at an early review copy and wowzers it really is a fantastic and emotive read. I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of ‘Minnie’s Orphans’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this story. In fact by the time I had reached the bottom of the first page, I knew that this was a book which I would thoroughly enjoy. I was spot on too, because I really enjoyed it. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before going to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed by quite a while and I had to literally force myself to switch the light off. Even then, I couldn’t stop thinking about the poor orphans in the story. On the rare occasions that I didn’t have my Kindle in my hand, then I found I was thinking about the story and the different characters. I was intrigued to see in which direction the story was going to go next and I felt compelled (in the nicest possible way) to keep reading. The pages turned over so quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. I soon reached the end of ‘Minnie’s Orphans’ and I had to bid farewell to the characters. I hope that this isn’t the last we have seen of certain characters.
‘Minnie’s Orphans’ is superbly written. Lindsey has one of those writing styles that feels more like a chat between friends rather than an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Lindsey grabs your attention from the start and draws you into the story. I found that she described her characters so vividly and realistically that they seemed just as real as you and I. I even felt as though I wanted to leap to the defence of certain characters. If I could’ve jumped inside the pages of the book then I would have done. I was gripped by this story from start to finish and on the edge of my seat throughout. I genuinely felt as though I was part of the story myself, which is all down to Lindsey’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. ‘Minnie’s Orphans’ was one of those emotive reads, which will tug on even the hardest of heartstrings- just like it did on mine.
In short I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Minnie’s Orphans’ and I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Lindsey’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Between The Pages (Gemma M) .
1,360 reviews30 followers
October 4, 2020
We all need a genre change at times don’t we? This was perfect for me inbetween all the thrillers lately. A lovely, heart-warming and uplifting read. Something different but well worth the read. I enjoyed it. I recommend it. It’s brilliantly written. I fell in love with Minnie. A true historical fiction read.
A page turner. A different world. A different time among this present chaos. A break for the mind. I love the cover too. A well deserved four stars from me.
Profile Image for Sharon.
8 reviews
March 8, 2022
2* Simplistic, occasionally historically inaccurate saga which is overall an easy read, but I just couldn't get past the anachronisms in the speech and it's been poorly proof-read. It's got loads of great reviews from obvious fans of the genre, but if historical fiction is your bag, I'd give this a wide berth.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,051 reviews
October 25, 2020
My first book by this author, although her name and that of her mother, Meg Hutchinson was instantly familiar! We find ourselves transported back in time to Wolverhampton and the Black Country, and I have to admit this did sway my decision to read this book as I live in the area! We meet Minnie Marshall, who runs a children’s home with her husband Billy. The book is set in the days when workhouses were common place, and orphans even more so. Minnie and Billy’s children’s home, Marshalls, is a proper home for the orphans that they take in and they given them the love and support that they need.

Minnie is a lovely character, with such a warm heart and a big kind soul. Having had a troubled background herself, Minnie is determined to look after all the orphans she takes in. At the start of the book, we are introduced to many of the children under her care as they wait outside Stafford Gaol to welcome the release of one of their young friends, Digit. It was so heart-warming to see the friendship between them all, and it did bring tears to my eyes for Digit’s first night under Minnie’s roof. It also brought home the hardships which were faced in those days for petty crimes, ones today which would barely make the legal system would result in 5-year sentences in Digit’s time.

There was a huge amount of characters and names within the first few chapters, and it did take a while to pick up on all these and remember who was who. I did wonder if the book was part of a series as the way it was written seemed to suggest that these characters were already know, but when checking it did seem it was a standalone book. The wide array of characters, at first, was a bit daunting, but the storyline was so well written that I quickly settled down and enjoyed it. The historical accuracy was well researched and I loved reading of places that I’ve heard of, but which are now long gone. It was also fascinating and saddening to hear of the lives that not just the adults had, but the young children also, particularly when they were orphans. Orphanages, poor houses and workhouses were obviously not nice places, but it was heart-warming to think that there were people like Minnie and Billy to protect, feed and clothe the children of these times.

The story was gripping and emotional all the way through. I guarantee it will have you wiping tears away on one page while biting your nails on the other. From an area with a strong industrial background, this book certainly captures the feelings and emotions of the people who would have lived through these times. If you love historical sagas, then this is definitely the book for you!
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,732 reviews52 followers
August 14, 2020
Minnie Marshall owns a childrens home in Major Street Wolverhampton. Married to Billy and was planning a welcome home party for Digit, after Billy and their son Adam go to collect him from Stafford goal after he has done his time for theft five years the boy had done and was now going to be welcomed into Minnies flock his new home.
Gentle Minnie had a heart of gold taking in all the orphans and looking after them all.
Then we have The Reed house run by Una Reed, she was trouble and run her childrens home like a workhouse. things are going to turn nasty between these two women as we read.
this is one amazing book to read, brought from the black country. I love this authors style of writing, its a delightful story, with so many hardships entails of the childrens past lives some grown into adults. its a unputdownable book in a lot of ways that will bring you tears. and I loved every bit of it.
Profile Image for Deb.
65 reviews
May 28, 2025
I had a hard time getting through this book. I just felt like many issues were thrown at this family and everything came out just fine.
Profile Image for Lis Carey.
2,213 reviews138 followers
September 21, 2020
Minnie and Billy Marshall run a children's home in 19th century Wolverhampton, England. Minnie has her own troubled background, and the Marshalls started the home with Minnie's own children from a previous marriage. Her husband had, after learning a dark secret about Minnie, sold them for five shillings each to Reed House, a rather stark, harsh orphanage. The children had to be rescued from the orphanage and its abuse, and they brought a few of their friends--and the Marshalls found an empty house that the city couldn't find an owner for. It became Marshall's Home for Children, and more children found their way there.

As the book opens, Billy and one of Minnie's sons, Adam, are waiting at the prison gate for Adam's friend, Digit, to be released after serving five years for a minor crime. (His nickname is Digit because he's light-fingered; one of his brothers is Flash because he's so fast, and a third brother is called Echo. They think he's slow-witted because no one knows what autism is, yet. They eventually realize he's not at all slow-witted.)

The family and the orphanage get a lot of their food from their allotment garden, and this proves to be a key factor in much that happens.

Adam does a lot of the gardening, and becomes friendly with Mr. Jackson, an elderly widower who works the adjoining allotment. It's also at the allotment that Adam meets Dickie Stanton, the oldest of the three Stanton brothers currently among the seven children living at Reed House, after being sold there for five shillings. Dickie routinely escapes Reed House during the day, and returns only for meals and sleep--and the meals are unappetizing and inadequate. The first meetings between Adam and Dickie are not good.

Adam is kind and helpful to old Mr. Jackson, worries about him, and one day, when he doesn't show up, goes to his house, and finds him ill. This is only one incident that shapes Mr. Jackson's view of Adam.

Adam's sister, Polly, is in training to be a nurse, but the shrinking economy and budget cuts at the hospital cost her her job and she starts looking for something useful to do.

James, Minnie's oldest son, meets a young woman, and it's not long before Felicity is telling James she's pregnant and they need to get married.

Una Reed, the owner of Reed House, used to, when they were young, have dreams of marrying Billy, and resents Minnie for having married him instead. Her resentment of Minnie and of Marshall's Home for Children is large. The stark conditions at Reed House versus the warm and happy atmosphere at Marshall's are a big contrast, and the source of some of the low-level conflict that finally explodes.

It's a warm, loving story, with decent, caring people not only in the obvious places, but in the less obvious places as well. Very satisfying.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Profile Image for Chanel Williams.
28 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2020
I've never read any books from this author before, and those who know me, know that this is not my usual genre of books. I was offered an ARC copy of the book & I volunteered to participate in the book blog tour as this book had me hooked from page one.

I'm usually drawn to contemporary romantic comedies and women's fiction, rather than anything remotely historical, but something intrigued me after reading the synopsis...

Minnie's Orphans opens with the collection Digit, who is being welcomed home after a 5 year stint in prison.
Although this is set in the Black Country in England, many years ago in the 19th Century, we get a real feel for the way society was back then, within the opening pages.

The book sheds a light on the extremely hierarchal class system, the lack of child protection, legal injustices, etc that people faced back in then, when orphans, orphanages, and workhouses were a part of the normal fabric of English society.
Themes covered in the book include child poverty, poverty in general, lack of social mobility, within the class system, trust issues, and the human need for somewhere to call home, somewhere to belong.

I LOVED Minnie, she had a heart of gold & I hope I would be just like her, if I were living in this situation, providing a safe refuge for children who were alone and felt unloved in this world, it's amazing how she created a real family home for them, as well as dealing with all the 'issues' each child brings with them, due to their backgrounds and for some, quite abusive pasts.

It's quite sad to think of how some children were treated back then and I am so glad that as a society we aim to protect children as much as possible and have plenty of "Minnie's" around to look after those children who are unfortunate to not have a family, is regulated by the government to ensure there are no more 'Workhouses" in modern Britain.

This book is quite an emotional read and will definitely pull on your heartstrings, you may also shed a tear or 2.

I liked the pace of the storytelling and it is brilliantly written, I love the style of Lindsey Hutchinson's writing and will be checking out the rest of her books 👍
4,153 reviews21 followers
October 3, 2020
Minnie's Orphans is another visit to the 19th century Wolverhampton, England by Lindsey Hutchinson. I had thought when I had finished reading The Five Shilling Children that it would be wonderful to see them in their new home. What a delightful insightful tale of life for them and their mother and step-father. Then there are some that are not so pleasant to see such as Una Reed with her Reed House. Sadly, there were sure to be some just like her in the 19th century.

The story continues with conflict between the Marshall Home and Reed House among other things. The children are so much of the story including the oldest ones who were not sold in the first book. This is a family that you will come to love. There are new people as well. It is a wonderful story of characters who love and help each other no matter how hard or difficult the circumstances become. You will be rooting for this family!

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Excel Andy.
170 reviews16 followers
September 29, 2020
I am a big lover of historical fiction especially sagas and how the people during that period survived.


Believe me when I say, this book got me hooked from page one.


I was horrified at the fact that parents sold their kids for few shillings at orphanages. Can you believe that?


What an adventurous, suspense filled tale.
Each character will keep you interested in the plot.


All those food prepared at Minnie’s Kitchen made my mouth water. I was proud of Minnie and her ever expanding family.
We need more Minnie’s in this world.


I wanted to cry at some scenes. Grab some tissues, this book took a big twist at some part and it was so unexpected.


This is a sweet clean historical saga deserving of 10 perfect stars!
I got so emotional at the plot. I love the ending.


Lindsey Hutchinson writes well!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
Profile Image for Trick Wiley.
961 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2020
This is a warm loving story of a orphanage in England where children as a whole weren't taken care of very well,but this family did. There is a book I understand before this story and it was sorta hard to get into without reading the first book. Wish when they have books like this they would tell you if it's in a series or the tenth of this series and name it. I read, through but can tell you that you will get so involved with all the characters in this story they become real to you! Grab tissues,you will need them! I will read the one before this and if it's anywhere as good as this one,you will do the same with Lindsey Hutchinson "Minnie's Orphans".. If I was a orphan in this time ,I would want to be raised by these special people!! Lots of love who cares if your poor!! Rich in love means more and this feeling comes across in this story!!! Received from Net Gallery.. Read the other biok,I am,it's too good to not read!!
32 reviews
February 15, 2021
What a wonderful book! Hutchinson is a beautiful storyteller. The reader is thrown right in at the deep end at the start of the book amongst the vast array of delightful characters. It is such a wholesome and lovely book; very friendly and comforting. There is some bad language, which may make some people feel uncomfortable, but there isn't too much, so it isn't too bad. Although it reads easily, there is a lot of slang, as some characters' dialogue is written as they would have spoken it. Minnie is such a kind character, although all of the characters are lovely and actually seem human. They are unpolished and make mistakes and learn from said mistakes and have emotions, which makes me very happy! Towards the end things take rather a dramatic turn, but the conclusion is perfect. Would recommend to perhaps more mature people of thirteen and up, and to those who enjoy historical stories with unique perspectives and events.
Profile Image for Julie Cordiner.
Author 7 books1 follower
July 18, 2021
My first Lindsey Hutchinson book and one that I really enjoyed. It took me a while to get to know the characters but it was an endearing story with lovable and interesting characters, a range of situations and plenty of conflict to keep me reading. I was surprised that money wasn’t in shorter supply given the period, which took a little away from the authenticity but perhaps that was a deliberate choice by the author to make the story work.

The setting, tone and especially the characterisation all made this an absorbing read which I really enjoyed.
772 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2021
Superb

What an absolutely amazing wonderful read from beginning to end. It was a rollercoaster of emotions throughout. I was turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next. Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable to read. However the profanity was a definite offensive and spoilt it for me hence four stars. Saying that it was very pleasing and a very good read holding your attention right to the end. Thank you 😀
Profile Image for Tracy S.
27 reviews
April 17, 2021
Having read all of Lindsey Hutchinson's novels. This one was by far my favourite. I took my time reading Minnies Orphans as I really didn't want it to come to an end. Minnies Orphans is the sequel to 'The Five Shilling Children' that follows Adam and Polly's story of how they ended up in an orphanage. From the start to the end page I was drawn into this story of love, loss, hope and happiness. Lindsey packs it all into her novels. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Profile Image for Diane.
955 reviews16 followers
October 4, 2020
Lindsey has done it again, this is another great read. Set in the Black Country this book tells of the hardships, love and friendship of the Marshall’s children’s home. There are some great characters in this story, which continues on from The Five Shilling Children. If you’ve not read this book first you can still enjoy reading this as a stand-alone instead, but I’d recommend both books.
53 reviews
November 5, 2023
Minnie 's Orphans

Lots of unexpected twists and turns in this sequel to the five shilling children.
I found myself feeling sad, thinking that so many of the children would be killed in World War I. I don't know if any of the stories are based on real.life but I do like some romance.
39 reviews
October 14, 2020
She's done it again!

Thank you for another great book about the Marshall family, I feel like I know each and everyone of them. Couldn't put the book down, and now feel sad it's over . What happens next???? Thank you Lindsey, another fabulous book.


345 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2021
Good

You forget about your conveniences until you read about not having them. Will there be more about these characters? How could it not be against the law to sell your children?

113 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2021
A very enjoyable story

This book was very easy reading,at times difficult to put down. It is always nice when the story finishes before the end and therefore gives time for the feelings of the other characters to be explained.
227 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2021
Fabulous story

From the first page I have loved this book. Every page gave me a thrill to find out more about the family. I was so sorry when I reached the end but delighted that I had enjoyed it. Thank you for this amazing story Lindsey Hutchinson xxx
Profile Image for mois reads .
536 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2020
Minnie

A definite 5 stars for a wonderful book was like meeting up with old friends out of sadness came happiness
454 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2021
Good

A lovely story about a family and those who they took in.
Despite losses they all pulled together and no one was ever turned away
65 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2021
Great read

I really enjoyed this book and will read more by this author, the story kept you wanting to read another chapter. I felt I was part of the story
2 reviews
April 21, 2021
Enjoyable read

Enjoyable read with many twist and turns drama of both hate mental health and love . .well.written and ill.be rrafing.more from this aubergine
91 reviews
July 26, 2021
Another excellent story

I have now read two of the books about Minnie. Well written and filled with kindness and a little bit of tough love. Enjoyed it all
Profile Image for Kathy.
997 reviews15 followers
July 29, 2021
Audiobook. I found this to be a very enjoyable listen. Story of a “family” that grew as more and more children in need were added. There were a couple of “villains” to upset the story at times.
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