What do you think?
Rate this book
Amherst Island #1
The Orphan's Island
1904: Ellen Copley is still a child when she leaves behind the sooty rail yards of Glasgow, and crosses the Atlantic Ocean with a heart full of dreams. Yet within weeks of their arrival in America, her father has disappeared—leaving Ellen with resentful relatives, feeling alone and scared for her future.
But then her kind Aunt Rose invites Ellen to stay with her large family, in their rambling house on beautiful Amherst Island, which nestles like a jewel in the blue waters of Lake Ontario.
There Ellen finally begins to find the love and acceptance she has long been craving – both from Aunt Rose’s boisterous family, and from the boys next door, Jed and Lucas Lyman. It’s Jed she’s drawn to… the one with the twinkling eyes, who teases her, and laughs with her, and soon steals her heart…
But does Jed love her back? Because—even though Amherst Island feels like home—Ellen knows she can’t stay there with a broken heart…
This is the first book in the unmissable Amherst Island Trilogy that follows the life and love of Ellen Copley from the magic of Lake Ontario to the bloody battlefields of the First World War and beyond. Perfect for fans of The Oceans Between Us, The Orphan Sisters, and My Name is Eva.
Previously published as Down Jasper Lane.
But then her kind Aunt Rose invites Ellen to stay with her large family, in their rambling house on beautiful Amherst Island, which nestles like a jewel in the blue waters of Lake Ontario.
There Ellen finally begins to find the love and acceptance she has long been craving – both from Aunt Rose’s boisterous family, and from the boys next door, Jed and Lucas Lyman. It’s Jed she’s drawn to… the one with the twinkling eyes, who teases her, and laughs with her, and soon steals her heart…
But does Jed love her back? Because—even though Amherst Island feels like home—Ellen knows she can’t stay there with a broken heart…
This is the first book in the unmissable Amherst Island Trilogy that follows the life and love of Ellen Copley from the magic of Lake Ontario to the bloody battlefields of the First World War and beyond. Perfect for fans of The Oceans Between Us, The Orphan Sisters, and My Name is Eva.
Previously published as Down Jasper Lane.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2009
3706 people are currently reading
1347 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Swartz
11 books88 followersAlso published under the name Kate Hewitt.
After spending three years as a diehard New Yorker, Katharine Swartz now lives in the Lake District with her husband, an Anglican minister, their five children, and a Golden Retriever. She enjoys such novel things as long country walks and chatting with people in the street, and her children love the freedom of village life—although she often has to ring four or five people to figure out where they’ve gone off to!
She writes women’s fiction as well as contemporary romance for Mills & Boon Modern under the name Kate Hewitt, and whatever the genre she enjoys delivering a compelling and intensely emotional story. Find out more about her books at www.katharineswartz.com.
After spending three years as a diehard New Yorker, Katharine Swartz now lives in the Lake District with her husband, an Anglican minister, their five children, and a Golden Retriever. She enjoys such novel things as long country walks and chatting with people in the street, and her children love the freedom of village life—although she often has to ring four or five people to figure out where they’ve gone off to!
She writes women’s fiction as well as contemporary romance for Mills & Boon Modern under the name Kate Hewitt, and whatever the genre she enjoys delivering a compelling and intensely emotional story. Find out more about her books at www.katharineswartz.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 28, 2022
I really loved this historical fiction that follows young immigrant Ellen Copley as she and her father come to America in 1904 from Scotland after the death of her mother. When her father leaves Ellen with her aunt and uncle to go west for work, and her relatives decide they’d rather not have her there, they send her to Canada, to another aunt, who lives on Amherst Island on Lake Ontario. This novel took many notes from Anne of Green Gables that fans of the series will recognize. I am a huge fan of the series and it is wonderful to have a fresh original series to read that pays homage to books that are beloved by so many. My favorite thing about this book was how cozy it felt. I read it over the course of several days, enjoying it a bit at a time for the lovely scenes of Ellen with her found family on the island, of gruff Jed who may never be able to express his feeling to “Miss Bossy”, and I loved the way characters I thought I might hate turned out to be more gray in the end… like Ellen’s aunt and uncle in Vermont who perhaps cared for Ellen in their own way and just had difficulty showing it. I dearly loved this book and can’t wait to get to the second in the series.
December 14, 2020
After years of sickness, Ellen Copley’s mam passed away, gently leaving this earth and the people who loved her. It was 1904 when Ellen and her da finally sailed for New York, then onto Vermont to join her da, Douglas’ brother, Hamish and his wife Ruth, who had left for new shores many years previously. Hamish and Ruth had done well for themselves with the small general store they had opened serving the people of Seaton well. But Douglas couldn’t settle with Hamish and Ruth and before long he left, heading to Santa Fe and the rail lines where they needed workers, leaving Ellen by herself, only twelve years old. Ellen was devastated, angry at her da for leaving her.
It wasn’t long before Ruth and Hamish sent Ellen to Aunt Rose and her family on Amherst Island, on Lake Ontario. Aunt Rose was as different to Aunt Ruth as chalk was to cheese and Ellen found herself settling in, happy and content finally among the children and friendly neighbours, and a family who loved her. As Ellen did her schooling on Amherst Island with the other children, and life moved forward, she also visited Seaton occasionally. But would her future be with one of the young men on Amherst Island, the one who had taken her heart? Or would her life move on, away from the island as well as Seaton?
The Orphan’s Island is the 1st in the Amherst Island trilogy by Kate Hewitt, and I’m finding I really love this author’s work. I only started reading her historical fiction recently and have found her easy style of writing, her beautifully descriptive words, and her well crafted characters are such a delight to read. I loved The Orphan’s Island and am looking forward to #2 in the series very soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
It wasn’t long before Ruth and Hamish sent Ellen to Aunt Rose and her family on Amherst Island, on Lake Ontario. Aunt Rose was as different to Aunt Ruth as chalk was to cheese and Ellen found herself settling in, happy and content finally among the children and friendly neighbours, and a family who loved her. As Ellen did her schooling on Amherst Island with the other children, and life moved forward, she also visited Seaton occasionally. But would her future be with one of the young men on Amherst Island, the one who had taken her heart? Or would her life move on, away from the island as well as Seaton?
The Orphan’s Island is the 1st in the Amherst Island trilogy by Kate Hewitt, and I’m finding I really love this author’s work. I only started reading her historical fiction recently and have found her easy style of writing, her beautifully descriptive words, and her well crafted characters are such a delight to read. I loved The Orphan’s Island and am looking forward to #2 in the series very soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2020
This is book number one in the series. What can i say.? What a great way to start a new series. I loved it. I loved the characters, i loved the environment. And i loved watching the Main character growing up. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest review
June 9, 2025
4.5*
I really enjoyed this! A beautifully written, coming-of-age story set during the early 1900s. The Orphan's Island has the same quality and feel as Anne of Green Gables, with the story taking place on Amherst Island in Ontario. For me, this was total comfort reading.
I really enjoyed this! A beautifully written, coming-of-age story set during the early 1900s. The Orphan's Island has the same quality and feel as Anne of Green Gables, with the story taking place on Amherst Island in Ontario. For me, this was total comfort reading.
January 26, 2021
The Orphan's Island is the first book in the Amherst Island trilogy by the author Kate Hewitt. I liked it and I think it is a good start to hopefully another good and satisfying series. While reading the book I could not help myself comparing it to Anne Of Green Gables because the story was somewhat in a similar vein and I was pleasantly surprised to find out at the end of the book when the author, in her letter, mentions that she had loved Anne Of Green Gables and was inspired by it to write this book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Kate Hewitt for the e-Arc of the book. This book was published on 30th November 2020.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Kate Hewitt for the e-Arc of the book. This book was published on 30th November 2020.
November 10, 2020
I get so excited when I get a chance to read a book by Kate Hewitt and this book was no exception. I enjoy so much how the author makes me feel part of the story and I just keep wanting to turn the page.
I particularly enjoyed the characters of Ellen, Aunt Rose and Jed. I can't wait to start on the next book and see where Ellen's adventure continues.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the copy. The views are my own.
I particularly enjoyed the characters of Ellen, Aunt Rose and Jed. I can't wait to start on the next book and see where Ellen's adventure continues.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the copy. The views are my own.
August 28, 2012
This was an entertaining novel to a point; however, the dialogue was a bit superficial and the story was very predictable. The book would make a good young reader's novel. I was looking for a novel to be a little more substantive.
January 5, 2023
Predictable comfort reading
I don't know why it is that in times of great stress I reach for books like this simple story of a lonely Scottish girl. Part of me sees little literary value, the other seeks comfort in a gentle wash of comforting escapism. This one reminds of Anne of green gables without all the luscious prose and imagery that Montgomery brings. The story is told in dialog, not my favorite way of unfolding the story, but the author does it well enough and in a predictable fashion. And the story here is nothing but predictable. And sometimes that's just what I need. I cannot stand Romance novels (my mom calls then heaving bosom stories!) and this just steers clear enough for me.
I don't know why it is that in times of great stress I reach for books like this simple story of a lonely Scottish girl. Part of me sees little literary value, the other seeks comfort in a gentle wash of comforting escapism. This one reminds of Anne of green gables without all the luscious prose and imagery that Montgomery brings. The story is told in dialog, not my favorite way of unfolding the story, but the author does it well enough and in a predictable fashion. And the story here is nothing but predictable. And sometimes that's just what I need. I cannot stand Romance novels (my mom calls then heaving bosom stories!) and this just steers clear enough for me.
April 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book up until the end. I wasn't happy with that ending - left too much up in the air.
February 20, 2019
I feel like one has to read the next book. The ending is particularly unsatisfying. But i guess thats a sure way of making sure the next book sells well.
August 2, 2023
A promising start to a heartwarming series, though a little long drawn out in parts.
December 2, 2020
I don’t even know where to begin with this review for Kate Hewitt’s newest release, The Orphan’s Island. I have said quite a few times in the past that Hewitt is an autobuy author for me and while I have only read her contemporary books, I was quite unsure how I would feel reading a historical fiction story. Hewitt proves once again that she is the Queen of her craft. I am completely and thoroughly floored over how much I adored this book! So much so, that The Orphan Island has now replaced my all time favorite book by Hewitt, A Mother’s Goodbye (which I never thought would ever be possible!)
Ellen Copley was forced to grow up way too early having to leave the comforts of school to care for her sickly mother while her father was out working on railway engines. Ellen’s father always dreamed of his family leaving Scotland and heading over to America for a better life and when it finally happens, the tiny town in Vermont is not exactly what Ellen envisioned. Her father takes off not long after their arrival and Ellen is forced to live with her Uncle Hamish and his wife Ruth who is a stern woman with no children of her own. When Ellen gets an invite to come to Amherst island in Ontario by her aunt Rose, she leaves Vermont behind not sure what to expect. Little does Ellen know that her life is about to change. But, is Amherst Island a place where she can finally call home?
I just love Ellen! She is such a great character and so well written. I felt myself really drawn into her life, feeling sorry for her as a young girl tasked with taking care of a sick mother for much of her childhood and not ever really getting to experience being a child. The weight on her shoulders was astounding, but she coped as best she could. She didn’t fit in well with girls her own age and she felt so different than them. Ellen hopes things will change once coming to America, but once she arrives she misses home and finds that she still does not fit in. Ellen slowly starts to blossom on the farm in Amherst Island and here is where we see the woman she will become. It is also where she finds love for the first time in one of the neighbor boys.
The story itself really just pulls you right in and I found myself staying up way late into the evening just to finish the book. There are just so many things to like about Ellen’s journey from a child to a young adult and we are taken on that journey right along with her celebrating all the highs and weeping at some of the lows. There is a scene with a baby that just completely gutted me and the feelings and emotions Ellen experienced just completely ripped my heart in two. This is such a heartfelt coming of age story that I completely lost myself in.
Told with an undeniably raw honesty and realness, The Orphan Island is sure to be a keeper for your bookshelves. I can’t wait to continue Ellen’s journey with the second book in the series, Dreams of the Island.
Ellen Copley was forced to grow up way too early having to leave the comforts of school to care for her sickly mother while her father was out working on railway engines. Ellen’s father always dreamed of his family leaving Scotland and heading over to America for a better life and when it finally happens, the tiny town in Vermont is not exactly what Ellen envisioned. Her father takes off not long after their arrival and Ellen is forced to live with her Uncle Hamish and his wife Ruth who is a stern woman with no children of her own. When Ellen gets an invite to come to Amherst island in Ontario by her aunt Rose, she leaves Vermont behind not sure what to expect. Little does Ellen know that her life is about to change. But, is Amherst Island a place where she can finally call home?
I just love Ellen! She is such a great character and so well written. I felt myself really drawn into her life, feeling sorry for her as a young girl tasked with taking care of a sick mother for much of her childhood and not ever really getting to experience being a child. The weight on her shoulders was astounding, but she coped as best she could. She didn’t fit in well with girls her own age and she felt so different than them. Ellen hopes things will change once coming to America, but once she arrives she misses home and finds that she still does not fit in. Ellen slowly starts to blossom on the farm in Amherst Island and here is where we see the woman she will become. It is also where she finds love for the first time in one of the neighbor boys.
The story itself really just pulls you right in and I found myself staying up way late into the evening just to finish the book. There are just so many things to like about Ellen’s journey from a child to a young adult and we are taken on that journey right along with her celebrating all the highs and weeping at some of the lows. There is a scene with a baby that just completely gutted me and the feelings and emotions Ellen experienced just completely ripped my heart in two. This is such a heartfelt coming of age story that I completely lost myself in.
Told with an undeniably raw honesty and realness, The Orphan Island is sure to be a keeper for your bookshelves. I can’t wait to continue Ellen’s journey with the second book in the series, Dreams of the Island.
December 3, 2020
Ellen had a hard life in Scotland in the early 1900s looking after sickly mother from an early age while her father worked on the railways but her father's dream had always been to move to America and so they leave to start a new life in Vermont. Soon afterwards Ellen's father leaves her with an austere aunt who is not best pleased until her Aunt Rose rescues her and takes her to her house on Amherst Island. For the first time Ellen can feel happiness.... and could there be love with the boy next door!
Another great story by this author with good characters and storyline making compelling reading so really looking forward to the next two books in the series
Another great story by this author with good characters and storyline making compelling reading so really looking forward to the next two books in the series
July 10, 2023
When I started this book I was immediately drawn in and finished it in three days. But the ending was a major disappointment. Had I known this was a serialized novel - which I hate - I would never have read it.
The book tracks two people who can't seem to communicate and when one tries, the protagonist cuts him off. The young man's character is never really fleshed out and he appears to just drift along, accepting whatever happens to him. Not a character I find appealing. The ending leaves the reader dangling - apparently to get the reader to read the rest of the series. I will not.
The book tracks two people who can't seem to communicate and when one tries, the protagonist cuts him off. The young man's character is never really fleshed out and he appears to just drift along, accepting whatever happens to him. Not a character I find appealing. The ending leaves the reader dangling - apparently to get the reader to read the rest of the series. I will not.
July 11, 2023
Slow
The start was promising but it became dull quite quickly. There is a lot of telling and not much showing. I didn't connect with or feel for the characters. The storyline is predictable and takes a long time to develop. I feel like events are dragged out so the author could make it a series. Not much happens and it skips ahead without details. I won't read anymore of the series.
The start was promising but it became dull quite quickly. There is a lot of telling and not much showing. I didn't connect with or feel for the characters. The storyline is predictable and takes a long time to develop. I feel like events are dragged out so the author could make it a series. Not much happens and it skips ahead without details. I won't read anymore of the series.
November 24, 2020
The Orphan's Island is the heart wrenching story of a young Scottish girl named Ellen Copley. Ellen comes from a poor family, her father works on railway engines and the family cannot afford to let Ellen continue to go to school with her friends, instead she must stay home with her mother and keep house, forcing her to grow up at a very early age. Ellen's father tries to give her and the family hope in the dream that one day they will be able to immigrate to America, a land of new opportunities. Unfortunately, any money that the family saves is spent on medicines trying to heal Ellen's quickly declining mother. At the age of twelve Ellen loses her mother and bittersweetly Ellen and her father pack what little belongings they have and immigrate to America.
Several years before Ellen and her father make their overseas journey her father's brother, Hamish, and his wife, Ruth, make the trip to America and lay down roots in a town called Seaton. Ruth and Hamish make a name for themselves in Seaton by opening a general store and are doing well. Ellen and her father set their sites on travelling to Hamish and Ruth in order to get their feet under them in this new country. Ellen has a hard time fitting in with the locals. Coming from Scotland she has a thick Scottish "burr" that she is constantly teased for. She also has a hard time warming up to her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Hamish, as much as she tries, she just can't seem to do anything right in Ruth's eyes. Ruth is forever correcting Ellen to the point that Ellen begins to feel that she will never fit in in Seaton.
Ellen awakes one morning to find that her father has abandoned her to Hamish and Ruth and she feels that her life and any happiness she hoped for is truly over. A letter soon arrives in the mail from Hamish's sister Rose asking to borrow Ellen because of her nursing skills. Seems that all of Rose's children have come down with scarlet fever and Rose needs an extra set of hands to help in nursing her children back to health. Ruth and Hamish are more than obliged to send Ellen off to Rose hoping that maybe she can forget some of her sadness while helping Rose.
Rose's family lives on an island on the Canadian border. It is here on this island with Aunt Rose that Ellen truly begins to find the family life and happiness that she searched for her whole life. When she arrives she quickly finds that she wasn't just summoned to be an extra helping hand around the house, but was asked to come because Rose and her family wanted to know Ellen for Ellen. Ellen grows into herself at the Mcafferty farm and finds a place to call home.
I enjoyed following the life of Ellen. Her story was such a sad one from the very beginning. It was hard to think that the privilege of being able to go to school was not easily obtainable at the turn of the century especially for young girls. Ellen's persistence to not give up and to keep going showed the determination of the human spirit to find a place to settle and a place where one can feel wanted and needed. I think my favorite line from the book that will stick with me is, "Ah Ellen,. We can't choose the way people love us. They just do." Throughout the story Ellen faces many different kinds of love some forthwith and easy to see and some that was hidden and took a lot of thought to understand. I think The Orphan's Island was a beautiful coming of age story and I look forward to reading the second book in the series to see where Ellen's life takes her next.
Several years before Ellen and her father make their overseas journey her father's brother, Hamish, and his wife, Ruth, make the trip to America and lay down roots in a town called Seaton. Ruth and Hamish make a name for themselves in Seaton by opening a general store and are doing well. Ellen and her father set their sites on travelling to Hamish and Ruth in order to get their feet under them in this new country. Ellen has a hard time fitting in with the locals. Coming from Scotland she has a thick Scottish "burr" that she is constantly teased for. She also has a hard time warming up to her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Hamish, as much as she tries, she just can't seem to do anything right in Ruth's eyes. Ruth is forever correcting Ellen to the point that Ellen begins to feel that she will never fit in in Seaton.
Ellen awakes one morning to find that her father has abandoned her to Hamish and Ruth and she feels that her life and any happiness she hoped for is truly over. A letter soon arrives in the mail from Hamish's sister Rose asking to borrow Ellen because of her nursing skills. Seems that all of Rose's children have come down with scarlet fever and Rose needs an extra set of hands to help in nursing her children back to health. Ruth and Hamish are more than obliged to send Ellen off to Rose hoping that maybe she can forget some of her sadness while helping Rose.
Rose's family lives on an island on the Canadian border. It is here on this island with Aunt Rose that Ellen truly begins to find the family life and happiness that she searched for her whole life. When she arrives she quickly finds that she wasn't just summoned to be an extra helping hand around the house, but was asked to come because Rose and her family wanted to know Ellen for Ellen. Ellen grows into herself at the Mcafferty farm and finds a place to call home.
I enjoyed following the life of Ellen. Her story was such a sad one from the very beginning. It was hard to think that the privilege of being able to go to school was not easily obtainable at the turn of the century especially for young girls. Ellen's persistence to not give up and to keep going showed the determination of the human spirit to find a place to settle and a place where one can feel wanted and needed. I think my favorite line from the book that will stick with me is, "Ah Ellen,. We can't choose the way people love us. They just do." Throughout the story Ellen faces many different kinds of love some forthwith and easy to see and some that was hidden and took a lot of thought to understand. I think The Orphan's Island was a beautiful coming of age story and I look forward to reading the second book in the series to see where Ellen's life takes her next.
February 2, 2021
I have read several books by Kate Hewitt now and loved them all, so I felt incredibly excited when I was offered the chance to review this book.
This is the first book in this series. In this story we follow the life of Ellen. In 1901 Ellen and her father leave their home in Scotland after the tragic death of her mother. They set off to America to join her Uncle and his wife in the hope of making a new life for themselves there.
But things are not quite as they had hoped. Struggling to find work, Ellen’s father makes the decision to leave her with her Uncle and his Wife as he searches for work. Her Uncle’s wife is very withdrawn and shows little emotion towards Ellen, which is what this young girl needs right now. It is apparent straight away that they are quite resentful of Ellen and her presence in their home and their lives. As they struggle with the new dynamics, her Uncle and Aunt make the decision that she would be better staying with another Aunt in
They send her off to Amherst Island to stay with another Aunt of hers, and what she finds there could not be more different than the life she has left behind. Here in Amherst she is immediately surrounded by a family who show her nothing but love and acceptance and give her a true sense of belonging. Aunt Rose makes her feel welcome in their home and their hearts, and bonds are formed quickly between the family and also Aunt Rose’s neighbours Jed and Lucas.
Ellen quickly comes to love the Island of Amherst, and her heart is also opening up to Jed who she spends a lot of time with. Although he does tease and torment her, she finds herself falling in love with him. But now she is worried that this love won’t be reciprocated, and what that means for her life and future here in Amherst.
I adored this book. It captivated me from the start and I found it impossible to put down. The characters were all so unique and some of them rather complex, and this all added to this incredible story. Kate Hewitt brings the scene to life beautifully, you can picture the island so clearly and you end up falling in love with Amherst Island yourself. The story takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions, breaking your heart and then piecing it back together again. I would recommend this visit to everyone who loves a good, rewritten historical fiction.
This is the first book in this series. In this story we follow the life of Ellen. In 1901 Ellen and her father leave their home in Scotland after the tragic death of her mother. They set off to America to join her Uncle and his wife in the hope of making a new life for themselves there.
But things are not quite as they had hoped. Struggling to find work, Ellen’s father makes the decision to leave her with her Uncle and his Wife as he searches for work. Her Uncle’s wife is very withdrawn and shows little emotion towards Ellen, which is what this young girl needs right now. It is apparent straight away that they are quite resentful of Ellen and her presence in their home and their lives. As they struggle with the new dynamics, her Uncle and Aunt make the decision that she would be better staying with another Aunt in
They send her off to Amherst Island to stay with another Aunt of hers, and what she finds there could not be more different than the life she has left behind. Here in Amherst she is immediately surrounded by a family who show her nothing but love and acceptance and give her a true sense of belonging. Aunt Rose makes her feel welcome in their home and their hearts, and bonds are formed quickly between the family and also Aunt Rose’s neighbours Jed and Lucas.
Ellen quickly comes to love the Island of Amherst, and her heart is also opening up to Jed who she spends a lot of time with. Although he does tease and torment her, she finds herself falling in love with him. But now she is worried that this love won’t be reciprocated, and what that means for her life and future here in Amherst.
I adored this book. It captivated me from the start and I found it impossible to put down. The characters were all so unique and some of them rather complex, and this all added to this incredible story. Kate Hewitt brings the scene to life beautifully, you can picture the island so clearly and you end up falling in love with Amherst Island yourself. The story takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions, breaking your heart and then piecing it back together again. I would recommend this visit to everyone who loves a good, rewritten historical fiction.
August 24, 2023
Orphan's Island I could only give a 4* review.
Had to round it up, cannot give 1/2 stars
As others have said, a simple dialogue based, predictable read. Far too long of a story that, for the most part, the words on the page held no substance. The book could have been condensed to about half of the 300+ pages, and then there would have been room to learn about Ellen's adventures in Scotland, but then, I guess there would be no need for a sequel! on a side note, I rarely indulge in series publications, and very likely will not pick up the next book of Ellen.
Ellen was wise and mature beyond her years! I was often impressed how she handled the conditions she was confronted with. Even at the tender age of 12, when she first came to the island, she knew how to size up the situation and take control. At 18, when a stranger approached her, she used all the right words to reject his 'advances' without being rude or offending him. Some interesting twistsand deelopments, but nothing that grabbed me or gave me an Ah-Ha Moment. and honestly never even made the connection as to the similarities of Ann with an E of Green Gables until I read the epilogue.
I did like though, the descriptive words the author used. Her words painted a vivid picture - you could feel the spray of the water on your face, see the mop of unruly hair, and the gowns the girl were wearing. You could feel the pain the characters felt as they dealt with the loss of their loved ones. But there were many gaps in the story that left the reader wondering what happened, as when she gave the drawing to her Da. How did he react to that? And the snobbery and meanness of fragile Louisa! need I say more? There were times I wanted to reach out and smack her!
Extremely disappointed in the way the book - at only 90% on my kindle - ended so abrubptly. It was if the author got tired of writing and just decided to wrap it up. Several months of experiences crammed into a couple of paragraphs just made me go WT? just happened. I actually backtracked to see if I had missed a couple of chapters! I dn't ike to be left hanging. But I wish Ellen luck in the next episode.
Had to round it up, cannot give 1/2 stars
As others have said, a simple dialogue based, predictable read. Far too long of a story that, for the most part, the words on the page held no substance. The book could have been condensed to about half of the 300+ pages, and then there would have been room to learn about Ellen's adventures in Scotland, but then, I guess there would be no need for a sequel! on a side note, I rarely indulge in series publications, and very likely will not pick up the next book of Ellen.
Ellen was wise and mature beyond her years! I was often impressed how she handled the conditions she was confronted with. Even at the tender age of 12, when she first came to the island, she knew how to size up the situation and take control. At 18, when a stranger approached her, she used all the right words to reject his 'advances' without being rude or offending him. Some interesting twistsand deelopments, but nothing that grabbed me or gave me an Ah-Ha Moment. and honestly never even made the connection as to the similarities of Ann with an E of Green Gables until I read the epilogue.
I did like though, the descriptive words the author used. Her words painted a vivid picture - you could feel the spray of the water on your face, see the mop of unruly hair, and the gowns the girl were wearing. You could feel the pain the characters felt as they dealt with the loss of their loved ones. But there were many gaps in the story that left the reader wondering what happened, as when she gave the drawing to her Da. How did he react to that? And the snobbery and meanness of fragile Louisa! need I say more? There were times I wanted to reach out and smack her!
Extremely disappointed in the way the book - at only 90% on my kindle - ended so abrubptly. It was if the author got tired of writing and just decided to wrap it up. Several months of experiences crammed into a couple of paragraphs just made me go WT? just happened. I actually backtracked to see if I had missed a couple of chapters! I dn't ike to be left hanging. But I wish Ellen luck in the next episode.
November 28, 2020
The Orphan's Island by Kate Hewitt is a heart-warming story of young Ellen Copley who is finally arriving at Ellis Island with her father from Scotland. They had waited years, mostly because her mother was too ill to make the journey. Now they were here and on their way to Uncle Hamish and Aunt Ruth in Vermont, where they would life: she going to school land her father with a job. Sadly, that didn't work out and her father left one morning, without even saying good-bye and she was left in a stark and loveless life with her aunt and uncle until one day when work came from her aunt Rose that she needed help with her children who had been stricken by scarlet fever. She wanted Ruth to come, but of course, that would not happen, so they sent Ellen, into the wilds of Canada to a small island. There she found the love and happiness she had never known. Shuttled back and forth between homes, he life moved on until she came of age, and determined to attend nursing school, where she found a vocation, of sorts.
What a wonderful book! Ellen learns many things as she is growing up, even as she reaches adulthood. She also has fun, meets people, and explores life. She makes friend, falls in love, and finally visits her father. It is a journey of caring, of learning the harsh realities of life, and of loving, even when it seems all is lost. Hewitt does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into Ellen's live and into her psyche. We live it with her and we bleed with her. I loved very minute of it and I can't wait for the next chapter in Ellen's journey. You will love it!
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Orphans' Island by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theorphansisland
What a wonderful book! Ellen learns many things as she is growing up, even as she reaches adulthood. She also has fun, meets people, and explores life. She makes friend, falls in love, and finally visits her father. It is a journey of caring, of learning the harsh realities of life, and of loving, even when it seems all is lost. Hewitt does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into Ellen's live and into her psyche. We live it with her and we bleed with her. I loved very minute of it and I can't wait for the next chapter in Ellen's journey. You will love it!
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Orphans' Island by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theorphansisland
November 7, 2020
Home is Where the Heart is.
The Time is 1904 Glasgow, Scotland. After the death of her mother, Ellen and her father leave Scotland and immigrate to the U.S. to a town in Virginia to stay with her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Hamish. They do not feel like they fit in there and her father leaves to work on the railroad in New Mexico leaving Ellen behind. She tries to fit in but does not and is not happy. Her Aunt Rose invites her to Amherst Island in Canada to stay with her and her family. She falls in love with the Island and calls it home.
This is the story of a young girl, her attempts to fit it, finding a home that feels like home. It is the story of the two Lyman brothers Lucas and Jed. She will break one's heart and the other will break hers by falling in love with her friend Louisa.
Ellen searches for her path in life. Where does she really belong, what should she do with her life. Where does she go and what does she do after school. There are few vocational choices for women back then and she has no money to pursue further education.
We journey with Ellen as she makes her choices, as she agonizes over matters of the heart, and as she realizes that family is always family and she is cared for more than she realizes.
This book was sad, happy, and so well written. I could picture the beautiful island, I could feel the emotions and yes at one point I cried. I really enjoyed reading this and I am awaiting book two to continue Ellen's journey in life. Although it is the first book in a trilogy it could be read alone. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy in return for an honest review.
The Time is 1904 Glasgow, Scotland. After the death of her mother, Ellen and her father leave Scotland and immigrate to the U.S. to a town in Virginia to stay with her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Hamish. They do not feel like they fit in there and her father leaves to work on the railroad in New Mexico leaving Ellen behind. She tries to fit in but does not and is not happy. Her Aunt Rose invites her to Amherst Island in Canada to stay with her and her family. She falls in love with the Island and calls it home.
This is the story of a young girl, her attempts to fit it, finding a home that feels like home. It is the story of the two Lyman brothers Lucas and Jed. She will break one's heart and the other will break hers by falling in love with her friend Louisa.
Ellen searches for her path in life. Where does she really belong, what should she do with her life. Where does she go and what does she do after school. There are few vocational choices for women back then and she has no money to pursue further education.
We journey with Ellen as she makes her choices, as she agonizes over matters of the heart, and as she realizes that family is always family and she is cared for more than she realizes.
This book was sad, happy, and so well written. I could picture the beautiful island, I could feel the emotions and yes at one point I cried. I really enjoyed reading this and I am awaiting book two to continue Ellen's journey in life. Although it is the first book in a trilogy it could be read alone. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy in return for an honest review.
March 25, 2021
Close to the reality of life
"The Orphan's Island" by Kate Hewitt is the first volume in the "Amherst Island Series", published by Bookouture and was previously published as "Down Jasper Lane" in 2011. Twelve year old Ellen Copley arrives at Ellis Island, New York, in 1904 only three months after they buried her mother in Scotland and manages against odds to get through immigration. She makes new friends in this new country, e.g. Hope Cardle, but has also to deal with the fact that her father abandons her. Living with her aunt Ruth who has no children is difficult, but Ellen discovers unconditional love on Amherst Island while she is living with her aunt Rose, uncle Dyle, and their children. The "Winds of Change" mark her path, bring her to New Mexico where she meets her father and also back to Amherst Island. But will the "Winds of Change" also lead her back to Jed whom she met previously there or will her path lead someplace else?
Once again Hewitt's book is marked by great and believable primary and secondary characters. It also contains a realistic historical story line. I highly recommend this book for people who like inspirational historical fiction. In spite of the fact that the story continues in "Dreams of the Island", it can also be read as a stand-alone. In any case I cannot wait to read the second book.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheOrphansIsland #NetGalley
"The Orphan's Island" by Kate Hewitt is the first volume in the "Amherst Island Series", published by Bookouture and was previously published as "Down Jasper Lane" in 2011. Twelve year old Ellen Copley arrives at Ellis Island, New York, in 1904 only three months after they buried her mother in Scotland and manages against odds to get through immigration. She makes new friends in this new country, e.g. Hope Cardle, but has also to deal with the fact that her father abandons her. Living with her aunt Ruth who has no children is difficult, but Ellen discovers unconditional love on Amherst Island while she is living with her aunt Rose, uncle Dyle, and their children. The "Winds of Change" mark her path, bring her to New Mexico where she meets her father and also back to Amherst Island. But will the "Winds of Change" also lead her back to Jed whom she met previously there or will her path lead someplace else?
Once again Hewitt's book is marked by great and believable primary and secondary characters. It also contains a realistic historical story line. I highly recommend this book for people who like inspirational historical fiction. In spite of the fact that the story continues in "Dreams of the Island", it can also be read as a stand-alone. In any case I cannot wait to read the second book.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheOrphansIsland #NetGalley
July 3, 2023
The Orphan's Island (Amherst Island #1)
by Kate Hewitt aka Katharine Swartz
A beautifully, nostalgic story of Ellen Copley, a young Scottish Immigrant from a deprived area of Scotland to America on her way to Vermont and then Ontario. She accompanies her father, who has just lost his wife after years of illness. He is a hard worker but a dreamer who doesn’t cope with changes.
She and her father stay with his brother and his wife Ruth before her Father sneaks off in the early hours one morning. Her Aunt and Uncle are well meaning but find it hard to express emotions. Before too long Ellie’s assistance is requested by her Aunt Rose on Amherst Island.
After a long journey on her own, Ellie arrives and is transported to Rose’s farm by Jed. Ellie is drawn to Jed but can’t quite fathom him.
Ellie grows up and takes to the farm and the island as the islanders take to her. A loving and caring young lady with many exploits to come.
Sentimental and at times heartbreaking, the characters are very well written. The scenery is beautiful although at times quite devastating. Hardships overcome and new horizons await.
Of all the characters I liked best was Aunt Ruth. However, you cannot help but have a soft spot for Ellie, a strong determined but emotional young girl/lady.
The Orphan’s Island is the first in a series if three. And definitely well worth a read.
I would like to thank Kate Hewitt/Katherine Swartz, her team, Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read The Orphan’s Island. In return I have written an unbiased and honest review.
Recommended.
by Kate Hewitt aka Katharine Swartz
A beautifully, nostalgic story of Ellen Copley, a young Scottish Immigrant from a deprived area of Scotland to America on her way to Vermont and then Ontario. She accompanies her father, who has just lost his wife after years of illness. He is a hard worker but a dreamer who doesn’t cope with changes.
She and her father stay with his brother and his wife Ruth before her Father sneaks off in the early hours one morning. Her Aunt and Uncle are well meaning but find it hard to express emotions. Before too long Ellie’s assistance is requested by her Aunt Rose on Amherst Island.
After a long journey on her own, Ellie arrives and is transported to Rose’s farm by Jed. Ellie is drawn to Jed but can’t quite fathom him.
Ellie grows up and takes to the farm and the island as the islanders take to her. A loving and caring young lady with many exploits to come.
Sentimental and at times heartbreaking, the characters are very well written. The scenery is beautiful although at times quite devastating. Hardships overcome and new horizons await.
Of all the characters I liked best was Aunt Ruth. However, you cannot help but have a soft spot for Ellie, a strong determined but emotional young girl/lady.
The Orphan’s Island is the first in a series if three. And definitely well worth a read.
I would like to thank Kate Hewitt/Katherine Swartz, her team, Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read The Orphan’s Island. In return I have written an unbiased and honest review.
Recommended.
November 30, 2020
Kate Hewitt’s The Orphan's Island is a lovely historical fiction story of a young Scottish girl immigrating and growing up in America. The story draws you in plight of young Ellen Copley in the early 1900’s. This is the first of the Amherst Island Trilogy following her life with its joys, hopes and dreams in the mist of losses and struggles. What a remarkable character!
Besides Ellen, I enjoyed getting to know Aunt Rose who welcomed Ellen into her lively home when others did not. Then there are the neighbor boys, Jed and Lucas who also provided some drama and angst in her life. These people come to life in this novel making all feel so sincerely real.
There is a note that says this book was previously published as Down Jasper Lane. However, I am not familiar with that title or the story so The Orphan's Island is a new read for me. This first book in the trilogy was a wonderful much like I had found Anne of Green Gables to be when I was young. Now I have found another with a character who comes to life in a beautifully described setting.
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.
Besides Ellen, I enjoyed getting to know Aunt Rose who welcomed Ellen into her lively home when others did not. Then there are the neighbor boys, Jed and Lucas who also provided some drama and angst in her life. These people come to life in this novel making all feel so sincerely real.
There is a note that says this book was previously published as Down Jasper Lane. However, I am not familiar with that title or the story so The Orphan's Island is a new read for me. This first book in the trilogy was a wonderful much like I had found Anne of Green Gables to be when I was young. Now I have found another with a character who comes to life in a beautifully described setting.
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.
July 4, 2023
This coming of age novel involves a twelve-year-old girl who immigrates to America with her father upon the passing of her mother. Upon arrival, her father takes off out west leaving her with her aunt and uncle in Vermont. She has difficulty with her many losses and acceptance by her aunt and townspeople depending on her artwork as therapy. She is then sent to live with another aunt Rose to assist with her many children on an island in Canada where she feels happier. This book depicts her many changes and friendship to sons of neighbors who are brothers over the years who relate to her in opposite ways. Her indecision takes her back and forth from Vermont to the Canadian island, then to nursing school before visiting her father in New Mexico. Unable to make up her mind, she loses a couple of chances at love, resulting in a cliffhanger and in several more books about her life and adventures. An offshoot of 'Anne of Green Gables', it is heartwarming with good character development and cultural knowledge of the era and settings.
December 1, 2020
The Orphan’s Island by Kate Hewitt is an excellent historical fiction novel that is the first in a trilogy titled: Amherst Island.
This book begins the story of Ellen Copely and her childhood, adolescence, and transition into adulthood. We meet Ellen in 1904 as she and her Dad are finally immigrating to the United States from Scotland. She has just lost her mother whom had been sick for quite some time, and they are finally meeting up with her father’s brother and sister-in-law in Vermont. Not all that was expected by Ellen occurs and she ends up going to a small island, Amherst, in Canada to help with her father’s sister and her many children.
We get to take a peak at life through Ellen during this time as not only an immigrant, but as a young lady trying to figure out who she is, what her purpose in life will be, and trying to find a place that she feels comfortable, accepted, and a rightful home. I love Ellen as a character. She is smarter then she realizes, she has flaws, but she is brave, hopeful, talented with her artistry, and has a good head on her shoulders. I love traveling along with her and experiencing these places for the first time right with her. The author does a great job painting the pictures of the landscapes and how people lived during this time in these locations.
I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, the character cast, seeing Ellen grow up, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in her life with the second book: Dreams of the Island.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 11/3/20 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
From the Publisher:
Book Description:
1904: Ellen Copley is still a child when she leaves behind the sooty rail yards of Glasgow, and crosses the Atlantic Ocean with a heart full of dreams. Yet within weeks of their arrival in America, her father has disappeared—leaving Ellen with resentful relatives, feeling alone and scared for her future.
But then her kind Aunt Rose invites Ellen to stay with her large family, in their rambling house on beautiful Amherst Island, which nestles like a jewel in the blue waters of Lake Ontario.
There Ellen finally begins to find the love and acceptance she has long been craving—both from Aunt Rose’s boisterous family, and from the boys next door, Jed and Lucas Lyman. It’s Jed she’s drawn to… the one with the twinkling eyes, who teases her, and laughs with her, and soon steals her heart…
But does Jed love her back? Because—even though Amherst Island feels like home—Ellen knows she can’t stay there with a broken heart…
This is the first book in the unmissable Amherst Island Trilogy that follows the life and love of Ellen Copley from the magic of Lake Ontario to the bloody battlefields of the First World War and beyond. Perfect for fans of The Oceans Between Us, The Orphan Sisters, and My Name is Eva.
Previously published as Down Jasper Lane.
Author Bio:
Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives.
https://www.kate-hewitt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KateHewittAu...
https://twitter.com/author_kate
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/35MfgcQ
This book begins the story of Ellen Copely and her childhood, adolescence, and transition into adulthood. We meet Ellen in 1904 as she and her Dad are finally immigrating to the United States from Scotland. She has just lost her mother whom had been sick for quite some time, and they are finally meeting up with her father’s brother and sister-in-law in Vermont. Not all that was expected by Ellen occurs and she ends up going to a small island, Amherst, in Canada to help with her father’s sister and her many children.
We get to take a peak at life through Ellen during this time as not only an immigrant, but as a young lady trying to figure out who she is, what her purpose in life will be, and trying to find a place that she feels comfortable, accepted, and a rightful home. I love Ellen as a character. She is smarter then she realizes, she has flaws, but she is brave, hopeful, talented with her artistry, and has a good head on her shoulders. I love traveling along with her and experiencing these places for the first time right with her. The author does a great job painting the pictures of the landscapes and how people lived during this time in these locations.
I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, the character cast, seeing Ellen grow up, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in her life with the second book: Dreams of the Island.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 11/3/20 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
From the Publisher:
Book Description:
1904: Ellen Copley is still a child when she leaves behind the sooty rail yards of Glasgow, and crosses the Atlantic Ocean with a heart full of dreams. Yet within weeks of their arrival in America, her father has disappeared—leaving Ellen with resentful relatives, feeling alone and scared for her future.
But then her kind Aunt Rose invites Ellen to stay with her large family, in their rambling house on beautiful Amherst Island, which nestles like a jewel in the blue waters of Lake Ontario.
There Ellen finally begins to find the love and acceptance she has long been craving—both from Aunt Rose’s boisterous family, and from the boys next door, Jed and Lucas Lyman. It’s Jed she’s drawn to… the one with the twinkling eyes, who teases her, and laughs with her, and soon steals her heart…
But does Jed love her back? Because—even though Amherst Island feels like home—Ellen knows she can’t stay there with a broken heart…
This is the first book in the unmissable Amherst Island Trilogy that follows the life and love of Ellen Copley from the magic of Lake Ontario to the bloody battlefields of the First World War and beyond. Perfect for fans of The Oceans Between Us, The Orphan Sisters, and My Name is Eva.
Previously published as Down Jasper Lane.
Author Bio:
Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives.
https://www.kate-hewitt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KateHewittAu...
https://twitter.com/author_kate
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/35MfgcQ
June 14, 2021
What a Book! A Story of Immigrating From Scotland
I bought this book at some time in the past--I could not locate exactly when I made the purchase, because the title has been changed. I was not aware of this until I finished the book and read a review from someone who purchased the book under the new name only to find that she had already read the book.
Ellen Copely and her father crossed the ocean in 1904 to immigrate to the United States soon after Ellen's mother died. Ellen did not learn that she was being dropped off in Vermont to stay with relatives while her father continued by train to Santa Fe to work on the railroad until she woke up the morning after he left. Ellen's aunt did a lot of complaining about having to take care of Ellen and Ellen felt like she was unwanted. Another relative in Vancouver offered to take her in on their farm. There she had access to caregivers who were not always complaining as well a cousins and farm animals to play with. She excelled in school and showed a talent in art.
Read this book to learn about the development of artistic ability, an interest in nursing, and a chance of becoming an artist. She knew how to make lemonade out of the lemons life presented her with. I enjoyed this book and hope you do also.
I bought this book at some time in the past--I could not locate exactly when I made the purchase, because the title has been changed. I was not aware of this until I finished the book and read a review from someone who purchased the book under the new name only to find that she had already read the book.
Ellen Copely and her father crossed the ocean in 1904 to immigrate to the United States soon after Ellen's mother died. Ellen did not learn that she was being dropped off in Vermont to stay with relatives while her father continued by train to Santa Fe to work on the railroad until she woke up the morning after he left. Ellen's aunt did a lot of complaining about having to take care of Ellen and Ellen felt like she was unwanted. Another relative in Vancouver offered to take her in on their farm. There she had access to caregivers who were not always complaining as well a cousins and farm animals to play with. She excelled in school and showed a talent in art.
Read this book to learn about the development of artistic ability, an interest in nursing, and a chance of becoming an artist. She knew how to make lemonade out of the lemons life presented her with. I enjoyed this book and hope you do also.
June 21, 2023
This is a sweet tale of a 12 year old girl at the turn of the nineteen-hundreds, who emigrates to America from Scotland, after the death of her mother. Ellen has a difficult life and had to take on much responsibility care taking her mother, missing her childhood. After arriving in America, she is disillusioned and feels alone in the world. Ellen finds a place in Canada on Amherst island with an aunt and uncle and their lovable children, the neighbors, and island community. She grows into young adulthood, discovering herself, but must split her time between the island and an aunt and uncle in America where she feels horribly unwanted, during these years.
This is a stand alone novel that leaves the reader wanting more. It is the first book of a series, Amherst Island.
The author, Kate Hewitt, has written many books of which some were simple romance types. This is a story with more substance. The characters are well defined and some are quite endearing.
I enjoyed the reading.
This is a stand alone novel that leaves the reader wanting more. It is the first book of a series, Amherst Island.
The author, Kate Hewitt, has written many books of which some were simple romance types. This is a story with more substance. The characters are well defined and some are quite endearing.
I enjoyed the reading.
December 11, 2020
This is a really good book and I look forward to reading the sequels to this book.
Ellen and her Dad decide after her Mum dies to come to America to be with his brother and sister in law. Things don't go as planned and Ellen's Dad decides to go and work on the railway line as his sister in law would not want him working in the shop.
Ellen feels abandoned by her Dad as he told her the day before he was going and on the morning of his departure he left early so she didn't even get to say goodbye.
Ellen finds i very hard living with her Uncle & Aunt and eventually she goes to live with her other Aunt and Uncle and feels loved from the moment she arrives at their homestead.
We see how this book goes through what happens to Ellen over the years and certainly look forward to reading the next books.
Ellen and her Dad decide after her Mum dies to come to America to be with his brother and sister in law. Things don't go as planned and Ellen's Dad decides to go and work on the railway line as his sister in law would not want him working in the shop.
Ellen feels abandoned by her Dad as he told her the day before he was going and on the morning of his departure he left early so she didn't even get to say goodbye.
Ellen finds i very hard living with her Uncle & Aunt and eventually she goes to live with her other Aunt and Uncle and feels loved from the moment she arrives at their homestead.
We see how this book goes through what happens to Ellen over the years and certainly look forward to reading the next books.
June 30, 2023
1904: This was a simple but enjoyable read about a young Scottish girl, Ellen, who immigrates to America with her father following the passing of her mam. They move to Vermont where her aunt and uncle own a general store. Her father becomes restless and heads off to New Mexico leaving her with her prickly aunt and carefree uncle. When a request is made for Ellen to come to rural Amherst Island on Canada’s Lake Ontario, she is sent alone by train to help her father’s sister and her children. She falls in love with the people and countryside of the island. This is a coming-of-age story of Ellen—and rather inspirational and pleasant with a similarity to Anne of Green Gables. It is the first in a series of Ellen books ranging from the turn of the century to WWII. I may return to the series periodically
July 19, 2023
The changes life brings
The Orphan's Island is a story about changes, new opportunities and facing an unknown world. Ellen and her father leave Scotland to come to America - but then her father leaves her with relatives and takes off for the far west. Ellen is left to face an unknown future and the novel follows her as she has to adapt to new surroundings and new people, first in Vermont and then on Amherst Island, Canada. She faces difficult circumstances and flounders as she tries to make her way in daily living, relationships and determining what she wants to do. This is a great story for anyone facing a crossroads in life and there are some good lessons to take from the story about interactions with people, handling the past and looking to the future. I recommend this book.
The Orphan's Island is a story about changes, new opportunities and facing an unknown world. Ellen and her father leave Scotland to come to America - but then her father leaves her with relatives and takes off for the far west. Ellen is left to face an unknown future and the novel follows her as she has to adapt to new surroundings and new people, first in Vermont and then on Amherst Island, Canada. She faces difficult circumstances and flounders as she tries to make her way in daily living, relationships and determining what she wants to do. This is a great story for anyone facing a crossroads in life and there are some good lessons to take from the story about interactions with people, handling the past and looking to the future. I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews