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Orphans of Hope House #1
A Home for Unloved Orphans
Fans of Before We Were Yours will adore this USA Today bestselling historical novel: A heartbreaking yet hopeful tale about a brave young woman who gives up everything to help unloved children—and shows that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her in the depths of winter, that is her fate. Now homeless, Lauren finds America in the devastating grip of the Great Depression––children run wild in the icy streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line frosty sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air.
All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside, surrounded by snow-topped mountains and magnificent fir trees––a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find children living in shocking conditions, huddled together for warmth, their hunger keeping them awake at night as the temperature plunges. The home for unloved orphans is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads…
Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received. With Christmas just around the corner, she refuses to see them cast out onto the street, where they will not survive. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers.
Can Lauren save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?
Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her in the depths of winter, that is her fate. Now homeless, Lauren finds America in the devastating grip of the Great Depression––children run wild in the icy streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line frosty sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air.
All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside, surrounded by snow-topped mountains and magnificent fir trees––a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find children living in shocking conditions, huddled together for warmth, their hunger keeping them awake at night as the temperature plunges. The home for unloved orphans is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads…
Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received. With Christmas just around the corner, she refuses to see them cast out onto the street, where they will not survive. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers.
Can Lauren save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2020
1594 people are currently reading
1592 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Wesson
111 books357 followersRachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
October 27, 2020
This one just grabbed me from the very beginning and never let me go. Lauren, a rich and sophisticated girl growing up in the Depression started noticing others that were suffering all around her in Virginia. She was engaged to be married to a man as rich as her father, but like him cares for no one but their class. Lauren's story is beautiful and so full of love and caring. This story emotionally invested me....I stopped to cry which isn't common for me. I smiled and I felt my heart warm over this amazingly gripping story. HIGHLY recommended! I cannot wait for book 2!
September 24, 2020
The Opphans Of Hope House #1
Virginia, 1933: Lauren Greenwood was born into a wealthy family. Her mother had died when she was just an infant. Her mums sister who she called Nanny Kat, had brought her up. Now an eligible young woman, she wants to help others who are less fortunate than herself. But when Lauren breaks off her engagement, her father throws her out on the streets without a penny to her name. Lauren finds an orphanage to stay in. The orphans are living in shocking conditions, they're hungry and too weak to even play. Lauren vows to help the children.
This roller coaster read will mess with your emotions. Set around the Great Depression, we learn how people from all walks of life tried to survive. My heart broke reading about Patty. She used to work for the Greenwoods and Lauren felt sorry for her predicament. Lauren is determined to save the home for unloved children. This is a well written story with great characters, though some will get under your skin. I'm looking forward to the next to Lauren and the children.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #RachelWesson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Virginia, 1933: Lauren Greenwood was born into a wealthy family. Her mother had died when she was just an infant. Her mums sister who she called Nanny Kat, had brought her up. Now an eligible young woman, she wants to help others who are less fortunate than herself. But when Lauren breaks off her engagement, her father throws her out on the streets without a penny to her name. Lauren finds an orphanage to stay in. The orphans are living in shocking conditions, they're hungry and too weak to even play. Lauren vows to help the children.
This roller coaster read will mess with your emotions. Set around the Great Depression, we learn how people from all walks of life tried to survive. My heart broke reading about Patty. She used to work for the Greenwoods and Lauren felt sorry for her predicament. Lauren is determined to save the home for unloved children. This is a well written story with great characters, though some will get under your skin. I'm looking forward to the next to Lauren and the children.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #RachelWesson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2020
In America in the early 1930’s people are starving because of the Great Depression. Families are unable to feed their children or themselves. Orphanage’s are overflowing with children in need of help.
Lauren Greenwood who has just arrived home from her finishing school in Switzerland is desperate to help these children at all costs.
A heartbreaking story of suffering and the kindness of strangers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren Greenwood who has just arrived home from her finishing school in Switzerland is desperate to help these children at all costs.
A heartbreaking story of suffering and the kindness of strangers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2022
This is a book that if you just judged it by the cover you would imagine it to be sad all the way through especially with a title that has the word "orphans" in it.
And you would be partially correct. There are sad parts but you can feel a sense of hope shining through as well.
Taking place during the Great Depression in Virginia and New York during the early 1930's banks have closed,children are orphans and don't have enough to eat,doing without for days and the icy streets are where they call home.
A well to do woman sees these children and does all she can for them including using her rich father's credit at the stores until she no longer can.
Her father cruelly throws her out of the family home when he won't listen to her explanation of why she won't marry the man of his choosing.
It's appalling to think of children or anyone living in such deplorable conditions.
Will she be able to find a way to help these children that have so little and have no chance on their own?
Quick read for me,the book is exceptional!
Pub Date 26 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
And you would be partially correct. There are sad parts but you can feel a sense of hope shining through as well.
Taking place during the Great Depression in Virginia and New York during the early 1930's banks have closed,children are orphans and don't have enough to eat,doing without for days and the icy streets are where they call home.
A well to do woman sees these children and does all she can for them including using her rich father's credit at the stores until she no longer can.
Her father cruelly throws her out of the family home when he won't listen to her explanation of why she won't marry the man of his choosing.
It's appalling to think of children or anyone living in such deplorable conditions.
Will she be able to find a way to help these children that have so little and have no chance on their own?
Quick read for me,the book is exceptional!
Pub Date 26 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 1, 2020
Title: A Home for Unloved Orphans
Author: Rachel Wesson
Publication Day: Oct 26th 2020
Description:
Virginia, 1933: Her heart broke as she took in the scene before her. There were too many orphans and not enough beds. The rags they wore barely covered them and they hadn’t eaten in days. How could anyone let innocent children live like this? She picked up a tiny girl who’d cried as she moved past her cot. “I’ll be back soon, little one.”
Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her in the depths of winter, that is her fate. Now homeless, Lauren finds America in the devastating grip of the Great Depression––children run wild in the icy streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line frosty sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air.
All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside, surrounded by snow-topped mountains and magnificent fir trees––a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find children living in shocking conditions, huddled together for warmth, their hunger keeping them awake at night as the temperature plunges. The home for unloved orphans is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads…
Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received. With Christmas just around the corner, she refuses to see them cast out onto the street, where they will not survive. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers.
Can Lauren save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?
A heartbreaking yet hopeful tale about a brave young woman who gives up everything to help unloved children who have nothing. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan Train and Diney Costeloe will adore this poignant historical novel, which shows that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Home For Unloved Orphans' by Rachel Wesson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 26th October 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the first book in 'The Orphan' s Of Hope House' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding blurb. I was also looking to read something different from my usual choice of crime and this seems to fit the bill. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 86 chapters. The chapters are a mix of short and medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is set in Virginia , USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Lauren Greenwood. The positives of books written in third person perspective is that you get to see more of what is going on and what other characters are doing and feeling, building a bigger picture overall.
This book had me captivated from the first page until the last. It is very well written and an easy and smooth read. The descriptions were fantastic and really helped me picture everything that was going on. Ravhe has obviously done her research into the timeline which is brilliant as I have read some novels where it is clear no research has been put in and I then really struggle to read it so well done!!
Fantastic character development with each of the characters being very strong with their own seperate personalities. I loved how strong willed Lauren was and I really enjoyed watching her grow and all the friendships develop and bond between all the different characters. I fell in love with many of the characters and it was great "seeing" the children grow. I'm definitely looking forward to meeting each of them again. Lauren is a great inspiration, such a selfless character and a few of the other characters surprised me too.
THE storyline itself is absolutely heart wrenching, beautiful and amazing!! It really was a true eye opener into how people lived and struggled during the depression. I was completely hooked throughout and it was definitely a roller-coaster of emotions filled with laughter, sadness, tension, suspense, love and hate. A brilliant start to what promises to be an epic series to look forward to.
Overall a beautiful historical novel that will take you on a roller-coaster tide of emotions.
Genres covered in this novel include Historical Fiction and Sagas among others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone looking for a heart wrenching yet heart warming beautiful read.
454 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AHomeForUnlovedOrphans #Bookouture #RachelWesson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@RachelWesson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Having always been a fan of history, Rachel Wesson tries to combine her love of history with a good story.
Rachel was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital,
Dublin, as that’s where she spent most of her life. Every Saturday Rachel’s
father took her and her two sisters to the library, and to get ice-cream after,
to give their mother a break. It took a long time for Rachel’s sisters to
forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
Rachel drove everyone nuts growing up, asking questions about what they did during the
War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc... Finally, her Granny
told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading
them. In fact, what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel
was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was immersed in books. Her report
cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should
have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths…
Later in life, after a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which
she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of
years. (There is a reason she doesn’t write romance!). She never intended
staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return
to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something
was missing. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and
rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When
not reading, writing or watching films for ‘research’ purposes, Rachel likes to
hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home – in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
Author Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrachel...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wessonwrites
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08DNVKX4CSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/dG6w50AJUh8
Kobo: http://ow.ly/zkNf50AJUeV
Google: http://ow.ly/qPQp50AJUk8
Author: Rachel Wesson
Publication Day: Oct 26th 2020
Description:
Virginia, 1933: Her heart broke as she took in the scene before her. There were too many orphans and not enough beds. The rags they wore barely covered them and they hadn’t eaten in days. How could anyone let innocent children live like this? She picked up a tiny girl who’d cried as she moved past her cot. “I’ll be back soon, little one.”
Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her in the depths of winter, that is her fate. Now homeless, Lauren finds America in the devastating grip of the Great Depression––children run wild in the icy streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line frosty sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air.
All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside, surrounded by snow-topped mountains and magnificent fir trees––a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find children living in shocking conditions, huddled together for warmth, their hunger keeping them awake at night as the temperature plunges. The home for unloved orphans is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads…
Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received. With Christmas just around the corner, she refuses to see them cast out onto the street, where they will not survive. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers.
Can Lauren save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?
A heartbreaking yet hopeful tale about a brave young woman who gives up everything to help unloved children who have nothing. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan Train and Diney Costeloe will adore this poignant historical novel, which shows that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Home For Unloved Orphans' by Rachel Wesson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 26th October 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the first book in 'The Orphan' s Of Hope House' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding blurb. I was also looking to read something different from my usual choice of crime and this seems to fit the bill. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 86 chapters. The chapters are a mix of short and medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is set in Virginia , USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Lauren Greenwood. The positives of books written in third person perspective is that you get to see more of what is going on and what other characters are doing and feeling, building a bigger picture overall.
This book had me captivated from the first page until the last. It is very well written and an easy and smooth read. The descriptions were fantastic and really helped me picture everything that was going on. Ravhe has obviously done her research into the timeline which is brilliant as I have read some novels where it is clear no research has been put in and I then really struggle to read it so well done!!
Fantastic character development with each of the characters being very strong with their own seperate personalities. I loved how strong willed Lauren was and I really enjoyed watching her grow and all the friendships develop and bond between all the different characters. I fell in love with many of the characters and it was great "seeing" the children grow. I'm definitely looking forward to meeting each of them again. Lauren is a great inspiration, such a selfless character and a few of the other characters surprised me too.
THE storyline itself is absolutely heart wrenching, beautiful and amazing!! It really was a true eye opener into how people lived and struggled during the depression. I was completely hooked throughout and it was definitely a roller-coaster of emotions filled with laughter, sadness, tension, suspense, love and hate. A brilliant start to what promises to be an epic series to look forward to.
Overall a beautiful historical novel that will take you on a roller-coaster tide of emotions.
Genres covered in this novel include Historical Fiction and Sagas among others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone looking for a heart wrenching yet heart warming beautiful read.
454 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AHomeForUnlovedOrphans #Bookouture #RachelWesson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@RachelWesson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Having always been a fan of history, Rachel Wesson tries to combine her love of history with a good story.
Rachel was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital,
Dublin, as that’s where she spent most of her life. Every Saturday Rachel’s
father took her and her two sisters to the library, and to get ice-cream after,
to give their mother a break. It took a long time for Rachel’s sisters to
forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
Rachel drove everyone nuts growing up, asking questions about what they did during the
War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc... Finally, her Granny
told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading
them. In fact, what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel
was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was immersed in books. Her report
cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should
have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths…
Later in life, after a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which
she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of
years. (There is a reason she doesn’t write romance!). She never intended
staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return
to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something
was missing. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and
rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When
not reading, writing or watching films for ‘research’ purposes, Rachel likes to
hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home – in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
Author Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrachel...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wessonwrites
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08DNVKX4CSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/dG6w50AJUh8
Kobo: http://ow.ly/zkNf50AJUeV
Google: http://ow.ly/qPQp50AJUk8
March 10, 2024
I've already commented on how the book summary on the back of the book ruined this book for me. Not to mention, did the person writing the summary even read the book?
Good enough story but it also feels like near the end, it was just like "ok let's wrap this up" and we were hurried through it.
But... Where was Nanny Kat? Why did she leave? Why wouldn't she have gone to see Lauren sooner? And really? Justin? And her dad? Not a mention of them again until the end. It was all a bit crazy.
Good enough story but it also feels like near the end, it was just like "ok let's wrap this up" and we were hurried through it.
But... Where was Nanny Kat? Why did she leave? Why wouldn't she have gone to see Lauren sooner? And really? Justin? And her dad? Not a mention of them again until the end. It was all a bit crazy.
October 28, 2020
A Home For Unwanted Orphans is one of the most emotional, beautiful books I’ve read for a while. It’s one of those books that stays with you and that you continue to think about long after reading.
I was quickly drawn into the story and into Lauren’s world. The author has clearly done her research and her wonderfully vivid descriptions made the 1930s come to life. It was definitely an interesting period with the effects of the Great Depression still being felt and a lot of quite vulnerable people being left to fend for themselves. It was utterly heartbreaking to see some of the awful conditions people lived in and the things they had to deal with, especially the children. I often wished I could reach into the book and give them all a hug or somehow heroically save the day!
Lauren was a brilliant main character who was very easy to get behind. She was very believable and I loved how hard she worked to try and change things. She’s feisty, headstrong and very determined which made her an amazing character to read about. I felt sorry for her when things didn’t go her way and when her efforts weren’t appreciated or treated with suspicion.
Overall I really enjoyed this absorbing but highly emotional book which made me laugh and cry throughout. I felt completely involved in everything that was going on meaning I got lost in the book for hours at a time. The story unfolds at a great pace and I felt completely gripped reading about Lauren’s struggle to try and improve things for the orphans. I had to keep reading to see how the story ended as I really wanted everyone to have the happy ending they deserved, while knowing deep down that that might not be possible.
Huge thanks to Noelle Holten for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
I was quickly drawn into the story and into Lauren’s world. The author has clearly done her research and her wonderfully vivid descriptions made the 1930s come to life. It was definitely an interesting period with the effects of the Great Depression still being felt and a lot of quite vulnerable people being left to fend for themselves. It was utterly heartbreaking to see some of the awful conditions people lived in and the things they had to deal with, especially the children. I often wished I could reach into the book and give them all a hug or somehow heroically save the day!
Lauren was a brilliant main character who was very easy to get behind. She was very believable and I loved how hard she worked to try and change things. She’s feisty, headstrong and very determined which made her an amazing character to read about. I felt sorry for her when things didn’t go her way and when her efforts weren’t appreciated or treated with suspicion.
Overall I really enjoyed this absorbing but highly emotional book which made me laugh and cry throughout. I felt completely involved in everything that was going on meaning I got lost in the book for hours at a time. The story unfolds at a great pace and I felt completely gripped reading about Lauren’s struggle to try and improve things for the orphans. I had to keep reading to see how the story ended as I really wanted everyone to have the happy ending they deserved, while knowing deep down that that might not be possible.
Huge thanks to Noelle Holten for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
October 6, 2020
It Costs Nothing to be Kind
This is one of the most heartwarming books I have read all year. It is a heart breaking story about children that no one wanted and no one cared about until one young woman cared enough.
Lauren was a privileged young lady of nineteen, the world was wonderful for her and she grew up with the house staff and was friends will all of them. Nanny Kat, the cook, Mary, Patty, Sam and Old Sal. The only one she didn't get along with was the sour caretaker Jackson.
On a trip to the city she meets two ragged little girls and her eyes are opened to the poverty existing beyond the walls of her family home. When Nanny Kat takes her to the mountains and she meets the mountain people, Becky and her family she is more aware of the dire situation of some during this depression era.
As she tried to help the less fortunate her father hampered her efforts and expected her to marry Justin a man of old money and rich connections. When she refused to do so it caused problems and put her in Jeopardy.
Then she visits the private orphanage "The Home for Unloved Orphans. What happens next defines her as a caring and compassionate woman. She falls in love with those orphans especially with Ruthie. When her father fails her and disowns her she finds help from Becky, Mary and the wonderful townspeople and even the impoverished mountain folks.
I loved this story and hope to read the rest of the series to find out what awaits the orphan's in the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.
Thanks to Rachel Wesson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for all allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
This is one of the most heartwarming books I have read all year. It is a heart breaking story about children that no one wanted and no one cared about until one young woman cared enough.
Lauren was a privileged young lady of nineteen, the world was wonderful for her and she grew up with the house staff and was friends will all of them. Nanny Kat, the cook, Mary, Patty, Sam and Old Sal. The only one she didn't get along with was the sour caretaker Jackson.
On a trip to the city she meets two ragged little girls and her eyes are opened to the poverty existing beyond the walls of her family home. When Nanny Kat takes her to the mountains and she meets the mountain people, Becky and her family she is more aware of the dire situation of some during this depression era.
As she tried to help the less fortunate her father hampered her efforts and expected her to marry Justin a man of old money and rich connections. When she refused to do so it caused problems and put her in Jeopardy.
Then she visits the private orphanage "The Home for Unloved Orphans. What happens next defines her as a caring and compassionate woman. She falls in love with those orphans especially with Ruthie. When her father fails her and disowns her she finds help from Becky, Mary and the wonderful townspeople and even the impoverished mountain folks.
I loved this story and hope to read the rest of the series to find out what awaits the orphan's in the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.
Thanks to Rachel Wesson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for all allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
October 27, 2020
Get your tissues ready because this one is an incredibly emotional read. From page one, when Lauren, a rich southern debutante, becomes a sort of Christmas angel for a poor New York family, I couldn’t help but admire her for her heart full of kindness and sincerest desire to help those in need. I rooted for her to find her match who would dive into philanthropist work together with her in times when the entire country was starving. However, Lauren’s father has different plans for her and soon, she finds herself facing an impossible choice: become a wife of a man she despises or leave her former life behind and dedicate herself to a noble cause, no matter how difficult this may be.
Lauren is a wonderful central heroine. I rarely came across such selfless people in literature who would give their last shirt to someone in need and I couldn’t help but suffer along with her at the injustice of the world and at the harsh reality of her own family’s role in the horrific events around her. Many would choose a life of comfort and particularly if the alternative is virtual destitution. However, Lauren’s integrity and refusal to submit, which are truly worth applauding, lead her to the only path that was morally acceptable for her, and I couldn’t help but admire her for it. This is a story of a true heroine, meticulously researched and brilliantly written, which will leave you in tears and with a heart full of hope that while people like Lauren exist, nothing is lost. Absolutely loved it. “A Home for Unloved Orphans” is a true must-read.
Lauren is a wonderful central heroine. I rarely came across such selfless people in literature who would give their last shirt to someone in need and I couldn’t help but suffer along with her at the injustice of the world and at the harsh reality of her own family’s role in the horrific events around her. Many would choose a life of comfort and particularly if the alternative is virtual destitution. However, Lauren’s integrity and refusal to submit, which are truly worth applauding, lead her to the only path that was morally acceptable for her, and I couldn’t help but admire her for it. This is a story of a true heroine, meticulously researched and brilliantly written, which will leave you in tears and with a heart full of hope that while people like Lauren exist, nothing is lost. Absolutely loved it. “A Home for Unloved Orphans” is a true must-read.
April 9, 2021
I know Rachel Wesson's Orphan Train series is really really popular, having read this, I can see why. This is a really tender book - its sweet but not saccharine and its emotional without being over the top. Rachel is a fabulous writer, completely in control of her material, completely on top of the time and she has created here a wonderful story of a rich and privileged young woman's difficult journey to become someone who makes a difference. The main character Lauren tries so hard to get things right and suffers many set-backs, her friendships and relationships are lovely to read - only a warm-hearted person could have written this book. I look forward to reading the next part in this series, and I already have some ideas of where I want it to go. :)
October 26, 2020
This book left me with getting very little sleep over the last 24 hours and not much else done besides reading.
This book had so many stories besides the story of the orphaned children.
Lauren is a young lady who has grown up under the thumb of her rich and powerful father. So many things change in the midst of the depression.
Lauren has such a heart for so many including those who are employed at her home and those she sees throughout the city. Unfortunately that's when the trouble starts for her as her dad and boyfriend are not happy with her choices.
This was a wonderful book. I appreciate the copy from the publisher and netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book had so many stories besides the story of the orphaned children.
Lauren is a young lady who has grown up under the thumb of her rich and powerful father. So many things change in the midst of the depression.
Lauren has such a heart for so many including those who are employed at her home and those she sees throughout the city. Unfortunately that's when the trouble starts for her as her dad and boyfriend are not happy with her choices.
This was a wonderful book. I appreciate the copy from the publisher and netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 28, 2020
Oh my! Just as the description mentioned, this is an extremely emotional book! Set in the Great Depression Era we learn of suffering in the fictional town of Delgany and the surrounding mountain people, as well as rich men made richer on the backs of these poorest of poor. We learn about the tragedies of the mines, the orphanages, and the love of good people. My heart was especially inpacted by the sad tale of Patty in this story!
I enjoyed the narrator for this book! Her characters very good, but the little ones' singing voices were a bit harsh to my ears!
I enjoyed the narrator for this book! Her characters very good, but the little ones' singing voices were a bit harsh to my ears!
August 5, 2021
This was a book set in the 1930’s about a young rich woman who is appalled by the conditions that orphans and families are having to live in. Her father is forcing her to marry a cruel man, she runs always, is cut off from the money and tries to take care of a little orphan home. the accounts of the children who have run away from children’s home and what went on in them makes your heart break.
October 25, 2020
First, I want to thank Rachel Wesson, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Lauren Greenwood’s character in a Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson is a breath of fresh air, inspiring, she has a heart and she gave a powerful message at the beginning of the book. In a world that we live in today it is nice to see such an inspirational storyline such as hers that she did for those two special little girls.
I fully admit that Historical Fiction is not a genre that I usually review. However, the two children on the cover and the title caught my eye as well as the description. So, I figured I gave it a chance.
Instantly, this book will get you into the Christmas spirit as you will have the song Away in a Manger playing in your head over and over again.
Maggie and Biddy, two adorable poor little girls, will tug hard on your heart strings. The dialect Rachel uses for them to speak is too cute for words. Not to mention they said the cutest things. For example they thought their father could sing...but yet their father was at Sing Sing.
Rachel brings up some very important statements and life lessons in this book. Some that are even more important in today’s time.
I live in NY State so I totally could understand when it was mentioned that New York really is a tale of two cities. The richest and the poorest of society live almost door to door.
I laughed when Lauren’s father mentioned that thinking was bad for your brain. Your job is to look pretty and land a rich, successful husband. Who says that?!
This book made me hungry with the amazing southern breakfast buffet Lauren shared with her father.
Rachel mentioned some important events in history such as the stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression, etc.
This is a book that is a subject that is close to Rachel’s heart and she discusses it in the letter in the back of the book.
Lauren Greenwood’s character in a Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson is a breath of fresh air, inspiring, she has a heart and she gave a powerful message at the beginning of the book. In a world that we live in today it is nice to see such an inspirational storyline such as hers that she did for those two special little girls.
I fully admit that Historical Fiction is not a genre that I usually review. However, the two children on the cover and the title caught my eye as well as the description. So, I figured I gave it a chance.
Instantly, this book will get you into the Christmas spirit as you will have the song Away in a Manger playing in your head over and over again.
Maggie and Biddy, two adorable poor little girls, will tug hard on your heart strings. The dialect Rachel uses for them to speak is too cute for words. Not to mention they said the cutest things. For example they thought their father could sing...but yet their father was at Sing Sing.
Rachel brings up some very important statements and life lessons in this book. Some that are even more important in today’s time.
I live in NY State so I totally could understand when it was mentioned that New York really is a tale of two cities. The richest and the poorest of society live almost door to door.
I laughed when Lauren’s father mentioned that thinking was bad for your brain. Your job is to look pretty and land a rich, successful husband. Who says that?!
This book made me hungry with the amazing southern breakfast buffet Lauren shared with her father.
Rachel mentioned some important events in history such as the stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression, etc.
This is a book that is a subject that is close to Rachel’s heart and she discusses it in the letter in the back of the book.
January 9, 2021
Wonderful book
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of emotions. The characters mostly lovable except for one. Would recommend and read again.
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of emotions. The characters mostly lovable except for one. Would recommend and read again.
October 26, 2020
This story felt like I was watching a movie, beginning with standing outside of Macey's in NYC, and attending a lavish ball, but there is a side story to the time Lauren Greenwood spent in New York. This young woman has a sweet heart and feels compelled to help the less fortunate.
The next time we see her she has returned to her estate in Virginia, and is thrilled to be back from her tour in Europe. Yes, Lauren seems to have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she is also, thanks to her Nanny/Aunt, a person that would literally give you the shirt off her back.
This is the time of the Great Depression, and although Lauren's life is really unchanged, all around her is poverty.
Now we get to the heart of the story, the children who are either orphans or with parents that cannot take care of them. Watch, or rather read, what our Lauren does when she stumbles upon a rundown, I'll say orphanage, but it was more like a shack.
We also follow her as she appears to fall in love, but will she see her intended true heart before it is too late?
This is a story that will keep you up late reading and page turning, and then it will linger with you! You don't want to miss this one!
I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
The next time we see her she has returned to her estate in Virginia, and is thrilled to be back from her tour in Europe. Yes, Lauren seems to have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she is also, thanks to her Nanny/Aunt, a person that would literally give you the shirt off her back.
This is the time of the Great Depression, and although Lauren's life is really unchanged, all around her is poverty.
Now we get to the heart of the story, the children who are either orphans or with parents that cannot take care of them. Watch, or rather read, what our Lauren does when she stumbles upon a rundown, I'll say orphanage, but it was more like a shack.
We also follow her as she appears to fall in love, but will she see her intended true heart before it is too late?
This is a story that will keep you up late reading and page turning, and then it will linger with you! You don't want to miss this one!
I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 14, 2021
This book was good and I enjoyed it. Since it is The first book in a series called the Hope series, I knew that it was going to have parts in it that would connect to for future books. But I do have to say that she did tie up the story of this book pretty well. Some of the things were a little far-fetched in the story but it did tug at your heart strings to see how she was able to take these young children that were in an orphanage or an orphan home and turn them sort of into a family that cared for each other and that provided for their needs. You also saw the development of the adult characters in the book, with the possibility of any one of their individual stories developing into more stories in the series. In the book the kids were kids and pretty much you could tell who the cads were going to be and who the good guys were going to be as you met them. Some of Lauren’s changes from a pretty much spoiled rich girl to a competent adult was a bit over the top.
This was an easy read. It kept my interest through the whole book. I didn’t find it to be a big tear jerker but maybe that is just me.
I might (later) read another in the series if I can ever find it on hoopla or at my library but I doubt I would buy a copy of the next book. Just didn’t have enough to want to read the follow up book
This was an easy read. It kept my interest through the whole book. I didn’t find it to be a big tear jerker but maybe that is just me.
I might (later) read another in the series if I can ever find it on hoopla or at my library but I doubt I would buy a copy of the next book. Just didn’t have enough to want to read the follow up book
January 31, 2021
I was disappointed in this book. After reading Before They Were Yours, I had hopes of finding out more about the orphanages of the time. The summary focused on the drama of a woman attempting to care for a home of children who were left due to financial issues. It seemed promising.
The first half of the book was focused on Lauren Greenwood's life as a spoiled, sheltered rich girl. I understand why the author felt the need to present her in this manner, but it was overkill as far as I am concerned. A few chapters of Lauren shopping and being blissfully unaware of the circumstances of much of America in this time would have sufficed.
When the author finally gets Lauren to the orphanage, it becomes more interesting. Actually, I have to say that the ensemble of characters at the orphanage were far more interesting than Lauren, the protagonist. A few the plot details seemed really contrived, especially as the novel came to its close.
II truly do not understand the rave reviews. There are other books on this topic that are far more intruiguing.
The first half of the book was focused on Lauren Greenwood's life as a spoiled, sheltered rich girl. I understand why the author felt the need to present her in this manner, but it was overkill as far as I am concerned. A few chapters of Lauren shopping and being blissfully unaware of the circumstances of much of America in this time would have sufficed.
When the author finally gets Lauren to the orphanage, it becomes more interesting. Actually, I have to say that the ensemble of characters at the orphanage were far more interesting than Lauren, the protagonist. A few the plot details seemed really contrived, especially as the novel came to its close.
II truly do not understand the rave reviews. There are other books on this topic that are far more intruiguing.
Read
October 2, 2020I was 28% through this book and it just did not hold my attention no matter how many times I picked it up - it was very slow in my opinion so unfortunately I did not finish it. I read so many books on a regular basis and unfortunately if they are not a page turner or keep me interested enough that I want to return to it I do continue as life is too short. I was disappointed as I looked at other people’s reviews and can only assume I am hard to please. Thank you Net Galley for granting me this book in return for an honest review.
February 28, 2021
This book covers a range of strong emotions: love, hate, sympathy, joy, sorrow.... A wonderfully compelling book, thoroughly believable characters. The one who was the most detestable hit me way “too close to home.” I wanted to enfold some of the characters in my arms to protect them, and some to thank them.
July 11, 2023
This is a heartbreaking story set in the 1930’s. Young socialite, Lauren Greenwood, lives in the beautiful Virginia mansion, Rosewood. Her mother died when she was a young girl, and her mother’s aunt, whom she calls Nanny, helped her father to raise her. Lauren, much like her mother, has a big heart. She adores her Father, Nanny, and the household staff. When the stock market crashes and when the depression destroys businesses, families, Lauren learns about the ways in which her father makes money and cannot believe what she learns is true. Lauren stumbles upon a home in the foothills near Rosewood that serves as a place for abandoned children. The matron is a drunk, the house is in disrepair, the children are in rags and starving. Lauren knows she needs to help these children. When her father brings home a young business partner, Justin. Lauren gradually falls in love with him. After their engagement, Lauren discovers that he is not the type of man she wants to marry, and refuses to go through with the wedding. All the while, Lauren, is secretly taking on the responsibilities for the children. Upon Lauren’s refusal, her father disowns her, and cuts off her access to money. Lauren moves into the home, and for the first time in her life has to worry about money, learns about working hard, and that everything comes at a cost. I enjoyed listening to this book.
February 24, 2024
I laughed I cried and couldn’t stop reading this wonderful book
April 2, 2025
Couldn’t get enough of this book!! So heartbreaking and Lauren is one hell of a woman!! Can’t wait to read the second one ❤️
July 21, 2023
I love historical fiction, especially set during the Great Depression-WW2 era. I especially loved the ending ❤️
February 28, 2024
Broke my heart, but so good. 😭❤️
May 1, 2024
Certainly a “feel good” book. Light reading. Not my usual genre but recommended for anyone who likes a quick read.
November 29, 2020
4.5. What a great story. Great read. Highly recommend.
January 17, 2022
This book had me hooked from page 1!
October 24, 2020
This book takes an accurate glance of the life of a young woman from a well to do family, in the early 19 hundreds.
Intelligent and kind, and desperate to help others less fortunate than her, Lauren finds herself trapped by her fathers plans for her future, ones intended to bolster is own, with no regards at all, to his daughters feelings, or future happiness.
When we look back at the past, we often look on the wealthy with scorn, forgetting that for many women of that period, wealth was no blessing but often a curse. Forced to pursue activities, deemed acceptable for a young lady, and allowed enough of an education to be left yearning for more. Many found life boring and repetitive, and ended up being nothing more than pretty ornaments to adorn some mans arm, pawns in their parents attempts at bettering their own status, or connections, or a way for some man to gain better standing in society.
Many were often desperate to help those around them who were less fortunate, but were forbidden to do so, And were forced to sit in rooms with stuffy women and converse on bland subjects.
If they tried to join in with the more intellectual or political conversations of the men, they were made to feel small, or stupid and told that it was something, that they of women should not worry their pretty little heads about.
Once married off many suffered abusive partners with no means of escape. Divorce was not an option.
For Lauren, her devotion for her father soon sours as she begins to see that the man she had so admired, is in fact cruel, manipulative and willing to sink very low in order to continue to amass greater wealth.
Even his own daughter becomes a pawn in his bid for greater wealth. And Lauren finds herself being force to marry a man who disgusts her and who, even before their marriage, begins to beat her mercilessly, while her father, excuses his behaviour and even try’s to lay the blame at his daughters door.
Raised to be kind and passionate about helping others by her nanny, after her mother died when she was a young child, Lauren is heartbroken to discover that her father, is responsible for cutting wages, ripping businesses and homes from those in dire straights and forcing people to work and live in disgusting conditions, all things Lauren is desperate to save them from.
As her eyes begin to open not only to her father, but the rest of the high society folks that she is forced to surround herself with, she begins to search for a way to make up, for the sins of the father, and to make her nanny and deceased mother proud.
But Lauren’s own naivety, often causes more trouble than good, and she discovers that nanny Kat’s words “kindness costs nothing.” Don’t really live up to her own ambitions, for saving the orphans, she has becomes so attached too.
What I love most about this book is how real and believable the characters are, Lauren has led a privileged life, she believes everything can be fixed with either the right words to the right people or by throwing money at it. At times you want to scream at her in desperation as she continues to make the same mistakes, failing to fully understand why her attempts to help are sometimes doing more harm than good.
Likewise the people she helps don’t always fawn over her, they are distrusting and sceptical. They know, and learned early on that the world is a cruel place and that life is rarely fair, something that Lauren is only just beginning to understand.
This makes the story believable and Lauren a lovable character, especially because of her determination. No matter how many times she fails, she just keeps on trying. And isn’t that all any of us can do.
But with Lauren it means so much more, as she could so easily just give up and go back to her life of luxury and forget all the poor people and orphans that she has come to know, it would certainly be easier to do so. But instead she risks putting herself in the same boat as then, by going against her fathers wishes and trying to make their lives that little bit more bearable, she is a true heroin and someone we should all aspire to be more like. Because at the heart of it, her Nanny Kat is right, kindness costs nothing.
So if you are looking for a heartwarming read that will
Make you laugh, cry and inspire, then I recommend a home for unloved children, and I am very grateful to NetGalley, Rachel Wesson and her publishers for allowing me to read this lovely book for free, in exchange for an honest review. And I will certainly look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Intelligent and kind, and desperate to help others less fortunate than her, Lauren finds herself trapped by her fathers plans for her future, ones intended to bolster is own, with no regards at all, to his daughters feelings, or future happiness.
When we look back at the past, we often look on the wealthy with scorn, forgetting that for many women of that period, wealth was no blessing but often a curse. Forced to pursue activities, deemed acceptable for a young lady, and allowed enough of an education to be left yearning for more. Many found life boring and repetitive, and ended up being nothing more than pretty ornaments to adorn some mans arm, pawns in their parents attempts at bettering their own status, or connections, or a way for some man to gain better standing in society.
Many were often desperate to help those around them who were less fortunate, but were forbidden to do so, And were forced to sit in rooms with stuffy women and converse on bland subjects.
If they tried to join in with the more intellectual or political conversations of the men, they were made to feel small, or stupid and told that it was something, that they of women should not worry their pretty little heads about.
Once married off many suffered abusive partners with no means of escape. Divorce was not an option.
For Lauren, her devotion for her father soon sours as she begins to see that the man she had so admired, is in fact cruel, manipulative and willing to sink very low in order to continue to amass greater wealth.
Even his own daughter becomes a pawn in his bid for greater wealth. And Lauren finds herself being force to marry a man who disgusts her and who, even before their marriage, begins to beat her mercilessly, while her father, excuses his behaviour and even try’s to lay the blame at his daughters door.
Raised to be kind and passionate about helping others by her nanny, after her mother died when she was a young child, Lauren is heartbroken to discover that her father, is responsible for cutting wages, ripping businesses and homes from those in dire straights and forcing people to work and live in disgusting conditions, all things Lauren is desperate to save them from.
As her eyes begin to open not only to her father, but the rest of the high society folks that she is forced to surround herself with, she begins to search for a way to make up, for the sins of the father, and to make her nanny and deceased mother proud.
But Lauren’s own naivety, often causes more trouble than good, and she discovers that nanny Kat’s words “kindness costs nothing.” Don’t really live up to her own ambitions, for saving the orphans, she has becomes so attached too.
What I love most about this book is how real and believable the characters are, Lauren has led a privileged life, she believes everything can be fixed with either the right words to the right people or by throwing money at it. At times you want to scream at her in desperation as she continues to make the same mistakes, failing to fully understand why her attempts to help are sometimes doing more harm than good.
Likewise the people she helps don’t always fawn over her, they are distrusting and sceptical. They know, and learned early on that the world is a cruel place and that life is rarely fair, something that Lauren is only just beginning to understand.
This makes the story believable and Lauren a lovable character, especially because of her determination. No matter how many times she fails, she just keeps on trying. And isn’t that all any of us can do.
But with Lauren it means so much more, as she could so easily just give up and go back to her life of luxury and forget all the poor people and orphans that she has come to know, it would certainly be easier to do so. But instead she risks putting herself in the same boat as then, by going against her fathers wishes and trying to make their lives that little bit more bearable, she is a true heroin and someone we should all aspire to be more like. Because at the heart of it, her Nanny Kat is right, kindness costs nothing.
So if you are looking for a heartwarming read that will
Make you laugh, cry and inspire, then I recommend a home for unloved children, and I am very grateful to NetGalley, Rachel Wesson and her publishers for allowing me to read this lovely book for free, in exchange for an honest review. And I will certainly look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
February 4, 2021
Intense
I downloaded a sample and I couldn't stop reading it so I bought it. This is a stressful read but it grabs you and won't let go! Loved the story so much I'm reading the next book in the series. Go for it I don't think you will regret it.
I downloaded a sample and I couldn't stop reading it so I bought it. This is a stressful read but it grabs you and won't let go! Loved the story so much I'm reading the next book in the series. Go for it I don't think you will regret it.
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