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Orphanage Girls #1
The Orphanage Girls
Children deserve a family to call their own.
Ruth dares to dream of another life – far away from the horrors within the walls of Bethnal Green’s infamous orphanage. Luckily she has her friends, Amy and Ellen – but she can’t keep them safe, and the suffering is only getting worse. Surely there must be a way out of here?
But when Ruth breaks free from the shackles of confinement and sets out into East London, hoping to make a new life for herself, she finds that, for a girl with nowhere to turn, life can be just as tough on the outside.
Bett keeps order in this unruly part of the East End – and takes Ruth under her wing alongside orphanage escapee Robbie. But it is Rebekah, a kindly woman, who offers Ruth and Robbie a home – something neither have ever known. Yet even these two stalwart women cannot protect them when the police learn of an orphan on the run. It is then that Ruth must do everything in her power to hide.
Her life – and those of the friends she left behind at the orphanage – depends on it.
Ruth dares to dream of another life – far away from the horrors within the walls of Bethnal Green’s infamous orphanage. Luckily she has her friends, Amy and Ellen – but she can’t keep them safe, and the suffering is only getting worse. Surely there must be a way out of here?
But when Ruth breaks free from the shackles of confinement and sets out into East London, hoping to make a new life for herself, she finds that, for a girl with nowhere to turn, life can be just as tough on the outside.
Bett keeps order in this unruly part of the East End – and takes Ruth under her wing alongside orphanage escapee Robbie. But it is Rebekah, a kindly woman, who offers Ruth and Robbie a home – something neither have ever known. Yet even these two stalwart women cannot protect them when the police learn of an orphan on the run. It is then that Ruth must do everything in her power to hide.
Her life – and those of the friends she left behind at the orphanage – depends on it.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
400 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2022
14 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 17, 2022
I have read and enjoyed several books by this author and I know I am going to be on a heart-warming and heart-breaking journey. This book was definitely that.
The author gets straight to it with this story of Ruth Faith. An orphan in Bethnal Green's Orphanage. It should be a place of security but not so in this case. Set in the early 1900s the author relates how orphans were treated by the staff, how they are seen to be the lowest of the low and are abused, tortured and sometimes worse!
The one thing that gives Ruth hope is that she is almost at an age to leave the home for good. She can then find work and a place to live for her fellow friends at the orphanage. However, Ruth needs to survive to stand any chance of starting a new life.
The author has once again created a story that is heartbreaking but also one that is full of hope. SHe does write some amazing sagas and I think this one is one of the tougher ones as far as the content is concerned. I am aware of the history of orphanages and how life was almost too much for its innocent residents. The author has captured the main fears, challenges, difficulties and so much more as she tells the story of Ruth and her friends.
This isn't just about Ruth, although she is the main focus. There are several other characters such as Robbie, Hettie, Horacio, Rebekah, Bett and many more. As this is set in London, the author brings in the Cockney pride and the sense of looking out for each other. It gives some of the characters a real boost instead of feeling alone and out on a limb.
This is a fabulous read, yes it does have some tough moments but the author also brings so many other things into her story. There are social expectations, a sense of family, and community spirit but also racism, abuse, corruption and other awful things. I will say though, that the author doesn't linger too much or over-describe things, enough to make you aware.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, sagas and stories that revolve around small close-knit communities then this is a book for you. If you have read any of this author's previous books and enjoyed them, then you know you are getting to enjoy this one as well. It is a book I would definitely recommend.
The author gets straight to it with this story of Ruth Faith. An orphan in Bethnal Green's Orphanage. It should be a place of security but not so in this case. Set in the early 1900s the author relates how orphans were treated by the staff, how they are seen to be the lowest of the low and are abused, tortured and sometimes worse!
The one thing that gives Ruth hope is that she is almost at an age to leave the home for good. She can then find work and a place to live for her fellow friends at the orphanage. However, Ruth needs to survive to stand any chance of starting a new life.
The author has once again created a story that is heartbreaking but also one that is full of hope. SHe does write some amazing sagas and I think this one is one of the tougher ones as far as the content is concerned. I am aware of the history of orphanages and how life was almost too much for its innocent residents. The author has captured the main fears, challenges, difficulties and so much more as she tells the story of Ruth and her friends.
This isn't just about Ruth, although she is the main focus. There are several other characters such as Robbie, Hettie, Horacio, Rebekah, Bett and many more. As this is set in London, the author brings in the Cockney pride and the sense of looking out for each other. It gives some of the characters a real boost instead of feeling alone and out on a limb.
This is a fabulous read, yes it does have some tough moments but the author also brings so many other things into her story. There are social expectations, a sense of family, and community spirit but also racism, abuse, corruption and other awful things. I will say though, that the author doesn't linger too much or over-describe things, enough to make you aware.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, sagas and stories that revolve around small close-knit communities then this is a book for you. If you have read any of this author's previous books and enjoyed them, then you know you are getting to enjoy this one as well. It is a book I would definitely recommend.
January 12, 2024
Just brilliant highly recommend this book
May 20, 2022
This is a Lovely Emotional Book so tissues are needed.Ruth Faith is a resident of the orphanage along with friends Ellen,Amy and Hettie.The beast who along with matron run the orphanage and make the kids lives hell,but one day Ruth asks Hettie to help her get away although scared she does and Ruth runs away.When she arrives in the town square she finds a place to sleep and when she wakes her life changes and Ruth has people to care for her and who protect her,Robbie is from the orphanage who ran away a while ago.Together they meet Rebekah a lovely woman who gives them both a home and love and teaches Ruth the art of hat making.I have Loved reading this book by Mary Wood as she takes you on a journey through the pages.5*
June 28, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Gritty, heartfelt and emotional, Mary Wood is at her mesmerizing best with her latest saga, The Orphanage Girls.
Ruth would love nothing more than to escape the terrifying confines of Bethnal Green’s orphanage for a better life. Every day, Ruth and her two dearest friends, Amy and Ellen, are subjected to pain, misery and anguish – and the suffering sadly just gets worse and worse. Ruth yearns to unshackle herself from the claustrophobic confines of the orphanage and when her chance for freedom comes, she grabs this opportunity with both hands convinced that a brighter future beckons. However, she soon learns that the streets of East London are not paved with gold and that being all alone in the world leaves her open to all sorts of dangers and terrors…
In this unruly part of the East End, Bett’s word is law and she takes Ruth and fellow orphanage escapee Robbie under her wing. Finally, life begins to look up for Ruth as she is given something she has never known before by a kindly woman called Rebekah – a home of her own. With people on her side, Ruth finally sees light at the end of the dark tunnel she has been trapped in for so long as she begins to make a life for herself.
Yet, Ruth must keep looking over shoulder as she is an orphan on the run and the police are looking for her. Ruth must keep a low profile and hide because if she is discovered the consequences for her – and her friends – simply do not bear thinking about. Can Ruth leave the orphanage behind once and for all and be truly happy? Or will she be condemned to a miserable future full of hardship and sorrow?
Master storyteller Mary Wood will delight her legion of fans with her dramatic, heart-wrenching and captivating new saga, The Orphanage Girls. A first class tale of courage, resilience, friendship and love, in The Orphanage Girls, Mary introduces us to Ruth who has had her fair share of heartache, but who fights like a warrior to be the mistress of her own destiny without ever surrendering to the many obstacles standing in her way. Ruth is the latest in a long line of heroines created by Mary, who is strong, loyal, kind-hearted and inspirational.
Mary Wood has done it again with The Orphanage Girls and penned a first-class saga that is perfect for curling up with and losing oneself in.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gritty, heartfelt and emotional, Mary Wood is at her mesmerizing best with her latest saga, The Orphanage Girls.
Ruth would love nothing more than to escape the terrifying confines of Bethnal Green’s orphanage for a better life. Every day, Ruth and her two dearest friends, Amy and Ellen, are subjected to pain, misery and anguish – and the suffering sadly just gets worse and worse. Ruth yearns to unshackle herself from the claustrophobic confines of the orphanage and when her chance for freedom comes, she grabs this opportunity with both hands convinced that a brighter future beckons. However, she soon learns that the streets of East London are not paved with gold and that being all alone in the world leaves her open to all sorts of dangers and terrors…
In this unruly part of the East End, Bett’s word is law and she takes Ruth and fellow orphanage escapee Robbie under her wing. Finally, life begins to look up for Ruth as she is given something she has never known before by a kindly woman called Rebekah – a home of her own. With people on her side, Ruth finally sees light at the end of the dark tunnel she has been trapped in for so long as she begins to make a life for herself.
Yet, Ruth must keep looking over shoulder as she is an orphan on the run and the police are looking for her. Ruth must keep a low profile and hide because if she is discovered the consequences for her – and her friends – simply do not bear thinking about. Can Ruth leave the orphanage behind once and for all and be truly happy? Or will she be condemned to a miserable future full of hardship and sorrow?
Master storyteller Mary Wood will delight her legion of fans with her dramatic, heart-wrenching and captivating new saga, The Orphanage Girls. A first class tale of courage, resilience, friendship and love, in The Orphanage Girls, Mary introduces us to Ruth who has had her fair share of heartache, but who fights like a warrior to be the mistress of her own destiny without ever surrendering to the many obstacles standing in her way. Ruth is the latest in a long line of heroines created by Mary, who is strong, loyal, kind-hearted and inspirational.
Mary Wood has done it again with The Orphanage Girls and penned a first-class saga that is perfect for curling up with and losing oneself in.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2022
It’s 1910 Ruth lives at the Bethnal Green Orphanage in London. From the outside it is a holy and respectable place that saves children from a life on the streets, but on the inside it is a terrible institution that preys on vulnerable children.
The children are only able to leave when they reach thirteen years old and can go into a life of service. For twelve year old Ruth, this time can’t come soon enough even though she has her friends Amy, Ellen and Hettie. They all look out for each other, but things are getting worse and when an incident leaves Ruth in terrible pain in the infirmary she knows that the only hope for her, and for her friends, is if she can escape and make a better life on the outside.
Ruth does manage to get away, but she finds that life as a runaway on the streets of the East End isn’t that easy either and she needs her wits about her to survive. Then, she meets Robbie, a young boy who also managed to escape the orphanage. Together they are taken under the wing of Bett and then later the kindly Rebekah who will do anything she can to help them. However, the orphanage are hunting for Ruth, can she stay hidden and make a life for herself at the same time?
This is a very moving book and he way that the children are treated at the orphanage is heart breaking. The language and the way that the characters are described is so vivid and well written that you feel like you are there with Ruth and Robbie. All of the sights, sounds and smells are vividly brought to life.
I loved this book and I am so glad that is the first in a series. I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
The children are only able to leave when they reach thirteen years old and can go into a life of service. For twelve year old Ruth, this time can’t come soon enough even though she has her friends Amy, Ellen and Hettie. They all look out for each other, but things are getting worse and when an incident leaves Ruth in terrible pain in the infirmary she knows that the only hope for her, and for her friends, is if she can escape and make a better life on the outside.
Ruth does manage to get away, but she finds that life as a runaway on the streets of the East End isn’t that easy either and she needs her wits about her to survive. Then, she meets Robbie, a young boy who also managed to escape the orphanage. Together they are taken under the wing of Bett and then later the kindly Rebekah who will do anything she can to help them. However, the orphanage are hunting for Ruth, can she stay hidden and make a life for herself at the same time?
This is a very moving book and he way that the children are treated at the orphanage is heart breaking. The language and the way that the characters are described is so vivid and well written that you feel like you are there with Ruth and Robbie. All of the sights, sounds and smells are vividly brought to life.
I loved this book and I am so glad that is the first in a series. I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
May 16, 2022
Every Mary Wood book tears my heart apart everytime I read one. The Orphanage Girls proved no different. Book one in a new series and it makes for a fantastic start.
A historical fiction saga that's set in Bethnal Green. We meet Ruth, who was abandoned twelve years ago on a priests doorstep and raised in Calton Orphanage. At twelve years old she finds herself free with just the shawl from one of her orphanage family, Hetty. This is the story of Ruth's journey to attempt to bring a better life for herself and Hetty, Amy and Ellen, her family...the Orphanage Girls.
As always Mary Wood expertly transported me back in time, to Ruth and I felt as if I was side by side with her as she does everything in her power to make a life for them all. Such an emotional tale, with characters so well drawn I found I was invested in Ruth and her family from the very start. I could easily picture Ruth and the almost impossible task she had in front of her. I found myself so happy when Rebekah offered a home to Ruth and a new start.
The research that has been done to create this story shines through every page. Such authenticity throughout the book I believed everything I read. I am sure this is going to be one heck of a series when the books are out. Everyone feels real and the sense of place is just right. I was captivated with Ruth and her plight.
A historical saga that will pull at the heartstrings and make you smile as well. The vividness of the details mean you feel like you are there, with friends too. I couldn't recommend this book enough.
A historical fiction saga that's set in Bethnal Green. We meet Ruth, who was abandoned twelve years ago on a priests doorstep and raised in Calton Orphanage. At twelve years old she finds herself free with just the shawl from one of her orphanage family, Hetty. This is the story of Ruth's journey to attempt to bring a better life for herself and Hetty, Amy and Ellen, her family...the Orphanage Girls.
As always Mary Wood expertly transported me back in time, to Ruth and I felt as if I was side by side with her as she does everything in her power to make a life for them all. Such an emotional tale, with characters so well drawn I found I was invested in Ruth and her family from the very start. I could easily picture Ruth and the almost impossible task she had in front of her. I found myself so happy when Rebekah offered a home to Ruth and a new start.
The research that has been done to create this story shines through every page. Such authenticity throughout the book I believed everything I read. I am sure this is going to be one heck of a series when the books are out. Everyone feels real and the sense of place is just right. I was captivated with Ruth and her plight.
A historical saga that will pull at the heartstrings and make you smile as well. The vividness of the details mean you feel like you are there, with friends too. I couldn't recommend this book enough.
May 29, 2022
The first in a new trilogy of The Orphanage Girls, this is the story of Ruth, a young girl left outside a church as a baby and now living an horrendous life as a child in an orphanage in Bethnal Green. The book spans her early life from the age of 12 until her late teens, at the outbreak of WWI. This is a lovely tale full of despair and hope, abuse and love, and at times heartbreaking in its intensity. Well written with a lot of East End dialogue
Briefly, life in the orphanage is tough for both boys and girls with physical and sexual abuse rife by the staff who are supposed to be caring for the children. Able to leave at thirteen Ruth cannot wait and a little shy of her birthday she runs away. She finds friends willing to help her find work but before she has barely begun she is taken back to the orphanage where her punishment is brutal. Escaping once again she finds a home with Rebekah and looks forward to a brighter future but it isn’t that simple…
Some despicable characters bringing the worst of life in Victorian London to the fore but there are also some characters I loved, Rebekah has a heart full of love regardless of any difference in colour, religious beliefs and Bett a hard woman who rules her part if London but with a gruff exterior to hide a softer caring centre. I found this a really easy and enjoyable read and will definitely be looking out for the next in the trilogy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, life in the orphanage is tough for both boys and girls with physical and sexual abuse rife by the staff who are supposed to be caring for the children. Able to leave at thirteen Ruth cannot wait and a little shy of her birthday she runs away. She finds friends willing to help her find work but before she has barely begun she is taken back to the orphanage where her punishment is brutal. Escaping once again she finds a home with Rebekah and looks forward to a brighter future but it isn’t that simple…
Some despicable characters bringing the worst of life in Victorian London to the fore but there are also some characters I loved, Rebekah has a heart full of love regardless of any difference in colour, religious beliefs and Bett a hard woman who rules her part if London but with a gruff exterior to hide a softer caring centre. I found this a really easy and enjoyable read and will definitely be looking out for the next in the trilogy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 18, 2022
3.5 stars
If one were to judge this book by its cover, one might expect a saccharine tale of an orphan finding their family.
However, this book is much, much darker. While there is hope, friendship and courage, the majority of the book is dedicated to the real horrors of Victorian London.
As with most tales of orphans, our heroine Ruth tries to do her best for the other girls, despite the hunger and abuse they all face. Although much of this is hinted at, we really feel the children’s sense of despair.
There are a lot of characters. At times it feels as though there are too many, as Ruth’s friends Amy and Ellen are all but forgotten by the end of the book. Others become more significant as time goes by.
That said, in the second half of the book the characters start to work well together - they’re so rich it’s hard not to be invested. Rebekah, Hettie and Abraham all have their own struggles but the wide variety in backgrounds provides an interesting insight into Victorian society.
There’s also a lot going on. We have child abuse, racism, rape, suicide, forbidden love, violence and more… all in what is a relatively short book.
While a few elements of the plot could have been removed, overall it works and is really enjoyable. Characters are rich and their journey to overcome the various obstacles that they face is heartwarming and also heartbreaking.
However, the word ‘mate’ is used far too often (featuring in pretty much every piece of dialogue) and is really irritating. Had I not been invested in the story, I probably would have given up on the book, as it really affected my overall enjoyment of the story.
As a whole it’s a good read and the darker themes a welcome change; one incident in particular is quite shocking and I’m still not fully recovered!
If one were to judge this book by its cover, one might expect a saccharine tale of an orphan finding their family.
However, this book is much, much darker. While there is hope, friendship and courage, the majority of the book is dedicated to the real horrors of Victorian London.
As with most tales of orphans, our heroine Ruth tries to do her best for the other girls, despite the hunger and abuse they all face. Although much of this is hinted at, we really feel the children’s sense of despair.
There are a lot of characters. At times it feels as though there are too many, as Ruth’s friends Amy and Ellen are all but forgotten by the end of the book. Others become more significant as time goes by.
That said, in the second half of the book the characters start to work well together - they’re so rich it’s hard not to be invested. Rebekah, Hettie and Abraham all have their own struggles but the wide variety in backgrounds provides an interesting insight into Victorian society.
There’s also a lot going on. We have child abuse, racism, rape, suicide, forbidden love, violence and more… all in what is a relatively short book.
While a few elements of the plot could have been removed, overall it works and is really enjoyable. Characters are rich and their journey to overcome the various obstacles that they face is heartwarming and also heartbreaking.
However, the word ‘mate’ is used far too often (featuring in pretty much every piece of dialogue) and is really irritating. Had I not been invested in the story, I probably would have given up on the book, as it really affected my overall enjoyment of the story.
As a whole it’s a good read and the darker themes a welcome change; one incident in particular is quite shocking and I’m still not fully recovered!
May 14, 2022
Calton Orphanage in Bethnal Green London, 1910, Ruth Faith who was left on the doorstep at a priest's house, now twelve years old, and she cannot wait for the day to leave when she will get a placement maybe as a scullery maid. Out in the cold damp air Ruth escapes with only Hettie's shawl she was now free, to find a job and a home this is her adventure.
A better life she has to make for Hettie and Amy and Ellen, they were her family, the orphanage girls, Ruth is strong and takes all the knocks life deals her, A heart breaking tale, with the added black African community in London, Rebekah is one of my favourite characters and takes on Ruth in starting up their own business together, what a fantastic start to a new series that all the characters grow on you. The author has delivered once again, with her magic touch, in a remarkable style of writing that shines through in every page, and giving hugs to her readers as she climbs her mountain, beautifully presented with words singing off the page.
cannot wait for book two Ellen's story.
Top star's from me. just lovely. PS you will need lots of tissue's.
A better life she has to make for Hettie and Amy and Ellen, they were her family, the orphanage girls, Ruth is strong and takes all the knocks life deals her, A heart breaking tale, with the added black African community in London, Rebekah is one of my favourite characters and takes on Ruth in starting up their own business together, what a fantastic start to a new series that all the characters grow on you. The author has delivered once again, with her magic touch, in a remarkable style of writing that shines through in every page, and giving hugs to her readers as she climbs her mountain, beautifully presented with words singing off the page.
cannot wait for book two Ellen's story.
Top star's from me. just lovely. PS you will need lots of tissue's.
June 20, 2022
Wow what a lovely saga book, I was immersed into the storyline right from the beginning and was so sorry that it finished.
This story primarily follows the story of Ruth, a young orphan girl who was in the Orphanage at Bethnal Green in London during the early years of the 1900s, a time when it was tough and a difficult time for the youngsters who found themselves in there, they were frequently sexually abused and tortured by the so called wardens and staff who were supposed to be caring for them. Ruth manages to escape and finds many friends in the East End, salt of the earth people who would do anything for them and very often did that and beyond that too. But then she is captured and has to return to the Orphanage as she is under thirteen years old and finds herself back where she started in a life full of unhappy times and downright torture. No spoilers here but you have to find out what happens to Ruth, a young girl with so many ambitions.
This is the first book in the Orphanage Girls series and I can't wait to read more about these courageous youngsters as they make their way through such difficult times.
This story primarily follows the story of Ruth, a young orphan girl who was in the Orphanage at Bethnal Green in London during the early years of the 1900s, a time when it was tough and a difficult time for the youngsters who found themselves in there, they were frequently sexually abused and tortured by the so called wardens and staff who were supposed to be caring for them. Ruth manages to escape and finds many friends in the East End, salt of the earth people who would do anything for them and very often did that and beyond that too. But then she is captured and has to return to the Orphanage as she is under thirteen years old and finds herself back where she started in a life full of unhappy times and downright torture. No spoilers here but you have to find out what happens to Ruth, a young girl with so many ambitions.
This is the first book in the Orphanage Girls series and I can't wait to read more about these courageous youngsters as they make their way through such difficult times.
May 29, 2022
This the first book I’ve read by Mary Wood and I look forward to reading more in the future. I also need to mention that this was a harrowing read in places – if you avoid books featuring child abuse and/or suicide, then this book isn’t for you.
As the synopsis suggests, Ruth is trying to escape the dreadful orphanage she is in. Little food or comfort, a vicious Matron and a couple of men who use the children as their personal toys.
Thankfully there are a large number of characters in the story who help Ruth and her friends, from providing food to providing somewhere to stay and training for a new career. It isn’t an easy life for Ruth, but she grasps her opportunities and is a determined young woman.
This book is set in the years just before World War One, and I was pleased to read at the end, that there will be two more books in the series, featuring the other two girls from the orphanage. I hope that we will meet Ruth again and find out how her life changed again, due to the war.
Happy to recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction sagas. Mary Wood has brought Ruth’s story to life, from the sounds and smells of the era to the reminder of how a community may pull together to help when a neighbour is in need.
As the synopsis suggests, Ruth is trying to escape the dreadful orphanage she is in. Little food or comfort, a vicious Matron and a couple of men who use the children as their personal toys.
Thankfully there are a large number of characters in the story who help Ruth and her friends, from providing food to providing somewhere to stay and training for a new career. It isn’t an easy life for Ruth, but she grasps her opportunities and is a determined young woman.
This book is set in the years just before World War One, and I was pleased to read at the end, that there will be two more books in the series, featuring the other two girls from the orphanage. I hope that we will meet Ruth again and find out how her life changed again, due to the war.
Happy to recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction sagas. Mary Wood has brought Ruth’s story to life, from the sounds and smells of the era to the reminder of how a community may pull together to help when a neighbour is in need.
July 3, 2022
I'm a great lover of historical fiction set in London and the first in this new series definitely did not disappoint.
I flew through this in a couple of evenings and was drawn in by the writing, the characters and the setting.
The story follows Ruth's life during and after breaking free of the orphanage, one moment it's breaking your heart and the next it's warming it. You definitely experience all the emotions whilst reading this and I didn't want it to end.
The storyline is full of action and plenty of twists that I wasn't expecting which added to the enjoyment as you really couldn't predict what was going to happen next.
A fabulous read and I can't wait for the next instalment of the series.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
I flew through this in a couple of evenings and was drawn in by the writing, the characters and the setting.
The story follows Ruth's life during and after breaking free of the orphanage, one moment it's breaking your heart and the next it's warming it. You definitely experience all the emotions whilst reading this and I didn't want it to end.
The storyline is full of action and plenty of twists that I wasn't expecting which added to the enjoyment as you really couldn't predict what was going to happen next.
A fabulous read and I can't wait for the next instalment of the series.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
September 1, 2022
I loved this book poor Ruth what she had to go through and then the first world war ended the first part of the triologyends
March 3, 2023
My review of The Orphanage Girls can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
April 8, 2023
This is the first book I have read of Mary Wood and I recommend this author I couldn't put it down Will Ruth, Amy and Ellen escape the abuse from the orphanage read it to find out
July 3, 2023
I had trouble getting into this to start with but once I got to chapter 2 I couldn’t put it down. Great 1st book in the series, onto number 2 now 🥰
January 14, 2024
Just finished this couldn't put it down only took 2 days. Brilliant book and can't wait to start the next tomorrow 😀
March 31, 2024
A really lovely read. Can't wait to read the next 2 books in this series.
July 9, 2024
A brilliant read as are all of Mary's books.Im now keen to start the next one in the trilogy which tells Ellen's story(the first part being about Ruth).
August 8, 2024
Good start to the series... 3 stars ... Have not read book 2 yet. But a very nice sgtart to this series, there are 3 books in all I think,
May 15, 2023
This book was very hard to put down. The story is so well written. Made me cry in places and that to me shows a good Author.
April 9, 2024
Good read
July 18, 2024
Is a really good book and in some parts of it is really sad had me crying
May 12, 2023
Set in and around Bethnal Green between 1910 and 1914. The Orphanage Girls is a heartwarming and at times, heartbreaking story.
Mary is an excellent storyteller and easily transported me back in time and straight into the middle of the hustle and bustle of East End life at the time.
With vivid descriptions, brilliant research and an intriguing underdog storyline and plot. I felt like a part of the cast of characters, and not just a reader standing on the sidelines looking on.
Mary brilliantly portrays the issues of racism, homophobia, social heirarchy and the clear prejudices that were rampant in the upper classes towards the lower classes. In particular, the character of the main protagonist, Ruth. Who is full of grit, determination, resilience, strength, courage and a strong moral compass.
A perfectly orchestrated historical fiction story that would appeal to a wide audience of bookworms.
Mary is an excellent storyteller and easily transported me back in time and straight into the middle of the hustle and bustle of East End life at the time.
With vivid descriptions, brilliant research and an intriguing underdog storyline and plot. I felt like a part of the cast of characters, and not just a reader standing on the sidelines looking on.
Mary brilliantly portrays the issues of racism, homophobia, social heirarchy and the clear prejudices that were rampant in the upper classes towards the lower classes. In particular, the character of the main protagonist, Ruth. Who is full of grit, determination, resilience, strength, courage and a strong moral compass.
A perfectly orchestrated historical fiction story that would appeal to a wide audience of bookworms.
August 24, 2024
very good right from the start
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