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The Runaway Children
In two rundown houses, at the side of a barren Black Country heath, live six children with no family but each other. Abandoned or orphaned, every day is a fight to find food and keep warm. But they are determined to stay free of the clutches of the workhouse and the horrors that would face them if they were ever torn apart.
Dora Parsons lives with her mother Mary and her evil grandmother Edith. Edith’s house may be comfortable and warm, and food is plentiful, but every day Dora suffers at the hands of her spiteful gran. Desperate to protect her child, Mary longs to run away but she has no money to keep them alive and nowhere else to call home.
When fate intervenes and Mary and Dora meet the children, events are set in train that will change all their lives forever. But will the friends find peace and comfort at last, or does the chill of the winter signal the most desperate ending of all…
Dora Parsons lives with her mother Mary and her evil grandmother Edith. Edith’s house may be comfortable and warm, and food is plentiful, but every day Dora suffers at the hands of her spiteful gran. Desperate to protect her child, Mary longs to run away but she has no money to keep them alive and nowhere else to call home.
When fate intervenes and Mary and Dora meet the children, events are set in train that will change all their lives forever. But will the friends find peace and comfort at last, or does the chill of the winter signal the most desperate ending of all…
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 14, 2022
The Runaway Children by Lindsey Hutchinson hit various emotions including I just could not put it down. Mary was born into a home of a selfish jealous mother Edith. Edith’s husband left her due to her nasty, horrid actions. Mary’s husband left her due to the ugly actions of her mother. Mary birthed twins. A boy who died. And Dora. Edith blamed Dora for the death of her brother. Mary and Dora were forced to move in with Edith after Mary’s husband left her. Edith was abusive and mean to Dora. Until she went too far and smacked Dora with her stick and broke her arm. Mary took Dora and moved in a falling down home to care for some street urchins. From there the story turns.
Story never really states the setting. It seems to be set late 1800s -early 1900s in England, around London.
Story never really states the setting. It seems to be set late 1800s -early 1900s in England, around London.
January 21, 2022
Dora Parsons lives with her mother and her grandmother Edith in Edith's home. But Edith is nasty to Dora. She has no time for Dora and often beats her with her stick. Mary would love to take Dora away from her mother's clutches but she has no money to do so. Dora makes a friend in an orphan boy. He lives with five other children in two rundown houses at Doe Bank by the heath. They beg, scavenge and try to do the odd job to keep them out of the workhouse.
This is another well written, gripping and engaging read by Lindsey Hutchinson. The characters are well developed, believable and likeable - except for Edith. We learn what it's like to give up your home comforts and live a life of poverty. I was drawn in from the first page. But there's also some good things happen, it's not all doom and gloom. I have loved all of the books that I've read by this author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #TheRunawayChildren in exchange for an honest review.
This is another well written, gripping and engaging read by Lindsey Hutchinson. The characters are well developed, believable and likeable - except for Edith. We learn what it's like to give up your home comforts and live a life of poverty. I was drawn in from the first page. But there's also some good things happen, it's not all doom and gloom. I have loved all of the books that I've read by this author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #TheRunawayChildren in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2022
Set in late Victorian times, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN is another delightfully easy read by author Lindsey Hutchinson of whom I never grow tired of reading. So absorbing was the tale that was woven I read it almost in one sitting had it not been for the incredibly late hour (and me paying for it the next day...lol). And as soon as I turned that final page I was left with a feeling of completeness. The story that plays out is unique, heartbreaking and yet it is hauntingly beautiful at the same time whilst reminding us that we don't have to have anything to have everything that we need.
Ten year old Dora Parsons lives with her mother Mary in circumstances from which they see no escape. Through financial necessity, the pair live with Dora's wicked grandmother Edith, who is the epitome of the old witch who lives in the forest upon whom Hansel and Gretel stumble and eats little children for dinner. Edith is a hateful and deplorable woman. She loathes the very existence of Dora and uses every opportunity to abuse the young girl. Her greatest wish is to get rid of Dora so that she can have Mary all to herself to be at her beck and call. Unfortunately, Edith holds the purse strings of which she reminds them both at every opportunity so Mary therefore feels indebted to her...as she is her mother after all.
Mary and Dora came to Edith when Dora was just a baby and they have been trapped in the mausoleum of a house ever since. Dora has never been to school as Edith refuses to pay good money for the child's education so Mary has schooled her in her letters and numbers and taught her to read. The fact that she has never been to school does not reflect in her obvious intelligence, but Edith only scoffs at the mere thought that "the child" even has a brain. Taking every opportunity she can to abuse her, Edith rules the pair with a the threat of her cane should Dora step out of line. Dora continues to try to earn favour with the old witch but it just falls on deaf ears.
Until one day, Edith goes too far...
One day whilst playing outside the walls of her grandmother's house, Dora meets a young boy called Skinny and all at once is introduced to a different world when he takes her and Mary back to the derelict houses in which he and five other children live, fending for themselves. This chance meeting changes the lives of both families and brings them all together. Almost at once Mary can see a light shining from Dora that never has before as she plays with her new friends. Living at Edith's house and never having gone to school, poor Dora never had any friends. And in these new-found friends, Mary has found a peaceful happiness also. Almost like a lifeline. For these children have nothing and yet they have everything they need in each other.
And then one day, their lives take an unexpected turn and they only have those six young children to help them...
But what none of them know is that there is someone watching them. Knows who they are and where they live...and that their needs are greater than they ever were before. So when crates of food begins to arrive at their door weekly, none of them know what to make of it. Nor do they understand the builder who came to assess the houses for repairs or the census person who took each one of their particulars. Soon things begin to take place that make no sense at all and Mary and the children wonder who is watching them...and more importantly...why?
Throughout this wonderful story I could see parallels with one of the author's previous works "The Five Shilling Children" in which a group of orphaned children band together and live in a derelict house, scavenging by day and protecting each other by night. But this story is about more than just the children. It is about Mary, Dora and even evil Edith whose favourite pastime was to disrupt and argue with as many people as she possibly could and walk away leaving carnage in her wake. Edith truly is a deplorable character who readers will love to hate. She is abusive, argumentative, spiteful and bitter to the end. Whilst on the other hand, you will fall in love with Mary, Dora and their band of orphans. I also loved Elijah and Charity as well as the addition of Mason.
THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN is a truly delightful read that is emotive and magical with wonderful ending. You won't want to miss the opportunity to read this beautiful and inspiring story. I was completely absorbed by it and enjoyed every minute I was transported there.
As with every Lindsey Hutchinson book, I truly love THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN and simply could not put it down. And I cannot wait to see what this wonderful author has in store for us next.
Highly recommended.
I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheRunawayChildren in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Ten year old Dora Parsons lives with her mother Mary in circumstances from which they see no escape. Through financial necessity, the pair live with Dora's wicked grandmother Edith, who is the epitome of the old witch who lives in the forest upon whom Hansel and Gretel stumble and eats little children for dinner. Edith is a hateful and deplorable woman. She loathes the very existence of Dora and uses every opportunity to abuse the young girl. Her greatest wish is to get rid of Dora so that she can have Mary all to herself to be at her beck and call. Unfortunately, Edith holds the purse strings of which she reminds them both at every opportunity so Mary therefore feels indebted to her...as she is her mother after all.
Mary and Dora came to Edith when Dora was just a baby and they have been trapped in the mausoleum of a house ever since. Dora has never been to school as Edith refuses to pay good money for the child's education so Mary has schooled her in her letters and numbers and taught her to read. The fact that she has never been to school does not reflect in her obvious intelligence, but Edith only scoffs at the mere thought that "the child" even has a brain. Taking every opportunity she can to abuse her, Edith rules the pair with a the threat of her cane should Dora step out of line. Dora continues to try to earn favour with the old witch but it just falls on deaf ears.
Until one day, Edith goes too far...
One day whilst playing outside the walls of her grandmother's house, Dora meets a young boy called Skinny and all at once is introduced to a different world when he takes her and Mary back to the derelict houses in which he and five other children live, fending for themselves. This chance meeting changes the lives of both families and brings them all together. Almost at once Mary can see a light shining from Dora that never has before as she plays with her new friends. Living at Edith's house and never having gone to school, poor Dora never had any friends. And in these new-found friends, Mary has found a peaceful happiness also. Almost like a lifeline. For these children have nothing and yet they have everything they need in each other.
And then one day, their lives take an unexpected turn and they only have those six young children to help them...
But what none of them know is that there is someone watching them. Knows who they are and where they live...and that their needs are greater than they ever were before. So when crates of food begins to arrive at their door weekly, none of them know what to make of it. Nor do they understand the builder who came to assess the houses for repairs or the census person who took each one of their particulars. Soon things begin to take place that make no sense at all and Mary and the children wonder who is watching them...and more importantly...why?
Throughout this wonderful story I could see parallels with one of the author's previous works "The Five Shilling Children" in which a group of orphaned children band together and live in a derelict house, scavenging by day and protecting each other by night. But this story is about more than just the children. It is about Mary, Dora and even evil Edith whose favourite pastime was to disrupt and argue with as many people as she possibly could and walk away leaving carnage in her wake. Edith truly is a deplorable character who readers will love to hate. She is abusive, argumentative, spiteful and bitter to the end. Whilst on the other hand, you will fall in love with Mary, Dora and their band of orphans. I also loved Elijah and Charity as well as the addition of Mason.
THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN is a truly delightful read that is emotive and magical with wonderful ending. You won't want to miss the opportunity to read this beautiful and inspiring story. I was completely absorbed by it and enjoyed every minute I was transported there.
As with every Lindsey Hutchinson book, I truly love THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN and simply could not put it down. And I cannot wait to see what this wonderful author has in store for us next.
Highly recommended.
I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheRunawayChildren in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story. Edith Pitt was such a terrible person but I also felt a bit sorry for her for being so unhappy. There was a bit of the book around the middle that kind of moved too slow but overall it's a great book.
I definitely want to read this author's other books.
This is such a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story. Edith Pitt was such a terrible person but I also felt a bit sorry for her for being so unhappy. There was a bit of the book around the middle that kind of moved too slow but overall it's a great book.
I definitely want to read this author's other books.
March 9, 2023
Good story. This was like The Boxcar Children for adults! Six orphans were living together in 2 run down neighboring houses. They end up befriending a young girl and her mother. The woman and her daughter lived in a big house with the girl’s grandmother. For some reason, the grandmother was a wretched woman who hated her granddaughter. After breaking the girl’s arm with her cane, the mother decides they must leave her mother’s house. They end up moving in with the orphans. The old mean grandmother gets paid back for her evilness in the end. The story takes place in England in the mid to late 1800s.
February 1, 2022
Family by Choice
What a wonderful book full of love and joy. I loved these children, their nicknames and their antics and their pure joy for life and love for each other. They had nothing but they had everything they needed. They accepted life as it came to them and made the best of it. Surviving on very little and making it enough.
This book had to be written somewhere before 1930 because it talks of workhouses and they were abolished in the U.K. in 1930. It talks of a scarlet fever outbreak which is written about in 1920 as being particularly bad that year. so I am thinking that this book was set in the 1920's. I is set in Wednesbury, England close to the Tame River.
Dora and her mother live with her grandmother and have for all of Dora's life. Her grandmother is a hateful spiteful bitter woman that hates Dora and make her life and her mother Mary's life miserable. Dora and her grandmother fight all the time.
One day Dora meets a boy called John Skinner but everyone calls him Skinny. Then she meets the other children living in two abandoned houses at the edge of town. She becomes friends with them, but her grandmother tries to put a stop to Dora having friends.
Dora and Mary stay because they have no money and nowhere else to go. When Dora's Grandmother hits Dora with her cane and breaks her arm then Mary knows she has to get Dora away from there, but how and where to go.
Will Dora's friends help them or will they continue to live with the grandmother that is mean and spiteful? With no money and no job Mary does not know what to do and winter will soon arrive. She must find a way for her and Dora to survive.
This story is truly magical and the ending is so beautiful. You won't want to miss reading this wonderful story. I enjoyed every page and I recommend it.
Thanks to Lindsey Hutchinson for writing a wonderful story, to Boldwood books for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
What a wonderful book full of love and joy. I loved these children, their nicknames and their antics and their pure joy for life and love for each other. They had nothing but they had everything they needed. They accepted life as it came to them and made the best of it. Surviving on very little and making it enough.
This book had to be written somewhere before 1930 because it talks of workhouses and they were abolished in the U.K. in 1930. It talks of a scarlet fever outbreak which is written about in 1920 as being particularly bad that year. so I am thinking that this book was set in the 1920's. I is set in Wednesbury, England close to the Tame River.
Dora and her mother live with her grandmother and have for all of Dora's life. Her grandmother is a hateful spiteful bitter woman that hates Dora and make her life and her mother Mary's life miserable. Dora and her grandmother fight all the time.
One day Dora meets a boy called John Skinner but everyone calls him Skinny. Then she meets the other children living in two abandoned houses at the edge of town. She becomes friends with them, but her grandmother tries to put a stop to Dora having friends.
Dora and Mary stay because they have no money and nowhere else to go. When Dora's Grandmother hits Dora with her cane and breaks her arm then Mary knows she has to get Dora away from there, but how and where to go.
Will Dora's friends help them or will they continue to live with the grandmother that is mean and spiteful? With no money and no job Mary does not know what to do and winter will soon arrive. She must find a way for her and Dora to survive.
This story is truly magical and the ending is so beautiful. You won't want to miss reading this wonderful story. I enjoyed every page and I recommend it.
Thanks to Lindsey Hutchinson for writing a wonderful story, to Boldwood books for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
February 13, 2022
I'm generally not a huge reader of historical sagas but the blurb of this one made me want to read it and I'm glad I did give it a chance as I really enjoyed it.
This book was beautifully powerful and thought provoking , you have the tragedy of the 6 orphaned children that have nothing except each other , every day is a fight for survival which no child should go through , they are determined to avoid being sent to the work house. My heart absolutely went out too them and thanks to the authors descriptions of the children you could vividly see them in your imagination as you are reading.
Along with the 6 children there is Dora and her mother Mary , they are living in Dora's grandmother's house... but all is not as it seems as her grandmother is evil and vile to Dora , they are desperate to escape her. When fate brings Dora and Mary into the path of the children could all their lives be turned for the better?
A compelling read that has you on an emotional rollercoaster, a definite read for fans of sagas!
This book was beautifully powerful and thought provoking , you have the tragedy of the 6 orphaned children that have nothing except each other , every day is a fight for survival which no child should go through , they are determined to avoid being sent to the work house. My heart absolutely went out too them and thanks to the authors descriptions of the children you could vividly see them in your imagination as you are reading.
Along with the 6 children there is Dora and her mother Mary , they are living in Dora's grandmother's house... but all is not as it seems as her grandmother is evil and vile to Dora , they are desperate to escape her. When fate brings Dora and Mary into the path of the children could all their lives be turned for the better?
A compelling read that has you on an emotional rollercoaster, a definite read for fans of sagas!
August 10, 2023
Couldn't put it down! Loved the range of emotions and the beautiful ending.
August 4, 2022
it is always darkest before the light
I would rate this higher if not for the evil grandmother who enjoyed being a vicious bully. Like other books by this author, the ending is as joyful as the beginning is heartbreaking,
I would rate this higher if not for the evil grandmother who enjoyed being a vicious bully. Like other books by this author, the ending is as joyful as the beginning is heartbreaking,
January 21, 2023
Maybe I should give it two stars because I did finish it, but boy was it bad!
First, I’m not sure why I finished it except it was a very easy read and I read in bed before going to sleep.
Descriptions included describing a woman’s hairstyle as “done in the latest style.” Ok that took a lot of research and effort.
Then I read it as someone’s fantasy about a poor persons fantasy life and I think that describes it. It read like it was written by a poor 8th grader who wanted a perfect life with kind rich fairy godparents who granted their every wish.
First, I’m not sure why I finished it except it was a very easy read and I read in bed before going to sleep.
Descriptions included describing a woman’s hairstyle as “done in the latest style.” Ok that took a lot of research and effort.
Then I read it as someone’s fantasy about a poor persons fantasy life and I think that describes it. It read like it was written by a poor 8th grader who wanted a perfect life with kind rich fairy godparents who granted their every wish.
February 14, 2022
I am a huge fan of Lindsey’s work and I have been since I had the good fortune to be invited on the blog tour for one of her earlier releases. I read the synopsis for ‘The Runaway Children’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Lindsey – a gritty, tense, dramatic and ultimately emotional read. Well ‘The Runaway Children’ was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Runaway Children’ but more about that in a bit.
It seems kind of unfair to single out a favourite character but I can certainly name a character, who I could not stand and that’s Edith, who is the grandmother of Dora. Dora is one of the main characters in the story. Edith treats Dora appallingly. To say that she is guilty of child neglect is a massive understatement. I felt as though I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give the ‘delightful’ Edith a piece of my mind and subject her to the same sort of thing that she had subjected Dora to. How that woman can treat people like she does is just beyond me.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘The Runaway Children’. In fact seeing Lindsey’s name on a book that I hadn’t read was enough to grab my attention, the synopsis drew me in and the rest as they say is history. I found that once I picked the book up, I just couldn’t put it down again. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the children that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Runaway Children’. I found ‘The Runaway Children’ to be an emotional and gripping read, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Runaway Children’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Lindsey Hutchinson. Lindsey has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Lindsey’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than read an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Lindsey clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way that she describes them. She describes the characters so well and so vividly that they seem just as real as you and I. I always find that a sign of a good book is when I find myself becoming far too involved with the story and trying to interact with the characters as if they could hear me. That’s what I tried to do with this one. Reading ‘The Runaway Children’ felt like being on an emotional rollercoaster with all the ups and downs and twists and turns. I love the way in which Lindsey makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Runaway Children’ and I would recommend the book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lindsey’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It seems kind of unfair to single out a favourite character but I can certainly name a character, who I could not stand and that’s Edith, who is the grandmother of Dora. Dora is one of the main characters in the story. Edith treats Dora appallingly. To say that she is guilty of child neglect is a massive understatement. I felt as though I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give the ‘delightful’ Edith a piece of my mind and subject her to the same sort of thing that she had subjected Dora to. How that woman can treat people like she does is just beyond me.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘The Runaway Children’. In fact seeing Lindsey’s name on a book that I hadn’t read was enough to grab my attention, the synopsis drew me in and the rest as they say is history. I found that once I picked the book up, I just couldn’t put it down again. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the children that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Runaway Children’. I found ‘The Runaway Children’ to be an emotional and gripping read, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Runaway Children’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Lindsey Hutchinson. Lindsey has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Lindsey’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than read an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Lindsey clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way that she describes them. She describes the characters so well and so vividly that they seem just as real as you and I. I always find that a sign of a good book is when I find myself becoming far too involved with the story and trying to interact with the characters as if they could hear me. That’s what I tried to do with this one. Reading ‘The Runaway Children’ felt like being on an emotional rollercoaster with all the ups and downs and twists and turns. I love the way in which Lindsey makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Runaway Children’ and I would recommend the book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lindsey’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 3, 2022
This was a wonderful story about family and the relationship between the different members. Sometimes your closest family are those that you meet with who you have no connection, those with who you form a close bond. This is what Mary and her daughter Dora discover.
Set in the Black Country, Mary and Dora are quite lucky, they have a home, a roof over their heads, food and clothing, much more than some who live on the streets. In contrast are a group of 6 children, orphans who have been cast aside who live in two run-down cottages. A chance meeting brings these two families together.
This author definitely knows how to create a nasty character. Edith is the epitome of a curmudgeonly old woman. She has her daughter Mary running circles caring for her and at the same time, she makes the life of Dora an absolute misery. The story is one that is heartbreaking as no matter what Dora does it is never good enough.
This is nicely balanced against the warmth that is shown by the 6 orphans, rather than being the thieving sort, they have morals set down by their leader Fingers. Each child has been found and becomes part of the family.
Showing the different people react and interact with each other is wonderfully shown in this story. Whether it be the kindness of strangers or the vicious remarks from an old woman, it takes all sorts to make a story. I was curious as to why Edith was so vindictive, some people however are just this way. She does seem to live to moan and cause trouble wanting to be the centra of attention.
The characters in this story do come with backstories, some may only have a small mention, but others have much more and this is what makes this story so interesting. There is a mystery to this story and it is one that gradually comes out and when it does it will change everything.
A wonderful heartwarming story for fans of those who love their historical fiction and saga stories. It is one I would definitely recommend.
Set in the Black Country, Mary and Dora are quite lucky, they have a home, a roof over their heads, food and clothing, much more than some who live on the streets. In contrast are a group of 6 children, orphans who have been cast aside who live in two run-down cottages. A chance meeting brings these two families together.
This author definitely knows how to create a nasty character. Edith is the epitome of a curmudgeonly old woman. She has her daughter Mary running circles caring for her and at the same time, she makes the life of Dora an absolute misery. The story is one that is heartbreaking as no matter what Dora does it is never good enough.
This is nicely balanced against the warmth that is shown by the 6 orphans, rather than being the thieving sort, they have morals set down by their leader Fingers. Each child has been found and becomes part of the family.
Showing the different people react and interact with each other is wonderfully shown in this story. Whether it be the kindness of strangers or the vicious remarks from an old woman, it takes all sorts to make a story. I was curious as to why Edith was so vindictive, some people however are just this way. She does seem to live to moan and cause trouble wanting to be the centra of attention.
The characters in this story do come with backstories, some may only have a small mention, but others have much more and this is what makes this story so interesting. There is a mystery to this story and it is one that gradually comes out and when it does it will change everything.
A wonderful heartwarming story for fans of those who love their historical fiction and saga stories. It is one I would definitely recommend.
April 25, 2022
A gritty tale of courage, survival and hope, The Runaway Children is the latest emotional saga from Lindsey Hutchinson.
Six children with no family to speak of live in two rundown houses at the edge of a barren Black Country heath. Life is anything but easy for these children who struggle to feed and clothe themselves. However, there is absolutely nothing they won’t do for one another – especially as the dark shadow of the workhouse looms over all of their lives. Staying free of the workhouse is of paramount importance to all of them – especially as the horrors that occur inside these buildings do not even bear thinking about…
Dora Parsons lives with her mother and grandmother in a warm and comfortable house where food is plentiful, however, she suffers unspeakable abuse at the hands of her grandmother who delights in making her life hell. Dora’s mother Mary would love nothing more than to flee this house once and for all, but with no money there is nowhere for her and her daughter to go. Everything seems hopeless and desperate – until Dora and Mary’s paths cross with that of the six runaway children…
As life-changing events are set in motion for Dora and Mary and the children, will a decent future be on the cards for all of them? Or will a chilly winter put paid to any hope they might have had of a new beginning?
Lindsey Hutchinson’s The Runaway Children is top-notch saga writing full of emotion, intensity, drama and characters readers will warm to and root for. Lindsey Hutchinson writes with honesty and flair and in The Runaway Children has penned a captivating saga that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Gutsy, engrossing and poignant, The Runaway Children is another triumph for the Queen of the Black Country saga: Lindsey Hutchinson.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Six children with no family to speak of live in two rundown houses at the edge of a barren Black Country heath. Life is anything but easy for these children who struggle to feed and clothe themselves. However, there is absolutely nothing they won’t do for one another – especially as the dark shadow of the workhouse looms over all of their lives. Staying free of the workhouse is of paramount importance to all of them – especially as the horrors that occur inside these buildings do not even bear thinking about…
Dora Parsons lives with her mother and grandmother in a warm and comfortable house where food is plentiful, however, she suffers unspeakable abuse at the hands of her grandmother who delights in making her life hell. Dora’s mother Mary would love nothing more than to flee this house once and for all, but with no money there is nowhere for her and her daughter to go. Everything seems hopeless and desperate – until Dora and Mary’s paths cross with that of the six runaway children…
As life-changing events are set in motion for Dora and Mary and the children, will a decent future be on the cards for all of them? Or will a chilly winter put paid to any hope they might have had of a new beginning?
Lindsey Hutchinson’s The Runaway Children is top-notch saga writing full of emotion, intensity, drama and characters readers will warm to and root for. Lindsey Hutchinson writes with honesty and flair and in The Runaway Children has penned a captivating saga that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Gutsy, engrossing and poignant, The Runaway Children is another triumph for the Queen of the Black Country saga: Lindsey Hutchinson.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2022
The Runaway Children is gorgeously written and evocative, as are all of Lindsey Hutchinson's books. This unique story is gut wrenching and hauntingly beautiful with a powerful hit. It provokes the reader to ask what comprises a family and the lengths we go to protect them. Courage and hope are other themes.
Dora Parsons is a young girl who lives with her mother Mary in deplorable circumstances. Through financial necessity, they are residing with Dora's grandmother Edith who abuses them mentally and physically. She controls the purse strings therefore Mary feels beholden to her. She is her mother, after all. Dora is introduced to a different world when she meets a young man who lives on the streets. Yet she sees in him true happiness and they become instant friends. As the story progresses the characters grow as they tackle challenge after challenge. There are unexpected twists, too. I really like that.
My favourite aspect are the fierce loyalty described as well as the importance of kindness in action. Charity and Elijah in particular are incredibly likeable.
If you seek Historical Fiction with a unique slant, this book is for you. It is refreshingly clean, yet does not gloss over domestic abuse, a difficult and very important subject.
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating and wonderful book.
Dora Parsons is a young girl who lives with her mother Mary in deplorable circumstances. Through financial necessity, they are residing with Dora's grandmother Edith who abuses them mentally and physically. She controls the purse strings therefore Mary feels beholden to her. She is her mother, after all. Dora is introduced to a different world when she meets a young man who lives on the streets. Yet she sees in him true happiness and they become instant friends. As the story progresses the characters grow as they tackle challenge after challenge. There are unexpected twists, too. I really like that.
My favourite aspect are the fierce loyalty described as well as the importance of kindness in action. Charity and Elijah in particular are incredibly likeable.
If you seek Historical Fiction with a unique slant, this book is for you. It is refreshingly clean, yet does not gloss over domestic abuse, a difficult and very important subject.
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating and wonderful book.
January 19, 2022
The Runaway Children by Lindsey Hutchinson is a late Victorian novel set in the heart of the Black Country (where all my ancestors come from).
Here, we meet people who are the salt of the earth. People do not have much but what they do have, they share with those who have nothing. Kind hearts and open hands abound as we see that the richest people are those who know how to love.
In contrast, a character with wealth is cruel and tight-fisted, intent on causing trouble and strife wherever she goes.
Family is important. Family are those who love us. We see a new family unit created by those who have nothing uniting together.
Our roots are important. We see a young girl exploring to find out where she comes from. A stash of photos creates more questions than answers.
A promise made years ago sees a family having a guardian angel watching over them. What could have been catastrophic has the potential to be something quite different.
The characters were all well drawn and likable. The villain of the piece was realistically drawn, eliciting feelings of dislike from me.
I really enjoyed The Runaway Children, not least because I was reading on home turf.
I received a free copy from Boldwood and Rachel’s Random Resources via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Here, we meet people who are the salt of the earth. People do not have much but what they do have, they share with those who have nothing. Kind hearts and open hands abound as we see that the richest people are those who know how to love.
In contrast, a character with wealth is cruel and tight-fisted, intent on causing trouble and strife wherever she goes.
Family is important. Family are those who love us. We see a new family unit created by those who have nothing uniting together.
Our roots are important. We see a young girl exploring to find out where she comes from. A stash of photos creates more questions than answers.
A promise made years ago sees a family having a guardian angel watching over them. What could have been catastrophic has the potential to be something quite different.
The characters were all well drawn and likable. The villain of the piece was realistically drawn, eliciting feelings of dislike from me.
I really enjoyed The Runaway Children, not least because I was reading on home turf.
I received a free copy from Boldwood and Rachel’s Random Resources via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 10, 2022
For me, this book was totally engaging from start to finish. There's humor, there's that which will get your dander up, good deeds and a whole lot of fun. I'd say it is a truly wholesome and delightful read for any school aged child, and ahem, the adults in their lives. There are twists and turns and surprizes that will keep any reader racing ahead to the next pages.
The reader will come to discover why poor Dora catches so much of the brunt of her Grandmother Edith's vindictiveness. Why the children ran away and how do Dora and her mom Mary fit into all of this? Who are the secret benefactors and more?
I have thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming tale and hope to some day read more from this author, Lindsey Hutchinson in the future. I give this book my 5-Star seal of apporval.
~Eunice C. Reviewer/Blogger~
January 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
The reader will come to discover why poor Dora catches so much of the brunt of her Grandmother Edith's vindictiveness. Why the children ran away and how do Dora and her mom Mary fit into all of this? Who are the secret benefactors and more?
I have thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming tale and hope to some day read more from this author, Lindsey Hutchinson in the future. I give this book my 5-Star seal of apporval.
~Eunice C. Reviewer/Blogger~
January 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
February 20, 2022
Read my blog post: https://www.theverybookish.com/2022/0...
I would firstly like to thank Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for organising this blog tour and allowing me to participate. The Runaway Children comes in a long stint of historical fiction books I've started this year with, and once again it did not disappoint. This is the first Lindsey Hutchinson book I've read, but I knew I was in for a treat when I looked on Goodreads and saw so many 5 star reviews! Due to the way I review books, it's very rare that I give out a 5 star, so my four star does not mean the book was bad or had issues in any way!! The novel is set in the late-Victorian era Black Country (an area of the West Midlands in England, for all of my overseas followers!) and I love anything Victorian which I think made this book appeal to me that little bit more.
The book is a decent size but I flew through it and couldn't put it down. It's gritty, emotional and gripping and the style of writing perfectly complements this. The characters are fantastically written. Edith - Dora's grandmother is a complete witch, an awful woman and although she's a terrible woman, everything about her was fantastically written which helped to portray the way she is even better.
I would firstly like to thank Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for organising this blog tour and allowing me to participate. The Runaway Children comes in a long stint of historical fiction books I've started this year with, and once again it did not disappoint. This is the first Lindsey Hutchinson book I've read, but I knew I was in for a treat when I looked on Goodreads and saw so many 5 star reviews! Due to the way I review books, it's very rare that I give out a 5 star, so my four star does not mean the book was bad or had issues in any way!! The novel is set in the late-Victorian era Black Country (an area of the West Midlands in England, for all of my overseas followers!) and I love anything Victorian which I think made this book appeal to me that little bit more.
The book is a decent size but I flew through it and couldn't put it down. It's gritty, emotional and gripping and the style of writing perfectly complements this. The characters are fantastically written. Edith - Dora's grandmother is a complete witch, an awful woman and although she's a terrible woman, everything about her was fantastically written which helped to portray the way she is even better.
February 9, 2022
The Runaway Children by Lindsey Hutchinson goes from heartbreaking to heartwarming. Children are not the only ones who need to run away from a bad situation. Dora and her mother Mary have lived with her grandmother for several years. The grandmother is a mean spirited dreadful person who takes a great amount of pleasure in using her daughter and abusing her granddaughter. But the story only begins there it does not end there. It did remind me of this author’s The Five Shilling Children in the children were in dire straits but makes the most of life. They stole my heart early on in the story with their ingenuity as well as their loyalty to one another.
Times are difficult for the group of runaways but good things happen. Someone is watching after all. What a hopeful and inspiring story. It makes you believe in friendship, found family and the good in the world. Hard story to put down until the charmed conclusion.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Times are difficult for the group of runaways but good things happen. Someone is watching after all. What a hopeful and inspiring story. It makes you believe in friendship, found family and the good in the world. Hard story to put down until the charmed conclusion.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 31, 2022
Oh my, what a heartbreaking book. Poor little Dora Parsons lives in her vile grandmother's house with her mum.
Her grandmother is spiteful to her verbally and on occasion physically. She plays on her daughter Mary's emotions by pretending to be a sick vulnerable old lady but Mary knows different and is aware she is a strong sly old woman but isn't aware of the extent of her attacks on her daughter Dora. Dora longs for friends of her own age and when a boy turns up leaning on their front gat she thinks she's died and gone to heaven.
I don't want to reveal the whole story and spoil it but I will say this book is most enjoyable, it has its heartbreaks, triumphs, and sadness. It will keep you gripped with every page you turn with some wonderful characters and is beautifully written.
A truly lovely book.
Her grandmother is spiteful to her verbally and on occasion physically. She plays on her daughter Mary's emotions by pretending to be a sick vulnerable old lady but Mary knows different and is aware she is a strong sly old woman but isn't aware of the extent of her attacks on her daughter Dora. Dora longs for friends of her own age and when a boy turns up leaning on their front gat she thinks she's died and gone to heaven.
I don't want to reveal the whole story and spoil it but I will say this book is most enjoyable, it has its heartbreaks, triumphs, and sadness. It will keep you gripped with every page you turn with some wonderful characters and is beautifully written.
A truly lovely book.
January 17, 2022
This is a very British story of a no good, very bad, horrible woman, Edith, who sets out to make everyone around her miserable. This includes her daughter Mary and granddaughter Dora who live with her and take care of her. When Dora starts to make friends with a group of orphans who are surviving by scrounging for food and work, Edith gets even angrier finally driving Mary and Dora from her house..
The Runaway Children, by Lindsey Hutchinson, is the story of justice for Edith and love and compassion for Mary, Dora, and the children that comes from a surprising source. I did have to pull out the dictionary a few times to look up words that are not in my vocabulary. It is not written in lyrical prose, but it is a sweet story. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.
The Runaway Children, by Lindsey Hutchinson, is the story of justice for Edith and love and compassion for Mary, Dora, and the children that comes from a surprising source. I did have to pull out the dictionary a few times to look up words that are not in my vocabulary. It is not written in lyrical prose, but it is a sweet story. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.
January 3, 2022
A beautiful story.
Dora Parson along with her mother Mary live with her cruel awful gran Edith Pitt in the big house in Springhead. she wont even employ any staff and works poor Dora hard and threatens to throw her out she is a spiteful old woman and Dora had to be careful not to let her and her motherbecome homeless. Dora meets John Skinner [Skinny] and makes friends with him and the gang that live in Doe Bank in two run down houses, all these children are runaways living day by day with nothing.
This is such an inspiring story, that I read in one sitting , as we are taking through a journey with them all, so touching in places I loved it .
Dora Parson along with her mother Mary live with her cruel awful gran Edith Pitt in the big house in Springhead. she wont even employ any staff and works poor Dora hard and threatens to throw her out she is a spiteful old woman and Dora had to be careful not to let her and her motherbecome homeless. Dora meets John Skinner [Skinny] and makes friends with him and the gang that live in Doe Bank in two run down houses, all these children are runaways living day by day with nothing.
This is such an inspiring story, that I read in one sitting , as we are taking through a journey with them all, so touching in places I loved it .
September 8, 2022
A story to make you realize the twists of life
The Runaway Children is an amazing insight into the lives of children who are homeless, how they survive and relate to others. It also is a story of a young woman and her daughter forced to endure the overbearing taunts and ridicule of a mother who only cares about herself and hates her granddaughter and who wields the rod of power to get what she wants from her daughter and granddaughter who are forced by circumstances to live with her. It is also a story of redemption, of caring, of love, and of giving to those less fortunate. It is a great story to read and I do recommend it.
The Runaway Children is an amazing insight into the lives of children who are homeless, how they survive and relate to others. It also is a story of a young woman and her daughter forced to endure the overbearing taunts and ridicule of a mother who only cares about herself and hates her granddaughter and who wields the rod of power to get what she wants from her daughter and granddaughter who are forced by circumstances to live with her. It is also a story of redemption, of caring, of love, and of giving to those less fortunate. It is a great story to read and I do recommend it.
March 4, 2022
What a wonderful book which had heartbreak and also it was very enjoyable I certainly could not put this book down.
Dora lives with her Grandmother Edith and her Mother Mary. Edith is not a very nice person and she is very abusive to Dora. Mary wants best for her daughter but she sees she is very unhappy. Dora meets an boy called Skinny and this sees changes happening to Dora & Mary hopefully for the best.
It was well written and the characters in the book were very strong and Mary and the children have such a good connection.
I would recommend this book.
Dora lives with her Grandmother Edith and her Mother Mary. Edith is not a very nice person and she is very abusive to Dora. Mary wants best for her daughter but she sees she is very unhappy. Dora meets an boy called Skinny and this sees changes happening to Dora & Mary hopefully for the best.
It was well written and the characters in the book were very strong and Mary and the children have such a good connection.
I would recommend this book.
December 27, 2021
This was a lovely story, and I couldn't put it down. The only thing I would say is that some of the descriptions of times with Edith at the start of the book were a little bit repetitive, but once the story really got going, it was very exciting. It was a great story, and kept me guessing all through the middle of the book, as it was not clear which way things were going to go.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 16, 2022
The Runaway Children Review
I loved this book! Full of loveable and not so loveable characters. The book was well written and l couldn’t wait to read it each day after finishing work. Each character was believable and it was easy to become enthralled with the characters’ lives. I was so relieved Mary and Dora got the happy ending they deserved. Mary’s mother was an excellent villain and got what she deserved in the end.
I loved this book! Full of loveable and not so loveable characters. The book was well written and l couldn’t wait to read it each day after finishing work. Each character was believable and it was easy to become enthralled with the characters’ lives. I was so relieved Mary and Dora got the happy ending they deserved. Mary’s mother was an excellent villain and got what she deserved in the end.
February 23, 2022
Lindsey Hutchinson never ceases to amaze me with her historical novels! The Runaway Children tells us about Dora and get mother who live with Dora's grandmother, Edith. Edith is a harsh old woman who bullies Dora and orders her mother around putting on sob stories to make Mary feel as though she had to look after her.. Little does she know! Edith goes one step too far, and the younger women both leave. A heartbreaking novel with a love story thrown in for good measure.
April 29, 2022
Dora and her mother Mary live with Dora's grandmother Edith. Edith is a nasty, spiteful old woman who hates Dora and never misses a chance to hurt her in some way. Dora makes friends with some children who live in abandoned houses, and finally has some laughter in her life. When things become really bad, Mary and Dora leave Edith's house and move in with the children. I loved this book and all the characters (except Edith,obviously-I hated her!). Highly recommended.
May 11, 2022
The Runaway Children
What a wonderful book from start to finish, i read in two days unfortunely life gets in the way of my reading😊😊 . I thought i had read some of Lindsey's book before, but as i was reading the byo at the end of the book i saw that Meg Hutchinson was your mum Lindsey ! I new then it was your mums books i had read . I will be reading more of your books now. thank you for your gift you have given me as a reader .
What a wonderful book from start to finish, i read in two days unfortunely life gets in the way of my reading😊😊 . I thought i had read some of Lindsey's book before, but as i was reading the byo at the end of the book i saw that Meg Hutchinson was your mum Lindsey ! I new then it was your mums books i had read . I will be reading more of your books now. thank you for your gift you have given me as a reader .
September 20, 2022
I must admit that I originally gave this book 3 stars but have updated it to 4 stars as I could not stop thinking about the book this morning and was missing the characters. The book is a bit simplistic but is a good read with a rags to riches type feel to it. I like a book with a happy ending!
Mary and her daughter struggle to live with an abusive mother/grandmother. They find strength and love in a small group of orphaned children and arise above their abuse.
Mary and her daughter struggle to live with an abusive mother/grandmother. They find strength and love in a small group of orphaned children and arise above their abuse.
January 3, 2023
Extremely sweet story
No sex, foul language or killings. Just a marvelous story of homeless children at the turn of the century. This is about a group of urchins who made the best of their plight. They are a delightful group and they befriend a lonely little girl who lives with her sweet mom and horrid grandmother. They have a rough go at first but all turns out for the good. Such a good story.
No sex, foul language or killings. Just a marvelous story of homeless children at the turn of the century. This is about a group of urchins who made the best of their plight. They are a delightful group and they befriend a lonely little girl who lives with her sweet mom and horrid grandmother. They have a rough go at first but all turns out for the good. Such a good story.
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