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The Orphans
Orphan Fleur Appleby is adopted by a loving undertaker and his wife and she quickly develops a special gift for helping bereaved families. Her ambition to be the first female mortician in the country is fuelled by her plan to bring more women into the male dominated funeral industry.
Raised in the outback of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, Tom Catchlove is faced with a life-changing tragedy as a young boy. He works hard but dreams big, striving for a future as a wool classer.
A chance encounter between the two children will change the course of their lives.
By adulthood Fleur finds herself fighting for the survival of the family’s business, while her widowed father drinks away generations of prosperity and a new, conniving stepmother wants Fleur gone. When Tom emerges from the isolation of the desert to find new work at the port woolstores, his path crosses with Fleur’s again – only to be caught up in a murder investigation, in which they can only trust each other.
At once tragic and triumphant, The Orphans is an unforgettable story about a unique bond between two children that will echo down the years, and teach them both about the real meaning of life, of loss, and of love.
Raised in the outback of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, Tom Catchlove is faced with a life-changing tragedy as a young boy. He works hard but dreams big, striving for a future as a wool classer.
A chance encounter between the two children will change the course of their lives.
By adulthood Fleur finds herself fighting for the survival of the family’s business, while her widowed father drinks away generations of prosperity and a new, conniving stepmother wants Fleur gone. When Tom emerges from the isolation of the desert to find new work at the port woolstores, his path crosses with Fleur’s again – only to be caught up in a murder investigation, in which they can only trust each other.
At once tragic and triumphant, The Orphans is an unforgettable story about a unique bond between two children that will echo down the years, and teach them both about the real meaning of life, of loss, and of love.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2022
468 people are currently reading
1258 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McIntosh
72 books2,028 followersFiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
November 3, 2022
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
I absolutely loved this gorgeous book and couldn’t put it down, The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh is an exceptional historical fiction tale!
I think this is my favourite book by McIntosh so far! I found it super interesting, it was much more than a love story and magnificently told by a born storyteller. This is the author’s first ever novel set in Australia and it’s an eye opening journey to historical and scenic Australia from the early 1900’s!
Fleur Appleby is a mortician⚱️in Port Adelaide and Tom Catchlove is a wool classer 🐑 in the outback of the Flinders Rangers, they meet as young children only once and reconnect as adults two decades later.
I really enjoyed Fleur and Tom’s back stories growing up! I loved Fleur she is quite the character and the first ever female mortician. As always the author’s meticulous research shows throughout the pages.
There is murder, sadness, loss and an absolutely deplorable female villain! What an unforgettable and captivating story, I adored it, I think this will have something for everyone and I would totally recommend it!
Publication Date 5th October 2022
Publisher Penguin Books Australia (Imprint Michael Joseph)
Thank you so much to Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of the book.
I absolutely loved this gorgeous book and couldn’t put it down, The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh is an exceptional historical fiction tale!
I think this is my favourite book by McIntosh so far! I found it super interesting, it was much more than a love story and magnificently told by a born storyteller. This is the author’s first ever novel set in Australia and it’s an eye opening journey to historical and scenic Australia from the early 1900’s!
Fleur Appleby is a mortician⚱️in Port Adelaide and Tom Catchlove is a wool classer 🐑 in the outback of the Flinders Rangers, they meet as young children only once and reconnect as adults two decades later.
I really enjoyed Fleur and Tom’s back stories growing up! I loved Fleur she is quite the character and the first ever female mortician. As always the author’s meticulous research shows throughout the pages.
There is murder, sadness, loss and an absolutely deplorable female villain! What an unforgettable and captivating story, I adored it, I think this will have something for everyone and I would totally recommend it!
Publication Date 5th October 2022
Publisher Penguin Books Australia (Imprint Michael Joseph)
Thank you so much to Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of the book.
August 25, 2023
Tom Catchlove was ten years old when his mother died giving birth to his sister Amy, and when he had to accompany them on the train to Adelaide from his home in the Flinders Ranges, Tom felt lost and alone. His mother's sister and her family didn't make him welcome, but it was eight year old Fleur Appleby, the funeral director's daughter, who calmed him, sticking up for him against the cruel coldness of his mother's family. Neither Tom nor Fleur forgot that day.
Two decades later and Tom was a wool classer, still working on the land he'd known all his life. His father had since died, so he was an orphan and when tragedy struck, Tom headed for Adelaide, hoping to change things in his life. Meanwhile Fleur was having battles of her own. An orphan at birth, she'd been adopted by Henry and Mae Appleby, and her life was one of happiness and love. Her dedication to the funeral business as she grew to know it beside her father, saw her envision much for the future. The 1930s was advancing, but Fleur wanted more. But her stepmother, Irma, wanted nothing to do with Fleur, threatening to remove her from her home. When Tom's and Fleur's paths crossed again, one night at a dance, their lives took a different turn. But trouble was to come knocking, with devastation to follow...
The Orphans is another exceptional read from Aussie author Fiona McIntosh and her first set solely in Australia. Being unable to travel due to covid, her normal research turned to her own country. And what a book she's written! Two parts of the country - the outback around Flinders Ranges in South Australia, and Adelaide, a relatively new, bustling city. Plus two different industries - the funeral business and wool, shearing, and all it entailed. An excellent combination with the two main characters well matched. I've loved each and every book I've read by this author, and this one is up there with her best. I was also lucky enough to purchase a signed, hardcover copy :) Highly recommended.
Two decades later and Tom was a wool classer, still working on the land he'd known all his life. His father had since died, so he was an orphan and when tragedy struck, Tom headed for Adelaide, hoping to change things in his life. Meanwhile Fleur was having battles of her own. An orphan at birth, she'd been adopted by Henry and Mae Appleby, and her life was one of happiness and love. Her dedication to the funeral business as she grew to know it beside her father, saw her envision much for the future. The 1930s was advancing, but Fleur wanted more. But her stepmother, Irma, wanted nothing to do with Fleur, threatening to remove her from her home. When Tom's and Fleur's paths crossed again, one night at a dance, their lives took a different turn. But trouble was to come knocking, with devastation to follow...
The Orphans is another exceptional read from Aussie author Fiona McIntosh and her first set solely in Australia. Being unable to travel due to covid, her normal research turned to her own country. And what a book she's written! Two parts of the country - the outback around Flinders Ranges in South Australia, and Adelaide, a relatively new, bustling city. Plus two different industries - the funeral business and wool, shearing, and all it entailed. An excellent combination with the two main characters well matched. I've loved each and every book I've read by this author, and this one is up there with her best. I was also lucky enough to purchase a signed, hardcover copy :) Highly recommended.
November 25, 2022
This is a beautifully told story that will stay with me for a long time to come, written in true Fiona McIntosh style it tells us the story of Fleur Appleby and Tom Catchlove from when they first meet in very sad circumstances at the age of eight and ten, a meeting that neither will forget.
Fleur was adopted by Henry and Mae Appleby has known nothing but love and happiness, Henry owns and operates one of the best undertaking companies in Adelaide and Fleur starts learning the trade at a very young age and is determined to be the first female mortician.
Tom is raised on a sheep station in the outback of the Flinders Rangers in South Australia, with a father who is a drover and mother who loves him and teachers him all about life but when tragedy takes his mother away from him Tom learns about his mother’s family and is determined to become to best wool classer there is.
It is now 1935 and Fleur has lost her mother and her father has remarried, her step mother, Irma is a difficult woman to live with and her father is drinking a lot, Fleur is keeping the business going well but Irma is a thorn in her side for many reasons.
Tom has arrived in Adelaide after deciding to make some changes in his life he gets a good job on the wharf in the woolstores but a chance meeting at a dance brings him back in contact with Fleur the girl he never forget.
A lot of obstacles are thrown in their path to finding their forever happiness, including a murder investigation, they are pushed to the limits with everything that is going on. I loved this story so much Fleur is so beautiful and empathetic and Tom is quiet caring and loving. I learned a lot about being an undertaker and felt the emotions that run throughout the book.
This is one that I would highly recommend, yes it is tragic at times and emotions run high but it shows what love can bring to life not matter what goes on, I loved Fleur's strength and courage and the sheer determination to do what she set out to do and now with Tom's help.
My thanks to Penguin Australia for my copy to read and review.
Fleur was adopted by Henry and Mae Appleby has known nothing but love and happiness, Henry owns and operates one of the best undertaking companies in Adelaide and Fleur starts learning the trade at a very young age and is determined to be the first female mortician.
Tom is raised on a sheep station in the outback of the Flinders Rangers in South Australia, with a father who is a drover and mother who loves him and teachers him all about life but when tragedy takes his mother away from him Tom learns about his mother’s family and is determined to become to best wool classer there is.
It is now 1935 and Fleur has lost her mother and her father has remarried, her step mother, Irma is a difficult woman to live with and her father is drinking a lot, Fleur is keeping the business going well but Irma is a thorn in her side for many reasons.
Tom has arrived in Adelaide after deciding to make some changes in his life he gets a good job on the wharf in the woolstores but a chance meeting at a dance brings him back in contact with Fleur the girl he never forget.
A lot of obstacles are thrown in their path to finding their forever happiness, including a murder investigation, they are pushed to the limits with everything that is going on. I loved this story so much Fleur is so beautiful and empathetic and Tom is quiet caring and loving. I learned a lot about being an undertaker and felt the emotions that run throughout the book.
This is one that I would highly recommend, yes it is tragic at times and emotions run high but it shows what love can bring to life not matter what goes on, I loved Fleur's strength and courage and the sheer determination to do what she set out to do and now with Tom's help.
My thanks to Penguin Australia for my copy to read and review.
August 15, 2023
Although I haven't read all of her historical fiction, I was surprised to learn that Fiona McIntosh's COVID project is the first of her titles set wholly in Australia. I mean it makes sense. I think she's done a great job of it, too.
At the darkest, saddest time of his life, 10yo Tom Catchlove meets 8yo Fleur Appleby for the first time. It's a meeting that both children will remember vividly, into their adulthood. So when they find each other again many years later in Adelaide, both are delighted. But theirs is a relationship that cannot follow a smooth path, as Fleur's stepmother has other plans for her future.
Of course there's a lot more to this story, set in 1930s South Australia. From beyond the Flinders Ranges to the bustling and rapidly growing city, McIntosh brings the era to life. She provides insight to the undertaking industry with sensitivity, and even brings backs some favourite characters from another novel for a memorable cameo.
Overall I really liked it, although I wasn't always a fan of the audiobook narration. I may have enjoyed a text edition even more.
At the darkest, saddest time of his life, 10yo Tom Catchlove meets 8yo Fleur Appleby for the first time. It's a meeting that both children will remember vividly, into their adulthood. So when they find each other again many years later in Adelaide, both are delighted. But theirs is a relationship that cannot follow a smooth path, as Fleur's stepmother has other plans for her future.
Of course there's a lot more to this story, set in 1930s South Australia. From beyond the Flinders Ranges to the bustling and rapidly growing city, McIntosh brings the era to life. She provides insight to the undertaking industry with sensitivity, and even brings backs some favourite characters from another novel for a memorable cameo.
Overall I really liked it, although I wasn't always a fan of the audiobook narration. I may have enjoyed a text edition even more.
November 5, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Australia’s angel of historical fiction makes a grand return with her new novel set on home soil. The Orphans is a prestigious saga that follows the lives of two indelible characters. A tale that encompasses the circle of life, this grandiose historical centrepiece is an undeniable chart topper.
The Orphans tracks the life and times of Fleur Appleby, an orphan who is given a chance to be a part of a family thanks to a kindly undertaker. Growing up in a household that deals with the business of death grants Fleur with an uncanny ability to assist families experiencing the loss of a loved one. But 1930s Australia isn’t ready to welcome its first female mortician, so Fleur must fight to be recognised in this male populated industry. Tom Catchlove is another orphan who knows a thing or two about fighting for a long-held dream. With his hopes of being a wool classer in his sights, life is tough for this hardworking lad, who lost his mum in a tragic set of circumstances. When a grieving Tom encounters a gentle young girl named Fleur, he never forgets this life changing experience. But as these two souls forge ahead in their lives, Fleur and Tom are reunited as adults. However, tragedy finds a way to weave itself between these two fighting spirits and the strong bond this couple forged as children is called upon in their quest for love.
I was very excited about The Orphans. After hearing that Fiona McIntosh’s latest release is her first book set solely here in Australia rather than her trademark European base, I was eager to delve into The Orphans. My overall impression of The Orphans is one of elation, Fiona McIntosh’s latest proved to be an astonishing read.
True to form, Fiona McIntosh has outdone herself in the research section of her novel. The Orphans sings with rich detail in relation to setting, time period, social practices, expectations, gender roles, employment trends, class issues, morals, fashion, transport, health, parenting, childhood and marriage ideals. With such a range of information at the fingertips of the reader in this engrossing historical saga, I felt like I had stepped foot on 1930s Australian soil thanks McIntosh’s generous prose. I am always in awe of McIntosh’s devotion to her craft and research efforts. The Orphans is a shining example of this much-loved author’s ability to impart interesting and factual historical knowledge to her readers. A special mention must be made of the work of a mortician thanks to the main character and her father’s line of work. What a unique storyline thread!
The two concurrent lifelines involving Fleur and Tom’s tracks through childhood to adulthood is told beautiful by Fiona McIntosh. I loved reading about both Fleur and Tom’s nostalgic past, these were clearly trying times, but it seemed to make both them stronger. With a focus on loss, abandonment and isolation, McIntosh helps us understand the life of an orphan in times gone by. This section of the tale was a very moving and emotional. When McIntosh moves the events of her story through to the main character’s lives as adults, we are granted with a narrative filled with hopes, dreams, adventures, setbacks, achievements and reconnection. I really enjoyed the overall storyline of The Orphans, it was a joy to observe the growth of both leads. The villain of the story was utterly despicable and I couldn’t believe this figure could stoop so low, but she did! McIntosh never fails in the good versus bad guys department of her novel and this one is no exception!
With a starry-eyed romance paving the fortunes of the wonderful characters that inhabit the pages of The Orphans, I was utterly enamoured by this latest Fiona McIntosh masterstroke. I award The Orphans five stars!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Australia’s angel of historical fiction makes a grand return with her new novel set on home soil. The Orphans is a prestigious saga that follows the lives of two indelible characters. A tale that encompasses the circle of life, this grandiose historical centrepiece is an undeniable chart topper.
The Orphans tracks the life and times of Fleur Appleby, an orphan who is given a chance to be a part of a family thanks to a kindly undertaker. Growing up in a household that deals with the business of death grants Fleur with an uncanny ability to assist families experiencing the loss of a loved one. But 1930s Australia isn’t ready to welcome its first female mortician, so Fleur must fight to be recognised in this male populated industry. Tom Catchlove is another orphan who knows a thing or two about fighting for a long-held dream. With his hopes of being a wool classer in his sights, life is tough for this hardworking lad, who lost his mum in a tragic set of circumstances. When a grieving Tom encounters a gentle young girl named Fleur, he never forgets this life changing experience. But as these two souls forge ahead in their lives, Fleur and Tom are reunited as adults. However, tragedy finds a way to weave itself between these two fighting spirits and the strong bond this couple forged as children is called upon in their quest for love.
I was very excited about The Orphans. After hearing that Fiona McIntosh’s latest release is her first book set solely here in Australia rather than her trademark European base, I was eager to delve into The Orphans. My overall impression of The Orphans is one of elation, Fiona McIntosh’s latest proved to be an astonishing read.
True to form, Fiona McIntosh has outdone herself in the research section of her novel. The Orphans sings with rich detail in relation to setting, time period, social practices, expectations, gender roles, employment trends, class issues, morals, fashion, transport, health, parenting, childhood and marriage ideals. With such a range of information at the fingertips of the reader in this engrossing historical saga, I felt like I had stepped foot on 1930s Australian soil thanks McIntosh’s generous prose. I am always in awe of McIntosh’s devotion to her craft and research efforts. The Orphans is a shining example of this much-loved author’s ability to impart interesting and factual historical knowledge to her readers. A special mention must be made of the work of a mortician thanks to the main character and her father’s line of work. What a unique storyline thread!
The two concurrent lifelines involving Fleur and Tom’s tracks through childhood to adulthood is told beautiful by Fiona McIntosh. I loved reading about both Fleur and Tom’s nostalgic past, these were clearly trying times, but it seemed to make both them stronger. With a focus on loss, abandonment and isolation, McIntosh helps us understand the life of an orphan in times gone by. This section of the tale was a very moving and emotional. When McIntosh moves the events of her story through to the main character’s lives as adults, we are granted with a narrative filled with hopes, dreams, adventures, setbacks, achievements and reconnection. I really enjoyed the overall storyline of The Orphans, it was a joy to observe the growth of both leads. The villain of the story was utterly despicable and I couldn’t believe this figure could stoop so low, but she did! McIntosh never fails in the good versus bad guys department of her novel and this one is no exception!
With a starry-eyed romance paving the fortunes of the wonderful characters that inhabit the pages of The Orphans, I was utterly enamoured by this latest Fiona McIntosh masterstroke. I award The Orphans five stars!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
March 14, 2025
4.75 ⭐
Blurb: “In the harsh desert country of South Australia in 1914, ten-year-old Tom Catchlove's world is torn apart by a family tragedy. At the funeral home, he meets eight-year-old Fleur Appleby, whose kindness during his darkest hour leaves an indelible mark. Twenty years later, their paths unexpectedly cross again at a dance hall in Port Adelaide.
Fleur, now a talented mortician working alongside her widowed father, dreams of opening doors for women in the male-dominated funeral industry. But she must battle with her manipulative stepmother who schemes to marry Fleur off to a coffin-maker's son and seize control of the family business. When Tom emerges from the isolation of the desert to find work at the port woolstores, Tom and Fleur's paths cross again – only to become entangled in a murder investigation where they can trust no one but each other.”
My Thoughts
The Plot: Wow. I was not expecting what was going to happen. Granted, the pieces started coming together before the MMC–Fleur–figured out what was happening to her father, but good lord, how can someone be so cruel and not remorseful about it? I was so shocked and wanted justice to be served, for the Appleby’s sake. The story flowed so well, but I did feel that the beginning of the book dragged on a bit, but the backstory of Tom and Fleur’s story was very necessary, and I enjoyed reading it, nonetheless. The romance was sweet and brought a smile to my face because–gosh–it was like they were meant for each other and I was so excited for them to cross each other’s path. 😊 I was intrigued the entire time and wanted a happy ending. (But I’m not going to spoil anything by saying whether or not it was good or not.)
The Characters: McIntosh did a superb job with all her characters! 👏 I rooted for Tom and Fleur from the beginning to the very end of this incredible book. Tom was such a sweetheart from day one and it’s no wonder Fleur fell in love with him when they were children. I felt so bad for him with how his life turned out, but it was so sweet to see how much he loved everything and anything about Fleur. Kind, humble, gentle, and handsome, he is truly a memorable MMC, for sure! He’s the whole package! 😆 Fleur was a strong FMC that I loved! 🫶 I hate strong FMCs that are rude, arrogant, and unemotional wrecks that are prevalent nowadays in books and movies. But not Fleur. Determined, confident, and intelligent, she was also caring, gentle, and embraced her feminine emotions and used them to her advantage as a business woman–not seeing them as burdens or a sign of weakness. The side characters were great as well, and the “villains” of the story boiled my blood, so they were perfectly done. 😅😂
The Setting: I need to book a trip to Australia asap. 😂 I knew it was beautiful, but Mcintosh expertly paints a picture of the wonders of the outback. I could feel the heat of the sun on my skin and see the big, blue sky overhead, winking down on me. I’ll be scared of the creepy crawlers, but as Tom said, they are more afraid of us as we are of them…I hope. 😅
Overall Thoughts: I enjoyed this book so much! As I said, it was a bit slow, which is why I didn’t give it five stars. But I have no complaints whatsoever. 😁 I will definitely be reading Fiona McIntosh’s books in the future! ❣️❣️
Content Warnings: death, murder, grief, mentions of r*pe, brief & nonexplicit s*x scene, some violence & language
Thank you to Storm Publishing for gifting me this digital arc via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.
#TheOrphans #NetGalley
Blurb: “In the harsh desert country of South Australia in 1914, ten-year-old Tom Catchlove's world is torn apart by a family tragedy. At the funeral home, he meets eight-year-old Fleur Appleby, whose kindness during his darkest hour leaves an indelible mark. Twenty years later, their paths unexpectedly cross again at a dance hall in Port Adelaide.
Fleur, now a talented mortician working alongside her widowed father, dreams of opening doors for women in the male-dominated funeral industry. But she must battle with her manipulative stepmother who schemes to marry Fleur off to a coffin-maker's son and seize control of the family business. When Tom emerges from the isolation of the desert to find work at the port woolstores, Tom and Fleur's paths cross again – only to become entangled in a murder investigation where they can trust no one but each other.”
My Thoughts
The Plot: Wow. I was not expecting what was going to happen. Granted, the pieces started coming together before the MMC–Fleur–figured out what was happening to her father, but good lord, how can someone be so cruel and not remorseful about it? I was so shocked and wanted justice to be served, for the Appleby’s sake. The story flowed so well, but I did feel that the beginning of the book dragged on a bit, but the backstory of Tom and Fleur’s story was very necessary, and I enjoyed reading it, nonetheless. The romance was sweet and brought a smile to my face because–gosh–it was like they were meant for each other and I was so excited for them to cross each other’s path. 😊 I was intrigued the entire time and wanted a happy ending. (But I’m not going to spoil anything by saying whether or not it was good or not.)
The Characters: McIntosh did a superb job with all her characters! 👏 I rooted for Tom and Fleur from the beginning to the very end of this incredible book. Tom was such a sweetheart from day one and it’s no wonder Fleur fell in love with him when they were children. I felt so bad for him with how his life turned out, but it was so sweet to see how much he loved everything and anything about Fleur. Kind, humble, gentle, and handsome, he is truly a memorable MMC, for sure! He’s the whole package! 😆 Fleur was a strong FMC that I loved! 🫶 I hate strong FMCs that are rude, arrogant, and unemotional wrecks that are prevalent nowadays in books and movies. But not Fleur. Determined, confident, and intelligent, she was also caring, gentle, and embraced her feminine emotions and used them to her advantage as a business woman–not seeing them as burdens or a sign of weakness. The side characters were great as well, and the “villains” of the story boiled my blood, so they were perfectly done. 😅😂
The Setting: I need to book a trip to Australia asap. 😂 I knew it was beautiful, but Mcintosh expertly paints a picture of the wonders of the outback. I could feel the heat of the sun on my skin and see the big, blue sky overhead, winking down on me. I’ll be scared of the creepy crawlers, but as Tom said, they are more afraid of us as we are of them…I hope. 😅
Overall Thoughts: I enjoyed this book so much! As I said, it was a bit slow, which is why I didn’t give it five stars. But I have no complaints whatsoever. 😁 I will definitely be reading Fiona McIntosh’s books in the future! ❣️❣️
Content Warnings: death, murder, grief, mentions of r*pe, brief & nonexplicit s*x scene, some violence & language
Thank you to Storm Publishing for gifting me this digital arc via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.
#TheOrphans #NetGalley
October 16, 2023
I wanted to enjoy this novel, as I have a couple of the McIntosh books I have read, but there is something about this author and myself as a reader that just don't gel! I respect McIntosh's research and her ability to set time and place but I struggle with the inevitable romance, and with other elements that seemed even more prevalent in this novel than in the few others by her I have read. There was a sense of melodrama, exacerbated by the overly "nice" key characters, that really annoyed me. The writing felt like it was targeting a YA audience. Coincidences abounded and the plot was drawn out and totally predictable, virtually from page one. There were sections of information dumping, especially at the end, that felt like history was being unnecessarily hammered into me. I do wonder if the South Australian setting, forced upon the author by Covid restrictions, made all of these problems more dominant for me in this novel than in the few others of hers I have read.
I admire the fact that McIntosh has a loyal fan base who eagerly await her next novel but I am not sure I will ever be one of them.
I admire the fact that McIntosh has a loyal fan base who eagerly await her next novel but I am not sure I will ever be one of them.
October 6, 2022
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Fiona McIntosh is historical fiction royalty and she sits firmly in her throne as one of this country’s greats.
The Orphans is truly a stunning and magnificent masterpiece.
Fleur Appleby has always wanted to be the first female mortician.
Being adopted by a loving couple and living and breathing the funeral life has been everything to Fleur.
During her childhood she meets a boy and they have a brief encounter, a moment in time that changes their destiny.
Sadly one day, her mother passes and she grows up with a wicked and manipulative stepmother, who wants Fleur gone.
Her father blind to what’s going on sees not much more than a bottle of booze.
Tom Catchlove, a wool classer has dealt with tragedy but works hard for a successful future.
But their paths will cross again during a time when it’s needed the most.
A masterful storyteller that goes above and beyond for research and whilst visiting her chosen destination waits for the story to come to her.
This is the way Fiona gets inspiration and I can firmly say one of my all time favourite writers.
A powerhouse of the genre and this book is deliciously perfect for her fans.
There’s a nod to a previous book Nightingale, where the two main characters make a cameo appearance and this works really well.
This is also the first time Fiona has set a story in Australia and I inhaled every word.
There’s so much to fall in love with here, the passion of the two leads, the setting, the gripping plot and of course the eye catchy cover and even though there’s one evil throughout you can’t stop reading about her too.
A memorable and unforgettable tale that will stay with you long after you have closed the book.
Fiona McIntosh is historical fiction royalty and she sits firmly in her throne as one of this country’s greats.
The Orphans is truly a stunning and magnificent masterpiece.
Fleur Appleby has always wanted to be the first female mortician.
Being adopted by a loving couple and living and breathing the funeral life has been everything to Fleur.
During her childhood she meets a boy and they have a brief encounter, a moment in time that changes their destiny.
Sadly one day, her mother passes and she grows up with a wicked and manipulative stepmother, who wants Fleur gone.
Her father blind to what’s going on sees not much more than a bottle of booze.
Tom Catchlove, a wool classer has dealt with tragedy but works hard for a successful future.
But their paths will cross again during a time when it’s needed the most.
A masterful storyteller that goes above and beyond for research and whilst visiting her chosen destination waits for the story to come to her.
This is the way Fiona gets inspiration and I can firmly say one of my all time favourite writers.
A powerhouse of the genre and this book is deliciously perfect for her fans.
There’s a nod to a previous book Nightingale, where the two main characters make a cameo appearance and this works really well.
This is also the first time Fiona has set a story in Australia and I inhaled every word.
There’s so much to fall in love with here, the passion of the two leads, the setting, the gripping plot and of course the eye catchy cover and even though there’s one evil throughout you can’t stop reading about her too.
A memorable and unforgettable tale that will stay with you long after you have closed the book.
January 20, 2023
What a stinker. Should have been a DNF, and I skimmed the last 100 or so pages.
Melodramatic to the point of being ridiculous, completely predictable, too much dialogue, treating the readers like they’re morons, overly explaining things. Should be YA.
Irma was over the top in her nastiness, to the point of being a caricature. Fleur who was supposedly so wise and able to handle difficult adults as a child, somehow became a petulant adult who took the bait every time. A boring and infuriating read.
Melodramatic to the point of being ridiculous, completely predictable, too much dialogue, treating the readers like they’re morons, overly explaining things. Should be YA.
Irma was over the top in her nastiness, to the point of being a caricature. Fleur who was supposedly so wise and able to handle difficult adults as a child, somehow became a petulant adult who took the bait every time. A boring and infuriating read.
October 31, 2023
A female mortician blessed with sensitivities for grieving mothers offers an unusual heroine. My upbringing on a sheep station inclined me to that setting but oh, too much detail! Too much info dump about embalming processes. The characters ranged from likeable but old-before-her-years wise Fleur to the ultimate ghastly plotting ugly stepmother Irma. Overall a good read but predictable and the pace could have been improved with more judicious editing. Three and a half stars rounded up.
October 22, 2022
The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh is set in 1930's South Australia.
It's author, Fiona McIntosh's first all-Australian novel set in her home state.
We meet Fleur Appleby, a mortician, taking on her father's business and Tom Catchlove, a wool classer.
There's an interesting mix of other different characters who get in the way like Irma and Jimmy.
Fleur believes women can bring something very special to the funeral industry.
She dreams of setting up a new business separate from her father's that only cares for children who have passed away during childbirth or soon after as well as caring for the mothers at their time of need.
Later in life Fleur becomes a heroine for grieving mothers.
There's a touch of romance, fashion and dancing.
Can you find out the significance of Fleur's emerald green dress?
You'll get a 'taste' for Coffin Bay Oysters which are unique to South Australia and also the famous green, pink and chocolate frog cakes unique to Balfours Bakery.
It also paints a picture of the architecture of South Australia.
The best picture is the steam train climbing the Flinders Ranges where various colours of the landscape change and glow.
You'll watch the stars at night shining from a wide verandah in Witchelina.
At sunrise picture yourself under a coolabah tree sighting cockatoos and pink galahs.
* Quote on the back cover:-
'You've always wanted to see what was beyond the desert.
Go find out'.
Enjoy the new novel, The Orphans a story about love, life, loss and grief.
* I was lucky to receive a special Hardcover Limited Edition of The Orphans which I'll treasure forever
It's author, Fiona McIntosh's first all-Australian novel set in her home state.
We meet Fleur Appleby, a mortician, taking on her father's business and Tom Catchlove, a wool classer.
There's an interesting mix of other different characters who get in the way like Irma and Jimmy.
Fleur believes women can bring something very special to the funeral industry.
She dreams of setting up a new business separate from her father's that only cares for children who have passed away during childbirth or soon after as well as caring for the mothers at their time of need.
Later in life Fleur becomes a heroine for grieving mothers.
There's a touch of romance, fashion and dancing.
Can you find out the significance of Fleur's emerald green dress?
You'll get a 'taste' for Coffin Bay Oysters which are unique to South Australia and also the famous green, pink and chocolate frog cakes unique to Balfours Bakery.
It also paints a picture of the architecture of South Australia.
The best picture is the steam train climbing the Flinders Ranges where various colours of the landscape change and glow.
You'll watch the stars at night shining from a wide verandah in Witchelina.
At sunrise picture yourself under a coolabah tree sighting cockatoos and pink galahs.
* Quote on the back cover:-
'You've always wanted to see what was beyond the desert.
Go find out'.
Enjoy the new novel, The Orphans a story about love, life, loss and grief.
* I was lucky to receive a special Hardcover Limited Edition of The Orphans which I'll treasure forever
August 11, 2023
i guessed the plot twist about a third of the way through the book - that should give you some indication as to the quality. anyway it was really boring and predictable and the characters were bad and the instalove oh god it was awful. they literally got engaged about two days after they met. and it was barely even historical fiction either? you could change it to being set in any era post-1930s and you would only have to change a few sentences. and the characters are pretty much identical to those in the other book of the author's that i've read - the male love interest even had the same name.
March 28, 2023
Tom Catchlove and Fleur Appleby briefly met as children under sad circumstances and were immediately taken with another. For the next two decades, lives took them in different directions- Tom being an accomplished wool classer and Fleur working alongside her father in the funeral industry. A chance encounter happily reunites the pair, and this time, they won't let the other disappear again.
Or so our loved up couple thinks. There's trouble in the air that could potentially ruin their future together, including a murder. The mastermind is Fleur's evil stepmother, Irma, who's cunningly pulling the strings. Even a splendid story needs a villain, and Irma is her.
Set in South Australia, this was rich in history. Certainly opened my eyes to a period where feminism was frowned upon and mortality rates were extreme. To maintain emphany and kindness during such hardship is testament to the beautiful souls Tom and Fleur possess.
When I first heard about The Orphans, I knew that it would be outstanding- despite never reading a Fiona McIntosh novel before! Happy to report that my expectations were not only met, but left me wanting to read more of her works! This grabbed me from the first page, and I do hope you enjoy it as much as me.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Or so our loved up couple thinks. There's trouble in the air that could potentially ruin their future together, including a murder. The mastermind is Fleur's evil stepmother, Irma, who's cunningly pulling the strings. Even a splendid story needs a villain, and Irma is her.
Set in South Australia, this was rich in history. Certainly opened my eyes to a period where feminism was frowned upon and mortality rates were extreme. To maintain emphany and kindness during such hardship is testament to the beautiful souls Tom and Fleur possess.
When I first heard about The Orphans, I knew that it would be outstanding- despite never reading a Fiona McIntosh novel before! Happy to report that my expectations were not only met, but left me wanting to read more of her works! This grabbed me from the first page, and I do hope you enjoy it as much as me.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
December 13, 2022
The Orphans is the Authors first book entirely set in Australia, South Australia had me eager to see my hometown bought to life in the 1930s whilst we might not need to have our passports ready for Fiona McIntosh’s latest offering our imagination is still given room to soar, and our emotions are still woken.
Find my full review on the blog
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/index....
October 18, 2025
I do like a nice easy to read Aussie story. From the outback shearing sheds in QLD to a mortuary in Adelaide. A good read.
August 30, 2023
Great listen as I had a lot of driving to do. The narration was perfect and really makes a difference to the story.
Loved both the main characters - a feel good book!
Loved both the main characters - a feel good book!
December 29, 2022
Breathtaking !
January 29, 2024
I loved this book. I was born and grew up in Adelaide so I know all these places in the book. It was a beautiful story with lots of love and hope. What a different type of job fleur had. It kept me turning the pages.
May 15, 2023
It's not often that I don't finish a book but I got about two-thirds of the way through this one and decided I didn't need to read any more. Not that the characters weren't likable, or the setting real. I actually enjoyed reading about the Flinders Ranges and Adelaide in the early 20th century, and the ambition of Fleur to become a mortician in this male dominated industry was admirable, but I just found the story overly predictable. Not for me I'm afraid.
March 10, 2025
This is a wonderful old-timey historical novel. It's a story that draws the reader in. Great storyline and characters. The setting is Australia, starting in 1913, moving forward into the 1930s.
I have to admit, while the beginning was focused on the sheep industry, I was not really that interested in it. It described the shearing of the sheep and the grading of the wool. The workaday world of an Australian sheep station complete with the colourful workers. I found this first part a little drawn out but it introduced us to Tom and Fleur, as children, but they are the main characters that the story focuses on. The meeting as children was to continue as an adult relationship, full of drama.
One of the principal settings is a mortuary, owned by Fleur's father. Fleur grows up there and is very comfortable with the process of preparing the deceased for burial. It might be a trigger for some readers. The mortuary is central to the story.
Fleur is a very strong and innovative woman for the era in the book. She has excellent business sense, compassion and the ability to love strong.
The story has villains, a couple of vicious and nasty villains. That's what makes me think of this as an old-fashioned story. They are characters the reader loves to hate. The story moves at a good pace to keep readers interested. There is deception, murder, evil and love. As I mentioned, there is a lot of drama, but that is what kept me turning pages. I was hoping that it was moving toward the conclusion that I wanted to see. The orphan theme plays a large part in the story.
I think this would make an excellent movie. The Australian setting would provide beautiful scenery and a well-written script could be very interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.
I have to admit, while the beginning was focused on the sheep industry, I was not really that interested in it. It described the shearing of the sheep and the grading of the wool. The workaday world of an Australian sheep station complete with the colourful workers. I found this first part a little drawn out but it introduced us to Tom and Fleur, as children, but they are the main characters that the story focuses on. The meeting as children was to continue as an adult relationship, full of drama.
One of the principal settings is a mortuary, owned by Fleur's father. Fleur grows up there and is very comfortable with the process of preparing the deceased for burial. It might be a trigger for some readers. The mortuary is central to the story.
Fleur is a very strong and innovative woman for the era in the book. She has excellent business sense, compassion and the ability to love strong.
The story has villains, a couple of vicious and nasty villains. That's what makes me think of this as an old-fashioned story. They are characters the reader loves to hate. The story moves at a good pace to keep readers interested. There is deception, murder, evil and love. As I mentioned, there is a lot of drama, but that is what kept me turning pages. I was hoping that it was moving toward the conclusion that I wanted to see. The orphan theme plays a large part in the story.
I think this would make an excellent movie. The Australian setting would provide beautiful scenery and a well-written script could be very interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.
June 15, 2024
I did enjoy this dramatic love story. Mostly, I loved hearing about Adelaide through the eyes of Fleur- it’s my home town. I also have a deep connection to the Flinders Rangers too, which was visited in the book. I enjoyed hearing about life as a mortician and there were incredibly sad and moving scenes around preparing the dead that had me tearing up. Likewise, there were also some great descriptions of shearing sheds and life in the outback, from Tom’s perspective.
The other main highlight of this book that really hooked me in was the particularly nasty family drama that simmers throughout the book- Fleur’s mother in law is a real piece of work alright.
I also enjoyed noticing the plot connections and themes that run and repeated throughout the story and how you know how it will end yet not sure how it will resolve. There were times I felt it was a little over sentimental and passages that seemed to go on a bit with feelings and more feelings expressed in various ways, yet I want to say here to trust the writer and let her take you there. It’s a return to innocence in a way and I found the story quite cathartic.
I think Fiona McIntosh gets it so right for so much if this book and I was left feeling very satisfied and tender- hearted. I really enjoyed this unique love story even if I thought it was a little naive. And I’ll be looking to read more from this Australian novelist.
The other main highlight of this book that really hooked me in was the particularly nasty family drama that simmers throughout the book- Fleur’s mother in law is a real piece of work alright.
I also enjoyed noticing the plot connections and themes that run and repeated throughout the story and how you know how it will end yet not sure how it will resolve. There were times I felt it was a little over sentimental and passages that seemed to go on a bit with feelings and more feelings expressed in various ways, yet I want to say here to trust the writer and let her take you there. It’s a return to innocence in a way and I found the story quite cathartic.
I think Fiona McIntosh gets it so right for so much if this book and I was left feeling very satisfied and tender- hearted. I really enjoyed this unique love story even if I thought it was a little naive. And I’ll be looking to read more from this Australian novelist.
February 23, 2025
I've not read any Fiona McIntosh books before, and I do love a bit of historical fiction. This story, set in Australia in the early 1900s was another first for me.
Set in both the Outback and Flinders Range, as well as Adelaide, we start the story with a young 10 year old boy, Tom Catchlove, whose family lives among the sheep shearers. Suddenly losing his mum while she was in childbirth, and his father far away on a job, uncontactable, Tom is set on a fateful journey to Adelaide to her mother's family, for a short while, where she meets a precocious young 8 year old, Fleur Appleby, the daughter of the undertaker looking after his mother.
She leaves an indelible mark on his memory, which doesn't dull as he gets older. As does he on hers.
They meet, by chance, as adults, both in very different situations, and both orphans of a like.
Tom is the wool classes he always said he would be, and Fleur is striving to be the best mortician in Australia, and one of the first female ones.
What pursues is a love story that is achingly painful, and romantic, as well as a heart rending story as they fight the odds to be together.
I sped through this book over one day. Beautifully written.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC.
Set in both the Outback and Flinders Range, as well as Adelaide, we start the story with a young 10 year old boy, Tom Catchlove, whose family lives among the sheep shearers. Suddenly losing his mum while she was in childbirth, and his father far away on a job, uncontactable, Tom is set on a fateful journey to Adelaide to her mother's family, for a short while, where she meets a precocious young 8 year old, Fleur Appleby, the daughter of the undertaker looking after his mother.
She leaves an indelible mark on his memory, which doesn't dull as he gets older. As does he on hers.
They meet, by chance, as adults, both in very different situations, and both orphans of a like.
Tom is the wool classes he always said he would be, and Fleur is striving to be the best mortician in Australia, and one of the first female ones.
What pursues is a love story that is achingly painful, and romantic, as well as a heart rending story as they fight the odds to be together.
I sped through this book over one day. Beautifully written.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC.
March 10, 2025
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
An emotional love story set in the isolation of the Australian outback and the bustling sitting of Adelaide; THE ORPHANS is the love story of two people alone in the world for very different reasons. Tom Catchlove has never forgotten the girl who brightened the darkest day of his life; now, as an adult, he travels to the city to escape the tragedy that seems to follow him in the outback. Fleur Appleby, adopted into a loving family as a child now struggles to reconcile the unhappiness of her home with the deep love of her father. Reunited as adults, what unfurls is a tender love story with a heartbreaking tale of human greed.
THE ORPHANS had several interesting and unique aspects that helps it stand out in the historical romance genre; I loved Fleur's passion for her profession as a mortician, the drama of the murder investigation, and the setting of post-war Australia. However, while enjoyable, it wasn't groundbreaking for me.
An emotional love story set in the isolation of the Australian outback and the bustling sitting of Adelaide; THE ORPHANS is the love story of two people alone in the world for very different reasons. Tom Catchlove has never forgotten the girl who brightened the darkest day of his life; now, as an adult, he travels to the city to escape the tragedy that seems to follow him in the outback. Fleur Appleby, adopted into a loving family as a child now struggles to reconcile the unhappiness of her home with the deep love of her father. Reunited as adults, what unfurls is a tender love story with a heartbreaking tale of human greed.
THE ORPHANS had several interesting and unique aspects that helps it stand out in the historical romance genre; I loved Fleur's passion for her profession as a mortician, the drama of the murder investigation, and the setting of post-war Australia. However, while enjoyable, it wasn't groundbreaking for me.
September 15, 2023
“If I was your wife I’d poison your coffee.”
“If you were my wife I’d drink it.”
Yeah sure fall in love straight off the bat, not like I wanted some historical fiction SLOW BURN or anything.
Normally it’s frustrating to watch two characters dance around each other not knowing their shared history because they refuse to talk to each other but this book made me realise the opposite is worst. Oh just met u at the dance, oh wow your the kid I knew when I was eight, Guess I love you now.
I get 1930s yah move fast, economy’s collapsing, wars looming but for Christ sake at least give me a bit more TENSION!
April 21, 2025
Whilst the coincidences along the way made for a nice romantic story, I didn’t mind too much as there was certainly some challenges along the way for Fleur and Tom.
I enjoyed listening to the author sharing her own story in writing the book as part fo the audiobook.
I appreciated the melding of some characters from Fiona McIntoshs earlier novel - Nightingale.
The historical insights into funeral and mortician work as well as wool classing and the visit to the Adelaide Zoo were so interesting as part of the story.
I enjoyed listening to the author sharing her own story in writing the book as part fo the audiobook.
I appreciated the melding of some characters from Fiona McIntoshs earlier novel - Nightingale.
The historical insights into funeral and mortician work as well as wool classing and the visit to the Adelaide Zoo were so interesting as part of the story.
February 21, 2026
3.5 stars.
I read this because I wanted to get through the books I had lying around unread before I bought a new kindle. Yes it was slow, and didn’t excite me. However, it was an easy one to pick up at any time and follow along with. It was a pleasant read about love and loss and had me smiling each time I opened it. The South Australia setting was very refreshing and the protagonist being a passionate, female undertaker was certainly unique and like nothing I’ve ever encountered before.
Overall an enjoyable historical fiction!
I read this because I wanted to get through the books I had lying around unread before I bought a new kindle. Yes it was slow, and didn’t excite me. However, it was an easy one to pick up at any time and follow along with. It was a pleasant read about love and loss and had me smiling each time I opened it. The South Australia setting was very refreshing and the protagonist being a passionate, female undertaker was certainly unique and like nothing I’ve ever encountered before.
Overall an enjoyable historical fiction!
December 14, 2022
Fiona McIntosh is one of my favourite authors and her latest book, The Orphans, is her first novel set in Australia. It is the story of Fleur Appleby from Port Adelaide, who works alongside her father as an undertaker and Tom Catchlove, a wool classer from the outback.
So much more than a romance, McIntosh takes the reader on a journey through the early lives of Tom and Fleur and their childhood experiences. It is a story filled with hopes and dreams amid heartache and deceit. An excellent read.
So much more than a romance, McIntosh takes the reader on a journey through the early lives of Tom and Fleur and their childhood experiences. It is a story filled with hopes and dreams amid heartache and deceit. An excellent read.
March 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was predictable in some ways but interesting that the main character was in a field that only men did at that time. I really don't know if there are many women morticians even now. I would recommend reading it.l
October 4, 2022
I received an ARC of this book.
Sucked me in…so quickly and so much so that I was up until 1am finishing reading on my second night.
Beautiful story about two young children, orphans in some way and how the reconnect with one another as adults. It is a love story on all fronts. How love can change the way we see ourselves and the world around us. What happens when that love is taken away and how our lives can change when we are reminded of that love when we forget.
These two pull at your heartstrings throughout and you can feel yourself rooting for them, shouting…‘don’t you know who that is?’ Your heart is full of joy in one moment and broken the next. What a rollercoaster.
Sucked me in…so quickly and so much so that I was up until 1am finishing reading on my second night.
Beautiful story about two young children, orphans in some way and how the reconnect with one another as adults. It is a love story on all fronts. How love can change the way we see ourselves and the world around us. What happens when that love is taken away and how our lives can change when we are reminded of that love when we forget.
These two pull at your heartstrings throughout and you can feel yourself rooting for them, shouting…‘don’t you know who that is?’ Your heart is full of joy in one moment and broken the next. What a rollercoaster.
May 31, 2023
I loved this book. Such a nice story at times but also tragic at other times.
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