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Shilling Grange Children’s Home #1
Het weeshuis
Engeland, 1948. De jonge oorlogsweduwe Clara is de nieuwe huismoeder van het weeshuis in Shilling Grange geworden. Tot haar eigen verbazing, want de oproep in de krant vroeg om iemand met ervaring. Zodra ze arriveert verlaat de laatste non - de voormalige leidster - het huis en staat ze er alleen voor. De kinderen zijn stil, bang om geslagen of aangeraakt te worden en Clara lijkt alles verkeerd te doen. De oudste, een tiener, wijst haar maar al te graag op haar tekortkomingen en de jongste blijft maar om haar moeder vragen. Ze wil wel helpen, maar hoe te beginnen?
Gelukkig hebben de kinderen steun aan Ivor, de buurman en oorlogsheld. Als voormalig bewoner van het weeshuis deelt hij met de kinderen de argwaan voor Clara, want het lijkt erop dat ook zij weer snel zal vertrekken. Langzaam maar zeker begint Clara echter haar plek te veroveren. Maar vindt ze ook de kracht om te vechten voor de kinderen als niemand anders dat doet? En durft ze haar hart weer open te stellen om lief te hebben?
Gelukkig hebben de kinderen steun aan Ivor, de buurman en oorlogsheld. Als voormalig bewoner van het weeshuis deelt hij met de kinderen de argwaan voor Clara, want het lijkt erop dat ook zij weer snel zal vertrekken. Langzaam maar zeker begint Clara echter haar plek te veroveren. Maar vindt ze ook de kracht om te vechten voor de kinderen als niemand anders dat doet? En durft ze haar hart weer open te stellen om lief te hebben?
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2023
3034 people are currently reading
1769 people want to read
About the author
Lizzie Page
15 books194 followersHello and thank you for stopping by.
I love reading ALL the books, and I've always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to me to write historical fiction.
I live with my family by the sea in South East England. And with my dog. How did I forget my dog? I enjoy traveling and lived in Japan for several years. I've had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is my absolute favourite.
I hope my novels help shine a light on the achievements, love and relationships of twentieth-century women, and that the books are entertaining and moving.
I'd love to hear what you think - feel free to send me a message on twitter @LizziePagewrite or on FB or leave a review here.
Happy reading,
Love Lizzie xx
I love reading ALL the books, and I've always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to me to write historical fiction.
I live with my family by the sea in South East England. And with my dog. How did I forget my dog? I enjoy traveling and lived in Japan for several years. I've had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is my absolute favourite.
I hope my novels help shine a light on the achievements, love and relationships of twentieth-century women, and that the books are entertaining and moving.
I'd love to hear what you think - feel free to send me a message on twitter @LizziePagewrite or on FB or leave a review here.
Happy reading,
Love Lizzie xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
August 21, 2021
Clara Newton had succeeded with her interview as the new housemother of Shilling Grange Orphanage – to her shock – and when she arrived and met Sister Eunice, she wasn’t sure what she’d let herself in for. The children were fearful of being beaten, belted and worse for any small misdemeanor but thankfully Sister Eunice left – happily – after two days, and Clara was on her own with eight children of varying ages.
Clara had lost her fiancé in the war and had been somewhat at a loss until her best friend Judy had suggested this job would be good for her. But Clara wasn’t so sure if this suited her – gradually though, she came to know, and love, the children, and would do anything for them. Peter, Barry and Billy (twins), Maureen, Peg, Rita, Alex and Terry – all very different, all needing help to survive the world and everything that had been tossed at them. Ivor Delaney who lived next door to the Grange, was an ex-resident and a war hero, and had the children’s needs foremost in his mind. He was a great back up for Clara – when they were getting on. Could Clara be the one the children relied on? She loved them dearly and it seemed they loved her too…
The Orphanage is the 1st in the Shilling Grange Children’s Home series by Lizzie Page and I loved it! I can’t wait to read on in the lives of the children and see how Clara is managing with all the ups and downs that kept occurring, and will no doubt continue to occur. Wonderfully cast characters, there are too many to individually mention. They all have their part, and they all play them perfectly – even the odious Julien! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Clara had lost her fiancé in the war and had been somewhat at a loss until her best friend Judy had suggested this job would be good for her. But Clara wasn’t so sure if this suited her – gradually though, she came to know, and love, the children, and would do anything for them. Peter, Barry and Billy (twins), Maureen, Peg, Rita, Alex and Terry – all very different, all needing help to survive the world and everything that had been tossed at them. Ivor Delaney who lived next door to the Grange, was an ex-resident and a war hero, and had the children’s needs foremost in his mind. He was a great back up for Clara – when they were getting on. Could Clara be the one the children relied on? She loved them dearly and it seemed they loved her too…
The Orphanage is the 1st in the Shilling Grange Children’s Home series by Lizzie Page and I loved it! I can’t wait to read on in the lives of the children and see how Clara is managing with all the ups and downs that kept occurring, and will no doubt continue to occur. Wonderfully cast characters, there are too many to individually mention. They all have their part, and they all play them perfectly – even the odious Julien! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2024
A beautiful, heartwarming story showing that simple acts of kindness can be life-changing. We are introduced to a young woman, Clara, who assumes the daunting
responsibility of caring for eight orphans soon after WW2.
The book is wonderfully written, with amazing and memorable characters, especially the children whom you grow to love! The children are so well developed, you feel as if you’ve known them all their lives. Other characters, including Clara and Ivor, demonstrate the power love can have in a child’s life.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially surrounding children and their remarkable resilience during the darkest of times, you should read THE ORPHANAGE. The story is full of hope and will touch your heart in unimaginable ways!
responsibility of caring for eight orphans soon after WW2.
The book is wonderfully written, with amazing and memorable characters, especially the children whom you grow to love! The children are so well developed, you feel as if you’ve known them all their lives. Other characters, including Clara and Ivor, demonstrate the power love can have in a child’s life.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially surrounding children and their remarkable resilience during the darkest of times, you should read THE ORPHANAGE. The story is full of hope and will touch your heart in unimaginable ways!
August 9, 2021
Shilling Grange Orphanage, England, 1948: Clara Newton is the new housemother of the orphanage. Many of the children have been bombed out of their homes and left without family, their lives torn apart by the war, just like Clara's. Devastated by the loss of her fiance, a brave American Pilot, she's just looking for a place to start again. But the orphans are in desperate need of her help.
Clara was out of work when she took on the role of housemother in Shilling Grange Orphanage.
she also had no experience of looking after children and now she has eight of them to care for.
This is quite an emotional read. We get to know the characters backstories and it's not long before Clara falls in love with the children. She will do anything in her power to give the children what they need. This is a well written story and it held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LizziePage for my ARC of #TheOrphanage in exchange for an honest review,
Clara was out of work when she took on the role of housemother in Shilling Grange Orphanage.
she also had no experience of looking after children and now she has eight of them to care for.
This is quite an emotional read. We get to know the characters backstories and it's not long before Clara falls in love with the children. She will do anything in her power to give the children what they need. This is a well written story and it held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LizziePage for my ARC of #TheOrphanage in exchange for an honest review,
August 27, 2021
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lizzie Page's heartwarming tale THE ORPHANAGE.
I love historical fiction and while I wasn't as enamoured with a previous book I'd read by this author, I really enjoyed THE ORPHANAGE. So much so that where it left off I am now eagerly awaiting book two. It is a heartwarming tale centred around the Shilling Grange Children's Home situated in Lavenham, Suffolk, and the children, and their housemother, therein.
The story begins with Clara Newton, having succeeded with her interview, arriving at Shilling Grange to begin her role as the new housemother. She is greeted by the sullen Sister Eunice who, without a word, leads her to her room and disappears. Clara is unsure what to do as she was counting on the nun showing her the ropes but Sister Eunice wasn't forthcoming leaving Clara seeking her out for answers. She asked for paperwork on the children only to learn that there was none. Clara, having come from an administrative background, thrived on files and paperwork where everything was noted down and kept record of. The children's home didn't appear to keep such records.
However, she soon learnt that the children were at school and would return for lunch before returning to complete the school day. But having arrived at 9am, Clara had been prepared to begin her day but was left without much to do until the children returned. And when they did, they filed in quietly even if somewhat morosely and took their places at the table after serving the prepared lunch. Sister Eunice barrelled in from nowhere, taking the head of the table, leaving Clara without a place. When Clara tried introducing herself saying how much she was looking forward to getting to know them all, Sister Eunice thundered "We eat in silence!" Clara decided that handover should take place after the children set off to complete their school day, but no sooner had they left than Sister Eunice came trudging down the stairs suitcase in hand and bidding her farewell. Her job her was done. Any lasting advice? Whip them, says the nun.
Clara is left horrified. What is she to do? She has no experience with children nor running a children's home and given as there were no records on the them, how was she to familiarise herself with her charges? Clara began to wonder if she had made a grave mistake coming here...which was only confirmed when the children returned home at the end of the day. They filed in, silent as church mice and as equally despondent, and set about completing their tasks of washing out their socks and lining them out to dry, polishing their shoes, peeling the vegetables for the following day's meal. They were like a well-oiled machine but a silent and saddened one. Clara watched them and her heart went out to them. As they took their places around the table for a meal consisting of crackers, she tried to engage them in conversation. But they remained silent.
Clara soon discovered there were eight children - four boys and four girls of varying ages. The eldest Maureen was a feisty surly teenager and one of the youngest sweet little Peg uttered not a word...ever. Rita's first words to Clara were "Do you know my mama?" Terry was actually a girl but looked like a boy and refused to be called Teresa. Wild twins Billy and Barry were mischievous pranksters. Alex was an incredibly bright young man with an interest in science and history. And then there was Peter...with whom she felt most endeared...who was quiet but helpful. But Clara soon realised she was not equipped to deal with eight children, who had seen such heartache in their short little lives. Many of them had been orphaned during the war, the lives torn apart, whilst others had simply been abandoned. And while they desperately needed her help, Clara felt she wasn't the best person for the job and packed her bags on the first night.
But then something miraculous happened. There were no trains back to London till the following afternoon so she stayed...and found herself warmed by the resilience of these unwanted children. The shame of the village often referred to as feral and would be much better placed in Ipswich or Clacton rather than their quiet peaceful Lavenham. The more the villagers shunned the children, the more Clara stood up for them. Someone had to be their voice.
And then there was Ivor. He lived beside the home where he upholstered, mended, knitted, sewed as well as looking out for the children he once had been. Theirs was an awkward friendship as he appeared to mistrust Clara's intentions and whether she was there for the long term. But the children adored him. Slowly Ivor watched the children begin to blossom under Clara's care...shedding their silent and sullen despondency for the happy and smiling faces he now saw. But would it last? Would Clara?
Then Clara met Julian, local solicitor, fiftyish and twice her age. He wooed her and still grieving the loss of her fiance Michael in the war four years before, Clara was grateful for the friendship which soon grew into something more. They enjoyed Sundays at nearby country pubs, picnics and outings as he seemingly cared a great deal for her. But he was indifferent to the children. He even dismissed them. But Clara knew that would change once he got to know them. And then he asked her to marry him. Would he expect her to give up her job at Shilling Grange upon their marriage?
Meanwhile, Clara was juggling the various issues of each of the children. Maureen was rebelling, inviting boys into her room (which she shared with the other three girls), smoking and staying out late. Until one day she didn't come back at all. Peter began to withdraw and even became aggressive on occasion. Adoptions for some of the children had fallen through whilst the promise of other ones loomed near. Some days Clara felt she was battling alone for no one else understood the childrens' plights as she did...not even the council who just ticked them off as numbers despite claiming that they only wanted what was best for the children.
And then when Clara stands up for one of the children against a living relative who has offered to adopt them, she finds herself up before a tribunal with a number of complaints against her and her ability to look after the children she has grown so fond of. But she even more shocked to discover who has spoken out against her with malicious lies. Will Clara be able to convince the tribunal of her ability to care for the well-being of the children and keep her job as housemother?
Through the trials and triumphs the reader will get to know each of the children that live at Shilling Grange. Each character is special in their own ways bringing with them their strengths and personalities. You will laugh as well as cry alongside them. The pranks at the hands of Billy and Barry will make you laugh and Rita's constant mantra of "Do you know my mama?" will break your heart...although admittedly, that did wear a bit thin with me after a while. You could almost picture life within the orphanage, both inside and outside, as the children thrived under Clara's care.
You'll get to know Ivor, who himself had grown up at Shilling Grange, as a good friend to the children even if he mistrusted Clara and her intentions. You will also meet other members of the village who each play a part - Mr and Mrs Garrad and their dog Bertie as well as Dr Cardew and his wife Anita, who was a survivor of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. There is also Clara's best friend Judy who lives in London with her husband Arthur. And of course Julian, who I couldn't stand from the first moment he traipsed across the page. There was something "off" about him that I couldn't put my finger on but I didn't like nor trust him. Each of these characters play a pivotal role in this touching read.
THE ORPHANAGE is an emotional story centred around Clara and the children of Shilling Grange. And whilst she found it challenging, Clara always did her best for the children. It is interesting to note that although Julian is her love interest, it is Ivor she calls on for help at times to help keep the children safe. There were times I could have slapped Clara for her naivety and sometimes stupid choices (especially where Julian was concerned). I'm not sure why she applied for a position for which she was not equipped and then finding she had to cope all by herself. I'm not surprised she scarpered at the first hurdle because she certainly wasn't trained or qualified to deal with eight children. But then she began working out her notice and discovered that these children needed her, whether she was trained or not.
A feel-good read that is sure to make you cry, THE ORPHANAGE is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was a little disappointed in the ending as I felt it could have provided a little more closure even though there is more to come in a second book. I would have preferred it to end on a different note...although the "Afterword" is a beautiful touch.
I really enjoyed THE ORPHANAGE and cannot wait for book two. It is well written and completely enjoyable. Perfect for fans of Shirley Dickson and those of historical fiction, particularly those about children.
I would like to thank #LizziePage, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheOrphanage in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lizzie Page's heartwarming tale THE ORPHANAGE.
I love historical fiction and while I wasn't as enamoured with a previous book I'd read by this author, I really enjoyed THE ORPHANAGE. So much so that where it left off I am now eagerly awaiting book two. It is a heartwarming tale centred around the Shilling Grange Children's Home situated in Lavenham, Suffolk, and the children, and their housemother, therein.
The story begins with Clara Newton, having succeeded with her interview, arriving at Shilling Grange to begin her role as the new housemother. She is greeted by the sullen Sister Eunice who, without a word, leads her to her room and disappears. Clara is unsure what to do as she was counting on the nun showing her the ropes but Sister Eunice wasn't forthcoming leaving Clara seeking her out for answers. She asked for paperwork on the children only to learn that there was none. Clara, having come from an administrative background, thrived on files and paperwork where everything was noted down and kept record of. The children's home didn't appear to keep such records.
However, she soon learnt that the children were at school and would return for lunch before returning to complete the school day. But having arrived at 9am, Clara had been prepared to begin her day but was left without much to do until the children returned. And when they did, they filed in quietly even if somewhat morosely and took their places at the table after serving the prepared lunch. Sister Eunice barrelled in from nowhere, taking the head of the table, leaving Clara without a place. When Clara tried introducing herself saying how much she was looking forward to getting to know them all, Sister Eunice thundered "We eat in silence!" Clara decided that handover should take place after the children set off to complete their school day, but no sooner had they left than Sister Eunice came trudging down the stairs suitcase in hand and bidding her farewell. Her job her was done. Any lasting advice? Whip them, says the nun.
Clara is left horrified. What is she to do? She has no experience with children nor running a children's home and given as there were no records on the them, how was she to familiarise herself with her charges? Clara began to wonder if she had made a grave mistake coming here...which was only confirmed when the children returned home at the end of the day. They filed in, silent as church mice and as equally despondent, and set about completing their tasks of washing out their socks and lining them out to dry, polishing their shoes, peeling the vegetables for the following day's meal. They were like a well-oiled machine but a silent and saddened one. Clara watched them and her heart went out to them. As they took their places around the table for a meal consisting of crackers, she tried to engage them in conversation. But they remained silent.
Clara soon discovered there were eight children - four boys and four girls of varying ages. The eldest Maureen was a feisty surly teenager and one of the youngest sweet little Peg uttered not a word...ever. Rita's first words to Clara were "Do you know my mama?" Terry was actually a girl but looked like a boy and refused to be called Teresa. Wild twins Billy and Barry were mischievous pranksters. Alex was an incredibly bright young man with an interest in science and history. And then there was Peter...with whom she felt most endeared...who was quiet but helpful. But Clara soon realised she was not equipped to deal with eight children, who had seen such heartache in their short little lives. Many of them had been orphaned during the war, the lives torn apart, whilst others had simply been abandoned. And while they desperately needed her help, Clara felt she wasn't the best person for the job and packed her bags on the first night.
But then something miraculous happened. There were no trains back to London till the following afternoon so she stayed...and found herself warmed by the resilience of these unwanted children. The shame of the village often referred to as feral and would be much better placed in Ipswich or Clacton rather than their quiet peaceful Lavenham. The more the villagers shunned the children, the more Clara stood up for them. Someone had to be their voice.
And then there was Ivor. He lived beside the home where he upholstered, mended, knitted, sewed as well as looking out for the children he once had been. Theirs was an awkward friendship as he appeared to mistrust Clara's intentions and whether she was there for the long term. But the children adored him. Slowly Ivor watched the children begin to blossom under Clara's care...shedding their silent and sullen despondency for the happy and smiling faces he now saw. But would it last? Would Clara?
Then Clara met Julian, local solicitor, fiftyish and twice her age. He wooed her and still grieving the loss of her fiance Michael in the war four years before, Clara was grateful for the friendship which soon grew into something more. They enjoyed Sundays at nearby country pubs, picnics and outings as he seemingly cared a great deal for her. But he was indifferent to the children. He even dismissed them. But Clara knew that would change once he got to know them. And then he asked her to marry him. Would he expect her to give up her job at Shilling Grange upon their marriage?
Meanwhile, Clara was juggling the various issues of each of the children. Maureen was rebelling, inviting boys into her room (which she shared with the other three girls), smoking and staying out late. Until one day she didn't come back at all. Peter began to withdraw and even became aggressive on occasion. Adoptions for some of the children had fallen through whilst the promise of other ones loomed near. Some days Clara felt she was battling alone for no one else understood the childrens' plights as she did...not even the council who just ticked them off as numbers despite claiming that they only wanted what was best for the children.
And then when Clara stands up for one of the children against a living relative who has offered to adopt them, she finds herself up before a tribunal with a number of complaints against her and her ability to look after the children she has grown so fond of. But she even more shocked to discover who has spoken out against her with malicious lies. Will Clara be able to convince the tribunal of her ability to care for the well-being of the children and keep her job as housemother?
Through the trials and triumphs the reader will get to know each of the children that live at Shilling Grange. Each character is special in their own ways bringing with them their strengths and personalities. You will laugh as well as cry alongside them. The pranks at the hands of Billy and Barry will make you laugh and Rita's constant mantra of "Do you know my mama?" will break your heart...although admittedly, that did wear a bit thin with me after a while. You could almost picture life within the orphanage, both inside and outside, as the children thrived under Clara's care.
You'll get to know Ivor, who himself had grown up at Shilling Grange, as a good friend to the children even if he mistrusted Clara and her intentions. You will also meet other members of the village who each play a part - Mr and Mrs Garrad and their dog Bertie as well as Dr Cardew and his wife Anita, who was a survivor of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. There is also Clara's best friend Judy who lives in London with her husband Arthur. And of course Julian, who I couldn't stand from the first moment he traipsed across the page. There was something "off" about him that I couldn't put my finger on but I didn't like nor trust him. Each of these characters play a pivotal role in this touching read.
THE ORPHANAGE is an emotional story centred around Clara and the children of Shilling Grange. And whilst she found it challenging, Clara always did her best for the children. It is interesting to note that although Julian is her love interest, it is Ivor she calls on for help at times to help keep the children safe. There were times I could have slapped Clara for her naivety and sometimes stupid choices (especially where Julian was concerned). I'm not sure why she applied for a position for which she was not equipped and then finding she had to cope all by herself. I'm not surprised she scarpered at the first hurdle because she certainly wasn't trained or qualified to deal with eight children. But then she began working out her notice and discovered that these children needed her, whether she was trained or not.
A feel-good read that is sure to make you cry, THE ORPHANAGE is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was a little disappointed in the ending as I felt it could have provided a little more closure even though there is more to come in a second book. I would have preferred it to end on a different note...although the "Afterword" is a beautiful touch.
I really enjoyed THE ORPHANAGE and cannot wait for book two. It is well written and completely enjoyable. Perfect for fans of Shirley Dickson and those of historical fiction, particularly those about children.
I would like to thank #LizziePage, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheOrphanage in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 1, 2021
Only did it have a better ending I would have easily given it 4 stars
Clara applied to the house mother job thinking it would be fun and so in hopes it would provide her shelter and sace from staying at her friends couch ... She definitely didn't except to receive the coldness from children or how to understand each vulnerable heart or how to speak to them... She decided she couldn't do it after 3 days of staying but couldn't ... So hadn't had a choice but to give it a go .
"Vulnerable hearts speak to eachother and hurting souls try to reach out eachother"- it's been a sweet pains of effort for them to get to know eachother... Some of The town didn't approve the orphanage itself.... But once Clare stated her journey of house mothering these kids... It was a bliss to her alone heart to be loved by them... She feels so e better would do them much more.. but she wants to be better for them
All the kids and Clara's relationship was the sweetest thing about this book
She decide to get engaged not out of love because she can't trust her heart to not get hurt again
But had her heart already gone with that anger , handsome, idiot neighbor of hers who lovesss kids and is so helpful in pointing out her faults
Yup. Looks like so
But what actually happens is totally different .
Journey through each kids heart , struggles, fears and transformation was beautiful ❤️
The last small but absolutely best thing ABT this is how Clara finally comes to accept God's love and Guidance
I just seriously wished the ending had been different
Otherwise overall I'd say an good read if you're into stories like this
Clara applied to the house mother job thinking it would be fun and so in hopes it would provide her shelter and sace from staying at her friends couch ... She definitely didn't except to receive the coldness from children or how to understand each vulnerable heart or how to speak to them... She decided she couldn't do it after 3 days of staying but couldn't ... So hadn't had a choice but to give it a go .
"Vulnerable hearts speak to eachother and hurting souls try to reach out eachother"- it's been a sweet pains of effort for them to get to know eachother... Some of The town didn't approve the orphanage itself.... But once Clare stated her journey of house mothering these kids... It was a bliss to her alone heart to be loved by them... She feels so e better would do them much more.. but she wants to be better for them
All the kids and Clara's relationship was the sweetest thing about this book
She decide to get engaged not out of love because she can't trust her heart to not get hurt again
But had her heart already gone with that anger , handsome, idiot neighbor of hers who lovesss kids and is so helpful in pointing out her faults
Yup. Looks like so
But what actually happens is totally different .
Journey through each kids heart , struggles, fears and transformation was beautiful ❤️
The last small but absolutely best thing ABT this is how Clara finally comes to accept God's love and Guidance
I just seriously wished the ending had been different
Otherwise overall I'd say an good read if you're into stories like this
January 22, 2023
Suffolk, 1948. Na de dood van haar verloofde Michael, die stierf tijdens de oorlog, en het verlies van haar baan is Clara toe aan een nieuwe start en in een opwelling solliciteert ze voor een positie als huismoeder in het weeshuis Shilling Grange. Ze hoopt dat ze een verschil kan maken in het leven van de kinderen die iedereen hebben verloren of die in de steek zijn gelaten, maar dit nieuwe bestaan is nog niet zo gemakkelijk. De kinderen hebben veel meegemaakt, zijn slecht behandeld door de nonnen die eerst de scepter zwaaiden in het huis en Clara voelt zich volledig overweldigd en lijkt alles fout te doen. Ze wil de handdoek in de ring gooien, maar blijft toch en langzaam maar zeker ontstaat er een band tussen haar en de kinderen, ze voelt zich verantwoordelijk en begint haar weg te vinden. Heeft ze dan eindelijk haar nieuwe thuis gevonden?
Lizzie Page heeft een soepele, warme en beeldende schrijfstijl, waardoor je de omgeving, het weeshuis en de verschillende personages snel voor je ziet, ze schetst het tijdsbeeld mooi, ze trekt je direct haar verhaal in en zorgt ervoor dat je emotioneel betrokken raakt, waardoor de achtergrondverhalen van de kinderen en Clara’s zorgen, twijfels en gevoelens je raken. Clara handelt soms wat impulsief en ze lijkt in het begin niet echt goed te hebben nagedacht over alles wat er bij zo’n baan komt kijken, maar ze maakt als personage een mooie ontwikkeling door en haar lieve, zorgzame en geduldige karakter blijkt precies te zijn wat deze kinderen nodig hebben, waardoor ook zij opbloeien. Clara wordt degene op wie zij kunnen bouwen, die ze in vertrouwen kunnen nemen en die voor hen door het vuur gaat, ook wanneer niemand anders daartoe bereid is.
Ook de verschillende bijpersonages, zoals de beste vriendin van Clara, die met haar eigen moeilijkheden worstelt, buurman en oorlogsheld Ivor, die veel om de kinderen geeft maar Clara niet meteen vertrouwt, verschillende buurtbewoners en een nieuwe liefde, zijn goed neergezet, roepen uiteenlopende gevoelens bij je op en ze geven allemaal extra kleur aan dit verhaal. Hoewel ik de ontwikkelingen in Clara’s liefdesleven niet altijd begreep en ik haar wel eens wilde aansporen om beter naar haar hart te luisteren, omdat deze onafhankelijke jonge vrouw ineens kiest voor veiligheid en zekerheid terwijl deze man niet dezelfde interesses, waarden en normen lijkt te hebben, zorgt deze relatie er uiteindelijk wel voor dat ze keuzes maakt en zo wordt nog duidelijker hoeveel ze om de kinderen is gaan geven. Dit hartverwarmende, liefdevolle, verdrietige, ietwat brave maar enerverende en hoopvolle verhaal zal je fijne leesuurtjes en een goed gevoel bezorgen, je sluit de personages in je hart en hoeft gelukkig nog geen afscheid van ze te nemen, want na het abrupte einde verschijnt later dit jaar een vervolg!
3.5-4⭐️
Lizzie Page heeft een soepele, warme en beeldende schrijfstijl, waardoor je de omgeving, het weeshuis en de verschillende personages snel voor je ziet, ze schetst het tijdsbeeld mooi, ze trekt je direct haar verhaal in en zorgt ervoor dat je emotioneel betrokken raakt, waardoor de achtergrondverhalen van de kinderen en Clara’s zorgen, twijfels en gevoelens je raken. Clara handelt soms wat impulsief en ze lijkt in het begin niet echt goed te hebben nagedacht over alles wat er bij zo’n baan komt kijken, maar ze maakt als personage een mooie ontwikkeling door en haar lieve, zorgzame en geduldige karakter blijkt precies te zijn wat deze kinderen nodig hebben, waardoor ook zij opbloeien. Clara wordt degene op wie zij kunnen bouwen, die ze in vertrouwen kunnen nemen en die voor hen door het vuur gaat, ook wanneer niemand anders daartoe bereid is.
Ook de verschillende bijpersonages, zoals de beste vriendin van Clara, die met haar eigen moeilijkheden worstelt, buurman en oorlogsheld Ivor, die veel om de kinderen geeft maar Clara niet meteen vertrouwt, verschillende buurtbewoners en een nieuwe liefde, zijn goed neergezet, roepen uiteenlopende gevoelens bij je op en ze geven allemaal extra kleur aan dit verhaal. Hoewel ik de ontwikkelingen in Clara’s liefdesleven niet altijd begreep en ik haar wel eens wilde aansporen om beter naar haar hart te luisteren, omdat deze onafhankelijke jonge vrouw ineens kiest voor veiligheid en zekerheid terwijl deze man niet dezelfde interesses, waarden en normen lijkt te hebben, zorgt deze relatie er uiteindelijk wel voor dat ze keuzes maakt en zo wordt nog duidelijker hoeveel ze om de kinderen is gaan geven. Dit hartverwarmende, liefdevolle, verdrietige, ietwat brave maar enerverende en hoopvolle verhaal zal je fijne leesuurtjes en een goed gevoel bezorgen, je sluit de personages in je hart en hoeft gelukkig nog geen afscheid van ze te nemen, want na het abrupte einde verschijnt later dit jaar een vervolg!
3.5-4⭐️
August 31, 2021
The Orphanage by Lizzie Page is the first book in the Shilling Grange Children’s Home series. Page really knows how to set a scene as well as introduce extraordinary characters faced with everyday life challenges. Page has the ability to draw her readers in right from the very first page.
Clara Newton’s life isn’t exactly how she wished it would have turned out. She has been let go of her pencil pushing job, her American fiance has perished in the war, and her living arrangements are perilous at best. This all changes when she is hired as the Housemother of the Shilling Grange Orphanage. How hard can this job be? They are only kids, right? With her organizational skills and her eye for detail, she could have this orphanage running smoothly in no time. Oh how wrong she is. Nothing is as it seems at the orphanage, the kids are…well kids! Clara soon finds herself overwhelmed and ready to quit. But, do the kids in her charge and Clara actually have things in common? Much more than Clara could have ever dreamed is possible! HAs Clara truly found her home?
I must admit, I fell in love with this story and it was such a great opening to what looks like an amazing series by Lizzie Page. I loved getting to know each of the children and all of their different personalities and how Clara interacts with each one, often really not knowing what she is doing or if she is doing the right thing. It is wonderful to see how they come into their own with each other as well. There is also a little bonus for Clara as well as some tension when she gains the attention of not one but two men. One being her neighbor, war hero, Ivor Delaney, who knows all too well what living in an orphanage is like.
I really enjoyed this story and I definitely can not wait for book two to come out. What a fantastic start to this series. This is a definite five star read for me.
Clara Newton’s life isn’t exactly how she wished it would have turned out. She has been let go of her pencil pushing job, her American fiance has perished in the war, and her living arrangements are perilous at best. This all changes when she is hired as the Housemother of the Shilling Grange Orphanage. How hard can this job be? They are only kids, right? With her organizational skills and her eye for detail, she could have this orphanage running smoothly in no time. Oh how wrong she is. Nothing is as it seems at the orphanage, the kids are…well kids! Clara soon finds herself overwhelmed and ready to quit. But, do the kids in her charge and Clara actually have things in common? Much more than Clara could have ever dreamed is possible! HAs Clara truly found her home?
I must admit, I fell in love with this story and it was such a great opening to what looks like an amazing series by Lizzie Page. I loved getting to know each of the children and all of their different personalities and how Clara interacts with each one, often really not knowing what she is doing or if she is doing the right thing. It is wonderful to see how they come into their own with each other as well. There is also a little bonus for Clara as well as some tension when she gains the attention of not one but two men. One being her neighbor, war hero, Ivor Delaney, who knows all too well what living in an orphanage is like.
I really enjoyed this story and I definitely can not wait for book two to come out. What a fantastic start to this series. This is a definite five star read for me.
August 26, 2021
I was really conflicted about this book. For the first two-thirds, it was annoying me to such an extent that I nearly gave up reading it altogether. The final third was terrific :)
Clara is a young woman who is in dire need of a job and a change of scenery, after losing her fiance and with neglect issues surrounding her father. It is 1948 in the UK, and the country is still reeling after years of war. Rationing continues and there are many shell-shocked veterans adjusting to life as well as scores of orphans and other children who have no safe home. Enter Clara, as the new housemother of a children's home. The eight children are all traumatised in one way or another and Clara is far from perfect herself, so this leads to a variety of situations that need to be tackled.
The good bits: the orphans. The backgrounds of the children are gradually revealed and it shocks me not at all that these vulnerable children were then further taken advantage of by the people entrusted with their care. I love that this book is based on the huge change in the law that finally protected those children.
The not-so-good bits: the book is written in a bit of a flippant style, and there are some terrible things that occur that Clara pretty much shrugs her shoulders about and carries on. There ARE things that you shouldn't tolerate, no matter what. I also thought that Clara's approach to some things was a little too modern for the era in which the book was set. There is some romance in the book but I am just not feeling it very much. It is like most of the book was set on the surface, not a lot of depth. Hard to explain.
Was 3 stars but increased to 4 because of the final third of the book, which was really good.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Clara is a young woman who is in dire need of a job and a change of scenery, after losing her fiance and with neglect issues surrounding her father. It is 1948 in the UK, and the country is still reeling after years of war. Rationing continues and there are many shell-shocked veterans adjusting to life as well as scores of orphans and other children who have no safe home. Enter Clara, as the new housemother of a children's home. The eight children are all traumatised in one way or another and Clara is far from perfect herself, so this leads to a variety of situations that need to be tackled.
The good bits: the orphans. The backgrounds of the children are gradually revealed and it shocks me not at all that these vulnerable children were then further taken advantage of by the people entrusted with their care. I love that this book is based on the huge change in the law that finally protected those children.
The not-so-good bits: the book is written in a bit of a flippant style, and there are some terrible things that occur that Clara pretty much shrugs her shoulders about and carries on. There ARE things that you shouldn't tolerate, no matter what. I also thought that Clara's approach to some things was a little too modern for the era in which the book was set. There is some romance in the book but I am just not feeling it very much. It is like most of the book was set on the surface, not a lot of depth. Hard to explain.
Was 3 stars but increased to 4 because of the final third of the book, which was really good.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
August 3, 2021
The Housemother
This book warmed my heart. If only all housemothers’ in orphanages could care for the children with as much love and compassion as Clara. To realize the potential of each build and work toward expanding that potential. The ability to work through problems to find a workable solution. Working in such a way that all the children are included and accepted.
Clara took the job as housemother at the orphanage when she lost her secretarial job. She found out it was a much harder job than she thought, and almost gave up before she got started. She grew to love the children and even though she made some mistakes she became very protective of them.
Through the trials and triumphs you will get to know the eight wonderful children that live at the orphanage. Each character is so very special. You will laugh at their childish pranks, their little escapades and cheer at their successes.
You will get to know Ivor the next door neighbor and a very good friend to the children, the other members of the small town, the doctor and his assistant Anita,
. The solicitor, Julian a romantic interest of Clara who is not good with children, and Clara’s friend Judy and her husband Arthur.
These all combine to make a delightful, heartwarming story with Love, laughter, and a bit of sadness.
I hope you love this book as much as I did, I do recommend this book.
Thanks to Lizzie Page, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy for my honest review.
This book warmed my heart. If only all housemothers’ in orphanages could care for the children with as much love and compassion as Clara. To realize the potential of each build and work toward expanding that potential. The ability to work through problems to find a workable solution. Working in such a way that all the children are included and accepted.
Clara took the job as housemother at the orphanage when she lost her secretarial job. She found out it was a much harder job than she thought, and almost gave up before she got started. She grew to love the children and even though she made some mistakes she became very protective of them.
Through the trials and triumphs you will get to know the eight wonderful children that live at the orphanage. Each character is so very special. You will laugh at their childish pranks, their little escapades and cheer at their successes.
You will get to know Ivor the next door neighbor and a very good friend to the children, the other members of the small town, the doctor and his assistant Anita,
. The solicitor, Julian a romantic interest of Clara who is not good with children, and Clara’s friend Judy and her husband Arthur.
These all combine to make a delightful, heartwarming story with Love, laughter, and a bit of sadness.
I hope you love this book as much as I did, I do recommend this book.
Thanks to Lizzie Page, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy for my honest review.
May 8, 2022
This is one of those stories that draw you in--I had a hard time putting it down. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series.
When Clara takes the job as housemother at the Shilling Grange Children's Home, she is full of bright ideas, but hardly knows what to expect. A recent war widow (her boyfriend was killed in WWII), she knows she has to support herself, and this seems like something she can do, indeed has a passion to do. But what she finds is very discouraging. The eight children come from horrible backgrounds, they are hurting and abused and this "home" has not been a refuge for them, merely a place where they are treated as unwanted feral beings. Clara sets out to change that by caring for the children, really caring about them - who they are, what they want, how they see the world. Although she is often discouraged, little by little she begins making progress. The setbacks are frequent and heartbreaking. The town is slow to accept her - they want the orphanage closed or moved - and there is a great deal of criticism and not a lot of support. Even the little bit of support she gets is not always there when she needs it. But then support and encouragement come from unexpected places.
This was a wonderful read; the only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars is that I just can't praise loose morality; people sleeping with each other without the benefit of marriage. Personal preference. No outright sexual scenes or bad language though. I appreciated that.
When Clara takes the job as housemother at the Shilling Grange Children's Home, she is full of bright ideas, but hardly knows what to expect. A recent war widow (her boyfriend was killed in WWII), she knows she has to support herself, and this seems like something she can do, indeed has a passion to do. But what she finds is very discouraging. The eight children come from horrible backgrounds, they are hurting and abused and this "home" has not been a refuge for them, merely a place where they are treated as unwanted feral beings. Clara sets out to change that by caring for the children, really caring about them - who they are, what they want, how they see the world. Although she is often discouraged, little by little she begins making progress. The setbacks are frequent and heartbreaking. The town is slow to accept her - they want the orphanage closed or moved - and there is a great deal of criticism and not a lot of support. Even the little bit of support she gets is not always there when she needs it. But then support and encouragement come from unexpected places.
This was a wonderful read; the only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars is that I just can't praise loose morality; people sleeping with each other without the benefit of marriage. Personal preference. No outright sexual scenes or bad language though. I appreciated that.
August 21, 2021
My heart is full!
Oh, I adored this book so much! What I love about the characters in Lizzie Page’s books is that they are firmly of their time and yet their dreams and dilemmas are so recognisable to women today. Clara is one such a wonderful yet relatable character: wonderful in her kindness and earnest desire to do the right thing; relatable in that she often gets it wrong.
Becoming a housemother to a group of orphans in Suffolk with no experience whatsoever would have been tricky enough, but Clara is also still recovering from personal heartbreak and her own difficult upbringing. Never shying away from difficult topics, this book taught me a lot about the experiences of children in post war Britain. At the same time, there were moments of pure joy and the book left me feeling uplifted and with a full heart. Lizzie writes children so well and I wanted to adopt each and every one of them.
I cannot WAIT to get my hands on the next book in this series and find out what the future holds for the residents of Shilling Grange.
Oh, I adored this book so much! What I love about the characters in Lizzie Page’s books is that they are firmly of their time and yet their dreams and dilemmas are so recognisable to women today. Clara is one such a wonderful yet relatable character: wonderful in her kindness and earnest desire to do the right thing; relatable in that she often gets it wrong.
Becoming a housemother to a group of orphans in Suffolk with no experience whatsoever would have been tricky enough, but Clara is also still recovering from personal heartbreak and her own difficult upbringing. Never shying away from difficult topics, this book taught me a lot about the experiences of children in post war Britain. At the same time, there were moments of pure joy and the book left me feeling uplifted and with a full heart. Lizzie writes children so well and I wanted to adopt each and every one of them.
I cannot WAIT to get my hands on the next book in this series and find out what the future holds for the residents of Shilling Grange.
October 25, 2021
I’m a dedicated fan of Lizzie Page’s books and The Orphanage was equally as enjoyable as all the others! I was immediately drawn into Clara’s complicated life and those of the children in her care. There is always fascinating details of history in Lizzie’s books and this post war period is perhaps less well known and less written about, but deserving of attention. I’m delighted that this is the first in a series and can’t wait for the next!
April 25, 2022
I rarely give a 5* rating, but this book was so hard to put down. The story of a young woman in the late 1940s England who begins a new job as a housemother to 8 orphaned children. Unequipped to handle the trauma these kids experienced, she begins a journey of growing and loving these kids who some feel were undesirable. At times this story is very emotional, funny, full of loss and happiness too. There is a sequel which I can't wait to read! HIGHLY recommend!
February 15, 2022
This is the first book in the Shilling Grange children’s home series. This for me was an ok read but it did take me a few chapters to get into it. It is a rather slow read but there were some good parts to it.
August 29, 2021
The Orphanage is the first in the new Shilling’s Grange Children’s Home series by Lizzie Page. I have read all her previous books and this one is a vast departure from those that were set during the war years. It took me quite some time to get into this story and it was only past the halfway mark that I really began to enjoy the exploits of Clara and the orphans in her care. I think I had become so accustomed to the author’s previous style of books that that’s what me take so long to really connect with the book. The chapters are short and precise and I found overall the story was written in quite a simple conversational style detailing what occurred daily at Shilling’s Grange and how Clara did her best to transform the lives in her care even though she was so far out of her comfort zone. The transformation all of the characters go through was enjoyable to read about and I definitely want to read book two because I thought it was great that everything wasn’t so neatly resolved by the end. There was enough left unsaid at the end to whet your appetite to make the reader want to return for future instalments.
In 1948 Clara Newtown has lost her secretarial job in a London factory which has been her comfort zone for many years. She still mourns the loss of her American fiancée Michael, who was killed in action during the war, and she is estranged from her father who does missionary work. She has a close friend Judy whom she stayed with for a time but Judy’s husband Arthur is deeply affected by the war and Clara doesn’t feel comfortable imposing on their hospitality for a long period. I thought Judy’s aspect of the story was developed very well, the reader could get the hints that were being dropped. Clara interviews for the position of house mother of Shilling Grange Children’s Home in Lavenham, Suffolk and to her surprise she gets the job.
Right from the get go you can tell that Clara is a complete fish out of water and she has been taken so far out of her normal routine. But she is the one who wished for a change in her life and so she must stay at the orphanage. She gives herself six weeks and then she knows she can get out of the job and return to London to do something else. I liked how she wasn’t afraid to admit her failures and faults and acknowledged that maybe this hadn’t been the right decision for her. She knows nothing as to how an orphanage runs and how can she interact with children who have come from such varied backgrounds full of trauma and loss. The children she believes are like animals in a zoo and the hostility experienced from the villagers shows how they don’t want an orphanage located in the village bringing the tone of the place down.
Clara faces much opposition in the form of the children themselves, the villagers and the actual system and its rules that orphanages abide by. Prior to her arrival the orphanage had been run by nuns and their strict systems remain in place. She can see changes need to be made but with everything so ingrained how can she achieve this? She seems to do everything wrong and she can’t connect with the children but can this change over time? There were an awful lot of characters introduced and it became hard to keep track of who was who and what their background story was. A little line or two outlining the characters prior to the story starting proper might have been helpful for the reader. I found the story flitted about a bit and there wasn’t a specific focus on individual children. Rather several were mentioned in a chapter and then it moved on to someone else and at some points not much happened rather there was just general descriptions of what happened on a daily basis and I felt something exciting or life altering needed to happen to add a little drama and spice to things. As I previously said it’s only past the mid-point that I felt things took off and I became invested in the story.
The children that feature are twins Billy and Barry, Maureen, Peg, Rita, Alex, Terry and Peter. They all have their individual stories as to why they came to be at Shillings Grange but again I would have liked more detail about certain orphans which I feel would have made me able to keep track of who was who a bit more easily. Clara slowly starts to change her attitude and viewpoint. She begins to realise that these children can’t help the situation they find themselves in and that she must do her best by the them. In doing so a form of healing starts to occur for Clara herself and she wants to make a positive difference to their lives. She knows the children need reliability, consistency and commitment and by trying to establish these Clara highlights how women can do extraordinary things especially in the face of so many obstacles in relation to the orphanage system. She learns you don’t do things for recognition rather because they are right. Romance does feature in this story alongside the personal stories of the orphans and Clara went down a path that the reader could see was potentially really not for her. I know what I want to happen with regard to this aspect of the story but I feel there is a lot to played out before this can happen.
I enjoyed the fact the author is trying something new with this series and despite that I found it not as easy to get into once I did, I did enjoy it. Fans of previous books from Lizzie Page be prepared that this is very different but do make sure to give it a try. New readers will find it to be an easy and enjoyable read.
In 1948 Clara Newtown has lost her secretarial job in a London factory which has been her comfort zone for many years. She still mourns the loss of her American fiancée Michael, who was killed in action during the war, and she is estranged from her father who does missionary work. She has a close friend Judy whom she stayed with for a time but Judy’s husband Arthur is deeply affected by the war and Clara doesn’t feel comfortable imposing on their hospitality for a long period. I thought Judy’s aspect of the story was developed very well, the reader could get the hints that were being dropped. Clara interviews for the position of house mother of Shilling Grange Children’s Home in Lavenham, Suffolk and to her surprise she gets the job.
Right from the get go you can tell that Clara is a complete fish out of water and she has been taken so far out of her normal routine. But she is the one who wished for a change in her life and so she must stay at the orphanage. She gives herself six weeks and then she knows she can get out of the job and return to London to do something else. I liked how she wasn’t afraid to admit her failures and faults and acknowledged that maybe this hadn’t been the right decision for her. She knows nothing as to how an orphanage runs and how can she interact with children who have come from such varied backgrounds full of trauma and loss. The children she believes are like animals in a zoo and the hostility experienced from the villagers shows how they don’t want an orphanage located in the village bringing the tone of the place down.
Clara faces much opposition in the form of the children themselves, the villagers and the actual system and its rules that orphanages abide by. Prior to her arrival the orphanage had been run by nuns and their strict systems remain in place. She can see changes need to be made but with everything so ingrained how can she achieve this? She seems to do everything wrong and she can’t connect with the children but can this change over time? There were an awful lot of characters introduced and it became hard to keep track of who was who and what their background story was. A little line or two outlining the characters prior to the story starting proper might have been helpful for the reader. I found the story flitted about a bit and there wasn’t a specific focus on individual children. Rather several were mentioned in a chapter and then it moved on to someone else and at some points not much happened rather there was just general descriptions of what happened on a daily basis and I felt something exciting or life altering needed to happen to add a little drama and spice to things. As I previously said it’s only past the mid-point that I felt things took off and I became invested in the story.
The children that feature are twins Billy and Barry, Maureen, Peg, Rita, Alex, Terry and Peter. They all have their individual stories as to why they came to be at Shillings Grange but again I would have liked more detail about certain orphans which I feel would have made me able to keep track of who was who a bit more easily. Clara slowly starts to change her attitude and viewpoint. She begins to realise that these children can’t help the situation they find themselves in and that she must do her best by the them. In doing so a form of healing starts to occur for Clara herself and she wants to make a positive difference to their lives. She knows the children need reliability, consistency and commitment and by trying to establish these Clara highlights how women can do extraordinary things especially in the face of so many obstacles in relation to the orphanage system. She learns you don’t do things for recognition rather because they are right. Romance does feature in this story alongside the personal stories of the orphans and Clara went down a path that the reader could see was potentially really not for her. I know what I want to happen with regard to this aspect of the story but I feel there is a lot to played out before this can happen.
I enjoyed the fact the author is trying something new with this series and despite that I found it not as easy to get into once I did, I did enjoy it. Fans of previous books from Lizzie Page be prepared that this is very different but do make sure to give it a try. New readers will find it to be an easy and enjoyable read.
January 8, 2025
Very informative and touching
October 19, 2023
3.5 stats
Set just after WW11 Clara leaves her job a a secretary and takes a job as a house mother at an orphanage.
This is a quiet, simple story that made a lovely change from the murder mysteries I usually read. I will listen to the next one in the series where the story continues.
Set just after WW11 Clara leaves her job a a secretary and takes a job as a house mother at an orphanage.
This is a quiet, simple story that made a lovely change from the murder mysteries I usually read. I will listen to the next one in the series where the story continues.
September 3, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Orphanage' by Lizzie Page.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lizzie Page, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 27th August 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Shilling Grange Children's Home' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters won’t be able to put this book down.' I am a huge fan of 'Before We Were Yours' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 51 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Clara Newton. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Orphanage' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Lizzie discusses/includes child abuse and neglect.
Wow!!! What an absolutely captivating heart warning read. LIZZIE WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING ALL THIS TIME?!? This may have been the first book I have read by her but it most definitely won't be the last!!!
This book is absolutely beautifully written and it had me absorbed from the first page to the last. The vivid descriptions really put me in the storyline with Clara and the children and the cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The story itself was quite unique for me as in I have never actually read a fictional book about a children's home. I have read several non fiction foster books but never any fictional so I was looking forward to see if I would be as drawn in with fiction as I am with non fiction and I most certainly was!!! The storyline is filled with heartbreak, love, friendship, shocks, tension, sadness, hope and much more. My mind and heart was completely captivated throughout and I couldn't stop turning the pages from start to end. I was completely shocked and saddened by one event but I can't say I was completely surprised in regards to Peter, I can't say any more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. There are several parts where I found tears running down my face which isn't an easy feat so you may want a box of tissues on standby and I would definitely clear your schedules and this really is unputdownable. I cannot wait until the next book in this beautiful and amazing series comes out!!! If it is half as addictive as this then it is bound to be a winner!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but the main characters who we see throughout the series too. I had absolutely nothing to worry about, I absolutely fell in love with the kids and I absolutely adored Clara in what she was doing for them. I love that the main protagonist was a strong female who went from someone who seemed to have certainly chosen the wrong job and really annoyed me on several occasions with her materialistic ways to a fighter and a role model for the children and I enjoyed watching her grow and develop. I look forward to meeting her again in the next book in this wonderful series. I could not stand Mrs Harrington who I found to be horrible and insensitive nor Julian who I found to be a stuck up fox killer from the start. I absolutely adored Ivor and although I was gutted for someone about something (don't want to give anything away for future readers) I am glad that it was not predictable like many books are. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with a certain Ruby. I loved all the children who each had their own unique personalities. I found Terry and Peg very sweet, Alex made me laugh on several occasions and as for Billy and Barry I must say the Weasley twins definitely came to mind!!!! An absolutely fantastic mix of characters and I am looking forward to meeting Clara, Ivor, the current children and the new children in the next book.
Congratulations Lizzie on an absolutely gorgeous book and welcome to my favourite authour list. Here is to the next book in what is promising to be an addictive series.
Overall an absolutely heartwarming, soul lifting unputdownable book that will captivate your heart, body and mind.
Genres covered in this book include Saga, Coming-Of-Age Story, Historical Fiction and War Story amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Before We Were Yours', Casey Watson, Harry Keeble, Shane Dunphy, Louise Allen, Angela Hart and anyone looking for a heartwarming book on children's homes.
373 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free if you have kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheOrphanage #Bookouture #LizziePage #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LizziePage @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Orphanage' by Lizzie Page.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lizzie Page, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 27th August 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Shilling Grange Children's Home' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters won’t be able to put this book down.' I am a huge fan of 'Before We Were Yours' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 51 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Clara Newton. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Orphanage' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Lizzie discusses/includes child abuse and neglect.
Wow!!! What an absolutely captivating heart warning read. LIZZIE WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING ALL THIS TIME?!? This may have been the first book I have read by her but it most definitely won't be the last!!!
This book is absolutely beautifully written and it had me absorbed from the first page to the last. The vivid descriptions really put me in the storyline with Clara and the children and the cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The story itself was quite unique for me as in I have never actually read a fictional book about a children's home. I have read several non fiction foster books but never any fictional so I was looking forward to see if I would be as drawn in with fiction as I am with non fiction and I most certainly was!!! The storyline is filled with heartbreak, love, friendship, shocks, tension, sadness, hope and much more. My mind and heart was completely captivated throughout and I couldn't stop turning the pages from start to end. I was completely shocked and saddened by one event but I can't say I was completely surprised in regards to Peter, I can't say any more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. There are several parts where I found tears running down my face which isn't an easy feat so you may want a box of tissues on standby and I would definitely clear your schedules and this really is unputdownable. I cannot wait until the next book in this beautiful and amazing series comes out!!! If it is half as addictive as this then it is bound to be a winner!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but the main characters who we see throughout the series too. I had absolutely nothing to worry about, I absolutely fell in love with the kids and I absolutely adored Clara in what she was doing for them. I love that the main protagonist was a strong female who went from someone who seemed to have certainly chosen the wrong job and really annoyed me on several occasions with her materialistic ways to a fighter and a role model for the children and I enjoyed watching her grow and develop. I look forward to meeting her again in the next book in this wonderful series. I could not stand Mrs Harrington who I found to be horrible and insensitive nor Julian who I found to be a stuck up fox killer from the start. I absolutely adored Ivor and although I was gutted for someone about something (don't want to give anything away for future readers) I am glad that it was not predictable like many books are. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with a certain Ruby. I loved all the children who each had their own unique personalities. I found Terry and Peg very sweet, Alex made me laugh on several occasions and as for Billy and Barry I must say the Weasley twins definitely came to mind!!!! An absolutely fantastic mix of characters and I am looking forward to meeting Clara, Ivor, the current children and the new children in the next book.
Congratulations Lizzie on an absolutely gorgeous book and welcome to my favourite authour list. Here is to the next book in what is promising to be an addictive series.
Overall an absolutely heartwarming, soul lifting unputdownable book that will captivate your heart, body and mind.
Genres covered in this book include Saga, Coming-Of-Age Story, Historical Fiction and War Story amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Before We Were Yours', Casey Watson, Harry Keeble, Shane Dunphy, Louise Allen, Angela Hart and anyone looking for a heartwarming book on children's homes.
373 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free if you have kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheOrphanage #Bookouture #LizziePage #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LizziePage @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
July 20, 2021
Thanks Net Galley for granting me this book in return for a honest review. I read previous reviews which rated this book highly so I was very much looking forward to it - for me it was very slow and did not draw me in. It was an average read.
February 18, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Orphanage' by Lizzie Page.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lizzie Page, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 27th August 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Shilling Grange Children's Home' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters won’t be able to put this book down.' I am a huge fan of 'Before We Were Yours' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 51 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Clara Newton. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Orphanage' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Lizzie discusses/includes child abuse and neglect.
Wow!!! What an absolutely captivating heart warning read. LIZZIE WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING ALL THIS TIME?!? This may have been the first book I have read by her but it most definitely won't be the last!!!
This book is absolutely beautifully written and it had me absorbed from the first page to the last. The vivid descriptions really put me in the storyline with Clara and the children and the cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The story itself was quite unique for me as in I have never actually read a fictional book about a children's home. I have read several non fiction foster books but never any fictional so I was looking forward to see if I would be as drawn in with fiction as I am with non fiction and I most certainly was!!! The storyline is filled with heartbreak, love, friendship, shocks, tension, sadness, hope and much more. My mind and heart was completely captivated throughout and I couldn't stop turning the pages from start to end. I was completely shocked and saddened by one event but I can't say I was completely surprised in regards to Peter, I can't say any more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. There are several parts where I found tears running down my face which isn't an easy feat so you may want a box of tissues on standby and I would definitely clear your schedules and this really is unputdownable. I cannot wait until the next book in this beautiful and amazing series comes out!!! If it is half as addictive as this then it is bound to be a winner!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but the main characters who we see throughout the series too. I had absolutely nothing to worry about, I absolutely fell in love with the kids and I absolutely adored Clara in what she was doing for them. I love that the main protagonist was a strong female who went from someone who seemed to have certainly chosen the wrong job and really annoyed me on several occasions with her materialistic ways to a fighter and a role model for the children and I enjoyed watching her grow and develop. I look forward to meeting her again in the next book in this wonderful series. I could not stand Mrs Harrington who I found to be horrible and insensitive nor Julian who I found to be a stuck up fox killer from the start. I absolutely adored Ivor and although I was gutted for someone about something (don't want to give anything away for future readers) I am glad that it was not predictable like many books are. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with a certain Ruby. I loved all the children who each had their own unique personalities. I found Terry and Peg very sweet, Alex made me laugh on several occasions and as for Billy and Barry I must say the Weasley twins definitely came to mind!!!! An absolutely fantastic mix of characters and I am looking forward to meeting Clara, Ivor, the current children and the new children in the next book.
Congratulations Lizzie on an absolutely gorgeous book and welcome to my favourite authour list. Here is to the next book in what is promising to be an addictive series.
Overall an absolutely heartwarming, soul lifting unputdownable book that will captivate your heart, body and mind.
Genres covered in this book include Saga, Coming-Of-Age Story, Historical Fiction and War Story amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Before We Were Yours', Casey Watson, Harry Keeble, Shane Dunphy, Louise Allen, Angela Hart and anyone looking for a heartwarming book on children's homes.
373 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free if you have kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheOrphanage #Bookouture #LizziePage #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LizziePage @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Orphanage' by Lizzie Page.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lizzie Page, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 27th August 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Shilling Grange Children's Home' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters won’t be able to put this book down.' I am a huge fan of 'Before We Were Yours' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 51 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Clara Newton. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Orphanage' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Lizzie discusses/includes child abuse and neglect.
Wow!!! What an absolutely captivating heart warning read. LIZZIE WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING ALL THIS TIME?!? This may have been the first book I have read by her but it most definitely won't be the last!!!
This book is absolutely beautifully written and it had me absorbed from the first page to the last. The vivid descriptions really put me in the storyline with Clara and the children and the cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The story itself was quite unique for me as in I have never actually read a fictional book about a children's home. I have read several non fiction foster books but never any fictional so I was looking forward to see if I would be as drawn in with fiction as I am with non fiction and I most certainly was!!! The storyline is filled with heartbreak, love, friendship, shocks, tension, sadness, hope and much more. My mind and heart was completely captivated throughout and I couldn't stop turning the pages from start to end. I was completely shocked and saddened by one event but I can't say I was completely surprised in regards to Peter, I can't say any more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. There are several parts where I found tears running down my face which isn't an easy feat so you may want a box of tissues on standby and I would definitely clear your schedules and this really is unputdownable. I cannot wait until the next book in this beautiful and amazing series comes out!!! If it is half as addictive as this then it is bound to be a winner!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but the main characters who we see throughout the series too. I had absolutely nothing to worry about, I absolutely fell in love with the kids and I absolutely adored Clara in what she was doing for them. I love that the main protagonist was a strong female who went from someone who seemed to have certainly chosen the wrong job and really annoyed me on several occasions with her materialistic ways to a fighter and a role model for the children and I enjoyed watching her grow and develop. I look forward to meeting her again in the next book in this wonderful series. I could not stand Mrs Harrington who I found to be horrible and insensitive nor Julian who I found to be a stuck up fox killer from the start. I absolutely adored Ivor and although I was gutted for someone about something (don't want to give anything away for future readers) I am glad that it was not predictable like many books are. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with a certain Ruby. I loved all the children who each had their own unique personalities. I found Terry and Peg very sweet, Alex made me laugh on several occasions and as for Billy and Barry I must say the Weasley twins definitely came to mind!!!! An absolutely fantastic mix of characters and I am looking forward to meeting Clara, Ivor, the current children and the new children in the next book.
Congratulations Lizzie on an absolutely gorgeous book and welcome to my favourite authour list. Here is to the next book in what is promising to be an addictive series.
Overall an absolutely heartwarming, soul lifting unputdownable book that will captivate your heart, body and mind.
Genres covered in this book include Saga, Coming-Of-Age Story, Historical Fiction and War Story amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Before We Were Yours', Casey Watson, Harry Keeble, Shane Dunphy, Louise Allen, Angela Hart and anyone looking for a heartwarming book on children's homes.
373 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free if you have kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheOrphanage #Bookouture #LizziePage #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LizziePage @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Read
August 29, 2021Shilling Grange Orphange had been a terrible place. The children were whipped, short on food and more. Clara Newton is now Housemother and her approach to the children that come through the doors is completely different from the nuns who once ran it. She shows a level of love and compassion to deal with children orphaned from the war.
However, Clara did not start the job with an altruistic nature. She had lost her secretarial job and was very short on funds. She just needed employment, especially one with accomodations, thinking of this job as a place-saver, just something until she can train again for something else. However, from the smallest child to the oldest, Clara soon had a change of heart. There was little Rita, who continually asked about her mother. Then there was Alex, misunderstood by most, but a wonderful child nonetheless. Another child that touched my heart was Maureen, the oldest girl, and the issues that plagued her. And I just have to mention the adorable twins Billy and Barry.
This emotional story was not only about Clara and the children. There was next door neighbor Ivor and the nun who stayed on at the orphange, Eunice. I was also touched by the town's doctor and his assistant. All of these characters played pivotal roles in this touching read. Will this only be a temporary stop for Clara? While it proved extremely challenging, Clara did her best for the children. Problems faced the orphange more than once and I loved how Clara, with Ivor's help, fought to keep these children safe at such a difficult time in their lives. This touching book has a compelling story, rich with fabulous characterization, and ends with a wonderful conclusion. I love that it is the first book in a series and cannot wait to see what is next for Clara and her charges.
Many thanks for Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
However, Clara did not start the job with an altruistic nature. She had lost her secretarial job and was very short on funds. She just needed employment, especially one with accomodations, thinking of this job as a place-saver, just something until she can train again for something else. However, from the smallest child to the oldest, Clara soon had a change of heart. There was little Rita, who continually asked about her mother. Then there was Alex, misunderstood by most, but a wonderful child nonetheless. Another child that touched my heart was Maureen, the oldest girl, and the issues that plagued her. And I just have to mention the adorable twins Billy and Barry.
This emotional story was not only about Clara and the children. There was next door neighbor Ivor and the nun who stayed on at the orphange, Eunice. I was also touched by the town's doctor and his assistant. All of these characters played pivotal roles in this touching read. Will this only be a temporary stop for Clara? While it proved extremely challenging, Clara did her best for the children. Problems faced the orphange more than once and I loved how Clara, with Ivor's help, fought to keep these children safe at such a difficult time in their lives. This touching book has a compelling story, rich with fabulous characterization, and ends with a wonderful conclusion. I love that it is the first book in a series and cannot wait to see what is next for Clara and her charges.
Many thanks for Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 20, 2023
Though the war has ended, Clara Newton still feels its repercussions. Without a job or a home to call her own in London, Clara applies for a position as the housemother at Shilling Grange Orphanage. The work is considerably more taxing than she had anticipated, but there are also many unsuspected benefits.
(Really closer to 4.5 Stars.)
This book took me by surprise. Way outside of my usual genre, it nevertheless was charm personified. As a bonus, it was a treat to learn more about the era directly after the war and to gain perspective on the state of child welfare during that time. Besides that, it was also quite delightful!
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
(Really closer to 4.5 Stars.)
This book took me by surprise. Way outside of my usual genre, it nevertheless was charm personified. As a bonus, it was a treat to learn more about the era directly after the war and to gain perspective on the state of child welfare during that time. Besides that, it was also quite delightful!
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 1, 2022
A delightful read.
Despite having no experience, Clara takes the position of housemother in a small orphanage in post WW2 Lavenham, Suffolk.
There are many challenges to face, including some opposition from a few of the locals.
This is a delightful, yet at times heart-wrenching story, brilliantly penned, and hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Despite having no experience, Clara takes the position of housemother in a small orphanage in post WW2 Lavenham, Suffolk.
There are many challenges to face, including some opposition from a few of the locals.
This is a delightful, yet at times heart-wrenching story, brilliantly penned, and hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
January 4, 2024
Beautiful and heartwarming. As other reviewers have described, it had me giggling, crying out at injustices or hurts experienced by the children, and becoming entangled in their little lives. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because the writing isn't the best I've encountered (as an example, a character named Pamela was later incorrectly referred to as Pauline 😶) but I eventually stopped noticing it as I became more invested in the story.
October 25, 2023
An excellent book. Clara is housemother to a small group of children who were separated from their families by the war. She makes their lives fun after taking over from nuns who didn't. There is a love story for Clara and a man she shouldn't have anything to do with - she realizes this in time before they marry and he destroys her confidence.
March 12, 2025
An enjoyable read about a children's home in England following WWII. Clara struggles with the challenges of caring for the children, while navigating love and a marriage proposal. She also struggles with the administration but in the end she adores the children the children adore her and her love and devotion to the children win over the administration. There are several lose ends when the book ends so I was pleased to learn there is a sequel.
September 24, 2021
Clara becomes housemother for a ragged bunch of orphans. She feels as if she is failing, but she does her best for all the children in her care.
February 7, 2024
A different type of book to my normal read but enjoyable all the same
April 12, 2024
Leuk boek! Speelt zich af na de oorlog. Je blijft het lezen
June 1, 2024
This book dragged for me. But I kept at it and the ending made it worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews