Winter's Orphan

White Christmas #2

by Katie Flynn

London, 1939 When tragedy strikes, Libby Andrews is left homeless and destitute, fending for herself on the Capital's most dangerous streets. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Libby is on the cusp of making a decision that could jeopardise her future when a local boy saves her from ruin. This kindness of a stranger sets her on a different path, and Libby heads to Liverpool with a determined mind and hope in her heart. There, she reconnects with long lost family - but will she be able to uncover the truth that tore them apart all those years ago?

400 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Katie Flynn was born in Norwich and attended Norwich High School, where she was extremely happy and extremely undistinguished. Published at the tender age of eight, in Enid Blyton's Sunny Stories, she joined a Writers’ Circle as an adult, publishing short stories, articles, etc; only turning to novels in 1971 because the postal strike cut off her main source of income!
At first she wrote under several different names – Judith Saxton, Judy Turner, Lydia Balmain, Judith Arden – but her Katie Flynn books were a delight to write and proved far more popular than she had dreamed. She has now published nearly ninety novels, twenty-seven of which are Flynns. Her most recent titles are: Lost Days of Summer and Christmas Wishes.

Reviews

[Linda Welbourn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit long winded. Disappointed in the cut off ending

[Liz C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this because of the wartime Liverpool setting. Unfortunately I felt it lacked emotion which made the story feel a bit flat.

[Erimac · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story but too long-winded for me. I found myself jumping paragraphs at times. I also agree that the chapters were too long. In my opinion a good editor could have improved it, breaking it into shorter chapters and making the story tighter. Also, spoiler alert, there is obviously a sequel in the works as you're left with unanswered questions at the end.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the trilogy although could be read as a standalone. It features Libby who lives in London with her parents. She meets Margo who is running away from her Father. I loved this and can't wait for book 3.

[Shirley Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story with good characterisation. However, towards the end, I got a little impatient when the mystery was not revealed involving Libby's mother and her aunt and uncle. There was an explanation which I suspect to many readers was predictable but everything was not revealed and it still leaves the reader with many questions. The ending was really abrupt and I realised that this is part of a trilogy and the end book is yet to come. I can only assume that all the unfinished business in this story will be addressed in the last book, however in my opinion, each book in a trilogy should also be a stand-alone which can be read in an independent way with a satisfactory conclusion - this did not!

An error I noticed is that the word 'wowzer' is said by one of the characters. This is too modern a word for language in 1941. The word 'wowser', spelt with an s and not a z, was in fact introduced many years ago but has a completely different meaning. The modern 'wowzer' is a word said by someone who is pleasantly surprised and is a spin-off from 'wow'.

[Belinda King · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to a cd in the car, and loved the voice of the actor. I really loved Libby and Margo.
A good reminder to be grateful in life as life back then was tough, Hitler bombing England and people losing their houses. No such thing back then as the dole!
The book did drag on similar to my review I'm writing right now.
Oh and I found out at the end it's a flamin' sequel so some unanswered questions I had about Libby's relatives were not answered.. (Were they really her relatives? I'll never know now unless I invest in the next book, then I will be up another rabbit hole and have to read another sequel)

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's wartime and Libby Andrews is about to have her world turned upside down.
In desperation, in a struggle to survive she is on the brink of making a terrible mistake.
When she pulls back she has an accident and is saved by a local boy.
His kindness slowly turns to something more.
But still Libby feels she has a mission to fulfil to her family in Liverpool.
She meets up with long lost relatives but they aren't what they seem.
Everyone is hiding secrets, even her parents...
A wonderful new instalment of the "White Christmas" trilogy.
A lovely winter, festive tale.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much of repetitive conversations throughout. A bit longwinded, dragging the story out.
I was itching to progress Libbys story to see her find out family secrets, but this book finished abruptly. I thankfully have the other books, so I will plough my way through.
Katie Flynn books have slightly changed language and style since the main writer Judy Turner died. Her daughter, former co writer, has taken over, and I am yet to get used to her work.

[irene currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowwee

Oh my goodness how much can one wench take and still carry on really can't wait for the next instalment it's one of those books that you can't put down love Katie's books they always come up trumps whether standalone or a series and this second one in the series has not disappointed Libby and Jack are like two peas in a pod with great friends with Tom and Margo I would definitely recommend this book and give more than five stars

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful and heartfelt novel. I loved the story and following Libby on her journey through the book. The only thing that I felt that could have improved it was to make the chapters shorter, otherwise it was an enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to other readers and I look forward to reading more by the author.

[KeRRy BECK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Loved reading this book the story line characters etc can't wait for the next one ! To see what happens

[Rita Chapman · Rating 2 out of 5]

One for fans of chic-lit and warm romance. This is not a stand-alone book, so you will need to follow the series to find out if Libby solves the mystery of her family history.

[Tiffany M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, kept picking up when I could with a busy life style, I always found myself wanting to pick the book back up… fantastic read

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to the lives of Libby and Margo as they leave London during the blitz for Liverpool and uncover family secrets. Thanks to Katie and her publisher.

[Lisa Rackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down, cannot wait to read the others however cannot find the book mentioned in the back.

[Katie Heptinstall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but rushed ending

[patricia mctaggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great story wanting more please

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worthless anachronistic tripe.

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Robyn Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love it as much as I usually do with Katie Flynn books but it was a nice cosy read.

The ending felt abrupt, maybe as it's second in a trilogy which I didn't realise until I finished it.

[Carol]

brilliant