This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

Really enjoyed this book. Shows the strength of women, and how the character picks herself up, dusts herself off and strives to move forward

Review: Another really good historical fiction book, there is so many out there at the moment but only some of them stand out and this one does. Lily even though she is in a different era I can relate to here. Such a lovely character that I came to love as I read her story. A story about a strong women who can overcome negativity that stands in her way. Powerful book and a brilliant read.

This historical sage was just what I was looking for to read. I love these totally authentic sagas. There is a lot of adversity for our main character time and time again but she perseveres and overcomes in the end. She is a positive influence on others as well. She is kicked while she is down but she has the strength to come back time and time again. We can all take a lesson from her. Very much enjoyed this and will read more by this author. Very inspiring!
Pub Date 01 Jan 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own!

The Orphan Girl is the latest novel by Lindsey Hutchinson. Lily Rae is a maid at Ryder House in 1900. One afternoon she is attacked by the master’s son, Sebastian Ryder. Lily realizes that if she stays in the household, Sebastian will continue to attack her. Lily takes her savings and quickly departs Ryder House for the town of Wednesbury. Unable to find employment, Lily stays in a local churchyard. One day she encounters Rose Downey who takes her to Mrs. Johnston’s rooming house. Lily is then able to locate a position as a waitress at Ann’s Café. Then Lily discovers that her fear has become a realization. What will she do? Sebastian is upset that Lily disappeared and is determined to locate her. Tilley Green has a beautiful voice and one night, Seb Ryder happens to hear her perform. Seb’s life has taken a downturn and he sees Tilley as his meal ticket (a way to earn money with little work). Tilley, though, is not as ambitious as her new beau and will need persuading. What happens when she realizes that Seb is deceiving her? Tilley and Lily have lives that have peaks and valleys. They continue to struggle and hope for a brighter, happier future. See what happens with Lilly, Tilley and Sebastian in The Orphan Girl.

The Orphan Girl contains good writing and strong, resilient female characters with caring hearts. The book is not predictable and has many unexpected surprises. The author did a wonderful job at capturing the time-period and the locale. She portrayed the struggles of women in this era. I found it very realistic and gritty. One of my favorite characters is Emily Johnston, who owns the rooming house. Emily becomes a mother figure to Lily who provides needed advice and comfort. The author provided good descriptions that helped bring the book to life. I could picture the scenes in my head as I read the book. Modern readers will find the language odd, but it was accurate for the time and the education level of the characters. What the characters are saying can be discerned from the text. The opening scene between Sebastian and Lily is very graphic and realistic (fair warning). The Orphan Girl is an authentic historical novel that will have you riveted until the very last page.

Oops, I didn't see the archive date but too late to read it darn it!!

Unfortunately this book was archived before I could read it.

This is a roller coaster of a book, with the most incredible upheaval in the young life of Lily. The book starts in a very dramatic way, and continues with her life going in the most unexpected directions. The style of writing is in the vein of Catherine Cookson and if you like her books you will certainly like this. For me the story was a little too sad, but I did enjoy the variety of characters and the slow threading of storylines together. It's a well written story and very evocative of the time and place.

Loved this book, it's the first I have read by this author but I will certainly be looking out for more. It is well written and the story well thought out. The main character is a very gutsy lady who has faced much sadness and heartache in her life but she has friends who will always stand by her. I can highly recommend this book

Right up front- Seb is a villain who appears more than once in this novel of a strong young woman striving to make a life for herself. Lily is been orphaned, abused, and on her own but there are good people out there in the world. Tilley is dealing with many of the same issues but she's got the advantage of an awesome voice. Their stories entwine. This is old fashioned story telling that sometimes is a tad cliche but it's a good read. Occasionally the language is odd (I would have edited this differently). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Perfect for fans of this genre.

Orphan, Lily Rae has been taken into service. She has heard all the stories about what entitled masters think their pretty maids duties should include. When the worst happens to her, Lily knows she has to get away from the sadistic Sebastian Ryder. Tilley Green has nothing to her name but she has the voice of an angel. Destined to be a chorus hall star, Tilleymust first escape the clutches of her opportunistic and violent manager, Seb Ryder.

Lily Rae's life has been a constant struggle. We also learn about Tilley Green whose life is not much better. There are many other characters in this book, we learn more about them as the story unfolds. Every time Lily seems to find her feet, something always comes along to set her back. Lily is a strong character and does not let life's hardships stop her. I liked everything about this book. I do recommend it.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Aria and the author Lindsey Hutchinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lily Rae is the protagonist in this story. She is dealt many tough blows in her life beginning at a tender young age. While working as a maid to a wealthy family, their privileged son, Seb Ryder abuses her and she runs away from their home and this is where this story begins.

Seb remains a key character throughout the story. I have to admit, his part of the story went in a different direction then I thought it would. I like that the author took a creative route with his destiny. It kept me off balance.

Emily was a good friend and mother figure to Lily. I loved her part in the story. Her character was strong, kind, determined, well defined and had a perfect supporting roll.

There were many other characters to get to know, Jenny and Vera, all the funeral home employees where Lily worked, the restaurant owner that hired Lily, and so many more. Each person fitting snugly into place.

Reading this I felt like I was watching a historical documentary. The years rolled out and we followed everyone’s lives with all their twists and turns. I really was engrossed with each and every person in the story and invested in their outcome.

My only criticism is that I wasn’t a big fan of the English language delivery format chosen, for instance.. “her is going to have a baby”. This pronoun misuse is done so often I know it is intentional but not sure what the author was trying to portray except that maybe these were uneducated people???

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend.

This story broke my heart.
Lily Rae who was in service was abused by the owners son.
She left, there was no alternative for her. Not an easy plight.

What followed Lily after through her life was so hard to bear for any woman. The strength and determination won out but not always easy.

The difficult times, the sad times, the resilience of not only Lily but her best friend too when a tragic circumstance happened and she had to make an awful decision.

Meanwhile wherever Lily went Seb, who abused her, wasn’t far behind. He was obsessed.

There are so many different interwoven characters with superbly written lives weaving around Lily that I really found it hard to put this book down.

Stan......Stan the man. If you read this book, you will grow to love him as much as I did.

There’s a scene in this book where he goes outside and cries.
I was bawling my eyes out with him, I kid you not.

Wonderfully written, absorbing family drama that just pulls you in amongst it all.

Thank you to Aria via Net Galley for my copy

This was a very enjoyable read which I was sad to finish. The tales were linked together and it was very easy to follow. Highly recommended.

Brilliant, another great read, love this author. A great 'unputdownable' book of heartache and triumph. Fantastic!