I really wanted to engage with this book and I kept picking it up and putting it down.  It's possible I wasn't in the right frame of mind for it.  As a mother of two, the idea of raising a child, only have the threat of it being taken from you broke my heart.

This was a historical fiction story that had the best characters!  I loved that they were wonderfully created and full of personality. The story was a little difficult to get into at first, but after a few chapters, I understood who the characters were, and I was fully invested! I found this to be quite an emotional read, but one that I couldn't put down!. 

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

A baby is left on the doorstep of Hope House and immediately joins the family of proprietors Lauren Greenwood and Becky Tennant. Both women are committed to caring for 'unloved orphans' as the house was previously described, but their home is threatened by the creation of a national park...
A Baby on the Doorstep is the sequel to A Home for Unloved Orphans. We catch up with former heiress Lauren Greenwood and her orphanage. The Depression continues to impact on everyday life and now a national park is being created which threatens the local community and ultimately Lauren's home as well.
This is a book that pulls at the heartstrings. So many of the characters have suffered from poverty or cruelty so our emotions are instantly affected. Lauren is like a lioness, fiercely protecting her cubs. She is a staunch friend and has given up a great deal to enjoy her freedom. Lauren subverts the patriarchy of the time by being independent and, despite her developing romance with Edward, is only prepared for relationships based on equality.
There are plenty of little historical details which add an air of authenticity, such as references to the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and the sinking of the Morro Castle. I also enjoyed the plot of Edward visiting Germany to see his Jewish relatives and rescuing the children against the backdrop of Nazi persecution.
However, Becky and Lauren's continued rejection of their suitors became a little tiresome. I also found it was stretching my credulity a little far with the number of guests that kept being drawn to the house depsite the miniscule income. The ending felt very unrealistic but was certainly dramatic and enjoyable to read!
A Baby on the Doorstep is an emotional book that cleverly uses historical detail to bring the engaging characters to life.

A baby on the Doorstep by Rachel Wesson is an emotional read. One that will tug on your heartstrings from all the trials and tribulations faced during The Great Depression. At the heart of it all stands Hope House, an orphanage run by Lauren and Becky, both still young women themselves. While this is a fiction story, there are many historical facts that run parallel. It was heartbreaking to hear a part of our history that is not often talked about. The relocation of thousands of people who lived on the mountain in Virginia had their homes taken from them and their land was seized in order to create a national park. So many displaced families now homeless, with very little money, young children they can now no longer care for properly and having to make a terrible choice of letting their babies go and hopefully be welcomed into the fold at Hope House instead of a county home. Here is where this story begins, when a father makes a tough choice having to leave his baby daughter, Maisie, on the doorstep of Hope House, with a letter promising to return one day.

Even though Lauren and Becky struggled to make ends meet so they can take care of the children in their care I could see how hard they worked themselves to ensure the safety of the children. Both women have troubled painful pasts and have a hard time trusting men even while having a good man in their life wanting to help. Lauren and Becky are both strong but damaged and I loved seeing how they both grow in the story and their passion they have for the orphanage even while facing money problems and a possible eviction looming over their heads.

I do want to preface this all by saying, I did have a little bit of a difficult time within the first 20 pages or so keeping up with every character in the story and I felt like the beginning of their stories was already told previously, so I did a little search and realized this is a second book in a series. The first book, A Home for Unloved Orphans, was on my TBR this entire time, Ugh! I am definitely going to have to read it next. Although this is technically the second book, it can be read on its own, although I would probably suggest to pick up the first book as well.

This is a truly beautiful story and one I am glad to have read.

After reading A Home For Unloved Orphans, I had been waiting for this second book in the Orphans of Hope House series. I was not disappointed in the least. This historical fiction story picks up where the first left off. It is still in the depths of the depression and Lauren Greenwood is still trying to save the world, one child at a time. This book brings several more children to Hope House under different circumstances. Lauren and Becky welcome them with open arms.

I loved this story. Spending time with Lauren, Becky, Nanny Kat, Edward, Big Will, the orphans and all their friends was wonderful. Watching them support each other to survive and make ends meet was inspiring. This historical fiction story is full of strong, stubborn, caring, sacrificing women. Rachel Wesson has written a well-plotted story that is full of hard hitting, but accurate situations. Several themes were heartbreaking and I was crossing everything that could be crossed that things would turn out. These characters, that lived a simple life, were able to take on many others, making it a David and Goliath story at times, but truth will prevail. One of the major plots was a difficult time in US history and one that I was not aware of. It was heartbreaking to hear about the forced relocation of thousands of people who lived on the mountain in Virginia had their homes taken from them and their land was seized in order to create the Shenandoah National Park. This was a major part of this story. I recommend this story to those who enjoy historical fiction, especially that set in the U.S. I am looking forward to another installment of the Hope House series.

My 1st book by this author. Beautifully written and very emotional. Set in Virginia during the depression. A story of poverty, hard choices, strong women and hope. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This is an emotive rollercoaster read set in the Depression of the 1930s and making it very clear what happened to so many people during this era. I hadn't realised this was the second book in a series until I'd finished it and I have to say that not reading the first book didn't detract from my enjoyment of this one.

Lauren Greenwood is endeavouring to run Hope House, an orphanage, but money is tight for everyone and for children who have no one else that is even worse. She is struggling to keep food on the table for all the orphans and to keep paying the mortgage on the home where they live. The story starts with a baby girl secretly being left on the doorstep by her father after the family lost their home and were unsure how they could keep her safe. He leaves a note telling them her name, Maisie, and promising to return for her.

This story tells how Lauren and Becky work together to look after Maisie and the children in their care with the support of some great friends. The two women are strong, supporting each other and caring for the children but the depression is making it difficult. There are more children in need of succour, less sources of funding, and a danger of them losing their home as part of the national park developments. With unrest in Germany adding to the mix, this is a moving story of caring, battling for the less fortunate and romance, a beautifully told story that keeps you guessing and turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and suggest you keep the tissues handy if you read it.

With several potential romances, lots of surprises - especially in a court case - this is an enthralling read I have no hesitation in highly recommending. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

This is a historical fiction set in Virginia through the Depression era.

The main character is a strong willed woman which I love to read about in books.

The book hits some hard hitting topic matters but it doesn't take away from the main story.

The community as a whole takes care of each other.

The story flows well with great characters.

Highly recommend.

The Depression takes it toll on so many, but indigent families in the hills of Virginia are hit the hardest. During this time period is also the rumblings of possible war overseas. All these factors affect the human element surrounding the area. 
Lauren Greenwood was once a society princess until she finally was able to see the real plight of the Hill People. She takes over the running of a home for children and soon funds start to dry up, but this strong woman and others will not give up.

This story is not just the plight of the depression, but of the effects on those directly involved in a small community that try to keep afloat not only there own direct personal families , but the community itself. 

The author draws us into the book by first making you aware of a plight of children, but then she builds these amazing characters that mesh together so well. I only would have liked more with the couples and families instead of so much on whether who is in love with whom or gossip. I think the storyline like needed just a little more cohesiveness.

However, I still loved the book and would recommend this book!

I received this free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

My first time reading a book by this author and I must say it is a beautiful and tearful read. 

What makes a parent give up a child? 

Sometimes events make caring for a child impossible and feeling they have no other choice, they give the child up. It must be such a hard choice to make! 

Lauren knows each one of the children at the orphanage is not without hope. Maybe things will get better and parents will return to find their children. Yet times are very hard and already she has no way to keep the children fed and housed forever. The bank wants payment, food is low, and that is when Little Maisie is left to her care. 
A good read if you like inspirational and emotional reads; and Maisie sounds so adorable!

After reading A home for unloved orphans I had to read the second book too. 
Lauren and Becky are running the orphanage but time hasn’t be easy. It’s still Depression so taking care of the children isn’t easy and other setbacks are coming and going. New children, new friends but also new hardships. But with love and hard work they manage until.....
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. From sadness when someone the all love get sick to finding happiness in small things. From finding new friends, and the love both Lauren and Becky deserve. A must read.....but keep tissues by hand.

This story is set during the great depression in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lauren and Becky run an orphanage called Hope House.  They face many struggles as they try to keep the orphanage open and keep from being evicted.  This was a beautiful and heartwarming story.  Thank you to Rachel Wesson and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A Baby on the Doorstep by Rachel Wesson is a very well written historical book. Stories in this world happening are sometimes very hard to accept. I never knew that national parks did some of the things that are talked about in this book like stealing the land of the mountain people. I like reading about history in the United States though I sometimes find some things that happened do not always place America in the best light. I love the acts of kindness in the book most of all. Read the book.

It is during the depression. Lauren opens the door to the orphanage. A little baby lies wrapped sitting on the doorstep. Lauren knows a lot of families are destitute. They're without food or homes. Her orphanage us full, but there is always room for one more.
I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I enjoyed the story. It is a historical fiction based on fact. 
The characters are strong and you cheer for them when they accomplished what they need to. 
Recommended!

"A Baby on the Doorstep" by Rachel Wesson
Release Date: 1.22.2021

Two young women, Lauren and Becky, run an orphanage in rural Virginia in the 1930s during the Great Depression.  The girls believe in love and kindness, rather than just sending the children away to the County Home.  

An infant is found at the doorstep one morning, and of course, the sisters care for the child.  As the child grows, notes and small gifts are left on the doorstep, promising to return for the child.  The ladies must find a way to stay open and keep their orphanage and land.  

I did not realize this was the sequel, so I definitely want to read the first one.  I didn't feel that you needed to read the first one to understand the second novel.  This book pictured the human emotion of the Great Depression, how desperate people became as unemployment soared.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review.

#netgalley #netgalleyreviews #netgalleyreads #historicalfiction #historicalfiction2021 #greatdepressionfiction #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #2021bookreleases #ababyonthedoorstep #rachelwesson

I wish to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.  I have voluntarily read and reviewed it.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in rural Virginia in the 1930s, this book is about an orphanage that is run by two young women.  They believe in helping children with kindness, rather than sending the children to the County Home.  One morning they find an infant left on their doorstep and welcome it lovingly to their home.  They wonder who the parents might be as from time to time gifts are left for them to help in the children’s care.  A note is also left indicating that the parents plan to return, whenever they can, to get the baby..

Woven into the story is the Depression, hard times, unrest in Europe and so much more.  As the reader gets involved in the lives of the children, the town, and things like the government taking the farms of local citizens, including the Orphanage the story really grabs you.. There is even romance in it.   This book has something for everyone and yet it is not overpowering on any one area.  I found it to be a cannot put down book and highly recommend it to readers.

Such a wonderfully written story.  Rachel Wesson didn’t fail to deliver when telling the second part of Lauren Greenwood’s story.  The detail to history is spot on. The description of Hope House and the characters surrounding this story are so detailed you feel like you know them. Lauren’s struggles during the Great Depression as well as her neighbors are heart wrenching. You will need to keep tissue handy. If you like a story that brings your feelings to the surface this is the book to read.

Oh how I loved this book. So much feeling from within. Plenty tissues at the ready, such strong characters. Lauren and Becky with so much love to give. Edward and big Will desperate for the chance to share theirs.  You just want to give the kids a hug. My favourite character was Nanny Kat, a force to be reckoned with.  Will there be a 3rd book, hope so.

Thank you NetGalley, Rachel Wesson and Bookouture for the ARC of A baby on the Doorstep. This is my personal review.
I was totally hooked on this story as I read the where the father silently went to the door and opened his bag to take the baby out and leave her on the porch. He knew she needed to be taken care of and leaving her at the Orphanage was the only hope he had for her.
Lauren and Becky are doing everything they can to keep the Orphanage open. The story drew me in and kept me in the lives of each person connected with the care given to the children.
This is the second book in the series, and I am going to go and read the first.

This is the sequel to the first book.  Might I recommend a box of tissues as you read this book? I grantee you'll need them, for this story will tear at your heartstrings.
I enjoyed meeting up with Lauren and the gang. I was left hoping that there'd be another story because Lauren's story wasn't finished by far.