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.

This is a story of the heartbreak and tremendous joy that can be found in children in the foster system. While it takes place in 1948, the needs of children are much the same today. The reader will cheer with their successes and be forever changed by their tragedies.

The book is well written. You will find yourself attached to the children and hoping with every page that Clara is successful. The plot is entertaining, and the people find themselves having issue after issue. Clara, though, finds unique ways to solve problems. I enjoyed reading this book and am anxious to read A Place to Call Home: Shilling Grange Children’s Home Book 2 soon.


I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

Captivating! I read this in one sitting. I was hooked from page one and the little voice that told me I had to work tomorrow, I should stop reading, I should go to bed??? Yeah, I totally ignored that voice and stayed up until I was done. It took a little time to warm up to Clara, but the orphans had my heart from the beginning and soon I made room for Clara too. I cannot wait for book number two.

Clare has lost her job in London and her friend convinces her to apply at the Shilling Grange Children's Home. Clare interviews and gets the job. The Orphanage is in a small village and the villagers are not to happy to have an orphanage close by. The children were bombed out of their home and have no where to go. It is now 1948 and everyone is trying to pick up the pieces from the war. Clare is out of her element (as she used to do accounts at her last job) and make quite a mess of things in the beginning. This story follows Clare and how she learns to take care of the children and win the hearts of the villagers.

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

This is my first lizzie page novel and it was great!

The orphanage was a horrible place to begin with. It actually hurt my heart to hear about the hardships these kids went through at first.

Clara is the new manager to the orphanage and it changed under her ownership.

I actually got emotional how these kids life changed with the new ownership and how it impacted everyone.

I was hooked from the start and didn't stop until the end.

Amazing book and highly recommend

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.

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Shilling 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.

The Orphanage by Lizzie Page is the first book in the Shilling Grange Children’s Home series and a new author for me. I was gripped within the very first chapter and loved all the characters within this book. I am looking forward reading book two within this new wonderful series. A promising start.

I highly recommend this book.

Big thank you to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

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.

The Orphanage was absolutely intriguing and enjoyable. I have always been curious about orphanages and love to learn about what they were, and are, like. There was at least one that existed in the city I lived in and I was so fascinated by it. I had the opportunity to tour the inside it years after it was converted from an orphanage to a private school, and I walked through it in wonderment. When reading The Orphanage, I experienced the same similar feelings of interest and I loved reading it. I especially loved the characters, especially Claire. She was pretty naive yet strong at the same time - that is such an appealing combination of character traits to me, and relatable. I found each character to be compelling and think the intricate relationships are just perfect. I really loved the excerpts from the files of each child and I looked forward to reading them. They added a unique touch to the story and drew the reader even closer to the children in my opinion.

I was completely drawn in and riveted by this story and could envision each scene easily in my mind. I can’t wait to read more about the characters and their lives in the future books in this series! I am hooked and anxious for the next one already!

An amazing book loved it very much will it be Clara or the children all characters are well written and connect with you can't wait for the next in series

A young woman, Clara Newton, has recently lost her fiancee during World War II. She moves to a small town to start work as a Housemother at the Shilling Grange Orphanage. She quickly becomes overwhelmed and feels she is over her head. Clara slowly begins to connect with the children and starts to make a difference in their lives. She witnesses positive changes in the children. With the help of her handsome neighbour, a former Shilling Grange Orphan, she begins to find her way.

This story started slowly, but I quickly became captivated by the characters and story and couldn't stop thinking about this book. It was left on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the next book! I plan on reading some of Lizzie Pages' other books as I enjoyed this so much!

Thanks to #NetGalley #Bookoutoure and #LizziePage for this ARC. Can't wait for the next book!




Newly available, and on Kindle, it is only $4.99!! A great deal!

The Orphanage (Shilling Grange Children’s Home Book 1) is another book on the effects of war on the young by Lizzie Page. After the war many children have not only losthome due to the bombing but also their families. Clara Newton, the new Housemother of Shilling Grange Orphanage sees this firsthand. It is not long before I also could see, hear, and feel as Clara did. Wanting to help but not knowing exactly where the know-how, funds, supplies, and energy would come from to do so.

Everyone should have a Clara in their corner. Starting over is not just for the children but for Clara also. Desperately feeling incapable this woman plows on with the help of the others in the community. A story that breaks the hearts as it also inspires it, is unforgettable.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What can I say? The Orphanage is set in 1948 and Miss Clara Newton had been appointed as the new housemother of 8 children who all have had unfortunate beginnings. Clara wonders if she's right for the job..... She is a strong young woman who knows her own mind. Will she be able to settle in Shilling Grange? Read it to find out.....

★★★★★ 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.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great storyline with excellent characters. I would highly recommend this book as it was a great read.

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.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Lizzie Page for the chance to read the advance copy of this book.

I have read previous books by Lizzie Page and find them slow to get started but I ploughed on with this one having read all the 5 star reviews and feeling I must be missing something.

But I am sorry I really couldnt get into this book and never really liked any of the characters. I found Clara really irritating.
But I got to the end - and it just stopped - ready for book two.

Sorry this isn't a more positive review but not all books will be loved by everyone

Thanks again to all concerned for my chance to read this book in return for my honest opinion

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.