I read the book and learned about the undertaking and wool classer. I would never have guessed that the Australian outback would be the source of wool. Heavy work for both Fleur (a woman undertaker) and Tom (a wool classer). Despite the hard scenario of this story, it is a love story with some mystery. I liked reading the book.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This was a story of two people, both have their own reasons for being on their own.

Tom is in Australia hoping to get away from something that happened in his life, but he’s never forgotten about a girl who made his life feel happier the days when things weren’t going well.

Fleur lives with a family who adopted her, but is finding it hard to adjust with how she felt growing up in her home to how she feels now.

Now that both Tom and Fleur are together, we see their lives develop into an emotional love story, which is also sad to read about the way their family behaved.

I loved what Fleur did as a job.

It was interesting to read about what happened after the war in Australia.

I recommend this book.

BOOK: THE ORPHANS
AUTHOR: FIONA MCINTOSH
PUB DATE: MARCH, 2025
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REVIEWThanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The FMC, Fleur, she was a force to be reckoned with. She was smart, confident, and determined to be respected and seen as the mortician she is.
2. Tom Catchlove, he was an amazing mmc. He is a good man, but someone still trying to deal with his parents' deaths.
3. Mae and Henry Appleby. They were amazing parents to their adopted daughter, Fleur and they loved each other.
4. I liked Fleur and Tom's chemistry. Their love story was fast, but the chemistry was there.
5. The author really focused on the development of both MCs and I liked it.
6. Fleur's forgiveness at the end
7. The pace of the book
8. The funeral home/mortician approach. I appreciate what I learned from the book
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The love story was too fast, both of them had amazing chemistry, I just didn't like the love at first sight trope. And I didn't like the miscommunication trope thrown at the end. If I was the one, I wouldn't be as forgiving as Fleur.
2. Henry Appleby's behavior at the end.
3. Irma Appleby
4. The author portrayed 99% of those who died as loving people. Not everyone was a good person before they died. I just felt like she glossed over reality.
5. I didn't really get the mystery I was promised. It was there, but kinda different than what I expected.
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I liked this book and I read it in a day. I would have liked an epilogue, but it's good either way. I liked reading it and I would definitely recommend it!
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I very much enjoyed this heartfelt exploration of family, of life, death, love, and the changing role of women in the 20th century. Although there were some moments when I felt that the coincidences and the characters’ highly progressive ideas came uncomfortably close to being implausible, overall The Orphans was a terrific historical romance filled with drama. I particularly liked the vivid descriptions of the Australian settings - both the outback and the city - and also the impeccable research that captured the sheep shearing/wool classing and undertaking in a way that made them easy to visualise. The wonderfully named Tom Catchlove was a worthy romantic hero, and Fleur was a dynamic and interesting heroine.

The Orphans is a well written, compelling historical fiction novel set in Australia and spanning several years.

With richly developed characters and an imaginative plot, the author paints a vivid portrayal of outback Australia and the workings behind the scenes in a funeral home. It is the story of love, loss and new beginnings. It has been well researched and I recommend it to readers who enjoy predictable love stories with a historical twist.

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Orphans.

Fleur has been around dead bodies since she was a child because her father is a mortician. She has plans to take over his business as an adult and be the first female mortician. She meets a boy named Tom who has just lost his mother and she comforts him. Decades later they meet again at a dance and form a relationship but many challenges and struggles are thrown there way.

This book really drug on and honestly seemed more like a young adult read at some points. Some of the plot points were kind of ridiculous. I was not a fan.

This is a sweet, light story about two people who meet as children and find each other later in life.

Plot summary: Fluer is adopted and brought up by a loving couple. Tom's mother passes away as she gives birth to a new baby who dies at birth. Fleur's father is an undertaker and takes care care of Tom's mother and sister, and Fleur and Tom, who are eight and ten years old, forge a quick connection.
20 years later, Fleur's adoptive mother has passed away and her evil stepmother tries to ruin her life. Tom is on his own, and events bring them together. But will other people intervene to keep them apart?

This is quick and easy read. It comes across as contrived and predictable, and although there are twists, they're completely expected. The main characters are likeable, but it's very clear who's good and who's bad here. Not a lot of nuance.

I'm an outlier here, so take what you will from this review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin, and Fiona McIntosh for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

What a beautifully written and insightful story! I started this book and had to continue reading. The characters Tom and Fleur are set in 1930s Australia, in sheep shearing and the world of an undertaker. I particularly enjoyed the detailed research that had gone into creating this novel and how the feelings of the bereaved were explored with compassion. And I also learned a lot about the world of the sheep shearer. I highly recommend this book, I hadn't read any of Fiona McIntosh's work before but will be adding her books to my TBR pile.

I just finished reading the most wonderful book. Fleur is the adopted daughter of the Henry and May Appleby. They were the owners of a mortuary of much stature in their town. Fleur meets Tom Catchlove on the worst day of his life. Fleur is 8 and Tom is 10. Then life continues to happen. This story is so beautifully written. I enjoyed the characters and the details of Australia that the author describes with such beauty. I think it might be one of my top 10 in 2025.
Thank you for allowing me to preview this book.

this book was beautiful. i really felt like i was there in the descriptions of the pages. i felt like the author really new this place. really researched the places she was describing and the history she has woven her plot around. i could picture it all both the people and the scenes set before me.
the characters were great in there own way, even the "baddies".
Fleur Appleby is an orphan taken in by Henry and Mae and given a life of love and support. shes a feisty but kind girl who grows into the same type of woman. a fighter to boot. once who wants better for herself and better for others.
we also have tom who life didnt start well when his mother dies in childbirth. hes orphaned himself. but one fateful event a young girl is kind to him that girl is Fleur. and both never forget it.
Decades laters and there paths meet again. Fleur has learnt the funeral trade from her dad. and is brilliant at her job. but her stepmother is cruel and wants nothing to do or for her.
Tom is a woolclasser and is determined to do well for himself.
when he and Fleur meet its clear there is something, always was,always will be. they are linked and that turning into love. but there are obstacles in their way. many, including a murder investigation.
you come to warm to our two main character well. there is a calm warmth to Tom and a kindness that seems to be part of Fleurs very makeup but she isnt afraid of needing to be strong for herself and others.
a brilliant book.

4.75 ⭐

My Thoughts

The Plot: Wow. I was not expecting what was going to happen. Granted, the pieces started coming together before the MMC–Fleur–figured out what was happening to her father, but good lord, how can someone be so cruel and not remorseful about it? I was so shocked and wanted justice to be served, for the Appleby’s sake. The story flowed so well, but I did feel that the beginning of the book dragged on a bit, but the backstory of Tom and Fleur’s story was very necessary, and I enjoyed reading it, nonetheless. The romance was sweet and brought a smile to my face because–gosh–it was like they were meant for each other and I was so excited for them to cross each other’s path. 😊 I was intrigued the entire time and wanted a happy ending. (But I’m not going to spoil anything by saying whether or not it was good or not.)

The Characters: McIntosh did a superb job with all her characters! 👏 I rooted for Tom and Fleur from the beginning to the very end of this incredible book. Tom was such a sweetheart from day one and it’s no wonder Fleur fell in love with him when they were children. I felt so bad for him with how his life turned out, but it was so sweet to see how much he loved everything and anything about Fleur. Kind, humble, gentle, and handsome, he is truly a memorable MMC, for sure! He’s the whole package! 😆 Fleur was a strong FMC that I loved! 🫶 I hate strong FMCs that are rude, arrogant, and unemotional wrecks that are prevalent nowadays in books and movies. But not Fleur. Determined, confident, and intelligent, she was also caring, gentle, and embraced her feminine emotions and used them to her advantage as a business woman–not seeing them as burdens or a sign of weakness. The side characters were great as well, and the “villains” of the story boiled my blood, so they were perfectly done. 😅😂

The Setting: I need to book a trip to Australia asap. 😂 I knew it was beautiful, but Mcintosh expertly paints a picture of the wonders of the outback. I could feel the heat of the sun on my skin and see the big, blue sky overhead, winking down on me. I’ll be scared of the creepy crawlers, but as Tom said, they are more afraid of us as we are of them…I hope. 😅


Overall Thoughts: I enjoyed this book so much! As I said, it was a bit slow, which is why I didn’t give it five stars. But I have no complaints whatsoever. 😁 I will definitely be reading Fiona McIntosh’s books in the future! ❣️❣️

Content Warnings: death, murder, grief, mentions of r*pe, brief & nonexplicit s*x scene, some violence

Thank you to Storm Publishing for gifting me this digital arc via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.

#TheOrphans #NetGalley

The Orphans was a great love story. A tear-jerker, and a mystery. I really enjoyed reading about these kids and their growing up. The characters were all great in their own way, even the evil ones. I highly recommend this book.

A beautifully written novel transports readers two stunning locations in South Australia. Set in the early 1900s, it takes place in the outback near the Flinders Ranges and the bustling port of Adelaide. The vivid descriptions of native birds, sounds, and scenery evoke a strong sense of home for me. Although somewhat predictable, it is a well-crafted novel. The main characters, Tom a country boy, and Fleur, a headstrong empathetic woman with big ideas, are easy to fall in love with. The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh is a memorable novel filled with loss, courage, determination and modernized ideas. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh was a sweet story of Fleur Appleby and Tom Catchlove. Fleur is adopted by Henry and Mae Appleby and they raise her in a loving home. Henry is an undertaker and Fleur is fascinated by the trade and so she works with her dad soaking up everything she can learn. As she grows up, she desires to be the first woman undertaker in the country of Australia. Tom is raised in the outback and when he is ten years old, his mother and baby sister die at childbirth.

Tom's mother came from a wealthy family, who didn't accept the marriage of Tom's parents. Tom is raised in the sheep business. Upon her death, the bodies are sent back to the town of her family. The bodies are sent to the Appleby mortuary and that is where 10-year old Tom and 8-year old Fleur meet. Fleur is able to comfort Tom in his grief which is never forgotten. They instantly become friends. Tom returns to his home afterward.

Fast forward years later to 1935 when tragedy hits Fleur's home. Her father drowns himself in drinking. Fleur has to endure the cruelty of a mean stepmother who feels that Fleur is in the way. The stepmother has plans of her own which do not include Henry or Fleur. Will Tom and Fleur ever see other again?

I love the details of how the author involves you in the storytelling of how each child grew up and and how they overcame obstacles of their childhood into adulthood. Such a good story!

A beautifully written epic tale set in South Australia. Historical fiction at its best by Fiona McIntosh with romance, mystery, an unforgettable female protagonist, and so much more. I highly recommend it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

An emotional romantic drama set in early 2oth century Australia. Beautifully written, well researched and believable characters.

The Orphans is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching story that captivated me from start to finish. Tom and Fleur’s journey, from that brief yet unforgettable meeting as children to their dramatic reunion years later, was so poignant and full of emotion. Their bond, formed in the most difficult of circumstances, felt incredibly real, and watching it develop throughout the novel was truly moving. The backdrop of early 20th-century South Australia, with its rich history and challenges, added so much depth to the story. Fleur's struggles to break free from her stepmother's control and navigate the male-dominated world of funeral work were inspiring. As their lives become intertwined with a murder investigation, I couldn't help but root for their love and hope they’d find happiness together. The twists, the emotional depth, and the complexity of the characters make this a five-star read for me.

An enchanting story line that really gripped me from the beginning and held me right until the end. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but I would definitely recommend it

This is a wonderful old-timey historical novel. It's a story that draws the reader in. Great storyline and characters. The setting is Australia, starting in 1913, moving forward into the 1930s.

I have to admit, while the beginning was focused on the sheep industry, I was not really that interested in it. It described the shearing of the sheep and the grading of the wool. The workaday world of an Australian sheep station complete with the colourful workers. I found this first part a little drawn out but it introduced us to Tom and Fleur, as children, but they are the main characters that the story focuses on. The meeting as children was to continue as an adult relationship, full of drama.

One of the principal settings is a mortuary, owned by Fleur's father. Fleur grows up there and is very comfortable with the process of preparing the deceased for burial. It might be a trigger for some readers. The mortuary is central to the story.

Fleur is a very strong and innovative woman for the era in the book. She has excellent business sense, compassion and the ability to love strong.

The story has villains, a couple of vicious and nasty villains. That's what makes me think of this as an old-fashioned story. They are characters the reader loves to hate. The story moves at a good pace to keep readers interested. There is deception, murder, evil and love. As I mentioned, there is a lot of drama, but that is what kept me turning pages. I was hoping that it was moving toward the conclusion that I wanted to see. The orphan theme plays a large part in the story.

I think this would make an excellent movie. The Australian setting would provide beautiful scenery and a well-written script could be very interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

An emotional love story set in the isolation of the Australian outback and the bustling sitting of Adelaide; THE ORPHANS is the love story of two people alone in the world for very different reasons. Tom Catchlove has never forgotten the girl who brightened the darkest day of his life; now, as an adult, he travels to the city to escape the tragedy that seems to follow him in the outback. Fleur Appleby, adopted into a loving family as a child now struggles to reconcile the unhappiness of her home with the deep love of her father. Reunited as adults, what unfurls is a tender love story with a heartbreaking tale of human greed.

THE ORPHANS had several interesting and unique aspects that helps it stand out in the historical romance genre; I loved Fleur's passion for her profession as a mortician, the drama of the murder investigation, and the setting of post-war Australia. However, while enjoyable, it wasn't groundbreaking for me.