REVIEW: The Children Left Behind by Lizzie Page

 

The Children Left Behind (Shilling Grange Children's Home #4) by Lizzie Page

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas

Read: 4th March 2023

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Published: 3rd March 2023

★★ 2 stars

DESCRIPTION:

England, 1951. In the aftermath of World War Two, Clara’s orphanage is all these children have left. Can she keep them safe and help them to heal? A heart-warming and emotional story of love and loss.

Clara Newton has dedicated her life to taking care of orphans who have nobody in the world but her. From affectionate Gladys, who desperately misses her older brothers, to traumatised Florrie who longs for her father and refuses to eat, Clara loves each of the children like they are her own.

But even though she has opened her heart to so many little ones, when brown-eyed war hero Ivor asks her to marry him, Clara is afraid to take a chance on love. Would married life prevent her from dedicating herself completely to her orphans?

Clara is soon distracted from the troubles of her heart when her beloved orphanage comes under attack. Someone throws stones through the window, and a threatening message is chalked near the door. Why would anyone want to frighten innocent children? And as the attacks get worse, can Clara keep the orphans safe?

Desperate to protect the little ones in her care, Clara takes the children on a day out. Away from the orphanage, Clara hopes that she and the children will be able to put their worries behind them. But when a terrible accident happens, will they all make it out alive? And will it be too late for Clara to tell Ivor how she really feels?

An utterly tear-jerking, heart-warming and unforgettable historical novel, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters.

(PREVIOUSLY TITLED: An Orphan’s Hope) 

MY THOUGHTS:

I have followed this saga from the beginning. And I so loved it...in the beginning. Children have come and gone, though some remain, and I was really looking forward to this fourth installment. But...I simply couldn't finish it.

Over the course of three books we have followed, not only the children and the comings and goings of all the child officers, but also the blossoming and then defunct relationship between Clara and Ivor. It was clear from the very beginning that they were attracted to each other but for whatever reasons, things got in the way and they went their separate ways. 

But still Clara moons over Ivor. She watches for his light to go on or off in his workshop across the street. And she continually berates and second guesses herself about whether he really is interested in her but when push comes to shove she just becomes haughty and slams the door of her heart to him for whatever reason. She did it in the first book, then the second and then hope blooms by the third but instead Ivor returns from his wanderings with a baby daughter in tow and of course Clara jumps to every other conclusion without actually asking him about it. And he's as stubborn as they come, not to mention moody, that any approach seems like one's head would be bitten off. So why bother? I guess Clara felt much the same.

So then we come to book four, and hope against all hope, they are finally going away for a weekend together by the seaside. And despite running late due to yet another child officer turning up unannounced, they actually make it somewhat late to the said seaside. And what romantic things do they have planned? A visit to a boys reform school?? Really? OK, so Clara did appreciate the thought that Ivor put into surprising her with the visit but it's not exactly high on one's list of priorities for a romantic weekend away, is it? So what ensued then? Romance? Candlelit dinners for two? Dancing the night away? Or secluding themselves away in their room for the duration? Well, some of that maybe but then comes a visit to a supposedly quiet beach which turned out to be anything but with squealing children and sand being kicked in one's faces and then...what? A surprise proposition that leaves Clara speechless (for once)...and thus ruins the rest of the said romantic weekend away, therefore both hurriedly returning back to Lavensham not speaking to one another, continuing the silence once they return.

Here we go again! Come on, this is book four! By now, these two grown adults should have gotten their acts together already and quite frankly I was tired of their faffing about and thus had no patience for it. Added to that, baby Patricia was the devil incarnate and Florrie was a moody teen both of which I had no patience for. Gladys gave me a headache with her constant chatter. Little Peg was still there and she is the only one that endeared herself to me. And Clara and Ivor? I want to bash their heads together.

Sorry but after so much preamble getting there, I would have thought (and liked) to see them actually do something constructive and stop this ridiculous dance they have going. Both are moody and unlikeable and I had no patience to put up with any more.

I'm sorry, I was really looking forward to the continuing saga but Clara and Ivor have ruined it for me. I found the whole thing tedious and frustrating. I give it 2 stars because I have enjoyed the series thus far despite rating any book I don't finish with only 1.

I hate leaving negative reviews because I know each book is an author's painstaking hard work and I really do appreciate that. It's just the storyline I couldn't continue with that ruined it for me, otherwise it would be another wonderful read as the others have been.

I would like to thank #LizziePage, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheChildrenLeftBehind in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lizzie Page is the pseudonym of Sam Lierens and a mum of three.

Sam was born in February 1971, in Essex, England. After studying politics at Warwick University, she worked as an English teacher in Paris and then for five years, in Tokyo. She then went to live in London, and had various uninspiring jobs there.

Sam did an MA in creative writing at Goldsmiths and returned to live in Essex a few years ago and have worked in marketing, teaching, assisting, etc ever since.

She loves reading ALL the books, and always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to her to write historical fiction.

She claims her partner Steve, three children and cockapoo all conspire to stop her writing. 

Sam lives with her family and dog by the sea in South East England.She enjoys traveling and she's had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is her absolute favourite.

Social Media links:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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SPOTLIGHT: The Children Left Behind by Lizzie Page

The Children Left Behind (Shilling Grange Children's Home #4) by Lizzie Page

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas

Read: 4th March 2023

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Amazon

Published: 3rd March 2023

DESCRIPTION:

England, 1951. In the aftermath of World War Two, Clara’s orphanage is all these children have left. Can she keep them safe and help them to heal? A heart-warming and emotional story of love and loss.

Clara Newton has dedicated her life to taking care of orphans who have nobody in the world but her. From affectionate Gladys, who desperately misses her older brothers, to traumatised Florrie who longs for her father and refuses to eat, Clara loves each of the children like they are her own.

But even though she has opened her heart to so many little ones, when brown-eyed war hero Ivor asks her to marry him, Clara is afraid to take a chance on love. Would married life prevent her from dedicating herself completely to her orphans?

Clara is soon distracted from the troubles of her heart when her beloved orphanage comes under attack. Someone throws stones through the window, and a threatening message is chalked near the door. Why would anyone want to frighten innocent children? And as the attacks get worse, can Clara keep the orphans safe?

Desperate to protect the little ones in her care, Clara takes the children on a day out. Away from the orphanage, Clara hopes that she and the children will be able to put their worries behind them. But when a terrible accident happens, will they all make it out alive? And will it be too late for Clara to tell Ivor how she really feels?

An utterly tear-jerking, heart-warming and unforgettable historical novel, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters.

(PREVIOUSLY TITLED: An Orphan’s Hope) 

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lizzie Page is the pseudonym of Sam Lierens and a mum of three.

Sam was born in February 1971, in Essex, England. After studying politics at Warwick University, she worked as an English teacher in Paris and then for five years, in Tokyo. She then went to live in London, and had various uninspiring jobs there.

Sam did an MA in creative writing at Goldsmiths and returned to live in Essex a few years ago and have worked in marketing, teaching, assisting, etc ever since.

She loves reading ALL the books, and always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to her to write historical fiction.

She claims her partner Steve, three children and cockapoo all conspire to stop her writing. 

Sam lives with her family and dog by the sea in South East England.She enjoys traveling and she's had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is her absolute favourite.

Social Media links:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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REVIEW: An Orphan's Song by Lizzie Page

An Orphan's Song (Shilling Grange Children's Home #3) by Lizzie Page

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas

Read: 10th July 2022

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Published: 13th July 2022

★★★★ 4.5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

England, 1951. A tear-jerking and uplifting story about children orphaned by war, the grieving young woman who cares for them, and their journey together to healing.

When Clara Newton’s American pilot fiancé died during the war, she thought she might never heal. But now she has a new life looking after orphans in a children’s home named in his memory. Like wide-eyed, musical little Rita, who refuses to believe her mother died during the Blitz. With the Festival of Britain approaching, Clara is delighted to see the children singing and preparing to audition together. And with D-Day war hero and handyman Ivor living next door, she begins to open her heart once more.

But when a deeply troubled orphan arrives on Clara’s doorstep, she faces her greatest challenge yet. Clifford has arrived without a background file and while Clara struggles to meet his needs, she is desperately in need of help. Turning to Ivor for comfort, she is broken-hearted when he decides he may never be ready for love again, as he adjusts to life as a single father.

Clara has never failed to help any of the orphans in her care. And when little Rita encourages Clifford to join their singing group, she hopes he may begin to find his way. But soon he endangers not only their beloved plans for the Festival of Britain but the lives of the other children…

When disaster strikes, can Clara save the orphans and make Rita’s dreams of singing for Britain come true? And while Ivor cares for his baby alone, can Clara have a future with the man she loves?

A totally uplifting and emotional tear-jerker set after World War Two. Fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters will be reaching for the tissues and reading all through the night.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lizzie Page's delightful tale AN ORPHAN'S SONG.

Following on from "The Orphanage" and "A Place to Call Home", AN ORPHAN'S SONG is the third in this charming series and takes readers back to Shilling Grange Orphanage, now renamed The Michael Adams Children's Home. Although it can be read as a standalone sufficely, the story works much better when read alongside the previous two.

Clara Newton came to Lavenham, Suffolk just after the end of the war having suffered her own heartbreak in the loss of her fiance, American airman, Michael and whom the home is now named in honour of. Now it is 1951 and Clara has been with the home for some years now and the job she had once shied away from as soon as walking into it, she now embraces with open arms along with the children who reside there in her care. We rejoin the children including Maureen, Rita and Peg as well as villagers in Anita, Dr Cardew, Mr Dowsett, Mrs Horton (nee Bridges), Julian. And of course, Ivor.

Over the years, Clara has seen several come and gone - Terry, twins Billy and Barry, Joyce, Evelyn, Alex and Peter - and has had a few new ones deposited on her doorstep with little to no warning. This time, we meet three new children who make their home at Shilling Grange. Clifford is the first to arrive, with no file so she is unaware of what to expect from the young man...but after just a day or two it is clear that he is precocious and challenging and Clara, who is not one to give up, it at her wits end with how to deal with him. Particularly with no information to help her understand the boy better. Then another new child, Denny, arrives with his own set of challenges and buckets of tears at his predicament. But Clara is more than capable of caring for the children in her care and proves herself more than worthy in this regard...despite her own lack of self-worth or confidence.

But Clara has plenty to keep herself occupied, particularly when a fire breaks out in the barn behind the home one night, threatening to burn Rita's beloved music and piano. The thought of it being so close to the house raises come concern as well as who could be responsible for it. And when another fire breaks out close by, Clara is approached by a "concerned citizen" who had apparently witnessed the culprit and it is then she knows she must do something.

During the last book, under the guidance of Anita Cardew, Rita found her niche in playing the piano despite not being able to read music. Anita was in awe of Rita's natural talent and decided to audition her for the Festival of Britain. Then what began as Rita's performance ended up being something all the children became involved in as they all played a part - singing, dancing, even playing the drums, surprisingly in Peg's case. But they first had to get through the audition afterwhich would come a performance at the Hippodrome in Ipswich. If they were successful they would then go on to London to perform at the Royal Festival Hall. Clara found it difficult to see what all the fuss was about in a country striving to recover from a war that just about decimated them. But the children were stoic and worked hard to achieve their dream of performing...where ever that may be.

As delightful as the series is, the one thing that has irritated me from the beginning is the "will they/won't they" dance between Clara and Ivor. Just when it seemed they were finally getting over themselves and getting their acts together, both of them then went and read things entirely wrong, assumed something completely different and failed to actually talk to each other. This theme has continued over the entirety of the three books and I just wanted to bash their heads together. I didn't appreciate the tantalising the author may have been trying to accomplish here because all it did was annoy me that Clara saw something and imagined something else and assumed it to be true without talking to Ivor. And Ivor? He just did the whole silent male thing and refused to talk at all, instead either escaping to goodness knows where for the most part of book 2 to holing himself up in his workshop out of Clara's way...again, not talking things over with her. I'm not going to say where things may have or haven't ended up with these two this time round but I do wonder what will happen should there be a book 4? For me, this aspect did drop the rating slightly because it was just such an annoying part of the story. They are adults for goodness sake and should behave like adults.

The children are as endearing ever, each with their own little quirks and foibles. Rita, now 11, is still calling "Mama" at certain opportunities despite her being told she was killed in the Blitz (which would have made Rita only 1 at the time...hmmm). Peg still doesn't speak but she is still absolutely adorable. I keep expecting her to surprise everyone and start chattering. But she has uttered nothing since that one and only time of warning "Cows!" in the first book. Maureen is still moody but then she is a teenager. I was most surprised by Peter considering how close to Clara he was. And their last addition was Gladys who tells absolutely everyone that she loves them. There's a definite story there which I feel could be told in a fourth book. I hope the series doesn't end here (as I've seen someone mention it was a trilogy) as what was the point of introducing Gladys at all in that case?

AN ORPHAN'S SONG is a delightfully heartwarming tale that will charm fans of stories of this nature and authors such as Shirley Dickson, Glynis Peters, Lindsey Hutchinson and Diney Costeloe.

I would like to thank #LizziePage, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #AnOrphansSong in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lizzie Page is the pseudonym of Sam Lierens and a mum of three.

Sam was born in February 1971, in Essex, England. After studying politics at Warwick University, she worked as an English teacher in Paris and then for five years, in Tokyo. She then went to live in London, and had various uninspiring jobs there.

Sam did an MA in creative writing at Goldsmiths and returned to live in Essex a few years ago and have worked in marketing, teaching, assisting, etc ever since.

She loves reading ALL the books, and always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to her to write historical fiction.

She claims her partner Steve, three children and cockapoo all conspire to stop her writing. 

Sam lives with her family and dog by the sea in South East England.She enjoys traveling and she's had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is her absolute favourite.

Social Media links:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

REVIEW: A Place to Call Home by Lizzie Page

A Place to Call Home (Shilling Grange Children's Home #2) by Lizzie Page

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas, Post-war

Read: 16th February 2022

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Published: 17th February 2022

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Shilling Grange Orphanage, England, 1949.She would do anything to protect the innocent children in her care. But soon they could be sent into danger…

When Clara Newton’s fiancé died during World War Two, she thought her life was over. But now she looks after orphans who, like her, lost everything during the war. Children like sweet little Peg who won’t speak, and Joyce whose body was scarred by polio. Clara loves them all dearly, even though life as a housemother can be lonely – especially now that Ivor, a D-Day war hero with dark brown eyes who once helped with the children, has disappeared…

But then Clara receives some terrible news. The orphanage is going to be sold and the children sent far away. Joyce and Peg will be taken to a notorious home for disabled children. The others will be sent to Australia, where Clara fears they will be mistreated by unknown families. Any day now, the children could lose everything she worked so hard to provide…

With wealthy buyers lined up to purchase Shilling Grange and a ship already docked waiting to carry the children away, Clara is desperate. She must find loving new homes for them quickly, but time is running out… Can she save the orphans before they lose everything all over again? And even if Ivor returns when she needs him the most, will it be too late?

A completely heart-wrenching and unforgettable historical novel, set after the devastation of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lizzie Page's heartwarming A PLACE TO CALL HOME.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME is the sequel to "The Orphange" in which we were introduced to Clara Newton, the recently appointed housemother of Shilling Grange Children's Home. This book picks up where the previous one left off still in 1949 and with a new challenge facing them. As we followed their story perviously, Clara would do anything to protect the children in her care and see that they are given the best possible chances and hopeful outcomes.

When Clara's fiance Michael was killed on Christmas Eve in 1944, she thought her life was over. Then the war ended, her life went on but it was unfulfilling. When an opportunity arose for a housemother in an orphanage in Suffolk, Clara applied and was surprised when, despite her lack of experience with children of any kind, she was offered the job. Arriving in Lavenham and the orphanage gave her something of a shake-up and within the first day she had already decided that she couldn't do it. But...upon making an agreement of a trial period with her point of contact with the council (who run the home), Clara decided to stay...and she soon discovered she loved it and the children. Not to mention the dashing mysterious Ivor Delaney...but that's another story entirely.

After the troubles she faced previously, Clara is determined to do her level best for the children and help give them the best chance of a loving forever home. Being housemother to the nine children in her care is the greatest privilege she has ever experienced but with that job comes a lot of blood, sweat and tears. As a council run children's home money is naturally tight and so Clara continues to manage as best she can. Unfortunately, everyone she'd previously had to lean on have gone - Judy's dead, Ivor's disappeared without a word, Julian is history and Anita, her last and somewhat precarious confidante, has her hands busy with her family. Not for the first time, Clara feels completely alone. Even Miss Bridges, who was once sympathetic and helpful, has withdrawn and she is left with the efficient if somewhat distant Miss Cooper.

As if she's not overwhelmed enough under the weight of tight budgets and an even tighter council, two new girls arrive at Shilling Grange and each of them come with their own set of challenges. Evelyn is a quiet reserved 11 year old who, once left malnourished and neglected in foster care, now eats anything and everything. Joyce, also 11, was rejected by her parents when she developed polio leaving her slightly disabled with a leg heavy with atrophy that she drags everywhere. As a result, she is angry, rude and belligerent and Clara, despite her attempts to win her over, often despairs as to what to do with her.

Added to that, twins Barry and Billy, whose adoption quickly fell through previously live and breathe their new-found passion: football. And although she has made every effort to attend one of their matches, something else always comes up to prevent her...but the boys, bless them, understand that the other children need her more. Maureen is the oldest and is still something of a concern to Clara, even after the trouble she found herself in last year, and that doesn't change this time round either. Alex is still her sturdy child, content with the world of academia, continuing to bury his head in books. Peter, who was abused by his uncle previously, has taken some time to thrive but, through his talent for creating the most amazing cartoon comics, is given a promising opportunity. Rita though 10 often appears older, has come along in leaps and bounds on the piano and is now busy practicing to participate in the Festival of Britain and it's all she can talk about...when she doesn't whisper "mama" in the vain hope her mother somehow survived the Blitz eight years before. And then there is little Peg, who never speaks and yet uttered but one word "cows" which thus saved Clara from a stampede, for whom Clara's heart aches the most as she is such a sweet innocent little girl. All these children, plus the new additions, are all dear to Clara's heart and she would do anything to protect them.

And then she hears the most devastating news. Shilling Grange is to be sold and, despite the council's promise to move them into a purpose-built dwelling thus keeping them together, discovers that half of them are to be shipped to Australia as part of the Child Migrant Scheme (a cheap solution for the council resulting in child slavery). The remaining few are to installed at the Home for Handicapped Children. Clara is livid. Despite all her hard work, all the children's hard work, to cut costs and keep Shilling Grange an efficient and viable commodity she soon discovers she has been naive in her trust and that the council has lied to her.

Joining forces with Miss Bridges and Miss Cooper, Clara endeavours to find homes for the children to save them from the fate that otherwise awaits them. Staving off the buyer who had initially approached the council with the idea, Clara soon finds out that with the loss of one buyer there will be plenty of other wealthy ones lining up to purchase Shilling Grange, going up for auction in just a few short weeks' time.

Can Clara save her children from the fate that undoubtedly awaits them? Or will they lose everything they hold dear? And if Ivor returns at a time she needs him most, will it be too late? For the children, for Clara and for them?

A PLACE TO CALL HOME is a heartwarming and, at times, a heartbreaking read. The author weaves a tale that has readers spellbound through vivid descriptions and the heartfelt stories they each have. Every moment is poignant, inspiring and touching with a few twists that have you wondering where it is all going to end up. Is this the end of Shilling Grange?

The ending is satisfactory to a point, tying up the loose ends facing them now, but still leaves it wide open for a third of which I hope there is because really...Clara and Ivor need to stop second guessing each other and just move forward together. So as the most prominent issues were resolved, readers were still left wondering what happens next?

Wonderfully written and cleverly crafted, A PLACE TO CALL HOME is a heartwarming read perfect for fans of Call the Midwife, Shirley Dickson and Diney Costeloe. 

I would like to thank #LizziePage, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #APlaceToCallHome in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lizzie Page is the pseudonym of Sam Lierens and a mum of three.

Sam was born in February 1971, in Essex, England. After studying politics at Warwick University, she worked as an English teacher in Paris and then for five years, in Tokyo. She then went to live in London, and had various uninspiring jobs there.

Sam did an MA in creative writing at Goldsmiths and returned to live in Essex a few years ago and have worked in marketing, teaching, assisting, etc ever since.

She loves reading ALL the books, and always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to her to write historical fiction.

She claims her partner Steve, three children and cockapoo all conspire to stop her writing. 

Sam lives with her family and dog by the sea in South East England.She enjoys traveling and she's had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is her absolute favourite.

Social Media links:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

REVIEW: The Orphanage by Lizzie Page

The Orphanage (Shilling Grange Children's Home #1) by Lizzie Page

Genre: Historical fiction, Post-WW2

Read: 26th August 2021

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Published: 27th August 2021

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

Shilling Grange Orphanage, England, 1948. She was their only hope. Now they are hers. A gritty, heartbreaking and unforgettable story of love and hope in the darkest of times.

Clara Newton is the new Housemother of Shilling Grange Orphanage. Many of the children have been bombed out of their homes and left without families, their lives torn apart by the war, just like Clara’s. Devastated by the loss of her fiancé, a brave American pilot, she is just looking for a place to start again.

But the orphans are in desperate need of her help. Funds are short, children cry out in the night, and tearful Rita tells Clara terrible stories about the nuns who previously ran Shilling Grange. Clara cannot bear to see them suffer, but what does she know about how to look after eight little ones?

Clara can’t get anything right, and then she accidentally ruins Rita’s only memento of her mother. Overwhelmed, she wonders if they’d be better off without her. But she’s not completely alone. Living next door is Ivor: ex-Shilling Grange resident, war hero, and handyman with deep brown eyes. He doesn’t trust Clara and she is fiercely independent, but he has a way with the children. And with his support and the help of other locals, Clara begins to find her way.

As she heals from her grief and adjusts to her new life, Clara wonders if she has finally found her home and family among the orphans. Can she find the strength to fight for them when nobody else will? And dare she open her heart to love again?

A heart-wrenching and totally gripping read. Fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters won’t be able to put this book down.

MY REVIEW:

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.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lizzie Page is the pseudonym of Sam Lierens and a mum of three.

Sam was born in February 1971, in Essex, England. After studying politics at Warwick University, she worked as an English teacher in Paris and then for five years, in Tokyo. She then went to live in London, and had various uninspiring jobs there.

Sam did an MA in creative writing at Goldsmiths and returned to live in Essex a few years ago and have worked in marketing, teaching, assisting, etc ever since.

She claims her partner Steve, three children and cockapoo all conspire to stop me writing.

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REVIEW: The Forgotten Girls by Lizzie Page (ARC)

The Forgotten Girls by Lizzie Page

Genre: Historical fiction, Dual timeline

Read: 25th May 2020

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon

(publication date: 13th February 2020)

★★ 2 stars

THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS is my first book by Lizzie Page but sadly it did not live up to my expectations as promised in the book's premise, which alluded to a photograph of two girls with their backs to the camera on the book's delightful cover. The photograph is said to be the focus of the story but in actual fact it isn't. It is more about the love lives of Elaine in wartime London and Jennifer in present day Spain.

London, 1943: Elaine works for the government typing out letters from prisoners of war to their families looking for secret codes that may have been hidden away within the messages. One night she meets the most agreeable and alluring Robert Capa, a famous war photographer, and despite already being spoken for she finds herself immediately attracted to him. Ending her relationship with Justin, who was an RAF pilot, Elaine is then free to succumb to the charms of Robert Capa.

After their mother died and their father left, Elaine brought up her two younger brothers, Clive and Alan, while living in a small 2 bedroom flat above a bookshop. She is a little embarrassed to bring Robert back to her little flat, particularly when Clive loved Justin and probably wouldn't approve of her having dumped him for someone flashier. As he had a club foot, Clive was exempt from war service but her middle brother Alan was not, his letters often reflecting his desire not to be there. But Elaine would attempt to cheer him with telling him all about her Bobby.

Elaine's friend Annie would often warn Elaine that Robert Capa was not the man for her. He was a player, a playboy, with a girl in every port and she didn't want to see her friend get hurt. But Elaine was in love and while Bobby was in London, they spent every waking moment together. But when he was off in dangerous places and situations, capturing the moments of war, Elaine missed him terribly. But that was who Robert Capa was - he lived for it. But when they were together their relationship was intense. He was her Bobby and she was his Pinky.

Spain, 2016: Jen's marriage is crumbling and she is left feeling unhappy and somewhat redundant. Her brother has summoned her to his expansive villa in Spain where her mother, stepfather Derek and Aunty Barbara have also congregated. Matthew has something big to announce...but what?

He pulls out an old photograph of two girls holding hands with their backs to camera in an ancient silver frame. Jen recognises it as the one that sat on her mother's mantle for years. On the back is written "B and P forever". Everyone wonders who B and P are and what are their ties to the two girls in the photo? Matthew's eyes are twinkling as he springs yet another surprise on them - a documentary on Robert Capa and their Nana's relationship with the famous photographer. Was this photo one of Robert Capa's? It was not his usual type of work. But Jen is curious and begins to wonder where she fits in the grand scheme of things.

I usually love dual timeline stories but this one was bordering on the ridiculous. I couldn't connect with anyone, though I was more invested in Elaine's story than anyone else's...and yet I still found I had little patience with her as well. The premise alluded to a mystery behind the photograph of the two girls when in actual fact there was no real mystery and the photo wasn't even really the focus of this story.

I struggled with THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS so therefore I find it hard to review. I didn't really like any of the characters and the premise was misleading so nothing was what I expected when reading it. The story itself was incredibly slow and it took a 29 minute chapter to depict Elaine meeting Robert Capa. And that was just the first chapter! It left me wondering what the point of it all was.

I love historical fiction and was looking forward to this one but it was nothing like I expected and I honestly didn't really enjoy it very much. I found myself rushing to the end when I uttered allowed "Thank God that's over!" to which my husband replied "That bad, was it?"

THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS is a good story if you are looking for something different but it just wasn't for me.

I would like to thank #LizziePage, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheForgottenGirls in exchange for an honest review.