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Publisher Description

Beloved author Lindsey Hutchinson is back with another novel of triumph over adversity set in the heart of a Black Country community. Perfect for fans of Josephine Cox and Lyn Andrews.

Taken into service, orphan Lily Rae has heard all the stories about what entitled masters think their pretty maid's duties include. But when the very worst happens to her, she knows scrubbing the scullery floors of Ryder House no longer provide refuge from the sadistic Sebastian Ryder... Cold and alone, Lily makes for the town of Wednesbury, knowing she has only herself to rely on...

Tilley Green has nothing to her name except a fine figure her worn, patched-up clothes can't disguise, and the voice of an angel. Destined to be a chorus-hall star Tilley must first escape the clutches of her opportunistic and violent manager, a certain Seb Ryder...

Life has been a long tough struggle for both Lily and for Tilley, but the town of Wednesbury just could be where they can find their own glimmer of happiness...

Fiction & Literature
January 1
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Customer Reviews

Kris Anderson, The Avid Reader ,

Latest novel by Lindsey Hutchinson

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

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

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