Saga fans are in for a treat with the latest tear-jerker from best-selling author Lindsey Hutchinson, The Ragged Orphan.

At just twelve years old, Jared Johnson has already had his fair share of sorrow, anguish and heartache. In the space of a couple of hours, his mother and little sister died leaving Jared all alone in the world. With no money, no options and nobody to look out for him, Jared needs to be tough in order to survive the cruel streets of Birmingham. He is determined to avoid the workhouse at all costs and he vows to use every single weapon in his arsenal to remain in control of his life and his destiny.

Luckily for Jared, his gift of the gab gets him noticed by the King of Tatters himself, Toby McGuire, who sees something of himself in the orphan so he decides to put him on a cart hustling for rags. For Jared, this is the lifeline he had been hoping for and he takes to his new job like a duck to water. Jared loves driving his horse Bess and soon begins to thrive in the hustle and bustle of Birmingham. Success quickly comes calling for Jared, however, not everyone is happy about his good fortune. Jared makes some powerful enemies who will do everything they can to see him fail. Having triumphed against so much adversity already, will Jared manage to rise above the obstacles in his way again? Or has he finally met his match?

Lindsey Hutchinson has the storyteller’s gift and with The Ragged Orphan, she has once again penned a dramatic, intense and captivating saga that draws readers in from the very beginning and keeps them hanging on to her every word. Written straight from the heart, The Ragged Orphan is a story about courage, strength, hope, friendship and love with characters that bounce straight off the pages who will linger in the reader’s imagination long after the last page is turned.

Emotional, entertaining and highly enjoyable, Lindsey Hutchinson’s The Ragged Orphan is sure to delight saga fans everywhere.

I love Lindsey’s books, but to me this was identical or at least very similar to another book I have read. I thought that when I started reading it that I had read this before, but I definitely haven’t as I had an advance copy from NetGalley.

What a heartwarming story of a young boy who has to find a way to survive on his own. You will be touched by the big heart and intelligent 12-year-old young man. The characters are well developed. This story of heartache, loss, survival, tenacity, caring, alcoholism, violence, and hope will have you cheering on Jared and the group of co-workers who eventually become his friends. A touching story to put on your to-be-read list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Such a good story, it flowed beautifully with some likable friendly characters and some not so.

Toby McGuire is like a fagin with boys working for him as tatters. He is known as a man not to be messed with but fair to his staff and when a young orphan Jared Johnson a street urchin comes to him looking for work he takes him under his wing.
Such a cosy book that is gently and easy to read but will keep you wanting to go back to it.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this gently lovely book. xxx

I was looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint. as usual when I read a book by Lindsey Hutchinson, it was full off characters with different personalities. it is sad in parts but a very good read.

Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and publishers of this book for allowing me to read and review it.

This was such an easy read which moved along really well, the story was good, although I believe the reader would know what happened before the end! These poor children, and adults, had such a terrible life in those days and we seem to complain about many more mundane things!!
A lovely book!

This wonderful historical fiction immerses readers in a time and setting where hunger, desperation and fear were daily life for young children. Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, Hutchinson has written something beautiful and captivating! Thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

#booktour #blogtour

The Ragged Orphan is a fast paced sad story that hooks the reader in from the first page till the end.

Hutchinson has created an interesting and engaging plot by vivid imagery and atmosphere. Her research of the society's poor living standards hardship and difficulties of the lower classes of Victorian England as well as the history of Birmingham add to the sense of authenticity. The writing style is easy to follow with a mixture of description and dialogue.

The character development of The Ragged Orphan gives background information and flashbacks to help the reader to form a connection with the characters, who come across as realistic and relatable.
Jared is a brave and polite person, who becomes orphaned after losing his family. He feels the sorrow of losing his mother and sister and often feels lonely. As he ventures out into the cold morning he has no other choice than to scavenge for food and relies on the kindness of others, eventually managing to find safe shelter. Two years later the reader is able to see how with perseverance Jared has gained employment as a tatter collecting rags repurpose them by selling them to the market or for scraps. Jared begins working for Toby McGuire, where he proves his determination to be a hard worker by coming up with productive ideas. Some of which rubs his fellow colleague, Seth the wrong way.

I would suggest reading The Ragged Orphan to people who enjoy historical fiction, as it is an emotional character driven story about survival and surprises as the journey and lifestyles of the characters reach out beyond the pages...

I know that I am in for a treat when I get to read a book by Lindsey Hutchinson.
And I was!

This was a story of loss and determination. Jared was honest and hardworking. It served him well. I loved him. How could you not?

Seth was bitter and he had every reason to. But his life was about to change.

Many of us could be very envious of their workplace. Their boss, Mr. Maguire, was kind and great to work for. He took more than just a small interest in their well being. He cared.

I can't say it enough. I was captivated by the story. It was well written. It touched me. I hope there will be a sequel.

A story about an unforgettable boy named Jared Johnson who is 12 years old, warmed my heart with his bright character. An easy and heartwarming novel one can curl up to this winter with sad bits and pieces and a wonderful ending to hope for.

The story begins with sad bits when Jared Johnson's little sister Maisy dies of fever along with his mother who was laid to rest because of hunger and poverty. No food, No shelter or home, Jared's heart was breaking finally because he couldn't take it all suddenly. His father left his sister Maisy when she was four, and when he was six when he was left with bitterness and anger. It was sadness and cruelty that sliced through his heart but he was not able to prevent it and was guilty of being the one left alive. Jared was afraid of where he would settle, where to go, and how to stay alive. Having to always scavenge he couldn't find a safe somewhere to sleep which was a problem. With great difficulty, he kept his emotions under control, Jared lived in Birmingham in the heart of the Black Country and was known as the city of a thousand trades, even then there was no work to find anywhere. While scavenging at the market hall. Jared noticed in the third largest city in Great Britain there were little groups of those unemployed and out of work idling about on street corners with no hope someone would offer him a job. Jared was a pauper, he wandered in the streets, struggling to be brave and finding it tough to live without his mum and sister. Hunger struck his belly and Jared's mouth watered with the aroma of the pies in the streets.

Soon Jared finds work with the big Irishman - Toby Mc Guire. Mc Guire was King of tatters with many men who were young earning money for him. Jared washed, dried, and folded old rags - clothes ready to be sold to the paper mill to be shredded and used in paper making. Jared started generating more revenue with his horse Bess, in turn, pleased Toby Mc Guire. Jared trawled the streets from morning until night. His leather money bag was filled with pennies. Jared became popular among his peers who called him Mc Guire favorite. Jared would go a long way for Mc Guire with his audacity. The other characters I loved are Seth and Alice. How Seth changes into an admirable personality. Alice portrays to be a lovely lady in this story, she is very hospital and caring house keeper of Mc Guire. Jared wanted to move up and further in the world. He had no intentions of being a tatter all his life -unless he was the Governor - that is.

An unputdownable story with captivating characters.

Thanks to Boldwood Publisher and Netgalley for a an advance copy for my honest review.

This was second Lindsey Hutchinson novel and I am desperate for a sequel to hear more about Jared and the rest of the characters. The style of writing and humanity woven into the narrative stole my heart you felt like you were there with the characters during the good and the bad the emotions are pitch perfect. This is a must read book in the historical fiction genre even if you're new to it.

A really good read. I really enjoyed this story as Jared finding himself alone after the death of his beloved mother and sister decides that one day he will make something of himself. After much hardship, struggles and hard work will he be able to survive and support himself and with the help of friends he makes will he find happiness and security. A thoroughly enjoyable novel

Jared has just lost his mother and sister so he finds himself on the streets begging for food and work. He comes across the attention of Toby who hires him to work for him. The story is spellbinding and elegantly told. I found it to be very appealing but I felt a lot of anger while reading because of a slimy character called Ned. My heart was pounding and I wished nothing but the best for all the boy's. There are a few sad parts but also some great heartwarming bits too. I went through a roller coaster of emotions with anger and sadness being the most. I really enjoyed reading this book so much so that I read it in a few hours.

The Ragged Orphan is the first book I’ve read by this author and after finishing this one I will certainly be reading more. This is a historical saga book set in Birmingham and it’s one that saga fans will absolutely love. One of the many things I loved about this book was the central character Jared Johnson is a young teenage boy, which makes a change as usually these types of books have female characters as the main leads. This book will make you cry in places and laugh in others and like me once you finish a chapter you will want to just hurry on to the next chapter to discover more about Jared and the other characters. This is such a well written book which clearly shows how much research the author has put into her research. It’s an easy but at the same time though provoking read . I would love to see a sequel to this book to read more about Jared and where life takes him.

Another heartwarming tale from the Queen of the Black Country sagas as we meet and follow a young orphan lad who has just lost both his mother and young sister. As with all of Lindsey Hutchinson's reads, it is heartbreaking in places and yet it is filled with warmth and love culminating in a wonderful heartwarming ending.

Jared Johnson is just twelve years old when his mother and young sister Maisy breathe their last, and he has no choice but to leave them in the place that was their home, to go in search of a way out of the poverty-stricken life to which he was born. He leaves word with his kindly neighbour who sees to his mother and sister's send-offs while he begins scavenging around the markets in search of food to survive. He spends one night under the stars by a fire to keep him warm before realising he needs to come up with a better plan. That's when Jared remembers the abandoned cottage he and Maisy used to play in. Upon finding the cottage still abandoned and in complete disrepair, Jared sets up sticks there and goes about making himself a home.

Upon finding an old pram, he dismantles it and uses its wheels and base to build himself a cart to go about making himself something of a living. He knows there's money to be made in buying rags and bones from those in need of a penny or two to feed their families and before long begins to make himself a grand old living. He makes enough to clothe and feed himself whilst gradually making the cottage more habitable. His success does not go unnoticed and in a couple of years' time he is approached by one of Toby Maguire's men and threatened for poaching their patch. Instead of taking the threat to heart, Jared decides to face the man behind the name who runs this band of tatters.

Toby Maguire is known for being a brutal businessman with a ferocity not to be messed with. Jared's open and forthright manner struck a chord with Toby as he saw something of himself in the young lad. He decided to take a chance on him and he wasn't sorry, for Jared brought plenty of ideas to the business and had a smart head on his shoulders. Of course some didn't appreciate the new lad coming in and bringing with him new ideas that created extra work for them. But Jared was not to be swayed. He had bigger plans. One day, he would be "the tatter millionaire", running his own band of tatters...a success in his own right. And he intended to learn as much as he could from Toby Maguire.

THE RAGGED ORPHAN is a delightful tale that is an incredibly easy and quick read that is easily devoured within hours. Though heartbreaking story, it is an uplifting and unique one in which Jared may have lost his only living family but, in his job as a tatter for Maguire, finds a different kind of family. And each with their own heartbreaking stories to tell.

A consuming read, THE RAGGED ORPHAN would make an ideal series following Jared and his friends. Given with how it ended, I do hope we see more of young Jared and his band of tatters along with wonderful Toby and Alice.

I was only introduced to Lindsey Hutchinson a couple of years ago and she has since become one of my go-to authors with her easy style and heartwarming reads. THE RAGGED ORPHAN is no different. It is a quick read with short snappy chapters that keep the pace moving with a plot filled with tension as well as some delightful moments also. At 240 pages it is one of her shorter novels but it was such a delightful read I was sad to see it come to an end.

Once again Lindsey Hutchinson thrills fans with another heartwarming read buried deep in the past shrouded in the societal and social issues facing the working class at the time - poverty, hunger, alcoholism, violence. And yet, not without hope.

Another delightful read sure to warm the hearts of saga fans and Lindsey's own band of readers/fans.

I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheRaggedOrphan in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

With a heartbreaking beginning but a wonderful warmhearted ending, The Ragged Orphan by Lindsey Hutchinson is a book not to be missed. It begins with twelve year old Jared forced on the streets of Birmingham the heart of the black country, following him and the friends he makes for three years. A lot can happen in that time especially to one who is hardworking and determined to avoid the workhouse.

I read his story along with the colorful friends’ story way into the night, waiting to see just what would happen to Jared, Seth, Toby and Alice. I loved the happy ending hoping that the boy surely is destined to be “the tatter millionaire”. Now I am hoping for a follow-up story on Jared and crew.

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.

I really enjoyed this one. It was such a lovely story which I loved from start to finish. The main character was such a great character that I could picture him in my mind. More like this please. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I did not want to stop reading it. All of the characters were special in their own way. The story was interesting and was full of excitement. I was interested in seeing how the main characters got on in the story and l was not disappointed. I do recommend that you read this book.

When Jared Johnson loses his mom and sister he will do whatever he can to stay out of the work house but the place he decided to hustle is the king of the rags Tobey Maguire’s Territory. Instead of running away he goes to see Mr. Maguire to apologize and to try and find work. Instantly the man feels a kinship with a young Jared even though he is an instant hit with this boss the fellow street urchins aren’t that keen on Jared. While Jared settles in to his new life driving his pony kart The people from his past who are going to come back and try to stir up trouble and also someone who could very well give them a home. This isn’t the best summary but I love books like this would street urchins an orphan children in London and their happy endings it is a sweet clean historical fiction story that I highly recommend. I have never read a book by this author before but will definitely be looking for her books in the future. The books like this are usually read or short and I enjoyed the longer version and read it all in one day. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The opening of this story was absolutely heartbreaking it began with 13 year old Jared saying goodbye to his little sister as she took her last breath, his mother lay in the room next door having passed away only a short while before.

From this point on Jared is on his own without anyone or anything but he’s very resourceful and soon finds a place to live and job!. All is going well until a rival doesn’t take kindly to Jared’s intelligence and intuition.

Can Jared new found happiness last?.

I adored this story and especially enjoyed learning all about the other boys backgrounds and how they began working for Toby McGuire.

Half way through the book was totally heartbreaking and showed a softer side to a few characters, all in all this book was a joy to read and I loved every page.