This is a great book by Lynette Rees. Set in 1884 this is the story of Betsan Morgan who's mother dies when she is 12 years old .Her mother was a seamstress and her father works in a pub..He takes up with the barmaid Elinor at the pub when his wife dies who Betsan doesn't get on with.Elinor becomes pregnant so they have to marry but Elinor takes things too far when she sells Betsan's late mothers sewing machine.Bethan then goes in search for her late mothers sister in the rough part of Merthyr and things get worse from then on.Thank you to Netgally and Boldwood books.

"The Winter Waif" by Lynette Rees is a poignant and evocative novel that delves into the struggles of a young girl seeking a sense of belonging in the face of tremendous loss and upheaval. The author skillfully weaves a tale of resilience, determination, and the longing for a place to call home. The vivid descriptions of the setting and the protagonist's emotional journey create a poignant atmosphere that is sure to resonate with readers. With its exploration of familial relationships, inner strength, and the pursuit of hope, "The Winter Waif" offers a powerful and moving narrative. Overall, this emotionally charged novel earns a well-deserved four stars for its compelling storytelling and heartfelt exploration of the human spirit.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion

I have read other books by this author and knew her style of writing and the type of books that she wrote.
This one did not disappoint.
It was a tear jerker at times and others showed a side to human nature where everyone rallied round and helped those less fortunate.

It was well written and well researched - I had no idea that Workhouses were not for the destitute but also used as institutions for those who were maybe not considered to be of sound mind for whatever reason. For me this side of the story could have been explored more and the incident causing this could have been fleshed out more - were the perpetrators found?

I wont provide spoilers but its the story of Betsan and her wider family and how they get round rough times and gain a better life.

I really enjoyed this book and its well deserved of its 5 stars

Set in 1884, this family sags makes for a good read. You may shed a few tears as this book is full of emotions. 4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

What a brilliant family saga. So many emotions go on in this book some parts will have you in tears

A very moving story that kept me engaged through the whole read. I read this in one night. It brought tears to my eyes at times, but I enjoy books that make me feel something. Great book

This is a book about 10-year-old Betson she loses her mother and the adults around her start treating her like she just became an adult herself. The neighbor who she grows very close to due to her taking care of her and her twin brother and sister Ail and Allison gossip with her is if she was a fellow coffee drinking adult. But Betson loves Mrs. Jenkins and finds comfort and having her at her house. So when her dad David Morgan who works at an Inn Bring home Evelyn Evans a make up wearing risqué dressing woman she is astonished especially when she learns Evelyn has been spending the night. It isn’t long when Betson finds out her dad is marrying this new comer. Betson longs to see her aunt Maggie who her dad stopped allowing at their house because she drinks and hangs out with the wrong company but when Evelyn does something Betson could never forgive she runs away from home to the neighborhood called China looking for her aunt. Luckily a nice family takes her in and make sure she gets home the next day because even though they look for aunt Maggie she was in jail and wouldn’t be out for a few days. if Betson thinks her life has been bad up to this point she hasn’t seen anything yet because soon her dad will get sick and it will remind her of when her mom died. Betson has tenacity and is a go-getter and she is going to need all those qualities and more to get through what life has in store for her. This book was pretty good but I just don’t think it is my type of book I found myself getting bored at times but I did however enjoy the ending. It also had very good riding in the story flowed I just don’t think it is my type of story. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Merthyr Tydfil South Wales 1984.
this is the story of Betsan Morgan and her family, left to look after her father David and twins Alys and Aled after their mothers death, it's not long till their father finds a replacement, Elinor Evans the wicked step mother, Betsan always wonders what happened to her aunt Maggie and decides to go to search for her and find out why she is not in contact anymore, finding secrets she has a hard struggle ahead of her.
This book the winter waif was such a relaxing easy read, that will touch your heart, I enjoyed every single chapter, happy and heart breaking moments, that makes it such an inspirational read.

The Winter Waif by Lynette Rees.
I’m not ashamed to say there are a couple of instances in this book that made tears come to my eyes, but it is an inspiring novel showing what a hard scrabble life was like in 1884.

I’m in love with heartbreakingly, beautifully written book about the families that lived in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales in 1884.
I’m not ashamed to say there are a couple of instances in this book that made tears come to my eyes, but it is an inspiring novel showing what a hard scrabble life was like in the 1884.
Where some families live hard lives working in the workhouses and some families just get by day to day at menial jobs.
But there are a few young children that grow up able to grasp at the rare opportunities available, trying to make their families lives better. This book honors The Winter Waif.

#TheWinterWaif
#LynetteRees
#BoldwoodBooks

Betsan Morgan is twelve years old when her mother dies, leaving her alone with her father and the twins in her care. When her father marries, things become more difficult but Betsan has the help of her neighbour and her aunt.
A moving story where the protagonist manages to get out of a difficult environment and little by little, overcoming obstacles with the help of good people, she manages to improve her situation and achieve her dreams.
A beautiful and entertaining story that promises to be the beginning of a saga.

After the death of her motherGwen Betsan Morgan struggles as she was close to her. Then she is faced with a new problem, namely Elinor Evans who her father suddenly brings home. Betsan is thankful for neighbour Bronwen Jenkins who helps out with the youngsters twins Aled & Alys.
When things get too much for Betsan she goes up to the attic to sit with her mother's portrait.
It would seem that David Morgan will do anything for Elinor, but does she push her luck when she sells Gwen’s sewing machine. Betsan certainly thinks so and goes to find where her Aunt Maggie lives in a poorer part of town to see if she can help.
I liked the was Elinor’s character was described. My favourite character was Jimmy.
I did wonder if there would be a follow up!

A simple sweet story with just enough drama and tragedy to keep the story moving. In a lot of ways, the House of Arden reminds me of the Mr. Selfridge series.