The Pick-Pocket Orphans takes place in England initially and then both England and a penal colony in Australia. The two characters were so well written that I could really empathize with them. I really enjoyed this and will read more books by Lindsey Hutchinson.
Many thanks for this ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

A lovely story which grabbed me from the first page. Such a sweet story. The orphans were lovely and I enjoyed the book immensely. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can't take another day of her father's cruelty. Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother's death, or that's what Alice thinks as she packs up her meager possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold. Betram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learned to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he's happy to take her under his wing.

What an emotional read this book was. It takes us from the Black Country town of Wednesbury to the far sunnier climes of Australia, where the convicts were sent. I love Lindsey's writing style, and this story has been descriptively written. Alice had to quickly learn how to live on the streets and meeting young BJ was the best thing that could happen to her. BJ quickly taught her all the skills she needed to survive living on the streets. I'm a huge fan of Lindsey Hutchinson, her books are amazing and never disappoint.

Published 21st March.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #ThePickPocketOrphans in exchange for an honest review.

This book was great,fast paced and heart breaking. I loved the two characters in their own role right up to the ending, makes you realise the laws were definitely a lot tougher then. Readers are going to love it. one of my favourite authors.

This is the 1st book I have read by thus author and I really enjoyed it. It follows Alice through a lot of hardships especially people being taken away from her. It makes a reader think about what it was like back in their day and also off the harsh punishments that were dished out. Really looking forward to the next installment. Thankyou for advanced copy.

A delightful read.
BJ Bertham Jordan and Alice Truelove meet up both alone in the world and desperate with no family learning to survive and turn to pick pocketing.
Reading this I just couldn't put it down right through, this authors work has never disappointed me, another outstanding read.
I loved it.

Heartwarming historical drama featuring BJ and Alice who make a formidable duo. Great characters in both settings,I look forward to the next instalment.

Wow, this has to be the best yet!
Sharing Alice’s journey after she decides to escape from her father who continually berates her for being responsible for the death of her mother, his beloved Peg. Alice’s leaves thinking she is a bad person for causing this. When darkness falls Alice starts to think that it may not be such a good idea, but no matter how bad, nothing would entice her back to her fathers.
Alice is soon taken under the wing of one Bertram Jordan, BJ to friends which Alice soon becomes. BJ teaches Alice to exist by scavenging in the markets and other not so legal ways which don’t sit easily with her.
When BJ doesn’t return one day Alice starts to panic and worry about him, how will she survive on her own. Does Alice have to know how to survive, will she be safe.

Loved it. Don’t know if I’ll manage to wait for the next one. I actually felt bereft at the end.

Favourite characters were Colin & James. Least favourite had to be Bones and the appropriately named Petty.
I especially loved some of BJ’s mispronunciations, they reminded me of my children.

It was a pleasure to review this book for NetGalley, the first in a new series by this much loved author. It's set at the time of the penal colonies in Australia, and gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the transported men.
A thoroughly good read and highly recommended. 5*