** Blog Tour ** The Pick-Pocket Orphans- Lindsey Hutchinson

I’m delighted to be one of todays stops on the penultimate day of the blog tour for ‘The Pick-Pocket Orphans.’

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 sad death, or that’s what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre 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.

Bertram 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 learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he’s happy to take her under his wing.

As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can’t bear the thought that she might lose her only friend – forever…

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/pickpocketsocial

Author Bio –

Lindsey Hutchinson was born and raised in West Midlands and now lives in the Shropshire countryside. The Pick-Pocket Orphans is out on 21st March 2024 and is the first in a trilogy

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100031928935691

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LHutchAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LindseyHutchinsonNews

Review-

This is the second book of Lindsey Hutchinson’s books I’ve read having previously reviewed ‘The Bad Penny’. It’s easy to see why she has been dubbed the Queen of Black Country sagas, such is the quality of the writing and the authenticity of the setting which comes alive in the pages.

I loved both Alice and BJ’s characters and how, despite being so different, they learned so much from each other and came to support each other when they first met. It’s hard to believe at times how young they are when you consider their resourcefulness and tenacity in the toughest of circumstances.

The writing style makes this an incredibly easy read and it’s impossible not to get drawn into the depiction of the Victorian era, which is full of historical detail, including references to the Workhouse and the penal system where convicted criminals were deported to Australia, regardless of age.

As this is the first of a trilogy, there are inevitably some questions left unanswered and I’m already eagerly awaiting the release of the next instalment.

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Earlier and final stops can be found here:

** Blog Tour ** The Bad Penny- Lindsey Hutchinson

I’m delighted to be one of today’s stops on the blog tour for ‘The Bad Penny.’

If you’re born with nothing you have to make your
own luck.

When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn’t hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story?

Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.

Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn’t willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is.

Jared and Clarice have one thing in common – they are survivors – and in Queen Victoria’s Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn’t everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined…

Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/TheBadPennysocial

Author Bio –

Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lindsey-Hutchinson/100031928935691/

Twitter https://twitter.com/LHutchAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LindseyHutchinsonNews

Review–

This is the first book I’ve read from this author but I was immediately drawn into the narrative. Comprised of short chapters packed with events, there’s plenty to keep you turning the pages.

Regular visitors to this blog will know I love an historical saga and this one, set in Victorian Birmingham, is packed with references applicable to the time period which gives the storyline authenticity.

I loved the array of characters; from the supposedly downtrodden but full of heart to those considered to be in higher society, yet often too wrapped up in their own affairs to realise what is before them, it’s an eclectic mix which all adds to the plot.

While I admired Clarice’s tenacity and determination, it was hard to warm to her overall as a character as she seemed so driven by greed and a desire to live the high life, no matter who she needed to trample over on the way.

In contrast, Jared is utterly endearing, not only in the way he looks after his employee#, but also in the way he allows himself to experience his emotions without fear, despite his traumatic early experiences.

This was a delightful read and a great introduction to this author. I look forward to reading future releases.

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Further stops can be found here: