Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans--but was that the truth?
After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans' home before Laura is notified about her family's unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.
Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?
Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God".
Get your copy HERE
My Thoughts:
Definitely worth the read, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. I learned a lot reading this book. There were times when it really stirred my emotions and it was hard not to let it affect me. Although this is a story about the past, knowing that children still suffer these types of abuse, makes it even more important to read. Seems like no matter what time period, innocent people have ended up suffering.
The focus of this book is on three children, siblings, who were removed from their home due to their mother's illness. However, once in the system, it was difficult to get them released. Parents and other siblings were disregarded and so was any courtesy by the children's home to give them any type of help or support. These children became a profit and money making strategy.
Parts of this book are sad and difficult to read, I did enjoy the faith based aspect of the story My favorite characters were those who sought God frequently to help with their problems . It sure did help to be reminded, no matter what is happening, God is in full control and He has a plan for our lives.
I received this book courtesy of the publisher. I was not asked to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?
Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God".
Get your copy HERE
My Thoughts:
Definitely worth the read, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. I learned a lot reading this book. There were times when it really stirred my emotions and it was hard not to let it affect me. Although this is a story about the past, knowing that children still suffer these types of abuse, makes it even more important to read. Seems like no matter what time period, innocent people have ended up suffering.
The focus of this book is on three children, siblings, who were removed from their home due to their mother's illness. However, once in the system, it was difficult to get them released. Parents and other siblings were disregarded and so was any courtesy by the children's home to give them any type of help or support. These children became a profit and money making strategy.
Parts of this book are sad and difficult to read, I did enjoy the faith based aspect of the story My favorite characters were those who sought God frequently to help with their problems . It sure did help to be reminded, no matter what is happening, God is in full control and He has a plan for our lives.
I received this book courtesy of the publisher. I was not asked to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
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