Historical World War 2 Fiction, the hardship of the blitz and a blossoming love story – that’s what drew me to this book.

Author Glynis Peters is a historical romance author and has previously been shortlisted for the Festival of Romance New Talent Award (UK) in 2014. This story follows the life of teenager Ruby following the loss of her family and home after being battered during WWII by the Luftwaffe in Coventry, England. Young Ruby needs to pick up her life amongst the heartbreak and devastation. Needless to say she needs to show resilience and resourcefulness in abundance to do this. Perhaps the most interesting character is a young streetwise Cockney lad called Tommy, who comes into and out of her life throughout the book. His character has an interesting story to tell, he proves to be pivotal. There’s also a sprinkling of various good hearted, resilient characters, and the odd villain thrown in for good measure.

This blend of characters in such a catastrophic back-drop should have produced a riveting narrative. Instead, I found the story to be a little too predictable, the dialogue too superficial, and the plot thin. I wasn’t really invested in these characters, and found myself not really concerned about their welfare, which for me, is a tragedy, as they were in such a precarious, sad, dramatic and interesting place at that time.

I’m not adverse to a good romance novel, and my reading list proves that, but this was my first real encounter of a syrupy sweet love story – and I’m afraid this lost me. Having said that, Ms Peters has sold plenty of books and is pretty popular. Her previous book, The Secret Orphan (also based in Coventry) sold plenty. So for those who delight in this type of romantic fare, this is the book for you.

This book wasn’t for me.

2/5 stars.

I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

You will fall in love with Ruby and little Tommy. They go through devastating times and manage to regroup. They have a strong will to overcome the damages of war and to makes better life for them and their neighbors. A great read. You will find it hard to put this one down. Enjoy!

This book, was a very interesting read. It was said that was happened to her family. It touches the heart.

A detailed account of the devastation and emotions of a young 16 year old during the bombing of Coventry, England during World War II. With the total loss of family and home, Ruby's determination for answers leads her to a roof over her head and a handful of adults who see strength in the girl. Jean-Paul Clayton, a Canadian solider photographing the war, adds a love thread to this compelling story. As if the daily struggles of rationing and rebuilding her life weren't enough, a little boy comes to her asking for financial help and gets a toe-hold into her heart. I have not read Ms. Peters debut novel, but look forward to reading it now.

I really enjoyed this, but until the kiss I actually thought it was upper middle grade/ young YA! I read a lot of MG so was perfectly happy. Loved the entrepreneurship and core messages.

I was drawn right into this emotional moving novel.World War two a young girl Ruby her family lost her struggle to survive..Heart-wrenching tissues needed a book a heroine that will keep you turning the pages.#netgalley#harperimpulseandkillerreads.

A quick easy read which focuses on Ruby’s life during World War 2. It is sad but heart warming.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This is a very well written historical novel about the the bombing and devastation in Coventry England during WWII. 16 yr old Ruby Shadwell loses her entire family in the first bombings in that city. Her home is destroyed and she is alone. So starts the beginning of her effort to survive in a war torn town, as she struggles to keep moving, to avoid leaving the only place that she has ever known.
This is a story of struggle and hardship in an effort to survive the brutalities of war. It’s the unlikely people that Ruby meets along the way that become her new family and support system. They is Glynis Peters’ second novel and it reveals wonderful storytelling, intense research and strong, interesting characters.
Looking forward to her next novel, which sounds good also.
My thanks to #NetGalley #HarperCollinsPublishers and #GlynisPeters for the ARC. All comments are my own.

The Orphan Thief by Glynis Peters is a heartbreaking historical fiction that is sure to send you on a roller coaster of emotions. A story that shares what life was like and the obstacles that many faced during the second World War. The Orphan Thief is about survival, hope, tragedy, and heartbreak. This is a sad story that has moments of hope and love. A story that is sure to stay with you long after reading.

"It's a compliment to those gone before us, that they gave us something to live for - to remind the world they once existed."

Set in Coventry, England during World War 2, this new-to-me author set me in the middle of the extreme German bombing of Coventry and captured my attention from start to finish. Families wiped out leaving orphan children who without support of friends can't make it on their own or turn to crime in order to survive. With a touch of mystery, a 16 year old young woman who has strength and determination to make it with the help of family friends, a 7 year old boy who may or may not have family, and a Canadian soldier who comes to care for Ruby, the main female character, the cast of characters makes this story memorable.

Now I can't wait to read Peter's debut novel: The Secret Orphan.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Absolutely beautiful Wartime story from Glynis Peters. A story of devastating loss but also of heartfelt love. There are also some laughs thrown in too. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Read it in one sitting. I would highly recommend it.

I really enjoyed “The Orphan Thief”. It brought about a part of the Hitler era that isn’t as prominent in history. It focused on the idea of how life continues when all you know and loved has been taken from you.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Impulse & Killer Reads for this arc.

Set early during WWII in Coventry, England this is a story focusing primarily on Ruby. She's sixteen years old when her family home including her family are totally bombed out while she's away from home running an errand for her mother. Same story with her Grandmother and Grandmother's house. So she scrapes up a new family and manages to find another home (coincidentally one owned by her father, but occupied by her father's friend, who managed to die of a heart attack during the bombings, thus leaving the property in a stable condition). There were a few too many coincidences/contrivances for me to really immerse myself in this read. I had a tough time connecting to the various characters as they variously felt more like plot contrivances than real people to me.

This was not an unpleasant read, more of a Hallmark movie meets WWII mash-up, but just too saccharine for my tastes and not enough WWII.

2.25 stars

A beautiful, moving story set in WWII England showing the strength of love and it's bond. Ruby is such a strong and loving soul., a brilliant girl. Human spirit is so strong and you can love wholeheartedly after loss. A wonderful book that causes you to strongly feel so many emotions!

The Orphan Thief starts Christmas Day 1938 war is looming. Ruby Shadwell enjoying Christmas with her family in Coventry; Jean-Paul Clayton in Toronto Canada, where he received his gift to fulfill his passion of photography.

Fast forward to Coventry, November 1940.
Ruby suffers a family tragedy. Unaware her family home was bombed; at only 16, left alone to grieve/fend for herself.

Some months later, it is through Jean-Paul's photography, that he meets Ruby, by chance, whilst taking photos.

This book is set between Christmas 1938 to May 1945. A whole new family is gradually formed, who've loved and lost, as Ruby has. Whilst so young, with all she's been through, Ruby appears older than her years. She's looked to assist those she can, her acts of kindness and determination, giving people hope. She has had many highs and lows, but has found new friendships/family along the way, who've been by her side.

There are various lovely characters in this book, Ruby has a great inner strength for someone of this age, I realize, back then it would've been very different times. The book focuses around her story mainly, although is not the reason for its title.

The characters have been portrayed well. You can tell how fond of her new family members, Ruby is, even before they've given themselves titles.

I've not read any books by Glynis Peters before, but would do again. This book is well written, it is not my usual genre of choice, having said that this book was a great read, definitely worth reading. If not your normal genre, you may surprise yourself, why not give it a try.

Loved this book. Felt every emotion possible reading it. How these people carried on is amazing. How the lives of many became strength to others to rebuild. Showing how people can come together against all the odds. Thank you netgalley.

The Orphan Thief is a heart wrenching tale set in World War Two Coventry during the blitz, focusing particularly on the effects of the attack on 14th/15th of November, 1940.
It follows a young girl who loses her whole family in the attacks, and it is a story of how she rebuilt her life in the wake of such devastation. It is a tale of found family, inter-generational friendships, and first loves.

The main character Ruby is fiercely independent, despite only being 16 at the beginning of the book. She remains positive and selfless in her darkest hours, and sets out to help rebuild the community she grew up in.
I really enjoyed reading about the friendships that develop between her and some of the elderly residents of the city, particularly the one between her and a man named Fred.
I also think the love interest was well done, and I enjoyed watching the romance blossom.

One criticism I have with it is that at times I found the dialogue to be a little bit unbelievable and that sometimes brought me out of the story slightly.

However, the easy-to-follow writing style made for a very quick read. This is a lovely tale, and if you are already a fan of historical fiction, you may think about picking this one up.

Set in Coventry, England during World War II. Ruby was just sixteen years old when the Germans bombed her neighbourhood and killed her family. She is forced to break into other peoples homes to find herself something to eat. She spends her days picking up items left after homes and businesses had been bombed. She also meets and makes new friends, they are all survivors. John us a Canadian photographer who Ruby develops feelings for. Ru y sells the items she finds from a shop. But then the shop is also bombed. What will Ruby do now.?

This story deals with the obstacles that challenged many people during the Second World War. How people had to persevere in every day challenges for survival. I really liked the main characters: Ruby Fred, Tommy and John, who all seemed realistic. Timmy is only six years old but he does whatever is necessary to survive. This is a sad story at times but there is so much love as well. Ruby had to grow up quickly and learn how to be resourceful at the same time. I loved this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and the author Glynis Peters for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had a difficult time getting involved in the story. The dialog seemed bland and stiff to me. I pushed though reading, although the pages went by and the story did not seem to be leading anywhere. It was a depressing account of how life was in Coventry after the Blitz. While my heart did go out to the situation the main character, Ruby, was living with, I was not especially drawn to her from the story. My feeling were more from the history of how awful WWII was on everyone than from this book.

I did become more interested about half way in the book and I was happy that I kept reading. I appreciate all the research the author did to write what I imagine is a fiction based on fact novel. I want to thank Harper Impulse and Killer Reads, One More Chapter for allowing me to read the ARC. My review is my own opinion, not influence by receiving the ARC.

Really enjoyed this book. The story was born out of tragedy but I loved how the group came together and supported each other during their times of need. The characters were well developed and this was a good read. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book