Highly recommended read, the story of the abandoned child and every consequence of that unfurled as the story went on. I am almost expecting a second book to get to know more details and future happenings.

Emotional historical drama set in the early 20th century. A baby is abandoned and brought up by Romanies before being given as an inspiration to a big house. Lots of drama,tears and laughter.

Set in and around World War I in West Yorkshire this is an emotional tale that had me gripped.

When traveller Fennix and his son Eli Simmonite reluctantly take in a heavily pregnant Celia fleeing from trouble, Fennix knows no good will come of it.

Deciding to allow her to stay the night in their trailer and move on to their next stop, Celia unexpectedly gives birth to a baby girl, Rosie.
At their next stop Celia is captured and baby Rosie is left in the care of the Simmonites.

This story is the tale of Rosie Nobody. Where her life leads and the emotional journey she travels on.

A really thought provoking, emotional and utterly readable book that I can't fault in any way.

Thanks to netgalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC.

A fabulous Romany saga from Chrissie Walsh. This was a really good story, and dealt sympathetically with the problems that Romanies faced against “regular“ people. I loved the opening of the story, and the mystery of the woman who left her cloak and her baby behind and vanished into the night. The rest of the book tells what happened as a consequence of that, and how the various people who were involved dealt with their feelings about that night.

There is a happy ending, but no spoilers here! I wonder if there will be a follow-up, as I would like to read more adventures of this main character.

A very enjoyable book, highly recommended.

Often times, I will be scrolling through NetGalley or other sites and see a book and think, "Oh my I want to read that!" Then life happens and I get busy and when I get back to it, I can't remember why I chose it. That is what happened with The Orphan Girl by Chrissie Walsh. I saw it and wanted to read it and then came back to it and wasn't sure about it. However, I gave it the chance it deserved and I was not disappointed at all. In fact, it had several laugh out loud moments, as well as some great emotional scenes. And, for me, if a book brings a tear, then I am a sucker for it. The Orphan Girl is Rosie Nobody, a sweet redhaired imp who is being raised by gypsies after her mother is carried off. One gypsy, Milo, is particularly fond of the sweet girl and takes care of her, though he is but a child himself. When the gypsies give her to a family in a big house, they think she will have a better life, but the big house is full of strange people with even stranger tendencies. Rosie grows up a lonely little girl with only the cook and the maid for friends. Milo, in the meantime, thinks Rosie is having the best life she could have. When their paths cross many years later, a beautiful friendship forms. However, war comes and they must both fight for freedom so that they can see what else life has in store for them. Full of love and laughter, I really enjoyed the book. I am grateful that I chose it, and grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review it.

The orphan girl by Chrissie Walsh.
1901, West Yorkshire. When Eli Simmonite takes in a heavily pregnant woman fleeing from peril, he feels sure no good will come of it. After all, settled folk don't need much reason to take against the travellers, so having one seek safety amongst his people is unheard of.
A good read with good characters. Bit slow but readable. I did like Eli. 4*.

Historical fiction is a favorite of mine and this novel did not disappoint. This novel is a little different and so captivating and enjoyable to read! Well done Chrissie Walsh!

Just brings the characters and story to life. It focuses on young Rosie who is left with the Gypsies, Eli, Finnix & Milo.
Eli brings up the two youngster, Rosie proves to be more of a handful than Milo so Eli is forced to put Rosie into the care of others to ensure she has a better upbringing but things don’t work out as expected. Will Rosie and Milo meet up again or are other temptations put in their way.
This is a beautifully written book which I don’t hesitate to recommend.

The Orphan Girl definitely had a different plot line.
The story revolves around a baby girl taken in by gypsy travelers. They give the baby girl the name, Rosie. Eventually Rosie is given away to a mentally unstable lady.
There is so much going on within the story. What a sad and isolated upbringing Rosie had. When she is taken under the wing of a kind gentleman who treats as a daughter, she begins to bloom and learn.
A story about overcoming adversity and going forward no matter what life throws at you.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Orphan Girl by Chrissie Walsh is a narrative about Rosie, a gypsy girl (well not really) who was given away by her grandfather (again, not really) when she was about four. Away from Miles, who had been her only companion and her caregiver. As it turns out her new home was a nightmare, filled with "crazy" people: Celeste, the artist who had originally wanted her; Hortense, Celeste's jealous and bitter cousin and companion; and Godfrey, Celeste's husband. Thankfully there were also the part-time household help, Mrs. Naggs and Florrie, who at least showed her some warmth. As the years wore on she became more and more isolated. Celeste was sent to an asylum; Hortense simply ran away, taking the trap and pony, their only source of transportation. Godfrey, by the, ha d taken an interest in Rosie and had been educating her. Life was still one lived in isolation but at least she had her books and Godfrey, until one day Godfrey was taken from her as well. She was a girl without a past, but maybe she had a future. Seeing she was educated, Godfrey's brother took her and gave her a job, keeping his books, which she excelled at. While in town she reconnected with Milo, who had been on a journey of his own and her life began again.

This is a story built on coincidences or fate, one or the other. It is a story of the horrors of WWI both on the battlefield and in hospitals. It's the story of friendship and love and it is beautiful. Rosie, despite her first twenty years, is a lovely, compassionate young woman who becomes a volunteer in a hospital in order to do her part. She develops all kinds of relationships during those years that all come together later in her life. Miles, meanwhile, breaks away from the travelers when his grandfather finally dies and makes his talent for wood carving into a living. Watching them two of them reconnect is the true story of love, although it takes some time before that love blooms. It's simply a good story of a life that eventually comes right. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Orphan Girl by Aria Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #aria #chrissiewalsh #theorphangirl

A wonderful story with depth and spirit. Very enjoyable and an author I would read again. The characters are well written and weaved into a satisfying plot.

Rosie Nobody

New, Refreshing and different, this story is set before , during and after WWI. It is the story of a traveling Gypsy caravan and the Gypsy man that lost his life saving another. Eli took in a fleeing and frightened woman to his caravan for safety. She birth a child then was taken away and the child left behind. Eli lost his life trying to keep her from being taken. Eli's son Milo and his grandpa call the child Rosie and raise her until she is four years old then she is left behind at a wealthy farm where the Gypsies pick peas. Milo and Rosie are both very sad they are separated.

This is the story of Milo and Rosie, their different travels in life and how they once again find each other many years later. A war that comes between them and other challenges they face. Will they ever find their way back to each other, or will they be separated forever.

This is a very different story, but a very good story. It is quite interesting, the world before the war, the war years and what happens after the war. The friendships, the challenges, the different places they travel. Two young people coming of age in an uncertain world.

I enjoyed reading this story and I recommend it.

Thanks to Chrissie Walsh for writing it, Aria and Aries for publishing it, and NetGalley for making it available for me to read and review.

1901, West Yorkshire. When Eli Simmontie takes in a heavily pregnant woman fleeing from peril, he feels sure no good will come of it. After all, settled folk don't take much reason to take against travellers, so having one seek safety amongst his people is unheard of. When danger comes knocking, they leave devastation and a new born child in their wake. Eli is left with the baby girl and his orphaned grandson; a reminder of the offer of aid that cost him his family. With no kin but the adopted family who hold her responsible for their demise, this girl called Rosie Nobody is filled with questions of her past.

Rosie's mum gives birth to her shortly after being taken in by Eli Simmontie after fleeing from two violent men. Celia (the baby's mother) is caught and taken away leaving Rosie behind to be brought up by the Simmontie's, but unfortunately, that's not what happens.

Set around WW1, this is quite an emotional read. What a well written book with some great characters this is. The pace is steady throughout. This is the story of Rosie and how her life shapes after being left with travellers. An intriguing read that held my attention throughout.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAries and the author #ChrissieWalsh for my ARC of #TheOrphanGirl in exchange for an honest review.

Just look at that stunning cover! It really entices and the story within does as well. Speaking of the story...how breathtaking in its setting, telling, characters and emotion tugging. Set in England starting in 1901, the book is about secrets, inseparable ties, love, loss, courage and hope.

A desperate woman seeking help finds herself in an unusual situation. What happens next changes the course of several lives, shattering some, enriching others. The author then leads the reader through the years before the war in the life of sweet Rosie and her haphazard mentally and physically impoverished world. She is haunted by her murky early childhood and needs to make sense of her world. She remembers Milo. Her winsome countenance and personality endear her to unlikely people. Others, meanwhile, are incensed and hatred festers. Juxtaposed emotions cause interesting relationship dynamics.

World War I breaks out and Rosie and Milo join the war efforts to do what they can to contribute. I love that the author mentions the realities of war without glossing over them. We read of its horrors, priority shifts and effects. The historical details are clearly well researched and riveting storylines are injected right until the end.

My favourite aspects are the fascinating era and unique setting, the resilience of characters and the numerous twists which worked together beautifully. Chrissie Walsh writes with passion and describes characters brilliantly.

This book has wide-ranging appeal and is perfect for readers of Historical Fiction, Romance, General Fiction and Women's Fiction. They will discover layers of secrets and deceptions as well as characters to cheer for.

My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this wondrous book, particularly fitting for upcoming Remembrance/Armistice/Veteran's Day.

What a wonderful book.
It had some good characters and an emotional story.
Set in and around world war 1 in Yorkshire. Rosie's mum is fleeing 2 violent men who she feels will bring her harm.
She is taken in by travelers, where she promptly gives birth to little Rosie, surprising everybody.
And here the story begins. It is really well written and very enjoyable, keeping the reader engrossed and gripped until the very last page.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this lovely book. xx

1897 Knaresborough West Yorkshire . Traveller Fennix Simmonite at the horse fair a girl is fleeing from two men saying her husband will kill her helping her flee to safety sleeping in the wagon for the night his father and son Eli and Milo are leaving and heading for Appleby to get her away, Celia Asquith as she is named give birth to a baby girl and Celia is captured and taking away leaving the baby that is named Rosie to stay and be brought up by the Simmonites, but that is not how it plans out, the orphan girl without a last name is Rosie Nobody as we start to read her story of her life to come. will she find happiness as she sets on an emotional journey, I could not fault any of this book, as the author brings all the characters to life, its such an interesting story that will engross readers all the way through. Loved it.

Wonderful story set in one of my favorite time periods! I love the characters and the intro was very intriguing! I don't often read stories focused in WW1 instead of WW2 so it was a nice change of pace and a great way to illustrate why so many countries didn't want to dive into WW2. Rosie was certainly a resilient character ( as was Milo) and I think the youth of America today could learn something from such strong personalities. No matter how you are wronged, doesn't mean you have to let it dictate your life.

I gave 4 stars for a couple of simple reasons. While the intro was excellent, the ending was a bit abrupt for me. I feel like there needed to be more closure on the mother and on Hortense. I really wanted Rosie to enact some revenge on that one haha.

Just finished this and read it in one day it was that good. Eli comes across a woman one night begging him to help her as her life was in danger. He took her back to his dad who was the leader of a family of gypsies. What he didn't know was that she was pregnant went into labour that same day and gave birth to a baby girl.they called Rosie. The men that were after the woman found her again and snatched her leaving the child. The girl is raised by the old man and his grandson.
The story follows the life of Rosie, the hard life she has to live through before she can find her true love.
It is a very enchanting storyline and would love another instalment.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this ARC. What a brilliant book about the travelling family. If you like family sagas based in wartime you will love this book

The Orphan Girl by Chrissie Walsh


1901, West Yorkshire. When Eli Simmonite takes in a heavily pregnant woman fleeing from peril, he feels sure no good will come of it. After all, settled folk don't need much reason to take against the travellers, so having one seek safety amongst his people is unheard of.
I loved this story about traveller folk set just before WW1 . A new author for me , she has a great imagination and a wonderful way of words and brings the story and characters to life. Endearing.