What a phenomenal ending to a great series!
This one got the water works going in me 😭. So heartfelt and beautiful story.

A great series of books. I enjoyed all the books and this one was no exception a lovely ending which tied everything together. Was a nice touch at the end with finding out what happened to them all

4.5 stars rounded up
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and while I was able to follow this story, I do think it would be best to read all the books in this series to get a better feel for the characters and their history.
The characters are well developed, and very relatable - Clara is an overthinker, and while this was annoying at times, it was also very endearing. I loved the conversations she had with herself and could relate to what she was thinking and feeling. Each of the children has their own personality and I soon became attached to each one and loved learning more about them, watching them find their way in the world. I enjoyed reading about the challenges in post-war England, the bureaucracy, social expectations, and the devastation of the flood in Ipswich. I look forward to reading this series in its entirety at some stage.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the last of the Shilling Grange series. All the questions are answered and the ends are all tied up. I also loved the bit at the end of the book which told us what had happened to the different characters after the book ended. This is a great series and it shows how the children that are in the children’s home suffer from lots of different difficulties and with love and care and kindness how they can grow and thrive.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get into this book. Having thought I’d read the others I realised that I hadn’t so advice is to read them in order. At some point I’ll try and catch up. Thanks to Lizzie Page and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley.

This is the last book in the series. It was a pleasant read and brought the story to a good ending, but could also possibly be extended.

An utterly tear-jerking and unforgettable historical novel, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters.

Will love triumph against the odds?

When Clara Newton became House Mother of Shilling Grange Orphanage, it was only supposed to be temporary, a job to help piece her life back together again after the war had torn it apart. But five years on, Shilling Grange is more than just a job, it’s her calling. The orphans have given her a reason to live again, as has her handsome war hero neighbour Ivor, who is now her dashing fiancé.

I fell in love with Clara’s simple yet funny personality in the first book of this series and still enjoy her in this fifth book of the series. You do not need to read the previous ones first, but I highly recommend you do because I think you will appreciate the story even more once you get to really know the characters. I love how she views everything around her and the way she handles situations, especially when the children or Ivor are involved. She has this way of thinking, talking, and acting that just makes me chuckle and smile. Even when faced with horrific circumstances, Clara shows her strong side, her order and poise, and especially her love for those people and places are most important to her.

An utterly tear-jerking and unforgettable historical novel, set in the aftermath of World War Two. This is another sweet book of the Shilling Grange Children’s Home series, and I recommend it to all.

Clara Newton became the House Mother of Shilling Grange Orphanage, with the intent of putting her life back together. The war had ripped apart so many lives and destroyed everything in its path. Clara has found hope in the orphans that are under her care. She is planning her wedding to Ivor and discovers that she is expected to leave Shilling Grange Orphanage once they are married. But she is all the orphans have and can’t ever imagine leaving them. She has been the only constant in their lives and she loves each and every one of them with her whole heart. Clara faces troubles head on at every turn and when a monstrous storm takes place she faces yet another challenge. When the storm hits and catastrophic flooding comes, she is, once again put into a position to save the children she loves so dearly.

An Orphan’s Wish written by author Lizzie Page was a heartbreaking and emotional historical read. I am amazed by the way the author pulls you into this story. I felt love for each orphan and was looking forward to attending the wedding of Clara and Ivor. I have enjoyed this phenomenal series and walking with Clara through every joyful experience and heartbreaking challenge that she endured. This final series installment tied up the entire series just perfectly. This series is definitely a favorite of mine and it will remain in my heart. This is one that I will re-read again and again, when I want to visit an old friend and will recommend every chance I get. Deserves a ten star rating for sure.

An Orphan’s Wish brings Lizzie Page’s Shilling Grange Children’s Home series to a conclusion and what a deeply satisfying last book readers were given. Originally, three books were in the long-term plan but due to the success of the series and the fact the author felt there were more stories to be told it continued on for another two books. This was definitely the right decision and in no way did it feel like the series was being dragged out. Instead the timing was perfect and this was perhaps my most anticipated book following Clara and her orphans as I knew all the questions that I had since the very first book would finally be answered. My most anticipated being would Clara and Ivor eventually make it down the aisle after all the trials and tribulations that they have been through both individually and as a couple? Long time readers of the series have wanted the pair to get together from the moment they first set eyes on each other but I suppose there wouldn’t have been as much content for the books if this had occurred too early on.

The book opens in January 1953 and Clara and Ivor are continuing their lives with Clara residing at the Shilling Grange Children’s Home where she is housemother to her current charges, Jonathon, Peg, Gladys, and twins Frank and Trevor. It’s a very changed place from when she took over the reins from a nun who was cruel and uncaring. Shilling Grange is a safe haven for orphans or troubled children and as they have grown and changed under the nurturing care of Clara she too has undergone a transformation although at times some of her characteristics when it comes to anxiety do make themselves known. Ivor continues to live across the road where he has his tailoring workshop and young toddler Patricia remains in his care. He is not biologically her father but selflessly took her in when his ex-girlfriend Ruby didn’t want her. Clara is still adjusting to Patricia and you would think despite really getting to individually know the children in her care that caring for Patricia and coming to accept her as her own when she marries Ivor would be a complete doddle but that is not the case.

Clara and Ivor have finally set a date for their wedding and that is the main focus of the book but of course there are lots of problems and obstacles thrown in their way along with some moments of happiness too. You can tell from the outset that deep down Clara feels that until she is walking up that aisle that the marriage won’t take place. She has suffered so much grief in her personal life that underneath it all I could sense that she was questioning would she ever find that long lasting happiness that she has been so desperately seeking.You did feel the love that exists between herself at Ivor yet at the same time as with the other books I felt they skirted around some issues and that Clara was always fretting and anxious over something or other. That she could never truly relax and accept that love and romance were now in her life and would remain there. She always seemed to be nervous and afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing and I wished that she was just more honest and opinion with Ivor about things especially when it came to Ruby.

I make it sound like it’s all doom and gloom but it’s not at all and there are moments of tenderness, openness and togetherness between the pair but I still felt that before they married they needed to be honest and open with one another about everything. Ivor keeps things close to his chest, especially his experiences during the war, and Ruby remains as a shadow between the pair. I felt that until something final and solid occurred regarding the Ruby aspect of the plot then they really couldn’t move on. As plans are set in motion for the wedding you can see the excitement rising in Clara but also the anxiety as there is so much to do. Combined with this she is under increasing pressure from the council and some of the people around her want her to quit her job once she is married as was the norm at the time. This was a heavy burden for her she didn’t want to do this at all and I desperately hoped the further that I read through the book that a compromise could be reached because Shilling Grange was Clara’s heart and soul and she gave it her everything and if it was taken from her, what would she be without it?

This is something that she grapples with throughout the book as well as continuing the daily running of the home and dealing with all the little problems and incidents that arise. That’s what I really enjoy about this series that it so relaxing and easy to read and so conversational and normal in the writing style. As readers, we are getting glimpses into a family of sorts and detailing all their ups and downs so vividly makes you feel as if you are really part of something. I have loved seeing the range of children that have come through the doors and all the little stories and troubles they bring with them that Clara works so hard to solve. She has helped so many children and in doing so has helped herself and matured so much. She needed the children as much as she they needed her. Perhaps the greatest triumph of the book was perhaps surrounding little Peg. I won’t go into details of her story nor what occurs here but it brought a smile to my face as it has been so desperately wanted for so such a long time.

Naturally, there needed to be some drama along the path to the big wedding day and I loved how this was woven into the story. When news reaches Clara that one of her former charges Clifford was in trouble in his reform school in Hunstanton, Ivor sets out to help him and at the same time he finds Jonathon at the train station having run away. He takes Jonathon with him but little do they know what is in store for them. I had never heard of the North Sea Floods that occurred at that time but it brought an element of danger and suspense to the story and also allowed for Jonathon’s storyline to be developed a bit more which proved surprising I must admit. But I thought it was handled very well in the overall context of the book. When the worst occurs, tragedy and worry once again enters Clara’s life and I found these chapters to be tense and a real eye opener. All her questions, nerves and worries start to dissipate as she realises what she has and that she doesn’t want to lose it. In testing and unknown times she does something rash which she will later regret and it eats away at her and again here is where you want to reach into the pages of the book and comfort and console her and tell her that everything will be ok. That in fact she did the right thing and she should doubting herself. In fact, in general she should stop doubting herself when it comes to Ivor and of course the home. She has come such a long way and is brave, strong, courageous and just. If she only knew it herself.

An Orphan’s Wish was the perfect ending to a series which has captured so many readers hearts. The question of whether Clara and Ivor make it down the aisle ? Well of course, I won’t answer that, you’ll have to grab a copy of the book to find out. The themes of searching for where we belong, the responsibilities we have in life and the rewards of parenting and of course romance were all explored so wonderfully here and it was a joy to read the final book. This line sums up everything to perfection and melted my heart. ’These were her lost children – and they had been found – and in finding them, she was lost no longer’. I also thought it was brilliant to have short paragraphs as to what happened to all the children and the characters in later years and I appreciated their inclusion. I’m already looking forward to Lizzie’s next series as she mentioned in her author notes that she is working on a three book series about the evacuated children of WW2, their families and home families. If it’s anything like Shilling Grange, I know I am in for a real treat.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book in a brilliant series

clara newton is the house mother at the shilling grange childrens home and though she never thought she would be any good at it she has made it a success

she has helped many children overcome their tragedies and also matched them to familiies that have welcomed them in

but now she is planning her wedding to ivor and with it comes lots of changes one being the council thinks that because she is getting married that she will give up her job as house mother

clara has many changes ahead of her but before anything can go ahead she gets a phone call about one of her previous boys and a storm comes rolling in causing loss of life, it could have serious consequences for ivor her intended and claras wedding

this has been a heartfelt series and one i have loved reading and getting to know the characters

Clara and the children of Shilling Grange are back!
Following on from book four, Clara and Ivor are engaged and planning their wedding. Everyone is assuming Clara will leave the orphanage to set up home with Ivor, which is the furthest thing from her mind, she loves the children.
But will there even be a wedding now a storm blows in and causes flooding which Ivor and two children are caught up in and now Ivor is missing!
An Orphan’s Wish is the final book in the Children of Shilling Grange series and I am going to miss everyone so much. Every character throughout the series has captured a piece of my heart, especially little Peg!
This has been my favourite series of all time; It is set in Lavenham which is a place I am very fond of and spent many years there myself.
I loved getting to see Clara grow from a meek housemother who really had no clue when she was offered the job at Shilling Grange Children’s Home to a wonderful loving and caring housemother who is willing to fight for the best for all children who are in her care.

In another stellar addition to the Shilling Grange Children's Home series, House Mother Clara Newton has spent the last several years caring for the children orphaned by the war who have come under her care. Now soon to marry her neighbor Ivor, Clara's life has come full circle.

However, Clara runs into difficulties. For one thing, her superiors are determined that she will be leaving Shilling Grange once she marries, but this is not something that Clara wants. Furthermore, will the wedding even take place once a storm and the resulting flood just might take lives, including that of her precious Ivor?

Desperation faces Clara at every turn. However, what is abundantly clear about her is that she loves deeply. Every child that crosses her path is dear to her and no matter what she is determined to keep the orphanage running, all while being very concerned for Ivor's safety.

What a lovely story. Like all the previous books in this series, this one definitely tugged at my heartstrings. Clara is a wonderfully strong woman and I have enjoyed reading about her and the children in this series. This book brings about a perfect conclusion to a series that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

An Orphan's Wish is book 5 and the final installment in the Shilling Grange series by Lizzie Page and what a bang it is going out with! Reading the series is probably best, as you will understand the back story better.

Clara is in her fifth year as housemother and planning her wedding to the love of her life, Ivor. Ivor has gone to see Clifford in Hunstanton when the floods of 1953 hit East Anglia. While Clifford is safe, Ivor was unaccounted for; Clara is beside herself with worry. Whilst all this is going on, Clara is also worried about the future of the home; everyone seems to think she will be leaving the home when she marries but that's not what Clara wants; can a compromise be found?

I've really enjoyed Lizzie's attention to detail throughout this series; she really has captured everyone's personalities and made them relatable as well as showing us what it must have been like for orphaned children.

Shilling Grange Orphanage in Suffolk, had been Clara Newton's home for five years, and she continued to love her work with the children, helping them to find their forever homes. Children orphaned by the war, and now, in 1953, the war was well over and life went on. But with Clara's upcoming wedding to Ivor Delanay coming closer, Clara discovered the council expected her to leave Shilling Grange, and she was equally determined not to go.

Ivor had gone to see about one of Clara's children, to an area several hours away. He was joined by Jonathan as they searched for Clifford, and when a dreadful storm drenched the area, and flooding occurred, Ivor was unaccounted for. Clara was distraught - was she about to lose everything again? While she was worrying about Ivor and the children, she also needed to work out the orphanage's future. And the wedding..

An Orphan's Wish is the 5th and final episode in the Shilling Grange Children's Home (which I was unaware of until the end) by Lizzie Page and it was an exceptional conclusion. Heartwarming and poignant, this historical novel was filled with all I enjoy about the genre. A little bit of mystery, some drama, plenty of love and kindness, delightful children and of course, the pets. A thoroughly enjoyable series, I'll be looking at more of this author's work. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

An Orphans Wish is the fifth and final book in the Shilling Grange series.
I loved this series and this final book was an absolute joy to read. This is a lovely read of historical fiction and the way the author Introduced some true life events made this read even more interesting. The descriptions of the characters I have grown to love over the course of the series is as usual excellent. Reading about all the different children and their traits and how they have come along was wonderful. In this book Clara has a lot to deal with including the worry about her fiancé Ivor and the children. She is busy planning her wedding but no one knows what’s around the corner. I’ve loved the majority of characters in this series but my favourite has to be little Peg.
I am actually sad that the series has come to an end as I’ve loved every book in this series. Nevertheless I was thrilled to read in Lizzie’s letter at the end of the book that she is working on a new three part series which I cannot wait to read.
All the stars for this final book in the Shilling grange series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I started this one and was so lost I got quite confused. I went back and looked and it's part of a series that needs to be read. In order.

I won't be finishing this one. I'm so sorry but it's just not for me right now. Maybe if I get the others in the series read. It sounds like a great series.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. It's just not the book for me.

3 stars

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

Wow what an end to the series. I seemed to have missed book 4 for some reason best known to myself but had read the first three. It was possible to read this as a stand-alone but of course the context was better if one had read them all.

I loved the way that historical narrative was woven into the story - the 1953 flood and storm and its aftermath were well described. I’m not quite old enough to have memories of this but have read of the horrific times.
The bravery of three of the characters was rewarded in the week before our late Queen’s coronation which was great to see mentioned.

Clara at long last found some happiness though I think she would always struggle with inner turmoil. And little Peg she found so much (won’t spoil it for those that have read the series) but didn’t have the ending I had hoped for. But then I hoped Clara would keep all her charges which would have been unrealistic,

So many adjectives could be used to describe this series - heartwarming whilst thought provoking fit the bill I think.

A great series about the childcare system of the after war period.

Thanks again

An Orphan's Wish (Shilling Grange Children’s Home Book 5) by Lizzie Page is an awesome finish to this series. Heart touching and emotional, this book brings Clara to five years on the job as house mother to many children who became orphans because of WWII. Now she is to be married still she is surprised to find out she is not expected to keep her job. Such as was life in 1953 not only in England but in other places as well. Clara’s shoes will be hard for anyone to fill.

The wedding goes on with much that happens before then including the coronation of the Queen. While they don’t attend, there is a trip to Buckingham Palace in this story. What a wonderful conclusion that leaves you wondering what will happen next in the lives of Ivor, Clara, and the children.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What an engaging story.
WWII has ended, but war orphans need to find if their parents are still alive or be adopted.
This is the last of the series and finally, Clara and Ivor are getting married!
As someone from a traumatic childhood, I applaud the author’s attention to detail. A family is not made only of blood; it is any group that loves and cares for you no matter who you are and what demons you are fighting.

Will love triumph against the odds?
Book Five and the final in this beautiful historical novel.
Shilling Grange children's home.
Housemother Clara newton has five children in her care Jonathon, Gladys, Frank, Trevor and little Peg. Its January 1953 and the children have just returned to school, over the years as a housemother she has overcome a lot of obstacles to keep the home open, to keep her job, and to find forever homes for all in her care, she knows her strength and with always problems arising, and she has her wedding to Ivor Delaney to organise they must set a date, even as a married woman there is no way she is giving up her job and seeks out someone part time to share the work load, later in the book she finds the perfect person.
The children come and go and one child has became my favourite and that is little Peg who after been with Clara for such a long time finds two wonderful things, her voice and a new adopted family and even I myself shed so many tears for her. The Easleas are a lovely couple that will give her so much care and love.
Throughout this book it was just one more chapter thatIi just could not put down, and all the while I shed happy tears and laughter, Arriving in 1948 to a new job and home Clara has done amazing work, now she has a husband, Step daughter, her orphan family, and friends in Lavenham is all that she has wished for.
The final book this delightful series will melt your heart what a ending that I will truly miss reading.
And so now look forward to see what is next for Lizzie to write from the heart for her readers.