The Orphan’s Wish
By Lizzie Page
This book is the final instalment in the Shilling Grange series. If you haven’t read any of this series I encourage you to do so.
In this book, Clara and Ivor are planning their wedding. While Clara is happy about her impending nuptials and life with Ivor she is also torn about continuing to work at the Shilling Grange Home. Clara receives upsetting news regarding former resident Clifford, who is now in a boys reformatory school. Ivor goes to the school to try and find out what is happening with Clifford. While he is there, a dangerous storm takes place and Ivor, Clifford and resident Jonathon become victims of a catastrophic flood. When they disappear with no word, Clara is overcome. What will happen next? Will Clara and Ivor ever get married?
What I like about this series is it centres around a real-life historical event ( Festival of Britain, flooding, air show disaster, home children being shipped off to Australia).
I found this book to be even more emotionally charged as it was the culmination of the series and many of the characters were going off in new directions.
So many characters in the book were so charming and heartwarming. The scene where Peg was finally adopted and moved out with her family was so heart-felt. I was sobbing reading that scene.
I liked Clara’s character and could relate to her. I loved that she recognized the redeeming qualities in the children and she gives them a second chance. Ultimately it feels good to cheer for the underdog and see them succeed.
This is a heartwarming and wonderful book/series. I love the way Lizzie Page writes. Her stories are always engaging.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I read World War 2 historical fiction for the purpose of learning and understanding. I want to learn everything I can about what happened before, during and after the war. I want to understand as much as I can about what my mom and her family experienced. They have never really talked about it much, so I have turned to books. In turn discussing the books and got my relatives to open up.

An Orphan's Wish was the perfect conversation piece. My mom is from Ipswich and when I asked her about the floods of 1953 the floodgates opened. The authror, Lizzie Page, used Ivor, Jonathon and Clifford's experiences saving lives to tell a story of the horrors experienced, the struggles to survive. My mom gave me more on the aftermath. I am ashamed to admit I was so clueless about the affects of severe flooding.

An Orphan's Wish illustrates the continuing struggles that occurred after the war. I take for granted what I am able to do as a female in today's work world. Clara struggles to keep her job running the home, Shilling Grange as she plans to marry.

Running the home is not without its own struggles. There is always someone that thinks they know better how to do things. The emotional struggles within the home pour off of the pages of An Orphan's Wish. The situations grabbed at my heart creating more respect for Clara. The children's stories and everyday struggles cut deep. Clara's successes with the children were up lifting.

What made this story even better is how people within the village lend their support. It good times and bad, they had Clara's back. An Orphan's Wish is a shining of example of the old adage, "It takes a village to raise a child."

The author took me on a journey into the past. I closed the book with a greater understanding and a new determination to learn even more.

The story starts out in 1953 England. So many children are orphaned from the war. There is one woman determined to save them and her name is Clara Newton.
A very emotional and heartwarming journey.
I recommend reading this series in order as there is much backstory you need to know.
This was a wonderful and amazing conclusion to the Shilling Grange Children’s Home series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another great read, really enjoyed this series, I hope its not the last. Fantastic characters, and great storylines.. More please!

Wonderful! An emotional and heart-breaking story about children tragically orphaned by the war, and the woman who is determined to save them, whatever it takes.
Ensure that you have a steaming cup of cocoa, perhaps some complementary mint ice-cream and a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this gorgeous book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
The final book in this series! I have enjoyed this series so much. (I would recommend reading them in order to get the best story.) The characters are well developed. The mix if history with the fiction aspects is very well done.
I am looking forward to the authors next series.

Wow, what an incredible end to what has been a truly remarkable series! Clara and the children have been on such an incredible journey together and this was an emotional one, that’s for sure!
There are some really brilliant stories going on for her, Ivor and the kids and it was lovely to see how far they’ve come. Truly amazing!

Fifth in this series featuring Clara and Ivor and the children of Shilling Grange. Ups and downs,sadness and happiness this story has it all.

This book has you thinking oh no! Please let it happen. Then it’s maybe, maybe not! Keeps you on your toes. Loved it.
One of my favourite series. House mother Clara Newton starts off as the most unlikely candidate for the job then she learns to care, maybe too much! Her sweetheart Ivor decides to go off rescuing one of their boys and gets into difficulty himself.
Clara thinks she is doomed, will it work out for her?
The children have proved entertaining in all the books, my favourite is Frank, A for his innocence B he always gives a choice.
Well worth all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Now I plan going back to start the series again.

An Amazing and hard to put down conclusion to the Shilling Grange Series! I’m glad everyone had a happy ending, especially Peg and Clara.