A great read, a wonderfully written book that’s fit great characters and a great storyline, it kept me hooked from the start. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

In her latest book, Chrissie Walsh brings the early twentieth century to life through the eyes of Darcy Earnshaw, an orphan trapped under her creepy uncle’s thumb until she manages to flee her childhood home and everything she knew. Rebuilding her life with the help of street performer John Carver and his family, Darcy discovers a new family, music, and love with Italian singer Danny. When war breaks out, however, their happy lives crumble in the face of the war and the looming specter of her uncle, and Darcy and her family must rally to protect those they love. With a powerful emotional narrative and vibrant interpersonal connections, Walsh has created a moving story that readers will be invested in. Darcy is a fascinating protagonist whose life is particularly tragic and joyful; she has a big heart and fosters friendships and love easily. Readers should bear the content warnings for sexual assault and sexual assault of a minor in mind while reading, but Walsh does an excellent job handling these moments and the characters’ trauma and recovery throughout the novel. An excellent read for fans of historical fiction and Walsh’s other titles, this is a charming, powerful historical fiction novel with a great emotional storyline.

Really enjoy books by Chrissie Walsh and her style of writing means that from page one you are interested- this book being no exception. Darcy is the main character and she experiences many hardships in her relationships but is very stoic and somehow manages to survive . A well written novel that has you wondering what’s coming next and the emotional roller coaster keeps you hooked all the way through would recommend

I read The Orphan's Heartbreak as part of a blogtour. It was not my favourite historical fiction, and I found that the heavy start of the book, with child molestation was difficult for me to read and get into. As a result I ended up having a hard time connecting with the characters or seeing the book through. Perhaps a lighter start and moving into these scenes once characters are established would have worked better for me. Thanks to Boldwood for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

The Orphan Songbird is wonderful but at times a heartbreaking and emotional read. This book completely captivated me right from the very beginning. Darcy was a wonderful character and she stole my heart from the very start. There were some nasty characters also but of course some really lovely ones. It’s an easy read but one that I really enjoyed and found it difficult to put down. My heart went out to Darcy many times through this book but as the story progresses we see what a strong character she is. Another excellent historical saga book that I highly recommend for readers of this genre.

If you are a historical fiction reader then I'm sure this book will be of interest to you. I do enjoy historical reads and this is by a new to me author.
I felt like the story was well written, it made me absorbed into the story unfolding and the characters were ones I cared about.

It's an emotional and very enjoyable read.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I felt a connection with Darcy from the beginning. Her initial situation brought tears to my eyes, but it seemed that her struggles made her stronger. Darcy's love of singing was something that went to my heart.

I enjoyed the portrayals of love and friendship throughout the story, and I became emotionally invested, as I followed Darcy's journey. This was a heartwarming historical saga with some tearjerker moments, and it was lovely to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

The Orphan Songbird -08-22-2024

What a Story

Wow! This story takes us so many places.

The story is of the young orphan girl Darcy , left in the care of a miserly uncle who is abusive toward her. Darcy is only fifteen, but when she can no longer stand the abuse from her uncle she runs away.

Alone on the streets of Halifax England in 1915 with no money and only her clothes she must learn to survive. She gets lucky when she happens on a street performer named John who takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter Angela. The Carvers adopt Darcy into their family.

In her life with the Carvers she fills many roles. She joins woman sufferage , sings with John on the street, meets Danny and marries.

She has good times and trying times and sometimes feels like giving up but she keeps going one day at a time.

When world war 1 comes to England, Danny and John volunteer to fight in the service for England leaving Darcy and Betsy in England as they travel to war.

Tragedy strikes as her uncle tries to get rid of her so he can have the sawmill her father left to her. This is a very dark time, but she makes it through.

It is a story of the men and women of the common working type doing the best they can to make a living and live life to the fullest. How they coped during and after the war and faced tragedy when it occurred.

It was a delightful book with wonderful characters, I really enjoyed reading it.

I received a copy for free, the review is voluntary and in my own words.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

After the death of her father, Darcy goes to live with her Uncle. But, she’s not happy living with him and the way he treats her.

After some thought, Darcy decides to leave the house before things get worse.

Whilst finding a place to live, she meets John, he earns a living through performing for people. As she has nowhere to stay, he takes her to his house and she meets his wife and daughter.

She meets Danny, and after a rocky start they fall in love.
Meanwhile her Uncle is looking for her, will he find her?

We read about what happens in Darcy’s life when Danny enlists to fight in the war, and the hardships she and John’s family face.

The story was very well written.

I recommend this book.

This wonderful book has everything heartbreak, love also some hardship.

Darcy lives with her Uncle as her parents have died and he does not treat her very well. She comes to a decision to leave him because of his treatment of her. She meets John who is a performer and he takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter. Darcy meets Danny who she falls in love with. Will her Uncle find her again. We see over the years what happens to Darcy.

This book was so well written and I just wanted to read on as I enjoyed all,the characters in the book.

Certainly one of the best books of the year.

This is the story of Darcy Earnshaw who's mother has died then her father .Before her father dies he asks his brother if he will take care of Darcy and the sawmill that he owns.Dacys uncle Abe is abusive towards her so she finally runs away. She is taken in by John and Betsy Cavers and over the next few years good bad things happen too her.I have really enjoyed reading this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood.

The Orphan Songbird features Darcy who has lost both her parents and is left in the care of her horrible uncle. After reaching her breaking point when her uncle makes advances on her. Darcy runs away, eventually she meets a street performer John who takes her home to his wife Betsy and daughter Angela. Darcy is welcomed into their family and is safe and secure. Darcy then meets singer Danny who she falls in love with. The story has many powerful dangers and Darcy is forced to face them head on. The era is told so effortlessly with vivid pictures that make you feel like you are right there in the middle of it all. It's told with suffrage and the effects of war but what gets the characters through is there love for one another. A beautifully written historical saga that gripped me and didn't let go. It's a brilliant story that I really enjoyed.

This story starts with 15 year old Darcy who has been taken in by her uncle after her parents passed away she runs away from said Uncle because if his abusive ways and tries to make a new life for herself.
The Orphan Songbird by Chrissie Walsh is an emotional thought provoking but a really great story with ups and downs the whole way through a great read. Thank you for advanced copy.

As autumn is just around the corner, something gripping is needed. An intro that will leave you reeling, the highs in this book soar and the lows devastate. It is all together an excellent read and the characters at once familar in their descriptions and narrative. Very very good.

Brilliant read, a good set of characters and a storyline that keeps you wanting to read on, can’t fault this book 10/10

Will she ever find a place to call home.
The Orphan Songbird Darcy Earnshaw lives at Northcrop house with her uncle Abe he is always Mauling her he makes her squirm and it was wrong, she misses her dead parents more than ever, and after coming for her in her bedroom she knew she had to flee the house.
John Carver his wife Betsy and daughter Angela take her in, and busking at the market with John known as Tarquin she becomes a street performer, even meeting Danny Capp and all is looking well for her, till war is declared and John and Danny are sent away to fight.
This is a beautiful story to read, a unique storyteller that can take you into another time and place.
I loved it right through.

Heart warming historical drama. A young girl runs from her home and is fortunate to find a good family. War and suffragettes feature along side crooked men and a lunatic asylum. A good read.

What a treat this was, captured me from the off.
When sawmill owner Thomas Earnshaw dies his much loved daughter Darcy is forced to live with her lecherous uncle Abe. He is miserly, living in near poverty to save spending a penny, it is only thanks to housekeeper Polly that makes Darcy’s life near bearable. That is until she decides to runaway, having lived a protected life with her loving father she is little prepared for life on the road. Then she gets to Halifax and is taken under the wing of John & Betsy Glover, who treat her as a big sister for daughter Angela. When Darcy is introduced to Danny Capp she is quite taken with his lovely dark eyes.
Unsure of any feelings, she decides that after her experiences with her uncle that all men are alike and decides to avoid Danny, will he be deterred?
When war is declared and the menfolk leave Darcy decides to seek work at Dunkirk Mill. Starting alongside her are Nora and Molly. It soon comes to light that the overseer sees women as pieces of meat to do with as he likes, will he get his just deserts!
Due to the noise in the factory Darcy starts singing to help drown it out, then when out in the years for break she is asked to sing for the others. This leads to other things and soon she is asked by mill owner to perform at his home, where will this lead?

I loved that the story just flowed, and the selection of characters was easy to follow. Can’t say I was keen on Cissie Sharp.

One of the best books I have read in a long time. Full of happiness, despair and a great feeling of family. I look forward to reading more from this author.