I really enjoyed this book, it shows the struggles back in 1864. BJ is currently sentenced in Australia for committed a theft, he left behind Alice in England. She’s not pickpocketed now, but working as a baker and she is successful in that. Her heart longs for BJ though.
A lovely book with great characters, they make it a easy read. The author has good knowledge of both countries and it shows in her writing. Looking forward to reading the next book. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

I loved the second book in this series, already I am looking forward to the next instalment! Going back to the world of BJ and Alice and continuing their story, albeit on the other side of the world from each other. Alice continues to go from strength to strength with her bakery, all while helping those around her. BJ continues his sentence on the cattle ranch, where he is continuing to flourish with the help of John. The question Alice and BJ often ask themselves, will they see each other again?
Another fantastic page turning novel from Lindsey, every book I have read by her I have struggled to put down due to how engrossed I get in them.



#boldwoodbookblogtourreview

Lindsey Hutchinson always does a great job in writing a historical fiction and I’ve enjoyed other books from them. The characters had that element that I was looking for and worked in this universe. It had that element that I was expecting and was written well. I’m excited to read where this series will go.

In The Pick Pocket's Plight BJ is continuing to serve his sentence in Australia and while he is thriving with some wonderful men there are others who would love to see him suffer. Meanwhile back in Wednesbury Alice's bakery is booming and she has so much business that she needs more staff. The characters are so easy to like and although Alice and BJ are longing to be reunited I believe they are doing well for themselves without each other to rely upon. There isn't too much hardship for them in this book which was a nice relief but that isn't too say that they don't have dramas happening as there is a good amount of drama plotted. It has a lot of emotional turmoil in amongst the joy too. I am already looking forward to read what happens next for these lovely characters!

Alice Truelove and BJ Bertham Jordan, will she ever see the boy who saved her again?
Australia and BJ only has another three years for his certificate of freedom then he can go home to Alice.
Black Country England and Alice's Bakery in Wednesbury is doing well, at only seventeen years old Alice is wanting to expand and buy somewhere bigger.
Once again this author has delivered another heart-warming read.
A big fan of all her books that are all worth waiting for.
So lovely I loved it.

The Pick-Pocket Series, 2

When thirteen-year-old Bertram Jordan is arrested and sent to a penal colony in Australia, his biggest regret is leaving behind his friend Alice Truelove. The children were each other's comfort when they had to live rough on Wednesbury heath, surviving on whatever meager funds they could pilfer from passing market goers. Now they must face their futures alone.

I loved finding out how BJ and Alice were getting along without each other to rely on.

BJ is serving a seven-year sentence in a penal colony in Australia. Mac, the owner of the land where BJ was sent, takes BJ under his wing and gets John to give the boy an education. BJ comes up with some good ideas for the land, but they also find something they never expected.

Alice's bakery shop is going from strength to strength. She can barely keep up with demand. The girls who work behind the counter are rushed off their feet, the queue is always out the door. Alice debates opening another shop, but would it have the same success?

I loved this book from beginning to end. The characters are mostly endearing, but there are a couple I immensely disliked. It is a heartbreaking, quick, and easy book to read.

Published 25th October 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #ThePickPockestPlight in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to start this book, and wasn’t disappointed.
Having adapted to life on the ranch BJ is still longing for his friends Colin and James who unknown to him are working for a cruel taskmaster, will they ever escape!

Alice is working hard and growing her business with the help of the Wilkins family. As Alice has grown her business she has grown in confidence and is able to deal people who still think women shouldn’t be in charge.

Firstly, it was a great overview of the first book.
I loved the descriptions of both settings which were easy to envisage.
My favourite character was Alice, least favourite, most definitely Bones and Kane.
Please say there will be another.

Beautifully written, compelling and thought provoking, I was drawn by the cover and blurb, not one I would normally read but I’m glad I did, im recommending this to my book club as I’d love to chat about this to others, thanks to net galley for the advanced copy.

Brilliant read with some equally brilliant characters, love Alice and BJ and their story and how they change their luck, I'm hoping there will be another in this series as I need to know what happens next and if Alice and BJ finally reunite

A sweet story that’s second in a series but works fine as a standalone. My one quibble is that nothing really bad happens, the bakery expands with little problem and BJ find a way to get back to Alice … I would have liked the characters to experience more hardship to earn their happy ending.