by Stacey Halls
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
A mother’s love knows no bounds…
London, 1754. Six years after leaving her newborn, Clara, at London’s Foundling Hospital, young Bess Bright returns to reclaim the illegitimate daughter she has never really known. Dreading the worst—that Clara has died in care—the last thing she expects to hear is that her daughter has already been reclaimed. Her life is turned upside down as she tries to find out who has taken her little girl—and why.
Less than a mile from Bess’s lodgings in a quiet town house, a wealthy widow barely ventures outside. When her close friend—an ambitious doctor at the Foundling Hospital—persuades her to hire a nursemaid for her young daughter, she is hesitant to welcome someone new into her home and her life. But her past is threatening to catch up with her—and will soon tear her carefully constructed world apart.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Georgian London, The Lost Orphan explores families and secrets, class and power, and how the pull of motherhood cuts across them all.
After reading Genevieve Graham’s The Forgotten Home Child, I was on the lookout for more stories about orphans when I stumbled upon The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls. Twists and a memorable story await you in 1754, London.
Hard times forced unwed mother, Bess Blight to leave her newborn baby, Clara, at London’s Foundling Hospital. Six years of saving and she finally has enough to claim her daughter. However, when she arrives she is stunned to learn she has already been claimed by Bess herself.
Halls quickly pulled me into this tale and my heart bled for Bess. We also meet, Alexandra, a wealth, widowed recluse and her young daughter Charlotte.
Through a young doctor and member of the Foundling Hospital Bess is hired on as a nursemaid for the young daughter and the tale that unfolded quickly pulled me in.
Set in Georgian London, the author paints an accurate picture of life in 1700s London. From the social classes to the hardships facing young women the author smoothly tackles them while shedding light on addiction, poverty and anxiety.
Secondary characters from Bess’s siblings to Doctor Mead added to the tale. We also have elements of romance but these are secondary to the central theme of Bess and her daughter.
Betrayal, love, hardship and the unwavering love of a mother are central themes. We have elements of mystery, suspense and a few unexpected twists as our tale unfolds.
I admit I worried about the conclusion but the author left me content and wrapped things up in an uplifting bow for readers.
Author Stacey Halls transports the reader to 1700s London in The Lost Orphan #historicalfiction #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
Did you know this book is published with a different name and different covers in some countries? I was so confused for a moment and then found out it was the same as The Foundling! I really loved her debut novel The Familiars so much and cannot wait to read more by her, this one included <3
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog
Well this sounds intriguing. I have read a lot of orphan stories over the last year or two- but I don’t recall hearing of this one. I am definitely curious about who reclaimed the girl and I have added it to my list. Thanks for sharing! Great review!
Stay healthy!
sherry fundin
glad it ended on a hopeful note
sherry @ fundinmental
Katherine
This sounds like a tough read but like a good one. I’m glad the ending left you feeling good about it as a bad ending on this kind of book would be terrible.
Trish @ Between My Lines
Ohhh this sounds like a heartbreaker. Loving the timeline.
Carla JohnsonHicks
Great review Kimberly. I am looking forward to this one. I have both a kindle book and audiobook so hope to do a read/listen for this one.
Ethan
This sounds like a real winner. Ever since my visit to London last year, I’ve added so many books that take place there to my TBR!
Tyler H. Jolley
Oh dang, this sounds like it has all the feels and pulls at your heartstrings. Great review, Kimba!
Cindy
I am very interested in this time period. Great review and thanks for sharing!
Melliane
It’s intriguing there and I’m curious for the period as well