The Orphan Sisters

Shirley Dickson

‘I was gripped from the very first page… It was heartbreaking… I smiled through these happy times with them but also shed tears… I could not put it down… Will undoubtedly pull at your heart-strings. Just make sure you have a box of tissues ready!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

A heartbreaking, unputdownable and utterly unforgettable story of two young sisters cruelly abandoned by their mother at an orphanage. Fans of Wives of War, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe will lose their hearts to this stunning World War Two novel.

1929: Four-year-old Etty and eight-year-old Dorothy are abandoned at Blakely Hall orphanage by their mother, never to see her again. With no other family to speak of, the sisters worship their beloved mam – and they are confused and heartbroken to be deserted by her when they need her the most.

1940: Etty and Dorothy are finally released from the confines of Blakely Hall – but their freedom comes when the country is in the grip of World War Two and its terrors. Amidst a devastating backdrop of screaming air-raid sirens and cold nights huddled in shelters, the sisters are desperate to put their broken childhoods behind them.

But trouble lies ahead. Dorothy must bid goodbye to her beloved husband when he’s sent to war and Etty must nurse a broken heart as she falls in love with the one man she can never be with.

Etty and Dorothy survived the orphanage with the help of one another and neither sister can forget the awful betrayal of their mother, which has haunted them their whole lives. But when a shocking secret about their painful childhood comes to light, will the sisters ever be the same again?

Readers are losing their hearts to The Orphan Sisters:

PerfectI could not put it down… Had it finished in just over a day, reading it during every spare minute I had!… Will undoubtedly pull at your heartstrings. Just make sure you have a box of tissues ready! Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘What a beautiful story! Had me in tears from the very beginning. I couldn’t put this one down.’ A Book With Review, 5 stars

OutstandingI absolutely loved this superb page turner.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

Make sure you have tissues handy… The story is heartbreaking with a little happiness thrown in… Worthy of 5* and more.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

Promises to keep you turning the pages as your heart attempts not to break. A book you will lose yourself in!’ All The Good Books

‘A gorgeous character-driven, coming-of-age story about family bonds, love, and hardships of war. Exceptionally beautiful… I have already recommended the book!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘A beautifully written coming-of-age story… I didn’t want to put downTugs at your heart strings.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

I love the story… A tale of family, heartbreaks, and forgiveness!… The characters are wonderful… The book is written so beautifully!… It’s not a story I will soon forget! I definitely recommend this book to others!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

Emotional and inspiring.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

Superb!A page turner of a read as I was so engrossedThe Orphan Sisters is a compelling and emotional story that will tug on the readers’ heartstrings.’ By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars

Have a Kleenex nearby!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘A beautifully sad story… Beautifully written and ready to capture the reader’s heart.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

A heartbreaking story of hope, sisterly love and support, and the devastating effects of war. I loved this book from the beginning – I was recommending it at only 20% in!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘A brilliant debut. A beautifully written, heartbreaking story.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

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