This story felt like I was watching a movie, beginning with standing outside of Macey's in NYC, and attending a lavish ball, but there is a side story to the time Lauren Greenwood spent in New York. This young woman has a sweet heart and feels compelled to help the less fortunate.
The next time we see her she has returned to her estate in Virginia, and is thrilled to be back from her tour in Europe. Yes, Lauren seems to have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she is also, thanks to her Nanny/Aunt, a person that would literally give you the shirt off her back.
This is the time of the Great Depression, and although Lauren's life is really unchanged, all around her is poverty.
Now we get to the heart of the story, the children who are either orphans or with parents that cannot take care of them. Watch, or rather read, what our Lauren does when she stumbles upon a rundown, I'll say orphanage, but it was more like a shack.
We also follow her as she appears to fall in love, but will she see her intended true heart before it is too late?
This is a story that will keep you up late reading and page turning, and then it will linger with you! You don't want to miss this one!

I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.

I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.

First, I want to thank Rachel Wesson, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Lauren Greenwood’s character in a Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson is a breath of fresh air, inspiring, she has a heart and she gave a powerful message at the beginning of the book. In a world that we live in today it is nice to see such an inspirational storyline such as hers that she did for those two special little girls.

I fully admit that Historical Fiction is not a genre that I usually review. However, the two children on the cover and the title caught my eye as well as the description. So, I figured I gave it a chance.

Instantly, this book will get you into the Christmas spirit as you will have the song Away in a Manger playing in your head over and over again.

Maggie and Biddy, two adorable poor little girls, will tug hard on your heart strings. The dialect Rachel uses for them to speak is too cute for words. Not to mention they said the cutest things. For example they thought their father could sing...but yet their father was at Sing Sing.

Rachel brings up some very important statements and life lessons in this book. Some that are even more important in today’s time.

I live in NY State so I totally could understand when it was mentioned that New York really is a tale of two cities. The richest and the poorest of society live almost door to door.

I laughed when Lauren’s father mentioned that thinking was bad for your brain. Your job is to look pretty and land a rich, successful husband. Who says that?!

This book made me hungry with the amazing southern breakfast buffet Lauren shared with her father.

Rachel mentioned some important events in history such as the stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression, etc.

This is a book that is a subject that is close to Rachel’s heart and she discusses it in the letter in the back of the book.

Rachel Wesson has made me laugh and cry during this book. She tells the story of people in the 1930's America, the mountain people and those living in the towns supposedly prospering. Lauren is the daughter of one such "gentleman" who have her everything she wanted. Then he chose a man to be her husband. She is a gentle, kind young woman who didn't want to marry the man who caused so many problems. Can't wait for the next book......

This book takes an accurate glance of the life of a young woman from a well to do family, in the early 19 hundreds.

Intelligent and kind, and desperate to help others less fortunate than her, Lauren finds herself trapped by her fathers plans for her future, ones intended to bolster is own, with no regards at all, to his daughters feelings, or future happiness.

When we look back at the past, we often look on the wealthy with scorn, forgetting that for many women of that period, wealth was no blessing but often a curse. Forced to pursue activities, deemed acceptable for a young lady, and allowed enough of an education to be left yearning for more. Many found life boring and repetitive, and ended up being nothing more than pretty ornaments to adorn some mans arm, pawns in their parents attempts at bettering their own status, or connections, or a way for some man to gain better standing in society.

Many were often desperate to help those around them who were less fortunate, but were forbidden to do so, And were forced to sit in rooms with stuffy women and converse on bland subjects.

If they tried to join in with the more intellectual or political conversations of the men, they were made to feel small, or stupid and told that it was something, that they of women should not worry their pretty little heads about.

Once married off many suffered abusive partners with no means of escape. Divorce was not an option.

For Lauren, her devotion for her father soon sours as she begins to see that the man she had so admired, is in fact cruel, manipulative and willing to sink very low in order to continue to amass greater wealth.

Even his own daughter becomes a pawn in his bid for greater wealth. And Lauren finds herself being force to marry a man who disgusts her and who, even before their marriage, begins to beat her mercilessly, while her father, excuses his behaviour and even try’s to lay the blame at his daughters door.

Raised to be kind and passionate about helping others by her nanny, after her mother died when she was a young child, Lauren is heartbroken to discover that her father, is responsible for cutting wages, ripping businesses and homes from those in dire straights and forcing people to work and live in disgusting conditions, all things Lauren is desperate to save them from.

As her eyes begin to open not only to her father, but the rest of the high society folks that she is forced to surround herself with, she begins to search for a way to make up, for the sins of the father, and to make her nanny and deceased mother proud.

But Lauren’s own naivety, often causes more trouble than good, and she discovers that nanny Kat’s words “kindness costs nothing.” Don’t really live up to her own ambitions, for saving the orphans, she has becomes so attached too.

What I love most about this book is how real and believable the characters are, Lauren has led a privileged life, she believes everything can be fixed with either the right words to the right people or by throwing money at it. At times you want to scream at her in desperation as she continues to make the same mistakes, failing to fully understand why her attempts to help are sometimes doing more harm than good.

Likewise the people she helps don’t always fawn over her, they are distrusting and sceptical. They know, and learned early on that the world is a cruel place and that life is rarely fair, something that Lauren is only just beginning to understand.

This makes the story believable and Lauren a lovable character, especially because of her determination. No matter how many times she fails, she just keeps on trying. And isn’t that all any of us can do.

But with Lauren it means so much more, as she could so easily just give up and go back to her life of luxury and forget all the poor people and orphans that she has come to know, it would certainly be easier to do so. But instead she risks putting herself in the same boat as then, by going against her fathers wishes and trying to make their lives that little bit more bearable, she is a true heroin and someone we should all aspire to be more like. Because at the heart of it, her Nanny Kat is right, kindness costs nothing.

So if you are looking for a heartwarming read that will
Make you laugh, cry and inspire, then I recommend a home for unloved children, and I am very grateful to NetGalley, Rachel Wesson and her publishers for allowing me to read this lovely book for free, in exchange for an honest review. And I will certainly look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

What a way to start a new series. It is a tearjerker . I sobbed through most of the book. I knew IT would be a heartbreaking book just from the title of the book. . But it was worth all the sobbing. I need the second book in the series pronto.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Lauren is a very privileged young woman during the Great Depression. Her father father has given her everything for a great future, too bad it’s not what she wants any more. When her father disowns her her life changed drastically. Now she needs to do everything to provide a home and life for herself her friends and a houseful of orphans. Can she provide it to them all?
This story pull on your heartstrings. It will bring you too tears and but also make you smile. It shows the strength of all the characters who makes the best of their situation. I normally read books a lot shorter but this books kept me entertained the whole time. Can’t wait to read what will happen with Lauren, her friends and the orphans.

A Home for Unloved Orphans was such a great book. The author’s talent with words allowed me to easily fall into the story, and I could easily picture the scenes in my mind as if I were watching a movie. I am actually hoping that this WILL become a movie! I love Lauren’s character; her naïveté combined with her confidence creates an intriguing and powerful woman. I commend her perseverance and determination and and feel her character and persona were created masterfully and perfectly for her role in this novel. She was my favorite character by far, but I felt connected to so many others.

Reading the letter by the author at the end of the book made me feel even more vested in the book and love it more. Reading why she wrote it and the background behind it was so interesting itself, I feel like there is a future hidden story that could be told, maybe a nonfiction one? I would read it!

This is my first book by the author and I was so impressed with her writing.
I could visualize the story to easily. I could feel the emotions.
It was a rollercoaster.
Good read

In America in the early 1930’s people are starving because of the Great Depression. Families are unable to feed their children or themselves. Orphanage’s are overflowing with children in need of help.
Lauren Greenwood who has just arrived home from her finishing school in Switzerland is desperate to help these children at all costs.
A heartbreaking story of suffering and the kindness of strangers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tissues! I cried for how horrible the families and children were treated during the depression!

This book is a phenomenal depiction of that time period! The author has taken a piece of history and weaved it into a remarkable intriguing storyline that will become a masterpiece of truth!

Lauren once a rich debutante who thought nothing of paying $300.00 for a dress, is now struggling to stretch $5.00 to feed a houseful of orphans!
Lauren refused to marry her fathers chosen pick, and he disowns her and kicks her out of the house with not so much as a boo! He gave her a heartless look and she wonders if he ever did love her or if she was just another piece of property to sell?

Lauren and others are not going to let these children suffer and so she does everything she can in her arsenal of life choices that she has been taught by her Nanny Aunt. She refuses to give up!,

The author does such a tremendous piece of work in bringing attention to the plight of the miners and the children who were underage that were made to work in the mines during the Depression years. The Great Depression was a a burden on the families and the owners and the lenders and the Government. This was a time that everyone suffered and the author depicted the lives of the Mountain people and their lives and the lives of the rich and how even some of the ones who tried to help became homeless themselves.
The author does a magnificent development of the characters and their growth as they learned self discovery throughout the book. The flow of the book storyline was exceptional and it didn’t lag or chop off. The characters felt alive and believable the plot was eye-opening!

I would give this book more stars if I could! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

I’m speechless, how do I even do this book justice in a written review. You need to read this, to feel this story. What a wonderful richly woven tale fraught with history. Heart wrenching at times but also filled with warmth and endearing moments. This book had it all, I laughed and smiled and sobbed. So well written I felt like I knew the characters personally. I can’t say enough about this book. This is a must read.
Lauren is the proverbial well bred daughter from a wealthy background. But she has a soft spot for those less fortunate. This is a bone of contention for her father. Betrothed to a man she not only despised but fears, Lauren must sacrifice everything she knows for the unknown. Following her heart for a chance at true happiness.

Unfortunately i was about 15 percent of the way into this book and just could not get into the characters or story line thanks to netgalley and the publisher for granting me this book and i feel bad that i couldnt make it all the way through. I will attempt to pick up the book again in a couple days and come change my review if i feel it is necessary.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Inspirational ,heartbreaking, and also uplifting. The storyline and characters are flawless. I didn't want it to end and was happy to see it was book one in the series The Orphans of Hope House. I will be watching for the next release. Rachel Wesson is a true artist in storytelling and I recommend it highly.
I received a free advance copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.

This book tells the story of Lauren’s life, with a loving father which is in sharp contrast to life of the other children in the book.
It takes you far into the mountains where life is hard for the families. Lauren always willing to do what she can for them.
Home life turns sour for her but she still manages to help others. Loved it, if a little long drawn out.

I was 28% through this book and it just did not hold my attention no matter how many times I picked it up - it was very slow in my opinion so unfortunately I did not finish it. I read so many books on a regular basis and unfortunately if they are not a page turner or keep me interested enough that I want to return to it I do continue as life is too short. I was disappointed as I looked at other people’s reviews and can only assume I am hard to please. Thank you Net Galley for granting me this book in return for an honest review.

It Costs Nothing to be Kind

This is one of the most heartwarming books I have read all year. It is a heart breaking story about children that no one wanted and no one cared about until one young woman cared enough.

Lauren was a privileged young lady of nineteen, the world was wonderful for her and she grew up with the house staff and was friends will all of them. Nanny Kat, the cook, Mary, Patty, Sam and Old Sal. The only one she didn't get along with was the sour caretaker Jackson.

On a trip to the city she meets two ragged little girls and her eyes are opened to the poverty existing beyond the walls of her family home. When Nanny Kat takes her to the mountains and she meets the mountain people, Becky and her family she is more aware of the dire situation of some during this depression era.

As she tried to help the less fortunate her father hampered her efforts and expected her to marry Justin a man of old money and rich connections. When she refused to do so it caused problems and put her in Jeopardy.

Then she visits the private orphanage "The Home for Unloved Children". What happens next defines her as a caring and compassionate woman. She falls in love with those orphans especially with Ruthie. When her father fails her and disowns her she finds help from Becky, Mary and the wonderful townspeople and even the impoverished mountain folks.

I loved this story and hope to read the rest of the series to find out what awaits the orphan's in the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

Thanks to Rachel Wesson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for all allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.

This one tugs at your heart and might even bring a tear to your eye. This is my first book by this author, Rachel Wesson She has created such wonderful, well developed characters and a couple awful ones! Though not meant to be, this would make a great story to read at Christmas because there are some very sweet and heartwarming things that happen at that time in a couple parts of the book. The reader is introduced to Lauren Greenwood around the time of the Great Depression. She comes from a rich family with servants and lives on a large estate with her father and Nanny(her deceased mother’s aunt who has helped raise her.) Lauren is one of the characters you will love as she endures several crises in her young life and eventually ends up helping to run an orphanage for children who have lost their parents or are given up because they can’t be cared for. It was heart wrenching to read about the hardships of families during the early 1930’s and the things they had to do to try to survive. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction or just a wonderful story.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my review.

From riches to rags, what a great story of hardship and love. The characters at Hope House were easy to fall in love with and so were the towns people. Just when your all out of hope, people step in to help you. I look forward to book 2 because I can't wait to read about the continuing story of certain ones.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5 
Plot: 
Virginia, 1933: Her heart broke as she took in the scene before her. There were too many orphans and not enough beds. The rags they wore barely covered them and they hadn’t eaten in days. How could anyone let innocent children live like this? She picked up a tiny girl who’d cried as she moved past her cot. “I’ll be back soon, little one.”
Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be homeless, destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her, that is her fate. Out on the streets, America is in the devastating grip of the Great Depression––children run wild in the streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air.
All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside––a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find orphans living in shocking conditions, their hunger keeping them awake and making them too weak to even play. The home for unloved children is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads…
Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received and is determined to save their home from ruin. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers.
Can she save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?
A heartbreaking yet hopeful tale about a brave young woman who gives up everything to help unloved children who have nothing. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan Train and Diney Costeloe will adore this poignant historical novel, which shows that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
My verdict. Firstly thank you to Netgalley for letting me read the book prior to its release I am so glad to have discovered Ms Wesson. A heartwarming and equally heartwrenching story about a wealthy young woman who has a lot of privileges and luxuries but sees the devastating affects of poverty in her community and yet, people think she shouldn’t help because ‘it’s not a woman’s place.’ Lauren is a likeable and headstrong young woman who’s simply undermined and seen as a commodity, only good for Marriage, children, sex and being the ultimate hostess simply because of her gender. Thankfully because of her great aunt Nanny she doesn’t inherit their society’s morals and preconceived ideas and is instead made aware of the injustices due to someone’s gender or wealth. As well as dealing with themes of feminism, privilege and traditional gender roles, it deals with domestic abuse, rape, male privilege and child neglect. It also highlights the struggles of those who were put in impossible situations due to the Great Depression in America, reminiscent of Steinbeck’s of Mice and Men as well as Alice Walkers The Colour Purple. It makes a change to be reading about pre-1930s America as opposed to pre-World War II and post 1950. I loved each and every minute of this story and found all the characters (even the villains) to spring right of the page and it was nice to see them all having an arc towards the end of the novel.
The descriptions were fabulous, highlighting the decadence of Lauren’s life before the orphanages and the stark contrast to her life after. The overall message I gleaned from this read is that having everything is great but love is more important. I loved Becky whom often butted heads with Lauren because she thought that ‘do gooders’ only involve themselves with the less fortunate to stop themselves feeling guilty and Lauren does indeed learn a lot about pride through her well intended mistakes but Becky also learns that having fancy clothes and a nice house comes with its own restraints. Through the narrative we also learn through patty’s storyline That even though she may be a housemaid she is still seen as a country heck who people like Justin Believe I like disposable commodities once they’ve had their fill.
The southern setting and idea of the community pulling together in times of need reminded me of JoJo Moyes The Giver of stars with a dash of Kathryn Stockett’s The Help added for good measure. It was almost like a warm hug on a winters day. I have to applaud the author for writing the southern dialect so well that not only disprove that those who speak like that are less than intelligent but are representing real people. Overall, an emotional rollercoaster of a read with sprinkles of happiness here and there whilst remaining true to the society and period at the time. This storyline, characters and book in general is proof that good can triumph over evil and if we all pull together, we can make a change.

A Home for Unloved Children (The Orphans of Hope House Book 1) by Rachel Wesson. First off when you read this book you would never know by the title our description that this book could be a Christmas book. So many scenes in this book take place at Christmastime. Christmastime is the time of kindness, hope and happinessThis book is extremely well written though at times you will need a Kleenex. At times you will be mad at the characters. One of my favorite sayings in the book is said by Nanny, “Whatever happens always treat folks with kindness it costs nothing.” I received this book arc from NetGalle.