Cover Image: A Place to Call Home (Shilling Grange Children’s Home Book 2)

A Place to Call Home (Shilling Grange Children’s Home Book 2)

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Member Reviews

Clara Newton is the house mother for the children at Shilling Grange, and there never seems to be enough time in her day. Trying to keep track of the children’s needs, stretching an ever-shrinking budget are labors of love. When Clara hears rumors of the Grange being sold, will there be any way to keep the children together? Join in on this heartwarming tale, set in post-World War 2 England.

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Wow what a touching, emotional and moving read! This was a magical book! I loved every minute of it and wanted to crawl inside and stay there. It was so warm and cosy like a fuzzy scarf and mittens. This was one of those books that sucked me in from the beginning and didn’t let go until I finished! I thought it was well written, with absolutely flawlessly done characters, and absolutely unputdownable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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A beautiful brilliant book!

Ever since finishing the first novel in this series, I have been desperate to get my hands on this and find out what has happened to Clara and the children (and the deliciously Byronic Ivor!) Within the first chapter I was right back there in Lavenham and – despite planning to take my time – couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it.

What I love most about Lizzie Page’s books is that she writes authentically about the time period while giving us strong characters we can identify with today. I am not a historian, but there are many times in this book where I was hit with the similarities between the issues then and now. Clara is a wonderful protagonist – honest, kind and sometimes naïve – and her flaws make her both believable and relatable. I want so much for everything to work out for her!

Page cleverly weaves the threads of the individual characters into Clara’s narrative and the plot moves at a pace as we are drawn into the stories of the individual children at the home. My heart was squeezed many times by their experiences and their relationships with each other and Clara. Page doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities for orphaned children in post-war Britain, but her light touch means that this is not harsh or uncomfortable to read.

Another beautiful book which warmed my heart. Now I’m desperate for Book Three!

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In August, I read The Orphanage ( book 1) and was impressed with how Lizzie Page spins a tale. I appreciate how her books occur during noted historical periods and how she develops her female characters. I enjoy seeing them grow and gain newfound confidence in their abilities to tackle the various challenges they are up against. Her latest book is the sequel to The Orphanage, and it is a very engaging, warm and satisfying read. I was honestly so excited to find out what happened to all those characters that I had come to know and love. We continue to follow the ups and downs of the lives of the children living in the Orphanage and their house mother, Clara. This book will have you crying, laughing and cheering for these characters who will tug at your heartstrings.
I have discovered lately ( Covid related) that I am struggling with reading and finding books that hold my attention, but I have not found this with Lizzie Pages books. These books are well written, well priced and worthy of your time. If you haven't read any of her books yet, I highly recommend you do. Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and Lizzie Page for this ARC.

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"But sometimes going without what everyone else had, meant you might rise in other, astonishing ways'

So, I have this uncanny ability to forget about books and stories I read/hear/see in books and movies pretty much immediately after I finish. The same happened after reading The Orphanage. But, I did not forget the warm and fuzzy feelings the book gave me. When I had finished reading, I remember immediately wanting the second book and now that it is here I am so happy. Within reading two or three pages I was reminded of why I loved Shilling Grange, Clara and all the children in the home so much.

With A Place to Call Home, Lizzie Page gives us another beautiful slow-burn of a historical novel chock full of little stories, character development, anxious instants and hearth-warming moments. This book sees the arrival of two new children to the home, Joyce and Evelyn, each with their own issues and strong personalities. We also see Maureen and Peter mature (and run into more mature issues), and of course all other children and local inhabitants of Lavenham we have come to love play a role. Much like in The Orphanage, I found myself falling in love with Clara (the way she stand up for the children and helps them reach their potential) and out of love with her (honestly woman, you are deserving of love).

But mostly I still find myself wondering... where is the next chapter? What happens next? Most prominent issues seem to be resolved at the end of the book, but not all, and I am sure there will be more children looking for a place with a wonderful housemother like Clara. Guess I will have to wait for book 3!

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What a touching story that took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Each child has their own story which endears you to them. Very heartwarming and written exceptionally well. The author was new to me and I highly recommend this book. It will pull at your heartstrings.

I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion and review.

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