A very good story which kept me interested all the way through. I loved the setting and the way the story flowed along. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Australian setting of life in the early 20th century sounded a welcome change to most fiction books available at present.

The vivid descriptions of the outback brought to life the blistering Australian heat, the choking dust in the shearing sheds and the constant flies buzzing around. The author had clearly carried out an impressive amount of research. It would have helped if the author had explained what Tom's ambitions of being a wool classer meant, she did much later, but in the meantime I had to resort to Google for clarification.

The details of a mortician's work to prepare a body for burial was interesting - the first time it occurred. For the second body further facts were offered, even more were added for the third corpse. This is definitely a case of information overload. When Fleur was about to lay out a fourth body, I'd had enough. The Orphans had turned into an instruction manual for trainee morticians and I wondered if there would be a questionnaire at the end.

Considering the size of South Australia, it was unlikely that on Tom's first day in Adelaide he would encounter Fleur, more unrealistic that they'd recognise each other from their one brief meeting as young children twenty years ago. Within hours they declared their love for each other: my reasoning for the instalove is that she was the first woman he'd met after arriving from the outback, and Fleur was being pressurised to marry a man she disliked.

The plot twists were obvious very early in the book offering no surprises for the reader, and there was too much over explaining..

DNF. While other people seem to love the book, sadly it fell far short of my initial expectations

With thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

The Orphans is an outstanding historical fiction book by Fiona McIntosh. Beautifully written , yet she doesn’t write too many words. Yet I could feel the summer heat, and the thirty throat, along with the smells of the shearing shed and the embalming room. Her descriptions are vivid, and her characterizations are honest and real. The story is captivating but also a pleasure to read despite the harsh circumstances Fleur and Tom found themselves in at times.

The first book I have read by this author but soon I plan to be reading more. The Orphans is a remarkable book from the beginning with young Tom and Fleur to the end when Fleur experiences a moment with Tom from his childhood. Recommend The Orphans as a must read.

This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, emotional dramas, and anyone who loves a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. McIntosh has truly outdone herself with The Orphans, creating a rich, unforgettable narrative that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The Orphans is a beautifully written, deeply emotional journey that explores the complexities of family, resilience, and the impact of historical upheaval. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, McIntosh weaves a compelling narrative about survival, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds between people who are forced to face unimaginable hardships.

The characters are richly developed, each one layered with their own hopes, fears, and dreams. From the heartbreaking struggles of orphaned children to the compassionate yet flawed adults who try to help them, the story is filled with moments of heartache and triumph. McIntosh's ability to bring her characters to life makes the emotional stakes feel deeply personal, leaving the reader invested in their fates from the very first page.

The pacing of the novel is masterful, maintaining a delicate balance between quiet, reflective moments and intense, gripping action. The historical detail is meticulously researched, offering vivid and immersive sense of time and place, yet the novel's themes remain timeless. McIntosh's prose is evocative and lyrical, capturing both the despair and hope of her character's journeys.

At its core, The Orphans is about finding family in the most unlikely places and discovering strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. McIntosh has crafted a story that is not only a testament to human resilience but also a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of looking out for one another, no matter the circumstances.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Two children meeting in unlikely circumstances when they were young, meet again as adults and the connection and bond they have is undeniable but not everyone is keen on their renewed friendship. Fleur and Tom are on their way to happily ever after but an unexpected death and an evil plot may get in the way of their happiness.

This was an emotional read with tragedy, death, grief, and evil schemes. This is a new found author to me and the second book I have had the chance to read. I enjoy this author and will definitely be reading more.

3.5 stars

I read the book and learned about the undertaking and wool classer. I would never have guessed that the Australian outback would be the source of wool. Heavy work for both Fleur (a woman undertaker) and Tom (a wool classer). Despite the hard scenario of this story, it is a love story with some mystery. I liked reading the book.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This was a story of two people, both have their own reasons for being on their own.

Tom is in Australia hoping to get away from something that happened in his life, but he’s never forgotten about a girl who made his life feel happier the days when things weren’t going well.

Fleur lives with a family who adopted her, but is finding it hard to adjust with how she felt growing up in her home to how she feels now.

Now that both Tom and Fleur are together, we see their lives develop into an emotional love story, which is also sad to read about the way their family behaved.

I loved what Fleur did as a job.

It was interesting to read about what happened after the war in Australia.

I recommend this book.

BOOK: THE ORPHANS
AUTHOR: FIONA MCINTOSH
PUB DATE: MARCH, 2025
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REVIEWThanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The FMC, Fleur, she was a force to be reckoned with. She was smart, confident, and determined to be respected and seen as the mortician she is.
2. Tom Catchlove, he was an amazing mmc. He is a good man, but someone still trying to deal with his parents' deaths.
3. Mae and Henry Appleby. They were amazing parents to their adopted daughter, Fleur and they loved each other.
4. I liked Fleur and Tom's chemistry. Their love story was fast, but the chemistry was there.
5. The author really focused on the development of both MCs and I liked it.
6. Fleur's forgiveness at the end
7. The pace of the book
8. The funeral home/mortician approach. I appreciate what I learned from the book
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The love story was too fast, both of them had amazing chemistry, I just didn't like the love at first sight trope. And I didn't like the miscommunication trope thrown at the end. If I was the one, I wouldn't be as forgiving as Fleur.
2. Henry Appleby's behavior at the end.
3. Irma Appleby
4. The author portrayed 99% of those who died as loving people. Not everyone was a good person before they died. I just felt like she glossed over reality.
5. I didn't really get the mystery I was promised. It was there, but kinda different than what I expected.
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I liked this book and I read it in a day. I would have liked an epilogue, but it's good either way. I liked reading it and I would definitely recommend it!
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I very much enjoyed this heartfelt exploration of family, of life, death, love, and the changing role of women in the 20th century. Although there were some moments when I felt that the coincidences and the characters’ highly progressive ideas came uncomfortably close to being implausible, overall The Orphans was a terrific historical romance filled with drama. I particularly liked the vivid descriptions of the Australian settings - both the outback and the city - and also the impeccable research that captured the sheep shearing/wool classing and undertaking in a way that made them easy to visualise. The wonderfully named Tom Catchlove was a worthy romantic hero, and Fleur was a dynamic and interesting heroine.

The Orphans is a well written, compelling historical fiction novel set in Australia and spanning several years.

With richly developed characters and an imaginative plot, the author paints a vivid portrayal of outback Australia and the workings behind the scenes in a funeral home. It is the story of love, loss and new beginnings. It has been well researched and I recommend it to readers who enjoy predictable love stories with a historical twist.

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Orphans.

Fleur has been around dead bodies since she was a child because her father is a mortician. She has plans to take over his business as an adult and be the first female mortician. She meets a boy named Tom who has just lost his mother and she comforts him. Decades later they meet again at a dance and form a relationship but many challenges and struggles are thrown there way.

This book really drug on and honestly seemed more like a young adult read at some points. Some of the plot points were kind of ridiculous. I was not a fan.

This is a sweet, light story about two people who meet as children and find each other later in life.

Plot summary: Fluer is adopted and brought up by a loving couple. Tom's mother passes away as she gives birth to a new baby who dies at birth. Fleur's father is an undertaker and takes care care of Tom's mother and sister, and Fleur and Tom, who are eight and ten years old, forge a quick connection.
20 years later, Fleur's adoptive mother has passed away and her evil stepmother tries to ruin her life. Tom is on his own, and events bring them together. But will other people intervene to keep them apart?

This is quick and easy read. It comes across as contrived and predictable, and although there are twists, they're completely expected. The main characters are likeable, but it's very clear who's good and who's bad here. Not a lot of nuance.

I'm an outlier here, so take what you will from this review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin, and Fiona McIntosh for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

What a beautifully written and insightful story! I started this book and had to continue reading. The characters Tom and Fleur are set in 1930s Australia, in sheep shearing and the world of an undertaker. I particularly enjoyed the detailed research that had gone into creating this novel and how the feelings of the bereaved were explored with compassion. And I also learned a lot about the world of the sheep shearer. I highly recommend this book, I hadn't read any of Fiona McIntosh's work before but will be adding her books to my TBR pile.

I just finished reading the most wonderful book. Fleur is the adopted daughter of the Henry and May Appleby. They were the owners of a mortuary of much stature in their town. Fleur meets Tom Catchlove on the worst day of his life. Fleur is 8 and Tom is 10. Then life continues to happen. This story is so beautifully written. I enjoyed the characters and the details of Australia that the author describes with such beauty. I think it might be one of my top 10 in 2025.
Thank you for allowing me to preview this book.

this book was beautiful. i really felt like i was there in the descriptions of the pages. i felt like the author really new this place. really researched the places she was describing and the history she has woven her plot around. i could picture it all both the people and the scenes set before me.
the characters were great in there own way, even the "baddies".
Fleur Appleby is an orphan taken in by Henry and Mae and given a life of love and support. shes a feisty but kind girl who grows into the same type of woman. a fighter to boot. once who wants better for herself and better for others.
we also have tom who life didnt start well when his mother dies in childbirth. hes orphaned himself. but one fateful event a young girl is kind to him that girl is Fleur. and both never forget it.
Decades laters and there paths meet again. Fleur has learnt the funeral trade from her dad. and is brilliant at her job. but her stepmother is cruel and wants nothing to do or for her.
Tom is a woolclasser and is determined to do well for himself.
when he and Fleur meet its clear there is something, always was,always will be. they are linked and that turning into love. but there are obstacles in their way. many, including a murder investigation.
you come to warm to our two main character well. there is a calm warmth to Tom and a kindness that seems to be part of Fleurs very makeup but she isnt afraid of needing to be strong for herself and others.
a brilliant book.

The Orphans was a great love story. A tear-jerker, and a mystery. I really enjoyed reading about these kids and their growing up. The characters were all great in their own way, even the evil ones. I highly recommend this book.

A beautifully written novel transports readers two stunning locations in South Australia. Set in the early 1900s, it takes place in the outback near the Flinders Ranges and the bustling port of Adelaide. The vivid descriptions of native birds, sounds, and scenery evoke a strong sense of home for me. Although somewhat predictable, it is a well-crafted novel. The main characters, Tom a country boy, and Fleur, a headstrong empathetic woman with big ideas, are easy to fall in love with. The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh is a memorable novel filled with loss, courage, determination and modernized ideas. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh was a sweet story of Fleur Appleby and Tom Catchlove. Fleur is adopted by Henry and Mae Appleby and they raise her in a loving home. Henry is an undertaker and Fleur is fascinated by the trade and so she works with her dad soaking up everything she can learn. As she grows up, she desires to be the first woman undertaker in the country of Australia. Tom is raised in the outback and when he is ten years old, his mother and baby sister die at childbirth.

Tom's mother came from a wealthy family, who didn't accept the marriage of Tom's parents. Tom is raised in the sheep business. Upon her death, the bodies are sent back to the town of her family. The bodies are sent to the Appleby mortuary and that is where 10-year old Tom and 8-year old Fleur meet. Fleur is able to comfort Tom in his grief which is never forgotten. They instantly become friends. Tom returns to his home afterward.

Fast forward years later to 1935 when tragedy hits Fleur's home. Her father drowns himself in drinking. Fleur has to endure the cruelty of a mean stepmother who feels that Fleur is in the way. The stepmother has plans of her own which do not include Henry or Fleur. Will Tom and Fleur ever see other again?

I love the details of how the author involves you in the storytelling of how each child grew up and and how they overcame obstacles of their childhood into adulthood. Such a good story!

A beautifully written epic tale set in South Australia. Historical fiction at its best by Fiona McIntosh with romance, mystery, an unforgettable female protagonist, and so much more. I highly recommend it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

An emotional romantic drama set in early 2oth century Australia. Beautifully written, well researched and believable characters.