The Orphans is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching story that captivated me from start to finish. Tom and Fleur’s journey, from that brief yet unforgettable meeting as children to their dramatic reunion years later, was so poignant and full of emotion. Their bond, formed in the most difficult of circumstances, felt incredibly real, and watching it develop throughout the novel was truly moving. The backdrop of early 20th-century South Australia, with its rich history and challenges, added so much depth to the story. Fleur's struggles to break free from her stepmother's control and navigate the male-dominated world of funeral work were inspiring. As their lives become intertwined with a murder investigation, I couldn't help but root for their love and hope they’d find happiness together. The twists, the emotional depth, and the complexity of the characters make this a five-star read for me.

An enchanting story line that really gripped me from the beginning and held me right until the end. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but I would definitely recommend it

This is a wonderful old-timey historical novel. It's a story that draws the reader in. Great storyline and characters. The setting is Australia, starting in 1913, moving forward into the 1930s.

I have to admit, while the beginning was focused on the sheep industry, I was not really that interested in it. It described the shearing of the sheep and the grading of the wool. The workaday world of an Australian sheep station complete with the colourful workers. I found this first part a little drawn out but it introduced us to Tom and Fleur, as children, but they are the main characters that the story focuses on. The meeting as children was to continue as an adult relationship, full of drama.

One of the principal settings is a mortuary, owned by Fleur's father. Fleur grows up there and is very comfortable with the process of preparing the deceased for burial. It might be a trigger for some readers. The mortuary is central to the story.

Fleur is a very strong and innovative woman for the era in the book. She has excellent business sense, compassion and the ability to love strong.

The story has villains, a couple of vicious and nasty villains. That's what makes me think of this as an old-fashioned story. They are characters the reader loves to hate. The story moves at a good pace to keep readers interested. There is deception, murder, evil and love. As I mentioned, there is a lot of drama, but that is what kept me turning pages. I was hoping that it was moving toward the conclusion that I wanted to see. The orphan theme plays a large part in the story.

I think this would make an excellent movie. The Australian setting would provide beautiful scenery and a well-written script could be very interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

An emotional love story set in the isolation of the Australian outback and the bustling sitting of Adelaide; THE ORPHANS is the love story of two people alone in the world for very different reasons. Tom Catchlove has never forgotten the girl who brightened the darkest day of his life; now, as an adult, he travels to the city to escape the tragedy that seems to follow him in the outback. Fleur Appleby, adopted into a loving family as a child now struggles to reconcile the unhappiness of her home with the deep love of her father. Reunited as adults, what unfurls is a tender love story with a heartbreaking tale of human greed.

THE ORPHANS had several interesting and unique aspects that helps it stand out in the historical romance genre; I loved Fleur's passion for her profession as a mortician, the drama of the murder investigation, and the setting of post-war Australia. However, while enjoyable, it wasn't groundbreaking for me.

A captivating story that will keep you reading well into the night. I really enjoy Fiona McIntosh’s books and this is yet another great read by my favourite author.
Fleur Appleby works along side her adopted parents in a funeral home and her dream is to become the first female mortician in Australia. Tragedy strikes when Fleur’s mother dies and her father remarries Irma, a difficult woman who has no time for Fleur or her dreams.
Tom Catchlove grows up on a sheep station and when his mother and then his father dies he seeks out his dreams to be a first wool classer.
Fleur and Tom first meet at Tom’s mother’s funeral when he is 10 and Fleur is 8. Fleur is very kind to Tom and he never forgets her. It is many years later at a dance that they reconnect.
This is a story about two orphans who find their way in the world. It is love story but it is also about loss and courage.

Really enjoyable historical thriller with a great cast of characters. The setting and the way its explored pulled me in but I loved the author’s eye for character interaction detail too. A very satisfying read.

Oh how I loved this book..

Fleur is an amazing woman and I loved how we see her go from girl to woman and be succesful in her role as a mortician in a time when women didn't really have a choice of work..espcially one usually dominated by men.

This is a thrilling read and I loved the suspense. It was a quick read fr me as I just couldn't put it down.. It's stunning..

I loved "The Orphans" by Fiona McIntosh. There are some wonderful characters, a great setting, interesting professions described and a great plot. The biggest stroke of genius is to make Fleur a mortician. Not only is this a profession not really open to women at this time, but it seldom has such a key role in a novel. The rigours of life in the Outback are contrasted with city life in Adelaide, although even in the latter there are obviously the "haves" and the "have nots".

There are some great baddies, but also plenty of good people to help Fleur and Tom. Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a powerful read. Beginning in 1914 when Tom Catchlove is faced with a death in the family, which sees him packed off to unknown family who have no idea how to treat a child who is suffering great loss. When the undertaker is called Henry Appleby takes his 8yr old daughter Fleur along with him which proves fortunate for Tom as she is able to be empathetic and kind to him at his level, afterwards Tom/Fleur find themselves thinking of the other. It will be two decades before their paths cross again. Meanwhile Fleur has her share of heartbreak with the death of her mother and then the introduction of stepmother Irma who makes no secret of her feelings towards Fleur, which are non existent. Then Irma starts interfering in the business when Henry starts to ail, saying it’d be best if Fleur married to Jimmy Collin who Fleur has no liking for at all. Will Irma get her own way and what plans does she have for the business she has never shown an interest in?

I really enjoyed this book, it pull you in from the off. favourite character was Fleur, least favourite had to be Irma who I’m sure had a touch of madness. Saddest , most definitely Alfie.
This was my first by this author, I’ve another lined up which I feel sure I’ll enjoy as much.

This was my first foray into this authors books and I enjoyed being swept away to historical Australia immensely.

When I first started The Orphans I honestly didn't think it was going go be my kind of read but that changed very quickly.

I absolutely loved both Fleur and Tom whose individual stories both drew me in and then their story as their lives converged was just as special.

I was so impressed I've already added another ARC by this author to my upcoming reads.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed.**

A brilliant story of two orphans and how their lives intertwined from childhood and as adults. It's a wonderful historical novel with heart and emotional turmoil.

This is a fantastic story of two orphans and how their lives intertwine. From young children to adults, their lives are based on trust and love.

The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh is an amazing and stunning historical novel set between 1914 and 1935 in South Australia. I have read a few of the author’s books (and enjoyed them immensely) but I had not read this one. So when Storm Publishing posted an ARC (it’s a re-release) I jumped at the offer to read and review it. And I was not disappointed as it is an enthralling roller coaster read from start to finish. Over and over, my heart was shaken and bursting with emotions. This is a powerful story of overcoming loss, deep grief, adversity, class snobbery and malicious attacks. It blooms with hope amid the thorns of the characters’ struggles. For the sweet rose of forgiveness, second chances, courage and honour abound.

There is a convincing cast of supporting characters, surrounding the two leads, Fleur and Tom, who each tell their stories. These orphans are the heartbeat of the novel. Their journeys, separate and together, lead us into some eye-opening territory on past social norms (with particular focus on women’s challenges) and the livelihoods of morticians, sheep shearers, wool classers and drovers. Fiona paints a vivid picture that allows us to explore all these areas in great detail.

Though faced with extreme adversity, it is easy to see what each of these orphans learned from those who loved them. Their responses reflect such positive influence. It is said adversity can make you stronger, give you more empathy for others and this is very true of Tom and Fleur who often take the path less travelled, especially when they are wronged. Their diamond spirits glisten on the page, and in the tears they shed. They are both strong, admirable, passionate overcomers. And this novel is a beautiful testament to what can happen when people choose to love over hate. It is also a unique love story that defies the odds. Romantic to the core when these two reunite after twenty odd years of separation. They made such an impression on each other during their brief encounter as children that it lasted many years.

Before continuing, I need to add that the quality of story-telling and writing style exhibited in this novel is flawless. It is an extraordinary, magnificent masterpiece. And pure joy to read. Fiona has researched and utilised the information of a mortician’s job expertly. I learned a great deal about the industry and also its history. The landscape surrounds the characters like a comforter. And draws out each person’s characteristics. There is real substance because of Fiona’s craftmanship for she has drawn from a worthy well of inspiration: people she has known. They are fictional but realistic as seen in Fleur, Tom and others. I truly felt I knew who they were by the end of the story. There are some lovely surprises that expose the reasons behind certain evil actions of others.

Fleur was adopted by a wonderful couple in the mortuary business. She is well loved by her adopted parents and it has had a positive effect on her life. She takes a great interest in her father’s profession. It is unusual but she is comfortable working on the dead. She has grown up in this environment that has not only become a safe haven for her but also a place where her gift of empathy is appreciated. She has big dreams of becoming the first female mortician and wants to provide more support for women who have lost their children. As an eight year old child, her moral fibre and tenderness for others becomes evident in her chance meeting with Tom who has just lost his mother and sister. Fleur is deeply moved with concern for him and so the seeds are planted. Little does she know that one day, she will also lose her own mother at a young age and she will be thrust into a less than favourable position when her father remarries. During this period, many awful things happen that threaten Fleur’s future and the father she adores.

Tom, also an orphan, in many ways, has had a different life from Fleur but there are similarities. Losing his beautiful mother at a young age left him in a bad position, too. His father does not weather his own grief well and he distances himself from his son. Tom often must fend for himself. But he manages well for he carries the heart of his mother and all her positive efforts. These learned truths have made him into a wonderful man. He works hard in the sheep business and proves himself. But there are secrets in his family he uncovers that will change the direction of his life. And lead him back to Fleur, twenty odd years later…

The journey from the innocence of youth to the harsh realities of adulthood connect these two in special ways. We watch Tom and Fleur grow as they each share the narrative. These two orphans are such a beautiful pair. Although much tragedy strikes in each of their lives separate and together, I found the attitudes they inhibited and the directions they chose were nothing short of admirable. They reflected the love they were reared in and became the ‘better person’ when their enemies tried to bring them down.

I truly loved The Orphans and these two unforgettable characters will stay with me a long time. I wish there was a sequel as there certainly is scope to explore the next stage of Tom and Fleur’s life together! I highly recommend this gorgeously written, heart- changing novel that reverberates with perfection. It astoundingly delivers in all areas. An absolute must-read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

What a fantastic book! I absolutely absorbed this book it is truly wonderful. I have read a couple of others by McIntosh but this is my new favourite. The emotions this story makes you feel says a lot about the fantastic writing style. It is captivating in every sense. Highly recommend!
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Fiona Mcintosh and Storm Publishing📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. The Orphans is a historical fiction / romance set in South Australia. After meeting for the first time when they are children, our protagonists Fleur and Tom have been able to stop thinking about the other, despite the differences in their circumstances.
I enjoyed this book, however would have liked to have seen more scenes with the couple together – to me the love story aspect of this book seemed rushed. I enjoyed both characters arcs, especially Fleur’s resilience in her career and in her personal life.

Enjoyable book that was hard to put down, if a bit predictable at times. Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Fleur Appleby is a young woman who works alongside her father Henry who is a mortician. Fleur It’s a young, strong, minded, young woman who would love to be able to take over her father‘s business. She was adopted by Henry and Mae has since died and who taught her daughter that she should strive for whatever makes her happy. After she died, Henry remarried a horrible woman named Irma. She turned.Fleur’s into a nightmare, trying to get to marry so she can have Henry and his money all to herself. Unfortunately, Irma.Fleur would not fall for her stepmother’s schemes. That was until.Fleur herself did fall in love with Tom. Catchlove.

You see Tom Fleur knew each other when they were young children. Tom was just a young young boy when his mother passed away Henry was the mortician who took care of his mother. Tom met.Fleur that terrible point in his life. Yet her gentleness and kind words stayed with Tom until he met up with her again years later.

Tom returns to Adelaide and sees Fleur at dance. From then on their time together was a rocky. Many people stood in their way finding the true happiness together. Their biggest obstacle is. Fleur’s stepmother Irma, who not only makes sure that Fleur loses her beloved father and her family business, she also loses charm a second time

This is a true love story between two young people who find themselves after so many years. Yet they have so many obstacles to overcome, but determined to find each other and live in happiness.. I loved the character of.Fleur she was very determined. During the time of the 19th 30s, the women were not expected to be business women or have an educated mind.Fleur was determined to live the life she wanted and love the man. She wanted no matter what it would cost her.The setting to the story was beautifully written. The characters were very well written so much so that I really did not like her stepmother Irma. This was a story of determination story of love and the fight for what you believed.

Thank you Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.

A historical romance tale, The Orphans (2025) by Fiona McIntosh is a touching tale of a 1914 childhood meeting and its consequences two decades later. Tom, aged ten meets eight-year-old Fleur, upon his mother’s death. Fleur Appleby learnt the mortuary trade from her father and helps run their family funeral service in Adelaide, South Australia. Tom Catchlove grows up in the rural town of Farnia, becoming a wool classer. A chance meeting at an Adelaide dance rekindles their once brief connection, and their growing romance is stymied by malice intent. A touching tale of grief and connection, with a pleasant rendering of the time period (both rural and urban settings) that makes for a three and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given. With thanks to Storm Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

This was a gripping read. The storyline is unusual, where the female lead is an undertaker. However this gives an opportunity to broach a whole series of sensitive topics, handling grief, acceptance of self, expressing love as a parent, infant mortality. The leads are great characters but the storyline pushes credibility at times, they fall in love having met twice, with 20 years between meetings. However there is enough in the story to make itcompelling reading, not least as it gives a realistic impression of rural and urban life in Australia prior to WW2

Historical fiction is definitely one of my favourite genres. The Orphan is a beautiful story from our own Aussie author Fiona McIntosh.

The story is set in the 1930s in South Australia (Adelaide). One of the best things about Fiona is her incredible research skills and if you adore world-building and scene settings, you will love this book. The amount of details will drag you into the appropriate time.

The main characters are great and loved to read the time they were children as well as when they were adults. They were likeable and liked the development.

The story itself was predictable, but because of the stunning world-building and beautifully written emotions, it was for me worth to keep reading.

I would definitely recommend this book if you care and love the same about world-building and emotional rollercoasters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this copy.