The House of Help for Friendless Girls
2 total works
Winter 1887. Matron Hetty Barlow suspects Hope is lying when she claims to be suffering from amnesia. The girl is taken in, but it isn’t long before her pregnancy is discovered, which could put the future of the house – a new experiment in dealing with destitute women – in jeopardy. Hetty’s future depends on keeping her position as matron.
They named her Hope, but Emma Hyde knows she can’t keep up her deception forever. She’s hundreds of miles away from home, but her well-to-do parents will be searching for her.
Amelia yearns to break away from her overbearing sister, Hetty. She meets a man who offers an escape, but her ticket to freedom means revealing Emma’s secrets. Will she betray a friend for a chance at a new life?
Gripping, emotional and inspiring, this Victorian saga is perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Emma Hornby and Dilly Court.
Praise for The House of Hope'A moving and passionate story of three women; two who are keeping their secrets close to their hearts and one who is willing to give her heart away in exchange for love. They all arrive at this house that promises safety and free from harm, but are they brave enough, honest enough, to tell their compelling stories and reveal the truth or forever live a lie?' Val Wood
'I thoroughly enjoyed The House of Hope, it is well written and gives a vivid insight into the life of working class girls. Joanne brings her characters to life and I was hooked from the first page.' Lyn Andrews
'A beautiful intertwined story of three very different women, all hiding dark secrets from the past, and the healing and hope they find in one of Britain’s first women’s refuge. The House of Hope is an emotional and uplifting tribute to the power of female friendship' Judy Summers
‘Very moving. Well written, great characters, and the author has really managed to capture the era’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘A heartwarming story about unfortunate girls who find themselves destitute, homeless and in need of a safe haven. Wonderful… hope there are many more to follow’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
Nineteen-year old Nan Turpin is in trouble again, accused of stealing. She’s guilty. Cast out by her family, she turns to the House of Help for Friendless Girls, which promises Nan a fresh start – it’s the House or gaol.
She and warden Hetty immediately clash, but Hetty has her own secrets to keep her busy. With her sister Amelia drawing ever closer to their dark family past, will Hetty find the courage to reveal the truth before it’s too late?
As romance blossoms for Nan outside of the House, can resist her lightfingered ways to forge a future for herself?
A dramatic and compelling Victorian saga for fans of Val Wood, Emma Hornby and Kitty Neale.