The Little Orphan Girl: The heartbreaking and gripping journey of an Irish orphan / Taylor, Sandy

Ireland, 1901: The work house gates clanged shut behind us, as me and the mammy walked down the hill towards the town. I was six years old and leaving the only home I had ever known…

When Cissy Ryan’s real mother comes to claim her from the workhouse, it’s not how she imagined. Her family’s tumbledown cottage has ice on the inside of its windows and is in an isolated, poverty-stricken village in the muddy Irish countryside. But when Cissy is allowed to help neighbour Colm Doyle and his horse named Blue on their milk round one morning, Cissy starts to feel as though friendship could get her through anything.

It’s Colm who looks in on Cissy’s grandfather when she starts at the village school, and Colm who tells her to hold her chin high when she interviews for a position at the grand Bretton House. But in the vast mansion with its shining floors and sweeping staircase, it’s MasterPeter Bretton who captures Cissy’s heart with his dark curls and easy laugh.

As Cissy blossoms from a skinny orphan into a confident young girl, Colm tells her she’s as good as anyone and she begins to believe anything is possible. But not everyone with a kind smile has a kind heart, and Cissy doesn’t know that further sorrow lies in store for her.

When Cissy finds herself desperate, alone, and faced with a devastating choice, can she find the strength to survive?

What readers are saying about Sandy Taylor:

‘Oh my goodness what an absolutely fantastic story this was. I absolutely loved it … an absolutely wonderful story … I had tears rolling down my face … I would give this book more than five stars if I could.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘WOW!!!!!... so beautifully written that you are sure it will become an instant classic … had me in tears throughout… left me feeling hopeful and wanting more!’ A Book With Review, 5 stars

‘What an absolutely fabulous book this is… it truly was so lovely to read and my heart just melts even now just thinking about it… I so wished I could vanish into those pages … Simply wonderful!’ By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘Oh my goodness … I’ve fallen in love with this book … wonderful characters you want to take home with you.’ Little Miss No Sleep, 5 stars

‘My oh my where do I start with this book… a tearjerker…grabbed my attention from the start… by the end of the first sentence, I was hooked… I simply loved reading this heart wrenching book.’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars

‘Five Stars! I fell in love with this book as soon as I started reading it…’Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘OMW.... This book was simply beautiful, from the writing to the lovely characters, emotional and feel good at the same time. A real page turner.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'I fell in love… an enthralling read that I didn't want to put down… an emotional journey… Many a time I had to take a quick breather to compose myself before my emotions threatened to take over. A heart-warming and beautifully written story that will have you hooked until the very last page.' By The Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars

'I so adored this book! It has brilliant main characters, an excellent plot and it kept me engrossed all the way through… I would highly recommend this book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars