Orphans and Angels

The Ragged School #2

by Linda Finlay

**The second compelling book in the much loved Red Cliffs Ragged School Series**

For orphan Solomon, Red Cliffs offers a place of safety. But he still has something to hide . . .

When young Solomon's father is injured in a tragic accident he finds himself at the Red Cliffs Ragged School on the Torquay coast - a place that takes care of the poorest children from the cities and is watched over by kind-hearted but over-worked Sarah Sullivan.

The school's new travelling mistress, the beautiful, flame-haired Sheena O'Reilly, is going to be a godsend. With Red Cliffs facing closure due to lack of funds it's all hands on deck while Sarah, Sheena and schoolmaster Harry Higgins get the school, and the children, ready for inspection.

Life at Red Cliffs is tough enough, but Sarah didn't expect her once-sweetheart Harry to take such an interest in feisty Sheena. And though Solomon now has a home and people who love him, he is still withdrawn and sullen.

For it's not just the death of his father plaguing his thoughts, Solomon is also hiding a terrible secret in his heart . . .

Praise for Linda Finlay

'Warm and atmospheric, you can practically taste the sea breeze' The Express

'Take time out for a page-turner about family mysteries and betrayal' Take-a-Break

A compelling saga . . . with a surprising and emotional ending which weaves together the storylines in a most satisfying way. Strongly recommended and a great read on a Cornish holiday' cjbrownecrimewriter.com

'A captivating and emotional novel about a strong woman struggling to find her own way in the world when others wish to see her fail' Winstone Books

'I couldn't put it down and found myself finishing it in no time at all. . . The story was full of twists and turns from the onset and throughout . . . I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend that you give it a read' Laurahbookblog

'It was full of drama, friendship, excitement and was truly a magical story. . . I definitely will be reading more in the near future' Laurahbookblog

Genres: Historical Fiction

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2017

About the author

As an Image Consultant, Linda has always had an avid interest in people. Helping them to regain their confidence after they've undergone life changing surgery is one of the most satisfying areas of her work.

Linda has always loved writing stories and won a competition run by the local paper when she was 11.

She has since been published in magazines and annuals. Moving to the spectacular Devon coast and learning about its local history inspired her to write her first novel The Royal Lacemaker. Under the patient guidance of a local teacher, she learned to make lace and is very proud of the 'spider' she produced.

She loves beach-combing, finding it the perfect excuse to indulge in a spot of people watching.

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. Linda Finlay takes you back to a time when life was much simpler, wonderfully nostalgic. Sarah is in charge of Red Cliffs Ragged School and is under pressure to keep it open in memory of her godfather. The children all have their stories, there's a little romance it's emotional in parts but mostly light hearted. A lovely read.

[CJ Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Finlay’s extensive research of life in the periods of history she writes about ensure a compelling novel that takes you back in time, this time to 1901 the time of Ragged Schools and the rise of the suffragette movement. ‘Orphans and Angels’ is the author’s second book about the Red Cliffs Ragged School. In it we meet the owner Sarah Sullivan who is still struggling to keep the children safe and the school open, helped in her endeavours by dishy school master Harry Higgins. The inimitable Mrs Daws is still in the kitchen making sure that whatever else befalls them the children have a good meal inside them, and the school has a new teacher in the form of the lyrical Sheena O’Reilly whose delightful presence and skills at story telling sets the scene for conflict and catastrophe.

As in all of Linda Finlay’s writing the characters come to life on the page. I especially enjoyed reading how the children are developing, from new arrival the grieving and surly Soloman to independent Edith, as well as sharing in Sarah’s struggles to stick to her feminist beliefs and retain her friends and overcome her lack of money.

‘Orphans and Angels’ is a wonderfully satisfying read that will keep you engaged until the last page.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the Ragged School series but I had forgotten that I had downloaded this sequel- I would probably have read it earlier if I'd known.

Once again we follow the trials and triumphs of Sarah Sullivan as she tries to continue the work of the Ragged School. I found this a really relaxing easy read. The characters are engaging and the narrative can switch from tragedy to comedy and back with ease.

This is a book that will appeal to many. This could be read as a 'stand alone' story although reading the books in order will increase the enjoyment.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me catch up with these great characters. I look forward to the next instalment!

[Susan Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author's work. This is the second saga in the Red Cliffs Ragged School series which is set from 1901 onwards. Sarah has been left in charge of the school after her godfather's death. She has to deal with the everyday struggles in the school and the thankless task of finding funding to keep the school open. It's a difficult job but she has a good reliable team working with her. Join Sarah and the children's adventures and read on!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely continuation of the first book. It was lovely to catch up with the children and of course the teachers and the housekeepers' cups of tea!!!
Sheena was like a breath of fresh air.
I'm not sure about the ending though. It seemed a bit abrupt. Is there going to be another in the series?

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book as I have read all the other books by Linda Finlay but I just couldn't get into it. It lacked both plot and depth of character and though I finished it I wouldn't rush to get the next one by this author

[Bernie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and would like to read more by this author

[Annette O'grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a very interesting read

[andrea park · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I’ve read by this author, it won’t be my last