The Bad Penny: A BRAND NEW gritty, heart-wrenching historical saga from Lindsey Hutchinson for 2023

Born with nothing, Jared Johnson saves Clarice Connaught from her father's brutal beating. They both have dreams of a grander life, but Clarice brings trouble for Jared and his friends. Queen Victorias Birmingham is a tough place to survive, but Jared and Clarice are survivors. Lindsey Hutchinson's The Ragged Orphan is a heart-warming and page-turning story that will keep readers wanting to discover more about Jared and the other characters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd

When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught, he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn't hesitate to help. But who is this girl, and what is her story?

Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve years old, he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuires Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.

Nothing has come easy for Clarice, but still, she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn't willing to provide them, Clarice will do anything to find someone who is.

Jared and Clarice have one thing in common: they are survivors. And in Queen Victoria's Birmingham, you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn't everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined.

Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood, and Lyn Andrews.

What readers are saying about Lindsey Hutchinson:

"I have read most, if not all, of Lindsey Hutchinson's books, having read a lot of her mother's as well. She is a super storyteller and seems to be able to write about a multitude of subjects and obviously does a lot of research into her books.

"I loved this book, such a heart-warming read to the end.

"The Ragged Orphan was a consuming read that brought history to life under the masterful pen of Lindsey Hutchinson.

"This book will make you cry in parts, laugh in others, and have you cheering for the characters all the way through."

Jared and Clarice's paths cross again, and this time, Jared is determined to make things right. But Clarice has her own secrets, and she's not willing to let Jared get in the way of her plans. As Jared and Clarice navigate the treacherous waters of Queen Victoria's Birmingham, they must learn to trust each other and rely on their wits to survive.

But when Clarice's past catches up with her, Jared and his friends are in danger. And as they race against time to save Clarice and themselves, they discover that the truth about their pasts is more complicated than they could ever have imagined.

In the end, Jared and Clarice must face their demons and come together to save their lives and their future. The Ragged Orphan is a gripping and emotional story that will leave you breathless and craving for more.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801626927