Pick-Pocket

Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can't take another day of her father's cruelty. Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother's sad death, or that's what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold. Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he's happy to take her under his wing. As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can't bear the thought that she might lose her only friend—forever... “The Queen of Black Country” sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Preorder the BRAND NEW historical saga novel from Lindsey Hutchinson They only had each other – now they're being torn apart. When thirteen-year-old Bertram Jordan is arrested and sent to a penal colony in Australia, his biggest regret is leaving behind his friend Alice Truelove. The children were each other's comfort when they had to live rough on Wednesbury heath, surviving on whatever meagre funds they could pilfer from passing market-goers. Now they must face their futures alone. While BJ is learning to survive and then thrive on a cattle ranch in Fremantle, surrounded by the hundreds of other men and boys who have been shipped from England, Alice is making her own way in the poverty-stricken Black Country. When a stroke of good fortune means that Alice can start her own business, she cunningly disguises her young age, and before long has established a thriving bakery. As her business grows, so do her responsibilities, and Alice relishes the opportunity to help those who helped her when she was down. But every night as Alice and BJ rest their heads on opposite sides of the world, both go to sleep with the same last thought. Will they ever see each other again? The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a fascinating tale of bravery, forever friendship, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. Readers love Lindsey Hutchinson: 'I love Lindsey Hutchinson books and have really enjoyed each and everyone. This book about BJ and Alice was such a lovely story, I couldn't put it, therefore it was read in two days. Excellent easy reading.' 'It was **a very good read. **I couldn't stop reading and was early hours in the morning before putting out the light to go to sleep. Well written.' 'Loved it. Don't know if I'll manage to wait for the next one. I actually felt bereft at the end.' 'As usual with this author this story kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read more.' 'Lindsey has a knack of drawing you in immediately and getting you immersed until you've finished the book! I loved it! Grab your copy today.'

Preorder the BRAND NEW instalment of Lindsey Hutchinson's heartbreaking historical saga series. Abandoned, penniless and orphaned as young children, Bertram and Alice saved each other from a terrible fate. For seven long years they have been kept apart, Bertram, BJ to his friends, learning how to survive and then thrive in the penal colonies of Australia, and Alice growing her prosperous chain of bakeries in the Black Country town of Wednesbury. Now BJ's sentence is nearly up and he has a choice to make. Queen Victoria's England has changed since he's been away and so has Alice. Should he leave behind the life he's built and face the terrifying, months-long voyage back home? The memory of the boy who saved her from starvation by teaching her how to pick pockets has sustained Alice for all these years and now he may be coming back to her. Can Alice and BJ finally get their happy ending or does fate have other plans for the pickpocket orphans? The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with an unforgettable story of friendship and bravery, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. Readers love Lindsey Hutchinson: 'I love Lindsey Hutchinson books and have really enjoyed each and every one. This book about BJ and Alice was such a lovely story, I couldn't put it down, therefore it was read in 2 days. Excellent easy reading.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'It was a very good read. I couldn't stop reading and it was early hours in the morning before putting out the light to go to sleep.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'You can't help but get gripped, once I started I couldn't put it down. Please say that there is a follow on.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Really enjoyed this story and was desperate to find out what the next chapter would bring. Look forward to more from this author.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wonderful writing that transported me to each location along with the characters. I am looking forward to the next book.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐