The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls

A mother’s love knows no bounds…

London, 1754. Six years after leaving her newborn, Clara, at London’s Foundling Hospital, young Bess Bright returns to reclaim the illegitimate daughter she has never really known. Dreading the worst—that Clara has died in care—the last thing she expects to hear is that her daughter has already been reclaimed. Her life is turned upside down as she tries to find out who has taken her little girl—and why.

Less than a mile from Bess’s lodgings in a quiet town house, a wealthy widow barely ventures outside. When her close friend—an ambitious doctor at the Foundling Hospital—persuades her to hire a nursemaid for her young daughter, she is hesitant to welcome someone new into her home and her life. But her past is threatening to catch up with her—and will soon tear her carefully constructed world apart.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Georgian London, The Lost Orphan explores families and secrets, class and power, and how the pull of motherhood cuts across them all.

Opening line:

"All the babies were wrapped like presents ready to be given."

Bess and Alexandra, two women on different sides of everything from the places they live, the homes, food, clothes and life. Bess is strong, courageous and street smart. Alexandra is beautiful, rich and suffering severe PTSD from childhood. But they both have one thing in common--a baby girl.  One gave birth to Charlotte and one raised her for a few years.

This was an intriguing story that kept me reading and wondering how the story would end. The world building made me gag and feel bad about how some lived. I was also warmed by the home with enough food and nice clothes, but the people were cold and didn't know how to live.

I was happy about the ending, though I wish it wouldn't have ended so quickly. I really wanted to read Lyle's story! He was such a character!

Thanks to netgalley for the read!