The Boy with the Latch Key

Halfpenny Orphans #4

by Cathy Sharp

Heartache and hardship in London’s East End, from the bestselling author of The Orphans of Halfpenny Street

It’s the 1950’s and the orphans of Halfpenny Street have found a new home in the Essex countryside at Halfpenny House. Meanwhile, back among the slum clearances of Bethnal Green, St Saviour’s has now been partially given over to a home for disturbed girls though it still serves as a reception centre for local children who are in desperate need.Amongst these are Archie and his sister June. They’ve been ‘latch key’ kids; fending for themselves while their caring but harassed and careworn mum tries to make ends meet. Now she’s been accused of theft and prison seems inescapable. Archie has no intention of letting his mum go down. He knows she’s innocent and will do anything to prove it. But can he help his mum before adoption, and the authorities, take him and June away forever?

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2017

About the author

Cathy Sharp is happily married and lives with her husband in a small Cambridgeshire village. They like visiting Spain together and enjoy the benefits of sunshine and pleasant walks, while at home they love their garden and visiting the Norfolk seaside.

Cathy loves writing because it gives pleasure to others, she finds writing an extension of herself and it gives her great satisfaction. Cathy says, 'There is nothing like seeing your book in print, because so much loving care has been given to bringing that book into being.'

Reviews

[Reindert Van Zwaal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit different from the first three installments. However, after three books is was a bit irritated by the repeated explanations of what had happened before. It was still enjoyable but I think I will skip the last book.

[KeRRy BECK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Lovely story wanted to keep reading another chapter I have read several by this author all have been good I recommend you look her up and download some of her story's you won't be disappointed.....

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story involving St Saviours, when children come to Halfpenny St they are in need of love,care understanding.Sandra Miller is happy in her job but she has to fight off the lewd advances of Reg and he doesn't like it.Then he frames her and gets her arrested,her children are delivered to St Saviours and the care of Sister Beartrice.Billy and Mary Ellen are still close but trouble is close but with friends they fight back Archie Miller becomes close to a tramp after he saves him from attack only to end up fighting for his sisters saftey.All things that are bad are fought against and with love of his friends and Sister Beatrice all turns out right in the end.Well worth 5*

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart 🥹🥹🥹. Billy and Mary-Ellen's friendship blossoming into love is one of the cutest stories I've read. Seeing them both grow as individuals but always staying united together, wanting to prove everyone wrong and move beyond their awful pasts to make a life together makes witnessing this transition a beautiful read.

Looking forward to the finale of this journey!

[Julie Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these books it makes you wonder just how hard times were in the war but somehow I feel a better life than now , they all helped each other hard time for neighbours how the world has changed

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely ending to a great series

[Pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, will look forward to reading more by Cathy Sharp.

[Elizabeth Dewfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different to the first 3 books times moved on and you learn more about life outside Halfpenny house was nice to read about Mary Ellen and Billy as grown ups

[Samantha Short · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always an enjoyable read!

[Sally Escrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely enchanting series.

[Heather Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Following on from previous books, the challenges St Saviours children face. A lovely end for Mary-Ellen and Billy.
Easy read, and page turner for me.

[Sheila Timms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story about the children at St Saviours Orphanage.

[Sadie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful nostalgic read, full of emotion and life.

[MRS J P WELSH]

A happy ever after lovely read

The storylines are very touching and the characters are so well described you feel you know them. A thoroughly enjoyable read I didn't want it to end

[Margaret Baseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

yet again another brilliant book in this series.

[Angie Bakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxing read enjoyed this

[Kay Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

another brilliant book

[Lesley Puncher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all this series but this one not as much as the others. It had moved on too many years for my liking.
I wish authors wouldn't give characters such similar names in this case there's Ruth and Ruby who work for the same department and both their surnames begin with S, it might just be me who gets confused.