'a touching and at times heart-rending story' Rosie ClarkeAll she wants is a place to call home...1884 - When Betsan Morgan's mother succumbs to a devastating illness, she doesn't think her life could get much worse. But then her father moves in his new beau, an unserious flitty woman and coincidentally also the bargirl in the pub he works in, and she soon learns her house is no longer a home.All she can do is sit in the attic and stare at the portrait of her mother. Her new stepmother, Elinor, couldn't even let them have the grace of keeping it in the hallway.When Elinor takes things too far - selling her dear mother's beloved sewing machine - Betsan decides to flee, leaving in search of her estranged aunt, who she last heard was living in the working district of Merthyr Tydfil.But the dank and dark place is not somewhere a twelve-year-old girl should stray alone, and lest she wants to end up in a workhouse, she'll have to watch her step...'The Winter Waif flows from the heart, and is rich in period detail. Another fabulously enjoyable read from Lynette Rees, I loved it.' Sheila Riley'A gripping historical saga well worth reading!' AnneMarie Brear'From the first page to the last, Betsan's story is a gripping tale of love prevailing despite hardship. Lynette Rees has done it again! Brilliant!' Mary Wood'a poignant exploration of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of a young girl in the face of adversity' 5 star reader review