This is book two in BJ’s and Alice’s story who are two homeless children and I gather it ends with a thirteen-year-old boy being sent to a penal colony in Australia for breaking into a house. Several years have gone by where this book starts.
The Pick-Pockets' Plight by Lindsey Hutchinson
Series: The Pick-Pocket Series #2
Genres: Historical Fiction, Saga

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.

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Review

The story picks up several years after the events of the first book, following Alice in England and BJ in Australia as they carve out new lives. Switching between their perspectives, the book shows both characters finding legal, hard-earned ways to survive, and highlights a world where persistence pays off and villains don’t always get away with it—a refreshing contrast to reality.

Though I expected this to be the conclusion of their journey, the story ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving me (almost) patiently waiting for the third book. Surely, this isn’t where their story ends! New readers should start with The Pick-Pocket Orphans to fully enjoy this captivating continuation.

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