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AnneMarie Brear
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The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl: A gripping historical novel from AnneMarie Brear Kindle Edition

by Annemarie Brear (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 8,693 ratings

THE TOP 50 BESTSELLER, a gritty, historical saga from author AnneMarie Brear

Can she keep the baby she loves?

Yorkshire Dales 1850

As a terrible storm rages, Annabelle Wallis is shocked to find a distressed young woman at her cottage door, heavy with child. Moments later a baby girl is born. But by dawn, the mother has vanished, leaving behind the helpless child wrapped only in a silk peacock shawl.

When news spreads that Lady Eliza Hartley, sister to wealthy estate owner, John Hartley, has been found dead, Annabelle realises the terrible secret she has stumbled on. Terrified she’ll be blamed for Eliza’s death, Annabelle flees to the filthy slums of York, where she plans to raise the precious orphan as her own.

The cobbled streets of York’s slums are no place for a young woman like Annabelle or a Hartley babe and John Hartley is determined to bring them both home. But Annabelle proves impossible to find.

Annabelle can’t hide forever from the wealthy Hartley family, but can she ever give up the baby she loves?

The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl is an emotional story of strength and love, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Rita Bradshaw.

Praise for AnneMarie Brear:

'AnneMarie Brear writes gritty, compelling sagas that grip from the first page' Fenella J Miller

'Poignant, powerful and searingly emotional, AnneMarie Brear stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest works by some of the genre’s greatest writers such as Catherine Cookson, Audrey Howard and Rosamunde Pilcher'

'Mesmerising from beginning to end' Lizzie Lane

'Another wonderful book from Annemarie Brear. I recommend it to anyone who likes to be transported to another time' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'Lovely read, hard to put down' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'I loved this book, I have read several of Anne Marie Brears books and will read many more' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

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  1. Print length
    306 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Boldwood Books
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 27, 2022
  6. File size
    3.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

AnneMarie Brear
annemarie brear

Hello!

A big thank you for looking at my books. I write historical sagas set in Yorkshire, England and sometimes in Australia.

My main characters are strong and independent, and must bravely over come the obstacles and problems thrown their way. My female characters are spirited, loyal and resolute but also loving and considerate. They’re a good match for any man worth his salt!

I’m a storyteller, so to give people hours of escape and reading pleasure both makes me happy and inspires me to keep writing stories that readers love.

Take care,

AnneMarie Brear

The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl
The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl
The Soldier's Daughter
The Waterfront Lass
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Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars 8,693
4.3 out of 5 stars 3,765
4.5 out of 5 stars 3,981
Price $4.99 $5.99 $5.99
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09JBJMBCN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 306 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1801627511
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 8,693 ratings

About the author

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AnneMarie Brear

AnneMarie Brear

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"Poignant, powerful and searingly emotional, AnneMarie Brear stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest works by some of the genre’s greatest writers such as Catherine Cookson, Audrey Howard and Rosamunde Pilcher." Amazon reviewer.

Author of over thirty-five novels, AnneMarie Brear has crafted sweeping historical fiction with atmosphere, emotion, and drama aplenty that will surely satisfy any fan of the genre. AnneMarie was born in a small town in N.S.W. Australia, to English parents from Yorkshire, and is the youngest of five children. From an early age she loved reading, working her way through the Enid Blyton stories, before moving onto Catherine Cookson’s novels as a teenager.

Living in England during the 1980s and more recently, AnneMarie developed a love of history from visiting grand old English houses and this grew into a fascination with what may have happened behind their walls over their long existence. Her enjoyment of visiting old country estates and castles when travelling and, her interest in genealogy and researching her family tree, has been put to good use, providing backgrounds and names for her historical novels which are mainly set in Yorkshire or Australia between Victorian times and WWII.

A long and winding road to publication led to her first novel being published in 2006.

She has now published over thirty-five historical family saga novels, becoming an Amazon best seller and with her novel, The Slum Angel, winning a gold medal at the USA Reader's Favourite International Awards. Two of her books have been nominated for the Romance Writer’s Australia Ruby Award and the USA In’dtale Magazine Rone award and recently she has been nominated twice as a finalist for the UK RNA RONA Awards.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
8,693 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, describing it as an exciting adventure with a happy ending and love. Moreover, the book is well-written and keeps readers intrigued. They appreciate the character development, with one customer particularly praising Annabelle's spirit.

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Story qualityReadabilityCharacter development
46 customers mention "Story quality"38 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this historical novel, describing it as an exciting adventure with a happy ending and love.

"...It is full of little adventures, suspense and twists, sadness and sweetness, and a wonderful love story...." Read more

"Until about the midpoint, this seemed to be an idyll of gentle country living. I would have recommended it for preteens...." Read more

"...It is also a moving portrait of real lives in 1850 England. Extremely well written. First time author for me, will read more of her books." Read more

"...To avoid spoilers I'll stop there. This was a heartwarming story with wonderful characters. The ending made me think of "The Sound of Music"...." Read more

26 customers mention "Readability"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and engaging, keeping them intrigued throughout.

"...This was a perfect read for me and exactly what I needed right now. I can not believe this was my first book by this author!..." Read more

"...It is also a moving portrait of real lives in 1850 England. Extremely well written. First time author for me, will read more of her books." Read more

"This was a fast read, ver predictable, but a good fluff piece. Great book to read after you have read a couple psychological mysteries...." Read more

"I really enjoyed reading this book. It's the story of Annabelle Wallis, an orphan brought up by a widowed herbalist. '..." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one specifically mentioning Annabelle's spirit.

"...The story was filled with wonderful characters. Of course Annabel steals your heart right from the very beginning...." Read more

"...But all the characters are well nuanced, with faults and goodness. Eliza, unmarried and close to childbirth, goes to the healer’s cottage for help...." Read more

"...Characters are developed very well in this story. You kinda wonder what happened to the secondary characters due to the development of them...." Read more

"...This was a heartwarming story with wonderful characters. The ending made me think of "The Sound of Music"...." Read more

Fantastic Descriptions
4 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Descriptions
This is a book you want to cozy up with a fire blazing and a cup of tea at your side. You will not want to put it down once you have been transported to the English countryside. AnneMarie Brear has a way to bring the scene to life. Vivid descriptions of the lush gardens, lavender tickling your nose, and a pony up to his typical moody tricks. Setting the scene for a tale. Annabelle Wallis was orphaned as a baby and taken in by the herbalist, Widow Wallis. She has grown up in a cottage on the Hartley Estate, where they tend their gardens and make their living by selling vegetables and tonics in the village. One night as a storm is raging, Eliza Hartley pounds on the door pleading for help. Annebelle could not turn her away or the baby she delivers. Afraid she has done wrong Annabelle flees everything in the world she knows, determined to give this baby everything she was given. No matter the consequences. The characters are all well developed and add to the vibrancy of the story. The book quickly grabs your attention, and the storyline will have you rooting for Annebelle! There is also a bit of romance between the classes. Will they be allowed to love one another or will rules keep them apart? You must read to find out. Thank you to AnneMarie Brear and Boldwood Books for this intriguing book.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Wall-to-wall books
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Oh my, this was such a fantastic story! I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. I have always loved historical fiction and always feel when I read it that I am “coming home“.

    The story was filled with wonderful characters. Of course Annabel steals your heart right from the very beginning. And then all the characters she meets along the way. Including her best friends and of course John Hartley, who also steals your hear in the very beginning. Excellent character development. I felt like I knew the minor characters just as well as the main ones.

    It is full of little adventures, suspense and twists, sadness and sweetness, and a wonderful love story.

    This was a perfect read for me and exactly what I needed right now. I can not believe this was my first book by this author! This is exactly the kind of writing I love. I just added about 10 other books by this author to my wish list! This will not be my last!

    I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Sharyn McQuaid
    4.0 out of 5 stars Begins idyllically but goes through some gritty times
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Until about the midpoint, this seemed to be an idyll of gentle country living. I would have recommended it for preteens. But after Ma dies, Annabelle must quickly mature. And when she flees with Jemima, she encounters some harsh conditions and realities. I found the ending to be a bit abrupt. The culmination in profession of mutual love and intention to marry comes with little development of a relationship between John and Annabelle.
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  • Julie's Bookshelf
    5.0 out of 5 stars an Orphan Pays It Forward
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a story about, basically, three people: Annabelle, an orphan raised by a healer/midwife, John, a second son, and Eliza, John’s sister, who is the core around whom the tale is woven. But all the characters are well nuanced, with faults and goodness. Eliza, unmarried and close to childbirth, goes to the healer’s cottage for help. Annabelle delivers the babe, but is worried about Eliza’s survival. Exhausted, she falls asleep, and wakens to find the baby crying and the mother gone. Sure that everyone will think she somehow hurt Eliza and have her charged, she runs away with the baby. That sets the stage for her harrowing experience in the slums of York, and John’s determined search for her and the baby. It is also a moving portrait of real lives in 1850 England. Extremely well written. First time author for me, will read more of her books.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • NON
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fast read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a fast read, ver predictable, but a good fluff piece. Great book to read after you have read a couple psychological mysteries. Characters are developed very well in this story. You kinda wonder what happened to the secondary characters due to the development of them. Did Dickey get married.? Did Tess get rid of her dead beat husband? Did Mr. Clement get his awful nephews out of his life? Did Nellie and Paul ever get out of the slums? ……..and so on.
    Helpful
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  • TV Viewer and Reader ;Linda
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl too bad it had to end
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book. It's the story of Annabelle Wallis, an orphan brought up by a widowed herbalist. 'Ma' taught her a lot about herbs and potions to help people. Annabelle meets John Hartley, the brother of the lord of the manor on whose land Ma's cabin is situated. John's sister secretly comes to Annabelle for help when she goes into labor with an illegitimate child. To avoid spoilers I'll stop there. This was a heartwarming story with wonderful characters. The ending made me think of "The Sound of Music". A very romantic ending that I wished wasn't over.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Ofabulous
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not typically predictable
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It started out where you think you're going to know exactly what happens, and to my surprise, there were quite a few surprises. Yes it gets a bit frustrating at the end when by now you now exactly what's going on, but when she gets influenced so easily by anyone telling her what to do, you want to shake her and tell her to listen to her own gut. But I will definitely watch for another book from this author.
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  • barbara jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
    It was refreshing to read of an upper class family with members like John and Eliza who didn't consider themselves to be better than everyone else! I didn't like the oldest brother who thought he was God! Fun to see how different lives were lived in the country verses the city. I didn't want the book to end!
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story was sweet : Annabelle was adopted by Ma after she helped bring her into the world and her mother abandoned her. Ma wax an herbalist and healer. She taught Annabelle to make her tonics. They sold them and their vegetables in the village. John had traveled the world and embraced an acceptance of all the differences of the world. Their stories crossed and became an exciting adventure that overcame many barriers. Enjoyed Annemarie Bear's writing very much and look forward to other books by her.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • June Brown
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Australia on October 6, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Just finished reading the Orphan in the Peacock Shawl loved it hope there is further book/s about Annabell, John & Jemima. Highly recommend as a book to read.
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  • Cherrie Waite
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Another beautiful, romantic story from Annemarie. The hardship and the wealth of that era laid bare. Thank you for such a good read again 😊
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  • Kindle-Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars A moving story
    Reviewed in Germany on December 29, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Some could be from Dickens. Especially the slum dwellers.

    Written with emotion and care, describing some horrid scenes but also moving
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  • Gaston Collin
    5.0 out of 5 stars I would read this book twice!loved It
    Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    riveting !
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  • Loobylou
    4.0 out of 5 stars A very near 4 Stars!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Orphan In the Peacock Shawl seemed to take an age to get going but once it did, it was actually pretty good. (It's also not my usual type of read but I like to switch it up once in a while!) Part of the reason I struggled with it was that I didn't like some of the male characters and their attitudes - then I realised that that was genuinely the attitudes of the time and for that alone the author is to be commended. A bit of a niggle for me is that the book ended all of a sudden - it (well, I) needed an epilogue!
    Report

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