I greatly enjoyed this book, it is tied as my favorite with Emerald Star, but there are a few downsides to it

But Hetty's happiness is threatened once more when she must return to the Foundling Hospital to begin her education. The new life of awful uniforms and terrible food is a struggle for her, and she desperately misses her beloved Jem. But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be the wonderful Madame Adeline? Or will Hetty find the truth is even more surprising?Trying to keep up with Nina gets increasingly difficult as they venture out to cafes and movies in their school holidays. A trip to the local swimming pool begins with trepidation as Nina wears a bikini and a European holiday tan, and Laura squeezes into her old bathing suit with an anchor on her flat chest. Life in the countryside is sometimes hard, but with her foster brothers, Jem and Gideon, Hetty helps in the fields and plays vivid imaginary games. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus, and Hetty is mesmerised by the show - especially the stunning Madame Adeline and her performing horses. Jacqueline Wilson will surprise and delight old fans and new with this utterly original historical novel. I was a massive fan of Jacqueline Wilson growing up but feared rereading some of her old books. I thought that they wouldn't be the same now that I am in my late 20's and maybe my good memories of them should be left untouched. I can’t understand how JW can completely understand teenage anxiety and make her characters come to life in such a fluid way. This book is dark but real and I was captivated by all of the themes surrounding the main plot (don’t worry I won’t give away any spoilers!)

Set in the 1960s, this compelling YA novel follows Laura, who finds herself pregnant at the age of 14. Even though I often felt angry at how Laura was treated and the stigma that she faced, this book realistically depicts the attitudes towards unwed and teen mothers during a very different time. My heart ached at how one moment Laura is navigating life, family and friendship as an adoloescent and the next she's whisked off to a home. But Hetty is no longer a simple country girl, and begins to fear she'll never truly belong anywhere. And even when she is reunited with her beloved childhood sweetheart Jem, Hetty still longs for adventure - especially when an enchanting figure from her past makes an unexpected reappearance. Could a more exciting future lie ahead for Hetty?I was so invested in Laura's story that I couldn't and didn't want to put this book down. I loved all the characters and how even the supporting ones were sufficiently fleshed out. I cried not just for Laura but also for all the other girls. Shame about Nina and Daniel (both of whom I really liked) but at the same time, I couldn't see how Laura and their lives would fit together again after everything. When and why do we suddenly decide what we should and should not read , do , say and dress . Is it peer pressure or do we do this ourselves ? I always loved her books but why did I stop reading them ?

The Victorian era is also fleshed out throughout, and Jacqueline gives you multiple glimpses in varying locations. You connect with these characters, and I know there's a special place for Hetty in my heart. Yes it was in an easy to read format but the writing was highly emotive and the plot was gut wrenchingOne day, whilst out with her friend at the lido, Laura meets Leon and although she isn’t that interested in him, she does let him walk her home after a tiff with her friend. Leon ends up having sex with Laura, it’s a blurred line of consent as we realise Laura doesn’t actually know what is happening and is therefore never able to say yes or no. This a few months down the line leads to Laura discovering she is pregnant and as the blurb states, it ends up with her being sent away. Maybe it’s because it’s in England (or maybe because it’s a Jacqueline Wilson novel), she isn’t sentenced to a life of gloom in this home for expectant mothers, it’s certainly not the best but it isn’t the tales from those horrible Irish nuns convent. Laura comes across all sorts of girls here and they all share their tales and deal with the harsh opinions of older women and the realities of what having a baby this young can mean. Since leaving the Foundling Hospital, Hetty has seen her fair share of drama, excitement, tragedy and loss. After the death of her beloved mama, she sets off to find a real home at last - starting with the search for her father. I also found that Diamond got quite annoying in this book, I understand she is a child but she did get on my nerves a bit. Hetty realised the circus was a tawdry place and determined to rescue Diamond from Beppo. Together the two girls fled on the clown’s penny farthing bicycle and set off in search of the Cavalcade Music Hall where they could make a better life for themselves by performing on the stage. I did think some bits were very nitty gritty on the topic of Victorian London. I really liked how when something bad were to happen to Hetty/Diamond, you will generally feel saddened and sympathetic. I really liked how Hetty seemed to do a full circle, from the circus, to the music hall, to her foster home and in the end, living with Harry when she joins Marina Royal.

In efforts to stop this book review from turning into an essay, I’ll leave it there with a take home message. Honestly such a beautiful book and one I would whole heartedly recommend to all. Hetty Feather has begun a new chapter in her life story. Escaping from Tanglefield’s Travelling Circus with her dearest friend Diamond, Hetty is determined to find them positions as glamorous music hall artistes. My, this was an absolute journey! Indeed, it sort of feels as if years have passed since the beginning of this book, and even more so since the beginning of the series (which is actually absolutely true in-universe), and while I'm still my old self, it's almost as if I've changed along with Hetty and her rich gallery of friends and found family. Edie is fascinated by Victorian times, and she's just desperate to be cast in the lead role of her drama club production of Oliver. When she's given a real Victorian notebook she's determined to write the best story ever, all about a girl in a workhouse. But when she starts writing, something strange happens.Speaking of found family, I think the greatest charm of this series, apart from its interminable cast of colourful characters, is its emphasis on found family and how it can be so much more important than any blood ties. This is definitely one of the reasons why I adore the story of Hetty Feather. Feel sad on two counts. 1) I’ve now finished the Hetty Feather series of 5 books, and 2) My 12 year old, who I was reading it with most nights at bedtime , says this is my last bedtime story 😭