Boy with the Latch Key

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

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. She says, `There is nothing like seeing your book in print, because so much loving care has been given to bringing that book into being.'Cathy is also the author of the Halfpenny Street Children's Home series.