An Orphan's Tale

By Chip Smith

Shari, an orphan living in miserable circumstances, in a city ruled by an evil prince, learns her true value. An oily character whisks her away to another kingdom where the values of the world are turned upside down. This short story teaches valuable lessons to children as well as adults. Follow Shari as she discovers what it means to be truly loved, and what life can be like for those who trust the King.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChipSmith
• Release date: Apr 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201073640

Chip Smith

Chip Smith lives in  Memphis, Tennessee with his wife of  50 years. He has written nine novels, eight of which are mystery and romance tales set in England from the Victorian Era through World War II and into the contemporary era. The ninth is a Christian Historical Fiction novel set in the first century. In his retirement, Chip has become a landscape artist, sculptor and author. An avid reader himself, he hopes his books will transport the reader to other times and places, while creating mysteries they don't ever want to put down.

Book preview

An Orphan's Tale

Chip Smith

Published by ChipSmith, 2022.

An Orphan's Tale

Chip Smith

Published by ChipSmith, 2022.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

AN ORPHAN'S TALE

First edition. April 30, 2022.

Copyright © 2022 Chip Smith.

ISBN: 979-8201073640

Written by Chip Smith.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

AN ORPHAN'S TALE

First edition. April 30, 2022.

Copyright © 2022 Chip Smith.

ISBN: 979-8201073640

Written by Chip Smith.

Also by Chip Smith

Book 1

Treason And The Haberdasher

Book 2

Cranston Manor Intrigue Book 2

The Coroner A Penny Stone Mystery

Cranston Manor

Cranston Manor Mystery Book 1

Penny Stone Mysteries

Til Death Do Us Part

Collusion

Treason and The Haberdasher

The Sisemen Conspiracy

Standalone

The Encounter

Double Edged Sword

The Extra Maid

A Queen's Ransom

The Assignment

Tea With The Queen

Detours

An Orphan's Tale

Unbreakable Bonds - A Rachael Shaw Mystery

Aftermath

Deception

Undercover Chef

Four World War II Mystery Box Set

Watch for more at Chip Smith’s site.

Also by Chip Smith

Book 1

Treason And The Haberdasher

The Inheritance

Book 2

Cranston Manor Intrigue Book 2

The Coroner A Penny Stone Mystery

The Inheritance - Across The Pond

Penny Stone Mysteries

Til Death Do Us Part

Collusion

Treason and The Haberdasher

The Sisemen Conspiracy

Standalone

The Encounter

Double Edged Sword

The Extra Maid

A Queen's Ransom

The Assignment

Tea With The Queen

Detours

An Orphan's Tale

Unbreakable Bonds - A Rachael Shaw Mystery

Aftermath

Deception

Undercover Chef

Four World War II Mystery Box Set

Watch for more at Chip Smith’s site.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Chip Smith

AN ORPHAN’S TALE

Also By Chip Smith

About the Author

AN ORPHAN’S TALE

Shari yawned, rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and slowly rose to sit on the edge of her bed. I wonder if today will be different? she thought. Probably not, she sighed.

Every Friday at the orphanage, the girls rose early, put on their best clothes, ragged as they were and after a small meal of rice, they were lined up for the visitors.

Some who came were wealthy families who wanted to adopt one of the girls. It changed the lives of those who were picked forever. Other visitors came to purchase household servants, or worse.

Shari had been in the orphanage for three years. Every week after the choosing was over, she fought back the tears. No one would ever want her, and she knew why.

She tried to hide it by holding her hands behind her waist, but in the end, her twisted left hand was always discovered. Rich people didn’t want a deformed girl. Those looking for girls to work wanted her even less. Each Friday night, Shari cried herself to sleep. Today would be no different.

In the country where Shari lived, it was bad enough being an orphan. Add to that, a less than perfect body, and your fate in life was sealed. The future was set and there was no hope of changing it.

It didn’t help that her