Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage

the long version

When Suzanne was left, two weeks old, at the door of Nazareth House orphanage, she was abandoned by those who should have protected and loved her. But it was Nancy, a nanny at the orphanage, who was to provide all the love and support that a child could need, going on to fight for the right to adopt Suzanne and give her a mother figure for life. 'Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage' tells the story of these two women, of how their lives entwined and of life at the orphanage. It was a magical place where their lack of money could only be substituted by kindness, as every year Nancy would work tirelessly throughout the night before Christmas to sew together dolls made out of rags, so that the children would have at least one present from Santa. But the story also tells of how their lives came full circle, as towards the end of her life, Nancy developed dementia, with Suzanne in turn becoming the supportive, protective caregiver. Full of touching, tear-jerking and unforgettable stories, Christmas at the Ragdoll Orphanage is Suzanne Lambert's story of motherhood, childhood and Christmas, and everything that comes between. Suzanne Lambert is the winner of Penguin and Take a Breakmagazine's life story competition. She lives in Newcastle and this is her first book.