I can enjoy a sweet story with a happy ending but this one would have been too much for even me if it weren’t for the Dickensian elements. The writing is sentimental and predictable with plot twists that are too convenient.  The setting is 1850’s London and our main characters are two orphaned sisters who have escaped from a workhouse and are freezing in the merciless streets of London with Christmas approaching. They are forced to sell a muddy but charming doll, which they treasure. This puts them in touch with a doll maker who eventually takes them in. In spite of the undeniable eye rolling, I did enjoy this little book and kept thinking that it would be an accessible introduction to the time period especially for kids who still appreciate dolls.