When Marie-Grace learns that the orphan dropped at her father's doorstep may be in terrible danger, she and her friend Cécile devise a plan to protect the child--and help the other orphans, as well. Simultaneous.

Marie-Grace can't believe what she finds on her doorstep one rainy night: a sweet little baby! More than anything, Marie-Grace hopes her father will let the child stay with them. Then a stranger comes looking for the little boy, and Marie-Grace realizes the baby is in terrible danger. Together, she and her friend Cécile come up with a plan to protect the child - and to help the other orphans, too. But when rumors of a terrible sickness begin to swirl in New Orleans, Marie-Grace begins to worry - will anyone truly be safe? Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay about orphanages in the 1800s. The story continues in the fourth book in the series, Troubles for Cécile.

Two girls. Two stories. One amazing adventure! This keepsake boxed set includes all six illustrated books about historical characters Cécile and Marie-Grace, friends who are growing up in 1850s New Orleans. The box opens up to reveal a fun-filled mini board game - girls will love earning points as they move around the board collecting cards. Board game and pieces tuck into a storage pouch that folds up with an elegant ribbon closure. Includes Meet Marie-Grace, Meet Cécile, Marie-Grace and the Orphans, Troubles for Cécile, Marie-Grace Makes a Difference, and Cécile's Gift.

Marie-Grace has just arrived in New Orleans and she begins to make friends and enjoys singing but she is shy.

Volunteering with her friend Cecile at a crowded New Orleans orphanage during the yellow fever epidemic of 1853, Marie-Grace discovers that it is not just the orphans who need help.

Poor, orphaned Grace Parkes is in a horrible situation. Her illegitimate child has just died in childbirth, so she's traveled to the Brookwood Cemetery to place the small infant's body in a rich lady's coffin. Following the advice of a kindly midwife, this is the only way that Grace can do right by the little baby, and to avoid the disgrace of a pauper's grave. Grace meets two people at the cemetery who will have a most unusual affect on her life, though she doesn't know that yet. For now, Grace has to suppress her grief and get on with her meager life, scraping together enough pennies selling watercress for rent and food, and looking after her older sister, who is incapable of caring for herself. But a great fraud has been perpetrated on young Grace - and she is secretly the recipient of a most unusual legacy -- if only she is able to claim it. Of course, the rich only get richer in this gothic tale of class distinctions, mysterious secrets, and malicious fraud.