Wonderfully written, I could not put it down.
The hardship of these incredibly hard working healthcare workers were well described and Evelyn truly was a heroine!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this ARC.

Beautiful book. One couple, 3 babies, and one very brave nurse all make this a lovely wartime story. The characters are well written, the time change between past and present done well.

#netgalley #TheBookofLostChildren

A wonderfully emotive book set in a time period people know but in a less well known location. The occupation of the Channel Islands is not as well known as it should be and this book brings to life the real struggles that the inhabitants were forced to live with.

I don’t usually read historical fiction but the title and blurb drew my attention. This book has dual timelines - Evelyn Nightingale in 1943 Guernsey and Kitty White in 2018 Dublin. It is based on a true story. I thought the author did a good job with her research. It was an emotional read. Evelyn was so brave. I loved how everything wrapped up. This is the first book I’ve read by Jenny O'Brien but I definitely want to read more by her.

This book is great! It’s poetic and well written. It was informative and emotional, and truly left me thinking about it after. I loved the style of the writing, which was heavily show cased throughout the novel.

The Book of Lost Children is a beautiful tale of two women. Set during WW2 and current day, we learn the story of Evelyn and Kitty. The story of Evelyn the nurse is beautiful, courageous and heartbreaking. Kitty works at her family's antique store and finds a list that leads to important parts of her family's past. If you liked the Nightingale, you'll love this story! The book is mainly the story of Evelyn who worked tirelessly at a hospital during the war, with a smaller focus on Kitty. There is no real mention of the "lost children" until about 60% into the story, with the hospital/war the emphasis of the book. Definitely a great read! Thank you for the read!

This book is very, very Irish. I think it can be difficult for an American reader to understand a book which allows for family secrets as recently as World War 2 to remain so hidden, without really understanding the culture of open secrets which have existed in Ireland until fairly recently. In such a small country, there are no real secrets - but there are things remained unsaid and yet understood.

I really enjoyed that both of the book's heroines - Kitty in the modern day and Evelyn during World War II - are older women, about 40. There are too few depictions in literature of older women doing interesting things (except getting divorced. There are so many books about them getting divorced.). The two women love their professions as a nurse and a business owner, and I thought it made the book really stand out a bit.

I also thought it was interesting that the book dealt with a maternity hospital and kind of wished the book went into more detail of what happened to the children of German officers and women forced into sexual slavery - were they sent to Germany? The book presents the dilemma of Evelyn's concern for the children, but I do wish we had had more of a sense of what happened to the children to really raise the stakes.

This was a book which presented a lot of interesting characters that I wanted to know more about - the Irishman who crossed borders to join the Allied armed forces, the farmer who is clearly experienced at aiding the resistance, the head nurses at a hospital who miss nothing and say nothing. O'Brien has a real knack for characters, and I hope she writes more of the pockets of Irish history.

What a wonderful story, once I started I couldn’t put the book down. It is a tale of two lives coming together, through an old violin. It is a story of bravery and courage and resilience. The characters are amazing and real. Jenny brings the characters alive, to the point where you actually feel like you know them. As this WW2 story develops our emotions certainly travel (remember to have a hanky on hand). My favourite bit was the account of Christmas Day and the photos.
Thanks to Jenny O’Brien, Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

Kitty works in the family's antique shop. A woman comes in wanting to sell a violin but it's in bad shape. Kitty buys it but her father doesn't want anything to do with the violin. What's the secret?
We then jump to 1940. Evelyn decides to help the war effort by becoming an aid in the local hospital. She sees countless men injured in the war.
A very interesting book especially if you like reading about the 1940's time period.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Storm Publishing.

<i>The Book of Lost Children</i> is a departure from Ms O'Brien's psychological thrillers which have been enthralling me for some time. The dual timeline and WWII setting was indeed the initial lure for me to read this book, but it was topped off by being written by one of my favourite authors.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engrossing and emotional novel which is set in occupied Guernsey during WWII and Dublin in 2018. I particularly enjoyed reading Evelyn's timeline and have learned a little more about the circumstances of the occupation; an added bonus for me when reading a piece of fiction. In common with Ms O'Brien's thrillers, I did not predict the ending because I'd been wrong-footed into drawing the wrong conclusions.

<i>The Book of Lost Children</i> tells the story, beginning in 1943, of school-teacher-turned-nursing-auxilliary Evelyn Nightingale's resolve to hide three babies from the occupying forces, to prevent the babies being sent to Germany. The children's story is revealed in 2018 when Kitty White, who works in her father's antique shop, finds Evelyn's list of names and sets out to discover the truth.

Ms O'Brien's well-researched story outlines some of the hardships suffered by the islanders and the determination of some amongst them to defy their captors with small acts of sabotage and defiance known as <i>Petite Resistance</i>. It is delivered at a gentle pace with the greater part of the story centred on the war years, which I found particularly appealing.

I look forward to reading more dual timeline stories from this author, especially where they have a WWII setting, and would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction.

This novel is based off a true story; however, it is fictionalized, this genre and time period is one of my favorites to read about. The Book of Love children is an atmospheric, gut-wrenching story that is intricately woven between two storyline POVs in two different time periods. Our storyline alternates between Evelyn Nightingale (how cool is her name), whom is a nurse in Guernsey in 1943 in the midst of the German occupation. The alternate POV is told by Kitty White who is trying to grasp and understand her family's past during their time in Dublin in 2018.

Evelyn was a very refreshing and enjoyable storyline; her storyline is very heartfelt and enduring. It goes to show the emotional turmoil and bravery a nurse of her time and location would go through to help protect innocent lives. The intense war atmosphere is vividly portrayed, and the characters trials and tribulations come to live on the pages and resonate so deeply with the reader. As someone who took an oath to do no harm and protect those in harm's way Evelyn goes to great lengths to keep her oath.

In 2018 Kitty's timeline can come off as daunting and slow at times, but as Kitty partakes on her journey to unveil her familial history the reader, can't help but want to know more and go along for the ride. The ending is heartwarming and a beautiful way to finish the story. I've read many historical fiction books around WW2, but this is the first I've read based on Guernsey and the surrounding islands. I've really enjoyed reading this, and rate it highly amongst others of a similar theme.

This novel is based off a true story; however, it is fictionalized, this genre and time period is one of my favorites to read about. The Book of Love children is an atmospheric, gut-wrenching story that is intricately woven between two storyline POVs in two different time periods. Our storyline alternates between Evelyn Nightingale (how cool is her name), whom is a nurse in Guernsey in 1943 in the midst of the German occupation. The alternate POV is told by Kitty White who is trying to grasp and understand her family's past during their time in Dublin in 2018.

Evelyn was a very refreshing and enjoyable storyline; her storyline is very heartfelt and enduring. It goes to show the emotional turmoil and bravery a nurse of her time and location would go through to help protect innocent lives. The intense war atmosphere is vividly portrayed, and the characters trials and tribulations come to live on the pages and resonate so deeply with the reader. As someone who took an oath to do no harm and protect those in harm's way Evelyn goes to great lengths to keep her oath.

In 2018 Kitty's timeline can come off as daunting and slow at times, but as Kitty partakes on her journey to unveil her familial history the reader, can't help but want to know more and go along for the ride. The ending is heartwarming and a beautiful way to finish the story. I've read many historical fiction books around WW2, but this is the first I've read based on Guernsey and the surrounding islands. I've really enjoyed reading this, and rate it highly amongst others of a similar theme.

This novel offers a compelling blend of historical fiction and mystery, set against the backdrop of World War II. The story follows the journey of a young woman who uncovers long-buried secrets while navigating the challenges of wartime.

The narrative is rich with emotional depth, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. The characters are well-developed, and their experiences are portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity.

Jenny O’Brien’s writing is evocative, capturing the essence of the era and the complexities of human relationships during tumultuous times. The pacing keeps the reader engaged, with twists and revelations that add to the intrigue. 

For readers who appreciate historical fiction that delves into personal stories amidst larger historical events, The Book of Lost Children is a poignant and satisfying read.

Thank you for letting me review this new book from Jenny O'Brien. The book is written in 2 timelines, which have links that come to light as the story progresses. The story set on Guernsey in 1943, with Evelyn Nightingale going to work at the local hospital. The island has been under German control and life is much changed for the islanders left behind after the invasion. The story, set in Dublin in 2018 revolves around Kitty. She is alone in the family antiques shop, when a young lady brings in a violin to sell. This is where the story unfolds as her interest is ignited by the items found within the violin case. All the characters are well written. I was fully engaged in their lives, their feelings both happy and sad. How brave was Evelyn. I believe this book is based on a true story. It was an enjoyable read and I learnt more about the hardships of the Channel Islanders during the 2nd World War.

'The Book of Lost Children' invites us to step into life on the small island of Guernsey in 1943, right in the midst of the Nazi occupation. Evelyn Nightingale, a former schoolteacher whose pupils have been evacuated, takes up work as a nurse at the island’s hospital. After spending several months caring for wounded men, she is transferred to the maternity ward, where she supports young mothers during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Life on the island is harsh: food is scarce, and the German presence is oppressive. And yet, almost instinctively, Evelyn rescues a newborn from falling into Nazi hands. Despite the immense risks, she goes on to save three more babies, recording their details in the eponymous 'Book of Lost Children' to one day help them find their roots.

Fast forward to the present day: Kitty White purchases an old German violin with a hidden compartment. Inside? A book of names.

I particularly appreciated how the two timelines eventually intertwine, allowing us to find a sense of closure to Evelyn’s story.

Evelyn is a true heroine—her courage matched only by her compassion and love. Right until the end, I hoped she might be granted a happier ending. Sadly, that was not to be.

The novel is based on a true story, which made it all the more compelling for me. The author’s writing truly does it justice, capturing both the heartbreak and the quiet acts of bravery with grace and sensitivity.

It was a deeply engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read.

This book is so well written and the story is so well researched as based on a true story, the characters are so captivating. The history and fight of the islanders of Guernsey during the war is portrayed through this book. The duel time line is easy to follow with Evelyn’s story in 1943 and Kittys story in 2018. Such an emotional and thought provoking read.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and publisher Storm Publishing for the read

This was quite a story! The things people had to endure during the war with Hitler were unimaginable. This story tells of one woman’s efforts to correct, as much as she was able, some of those wrongs. The story is well written and very descriptive. I was given a complimentary copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

Occupied Guernsey during World War II

The islands of Guernsey were occupied by the Nazis during World War II. The population suffered and were under the yoke of an unforgiving invader.
Evelyn Nightingale lost the love of her life, Joseph in the early days of the war. Through a series of happenings she’s now nursing (not registered) at the Emergency Hospital in Câtel.
It’s here she meets the pregnant collaborator Marise and her friend Camille. Marise is having a child to an SS officer. An angry man who wants his unborn child to be sent back to Germany to become a child of the Reich.
Why these things happen are never straightforward. Unerlieutenant Jannick Klein is a dreadful man. He has the habit of beating his women when they didn’t please him.
Evelyn is determined to help thwart him.
Fast forward to Dublin of 2018 and we have Kitty White, an antiques and second hand dealer, buying a violin from a woman off the streets. It helps the story come full circle. Evelyn Nightingale had been an accomplished violinist.
It’s when Kitty looks at the violin case that she discovers a history of her own that she’d known nothing about.
The execution of the plot is seamless, the tale unique. Violence against women plays its part with the particular SS Officer involved so could be a trigger.
This is a heart stopping read.

A Storm Pub. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

What a beautiful book! One I loved immersing myself in and was sad to have reached the end. This engaging story is truly heartwarming and emotional so be prepared to shed a tear or two. Written in dual timelines, with the weightier side being that of Evelyn’s story, who worked as a nurse in Guernsey during WW2.

We trace Evelyn’s life as it’s lived and also through the eyes of Kitty, her young relative. I was fascinated by the social history from WW2 and particularly enjoyed the medical side of things as I used to be a nurse. I loved how their violin playing linked them.

What’s also inspiring is the way Evelyn’s character grows in courage and confidence, not only with her nursing experience but also with how she relates to others. Her boldness with the German occupation soldiers increases as time goes on, as does her determination to save as many lost children as possible and keep a private record of them.

“Evelyn knew she had to be careful but she also needed to make a record of events. The babies had a right to know their parents, their history; their roots. Her list of lost children.”

Kitty eventually gets to join the dots of her family’s history and succeeds in drawing together the separated relatives who are grateful for the information she has to share. A thoroughly researched and well written book that was a privilege to read and lingers long in the thoughts. Grateful thanks to the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC.

✨BOOK REVIEW✨THE BOOK OF LOST CHILDREN by Jenny O’Brien

Kitty, who runs a family owned antique business, acquires a worn violin and other items. What she discovers will forever change not only her life, but the life of others she cares for so deeply.

The violin transports readers back to 1940, to the life of Evelyn. Evelyn becomes a nurse during the changing times due to WW2. She not only is a nurse, but an angel for those who need her help most during the time the German soldiers occupied parts of Guernsey. Evelyn risks her life time and again to help make a better life for others.

The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien is told in dual timelines. Kitty’s life in 2018 and Evelyn’s life in 1940. The pages of this book keep flipping as readers are immersed in the lives of these two women, until ultimately revealing their connection. This is a very different WW2 historical fiction novel unlike anything I’ve read. O’Brien paints a different sorrowful tale about the mothers who gave birth during this time. What these women went through was terrifying to say the least. The bravery of these women, their individual stories, the choices they made, the extreme risks they took, is like nothing I could imagine having to live through. What these women saw and experienced is truly unfathomable.

I am thankful for authors like Jenny O’Brien for bringing these historical fiction stories to life for us to read. These incredibly brave women, men, and families should never be forgotten for their selfless acts, their extreme kindness, and how they were there for each other, trying to make other people’s lives better, while sacrificing their own. The stories of these people are unforgettable.

Read this book. Take in its history. Let the emotions hit you wave after wave. It’s the least we can do for these selfless people who lived during this time. Hear their stories. Share their stories. Learn from their stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me and allowing me the honor to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is out for publication today, April 11, 2025.
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