The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien is a fictional historical tale based around a true story.

The book is set between present day Ireland, or close to it, and flips back to World War 2. The story follows a woman as she discovers family history that she never knew about, and as she discovers it in the present, we are transported to the past, with bombings, air raids, and an oppressive regime. I have always had an interest in history, and historical fiction is a great way to mix both. The story is delivered in slow steps, as you follow Ms Nightingale, who just so happens to be a nurse, and her journey working with the residents of her town and dealing with the soldiers that are everywhere. The book paints graphic pictures of the poverty they suffered as well as the steps many had to take to survive.

Jenny O’Brien weaves a realistic sad emotional tale, enhanced by the knowledge that it’s based on actual occurrences, makes this an emotional roller coaster ride. I read a lot, and the last several chapters hit my soul. This will be one of those books that leave you thinking afterwards. The contrast with the past and the present just reinforces the limited choices that they had in the past, but showcased how one small thing, to one person, can literally be their entire existence. This is definitely a book I would recommend and I intend to check out more of her books, especially if she writes them with the same passion.

I love a good historical novel and for one set in the Channel Isles this was always going to be a winner for me.

This is a dual plot line set in Occupied Guernsey and current day Ireland.

I found a lot of the current day plotline I could have done without. I also found some of the characters being one dimensional especially the German captain who I think I have met in may books. Angry and in a uniform.

I got past this though and found myself fully immersed in the WW2 plotline. The civilian bravery shown by the occupied populace is awe inspiring, and also at times hilarious.

The reason its three stars as I felt it could have done with less or even none of the present-day thread in Ireland. The WW2 plotline was real with characters whose lives I was invested in.

In 1943 Guernsey, Evelyn Nightingale took on work as a nurse. When the opportunity arises, she hides three vulnerable infants from the occupying German forces, risking everything to protect them. Decades later in Dublin, 2018, Kitty White discovers a hidden list of names in an old violin case that unsettles her father and sends her searching for answers. Her journey leads to Guernsey, where a wartime secret may change everything she knows about her family.

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the setting and following Evelyn. I was sympathetic to her situation and the choices she made. I wasn’t as interested in Kitty and her journey to discover the truth (and find romance).

The pacing was good. I enjoyed the details of the time period. Overall, it was an interesting read and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy WW 2 fiction.

I absolutely loved The Book of Lost Children. It’s a heartbreaking yet inspiring story that weaves past and present beautifully. Evelyn is a memorable character—strong, selfless, and brave in the face of true danger. I was fully invested in both timelines, full of emotional twists. If you enjoy historical fiction based on real events, this one’s a must. Five stars from me!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

4.5 stars rounded up

This is the author's first WW2 novel, and I can't wait for her next one. I was hooked from the first page and read the book in two sittings - all chores got abandoned! A powerful, emotional dual-timeline story that pulls at the heartstrings and paints a vivid picture of the conditions civilians faced in WW2. I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of Guernsey prior to reading this book, so reading about the German occupation during WW2 was an eye opener for me. It was a great way to learn about this part of history and I quickly fell down the Google rabbit hole. I also enjoyed the current timeline of the book, which highlights the consequences of unresolved emotional conflict. Both timelines have a strong message about the importance of family bonds and friendship, and the characters show strength, compassion, hope, resilience, and forgiveness. This story will stay with me for a long time.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical WW2 novels.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for a complimentary copy for review. All thoughts are my own and my review is voluntary.

When I heard about this book I was immediately interested and picked it up asap. I think however that maybe I wasn't the right audience? I usually really love reading these type of books. And dont get me wrong, I did enjoy reading it... I just didnt feel connected to the story or characters and honestly I feel like I missed the main point of the story?

I think that the beginning was extremely slow and difficult to get into. I feel like the characters were well built but they felt distant and not very relatable. And based of the title I was expecting something else. The two different storylines were nice but rather confusing time to time since the pace seemed to vary a lot between them.

I truly did enjoy reading this, i just dont think it lived up to my expectations and I felt like the ending which tied the story up nicely just didn't give me what I was hoping for. But I can absolutely understand why people love this book and felt emotional throughout it.

Thank you netgalley for an advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this dual timeframe wartime story.
Having visited Guernsey and the Channel Islands years ago it was intriguing to discover the impact that WW2 had on the island and its people.
The story focuses on two characters, Eveline in 1940’s wartime Guernsey and Kitty in 2018.
Eveline's story is one of compassion and strength in putting others before herself despite the island being under German occupation.
The modern day link is woven in through the history of the women and babies that were helped by Eveline.
A really good wartime read.

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Jenny O'Brien for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

An accomplished and popular author, O'Brien has written everything from crime to children's books. However, this is her first attempt at writing a book inspired by true events.

This is a win-win. A win for each of us (me and you). Due to two unexpected rounds of eye surgery I haven't been able to get to this one until now. Let me tell you that it's a winner. A winner for me to have the privilege to read it through a NetGalley get – and it's a winner for you too, because due to the fact that I'm late in putting up my review, you can get this one TODAY!

I will honestly never tire of reading stories such as this. This WWII historical fictional story was inspired by true events and is the remarkable story of one extraordinary woman's courage and kindness in the face of (unjust) adversity.

In a nutshell: Teacher, turned nurse, Evelyn Nightingale, used her position at the hospital where she worked to save patients from the Nazis in occupied Guernsey.

30 June 1940: Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands begins. The Nazis occupied four islands – Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. Hitler believed the Channel Islands to be a 'stepping stone' from which to invade Britain. The Islands were also a useful propaganda tool – to show that the Nazis now occupied British land. Life under German occupation in Guernsey was drastically changed. Daily life involved restrictions on freedom, a ban on radios and other entertainment, and the forced use of German currency and continental time. Conditions worsened over time, leading to shortages of essential items, food scarcity, and a rise in crime. The Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944 further restricted supplies and worsened living conditions, with starvation looming for both islanders and occupiers.

This reader has read many novels set during WWII and many more from the perspective of nursing staff, but the occupation of the Channel Islands is not something that I've read before; but the stories retold by the people who lived there are no less harrowing – possibly more so.

O'Brien has written her account with a dual timeline, but to be fair, the majority of the book is devoted to the earlier time-period during the war. Although, I do concede that with the addition of the later timeline this reader was able to feel a sense of complete closure - Evelyn's story had finally come full circle.

Perfect pacing and character development, superbly well researched and written with accurate attention to historical detail - it's a testament to O'Brien's talent and skill as an author that her first attempt at this genre is five stars. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

One of the best of the WWII stories for women and bookclub readers. Well written and a fascinating story of Evelyn, a 40ish-in-age teacher who becomes a nurse aide in 1943 Guernsey during the German occupation and her low-key but courageous and inventive efforts to protect and save innocent lives under the eyes of the ever-vigilant German forces. The descriptions of her nursing experience in those days when lowly nurses were told never to speak to anyone in a white coat, but who often knew as much or more than some of the white coats were very vivid and realistic. This is also a story of the close friendships made in these wartime conditions, and Evelyn’s relationship with her uncommunicative father. In a contemporaray timeline, Irish antique shop owner, Kitty, begins a search for her own father’s past. Her father, in an echo of Evelyn’s father, is a difficult man to communicate with and Kitty’s discoveries bring the two stories together in a satisfying conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.

The Book of Lost Children was a well written and quite moving historical fiction novel by Jenny O’Brien that was inspired by actual events. It took place in Guernsey during the early 1940’s and in Dublin in 2018. The Book of Lost Children portrayed two strong, determined and intelligent women.

Evelyn Nightingale lived on the island of Guernsey during the Nazi occupation. Evelyn lived with her grieving father. Her mother had recently died and her father was having a hard time coping with her loss. One evening, when Evelyn was returning from a day out with a good friend, she witnessed a horrific scene. Right before her eyes, Evelyn saw bombs being dropped and too many injured and dead people. Evelyn felt compelled to display her knowledge of first aid and asked to help attend to wounds of the injured. She ended up working side by side with an ambulance man, Dave Le Page. He was so impressed with Evelyn’s skills, tireless dedication and commitment that he encouraged her to apply for a position at the recently established Emergency Hospital. Evelyn had previously worked at a school where she taught languages and music until the school was evacuated. Out of necessity and survival, Evelyn became a nurse at the Emergency Hospital. She was soon recognized for her bravery, quick responses in impossible situations and resilience. Evelyn was also a gifted violin player. Over her years as a nurse she saved and protected many new mothers and their babies. Evelyn even managed to hide several babies from the Nazis. She knowingly put herself in extreme danger when she committed these acts.

In 2018, Kitty White, was living in Dublin with her father. She was a thirty something woman who had studied art history and was presently working on her masters. Dressing the windows was one of her responsibilities as well as waiting on customers. Kitty’s mother had died so it was just the two of them. Her father owned an antique shop where Kitty worked with him. One day just before closing a tall, thin woman in her fifties with blonde hair brought in a very old violin that was not in the best condition. The woman had been left instructions to bring the violin to the antique shop owned by Kitty’s father. Kitty learned that the woman’s name was Caroline Raven. As Kitty examined the violin, its case and their condition, Caroline produced a notebook and pictures that she had also found in her attic near where she found the violin. There was also a signet ring in a velvet pouch and an old notebook with the name Miss E Nightingale on its cover. The pictures and the notebook upset Kitty’s father a great deal. Why? What could they mean?

The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien was both moving and extremely powerful. I have read other books in the past that took place on the Island of Guernsey but none that centered around the fates of babies and new mothers. It was full of secrets and intrigue. All of my emotions were tested by the scenes in this book. I really enjoyed reading The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Book of Lost Children is a moving historical novel set during the turmoil of World War II. Jenny O'Brien tells the story of a courageous wartime nurse who becomes entangled in the lives of displaced and orphaned children. With vivid descriptions and emotional depth, the novel explores themes of loss, hope, and resilience. The heroine’s strength and compassion shine through as she faces not only the horrors of war but also the moral complexities of protecting the most vulnerable. A compelling read for fans of historical fiction with heart.

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.