This was my first book by O’Brien. I enjoyed the story itself, based on true events but fictionalized. However, I did not enjoy the writing style.

Inspired by true events, this is a compelling tale
of two women separated by time, but
connected by secrets and and acts of courage


Set across two timelines we meet Evelyn
Nightengale a school teacher turned nurse in
1943 during the Nazi occupation in Guernsey.
She is such a facinating, heroic character
whose journey is gripping and emotional and
her determination to hide and protect babies
as well as their mothers from the Germans,
was inspirational.


In present day we meet Kitty who discovers
some hidden secrets in an antique violin case.


Jenny's skilful writing, vividly portrays the
atrocities of the war and characters that readers
will deeply connect to.


While this is a story of heartbreak snd sorrow, it
is also about resilience, bravery and above all
else, hope. I was so invested in this tragically
beautiful story and give it a solid 5%,* If you love
historical fiction this is a must read.


thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

Set between 2nd world war and 2019. Lovely story very emotional. Evelyn become a nurse in Guernsey during the German occupation. She helps children whose fathers were German and would have been taken from their mothers. Kitty comes upon the story when someone brings an old violin into her fathers antique shop in Dublin

Another great historical fiction, inspired by true events.

I haven’t read a lot of stories about Guernsey…to be honest this might be the first. The story is told from two POVs in two different timelines. One is from Evelyn Nightingale in Nazi-occupied Guernsey in 1943 and the other is from Kitty in 2018 in Dublin.

I enjoyed both timelines, but Evelyn's story grabbed me. I love to read about the bravery and humanity in wartime. The scene settings were described vividly and dragged me into the story. There were some ‘fight your tears back Deb’ moments and I could feel the pain and suffering. But before I knew it, I had to hold my breath and flip the pages to see how things would work out. I could tell the author has done a lot of research and it brought the story to life. Great Characters, great world-building, great emotional balance…. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone who loves WWII historical fiction about brave and kind women.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this copy.

This is a new author to me and a heartbreaking and emotional one to start with.

This is a dual timeline story - it did seem disjointed to begin with but it was obvious there would be a connection between the events in 1943 Guernsey and 2018 Dublin.

The link seemed to be a signet ring and a battered violin.
This book was well researched and well written though it was slow at times - and sometimes the changes between timelines seemed in odd places to me.
But all in all it was an eye opening read - there was one place where it brought me to tears - and I hadn’t foresee what was going to happen and had hoped for a different outcome.
It did take a while to fit the adult names to th4 childrens as well - but in the end all became clear - and one tragic part was explained and what a terrible tragedy befell one of the characters.

A thoughtful read - based on fact - the deprivations of the Islanders was difficult to comprehend for those of us too young to have knowledge of the War.

I really enjoyed this book that is based on a true story during WWII on Guernsey during the occupation of Germany.
A midwife will do everything to help the women who are giving birth in the hospital, but some women and their babies are in danger.
Can she help save them?
This story gives an insight of what happens on Guernsey during the war.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this. This review is my own opinion.

5 Stars, How Far Would You Go

THE BOOK OF LOST CHILDREN
by Jenny O'Brien

How far would you go to protect the lives of innocent children? This is a story of lost children who are born from unimaginable circumstances. The works of beloved nurse Evelyn Nightingale, in 1940, told in a dual timeline along with Kitty White, who works in her father's antique shop in 2018.

This can be an emotional story, you feel for these poor women who are having babies, but want something better for their children and are unable to do anything.

Kitty comes across a list of names from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. She is intrigued and begins to investigate.

Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of #TheBookofLostChildren from #JennyOBrien #StormPublishing #NetGalley I wasn't obligated to post a review.

#dualtimelines #historicalfiction #children #basedonatruestory #womensfiction #WWII #WorldWar2 #Guernsey #ChannelIslands #Europe #Dublin #Ireland #inspirational #strongfemaleprotagonist #standalone

In The Book of Lost Children, Jenny O'Brien expertly weaves together two timelines, alternating between the stories of Evelyn Nightingale and Kitty White.

Evelyn’s story takes the reader back to Nazi-occupied Guernsey in 1943, where she serves as a dedicated nurse, working to protect babies who would otherwise fall victim to the Nazis. The decisions Evelyn makes and the courageous actions she takes come with profound consequences that will ripple through generations.

Fast forward to 2018 in Dublin, where Kitty is grieving the loss of her mother while working in her family's antique shop. When a woman walks in with a violin to sell, Kitty discovers a family mystery hidden within its case. Her search for answers leads her to Guernsey, where the past is about to be uncovered in ways that will forever alter her understanding of her family and herself.

O'Brien’s use of dual timelines creates a rich, emotional narrative that intertwines historical events with personal discovery. The author has crafted a poignant story that will linger with readers long after the final page.

Kind thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced reading copy of The Book of Lost Children. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ms O'Brien takes us back in time to an Island between the coasts of England & France (Guernsey) during WWII. I had no idea that Germany had invaded as far as the English Channel... nor the fortitude and resourcefulness of the islanders in an incredibly challenging war. Based on history, this novel tore at my heart many times over during the telling of the story. Moving, inspiring, infuriating, hopeful, The Book of Lost Children brings a little hope and light to a very dark place and point in history.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

This touching and evocative story of the Nazi occupation of Guernsey had me gripped throughout. Former teacher turned nurse Evelyn Nightingale is a wonderful central character. Faced with impossible situations, when we must all ask ourselves what we would do, she is immensely brave and resourceful. Although she’s admirable for her courage, empathy and kindness, she’s still very human. A beautifully crafted character who will remain in my memory long after putting this book down.
The secondary characters and the modern timeline added richness to the story. I found the way the threads were drawn together in the end highly satisfying.
Having visited Guernsey, and some of its WWII sites, I felt the depiction of the island captured the oppressive nature of the occupation beautifully. Every aspect of everyday life was affected by the invader, and this is reflected in the tiny details I always love in historical fiction. The author’s note is fascinating to understand the inspiration and context for this wonderful story of resistance and resilience.
This is a must for any historical fiction fan who wants to know about the lesser known aspects of WWII and its devastating impact on this beautiful part of the British Isles.

If you’re a historical fiction fan you should definitely check this one out. A WWII novel from a perspective I’ve never read before- the story of a nurse in occupied Guernsey and her experiences of love, loss, and humanity. The author does a great job of connecting Evelyn’s wartime story to Kitty’s in present day. Makes you remember that these stories of war time really weren’t that long ago after all. The twist in this novel wasn’t revealed until close to the end and wasn’t easily predictable which I always appreciate!

This was one book I couldn’t put down. Evelyn Nightingale is on Guernsey when it is occupied by the Germans. Through need to survive, she takes up a role at the hospital. Her quick thinking saves Colin, the escaped prisoner and several babies from being scooped up by the Germans. Fast forward to 2018, where the secrets come out, as they were hidden in a violin case, and the background of the saved children comes out. The scenes set in the war are especially poignant, as the threat of German violence and discovery increases, as well as the harsh conditions the locals had to survive. My only quibble is that it is based on real events, but the author hasn’t explained what was historical fact and what was fiction. Other than that, what an awe inspiring read, and how strong and brave people can be. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This dual timeline story travels between the Nazi-occupied Channel Islands in 1944 and Ireland in 2018. Evelyn, a brave young woman recruited to work in a hospital on Guernsey Island, quickly steps into more and more nursing work, including time in the maternity ward, where victims of Nazi cruelty are treated regularly. A young woman in an antique store in 2018 finds evidence of a family mystery in an item dropped off by a mysterious stranger. This story of suffering, hunger, fear, fortitude and strength is well worth reading, as another complicated piece of the puzzle that is resistance to the occupying forces during World War II.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced digital copy of this book.

This is a dual timeline POV of Evelyn who becomes a nurse during WWII on the island of Guernsey. She was fierce and extremely brave. These were difficult times and she showed extreme courage by taking a stand against the German’s in the only way she knew how.

We also meet Kitty, who buys a violin and inside the violin with her father discovers pictures, a notebook, and a ring. Her father immediately shuts down. She then speaks to her aunt. Meanwhile her other aunt has an accident and Kitty flies to Guernsey to be with her.

All the while Kitty is trying to uncover the secrets of the past.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I shed a few tears reading it. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction then this book is for you.

The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O'Brien is a historical novel based on a true story, and partially set in Guernsey during the German occupation in World War 2.

While The Book of Lost Children covers two timelines, most of the book is spent in the World War 2 period following the story of Evelyn Nightingale a former teacher working as a nurse at a local hospital.

There were times when I found this story a bit slow, but it was still interesting to read about the struggles of the local people as they dealt with the oppression of the Nazis during their invasion. The two timelines in the book are tied together near the end, but I almost wish the more recent timeline had been left out.

Given the main timeline, it will be no surprise that there are some very emotional, and hard to read moments in The Book of Lost Children, so I recommend having a tissue handy.

The Book of Lost Children is a good read for anyone interested in historical fiction set in World War 2 if you are interested stories that are slower, with not a lot of action.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received an advance copy of this book from Storm Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story, and I feel it is an important one to share. Although there are tons of historical fiction and history books about WWII, there are not as many about what happened in the Channel Islands during this time period.

I appreciate the author shares a little information at the end of the story about what places and people in the book are real and what and who are works of fiction. It was interesting to think back to the storyline and note the fact from fiction.

I felt like the author did a wonderful job of developing an interesting storyline around the protagonist of Evelyn Nightingale, and I enjoyed how she tied the more present age (2018) to the past timeline through the use of Kitty.

I did struggle keeping the children and their parentage straight. I am not sure if it was the shifting between timelines or the number that made it difficult for me.

I found the writing style to be a little simple and direct and would have preferred a little more complexity in sentence structure and more imagery and literacy devices throughout, but that is just my preference.

Overall, I think this is an interesting and enjoyable read and would definitely recommend it.

This is a moving and captivating book about a hospital on the island of Guernsey during WWII Nazi occupation. The book describes the demanding, exhausting life of nurse Evelyn Nightingale as she cares for pregnant women and others in spite of a lack of proper supplies and food. The modern day timeline of Kitty White thankfully doesn't overshadow the 1943 narrative - the interleaved chapters are few, allowing full immersion into the wartime issues.

The author does a great job describing what it was like living through those terrible years. The main plot involving the infants and their mothers kept my interest. Compared to books like "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society", this book seems much more realistic.

I highly recommend this book.

This book was an eye opener. Based on a true story, set in Guernsey it detailed the bravery of an auxiliary nurse during Nazi occupation. There she was responsible for the saving of several babies lives and placing them in a local convent as a safe haven. The book explains the near starvation conditions experienced by many islanders and then tracks the passage of these babies to modern day Dublin. The nurse demonstrated bravery and self sacrifice and there was an enduring message that love can conquer the greatest evil making this a really fulfilling read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced e-book copy.

Publication Date: April 11, 2025

The Book of Lost Children takes us through dual timelines - During the 1943 Nazi occupation of Guernsey and in present-day 2018.

1943: Nurse Evelyn Nightingale risks everything by hiding three babies from the Germans. Evelyn must be extra careful now that a German commandant is growing increasingly suspicious of her.

Present Day: Kitty White is taking over the family antique shop when a woman sells her an old violin out of desperation. Upon further inspection, Kitty discovers a list of names hidden in its case. This leads her to Guernsey, where she uncovers deep family secrets.

Inspired by true events, Jenny O’ Brien, did an amazing job with her research. This is an emotional read so have your tissues ready. I enjoyed this book, and I loved how the past and present came together perfectly in the end. I highly recommend it!

A very emotional read. The author has clearly done their research about life on Guernsey during the German occupation. It was tense, compelling, and utterly gripping. Based on a true story of an amazing woman who was undoubtedly a hero. Heartwarming to read but with some tears at times.