Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC! It was a solid 3.5 for me. It was interesting and was an ok read.

This book is told with two POV, each a female main character, over two timelines, present day, 2018 and the early 1940's.

Kitty, is working in her family's antique shop in Dublin. Its here that she accepts an old and pooly conditioned violin from a desperate customer. Opening it later Kitty's comes across photographs and a signet ring amongst the lining of the case. From here Kitty's family history comes into question. Leading to the unearthing of heartbreaking secrets long buried.

Evelyn is a teacher on on the Island of Guernsey who turns down her place on a boat and the chance t0 escape the German Occupation. After helping out with the ambulance team, Evelyn then takes up work in the local hospital, where she discovers her true calling. With an eagerness to learn and do all she can to help those around her, Evelyn fights back, trying hard to protect those who need it,

This was such a emotional story, with such a sad, horrible insight into what it was like to live under the German Occupation on the small island on Guernsey. Central to the tale is the local hospital, where Evelyn crosses paths with many patients both islanders and Germans. The reader is drawn in with the stories of several characters and the agonising choices they must face in the hope for a better life for those in need. Sadly not every character can have a happy ending, as was the way during those difficult times.
The link between the Evelyns 1940s and Kitty's family in he present day, is one of hope and making peace with the past. Kitty tries to track down possible family leads. Can family bonds be remade that were previously broken? 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 captivating story is based on a real-life nurse who shielded babies from Nazis on the German-occupied island of Guernsey. Nurse Evelyn Nightingale risks everything when she switches babies, hides babies, takes them to the convent where her aunt resides, and ultimately, enables their escape from the island.

This is a beautiful, though sometimes harrowing, story of one woman's determination to protect the most vulnerable lives under her care. The descriptions of the countryside, hospital, living quarters, and people are well-crafted and authentic. Initially, it was a bit unclear what the relationship was between the present-day characters and the historical ones, and I didn't grasp who was who until nearly the end of the book. For that reason, I went with four stars instead of five.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Based on true events The Book of Lost Children is a powerful, fascinating, unimagable, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story. Set in Guernsey during the occupation, the reader is taking on a journey of survival, resilience and hope. This is my first novel by Jenny O’Brien and I will be looking for other books by this author. A highly recommended historical fiction of a woman’s bravery and courage. 4 1/2 stars
I would like to thank the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheBookofLostChildren #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I struggled a bit with this book. It was a bit hard to follow and it was a struggle to keep my attention. I decided to DNF at 50%.

This book quickly pulled me in with its captivating storytelling and compelling protagonist, Evelyn. From the very beginning, I was completely immersed in her journey, feeling every moment of her pain, fear, determination, and resilience. The author has a remarkable ability to evoke emotion, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside Evelyn, experiencing the highs and lows of her life.

The novel employs a dual timeline structure, and while I found the historical storyline deeply engaging, I didn’t connect as strongly with the modern-day narrative. This may be because the majority of the book focuses on the past, making it easier to become invested in Evelyn’s story. Additionally, I felt the ending was somewhat rushed—I would have loved more detail about Evelyn towards the end of the story.

Despite these minor critiques, this is an outstanding read that I would highly recommend. It’s a gripping historical novel that keeps you absorbed from start to finish, offering an emotional and immersive experience that lingers long after the final page.

A powerful tale of courage and resilience, *The Book of Lost Children* intertwines a wartime secret with a modern-day mystery. In 1943, nurse Evelyn Nightingale risks everything to hide babies from the Nazis in occupied Guernsey. Decades later, in Dublin, Kitty White’s discovery of a hidden list inside an old violin leads her on a journey to uncover a shocking family truth.

Inspired by true events, this novel masterfully blends historical fiction with a gripping mystery. Evelyn’s bravery and Kitty’s search for answers create an emotional, page-turning read.

This powerful and interesting book really grabbed my attention immediately. I loved the setting in the Channel Islands. The story really flowed . My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Book of Lost Children by Jennie O Brien

Wow a brilliant historical fiction in this time period .
The Book of Lost Children is based on the invasion of the Nazis on the Channel Islands and whilst this is fiction it still had fact within it.
A dual timeline read but married together brilliantly.
I really enjoyed reading the characters Evelyn's & Kitty's and their stories . And loved that we got to read Evelyns and all that happened around her more than the more recent times.

The Book Of Lost Children
By: Jenny O' Brien

5 Stars

With the loss of her mother, Kitty is left to care for her father and the family antique shop. One day, a mysterious violin brought in brings about many questions when her father reacted strangely to it. Soon, the truth, her family truth, becomes real as she begins to learn about why. She learns a story that transports her back to the war. It is a story that will change some forever.

Wow. This was a great story of bravery and dedication. Evelyn was a brave soul who, despite all, looked out for the few who could not look out for themselves. She gave these children futures and a chance at a decent life. This was similar to the many children smuggling stories you hear from the era but different since it involves infants. I love these types of books. This book, being inspired by a true story, is simply beautiful. This story was well done, both well written and researched. It kept me engaged and was an emotional ride full of drama, danger, and above all, bravery.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

This is a WWII story, unlike any that I’ve ever read before. Uniquely written from the perspective of two women, Evelyn during the German occupation of Guernsey in WWII and Kitty, 2018. We start the story not knowing how these two women are connected but as you continue reading, there are little bites that tie them together. The full connection isn’t revealed until the last chapters, which I appreciated.
This story is inspired by true history and is one that will make you think more about all that happened during the war and what happened to the people who lived through it. While this may be the authors first Historical Fiction book, I expect it will not be her last. You will not regret reading this book. Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

The Book of Lost Children is nothing short of extraordinary. Evelyn’s courage as a wartime nurse in Nazi-occupied Guernsey was incredibly moving—her determination to protect those babies, no matter the cost, was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The way the story unfolds, connecting her actions during the war with Kitty’s quest for answers decades later, was simply brilliant. I was captivated by how the past and present intertwined, and the hidden truth that Kitty uncovers felt like a powerful revelation. This book not only sheds light on a remarkable piece of history but also explores the lasting impact of sacrifice, family, and love. It’s a deeply emotional journey that I won’t forget. Five stars without a doubt.

This book was a great read . There was sad bits and funny bits was a nice book to read . Will be reading more by Jenny O'Brien for sure .

So much gripping history seen through the eyes of a. Nurse. Have the tissuea ready , you Will cry. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc , my opinion is my own

I am such a sucker for historical fiction in this time period. The Book of Lost Children is based on fact, but fiction, which is also a love of mine. This dual timeline read was beautifully tied together. So much emotion. The author went into great depths on Evelyn's story, I do wish she spent a little more time on Kitty's as well. I found myself wanting more of Kitty and the modern storyline.

Excellent historical fiction novel set in world War 2. Captivating from start to finish. Based on true events through the eyes of a nurse, a gripping and powerful read.

I recently finished reading The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien, and it left a lasting impression on me. This historical fiction novel, set during the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II, tells the story of Evelyn Nightingale, a nurse hiding a dangerous secret.
What captivated me was how vividly O’Brien portrayed life during that era. The historical details were so well-integrated that it felt like I was experiencing it firsthand. The use of dual timelines added complexity to the narrative, gradually revealing Evelyn’s secrets and the mysteries surrounding her.
What’s truly remarkable is that this story is based on real events. The fact that such courageous and heartbreaking tales actually happened during World War II is both astonishing and humbling. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of those who lived through such times.
The book was engrossing throughout, with moments that kept me completely absorbed. While some parts were slower, they were essential for building the tension and emotional impact that followed.
Overall, The Book of Lost Children is a compelling and emotional read. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact historical fiction can have on us. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in World War II history or those who enjoy a strong narrative with deep historical roots.

Jenny O’Brien’s “The Book of Lost Children” is a must-read! It’s based on a true story and tells the tale of two perspectives and timelines, from Guernsey during WWII to Dublin in 2018/19. The horrors people faced during the war with Hitler are almost unbearable to imagine. But this story follows one woman’s brave efforts to make amends for those injustices. Her research is evident on every page, making this a truly impressive read.

A historical fiction tale, The Book of Lost Children (2025) by Jenny O'Brien is set during The Second World War. Not widely known, but historically true, German soldiers occupied the Island of Guernsey. Unable to leave the island, nurse Evelyn Nightingale works long hours, amidst difficult conditions at the local hospital. In 1943, Evelyn places herself in grave danger when she decides to act to protect new mothers and hides their babies. Then a French woman arrives to give birth and once again, Evelyn takes a great risk that will have repercussions down the generations. In 2018 Dublin, the sale of an old violin leads Kitty White to discover a list that reveals old secrets and causes tumult in her own family. A heartfelt tale inspired by true events makes for a three and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given. With thanks to Storm Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

A WWII historical fiction that explores a nurse"s life on the island of Guernsey during the German occupation. Among her nursing tasks is the taking care of mothers in labor and their safe deliveries. Three babies born of mothers with different histories that include not being able to keep their newborns are saved by the heroics of this nurse. Years later, we meet the descendants of these babies and their connection to a violin and it case left at an Antique store in Dublin. A tragic story that shows the bravery of people on the Guernsey Island during this most difficult time. Highly recommended