What a lovely read, Mary with an unhappy childhood with no love but abuse from her mother’s boyfriend, her neighbour Ruth helped her and gave her the love she needed until she left suddenly. Mary went into service and during the war she applied for another job and on her return to London after the interview she met by chance Elizabeth Manning, Elizabeth offered her a chance and then the air raid siren went off. Marys life changed during the that raid, could Mary find it in her to take this chance. Another great read from Lesley Pearse.
My thanks to NetGalley and Publisher Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House | Michael Joseph for chance of the early read

Free courtesy of Netgalley

I used to be a massive Lesley Pearce fan and I bought all her books but for some unfathomable reason, I stopped reading her books. When this book was on offer to review I jumped at the chance to read it and now I am wondering why I ever stopped reading Lesley's books.

The book is set in WW2, and to be fair I love a 2nd world war story, the protagonist is called Mary and she has escaped a dreadful childhood to be a live-in maid in a house with no kindness. She meets a young lady, around her age in a coffee shop, called Elizabeth, who tells her about her plans to move to Ireland, as she has been left a house by her godmother, who she had never met. She asks Mary to go with her the next day and they can explore together but before Mary can make any decisions they get caught in an air raid that will change her life forever.

I really loved this book, Mary is able to escape her life and start again but it is not as easy as she thinks, having nothing to do. It is heartwarming and the characters are loveable (except the ones who are not supposed to be). I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in this era and I must go back and read the Lesley Pearce books I have missed over the years

It's okay everyone, you can continue to rely on Ms Pearse with this new book!

The story is set in London 1943 initially with a young, poor Mary who meets up with another girl , Elizabeth, by chance in a tea shop. During their many chats, Elizabeth reveals she has been left a cottage in Ireland by a godmother who she hasn't seen for many years. They plan a trip to Ireland there is an air raid and Elizabeth is killed!

No more spoilers but suffice it to say there is a case of mistaken identity?

Wonderful characters (as always with the author), lovely settings in Ireland and an unexpected, superb read.

Thanks to Net Galley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the chance to read and review.

I was really intrigued by this one... I'm currently in my historical fiction era and was over the moon to receive an advanced copy of this. Lesley Pearse is such a well known author but I've not read anything by her. She has a very polished writing style which made the book so easy to read and mega bonus points for name checking Dunmore East...a tiny village on the south west coast of Ireland where I've enjoyed family holidays.

I enjoyed the story and was rooting for Mary to find happiness after a rough start in life. There are loads of really strong female characters in this one which I love (especially old ladies 🩷) and some charming (and vile) male characters. It spanned the later years of the second world war and the uncertainty and strain of the war but I'd say it was more character driven than a story about the war per se. I loved Mary and her constant efforts to repay Elizabeth for her second chance at life.

I was asked by NetGalley to review this gripping tale set in 1940s London - Mary during the blitz takes on Elizabeth identity. A tale of rich and poor. You wonder just how many times this could have occurred during despair and confusion.
Just how far do you go to rid yourself of poverty and disappear into someone else life.
There is the morality issues and ethical issues but at the same time what a great story and so recommended.
The author transports the reader to this time well researched and well written

I am late to he table with this author and now seeking out her books.

Will be a great sunbed read as due for publication on the cusp of the summer holidays 3 July 2025.

Another wonderful heartwarming book from Lesley Pearse. I just love Lesley's books and a new one is a real treat. The Girl with the Suitcase was no exception. It tells the story of a young girl who makes a life for herself despite every hardship during WW2. The author tells her stories as though she was sat in the room with you just talking. I think this is what makes them so readable. Definitely one I'm happy to recommend and don't forget the tissues.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

A fabulous book telling the story of Mary/Beth both in Ireland and England. Heart breaking in places and comforting at other times. Very well written about life during World War Two. Highly recommended. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and leave this review willingly.

I liked the look of this historical story, especially the cover, which is a clever design and it drew me in. Set during the second world war Mary meets Elizabeth in a Lyons Corner House and by chance they become friends. This leads Mary to Ireland and then back to England when she tires of the rain and the lack of activity there.
Mary appears to fall on her feet, often, meeting kindly older ladies who want to mother her, and men who rush to be her hero. Those that are not immediately smitten by her fall into a different camp of being nasty, violent or abusive. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground in this book.
I enjoyed the historical background to the story, the bombings, rationing, and hardships people faced and I found the initial chapters of the meeting with Elizabeth and the bomb shelter really drew me in. But over all it was rather saccharine with just too much falling neatly into place for Mary, extending my credulity too far.
However, I'm sure some people will love it, and it certainly has a feel good factor to it and is easy reading.
With thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an arc copy in return for an honest review.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page , the characters where likeable and easy to follow , beautifully written and f you like a little bit of romance mixed with a small amount of drama and suspense you should read this book , thank you so much to net galley and the author for sharing this book I loved it 😊

I’ve read everything written by Lesley and this was one was as good as the rest.
Set in the Second World War Mary befriends Elizabeth in a cafe. When they become friends an air raid take them into a tube station for shelter. Fate takes a turn and changes Mary’s life when she takes on a new identity as Beth.
An amazing story where Beth learns how love can come from strangers when she least expects it.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this fantastic book.

A very tender novel of a young woman from the East End of London, evoking memories of a loveless and abused childhood. Sensitive and emotional, it tells the story of a chance encounter that totally changed Mary into a confident, middle class lady when takes on her new friend’s identity. Not without compassion, caring and love of the people she meets in her new life, Mary finds fulfilment and stability.

Set during the latter half of WW2, there are trials and tribulations to be faced before ultimately finding happiness and contentment.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC for review.

Oh get the kleenex out! My heart went out to Mary/Beth as her story unravelled. What a strong, brave young girl she was, who transformed into a confident, beautiful woman facing such hurdles and finally finding peace.

Her friends Ruth and Rose helped that transformation after her sad deprived childhood.

When Beth moved to Ireland to her cottage she found a tranquil peace in that beautiful place.but Beth needed more to fulfil her intelligent needs and once again took the plunge and moved.

Lesley Pearse is a wonderful writer and I appreciated the research during her stay in Ireland.

Thank you netgalley for this Arc. I appreciate it.

The Girl with the Suitcase- Lesley Pearse.

I was so thrilled to be approved for this book because I have always admired Lesley Pearse's works and I am a big fan of historical fiction. Especially those set during World War 2. This was a beautiful read from start to finish.

Mary, a domestic worker in London, has a chance meeting with Elizabeth, a well heeled, beautiful and kind lady who could not be more different to her. Mary works as a maid and Elizabeth is on her way to Ireland to embark on her new life in a cottage she has inherited from a family friend.  An air raid siren sounds and both women's lives are changed forever.

This is a beautiful book about the reality of life during war time in London and Ireland. It's a book about love and friendship and the enduring spirit of humanity. I absolutely loved every minute of it. A truly wonderful read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this book, set during the blitz in London. A chance meeting of 2 similar looking young ladies from very different backgrounds ends in tragedy for 1 and a new opportunity for the other. The opportunity led to a safe haven in rural Ireland; such a stark contrast to the rations and rubble of London (this part was my favourite) and then on to a new life in Bristol where she felt she finally belonged and could breath and feel safe. She finds her courage, strength, love and loss and love again. Ive purposely kept this vague as I don’t want to spoil the story, but I do recommend you read this book which will send you on an emotional rollercoaster and have you silently air punching at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley Uk, penguin and the author Lesley Pearse for this ARC in return for an honest review

This latest book by Lesley Pearce is more simple than some of her previous novels but still a very enjoyable read .
It's based on Mary and an opportunity that comes from a mistake for her to escape from her unhappy life and reset .

*The Girl with the Suitcase* is a captivating story of transformation set against the backdrop of wartime London. At its heart is Mary, a young woman who steps into a new identity after a twist of fate opens an unexpected door. Lesley Pearse brings the 1940s vividly to life, blending the tension of uncertain times with the promise of new beginnings.

Though the narrative unfolds more simply than some of Pearse’s earlier, more intricate works like *Rosie* or *Faith*, it shines in its emotional resonance and memorable characters. The tone is gentler, the pace steady, but the themes of courage, resilience, and reinvention remain central.

A tender, uplifting novel that speaks to the strength of the human spirit, it’s a warm and engaging addition to Pearse’s beloved collection.

Whilst this book was enjoyable in parts and there were many characters to like and dislike. I didn’t warm to Mary/Beth from the start and I found it very slow. There was no plot to grab onto and keep wanting to turn the pages, it was lacklustre and a bit cliche as time went on.
I am an avid reader of all Lesley Pearse books and whilst most are very enjoyable, this one unfortunately was not.
As a result I only skimmed over the second half. Sadly it wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Set in WWII, Mary meets Elizabeth at a Lyons Cornerhouse in London, they share a pot of tea and soon become firm friends. Elizabeth is due to move to Ireland to a house left to her by her godmother, and encourages Mary to go with her. They hear an air raid siren and run to the nearest shelter, underground. Following an explosion Mary is admitted to hospital with minor injuries and is mistaken for Elizabeth. Escaping her past which has been pretty horrific since her dad died in the Great War, Mary grabs the opportunity with both hands and takes on Elizabeth’s identity.
The ‘new’ Elizabeth decides to honour her friend and becomes independent, positive and determined to transform herself, taking on any challenge that she comes across in her new life. She moves to Ireland and back again, finally resting in Bristol. During this time, she encounters love, tragedy and loss which all seem to strengthen her character.
This is a beautifully written book which shows very respectful yet insightful detail into the war and the effects it had on those left at home. It is an incredibly descriptive and compelling drama which is heart-wrenching and emotional and I absolutely loved reading it. Lesley Pearse is one of my go-to authors who never fails to deliver a cracking read.

I loved this book. Yes the characters are very black and white, and the writing style isn't particularly challenging, but the story is great, and I couldn't put the book down. An excellent comfort read.

The story starts with an interesting premise for Mary, the opportunity to reinvert herself and leave war-torn England for Ireland. A good insight in to how difficult it is to live someone else’s life but how the longer it goes on the easier it becomes.