Lesley Pearse is a beloved storyteller in my family, and The Girl with the Suitcase only deepens my appreciation for her craft. After many recommendations from my grandad-one of Lesley Pearse’s biggest fans-I was thrilled and honoured to receive an advance copy of this novel for review. It did not disappoint.

Set in London during the Blitz, Pearse cleverly weaves historical details into the personal stories of her characters. The atmosphere of wartime London is both fascinating and immersive, offering a vivid glimpse into the resilience and struggles of people during these turbulent times.

At the heart of the novel are Mary and Beth, two women whose lives are marked by both tragedy and hope. Mary’s childhood is heartbreakingly difficult, and her journey is not an easy one to read. Pearse handles themes of sexual and physical abuse, as well as drug and alcohol addiction, with sensitivity and honesty. (Trigger warnings are certainly warranted for these topics.) Despite the darkness, Mary’s story is compelling, and her strength in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

Beth’s narrative, while uplifting in some ways, is also tinged with its own tragedies. Her resilience and determination shine through, making her a character to root for. Pearse’s ability to draw out the emotional depth of both women’s intricately connected experiences kept me completely engaged from start to finish.

I loved how Lesley Pearse’s writing creates flawed yet courageous and deeply real characters. Though the pacing is brisk-leaving me wanting more-I could easily have read another 200 pages. The plot is full of twists, and the historical setting is vivid and authentic.

I will absolutely be recommending The Girl with the Suitcase to my grandad, and I look forward to buying a finished copy for him when it’s published. It’s a moving, engaging, and ultimately hopeful story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin, Random House AND Lesley Pearse for providing this book and the opportunity to review it.

Brilliant scene setting and realistic depiction of relationships through the hardships of life. The opportunity to see life from another perspective meant you wanted the protagonist to succeed. Having read previous novels by this author a found it change of perspective which brought a thoroughly enjoyable read. For someone who loves reading this was a perfect book to read as it was a page turner.

A lovely, cosy read, another winner from Lesley Pearse.

I enjoyed this, and it engaged me right from the start.

Mary meets Elizabeth, and they get chatting over a cuppa. They make plans....... but wartime Britain has other ideas.

This was magical story-telling from Lesley Pearse. An entertaining, quick, easy read. With intrigue, romance, and high emotions. Both sad and sweet.

For me, it didn't equal the memorable and brilliant book I first read from Lesley Pearse-Rosie, hence I have awarded it 4 stars. Still a good, solid story.

This is the first Lesley Pearse book I have read and will definitely be reading more.
This book is set during the war and follows the life of Beth. It has twist, turns, sadness and happiness that keeps you hooked and wanting to read more.

Not my usual type of read. I normally go for thrillers or crime stories.
Thought I’d give this one a try but it’s not really my thing. Good, well drawn characters. Interesting story. However, the writing style is quite naive and a little more gentle than I’m used to!

Lesley Pearse never disappoints!
Set during WW2, Mary and Elizabeth meet by chance and both their lives are changed forever during a bomb raid.
A good plot and wonderful characters that had me hooked from the start.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in return for an honest review.

An entertaining, easy to read romance. I liked the characters and it gave me a good insight into life during the blitz with the constant threat of bombs and the hardship of rationing etc. I would recommend this book

Thank you for letting me read and review this book prior to publication.

It tells the story of a poor and appallingly treated young girl called Mary during wartime who meets up with another girl of a similar age in a crowded tea shop. They chatted and the second girl reveals she has been left a cottage in Ireland by a godmother who she hasn't seen since her christening. They have little in common apart from appearance but Elizabeth invites Mary to join her on an adventure to stay in the cottage. Unfortunately, there is an air raid and Elizabeth is killed outright.

Mary wakes up in hospital where there is mistaken identity and Mary takes on Elizabeth's identity. What happens next is both interesting and informative. An excellent read from a favourite author.

Wow! This novel is set in WW2 as with earlier novels by Lesley Pearse. There is a difference though as it is set in Eire which gives a very different look to those set in England. It had me captivated from the start and its upbeat ending, for me, is the icing on the cake. Without giving away the conclusion, I recommend this most highly.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random Hiuse for an ARC

I’ve read all of Lesley’s novels and I enjoy each and every one. This is a lovely tale of a young woman in wartime Britain and was a cosy, easy read. It is very similar to the rest of Lesley’s stories, her heroines are all cookie cutter beautiful women who fall on hard times. Not the best in recent years, I preferred The Woman in the Wood and Dead To Me. I will always continue to read new books by this author.

Historical novel London 1941 WW2
Mary Price Hampstead maid meets the glamorous Elizabeth Manning in the corner house after chatting about themselves Elizabeth invites Mary to travel with her to Ireland.
Then the sirens go and they run to the shelter.
When Mary wakes up the nurse assumes she is Elizabeth, this will change her life forever, taken on someone else's identity and escape the hardship and go to Ireland and settle in the cottage Elizabeth has been left by her godmother.
Can she do it?
Very emotional heartwrenching story as we learn of now named Beth's old life of abuse and rape to what she is now abled to achieve.
Full of love compassion sorrow and loss through the war years.
I just couldn't put this story aside.
The author has done such a superb job bringing the characters to life and this is the result.
Absolutely beautiful.
I loved it.

This novel takes a classic identity-swap premise and gives it emotional depth and wartime urgency. When shy, overlooked Mary meets the confident and wealthy Elizabeth, their contrasting lives set the stage for a dramatic twist. A bombing raid changes everything, and through a believable chain of confusion and desperation, Mary is mistaken for Elizabeth. What follows is a gripping story of reinvention, deception, and the weight of choices made under pressure.

The heart of the book lies in Mary’s transformation. As she steps into Elizabeth’s privileged shoes, the reader is asked to consider: how far would you go to escape a life of poverty and invisibility? The moral ambiguity is well handled Mary’s motivations are understandable, even when her actions cross ethical lines.

It’s such a good story as always from Lesley Pearse

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random Hiuse for an ARC

I was very excited to see that this book was available on Netgalley as Lesley Pearce is one of my favorite authors. I will read her books without reading the synopsis. As with all of her books, this didn't disappoint. Maybe not quite as gritty overall as some of her books but a great story. I think, given the circumstances, there are many people who would've done what Mary did. Highly recommend.

This is a really well written novel, set in the Second World War. A fascinating plot, great characters and the settings well described. I read this in a couple of days as I just couldn’t put it down!

Everything I’ve come to expect from Lesley Pearse, loveable characters on a rollercoaster of emotions. While her earlier novels remain my absolute favourites, this is a worthy addition to my collection. Set during my favourite time setting - WWII, it follows Mary Price as an unexpected meeting with a new friend leads to a whole new life. Enjoyable and just a warm hug of a book!

An effortless reading experience set during the Second World War. This writer is so skilful at immersing the reader into the lives of her characters, so much so, that we eagerly turn the pages and care what happens to them. Many readers will adore this poignant story. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.

The Girl with the Suitcase is yet another captivating tale from the queen of emotional storytelling, Lesley Pearse. Set against the evocative backdrop of wartime London, this novel follows the journey of a brave and determined young woman navigating heartbreak, danger, and the search for identity. With her signature blend of resilience and tenderness, Pearse introduces a protagonist you’ll root for from the very first page.

The historical detail is beautifully woven into the narrative, immersing the reader in a time of upheaval, fear, and hope. Pearse masterfully captures the strength of women during adversity, and the suitcase itself becomes a poignant symbol of both loss and possibility. The pacing is strong, the emotional beats are compelling, and the plot keeps you turning pages. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Pearse's work, this is a story that stays with you long after the final chapter.

When Beth and Mary meet in a tearoom they become firm friends and plan to move into an inherited cottage in Ireland. However, a bomb blast changes the future dramatically..
This was a lovely book with good old fashioned ro.ance and very easy to read. Thoroughly enjoyedit

This is a beautifully naive novel. I say naive, in the nicest sense. The style of writing is absolutely right for the era in which it is set. I finished reading it on VE Day, so it couldn’t have been more appropriate. It vividly depicts the difficult times of the Second World War, and the remarkable courage and resilience of those who lived through it. Mary has had a terrible, traumatic childhood, and her adult life isn’t much better. Elizabeth’s experiences have been considerably better. When the two meet in a Lyon’s Tea Room, they have no idea how their lives are about to change. Beth has to learn to live with new found fortune and her overwhelming sense of guilt. Yet the kindness of good people does help her to abandon her past and fight for her future. A warm, uplifting read.

This is my first book by this author and let me tell you it won’t be my last! I was completely blown away it was sheer brilliance. I didn’t want to put the book down but life kept getting in the way it was pure awesomeness!

I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop turning pages long into the night. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me holding on… truly wonderful. Once you pick this book up, you won’t want to put it down!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!