1939 England was on edge. The bombing of London hadn’t started but evacuation of children was being promoted and getting them to safety was important. On such a train five children found themselves left behind in a church hall after the initial selection was made. Three were colored and two were a brother and sister and Olive was determined not to be separated from Peter, who was a vicious, destructive little boy with a very foul mouth.

Olive was a soft hearted woman. She herself had suffered abandonment by her family and it was by their choice. She takes in all five children knowing she is in for a stormy ride. Her home always under the condescending patronizing sister Charlotte is going to be hard. Charlotte has a very low degree of tolerance for misbehavior or anything that disrupts her life.

Into this scenario we have teachers and villagers with attitude who do not take kindly to the evacuees, especially the colored children, taunting them and making life difficult. The saving grace is a teacher who accompanied the children, but again he is looked at with suspicion. Half American half Irish does not help in a very insular English village.

The story of day to day struggles of the children, the adults that surround them, the heartache of being separated from their families and the lack of communication is very emotional. Everyone is quite stoic bearing it up as best as they can. But of course, things do come to a head for everyone of them, and they also get resolved.

A warm, emotional read detailing history as it happened in a quiet English village, during a very bleak period.

At the onset of WWII, two teachers and their classes are evacuated to Wales, from London. Dodie, a local resident, is sent by her much older sister to bring two children home with her and instead, returns with 5. The novel explores what it was like to be evacuated, exploring the tensions between the locals and the evacuees, racial tension and the trauma experienced by the children themselves whilst establishing relationships between the characters.
This reminded me of a version of 'Carrie's War' for adults - it was a great read about one of my favourite periods of history.

This tale of WWII was a different take compared to a lot of the ones I’ve read. This story is about a woman named Dotie, who takes in a group of children who have been evacuated from London. The children struggle to fit in with the country children, and are bullied and harassed by them. Not only that, but the local parents don’t want the education of their children to be impacted by these displaced city kids. Dotie finds herself fighting for the basic rights for her young tenants, and growing feelings along the way.
I enjoyed this side of the war story, and found myself surprised that I hadn’t thought more on these types of difficulties people faced.

England is on the brink of WW2, In the heart of the East End of London, parents are sending off their children to not only unknown destinations but to people.
The main focus are five children: one set of siblings live in fear of domestic violence and the others are mixed race.
The children find themselves in Wales, although in a big house, they feel lost.
Host Dodie has issues from her childhood that she has to fight and avoids conflict.
Life in rural Wales is hard for the children as they are always fighting to losing battle. Be it through racism, neglect or confusion, every character in this book is fighting their own battle.

What We Left Behind is the first book I have read written by Luisa A. Jones. Focusing on the countryside of England during WWII it is exciting yet disturbing at times. The children who come to live with Dodie have problems of their own besides the war that took them from London. I appreciated how Dodie worked to make her home a safe haven for them. However, it is also a time of suspicion, doubts and prejudice among the community there.
The realistic fiction story tells both bad and good during that difficult time, no sugar-coating life in this story. Still, it is an uplifting story of quiet bravery and determination to make a positive difference for others.
4.5 Stars

Oh my goodness, what a poignant read, particularly since my late mother had been evacuated during the same period. Beautifully written. What families went through is quite hard to imagine. A truly beautiful read.

When I first saw the title and fabulous cover of ‘What We Left Behind’, I knew I was in for a treat. I was not disappointed. I loved every minute of this poignant and heartwarming story and couldn’t put it down. Although it may be read as a stand-alone novel, it was good to be back with some of the characters of the author’s previous two books again. Through a beautifully told story of evacuees leaving London for the safety of a Welsh village when Britain is on the brink of war with Germany, the author offers the reader much more. Reflecting meticulous research, she explores several themes of class, racism and prejudice, bullying, domestic abuse and self-esteem as well as the events of the time. The characters are very real and have stayed with me long after I finished reading. I loved the fact that some of the book is written from a child’s point of view, that of eight-year-old, Olive, who comes from a dysfunctional East End family, so that we see the effects of evacuation from a child’s as well as adults’ perspectives. I enjoyed the developing, unlikely relationship between Dodie and American teacher, Patrick Winter, who share a real concern for the evacuees in their care in the face of difficult times. I highly recommend this excellent novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC.

(Better to read on Goodreads - formatted for website) The link it posted below.

*Thank you to NetGally and Storm Publishing Group for granting me free access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*

“It was strange to be packing when no one knew where they were going.”


What We Left Behind by Luisa A. Jones
3/5 Stars - Good
Read May 2025 - ARC

What We Left Behind is a touching, moving novel about the importance of family…and the things we sacrifice while trying to keep our loved ones safe.

Positive messages: 3/5
Things seen on the outside aren’t always true; you must look deeper into the heart and unravel the mysteries of it and the events and emotions that bind it together. Family is not always a bloodline, but people who care for you. Honesty and love are two integral traits displayed by various characters.

Positive role models: 3.5/5
Olive, at eight, understands more than many adults and takes responsibility over her siblings. She’s quiet and introverted, but dealing with pain when you stop and take a closer look.
Peter, seven years old (Olive’s younger brother), is naughty and always getting into trouble. However, readers may connect with his spunk and love of life. He is also hurting and trying to navigate rejection, loneliness, and life changes.
Dodie agrees to take on five evacuees (Olive, Peter, Barbara, Shirley, and Michael) with her Charlotte (see below). She is determined, loving, patient, and altogether a well-rounded human being with a heart of gold.
Venetia is a friend to Dodie and offers helpful words of encouragement as she deals with the evacuees. Charlotte also mentions later that she was one of the people that got her through the tough seasons.
Charlotte, Dodie’s guardian, cared for her when no one else would. Although she may seem stuck-up and harsh at first look, there are some things under the surface…brought to light later in the novel.
Barbara, Shirley, and Michael are siblings and colored. They stick together and help each other get over the harsh words spoken to them by other siblings. Michael is understanding and mature beyond his years. I connected with his character from the start.
Mr. Winters (Patrick) cares for the children deeply and will do anything to ensure their safety and security. He’s a well-rounded, encouraging, and loving man.

Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 0/5
Little smoking.

Language: 1/5
‘Bastard,’ ‘bloody,’ ‘hell,’ ‘a—,’ and ‘damn’ are used infrequently. Some slurs present.

Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 1.5/5
A boy is bitten by a snake. Implications of an abusive father figure. Children get bitten by fleas and lice, as well as slapped for discipline. (view spoiler)

Sex, Romance, and Nudity: /5
Some passionate kissing and inferences to ‘wanting more’ (no direct inferences to sex).
What You Should Know:
This book was okay. At first, I thought it was boring. Later on, it got more interesting. Then, out of nowhere, it just stopped. I mean, the ending made sense, but it felt too soon. There were some plot holes along the way, as well, and some things that didn’t make much sense to me. Was it historically accurate? I’m not quite sure, as there wasn’t much “historical” about it except for the setting.
In general, there wasn’t much plot. But…the characters were good.
The book is appropriate (some passionate kissing, mild language, mild violence - look above) but may be confusing for younger readers, which is why I recommend it to teens.
I’d say read it if it sounds interesting and you have lots of time to spare…otherwise I’d say this one isn’t a must-read. In the description it says “Perfect for fans of When We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate” but I loved that novel a LOT more than this one. If you’re looking for something along the lines of this book topic but better written, I’d give that one a shot first.
Thanks again to NetGally and Storm Publishing for this advanced copy. I am grateful for the opportunity! Opinions are all my own.
Happy reading!

Age Range Recommendation: 13+ A Historical Fiction
TRIGGER WARNINGS/ADULT CONTENT: ABUSIVE FATHER FIGURE, WAR, RACISM

“There’s no one I’d rather have as the hero in my love story.”

I didn't know what to expect from this WWII historical novel, but I was pleasantly surprised by the characters, the plot and the author's quality writing. All the dialogue ringed true as did the situations.

Compared to other stories about children evacuated from London which I have read, this one seemed more realistic. The setting in Wales was interesting. I appreciated both the children's storyline as well as the adult's. I really felt I got to know them and share in their concerns and troubles.

I can recommend this heartfelt book to anyone interested in what evacuated children and their hosts went through during that historical period.

4.5 stars
For a historical fiction lover like me, this book about WW2 evacuees was like chocolate candy! I fell in love with all the characters so much, and the plot was so suspenseful, that it was really difficult to stop reading (housework, phooey!)
This was a very enjoyable, “readable” novel. The author’s notes at the end were very interesting, also. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Thank you Luisa Jones for bringing this story to life. As a child I grew up hearing testimonies of people, in their twilight years who had been evacuees and also those who had been host families. I remember hearing of the struggles to settle in to new ways of living and the stories of how ashamed they were of not being hospitable to the incomers. As you get to know the children, my heart went out to them, and we have modern equivalents in the families who have settled here from the Caribbean, from the Far East, from Iraq and Turkey and from the Ukraine. It makes me wonder whether or not we have got any better at being hospitable? As we moved through the events of this story, as the events played out, my heart went out to all the people in this story (and the people around the world today who have lived through these events). Luisa made it all seem real. (I had never thought about driving in the city in the Blitz and that was most interesting). Thank you to netgalley and to Storm publishing for the Arc and for the days and nights of thinking through and processing the implications of this story. I have loved every minute of it.

What We Left Behind
By: Luisa A. Jones

4 Stars

I've read so many books about the war. Some real. Some fictions. Always from an adult viewpoint. This book is through the eyes of a child. Or children. It has an innocence about it. Despite that innocence, it was real and raw and told a sadder story. Olive, her brother Peter, and several other children are shipped away from home when England joins the war. Fear for their safety amongst possible bomb threats has them shipped far away in the care of caring teachers. War is different when so far away, but war is not always guns and bombs. It can be harsh words and loneliness.

This was such a heartwrenching and heartwarming story. War is always a sad affair, but when dealing with children, it just seems a little harsher. This story was not only about war. It was about forgiveness and growth. It was about making the best of a bad situation. The teachers play just as much of a role in this story. Providing comfort and love. To the children as well as each other.

I really enjoyed this book. It was moving and real. It was innocence and darkness all in one. It shows that light is always at the end of a dark night.


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

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

An endearing and authentic insight into a Welsh community hosting evacuees at the onset of the Second World War.

What We Left Behind feels so thorough in its content and captured all aspects - the confused evacuated children; the poverty and abusive home left behind in London; a quiet rural village with uninvited guests thrust upon them and the physical and emotional challenges this brings; plus elements of racism and bullying. This novel really portrays the impact and the strain that evacuation had on everyone concerned. I really sensed how every character was ‘doing their best’ in uncertain circumstances.

The characters are a highlight of this novel and bring a touch of everything including Dodie the heroine; Mr Winter the hero; Miss Honeycutt the heartless, callous Headteacher; and Olive and Peter’s father the violent villain. But I must admit to a bit of favouritism towards Ivor and Dolly - such a unique and joyful couple with a no-nonsense approach, yet so very caring and eager to teach the children valuable life skills. I felt there were beams of humour and charm that just radiated from Ivor and Dolly - and I’d love to spend a day in their company!

What We Left Behind is well-researched; informative; thought-provoking; and beautifully crafted. I was absorbed in the story and would love to be reunited with these characters in a later instalment.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for an advance digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book takes place during WW2 and focuses on children who were evacuated from East End London (away from their families) and taken to Wales, for their safety.

There are many themes touched on in the book. Racism, poverty, bullying, domestic violence. Often, some of these themes go hand in hand.

Everything was not sunshine for the children in their new environment. The reader witnessed the hardships of the children, missing their homes and parents, acting out from fear and loneliness. I think this was well portrayed.

And, we also see how the town reacts to them. They were not exactly welcomed with open arms in the beginning. The local teachers were actually quite miserable and uncooperative.

There are two main adult characters. One is Dodie, a host of the children. Peter is one of the teachers who accompanied the children from London. Each one has its own sad backstory as they are drawn to each other. That creates its own little drama, apart from the children.

Part of the story was slow, a lot of narration as opposed to action. The characters of Peter and Dodie were slow to develop. I was anxious for everything and everybody to move on, and it/they did, eventually.

There are quite a few books about the evacuation of children. The prime motive was to keep them safe. But the toll it took on families and the children was palpable. It was a double-edged sword. I know that some children were even sent to Canada, never to return “home”. While this book was not the best one on this subject that I have read, it was interesting and informative.

I love it when I can learn something from a book. I learned a new phrase: “nineteen to a dozen”. Meaning: to speak rapidly and without stopping. (Source: www.merriam-webster.com) I’m surprised that, with the number of books I have read set in Britain, I have not run across this. Stored in my brain for future use!

In conclusion, it was a good read. I felt empathy for the children. I felt disgust for the school bullies. And, I felt frustrated with the relationship between Dodie and Peter.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

What a wonderful read! I was hooked from the off, likeable characters (mostly, always need a baddy).
When the Hicks (Olive & Peter) and the Clarke (Michael, Barbara & Shirley) children are evacuated to the country they not only have to adjust to different surroundings, school, people they have to put up with children who are not very accepting of them.
The light in their day is that they have a lovely billet with the loveliest of people, favourite being uncle Ivor who keeps them entertained with his use of the Welsh language. Then there is auntie Dodie whose sister’s idea it was to take in a child.
Dodie is the local librarian and is no stranger to heartbreak having been orphaned from a young age, the sent off to boarding school which she has never quite forgiven her sister Charlotte for.

I loved that the children were so entertaining, even Peter. There were definitely parallels between children & adults, especially Dodie & Olive. My favourite chapter was Olive, least favourite was Lionel for damage caused.
My first by this author and will definitely watch out for more. Recommend.

A touching story of children during WW2 who were displaced and then cared for by others.
Well researched and compelling characters.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Luisa A. Jones’ WWII historical fiction novel, What We Left Behind, takes you on a heart-wrenching journey through the evacuation of London children to strangers in Wales for safety. Imagine the fear and uncertainty that must have filled the hearts of both parents and children. This novel brought Operation Pied Piper’s role in sending these children to Wales to life, and I found myself deeply moved by the characters’ struggles. I was completely captivated by the story, drawn into its realistic portrayal of both the good and bad aspects of war. If you’re looking for a truly moving and thought-provoking read, this is definitely one you won’t want to miss.

This was a new author to me but I really enjoyed this book - so much so I found my self snatching a few minutes here and there just to read another chapter.

The book had everything - humorous moments, very sad ones, death, domestic abuse, racism and feelings of abandonment. Many of the characters seemed unable to love themselves but as the book went on some of these reason became more apparent.
There was also romantic moments - though the chief characters seemed to be doing all they could to avoid this.

The story was about 5 children - 3 from one family and brother and sister from another. Peter and Olive came from a difficult family where Olive had issues of her own and Peter looked up to a bullying violent father. At times he was a thoroughly unlikeable child. Olive just wanted her mum and to be loved without fear of violence.
The Clarke children were a novelty in rural Wales in their own right - of mixed heritage the villagers had not seen their like - the local children treated them very badly.
But all 5 were evacuated with their teachers to Wales from the impoverished areas of the East End of London.
They fell on their feet being taken in by Josephine (Dodie) and he sister in a large house where they were nurtured by the in house staff and eventually even Peter learned to be behave in a more appropriate manner.
Mr Winter their teacher tried his hardest to integrate the children but eventually after his secrets emerged he found love with Dodie.
Olive’s love for her mother was sad to read - though I did feel that her mother could have found a way to let them know she was OK.

I think it’s obvious that this book had an impact on me - well written and well researched it really made you think about how difficult it must’ve been for those children evacuated during WW2 so far from home.


Well worth it’s 5 stars - a very good read

The third book in a series featuring the fitznorton family from pontybrenin is set at the start of ww2 and sees a collection of children from Stepney evacuated to this south walian town. While the book figures characters from previous books in the series this is a stand alone novel. The book describes well the experience of children from London having to evacuate to the countryside. While it may have been beneficial, the process was not easy. Being wrenched from one community and forced to adapt to a rural way of life posed considerable challenges. As the book develops the focus shifts more to the romance between Dodie and Patrick Winter. The book is great at illustrating the social problems of inner city life and points out the layers of prejudice seen in people towards anyone deemed as ‘other’. This demonstration of social conscience in particular makes this a worthwhile read.

What We Left Behind was a really lovely piece of historical fiction. The characters are compelling, and the story kept me interested right to the end.