A truly wonderful book. Not only has Luisa encompassed the feelings of the evacuees, being shipped from London to Wales, she has also enabled the reader to see the impact on the locals in that area. The feelings and apprehensions cross all classes - for example the evacuees having lost so much as other characters did growing up, leading to empathy. Thoroughly researched and a joy to read. Diolch.

WHAT WE LEFT BEHIND by LUISA A JONES is a beautifuly wriiten WW11 story that takes place in Britain in 1939 between London’s East End and the villages of Brycarreg and Pontybrenin in Wales. With Hitler’s threats of bombing England and the prime minister’s subsequent declaration of war with Germany, children are sent to the country, leaving behind everything that is familiar, to live with other families.
Library assistant, Dodie Fitznorton, with her gentle kindness, and memorises of an unhappy childhood, offers to take in five children, much to her socialite sister Charlotte’s disgust.
Things are not easy for the hosts or the evacuees. There s blatent unkindness and even racial discrimination shown by some of the locals - children and grown ups alike.
Patrick Winter, the schoolteacher who accompanies the evacuees, after an unfortunate start to their association, becomes someone Dodie can rely on in her relationship with the children and her desire to treat them better than she was treated as a child. Is something more about to develop between them or will their difference in social standing be a hindrance? There is also the question of whether Patrick should tell her his dreadful secret and whether
Dodie will trust a man again after her fiance’s cruel rejection?
I like the way the author describes the characters’ emotions and how similar the children’s and adults’ feelings are.
I highly recommend this poignant and heartwarming story as a really enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Storm Publishing The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Life of children evacuated from the city to rural Wales.Really rather moving, the struggles of adapting to an alien environment and new people, racism and ignorance and the despair of not knowing where family members are in the days well before mobile phones and social media. A thought-provoking read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

In 1939, London children are sent elsewhere by their parents in desperation to keep them safe from the devastation of World War II. In this novel, children travel to Wales where billets pick and choose which look the most promising. Dodie Fitznorton's plan is to take two children home with her to Plas Norton, a mansion where she grew up. However, five impoverished and underfed children from two different families are left to the end and Dodie agrees they shouldn't be separated from each other. Besides. Her home...and heart...are huge. Housekeeper Aunt Dolly and her husband Ivor provide for them in every way they can from delicious meals to their first baths to comfortable beds. The children are confused, miss their parents and desperate for love. Their needs are shown in various ways from clinginess to aggression. Peter unfortunately emulated his abusive father while Olive finds solace in her borrowed doll.

My heart was torn out many times while reading the achingly beautiful descriptions of important firsts such as seeing deer, developing relationships, the role of education at school and the library where Dodie works and navigating life in new territory for children and adults alike. Bullying is prevalent wherever they turn. But the children find safety and security in the tender care of Dodie and her household with the exception of her step sister who isn't emotionally present. Their teacher, American Patrick Winter, is a quiet and lovely man who becomes a dear friend of Dodie and champions her charges. Not everyone is welcoming, however.

This novel gripped my attention every moment. I became emotionally involved with many of the characters and cared about their welfare. Dodie is the kind of woman I'd love to be friends with. Her secret shame and her love for her late mother stirred my heart. War created and deepened scars which often took a long time to heal, sometimes a lifetime. The author's writing is gorgeous, haunting, tender and raw and pulled me into another world. I like that the story is realistic and includes both the good and bad. A must read in my view.

What We Left Behind by Luisa A. Jones was an enjoyable WWII historical fiction novel. It was a time when children were evacuated from London and sent to complete strangers in Wales for their safety. How difficult it must have been for parents to entrust their loved ones to someone else and the fear the children faced as they were torn away from their parents is unimaginable!

This story centered around two sets of children that were from poor families. The siblings did not want to be separated and were therefore chosen last. Dodie Fitznorton was sent to pick up two children to house at the home of her and her sister, Charlotte. She returns with five children to their large home, Plas Norton, and their lives are disrupted. We see the trauma of these children from the homes they come from and what they face as they navigate their new circumstances. Michael, Barbara, and Shirley Clarke are black and they are not easily accepted in the community. Olive and Peter Hicks come from a dysfunctional home and bring that trauma with them.

Charlotte and Dodie have had a strained relationship in the past. Do the children test their relationship further or will it help to resolve it? The story had many emotions, from sad and uncertainty to healing and forgiveness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publilshing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I always know a book by Luisa A. Jones will be a powerful read. What We Left Behind is just that: a very moving and unforgettable story set in 1939 in the UK. We see what it was like for children who were sent away due to the worries of London bombings to live with strangers in the countryside. In this case, they were sent to Wales. It must have been heartbreaking to put your children on trains, say goodbye to them, not knowing if you would ever see them again. The only light of hope that helped them make such a hard decision was knowing their children would be safer. The effects of the separation, though, for children from their parents—sometimes manifested in negative behaviour. The strain, shock and confusion felt by the children clearly comes through on these pages, as portrayed by the five children we get to know.

When the children arrive in Wales and they are selected to go to various homes, some are at risk of being separated. This almost happens for one set of children until good-hearted Dodie steps in. Another pair get left behind for another reason. But in the end, Dodie takes the five children home with her. At first, this poses a few issues with her household. Adjustment must take place for all who live together but despite the ups and downs, everyone manages to co-exist and grow through the experiences.

I was completely invested in the various characters presented in What We Left Behind. It is an emotional journey bound to touch the deepest and most sensitive parts of our hearts. The novel explores spousal abuse, bullying, childhood trauma, prejudice and racism to name a few. Despite these negative social issues, there are some very positive solutions displayed that make this a very uplifting story—especially when forgiveness and acts of kindness are applied that bring about healing to those who have suffered.

Another positive aspect of this novel is the gentle romance that rises between English library assistant Dodie and American teacher Patrick. Their coming together is such a delight. I loved these two characters and enjoyed their journeys of development. Patrick’s mom is a sweetheart, too, and you just want to hug her for the love she spreads on those who come in contact with her. Both Patrick and Dodie suffered childhood trauma that followed them into their adult lives and affected their opinions of themselves. But it was beautiful to see, through various encouragements, including some from Patrick’s mother, that helped them break free and allowed them to trust in their self worth. That they are deserving of love. And they are a blessing in others’ lives. Always helping others in need. So yes, both Dodie and Patrick have very generous hearts and the children were so lucky to have them on their sides.

This is a beautifully written and well researched novel. At times events are tragic, and the plot pulls hard on the heartstrings. Luisa provides great detail allowing us to walk in the shoes of those who went through these difficult experiences of WW2. I could feel and understand the uncertainty, despair and fears that plagued so many minds. It was a time of drastic upheaval for children and adults alike. Everyone tried to make the best of their situation and do all they could to survive the war. Kindness went a long way as many learned and helping each other eased the loneliness.

War divides and cuts deep into families but healing abounds in this novel—including relationships between siblings. Without question, this is an extraordinary story I will never forget. A must read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy.

A moving story about the evacuation of children from London to Wales during g WWII. ‘What We Left Behind’ tells the story of the placement of 5 children Michael, Barbara and Shirley Clarke and Olive and Peter Hicks with Dodie Fitznorton and her half sister Charlotte in ‘Plas Norton’ a grand old country house.
An emotional read about how both the evacuees and host families cope with the upheaval of life during the war.

When orphans are evacuated from London’s East side to Wales, it makes for some growing and giving from both the evacuees and the townspeople. What We’ve Behind, by Luisa A. Jones, tells the story of Peter, the school teacher who has secrets, Dorie, the shy sister of Charlotte, who is the lady of the manor, and the evacuees. It is sweet tender story of love, overcoming prejudice, and pulling together. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a beautifully written story about survival set in WWII. I do not normally choose to pick up historical novels so when I was asked to read this one and review it, I was a little skeptical. In the end I am glad I picked it up and saw it through.

It starts off strong with the placement of children to ride out the war but the middle to me dragged quite a bit.

But the ending was absolutely beautiful and so worth the read. Would I recommend? Absolutely. I would probably give this book a 3.5 stars but definitely pick this one up if you enjoy historical fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

A wonderful WWII story of love and pain. I was reading nonstop, enjoying every word. This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This review is mine.

When the Nazi's threatened to bomb London, parents put their children on trains to Wales for safety. Facing an unknown future, this story follows 5 children and the women who take them in. Compelling and moving story of human kindness, and the pains of past lives.
Thank you NetGalley for this copy.

I had no idea that Operation Pied Piper sent children to Wales until I read What We Left Behind. History books have done a disservice by not sharing more, explaining more. Books like this one fill the gap. Without planning to, they always encourage me to learn more. The story grabbed me and left me thinking long after I closed thw book.

As I read the story all I could think of was how challenging it must have been for everyone. Children were put on a train, taken away from their families, and dropped off in towns. I could feel their fear through the pages. The tension exploded as they waited in a room hoping to be chosen but fearing if they would be safe where ever they are taken.

The story centers around two sets of children who refused to be separated from their siblings all from the East End. Prejudice within the town make it difficult for Michael and his two sisters. They would fight daily challenges because of their darker skin. For Olive and her brother, their unkept appearance made them undesirable. The children that nobody wanted ended up in the best possible place with Dodie.

The story helped me to understand some of the challenges that the evacuees experienced. It also illustrates the animosity toward them. The changes that a town had to go through were immense. Not all greeted the children with open arms. What We Left Behind took me on a journey leaving me in tears. Great intensions aren't always the best answer.

What We Left Behind absolutely stole my heart. From the moment those five frightened children stepped off the train and into Dodie Fitznorton’s life, I was completely invested. The story is filled with warmth, heartbreak, and resilience, and it struck that perfect balance between emotional depth and historical detail.

Dodie is a character I won’t forget anytime soon—stubborn, kind, and wonderfully human. Watching her home and heart expand to make room for these war-weary little souls was so moving. Olive and Peter, in particular, really got under my skin with their quiet pain and fierce loyalty to each other. And the kitten—don’t get me started. Total scene-stealer.

What I loved most was how the story didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of wartime, but still left room for hope. There’s tension too—rumors of spies, villagers with secrets, and the looming threat of war creeping closer—and yet the real power of this novel is in its small moments: a shared meal, a rare smile, a makeshift family pulling together.

And Patrick Winter? Let’s just say the American teacher added just the right touch of quiet strength and emotional chemistry to Dodie’s world.

This is a beautifully written, deeply felt story about love, sacrifice, and the families we choose. I didn’t want it to end. If you love historical fiction with heart, What We Left Behind is an absolute must-read.

A beautifully written story, depicting the lives of five children taken from their family and their home only to find themselves in rural Wales. Jones has created an emotional read, which had me thinking about the characters long after I’d turned the final page. What We Left Behind is the perfect blend of grief, forgiveness and hope.

I have read several books on the Kinder Transport Trains taking young children away from the war zone. Reading each one I couldn’t imagine the sacrifice and pain the parents felt when they made the decision to send them to safety.

This story is very well told and describes how the children felt and how scared they were in unfamiliar situations causing them to act out or have other behavior changes. I particularly liked Dodie, she had a heart of gold with memories of her own to live with and overcome.
This story is well worth the read, the author’s research was excellent. Comes in with 5 stars.

Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley.

What We Left Behind is set in a small English village in the early days of World War II.

Five evacuee children go to Dodie's home, and her life is turned upside down.
I loved Dodie's character and its development as the book went on. She was unsure of her role to start with, and it must have been scary taking on the responsibility of caring for five children, but she was determined to do her job. Reading her come into her own as their carer was lovely.

The children were little characters.
This was a special book with many emotions; my heart broke for what the children had and went through.

There were also funny parts and laugh-out-loud moments. If you like historical fiction, take a chance on this.

What We Left Behind is set in the early months of WWII. London's children are being evacuated to safer countries, and this is what happens to the five children of this novel - they leave their families behind to travel to Wales along with their two teachers. The POV's alternate between one of the children, Olive, one of the teachers, Patrick Winter, and one of the foster parents, Dodie Fitznorton.

There's a lot of adjusting to do for everyone involved; the London children are bullied at school, they have attitude problems, the teachers are accused of being spies, and Dodie and her sister have to adjust to having so many young children in the house. While it's set in the early years of the war, the war content wasn't the main focus - it's a character focused novel more than anything.

There were parts of this story that I really liked, especially with the adjustments the children were having to make with the sudden changes in their lives, though the later half of the book seemed to focus more on the adults and their romance than on the kids and their families.

First book I’ve read from this author and I wasn’t disappointed. What a lovely, heartwarming book. A story of evacuees from London, Ollie and Peter whose home life is fraught with an abusive father.
They are taken in by Dodie and her sister and eventually start to flourish.
There’s also a love story that unfolds.
Nice, easy read for sitting in the garden on a sunny day.

This was a thought provoking book. Dealing with trauma, especially as a child, and its impact even as a an adult is a central theme in this beautifully crafted story. When Dodie ends up with 5 children to billet, rather than the two she expected, there is a lot to deal with. Olive and Peter come from a dysfunctional family and Michael, Shirley and Barbara are coloured, and stand out in this rural Welsh community where they have been sent for their safety. Patrick, the teacher who comes with them is wonderful, despite his own issues. As the story progresses, everyone makes progress in some ways, and it was a very touching and rewarding ending. This book shone a light on British society at the time, with its poverty and narrow mindedness of some. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The sense of the wartime era comes alive in this book, the extent of the author’s research shining through without ever becoming burdensome, but remaining a richly detailed backdrop against which the stories unfold.
I say stories, because there are two, although they are woven inextricably together. First are the evacuees from London, told in the main from Olive’s point of view, and it’s testament to the author’s talent that the child’s voice comes over as so authentic. Olive is desperate not to be separated from her difficult brother, but Dodie Fitznorton gives her that chance, along with the Clarke children, unselected by other hosts because of the colour of their skin. How they all adapt to the strangeness of their new lives, from slum to stately home, is brilliantly done, from the smallest of details to the wider issues.
But what really kept me turning the pages was the simmering potential for romance between Dodie and the children’s teacher, Patrick. And bound into that, how they both grow as people, while all the time appearing as perfectly formed adults to the children.
All in all a wonderful book, a clever book, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend.