EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT: When The War Came Home

* AN EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT *

“A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recover.” Emma Carroll, author of Letters From The Lighthouse

“This wonderful second novel firmly establishes Lesley as one of our finest writers of historical fiction. We should talk about her in the same way we talk about Hilary McKay, Emma Carroll & Tom Palmer... I hope it reaches the wide audience that it truly deserves.” Phil Earle, author of When The Sky Falls

A mesmerising historical mystery set in the aftermath of World War One, from the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. 

The First World War has ended, but it hasn’t gone away.

When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war. Huw can’t forget the terrible things he’s seen, but Johnny doesn’t even remember who he is.

As Natty tries to keep a secret and unravel a mystery, she finds her own way to fight for what she believes in – and learns that some things should never be forgotten …

This mesmerising historical mystery includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters.

When The War Came Home is historical fiction at its finest. Fans of Emma Carroll, Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo and Goodnight Mister Tom will love this future classic full of adventure, secrets and heart.

A primary school teacher from a Welsh working-class background, Lesley is passionate about seeing more working-class voices in fiction for children. She writes the most authentic, flawed yet relatable characters. This is the kind of fiction that is timeless, with relationships and characters that speak to every reader.

Lesley Parr grew up in South Wales and now lives in England with her husband and their rescue cat, Angharad. She shares her time between writing stories, teaching at a primary school and tutoring adults. Apart from books, rugby union is her favourite thing in the world, especially if Wales are winning. Lesley graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing for Young People.

Lesley's debut novel, The Valley of Lost Secrets, was Waterstones Children's Book of the Month in January 2021 and published to rave reviews.

When The War Came Home is her second novel.

@WelshDragonParr | www.lesleyparr.com