I have to say I just didn't love it.I enjoyed the very beginning of the book, even with the more juvenile writing, and it seemed to hold a lot of promise for exciting plot points like finding out more about Maisie's past and what on earth has become of her twin brother. These plots soon fall to the wayside, however, very early on when you are packed full will filler that you didn't ask for. This may be a better fit for someone just trying out their first hisotircal fiction read.

This story was one I wasn't sure I was expecting to enjoy - it was an enjoyable story but it was a book though! A great story that tells the journey of an orphan.

A huge fan of WWII historical fiction, I was excited at the opportunity to read this book. This story is a little different focus. It is an emotional tale of Maisie and her life after being left at the Holly Bush Orphanage. Maisie is the one child who is never adopted, but her dedication to love and care for the children is touching. As you journey with Maisie and experience her growth, your heart will fill. This is a good addition to your list of WWII books to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Really enjoyed this book. Kept me up too late! I enjoyed the relationship between Maisie and Cam. There were definitely some twists that I wasn't expecting.
Thank you NetGalley !

I enjoy the forgotten orphan, it was a little too fictional for my taste, I was looking for more WW2 drama, more on the background of the characters but I felt like something was missing. maybe a little more deepness, other than that it is a good story that will keep you wanting to know more about the characters of this wonderful story.

First sentence: Maisie Reynolds peered through the grubby window of Holly Bush Orphanage.

Premise/plot: The Forgotten Orphan is historical fiction set in England during the Second World War. The book stars a young woman, Maisie Reynolds. She's lived at Holly Bush Orphanage since she was around four. She had a twin brother, Jack, but he was adopted out while she was not. Her years at the orphanage were hard--verbally abused perhaps a little physical as well when it comes to discipline. But now that she's coming of age, she may have more opportunities...

The first few chapters of the book is where most of the action occurs--for better or worse. The head matron dies. The next-in-line dies a few weeks later. Maisie--as the oldest--becomes stand-in matron of the orphanage. The orphanage receives words that it's being shut down. Holly Bush will now house nurses and soldiers. She can stay on as housekeeper/nurse-in-training. Oh. And she meets a Canadian soldier, Harry Cameron (aka Cam). Plenty is packed in the first handful of chapters.

The rest of the book--which is probably like seventy to eighty percent--is Maisie WAITING, WAITING, WAITING, WAITING, STILL WAITING for the war to be over.

My thoughts: I found The Forgotten Orphan to be a tedious read. Its 400 pages felt like 1000. I felt that having the book start in 1940 and having it drag out through the duration of the entire war might not have been the best choice. For covering so much time, so very little happens.

The book is neither plot driven, premise driven....or character driven. I think for me where it fell flat was in the characterization department. Maisie herself stars front and center. And perhaps if a reader makes a connection 100% with her, then the book might be worth the journey. But if you don't happen to make a full connection and care deeply about Maisie, there's little for you here.

I was disappointed with Maisie's relationships with other characters. I don't think the other characters were developed enough. Cam, her love interest, is the one we get the most scenes with. And I felt it was definitely a case of insta love. Which could legitimately happen--especially in war time. They met two or three times, agree to write letters, and then are in a committed, steady relationship long distance of course. We do get their correspondence. Perhaps for those that do see Cam and Maisie as this super couple may find these letters wonderful and romantic and swoon-worthy.

Maisie's relationships with others remained superficial in my opinion. Perhaps due to lack of scenes where stuff happens or deep, meaningful conversations happen?

Simon. I am confused why Simon is even in this story???? Why introduce him in the first place??? What does he add to the story??? I mean technically he is someone who provides a lead about her twin brother. But if that was all he was going to add to the story, why turn him into a #1 a**. I mean seriously this guy is MESSED UP. Multiple times he tries to sexually assault her. He beats up Cam. Does prison time--on unrelated charges. Just a complete wreck. And Maisie is torn up about whether or not to cut him out of her life because he was at Holly Bush with her at one point??? Like the guy just tried to assault you, why is it a question on IF you cut ties with him????

Jack. I felt this was manipulation. Her brother reappears (with super incredible cheesy dialogue) only to be KILLED in the war with a melodramatic death scene where she READS HER newest POEM to him as he's breathing out his last moments. POOR THING. YOUR POETRY IS NOT WHAT HE NEEDED TO HEAR.

The dialogue in places was just painful. Not all the time. Not always. There were a few times it just felt very scripted, very amateurish, very expected, uninspiring.

But by far the most painful aspect of this one was Maisie thinking she was a poet. She writes poetry throughout these years that readers have to sludge through.

The World War II setting could not save this one--in my opinion. I wanted ALL of my time back.

Read the description and decided to try this book out. Was not disappointed. Very well done and would recommend.

This story was so beautiful. If you enjoy historical fiction, it’s a must read. I started reading this book two days ago and was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish it in time for publication, but once I picked it up, I dreaded putting it down. Maisie’s is a story of self-discovery, and her character shows that where you come from doesn’t dictate who you are - the only person who can decide that is you. Although the book is replete with loss, pain, and grief, it is also threaded with love. I highly recommend adding this to your TBR.

I want to highlight one quote in particular that I hope you’ll keep in mind whether you read the book or not:
“The house discussed the news of the gas chambers and the diabolical treatment of the Jewish people, until she could bear to hear no more but out of respect for those suffering, she listened.”
THIS is the mark of a good ally. Listen to the stories of marginalized people. Listen to what they need from you. You think *you’re* exhausted from hearing about the trauma? How do you think they feel having to LIVE the trauma every day?

THE FORGOTTEN ORPHAN by Glynis Peters

EVERYONE IS WORTHY OF LOVE

Maisie Reynolds was abandoned at Holly Bush Orphanage, along with her twin brother Jack, when they were 4. Jack gets adopted, but Maisie does not. She lives at the orphanage all of her life, never receiving any love or compassion.

World War II breaks out and causes some havoc at the orphanage, Maisie finds herself thrust into a position of authority for the orphanage because if she doesn't, no one else will.

Maisie manages to get the remaining children adopted out and waits anxiously for the incoming injured soldiers to arrive, as Holly Bush becomes a hospital for the wounded men.

Charlie and Joyce are Maisie's only friends. They encourage her to go to a few dances with them, so she will have some semblance of normality in her life. She accidentally meets Harry Cameron (Cam) and tentatively falls in love. From all of her life experiences, she feels she is not worthy of Cam's or anyone's love.

Highly recommend. Maisie is a delightful character, your life will be a little richer, for knowing Maisie.

Sincerest thanks to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #theforgottenorphan I was under no obligation to post a review.

Emotional and heart wrenching historical fiction. A solid read set during WWII. The story held my attention though it was a slow burn, drama.

Maisie and her twin brother were left at Holly Bush orphanage with few memories of their mother. Jack gets adopted by a family but Maisie is left to live out her years at the orphanage. Maisie was made to feel like a burden by the Matron and staff of the orphanage, but Maisie went above and beyond and treated the other children with love that she never got as a child and She made a difference in their lives.
The war rages and the children aren’t safe at the orphanage anymore, so it gets shut down and the children are shipped off but Maisie stays and works in the now rehabilitation center for soldiers and quickly proves what an asset she is-she’s kind, helpful, steady efficient and strong.
A chance encounter leads her to meet Cam, who she sees a future with despite him going off into the war and the risks that go with that. As well, she always wonders who she really is and where her twin brother might be, until through a chain of soldiers, word gets to him that she’s still at the last place he saw her as a kid and they are reunited again!
I really enjoyed this perspective to the war story and life of soldiers and I loved how strong Maisie and the other women in her life were-taking care of life while the men were in battle.
Thanks to Harper Collins/One More Chapter and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.

Lots of good juicy twists and turns written in signature style. A great escape for the afternoon in this crazy world that we are now living in. A sad story

Maisie finds herself the last orphan left in the house when the war starts. She finds friendship and love among the soldiers who are there. Good story

A wonderful WWII historical fiction story as told through the eyes of the central character, Maisie Reynolds. It is truly unbelievable how much pain and suffering was experienced by the citizens of Great Britain during the war. “The Forgotten Orphan” sheds quite a bit of light into what it was like to live through that period...while also shining a light onto the care given at orphanages in those times. Very enlightening and satisfying read.

Thank you to the author, Glynis Peters, Harper Collins Publishers, and NG for providing me with an ARC.

The Forgotten Orphan by Glynis Peters is a memorable historical fiction book which highlights life in England during WWII. The heroine, Maisie Reynolds, is an orphan who has spent her life trying to prove her value to others. Unfortunately, her efforts are largely ignored until a series of tragedies leaves her in charge of the orphanage she grew up in.

Maisie is the type of person who will go to great lengths to ease the suffering of others, this makes her a perfect resource as she finds her former home transformed into a hospital for the wounded. But, Maisie has always had a desire to find love despite the upbringing where love was non-existent. She meets a Canadian paratrooper, Cam, who might be able to make her dreams come true. But it is far from a certainty as he is risking his life with each secret mission.

The very real terror of this time period was made apparent. Maisie and Cam are forced to make choices to survive that fight against their intrinsic beliefs. The supporting characters also become real to you. The bravery exhibited by all to combat the Nazi’s and the horror of living in a country ravaged by war is all to real in The Forgotten Orphan,

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Harper 360 in exchange for my honest review from Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Maisie's character development and the story was just great. I havent read a book from this genre in a while so this was thr perfect one to get me back into it. I cant wait to read more from this author!

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m sorry but this was just horrible. I felt like this was written by a 12 year old and it was completely all over the place. The main character, Maisie, did nothing but annoy me the entire book. I would have DNF this book if I didn’t force myself to finish every book. Incredibly slow, boring, and pointless.

What was the point to this story? I don’t think there was one. I’m a little confused on how this was historical fiction as well because very little was mentioned about the actual war going on besides constant bombings.

Why were there SO MANY RANDOM CHARACTERS WITH RANDOM NAMES? Why did we need to know 4 different nurses AND each of their names? Why? All the names were so confusing and frustrating to continuously read about.

Also, the poems did nothing but distract and take away the actual story.

I also did not enjoy reading about the aspect of incest in this story. I feel like it could 100% have been left out of Maisie’s story and replaced with something much more simple.

1/5 ⭐️ would not recommend to anyone.

A sensational book that will have you crying! Crying from joy and sadness. I could not put this book down!
I was given this book to read and review by the publisher through Netgalley. I am so glad I got to read it!

Remarkable little girl who meets many tragedies but always survives them and turns her life into a mission of helping and caring for others while finding many who love her.