A wonderful historical fiction read that captivates from page one. I will be reading more from this author!

A wonderful story of sisters and a story of a childhood story that helps them through hard times and leads them to a new future 20 years later. A little slow moving at times, but definitely worth a read until the end.

loved this book by Patti. Her storytelling is always so wonderful. So happy to have read it - thank you!

I really wanted to love this book. I loved the description and the premise. It just was not the book for me at the time. I lacked the connection to the characters that I really want to develop.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

This novel begins in 1960 London, where Hazel, who works in a rare books store, unpacks a shipment of a book with original illustrations and discovers it appears to be extremely similar to the made up stories she used to tell her young sister Flora, right down to the name, Whisperwood. But the kicker - Flora disappeared 20 years ago and was presumed dead, and she was the only one who knew Hazel’s stories. The book alternates between 1960, as Hazel tries to investigate, and 1939-40, when 14 year old Hazel and 5 year old Flora were evacuated from London to the countryside outside of Oxford.

This is totally my kind of book - history, mystery, little romance, family drama, and more! Gave me some Kate Morton-light vibes. Parts of the book were a little slow, but overall I loved it and the end gave me some good goosebumps and teary moments.

Was slow and kind of boring, took forever to get anywhere and it was hard to be invested in any of the characters with how slow the story progressed.

This was such a dazzling, transportive read! If you're a fan of books about books, historical fiction, and stories about sisters -- you won't be able to put this one down.

This was a great World War II book about the children that were evacuated from London to the English countryside and then something horrible happens. This is the story of how one sister lives with the trauma of that event for many, many years.

Another hit from Patti Callahan Henry

#netgalley #SecretBoofOfFloraLEA

When Hazel is 14 and her sister Flora Lea is 5, they are sent away from war torn London and their mother.
They are fortunate to find a good host family who takes them in. Birdie and her son Harry are kind and loving.
Hazel entertains Flora by making up magical stories for only them.

One day the girls are separated from each other. Hazel carries on with life devastated with wondering n about her sister.

Years later Hazel comes across a one of a kind book that comes to the store where she works. Of course she looks at it and is stunned because its HER stories in the book. With beautiful pictures. Could her sister still be alive? Hazel never told anyone but her sister about the stories and their magical adventures.

So she starts a search for flora Lea.

I was emotionally invested in this book. I was by Hazel s side looking for her sister.

Many tears fell while reading this amazing book. I just couldn't put it down.

4 1\2 stars


Highly recommended

Thank you Netgalley and the author and publisher

When I first heard what this book was about, my breath caught in my throat I was so moved. Now having had the pleasure to read it, this novel truly does not disappoint. I can't remember a time when a book tugged at my heartstrings with this strength. What a sweet story about family and never losing hope. Thank you to Patti for this look into a piece of WWII not always talked about!

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming, imaginative story about two sisters evacuated to the London suburbs during WWII. Although the book is set during the war, the author focuses on the characters themselves through a parallel storyline. The result is an engaging read with a satisfying, uplifting ending.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

A beautiful book of family, the effects of war and the power of a book to connect people. Patti's historical novels are getting better everytime.

What a beautiful book that made me feel all of the feels. Simply enchanting. I love Patti’s books so very much.

This book is all about Hazel’s search for her lost sister Flora after she discovers a book written about the made-up place only they know about. The book alternates between the present and past, telling the beginning and the end of the story simultaneously which works well for this story. The book is loaded with symbolism and truth-finding. It deals with grief, overcoming trauma, mental illness due to trauma, living a life of lies, finding your true self, and forgiveness of yourself and others. I would recommend this book to all readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA is a tribute to the power of stories and the bonds of sisterhood across time and space. Told in dual timelines, the story follows Hazel as she stumbles across a children’s book with a magical premise that was only known to her and her younger sister, Flora, who went missing from the English countryside during World War II.

Patti Callahan knows how to tug on reader’s heartstrings as she wove both of the compelling timelines together. The writing was lyrical and the unfolding mystery kept me engaged. The cover is also incredibly stunning and captures the magic within these pages.

This story made for an engaging book club discussion as we each discussed books that have deeply touched us over the years.

RATING: 5/5

Many thanks to Atria and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great historical fiction story. I sort of predicted the ending, but I still enjoyed the journey of the characters.

I just love everything that this author writes. I love a good WWII fiction novel and especially when a story jumps in time between the present and the past, to piece together the story. I read this book mostly in a single sitting, but I just had to know how it ended. At the same time, I am always sad to put down a really good book and wish I could make it last longer. The characters were engaging and the story moved at a good pace. I would highly recommend this story!

I received a copy of this title for review from NetGalley.

Two sisters who share a strong bond are evacuated out of London in 1939 for their own safety. Sadly a tragedy occurs while they are in the countryside. One sisters vows to find out what happened to the other. Great story. I read it in 2 days.

I tend to stay away from the WWII genre but this was such a heartwarming tale. I really felt connected to the plot and the characters and I loved the dual timelines.