It is rare for me to give a book only 2 stars. But I have to admit that it was just too long and did not get my attention. I was not invested in the story. Because I have enjoyed several books by this author, I was sad that this one did not appeal to me. I found myself struggling not to skim entire chapters or to give up and not finish the book. But I was determined to see it through to the end. I did not feel any attachment to the characters. The story did not provide hints toward the end ... which meant that you knew what was going to happen all the way through the book. That does not provide for a satisfactory read for me personally. And while I might not like the characters or the story line, those are personal preferences. But the errors in the book of terminology that first of all would not have been used in England, but would not have been used in that time period were kind startling. I think a better editor/proofer should have caught these issues so that it is not an embarrassment for the author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

I am a huge fan of this author. This book did not disappoint me. It was a very good read and I can’t wait for more by her.

Hazel and Flora Lea were two sisters who were evacuated out of London during WWII. To keep her sister feeling safe, Hazel told stories of a secret place the sisters could go in their imaginations. This book has wonderful writing and descriptions of the countryside, the characters, and the events of the time. The book also takes place in London 20 years later where Hazel still deals with the guilt of losing her sister. One day she comes upon a story that only her and her sister would know--is Flora still alive?

"The Secret Book of Flora Lea" by Patti Callahan Henry was a beautiful story of friendship, family, survival and never giving up. I loved how imagination and story telling played such big parts in this story. Everything wrapped up very neatly in the end, but I don't think that was a bad thing. I appreciated the growth of the characters throughout this story. It is my favorite Patti Callahan Henry book so far and I will continue to read more from her.
#netgalley #thesecretbookoffloralea

During WWII, Hazel and Flora create an imaginary world called Whisperwood. One day, Flora disappears. Hazel continues to look for her but without any clues. Twenty years later, she discovers a book by Peggy Andrews that depicts their imaginary world of Whisperwood. Could Peggy be the long-lost sister that Hazel was looking for? Hazel sets out on a journey to find her missing sister.

Hazel is a very complex heroine. She was traumatized by the war and her sister’s disappearance. She is emotionally scarred. Throughout the novel, Flora must let go of the guilt that she had in her past. She must undergo both acceptance and healing. Thus, Hazel's journey was very emotional and heart-wrenching. While she made a few choices that I did not agree with, I found her to be a lovable and sympathetic character. I never stopped hoping that she would reunite with her sister.

Overall, this novel is about war, sisterhood, and trauma. I found all the characters to be very realistic. There were many twists and turns that were simply surprising and delightful. I loved the ending. I also like that the novel has a fairytale feel to it. It is very sentimental. It was also very moving and heartrending! The only thing that I disliked about the novel was that some of the scenes were drawn out. I think the novel could have been much shorter. Nevertheless, it was an enchanting and magical novel that will draw you in immediately from the first page. It also lingers with you long after you read the last page! I believe it is Mrs. Henry’s best work yet! I recommend this for fans of The Seven Sisters, The Lake House, and The Rose Code! The Secret Book of Flora Lee is a must read and one that you definitely will not regret picking up!

What a special story - I love WW2 stuff and this was especially good with the ties to reading, sisters and the longing for things that you miss.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I've read my fair share of WWII historical fiction novels, many with unhappy endings. I enjoyed reading this one in particular because of all the hope and love the characters clung to despite the unimaginable turn of events their lives were forced to endure. This tale has a honeyed slow drip of nostalgia in various aspects of the story of two sisters - Hazel and Flora - sent to live with another family as bombs fell in their London city. In a blink of an eye their world is upended when Flora disappears, setting Hazel on a decades long quest to find her sister. The one thing Hazel clings to is the imaginary world, Whisperwood, she created for Hazel to cope with the madness around them. You can't help but root for all involved to pursue every clue that may lead them to their happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!

This story follows Hazel as she tries to find out what happened to her sister Flora, who disappeared while both were sent away during Operation Pied Piper in England during World War II.

Hazel has never forgiven herself for letting Flora out of her sight one day, and has spent years trying to find her since. This is a great, character-centered story following Hazel both during the war and in the 1960s, as well as the perspective of an author in Cape Cod who has a mysterious link to Hazel and Flora by way of a story Hazel created for Flora during the war. I don't normally gravitate towards a lot of historical fiction, but I found this story to be heartwarming and intriguing.

In 1939, amidst the backdrop of World War II, two sisters, fourteen-year-old Hazel Mersey Linden and five-year-old Flora Lea Linden, find themselves evacuated from London as part of Operation Pied Piper. Their relocation, designed to shield them from German air raids, leads them to the tranquil countryside of Binsey, Oxfordshire, where they are taken in by the Aberdeens.

However, the serenity of their rural refuge shatters tragically in 1940 when six-year-old Flora vanishes from the banks of the River Thames, where she had been peacefully napping on a blanket. The anguish and guilt of not protecting Flora continue to torment Hazel for years, prompting her to sever all ties with the Aberdeens.

Fast-forward to 1960, where Hazel, now employed at a rare books store, stumbles upon a children’s book that mirrors a story she once shared exclusively with her sister—an account known to no one else.

Without revealing too much, I must emphasize the exceptional character development and the enthralling narrative that unfolds in both time periods. “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” is a beautifully crafted tale that encompasses heartbreak, enchantment, and hope, rendering it a truly captivating read.

4.5 stars rounded upto 5!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

eview: The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry 4.5⭐️

When a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during WWII are revealed.

The Secret Book of Flora Lea is storytelling at its finest. It is a unique premise that blends whimsical fairytales that help kids escape reality and the search for answers after tragedy. I went into this book assuming it was a lighter historical fiction but it’s so much more - a mix of mystery, sisterly bonds, first love, the power of storytelling and books. The dual timeline between WWII and 1950s work so well to propel the main storylines of missing Flora and the Whisperwood book author.

The ending was fulfilling and the authors note further cemented my love for the story. I savored this beautifully written, enchanting and wholesome book about hope after heartbreak.

Patti Callahan Henry is a wonderful storyteller, weaving in details that build up to a suspenseful conclusion, in The Secret Book of Flora Lea. It is clear much research was done about life in England during WWII, to create a realistic and compelling tale. Readers looking for a different perspective to a war story along with a mystery will appreciate and like The Secret Book of Flora Lea.

I receive a copy of this book through NetGalley and have written an objective review.

After a month of dipping in and out of this book, I finally had to call it quits and give up at 47%. I didn't feel like the main character was consistent in who she was and I wasn't interested in following her journey further.

I loved this book. It's thought provoking and fun to read at the same time. I will surely recommend this story to our library book club members and patrons.

I adored this book! I love the author’s cozy writing style, it just feels like wrapping yourself up in a warm hug. The story itself was more mystery than I expected, and it kept me fully engaged. I adored the many characters, and stepping back into time and learning another part of our not so distant mystery. I’d say this is the best Patti Callahan Henry book I’ve ever read.

4.5/5 stars

Hazel Linden has spent twenty years agonizing over the tragic disappearance of her six-year-old sister, Flora Lea, from the little town near Oxford where they had been evacuated to in 1940. Now a woman on the cusp of a new life, the past comes rushing back when she discovers a book that is based on a fairy tale she invented that only she and her sister knew. Could Flora be alive? This novel, told in a dual timeline in 1940 and 1960, is a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, and the beauty of storytelling. I couldn't put this one down. Patti Callahan Henry hits all the right notes with Hazel and her feelings of guilt, loss, and trying to figure out how to unravel the story of her lost sister.

This title reminded me of Kate Morton, though maybe not as strong. Parts of the end got a little pat for me, but the world and general plot were well-constructed.

This spring, I got on the Patti Callahan Henry train big-time! I read her full backlist in multiple genres and couldn't get enough. The Secret Book of Flora Lea is so, soooooo good! It's whimsical and rich in detail, and it tugged on my heartstrings all the way throughout. I found both timelines captivating and immersive. If you loved Becoming Mrs. Lewis or Once Upon A Wardrobe, I think you'll love this, too!

A delightfully imagitive book with an interesting storyline. A wonderful cast of characters blend that well the setting. I couldn't put the story down and recommend it to others who love historical fiction and stories about books!

A touching story of a tragic incident. WWII and the children of London are being evacuated to keep them safe. Going between past and present (1960) we learn the story of two sisters one of whom is lost. Time passes and the elder sister comes across of a book with stories she had told her sister. But where had they come from. The story continues.

This was such an interesting type/genre of WWII novel, most of it was told from a future state and even though there was so much hardship, the story and wonder made it feel truly magical. I was so absorbed into the story and the scenery and Whisperwood. This felt truly unique. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.