Superb!
A stunningly good read. From Nazi occupied Channel Islands to modern day Dublin I was swept away by this brilliant read. The description of living and working during the Second World War under German occupation, the hardships and the story of Evelyn and her little charges, and the family secrets finally uncovered. We can’t choose our family but we can be chosen to be a part of one.
A brilliant tale beautifully told, which is all the more poignant as it's inspired by a true story.

Guernsey, 1943. As German forces tighten their grip on the Channel Islands, nurse Evelyn Nightingale guards a dangerous secret. Within the walls of the Emergency Hospital, she's hidden three babies from the enemy – children who would otherwise face a terrible fate. When a traumatized French woman arrives to give birth, Evelyn must risk everything – with consequences that will echo through the generations.

Dublin, 2018. Still reeling from her mother's death, Kitty White is struggling to keep her family's antique shop afloat when a desperate woman arrives with an old violin to sell. Hidden in its dusty case, Kitty discovers a mysterious list of names that shatters her father's composure. Her search for answers leads her to Guernsey, where she is about to uncover a long-buried secret about her family…

Brilliantly written. Heartwarming and heart wrenching. Horrifying and uplifting. Jenny O'Brien is a master storyteller, showcasing the power of the human spirit. 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Such an emotional read. A beautifully written story which had me hooked from the start. Well Done Jenny x I would highly recommend you read this book x

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

ohhh man i cried tears over this book.... its hard hitting and based on a true story....and it packs a punch....

what an inspiration to all

As a reader, there are certain things that draw my attention when looking for a new book to read. This book has both of them. I am a fan of historical fiction, especially as it relates to WW2, and I am very interested in books that are set in the Channel Islands. This one is set in Guernsey where the author lives and works. She has had first hand contact with those who lived through these times. My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting both Guernsey and Jersey ten years ago. Every where you go on the Islands you can see signs of the German presence on the area. While we were there we had the privilege of talking to one man who lived through the war there as a teen. We also spoke to a woman who was sent to England at age 5 and ultimately came home. When the Islands were taken, Britain had already made the decision not to protect them. The German presence became heavy with almost a 1:1 ratio of Germans to Islanders. It was basically impossible to avoid coming into contact with them and those resisting could face execution. This is the background in which the historical timeline of the novel is set. While many of the characters in the novel are fictional, real stories inspired the authors writing.

The prologue begins on June 6 ,1944 as a small boat departs from Guernsey with a man, woman and some small children aboard. The story then moves to 2018 Dublin, where a young woman named Kitty is in despair over her father's depression since the death of her mother a year earlier and the fact that their small second-hand store had reached the point where it was barely sustainable. When a well dressed solicitor enters the store but fails to show the respect her knowledge should earn, she does not give in to haggling and sells him an item at a fair price but no respect. A little later, another customer enters shortly before closing and brings with her items to sell. One is an old violin that catches Kitty's eye, because her mother had been an excellent fiddle player and taught Kitty as well. There were also some old photos and a signet ring. That violin, though in need of reparation, becomes a key element of this story. Within the lining of its case, Kitty finds an old photograph and a notebook. It all appears to upset her father, so Kitty decides to try and find out what she can about it. The notebook has a name on it. Miss E. Nightingale.

On Guernsey, 21 June 1940, Evelyn Nightingale is waiting to get on a boat to leave the island before the Germans land. When her suitcase is considered too large, she makes a last minute decision to stay behind and thus becomes an integral character in the story. She and her father don't have a particularly close relationship, but she had promised her dying mother that she would look out for him. When she and a friend where returning from an outing, they had the misfortune to find themselves experiencing a German bombing raid. Evelyn stayed to help provide first aid where she could. She had been a teacher, but as most of the children had left the island, she had to look elsewhere for her employment. This experience led her to a local hospital where she offered her services as a nursing aid. Before she started, she celebrated a birthday and her father gave her a gift, an old violin in need of repairs that no one had wanted because it was German in origin.

When Evelyn was accepted to work at the hospital, her life changed. As with the author, my background is also in nursing, and the conditions under which they had to work were onerous. The hours were very long, breaks were short and days off rare. Nurses were "not allowed romantic entanglements". She would be required to "live in", but she and a co-worker ended up having to share a small house off site with a German maid that they could not trust. At work, they also came into contact with Germans who wanted to know everything that was going on. Sometimes they even brought in women who were being used as prostitutes on one of the other small islands that also had slave laborers whe were used to build German defenses around the island. It wasn't long before Evelyn had to make a moral decision , to resist in whatever small ways she could, or accede to the German will. She opted to resist.

These two stories intertwine when Kitty decides to visit Guernsey in search of answers. Their stories are spell-binding and no review can really do them justice. Both stories had me completely captivated and as with other books with wartime settings, Evelyn's actions to resist have me wondering what I would do in similar circumstances. I don't think you will be disappointed if you read this book. In fact, I would highly recommend it if you love historical fiction. By the way, Guernsey has a local connection with Canada. The name means Sarnia and their anthem is called Sarnia Cherie. Guernsey is also the birthplace of Isaac Brock, who became known in Canada as Major General Sir Isaac Brock, Commander in chief of His Majesties forces in Upper Canada. He died from wounds received in the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812.

Many thanks to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for allowing me to read an ARC of #TheBookOfLostChildren . All review opinions are my own.

Evelyn was a unique human being determined to do her best whilst on this earth and by that she saved the life of four children and a few other adults. She had plenty of love to give and invested that love in helping people through her work as a nurse and previously as a teacher. She learned her job while performing it under the supervision of other skilled people but she outperformed them though her determination and ingenuity. The story is told from two different angles, Evelyn's and Kitty's. The latter determined to learn about her origins and to being fully able to embrace her family once found. The Book of Lost Children although a work of fiction is based on some real facts and might be a true picture of some stories lost during WWII.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

The book of Lost Children is a dual timeline historical fiction inspired by true story. I couldn't wait to read this as I LOVE historical fiction, but especially true story or inspired by true story books! I was drawn in from the beginning and I couldn't get enough of the story. Such a tough time period to write about and read about but Jenny did a fantastic job sharing the story. I must admit that I never really thought about what happened with babies born during this time. I definitely cried at different points in the story and the twist at the end was something I wasn't expecting at all. Such a beautifully written story. I will be reading it again.some day and I will have my older kids read it when we next study WW2 in history.

I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving my review

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book is inspired by true events. It’s a dual timeline story set during 1943 when Nazi’s were in Guernsey and in 2018.

In 1943, Evelyn, a nurse takes a huge risk, she’s going to hide three babies from the Germans, but, she has be really careful so that she doesn’t get into any trouble with the Germans.

Now, in 2018, Kitty is going to handle the running of the antique shop in the family. When a lady comes in to sell a violin as she’s in need of money Kitty finds some names on a piece of paper inside it.

That list of names takes her to Germany where she comes across past secrets connected to her family.

The story was emotional and will have you reaching for tissues. The story was well researched and written.

I highly recommend this book.

Probably one of the saddest stories I have ever read but also so heartwarming. I felt every emotion possible and became totally invested in the characters, heroes all of them. I will remember this book for a long time.

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Book Of Lost Children.

In the 1940s a nurse named Evelyn hides babies from the Germans. She is risking everything to keep those babies safe. In 2018 in Dublin Kitty is struggling to keep her family’s antique shop running after the death of her mother and her father drinking too much to cope. One day a woman brings in a violin and she finds a book in the case with a list of names. Her father is acting very odd about the book but she decides to do some digging and what she uncovers is astonishing.

This book had the potential to be great but was just okay for me. I felt like the stories could have been joined together better than they were. I just found it hard to get invested in the characters.

This book is told from two different points of view. Evelyn is a school teacher turned nurse. During World War II, the island of Guernsey was taken over by the Germans. This is the story of how the islanders survived the war. Kitty's portion of the story takes place in present day Dublin. A woman comes into her shop and sells her an old violin. In the case's lining is a photograph, a child's exercise book and a signet ring ...
I enjoyed this book very much. World War II is my favorite genre, and it was very interesting to learn more about Guernsey during its occupation. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for the chance to read and review this story. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Book of Lost Children is a historical fiction about a nurse during WW2 and Kitty who lives in Dublin in 2018. The story bounces between the narrative of these two women, ultimately bringing their stories together.

I really enjoyed the story of nurse Nightingale during the German occupation of Guernsey during the war. That she so bravely defied life at that time to be a better person and save lives was a gripping story to read.

The pacing of the book did feel off, especially when it would change to Kitty's current day perspective. I thought the last 20% of the story was the best and I wish the entire book was as gripping. Overall, it was a good story but not as emotional and impactful as I was hoping it to be.

I also felt like the main characters in the story weren't the right main characters. While others we should have felt more emotion and connection to, we hardly got to know.

Historical fiction has to be one of the best genres in the world. I will die on that hill and defend it to the end. 😂

The Plot: Wow, what a ride! I was hooked from page 1 and anxiously awaited the end, wishing it didn’t end so I wouldn’t be heartbroken. I’m not saying why. You’re going to have to read it for yourself to find out. 😉😭 But the perspectives from Evelyn, a nurse amid World War II, and Kitty, a distraught daughter and antique shop owner in Dublin, flowed well and the pov switches weren't choppy or confusing, like a bad cut scene or fade out in a cheesy movie. Yeah, I’ve seen enough to know what those are like. 😂 The bravery, loss, heartbreak, and love within made this story so moving and helped me relate to and root for the characters. Some of the plot was predictable, but there were other parts where I was like, “No way!” Jenny O’Brien keeps you on your toes and I am so thankful for that because some historical fiction novels can be so predictable that it’s boring and bland. But not this book. Oh no. This was such a moving story and I want to read more of O’Brien’s works.

The Characters: We love a female character who isn’t annoying, don't we? 😉 Evelyn was a gem of a human being, a kind, beautiful soul. She cared for those in need, but had a feistiness deep down that appeared when someone was being a jerk or a monster. Kitty was the same and I honestly have no complaints about any of the characters. But the best part about these women was their love for music. I used to play the violin in my school orchestra. I hated it at the time because I was an insolent, dumb kid who didn’t value the beauty of playing an instrument, but all that to say I get giddy every time I read a book that talks about music or even the love of it, especially classical music. This book just mentions the love of playing music, but that’s enough for me to get hyped up about it. ☺️

The Writing: What can I say? Jenny O’Brien did an incredible job with the pacing, the flow, and the readability of the story. She is a fantastic writer and I look forward to reading her other books.

Overall Thoughts: This book was great. I teared up at the end and smiled warmly when I read the very last paragraph, knowing that things worked out in the end somehow, some way. It may not seem like it at the time and you may never see the happy outcome, but it’s always there. The light at the end of the tunnel. Hope. It’s a simple, four-lettered word, but man, it makes a world of difference in a devastated soul or a broken heart. I highly recommend this book and now I’m going to go cry. 😂

Content Warnings: death, grief, physical abuse, loss of a parent, suicide, child abandonment

Thank you to Storm Publishing for giving me an arc via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.

#TheBookofLostChildren #NetGalley

Two days, if i didnt have to go to work i think i would of been sucked into a full day of reading.
This gripped me from the get go, mysteries about ones own family and the ease of going back and forth on the timelines.
The storyline for both ladies was heartbreaking at times, and how the end was for Evelyn made me cry.
Will be looking out for more by this author.

This book was very evocative for me as it gave an insight into what living under Nazi occupied rule was really like for the inhabitants of Guernsey. For people of a certain age, we learned about WW2 from our parents and grandparents as well as at school however we were never told about what life was like on the Channel islands and this book brings it very much to life. Not only does the author describe what went on, but also she grabs you emotionally too and you cannot help but sympathise with the people left on the island and feel their hardship. Good steady pace and a brilliant read.


Thanks to Netgalley/Storm for the ARC to review

I really enjoy reading historical fiction, and this tale based on a true story was no exception. I loved how it was also a dual timeline, and went from Kitty searching for answers to things hidden in an old violin case during 2018 to Evelyn who was a nurse in Nazi territory during 1943. If you are a fan of this genre, you will want to read this one!

Evelyn Nightingale works as a nurse during WW2 in her home of Guernsey. As the German army's occupation of the Channel Islands becomes stronger, Evelyn does all that she can to hide 3 babies and an escaped Irishman from the German army, as they're likely to suffer a terrible fate if discovered. In 2018, Kitty White is working hard to keep the family antique business going on the rake of her mother's death and her father's increasing drinking. When she is offered an old violin to sell, she finds an old diary containing a list of names which alarm her father, who refuses to tell her why. In a desperate attempt to find the truth, Kitty's journey takes her to Guernsey where she uncovers her family's long-buried secret.

This sad and moving historical story, told over 2 timelines, is inspired by true events. Evelyn's story is heartfelt and the author does a brilliant job of exploring the terrible circumstances for many people during this war, and how so many went without the basic essentials. However, I felt that both stories were a little disjointed and just didn't come together as well as they could have as they felt a little disjointed and slow at times, and the connection of the story to the title was tenuous at best.

The story was brought together well in the end however it didn't leave the sort of impact I thought it would, despite how emotional and poignant the storyline was. A lovely book that, while it was enjoyable to read, didn't quite live up to what I'd hoped.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for thè opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I love that it’s inspired by a true story. I really liked the characters and loved watching them develop. It now makes me want to go to Gurnsey!

I really enjoyed this book, a different story of World War 2 that I hadn't heard about and based on a true story. The Channel Islands were occupied through the war and this is a story of the courage and determination of the people of Guernsey to do what they could against the Nazi occupation, particularly one amazing woman, a nurse, who saves babies and gives them a chance that the Nazi's would otherwise not allow to live, she finds them homes where they will be safe. Doing this put her and others at great danger but together they can make it work and fight against the evil officer in charge in particular. Thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of this authors work.

An old battered violin is brought into an antiques shop in Dublin and Kitty White is intrigued to find out more about it. She discovers that its history goes back to Nazi occupied Guernsey and has some connections to her own family...

Although all of the characters are fictional this is a fascinating read as it provides an insight into the struggles of the occupants of the island during the second world war. The author has researched the period well and many of the stories are based on real events. A great piece of historical fiction from an area that is not often written about.