An endearing and authentic insight into a Welsh community hosting evacuees at the onset of the Second World War.

What We Left Behind feels so thorough in its content and captured all aspects - the confused evacuated children; the poverty and abusive home left behind in London; a quiet rural village with uninvited guests thrust upon them and the physical and emotional challenges this brings; plus elements of racism and bullying. This novel really portrays the impact and the strain that evacuation had on everyone concerned. I really sensed how every character was ‘doing their best’ in uncertain circumstances.

The characters are a highlight of this novel and bring a touch of everything including Dodie the heroine; Mr Winter the hero; Miss Honeycutt the heartless, callous Headteacher; and Olive and Peter’s father the violent villain. But I must admit to a bit of favouritism towards Ivor and Dolly - such a unique and joyful couple with a no-nonsense approach, yet so very caring and eager to teach the children valuable life skills. I felt there were beams of humour and charm that just radiated from Ivor and Dolly - and I’d love to spend a day in their company!

What We Left Behind is well-researched; informative; thought-provoking; and beautifully crafted. I was absorbed in the story and would love to be reunited with these characters in a later instalment.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for an advance digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book takes place during WW2 and focuses on children who were evacuated from East End London (away from their families) and taken to Wales, for their safety.

There are many themes touched on in the book. Racism, poverty, bullying, domestic violence. Often, some of these themes go hand in hand.

Everything was not sunshine for the children in their new environment. The reader witnessed the hardships of the children, missing their homes and parents, acting out from fear and loneliness. I think this was well portrayed.

And, we also see how the town reacts to them. They were not exactly welcomed with open arms in the beginning. The local teachers were actually quite miserable and uncooperative.

There are two main adult characters. One is Dodie, a host of the children. Peter is one of the teachers who accompanied the children from London. Each one has its own sad backstory as they are drawn to each other. That creates its own little drama, apart from the children.

Part of the story was slow, a lot of narration as opposed to action. The characters of Peter and Dodie were slow to develop. I was anxious for everything and everybody to move on, and it/they did, eventually.

There are quite a few books about the evacuation of children. The prime motive was to keep them safe. But the toll it took on families and the children was palpable. It was a double-edged sword. I know that some children were even sent to Canada, never to return “home”. While this book was not the best one on this subject that I have read, it was interesting and informative.

I love it when I can learn something from a book. I learned a new phrase: “nineteen to a dozen”. Meaning: to speak rapidly and without stopping. (Source: www.merriam-webster.com) I’m surprised that, with the number of books I have read set in Britain, I have not run across this. Stored in my brain for future use!

In conclusion, it was a good read. I felt empathy for the children. I felt disgust for the school bullies. And, I felt frustrated with the relationship between Dodie and Peter.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

What a wonderful read! I was hooked from the off, likeable characters (mostly, always need a baddy).
When the Hicks (Olive & Peter) and the Clarke (Michael, Barbara & Shirley) children are evacuated to the country they not only have to adjust to different surroundings, school, people they have to put up with children who are not very accepting of them.
The light in their day is that they have a lovely billet with the loveliest of people, favourite being uncle Ivor who keeps them entertained with his use of the Welsh language. Then there is auntie Dodie whose sister’s idea it was to take in a child.
Dodie is the local librarian and is no stranger to heartbreak having been orphaned from a young age, the sent off to boarding school which she has never quite forgiven her sister Charlotte for.

I loved that the children were so entertaining, even Peter. There were definitely parallels between children & adults, especially Dodie & Olive. My favourite chapter was Olive, least favourite was Lionel for damage caused.
My first by this author and will definitely watch out for more. Recommend.

A touching story of children during WW2 who were displaced and then cared for by others.
Well researched and compelling characters.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Luisa A. Jones’ WWII historical fiction novel, What We Left Behind, takes you on a heart-wrenching journey through the evacuation of London children to strangers in Wales for safety. Imagine the fear and uncertainty that must have filled the hearts of both parents and children. This novel brought Operation Pied Piper’s role in sending these children to Wales to life, and I found myself deeply moved by the characters’ struggles. I was completely captivated by the story, drawn into its realistic portrayal of both the good and bad aspects of war. If you’re looking for a truly moving and thought-provoking read, this is definitely one you won’t want to miss.

This was a new author to me but I really enjoyed this book - so much so I found my self snatching a few minutes here and there just to read another chapter.

The book had everything - humorous moments, very sad ones, death, domestic abuse, racism and feelings of abandonment. Many of the characters seemed unable to love themselves but as the book went on some of these reason became more apparent.
There was also romantic moments - though the chief characters seemed to be doing all they could to avoid this.

The story was about 5 children - 3 from one family and brother and sister from another. Peter and Olive came from a difficult family where Olive had issues of her own and Peter looked up to a bullying violent father. At times he was a thoroughly unlikeable child. Olive just wanted her mum and to be loved without fear of violence.
The Clarke children were a novelty in rural Wales in their own right - of mixed heritage the villagers had not seen their like - the local children treated them very badly.
But all 5 were evacuated with their teachers to Wales from the impoverished areas of the East End of London.
They fell on their feet being taken in by Josephine (Dodie) and he sister in a large house where they were nurtured by the in house staff and eventually even Peter learned to be behave in a more appropriate manner.
Mr Winter their teacher tried his hardest to integrate the children but eventually after his secrets emerged he found love with Dodie.
Olive’s love for her mother was sad to read - though I did feel that her mother could have found a way to let them know she was OK.

I think it’s obvious that this book had an impact on me - well written and well researched it really made you think about how difficult it must’ve been for those children evacuated during WW2 so far from home.


Well worth it’s 5 stars - a very good read

The third book in a series featuring the fitznorton family from pontybrenin is set at the start of ww2 and sees a collection of children from Stepney evacuated to this south walian town. While the book figures characters from previous books in the series this is a stand alone novel. The book describes well the experience of children from London having to evacuate to the countryside. While it may have been beneficial, the process was not easy. Being wrenched from one community and forced to adapt to a rural way of life posed considerable challenges. As the book develops the focus shifts more to the romance between Dodie and Patrick Winter. The book is great at illustrating the social problems of inner city life and points out the layers of prejudice seen in people towards anyone deemed as ‘other’. This demonstration of social conscience in particular makes this a worthwhile read.

What We Left Behind was a really lovely piece of historical fiction. The characters are compelling, and the story kept me interested right to the end.

It's 1939, and the threat of Britain becoming involved in the war with Nazi Germany sweeps the country. Parents in London have to make the difficult decision to send their precious children to the countryside in order to keep them safe.
Sent on a long train journey with two of their teachers to the village of Bryncarreg in Wales. The story focuses on the 5 children taken in by Mrs Havard and her sister Dodie Fitznorton. Olive and Peter, siblings who couldn't be more different. Quiet, well behaved, Olive misses her mother and jumps at every noise. Whilst Peter is a chip of the old block, with a temper and mouth that shocks his new carers. Siblings Michael, Barbara, and Shirley, eager to please, but subjected to vicious bullying due to their colour.
There's difficult times ahead for all involved as we follow them through the first half of the school year.

This was my first time reading this author, and certainly won't be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were some difficult subjects covered, such as racism, domestic abuse, death, and war. All of which were carefully written and described, by the author, bringing them to light in an appropriate manner. These have been inspired by true stories linked to research undertaken by the author, which is explained at the end of the book.
Amongst these heartbraking stories, there are uplifting and happy moments. I love Dodie's fighting spirit as she stands up for those she believes in and navigates her way as 'Aunt Dodie'. Michaels character was another that stood out to me, his love of his little sisters, determination to keep them all together and how he tries to protect them from the abuse by locals.
I was very happy to see that the author has other books that detail the back stories to some of the other characters, and I can't wait to read them and learn more.

A truly wonderful book. Not only has Luisa encompassed the feelings of the evacuees, being shipped from London to Wales, she has also enabled the reader to see the impact on the locals in that area. The feelings and apprehensions cross all classes - for example the evacuees having lost so much as other characters did growing up, leading to empathy. Thoroughly researched and a joy to read. Diolch.

WHAT WE LEFT BEHIND by LUISA A JONES is a beautifuly wriiten WW11 story that takes place in Britain in 1939 between London’s East End and the villages of Brycarreg and Pontybrenin in Wales. With Hitler’s threats of bombing England and the prime minister’s subsequent declaration of war with Germany, children are sent to the country, leaving behind everything that is familiar, to live with other families.
Library assistant, Dodie Fitznorton, with her gentle kindness, and memorises of an unhappy childhood, offers to take in five children, much to her socialite sister Charlotte’s disgust.
Things are not easy for the hosts or the evacuees. There s blatent unkindness and even racial discrimination shown by some of the locals - children and grown ups alike.
Patrick Winter, the schoolteacher who accompanies the evacuees, after an unfortunate start to their association, becomes someone Dodie can rely on in her relationship with the children and her desire to treat them better than she was treated as a child. Is something more about to develop between them or will their difference in social standing be a hindrance? There is also the question of whether Patrick should tell her his dreadful secret and whether
Dodie will trust a man again after her fiance’s cruel rejection?
I like the way the author describes the characters’ emotions and how similar the children’s and adults’ feelings are.
I highly recommend this poignant and heartwarming story as a really enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Storm Publishing The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Life of children evacuated from the city to rural Wales.Really rather moving, the struggles of adapting to an alien environment and new people, racism and ignorance and the despair of not knowing where family members are in the days well before mobile phones and social media. A thought-provoking read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

In 1939, London children are sent elsewhere by their parents in desperation to keep them safe from the devastation of World War II. In this novel, children travel to Wales where billets pick and choose which look the most promising. Dodie Fitznorton's plan is to take two children home with her to Plas Norton, a mansion where she grew up. However, five impoverished and underfed children from two different families are left to the end and Dodie agrees they shouldn't be separated from each other. Besides. Her home...and heart...are huge. Housekeeper Aunt Dolly and her husband Ivor provide for them in every way they can from delicious meals to their first baths to comfortable beds. The children are confused, miss their parents and desperate for love. Their needs are shown in various ways from clinginess to aggression. Peter unfortunately emulated his abusive father while Olive finds solace in her borrowed doll.

My heart was torn out many times while reading the achingly beautiful descriptions of important firsts such as seeing deer, developing relationships, the role of education at school and the library where Dodie works and navigating life in new territory for children and adults alike. Bullying is prevalent wherever they turn. But the children find safety and security in the tender care of Dodie and her household with the exception of her step sister who isn't emotionally present. Their teacher, American Patrick Winter, is a quiet and lovely man who becomes a dear friend of Dodie and champions her charges. Not everyone is welcoming, however.

This novel gripped my attention every moment. I became emotionally involved with many of the characters and cared about their welfare. Dodie is the kind of woman I'd love to be friends with. Her secret shame and her love for her late mother stirred my heart. War created and deepened scars which often took a long time to heal, sometimes a lifetime. The author's writing is gorgeous, haunting, tender and raw and pulled me into another world. I like that the story is realistic and includes both the good and bad. A must read in my view.

What We Left Behind by Luisa A. Jones was an enjoyable WWII historical fiction novel. It was a time when children were evacuated from London and sent to complete strangers in Wales for their safety. How difficult it must have been for parents to entrust their loved ones to someone else and the fear the children faced as they were torn away from their parents is unimaginable!

This story centered around two sets of children that were from poor families. The siblings did not want to be separated and were therefore chosen last. Dodie Fitznorton was sent to pick up two children to house at the home of her and her sister, Charlotte. She returns with five children to their large home, Plas Norton, and their lives are disrupted. We see the trauma of these children from the homes they come from and what they face as they navigate their new circumstances. Michael, Barbara, and Shirley Clarke are black and they are not easily accepted in the community. Olive and Peter Hicks come from a dysfunctional home and bring that trauma with them.

Charlotte and Dodie have had a strained relationship in the past. Do the children test their relationship further or will it help to resolve it? The story had many emotions, from sad and uncertainty to healing and forgiveness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publilshing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I always know a book by Luisa A. Jones will be a powerful read. What We Left Behind is just that: a very moving and unforgettable story set in 1939 in the UK. We see what it was like for children who were sent away due to the worries of London bombings to live with strangers in the countryside. In this case, they were sent to Wales. It must have been heartbreaking to put your children on trains, say goodbye to them, not knowing if you would ever see them again. The only light of hope that helped them make such a hard decision was knowing their children would be safer. The effects of the separation, though, for children from their parents—sometimes manifested in negative behaviour. The strain, shock and confusion felt by the children clearly comes through on these pages, as portrayed by the five children we get to know.

When the children arrive in Wales and they are selected to go to various homes, some are at risk of being separated. This almost happens for one set of children until good-hearted Dodie steps in. Another pair get left behind for another reason. But in the end, Dodie takes the five children home with her. At first, this poses a few issues with her household. Adjustment must take place for all who live together but despite the ups and downs, everyone manages to co-exist and grow through the experiences.

I was completely invested in the various characters presented in What We Left Behind. It is an emotional journey bound to touch the deepest and most sensitive parts of our hearts. The novel explores spousal abuse, bullying, childhood trauma, prejudice and racism to name a few. Despite these negative social issues, there are some very positive solutions displayed that make this a very uplifting story—especially when forgiveness and acts of kindness are applied that bring about healing to those who have suffered.

Another positive aspect of this novel is the gentle romance that rises between English library assistant Dodie and American teacher Patrick. Their coming together is such a delight. I loved these two characters and enjoyed their journeys of development. Patrick’s mom is a sweetheart, too, and you just want to hug her for the love she spreads on those who come in contact with her. Both Patrick and Dodie suffered childhood trauma that followed them into their adult lives and affected their opinions of themselves. But it was beautiful to see, through various encouragements, including some from Patrick’s mother, that helped them break free and allowed them to trust in their self worth. That they are deserving of love. And they are a blessing in others’ lives. Always helping others in need. So yes, both Dodie and Patrick have very generous hearts and the children were so lucky to have them on their sides.

This is a beautifully written and well researched novel. At times events are tragic, and the plot pulls hard on the heartstrings. Luisa provides great detail allowing us to walk in the shoes of those who went through these difficult experiences of WW2. I could feel and understand the uncertainty, despair and fears that plagued so many minds. It was a time of drastic upheaval for children and adults alike. Everyone tried to make the best of their situation and do all they could to survive the war. Kindness went a long way as many learned and helping each other eased the loneliness.

War divides and cuts deep into families but healing abounds in this novel—including relationships between siblings. Without question, this is an extraordinary story I will never forget. A must read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy.

A moving story about the evacuation of children from London to Wales during g WWII. ‘What We Left Behind’ tells the story of the placement of 5 children Michael, Barbara and Shirley Clarke and Olive and Peter Hicks with Dodie Fitznorton and her half sister Charlotte in ‘Plas Norton’ a grand old country house.
An emotional read about how both the evacuees and host families cope with the upheaval of life during the war.

When orphans are evacuated from London’s East side to Wales, it makes for some growing and giving from both the evacuees and the townspeople. What We’ve Behind, by Luisa A. Jones, tells the story of Peter, the school teacher who has secrets, Dorie, the shy sister of Charlotte, who is the lady of the manor, and the evacuees. It is sweet tender story of love, overcoming prejudice, and pulling together. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a beautifully written story about survival set in WWII. I do not normally choose to pick up historical novels so when I was asked to read this one and review it, I was a little skeptical. In the end I am glad I picked it up and saw it through.

It starts off strong with the placement of children to ride out the war but the middle to me dragged quite a bit.

But the ending was absolutely beautiful and so worth the read. Would I recommend? Absolutely. I would probably give this book a 3.5 stars but definitely pick this one up if you enjoy historical fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

A wonderful WWII story of love and pain. I was reading nonstop, enjoying every word. This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This review is mine.

When the Nazi's threatened to bomb London, parents put their children on trains to Wales for safety. Facing an unknown future, this story follows 5 children and the women who take them in. Compelling and moving story of human kindness, and the pains of past lives.
Thank you NetGalley for this copy.