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.

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!