Telling stories is one of the greatest powers we possess. It's like a dream you can fill with what you want. And the knight doesn't always have to save the princess; sometimes she saves herself.”

I adored this book, which follows dual timelines - one set during World War II and the other set 20 years later in London. We first meet Hazel and Flora, two children evacuated from London during the war to live in the safety of a country home. We then meet Hazel 20 years later, still reconning with her young sister's death - a death she believes is her own fault. But when Hazel discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, it sends her reeling down a path of discovery and growth.

I loved the historical aspects of the WW II story. I cannot begin to imagine sending a child to live with total strangers for their own protection and safety. But during the war, children throughout London were transported out of town to safety be it a rural English town as in this story, or across the Atlantic to America as depicted in Beyond That, the Sea.

I especially loved the characters and the focus on the importance of stories and storytelling. Hazel's stories of Whisperwood and the River of Stars were built on imagination to help soothe her young sister, and together they built a world of love and magic and safety. The entire book is an ode to such stories.

Bridie Aberdeen and her son Henry - the family that takes in Hazel and Flora - are wonderful characters full of life and humor and smidge of irreverence on Bridie's part. I admired her ability to live life on her own terms. I was completely surprised by the big reveal and thought it was handled with care and compassion.

I would round this up to 4.5 and highly recommend this one to lovers of historical fiction and books about books. It's a beautifully written story.

I loved this book, a perfect combination of historical fiction, fairy tale, mystery and drama. The love between Flora and Hazel was so apparent and the imaginary world they built was delightful. The author clearly did her research about Operation Pied Piper, a subject I find fascinating. Overall just a great read.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Hazel is working in a rare bookstore in London. While processing the days deliveries, she opens a package that scares her. It is a story that she only shared with her sister that has been published in the US. The only person to know of the story is this sister, who went missing when she was 6, Flora Lea. She was believed to have drowned in the river behind the home she was staying at during the war. How is it possible for this book to be published??

So continues the story, back and forth, over a span of twenty years trying to determine, is Flora Lea alive? How did the US author come by this story?

As a historical fiction, I learned more about what London went through during the bombings and scarifies parents had to make to keep their kids safe during WWII.

This is my first book by this author, it will not be my last.

During World War II, two sisters are evacuated to the countryside, where tragedy strikes. Twenty years later, the elder sister receives a book that takes her on a journey to discover the truth about what happened all those years ago.

In Patti Callahan Henry's novel The Secret Book of Flora Lea, sisters Hazel and Flora Lea Linden are sent to Binsey, Oxfordshire at the beginning of World War II, in the mass evacuation of children from London known as Operation Pied Piper. Despite their age difference, fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora are close. To help her younger sister and get them both through the horror of the war, the loss of their father, and the trauma of being evacuated away from their mother, Hazel creates a fantasy woodland world called Whisperwood and the River of Stars, a safe place just for them. Using their imaginations and Hazel's storytelling gifts, they escape through shimmering hidden doors to this magical land, where they can become any creatures they want to be and go anywhere they want to go. But when a tragedy occurs, Hazel abruptly stops telling stories and abandons her dreams of becoming a writer.

Twenty years later, Hazel is about to leave her job at Hogan's Book Shoppe in Bloomsbury, London, for a new position as a specialist in rare books and manuscripts at Sotheby's. On her last day at the bookshop, she is cataloguing a set of new arrivals when among them she finds a new fairy tale by an American author named Peggy Andrews with illustrations by Pauline Baynes, the original illustrator of C. S. Lewis' Narnia books. The first illustration she sees is one of two girls in a magical woodland with a white castle and a river full of stars. The book's title is Whisperwood and the River of Stars, and brings with it the terrible memories and loss of twenty years before. How does the American author know about the secret world of the two English sisters in wartime Oxfordshire?

"Lying, the telling of beautiful things, is the proper aim of art." Oscar Wilde's famous quote is repeated by the character Peggy, the young American author whose book is the catalyst for the events of the 1960 strand of the story. "Beautiful untrue things carry the truth," Peggy says, encapsulating one of the core themes of this novel. Hazel's hunt for the truth as to how and why Peggy knows her childhood secrets takes her and the reader on a compelling, poignant journey involving a number of twists and turns, similar to the winding trail through Whisperwood itself. Sometimes she is led to dead ends, but the spark of hope remains ever alive that what happened in the past may not be what it seemed, and that the truth can be found in the journey of the story itself. As the novel travels back and forth through time, the mystery at its heart is skillfully unraveled, events and memories gradually unlocking the grief and guilt at the center of Hazel's life.

In the 1940 story, the misery, loneliness, and fear of evacuation are powerfully evoked, as is the idyllic Oxfordshire village where Hazel and Flora are taken in by widow Bridie and her teenage son Harry. The reader's immersion in the sisters' world as children enhances our investment in the adult Hazel's journey to uncover the truth about the tragedy that haunts her: our empathy for her deepens as the book progresses and reveals more about the past. Although there are occasions when Americanisms in 1940s England seem out of place (e.g., the children talk about "math" rather than "maths"), this is a minor linguistic point. All the characters are well-drawn and convincing – even those who may not be deserving of sympathy are multi-faceted and their motivations believable if shocking.

Ultimately, it is the importance of stories and the necessity of storytelling that underpin everything in this beautiful, heartrending novel. Stories can bring us together, create an unbreakable bond between people, reveal things we might not otherwise be able to see about ourselves, our lives, and the world we live in; stories, even though imagined, can carry the truth. It is the story Hazel created which makes its way back to her across time and space, and finally leads her to the truth.

First book by this author and won’t be the last! I loved the setting and storyline of this book. 4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Atria Books, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

During WWII Hazel and Flora are sent by their mother away from London to live in a rural community with a stranger, Bridie, and her son, Harry, to escape the bombings. Hazel shares Whisperwood stories with her little sister, Flora, to escape and survival. Flora goes missing and the plot goes back and forth between 1960 and WWII to solve the mystery of what happens to Flora and its ties to Whisperwood. I was excited to read this book since I had heard much about it. It lived up to expectations until the end of the book. Then it got “cheesy” and predictable to me. For me, the authenticity of the story got lost. Because of the ending, I downgraded the book from 4+ to 3+.

Thank you for this ARC. Unfortunately I just could not get into this book. I ended up DNFing it after about 20%. I have seen a lot of positive press for it, so it might just be a case of wrong book, wrong time.

I love Sister Stories and This is One of the Best I have Read in a Long Time.

I went in blind and really had no idea what to expect from this book. The sisters had a secret fairy tale life they played out in the country during World War II, when children were encouraged to leave London and their families for safety. This was called Operation Pied Piper. So, older sister, Hazel and her younger sister, Flora, just 6 are sent to live with a family in Binsey. Hazel knows how scary life is for Flora and makes up a Fairy Tale World called Whisperwood. This is a place where they use their imagination and use nature to make up wonderful tales.

Then the younger sister, Flora goes missing. Suddenly, 20 Years later, her sister sees a book published called Whisperwood, but she had never told anyone about this fantasy life. The book is set in the US and the author changes the book somewhat, but it’s basically the story of Hazel and Flora. How could this possibly be? Is it possible that Flora is still alive? This becomes a mystery and I was so intrigued to find out what happened.

This book just is magical. It offers so much about opening up to love and hope. This has altered Hazel’s life ever since as she feels so guilty her sister disappeared. She was there that day. It stops her from fully opening her heart to life and love. She is trapped in the past. This is an homage to the beauty of telling stories, and fairy tales since those are the way we escape the unbearable. These are essential. This book shows why in such a beautiful way. I was so moved and needed a touching story. This most certainly is the one. Highly Recommend this Book. Just Lovely. 💕

Thank you NetGalley, Patti Callahan Henry, and Atria for granting me a copy of this book. I always leave a review of each book I finish.

Patti Callahan Henry never disappoints and she didn’t this time. The Secret Book of Flora Lee is beautifully written. Its time period is WWII and present day. The story has sadness as well as joy. I highly recommend this book.

A story you only ever shared with one person becomes a best selling book. That person you shared it with? She was your sister who mysteriously disappeared when you were responsible for her. The premise of this book intrigued me and I enjoyed the mystery being unraveled as Hazel, our main character, tries to figure out how her and her sister's fairy tale has come to light. The story is a mystery but it felt more character driven as Hazel goes through a character transformation as she comes to terms with the past traumas she's been through mainly due to the war. Overall this was a good historical fiction read with a mystery threaded about. I do think the story dragged on in parts but for historical fiction lovers who like strong character driven plots than this will be a satisfying read.

- 4.5 Stars -

“Books have a way of finding their rightful owners, and this one found its way to me.”

Henry has an uncanny talent for weaving tails that tug at the heartstrings. This story of survival against all odds completely captured my attention, reminding me of the profound impact literature can have during times of desperation. Henry’s exploration of Operation Pied Piper and its fairy-tale history breathed new life into the subject. The plight of the Linden sisters resonated deeply within me and it led me to absolutely devour every page. I was desperate to uncover Flora’s fate and witness Hazel finding closure at last.

This is my second book by Henry and each time I know I’m in for a heartfelt experience that will leave me utterly enamored with her characters and their stories. This particular story is no exception. However, it did take quite a while to get into the story so I took half a star off.

If you love historical fiction, make sure to add this gem to your TBR. It is a must read.

🤍 Thank you so much to the publisher @atriabooks & @netgalley for this advanced reader copy!

⚠️TW: grief, war, child death, death, kidnapping, child abuse, death of parent, cursing

The Secret Book of Flora Lea is one of the best books I’ve read this year! The story of two sisters had being laughing, and crying at times. I love books that bring a little bit of history and teaches you a thing or two and this book did just that.

I know there are tons of 5 star reviews, but honestly, this wasn't my favorite Patti Callahan Henry book. I thought it was good, but not "the best book ever". But thats ok, to each their own. (I loved her book Once Upon a Wardrobe much more.)

Two sisters are rehomed temporarily during the war and then become separated. The story that only the two girls shared became a best seller.

Definitely the best part of the book was the last 1/4. So if you are thinking of giving up, and more than 1/2 way ... I'd suggest to stick with it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review The Secret Book of Flora Lea in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Patty Callahan Henry and publisher Atria Books for accepting my request to review the advance read copy. Flora Lea is now available for purchase.

This was a lovely book that kept me turning pages. A combination of historical fiction with a multi-faceted family story that brings two distinct time periods together, this book book is comforting yet also has lots of surprises along the way. I would definitely recommend!

“If you were born knowing, and to be honest we all are, you will know how to find your way through the to the shimmering doors that are meant for you. They lead to the land made for you.”

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry is a story of sisterly bonds, the magic of storytelling, and the power of endless hope. I truly enjoyed it! I'm always a sucker for books with a dual timeline. Portions of the book are told in 1940 when our main character, Hazel is only 14 years and she and her 5-year-old sister are shipped off to the English countryside to escape the bombings in London. The other half of the story is told twenty years later in 1960, when a grown Hazel finds a book that may have clues to her sister's disappearance all those years ago. Both timelines were done exceptionally well. I had no problem living in either period as I was reading.

What I enjoyed most about the changing time periods, is how the structure helped the mystery taking place in the 1960s timeline grow and move forward. As the characters' desperation to know what happened increases, so does yours as the reader. The mystery has a satisfying and ultimately shocking twist.

It is clear while reading that the author did a lot of research for her novel. In her notes, she remarks how she actually visited each place mentioned in the novel. As a history person, I appreciate the extra effort authors put into their novels to capture a time and place as accurately as possible. The setting is easy to imagine and beautifully described.

If I had one complaint, it would be that I think everything was too clean in the end. While I wanted a happy ending for our characters, the reality that everything would be tied up with a neat bow during a time when so much was left unanswered as a natural consequence of war, seemed just a bit too perfect for me. However, I know it can be really hard as a writer to find a perfect balance between what should be answered and what shouldn't, as well as answering the question: how happy of an ending do we actually want in fiction?

Overall, I would say that if you are looking for a slightly lighter historical fiction read with a happy ending, The Secret Book of Flora Lea would be a great choice for you.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to Atria Books & NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This book was everything I expected from Patti Callahan Henry. It’s a beautifully written, engrossing and unique story, with likeable characters, and even a bit of a mystery. This was a dual timeline between the 1940s and 1960s, centering on two sisters who are sent to the countryside through an evacuee program to avoid the bombing in London during World War II.

Fourteen-year-old Hazel tells her five-year-old sister Flora Lea a special story all their own. “The name of their new land came to Hazel right as prayer, a name that already existed, that had waited for them, a name of secrets, of the earth and its rivers, just like the two sisters: It’s called Whisperwood and the River of Stars.”

The stories always began in the same way: “Not that long ago and not so far away, in a land that is right here,” Hazel whispered into the dark, “there was a land where anything could happen, where we might become anything we wish, where a river of stars runs through its woodlands. Keep your eyes open for hidden doorways! They’re everywhere, but visible only to those who are worthy. And we are worthy.”

Trish Todd, VP & Executive Editor of Atria Books, says that author Callahan “has poured all the love of books into this novel, illuminating how we tell ourselves stories to protect the ones we love, to keep our memories of them alive, and to seize onto the hope that imagination and storytelling can offer.”

This is an unforgettable novel that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful historical fiction novel set in London and the English countryside.
I loved the jump between time periods over twenty years when a woman named Hazel goes through an incredible and memorable adventure after she discovers an illustrated book about a magical land. The book potentially holds the key to discovering her missing sister Flora.
This book was beautiful, inspiring, and incredibly charming. I loved the descriptions and the time period. The pacing was great. I love magical realism. This book did not disappoint!
I highly recommend this book and author!

Patti Callahan Henry has done it again. ‘The Secret Book of Flora Lea’, is a well written and very interesting book, that incorporates The Pied Piper operation in London during WWII, I. Which London children were sent away to save them from expected bombing. Unfortunately like the fairy tale, not all of the Pied Piper children encountered happy endings. Quite an enjoyable book.

A make-believe world created by sisters ends up in a book. But one of the sisters has been missing and presumed dead for almost 20: years and the other has never breathed a word of it to anyone. Where did the book come from? Who knows their secret? Is Flora alive?

I really wanted to love this book. I liked the premise and the idea of the mystery. But I did not care for the repetitive writing. Yet I kept reading to find the answers to the questions. The climax of the story had me scratching my head a bit. I did like that it wrapped up everything and left no loose ends. Not a total miss, but not the book I’d hoped it would be. 2-1/2 stars for me.

ARC ebook edition was provided by Atria Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. I didn’t love it, but I definitely liked it. Characters are interesting. Some predictability but not so much it diminished the storyline.
Because of lack of time to actually read a book, I purchased the audible version.
Cynthia Erivo was excellent to listen to. She really set the tone and pace of the book to perfection.