Rose Alexander’s The Lost Diary is a heart-wrenching emotional drama best read with a huge box of tissues handy.

German-occupied territory, 1945 and life for pregnant Katja is fraught with danger and worry. As she tears open an envelope containing a map, Katja commits to memory every line and letter and copies every detail onto scraps of paper in the flickering candlelight. Katja knows that she needs to be careful. She had almost been caught delivering letters by the SS once before and she knows that next time around, she will not be so lucky. Katja knows that she needs to get in touch with Karl and tell him about the baby. But do the two of them dare hope of a future together? Or will this war succeed in tearing them apart…forever?

London, present-day and Jo feels lost and listless. At a crossroads in her life, Jo doesn’t know what the future holds for her – until she finds herself clearing out her mother Katja’s home and makes a shocking discovery! Jo finds a small dog-eared diary in a tiny kitchen cupboard containing shocking information about her family’s history that turns her entire world upside down. Is Jo prepared for what she’s about to uncover? Will she discover what really happened to her mother’s wartime baby? Or will bringing all these long-buried secrets out into the light end up leading to more heartache and despair?

Rose Alexander’s The Lost Diary is a beautifully observed and sensitively written tale of secrets, courage and sacrifice that is sure to hold readers spellbound. Dramatic, haunting and poignant, The Lost Diary is a tender and touching story about hope, resilience and love that will bring a tear to the eye of even the most cynical and jaded of readers.

Rose Alexander is a terrific storyteller who with The Lost Diary has written a first-rate tale that is hard to put down and even harder to forget.

I love dual timeline historical books, especially when they are set in a period I’m eager to learn about. This book had everything, Great writing, believable and well rounded characters and a nicely paced plot. I’ll look for more books by this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

An enjoyable story which was well written and carefully research. Another book by this author I have read and liked.

A historical fiction novel of the after effects of the ordinary non-Nazi German resident, their expulsion from their homeland, and how they struggled to get back to Berlin under such horrible conditions that existed at the end of the war. A different type of WWII story that depicts how German citizens felt after the war. This one is unusual because it is about the women and children who fled Berlin during the Allied bombings. A novel that is rarely told about how the Germans felt when WWII ended.

The dual timeline in this historical fiction was well done. A daughter learning of the tragic past of her parents through her mother’s diary is so well-written in a neiarful way. While heartbreaking, #TheLostDiary is an exceptional read and based on a true story.

Thank you, Rose Alexander, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. This dual time line story about Katja and Lou during World War II, and their adult daughter, Jo during the 1990’s is an interesting read about the terrors of the war and an adult daughter’s discovery of her parents difficult and painful past. This book was historical fiction, part mystery, and part of a family rediscovery and closure. I enjoyed this book , however it had some disturbing and unsettling passages to read, but that is the horror of war and it is necessary to the plot of this story. I would highly recommend this book, it was well written and researched.

I always love an historical fiction bade on a true story and this one didn't disappoint. Thus was sett over two timelines and followed the stories of Katja during the war in 1945 and Jo who is living in London in present times. When Jo finds her mother's (Katja) diary her world is turned upside down and as she reads on secrets are revealed.

This is an emotional read, it is heart-breaking but at times beautiful. It is certainly a gripping read and one I couldn't put down. The tension built as the story progressed. The characters are so real and you really felt for them and felt you knew them.

This really is Jo's story and the discovery of her families past, the war and the secrets she never knew. So well researched making it easy to read, flowed perfectly through the times and was very well written, you can immersed yourself in this story and feel as if you are there. A wonderful read and one I won't forget in a hurry. Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGallley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This gripping WWII historical is absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking and kept me hooked to the pages. This is a great book. I will be keeping this on my keeper shelf!
I just reviewed The Lost Diary by Rose Alexander. #TheLostDiary #NetGalley
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A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

The lost Diary, what a wonderful yet heartbreaking book, all the more remarkable because it’s based on a true story, the story is based on Katja and Lou and their lives through WW2. Katja is a young widow with a young child living in war torn Germany, Lou is a POW trying to survive the war, both their stories are told in a dual time zone through lost diaries and memories. A truly amazing book that at times is heartbreaking reading what Katja and other young women suffered during the war. Definitely worth 5⭐️ and more

This is simply a beautiful and breathtaking book. Alexander weaves together the two timelines to tell a wonderful story full of fear, strength, sorrow, grief, and light. As always with historical fiction, I love learning something new about the historical time period – especially one like WWII when you think that you know most of what happened. I didn’t live through WWII, but I can’t even imagine what it would be like. My grandfather fought in the war but I wasn’t old enough to understand and ask him about his time before he passed. This book shows the importance of asking questions and learning more about history – to make sure we don’t repeat it.

I also like that there was more than one “storyline” here. There was Jo learning about Katja’s experience, Jo learning about her father’s experience through his diary, and also Jo going through her own martial issues. All of these storylines were brought together perfectly.

This is a must read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction.

what a beautiful book. my tears were flowing as I read the pages.
Set in WW2., the characters pulled you in and I couldn't wait to read what happens to them all.
Excellent

London, 1994.

Jo is a woman in her late forties. Her life is at a crossroads: her children are grown up with partners of their own, while she’s undergoing a divorce with her ex, Ed, who’s got a new girlfriend and demands cash for their family home.

Jo’s mother, Katja, has had an operation and is currently recuperating in the hospital. Katja is German, she came to Britain in 1949 with her British husband, Lou, and young Jo. She’s always been tight lipped about the past and wouldn’t speak of the war days.

While Katja is in the hospital, her flat is being renovated. One day, when Jo is there to inspect the progress, she finds an old journal, which belonged to her late father.

Startled by the discovery, she asks Katja about it. This unleashes something in her mother, as she starts to relay to Jo what happened during the war.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s probably one of the best historical novels set during the WWII that I’ve read so far (and I’ve read loads). It gives an insight into what life was like for the Germans during the war. Not the Nazis or the German elite who had everything, but the everyday German people.

The author vividly describes the devastation caused by the war, the bombings. There are horrific depictions of various diseases raging all over Germany and the lack of medicine or the medical care. Oh, and the hunger!! I could feel Katja’s hunger as she was scouring for food around Berlin.

I liked how Katja and Jo grew closer together during the story. Katja felt a deep sense of shame over what happened – she really shouldn’t, as she did what ever mother would have done. Jo was searching for herself and I’m glad she found some peace in the end.

Overall, it’s a beautiful, but harrowing story. Very well researched. Perfect for all fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to Bookouture for the NetGalley widget.

The Lost Diary is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that kept me hooked from start to finish.

A definite recommend

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and aren't influenced by anyone else

I love historical fiction books that are also dual timeline, ever since I read The Lost Apothecary. So when I saw the blurb of The Lost Diary, I couldn't resist signing up to the blog tour.
This was so good- I read it for my evening and bedtime book, and Book and Bed is my favourite time of the day- even more so when I have a brilliant book like this to look forward to!
I was invested in both storylines, which is rare for me with dual timelines- usually one story outweighs the other.
I loved it- the gripping plot and emotional characters made this one stand out in a WWII genre that is saturated.

"The Lost Diary" by Rose Alexander is an emotional journey through time, weaving together the lives of two women, Katja in 1945 German-occupied territory and Jo in present-day London. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I couldn't put it down.

Katja's story is set against the backdrop of World War II, where she finds herself in a dangerous situation, delivering letters in secret. The tension and fear in her life are palpable as she navigates the risks of her actions, all while worrying about the safety of her beloved Karl and their unborn child. Rose Alexander does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the wartime atmosphere, making you feel like you're right there with Katja.

In the present day, we meet Jo, who stumbles upon Katja's diary while clearing out her mother's home. This discovery sets off a chain of events that unravel family secrets and mysteries, leading Jo on a quest for answers. Jo is a relatable and well-developed character, and I found myself rooting for her as she delves into her mother's past.

What I loved most about "The Lost Diary" is how it seamlessly blends historical fiction with a contemporary mystery. The transitions between past and present are smooth, and both timelines are equally compelling. As Jo reads Katja's diary, the reader gets to experience the raw emotions and heartache of the past, which adds depth and poignancy to the story.

The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions that transport you to the settings. The characters are well-rounded and undergo significant growth throughout the novel. The themes of love, sacrifice, and family resonate strongly, and the book explores the profound impact of secrets on generations.

Overall, "The Lost Diary" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally charged novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. Rose Alexander's storytelling is masterful, and she brings the characters and their struggles to life in a way that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of mystery and romance, I highly recommend picking up this book. It's a captivating and heartwarming tale that will leave you reflecting on the enduring power of love and the importance of uncovering the truth, no matter how painful it may be.

I have no words to describe how wonderful this book was and the development of the characters.
Alexander did a marvelous job weaving past with present.
I enjoyed Johanna's story bc it was from her point of view and that's my favorite thing in a book.
Katja's story was so emotionally hard to read. You could feel her pain and sadness along with everyone else's during wartime. But her story along with the other survivors needed their story told.
I liked Lou's story too. It wasn’t his fault that he got stuck where he did. I thought it was a wonderful idea to write everything down that happened to you.
I keep a diary myself. It helps to relieve things off my mind.
I loved everything about this book. Katja and Johanna refused to let me put their story down until it was finished. I love when a book does that for me.
I happily give this story 5 stars! I highly recommend this book too.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

An intricately written story. I wasn’t expecting two stories. Readers get Katja’s story but also Lou’s and I was surprised whose diary it actually was. Jo’s story is also interspersed within the other two.
The WWII part is gritty and grim but a story that should be told over and over. There were several surprises in the plot, but I anticipated one.
I’ve fantasized about finding a lost diary but it hasn’t happened yet so I console myself by reading books about characters that do.
I also like that the book was based on actual facts.

My Review: I have no words as to how moving, disturbing in places and incredible this book is. Based on real life diaries from the timeline in the book WWII and changed names to preserve the privacy of those involved. Jo is supporting her closed off elderly mother and renovating her flat when she comes across information that makes her realise fully, the value of older generations memories, a truth I only started hearing recently when my own father passed away. The will to survive, the losses, the whole terror and fear, cities on fire, differences between Russian and British Soldiers, it's all tied into this book with great care. I could see this as a movie or tv series. Emotional and Fully Recommended.

Why do we always want to read books that are heartbreaking and question humanity? This book is one of those!
It took me a few chapters to get into to this book, and it’s definitely got some down sides to it. But considering it’s a debut and based on her own family, Rose has done an amazing job and I look forward to reading more things of hers.
The rawness of this book connected with the family bound and hardship they have and had faced make this story one that people can feel strongly towards and sympathise with each character on some level.
I really recommend this book of you are a historical fiction, especially based around the world wars!