Huge thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and the author Jenny O'Brien for this arc.

Such an incredible historical fiction read! Inspired by a true story, The Book of Lost Children tells the story of a nurse living in nazi occupied Guernsey during the second world war as she works to protect her patients, many of them mothers with newborn infants.
Told in a dual POV and dual timeline, we shift between Kitty, an antiques dealer in present day Dublin, and Evelyn, a nurse in 1940s Guernsey. When Kitty comes into possession of an old violin case that has a list of names and photos inside it she works to uncover the history behind them.
It was fascinating to see the development of this story as the past and present came together throughout the duration of the novel. Tension underlined the entirety of the past POV as the author was able to expertly portray what life must have been like during the occupation, especially for those brave men and women who defied the Nazis. I found myself holding my breath a few times as I anxiously read through different scenes. Would highly highly recommend to historical fiction lovers.

Based on a true story, this is a fictional story set mainly in Guernsey about Evelyn Nightingale, an unmarried school teacher who, during the German occupation in World War II, went to work at the Emergency hospital. Told from dual POV’s, that of Evelyn Nightingale in 1943 and Kitty White in Dublin in 2018. Well written and clearly well researched this is a compelling read, I did get a bit confused with some of the characters as to who was who in the different timelines, but that aside the story flowed well.

Briefly, in 2018, Kitty is running the family antique shop. When a desperate woman asks her to buy a tatty old violin she reluctantly agrees. Hidden in the case she finds photographs, a ring and a book with a list of names. This leads her to her Aunt in Guernsey in an attempt to discover long hidden secrets. In 1943 Evelyn has been helping in the hospital and is transferred to help in the maternity ward. Over time she helps save three newborn babies from the German forces but one German officer is suspicious of her and it’s clear that she is in danger.

This is an emotional and at times distressing read. The life of the islanders who chose to remain on Guernsey was hard. Food was scarce as was work unless you were working for the Germans. Evelyn was a wonderful character. She was clearly brave and kind although it seemed as though her bravery was innate not contrived. She seems to act first and think later! There were some terribly sad moments and the treatment meted out by the Nazi’s was shocking but there were also some joyful and positive moments that lightened the heart. An enjoyable WWII historical novel.

4.5⭐️

Oh my. This book is beautiful, tragic yet hopeful, inspiring, and also horrifying. It is based on the true story of a nurse that protected babies by hiding them, switching them from the Nazi Germans.

This story is told in two alternating timelines: 1943 where Evelyn is trying to protect the babies in Guernsey, but the German commandant is becoming more suspicious of her. Yet she will do anything to protect the innocent.
2018: Kitty White it taking over the family antique shop when one day a woman sells her an antique violin. Kitty discovers a list of names hidden in the case. She decides to look into the names, and this leads her to Guernsey, where she discovers family secrets.

The descriptions of the setting, the places, the effect of the Nazi's on the daily lives of the people were detailed and genuine. The tension permeated the lives of these people daily while they dealt with near starvation, fear, mistrust.

The bravery that Evelyn has is mind boggling! This is a unique story to me, in that I had never really heard about this particular aspect of the times. This is a gripping, emotional read that is not easy at times, but show the resilience of the human heart. It is compelling and I loved every minute that I was immersed in Guernsey.

And the way that Ms. O'Brien ties the two women and timelines together was very well thought out. It did not seem contrived at all- but very satisfying!

I highly recommend this book. Be sure to have tissues ready. You will go through all the emotions- but in the end, there is hope!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing. This is my honest and voluntary review.

this book was too much. but in a very very good way. too much because the emotional heart break and heart gripping pages just has me in its hold for a long time after i finished reading. i wanted to read more and more because i needed to know this story. sadly we all know that many people lives didnt have the happy ending. and what everyone went through at that time, to me seem heroic just in itself. i dont know how people managed themselves in that time. emotionally i feel a wreck just reading some of the stories! so when you read about people who were either victimised or stood up tall and did acts of bravery most of us could never fathom, well, then im in absolute awe.
this book spans dual timelines. but it made sure to give both of the timelines its due space.
this book was brilliant. the story in itself was amazing but it was done so much credit by how Jenny tells it. this is an author full of pure talent if this book is anything to go by.
i have to admit i was with unshed tears a fair few times within this read.
we have the story of how one lady in war time risked it all to save children, who without her would have faced devastating circumstances.
and then our future timeline story is of how the people that lady saved are found out by their names being discovered in the back of a violin.
one of my favourite historical reads is war time themes and this really couldn't have been better. an excellent book. and even writing this review it has me thinking about it all once again.

Set against the backdrop of WWII, this novel takes place on the Island of Guernsey, which is a strategic invasion point for Germany. Although many of the islanders manage to evacuate, Evelyn choses to stay behind with her father. When an air raid strikes, Evelyn instinctively starts providing aid to the injured, leading to volunteer work with the ambulance service. As the hospital grapples with severe staff shortages, she is hired despite her lack of formal training. Evelyn’s life takes a dramatic turn when she impulsively follows a blood trail outside the hospital and helps rescue an escaped prisoner. When presented with the chance to save a newborn from a German Officer, she seizes it, only later considering the ramifications. Thus setting into motion circumstances that will reverberate for years to come.

In Dublin in 2018, Kitty purchases an old violin, which contains pictures and a notebook listing the names of children and their parents. This discovery uncovers a family secret and links her to Guernsey in ways she could never have imagined.

Inspired by true events, this novel is a heart wrenching, touching and compelling tale. The bravery of the characters, the unconditional love they share, and the theme of found family are both inspiring and heart warming. Although I was aware there is a connection between the two stories, O’Brien masterfully keeps the nature of that link a mystery until the powerful conclusion. This is no easy feat and is a testament to her writing skill.

Evelyn is a unique protagonist. Though undeniably courageous, with nerves of steel and heart of gold, she does not deliberately set out to be a rebel or to defy the Germans. Instead she is thrust into situations where she acts immediately to protect those in need, driven by an innate goodness. Once she has made her impulsive decisions, she has the strength to see them through, and her actions evolve into deliberate brave choices. Evelyn embodies the qualities and actions we all hope we would exhibit if faced with a similar challenge.

This novel also carries a strong feminist undertone, featuring female characters who are independent, unmarried and content with their lives. - an unusual but empowering portrayal for the time. These women are incredibly strong, willing and do sacrifice everything to protect others.

This is a beautifully written exploration of the devastation faced by Guernsey during the war, and of Evelyn’s courageous efforts to rescue and safeguard innocent lives. Although set during the war, it is a story about resilience, resistance to evil, the complexities of family and love and the remarkable impact of bravery.

Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for the early copy of this book and the opportunity to provide honest feedback.

This was my first book by O’Brien. I enjoyed the story itself, based on true events but fictionalized. However, I did not enjoy the writing style.

Inspired by true events, this is a compelling tale
of two women separated by time, but
connected by secrets and and acts of courage


Set across two timelines we meet Evelyn
Nightengale a school teacher turned nurse in
1943 during the Nazi occupation in Guernsey.
She is such a facinating, heroic character
whose journey is gripping and emotional and
her determination to hide and protect babies
as well as their mothers from the Germans,
was inspirational.


In present day we meet Kitty who discovers
some hidden secrets in an antique violin case.


Jenny's skilful writing, vividly portrays the
atrocities of the war and characters that readers
will deeply connect to.


While this is a story of heartbreak snd sorrow, it
is also about resilience, bravery and above all
else, hope. I was so invested in this tragically
beautiful story and give it a solid 5%,* If you love
historical fiction this is a must read.


thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

Set between 2nd world war and 2019. Lovely story very emotional. Evelyn become a nurse in Guernsey during the German occupation. She helps children whose fathers were German and would have been taken from their mothers. Kitty comes upon the story when someone brings an old violin into her fathers antique shop in Dublin

Another great historical fiction, inspired by true events.

I haven’t read a lot of stories about Guernsey…to be honest this might be the first. The story is told from two POVs in two different timelines. One is from Evelyn Nightingale in Nazi-occupied Guernsey in 1943 and the other is from Kitty in 2018 in Dublin.

I enjoyed both timelines, but Evelyn's story grabbed me. I love to read about the bravery and humanity in wartime. The scene settings were described vividly and dragged me into the story. There were some ‘fight your tears back Deb’ moments and I could feel the pain and suffering. But before I knew it, I had to hold my breath and flip the pages to see how things would work out. I could tell the author has done a lot of research and it brought the story to life. Great Characters, great world-building, great emotional balance…. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone who loves WWII historical fiction about brave and kind women.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this copy.

This is a new author to me and a heartbreaking and emotional one to start with.

This is a dual timeline story - it did seem disjointed to begin with but it was obvious there would be a connection between the events in 1943 Guernsey and 2018 Dublin.

The link seemed to be a signet ring and a battered violin.
This book was well researched and well written though it was slow at times - and sometimes the changes between timelines seemed in odd places to me.
But all in all it was an eye opening read - there was one place where it brought me to tears - and I hadn’t foresee what was going to happen and had hoped for a different outcome.
It did take a while to fit the adult names to th4 childrens as well - but in the end all became clear - and one tragic part was explained and what a terrible tragedy befell one of the characters.

A thoughtful read - based on fact - the deprivations of the Islanders was difficult to comprehend for those of us too young to have knowledge of the War.

I really enjoyed this book that is based on a true story during WWII on Guernsey during the occupation of Germany.
A midwife will do everything to help the women who are giving birth in the hospital, but some women and their babies are in danger.
Can she help save them?
This story gives an insight of what happens on Guernsey during the war.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this. This review is my own opinion.

5 Stars, How Far Would You Go

THE BOOK OF LOST CHILDREN
by Jenny O'Brien

How far would you go to protect the lives of innocent children? This is a story of lost children who are born from unimaginable circumstances. The works of beloved nurse Evelyn Nightingale, in 1940, told in a dual timeline along with Kitty White, who works in her father's antique shop in 2018.

This can be an emotional story, you feel for these poor women who are having babies, but want something better for their children and are unable to do anything.

Kitty comes across a list of names from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. She is intrigued and begins to investigate.

Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of #TheBookofLostChildren from #JennyOBrien #StormPublishing #NetGalley I wasn't obligated to post a review.

#dualtimelines #historicalfiction #children #basedonatruestory #womensfiction #WWII #WorldWar2 #Guernsey #ChannelIslands #Europe #Dublin #Ireland #inspirational #strongfemaleprotagonist #standalone

In The Book of Lost Children, Jenny O'Brien expertly weaves together two timelines, alternating between the stories of Evelyn Nightingale and Kitty White.

Evelyn’s story takes the reader back to Nazi-occupied Guernsey in 1943, where she serves as a dedicated nurse, working to protect babies who would otherwise fall victim to the Nazis. The decisions Evelyn makes and the courageous actions she takes come with profound consequences that will ripple through generations.

Fast forward to 2018 in Dublin, where Kitty is grieving the loss of her mother while working in her family's antique shop. When a woman walks in with a violin to sell, Kitty discovers a family mystery hidden within its case. Her search for answers leads her to Guernsey, where the past is about to be uncovered in ways that will forever alter her understanding of her family and herself.

O'Brien’s use of dual timelines creates a rich, emotional narrative that intertwines historical events with personal discovery. The author has crafted a poignant story that will linger with readers long after the final page.

Kind thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced reading copy of The Book of Lost Children. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ms O'Brien takes us back in time to an Island between the coasts of England & France (Guernsey) during WWII. I had no idea that Germany had invaded as far as the English Channel... nor the fortitude and resourcefulness of the islanders in an incredibly challenging war. Based on history, this novel tore at my heart many times over during the telling of the story. Moving, inspiring, infuriating, hopeful, The Book of Lost Children brings a little hope and light to a very dark place and point in history.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

This touching and evocative story of the Nazi occupation of Guernsey had me gripped throughout. Former teacher turned nurse Evelyn Nightingale is a wonderful central character. Faced with impossible situations, when we must all ask ourselves what we would do, she is immensely brave and resourceful. Although she’s admirable for her courage, empathy and kindness, she’s still very human. A beautifully crafted character who will remain in my memory long after putting this book down.
The secondary characters and the modern timeline added richness to the story. I found the way the threads were drawn together in the end highly satisfying.
Having visited Guernsey, and some of its WWII sites, I felt the depiction of the island captured the oppressive nature of the occupation beautifully. Every aspect of everyday life was affected by the invader, and this is reflected in the tiny details I always love in historical fiction. The author’s note is fascinating to understand the inspiration and context for this wonderful story of resistance and resilience.
This is a must for any historical fiction fan who wants to know about the lesser known aspects of WWII and its devastating impact on this beautiful part of the British Isles.

If you’re a historical fiction fan you should definitely check this one out. A WWII novel from a perspective I’ve never read before- the story of a nurse in occupied Guernsey and her experiences of love, loss, and humanity. The author does a great job of connecting Evelyn’s wartime story to Kitty’s in present day. Makes you remember that these stories of war time really weren’t that long ago after all. The twist in this novel wasn’t revealed until close to the end and wasn’t easily predictable which I always appreciate!

This was one book I couldn’t put down. Evelyn Nightingale is on Guernsey when it is occupied by the Germans. Through need to survive, she takes up a role at the hospital. Her quick thinking saves Colin, the escaped prisoner and several babies from being scooped up by the Germans. Fast forward to 2018, where the secrets come out, as they were hidden in a violin case, and the background of the saved children comes out. The scenes set in the war are especially poignant, as the threat of German violence and discovery increases, as well as the harsh conditions the locals had to survive. My only quibble is that it is based on real events, but the author hasn’t explained what was historical fact and what was fiction. Other than that, what an awe inspiring read, and how strong and brave people can be. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This dual timeline story travels between the Nazi-occupied Channel Islands in 1944 and Ireland in 2018. Evelyn, a brave young woman recruited to work in a hospital on Guernsey Island, quickly steps into more and more nursing work, including time in the maternity ward, where victims of Nazi cruelty are treated regularly. A young woman in an antique store in 2018 finds evidence of a family mystery in an item dropped off by a mysterious stranger. This story of suffering, hunger, fear, fortitude and strength is well worth reading, as another complicated piece of the puzzle that is resistance to the occupying forces during World War II.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced digital copy of this book.

This is a dual timeline POV of Evelyn who becomes a nurse during WWII on the island of Guernsey. She was fierce and extremely brave. These were difficult times and she showed extreme courage by taking a stand against the German’s in the only way she knew how.

We also meet Kitty, who buys a violin and inside the violin with her father discovers pictures, a notebook, and a ring. Her father immediately shuts down. She then speaks to her aunt. Meanwhile her other aunt has an accident and Kitty flies to Guernsey to be with her.

All the while Kitty is trying to uncover the secrets of the past.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I shed a few tears reading it. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction then this book is for you.

The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O'Brien is a historical novel based on a true story, and partially set in Guernsey during the German occupation in World War 2.

While The Book of Lost Children covers two timelines, most of the book is spent in the World War 2 period following the story of Evelyn Nightingale a former teacher working as a nurse at a local hospital.

There were times when I found this story a bit slow, but it was still interesting to read about the struggles of the local people as they dealt with the oppression of the Nazis during their invasion. The two timelines in the book are tied together near the end, but I almost wish the more recent timeline had been left out.

Given the main timeline, it will be no surprise that there are some very emotional, and hard to read moments in The Book of Lost Children, so I recommend having a tissue handy.

The Book of Lost Children is a good read for anyone interested in historical fiction set in World War 2 if you are interested stories that are slower, with not a lot of action.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.