I am an avid reader of historical fiction books that are set during WWII. And when it is also a dual timeline, I am hooked. This was an emotional read. The focus of this book is different in that you get a glimpse of the fear the German citizens experienced. The twists and turns will take you along a journey where you will learn about aspects of WWII of which you may not know. The pages of this story are filled with love, heartbreak, strength, resilience, and dedication.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre 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!

Catherine Hokin does it again with a book that opens unusual aspects of women's lives befor and during the Second World War. There's a parallel timeline in the USA in the 1950s. Peggy's adoptive mother gives her a photo of Peggy as a baby - with two women in it. Peggy thinks she recognises one of them, a film star.

Wind back to Berlin in the 1930s, where Anna is drawn into the frightening world of Goebbels's propaganda film-making. She plans to escape to the US with her boyfriend, but he fails to turn up and so, pregnant and alone, she makes the journey by herself, only to get drawn into the plots of Nazi sympathisers on that side of the Atlantic. What happens to her baby?

This book manages to be both tender and terrifying and shines a light on aspects of history little remembered today.

Catherine Hokin never misses! This was an amazing novel, and I give it a full 5 stars. I enjoyed the dual timeline, and reading the strong female characters. I think this book should be made into a movie, and it would do very well. This will sit with you for quite some time after reading.

A great dual time line story set in the 1930s and 1950s. Peggy is left with a photo of her real mother when her adoptive mother dies and sets out on a trail to find her, and unearths the heartrending story of Anna in 1930s Germany. The story worked well in the two timelines and I especially enjoyed Anna's story, great characters and history made this a compelling read

I honestly don’t have enough words for this book! Any words would not do it justice! It was so heart wrenching yet beautiful. As a mother it took me to another level. The sacrifices one makes to save another are far too real to what was occurring during this time in history. Forever grateful I got to read this book!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

I am a HUGE fan of Catherine Hokin’s books. They’re always well-crafted with memorable characters and storylines that weave timelines seamlessly. That’s certainly the case here. As with many historical fiction novels, there is the need for a more contemporary storyline that allows for the historical line to be told. In this case, the contemporary storyline was 1957, where we get Peggy’s story. However, it’s really Anna’s story to be told, and that’s what had me turning pages. There were many unique sections to this book – events and other things that aren’t as common in WWII historical fiction. You’ll learn a lot of forgotten history in the midst of a compelling storyline in this book. Highly recommended. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.

Set in Second World War, before it and after it - it was hard to keep up with the storyline. I read this book over several sittings as I found parts very slow but overall I enjoyed the book.
Anna Tiegel is in Germany, an aspiring actress, who comes into the sphere of Goebbels . All alone and pregnant after her her father is murdered and her boyfriend disappears Anna has to decide how she can escape from the situation and keep her baby safe.
Story moves to 1957 America and Peggy Bailey is determined to find her birth mother. Her adoptive mother who has just died has given her a photo of two women in 1930’s Germany. Peggy recognises one of them as a Holywood actress and sets off to find her mother.
Good storyline and well written but just a little slow in places.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review.
3 Stars ⭐️

This is a stunning World War Two novel about a history that I knew nothing about. The story is written from the two time zones of 1934 and 1957.
In 1934 Berlin Anna Tiegel tries to protect her friend from the advances of Goebbels whilst also trying to find a way out for her and boyfriend Eddie. In 1957 when Peggy Bailey’s adoptive mother dies she is left with a photograph that can lead her to her roots but will she be brave enough to follow.
I loved the history of film making in Germany during the war which I knew nothing about. The characters were enthralling and you were hoping for a happy ending. I have already started reading the authors back catalogue and I can’t wait for the next novel.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#AllWhoWander #NetGalley

It was a wonderful book with heartbreakingingly beautiful characters and plot . I loved this one and it’s easily the best book this year

I was drawn to this novel, The Lost Mother, for two reasons. One was that it was a historical fiction story centered around WWII. the other was that I was intrigued with the story of an young women who was given up for adoption in Germany, just before the outbreak of the war. The baby was adopted by an American couple. Jump ahead about 20 years later and this baby is now seeking her biological parents.
Most historical WWII novels focus on the rise of the Nazi movement and the horrors that the Jewish population experienced. This story does the same but it also depicts the struggles and fears that many German citizens faced. There were many Germans who lived in fear of Hitler and his Nazi movement. German American citizens were also persecuted in the United States and accused of being spies and Natzi supporters during the war.
This book ties in these two story elements and it makes for a very good story. Tie in a bit of Hollywood drama, some mystery, and a few surprises and the book becomes even more enjoyable.

Are you one of those people who watch a show like the Crown, and spend half the time googling to check how factually correct it is? I am. I have learnt so much about history by indulging in my passion for TV dramas and good historical novels. I recently read The Lost Mother, by Catherine Hokin and learnt even more. I was honestly really torn as to whether I stayed snuggled up in bed reading or if I gave up, and grabbed my phone to check the factual history that underpins this wonderful story. It is hard enough to do this review without spoilers, suffice to say I loved it, I really did. Excellent writing skills and a strong plot, complemented by intrinsically complex characters, this book has it all. Anna and her friend are budding actresses in 1930’s Germany. If you ever wanted an explanation of what a frenemy is – this is it. It is a complex relationship that defines both their lives, across two continents and thirty years. The rise of Nazi Germany, and the effect this has, in Austria and Germany and also in America is a strong theme of the book, and is definitely based on history. This is the backdrop to the story of two woman. Anna Tiegel and Peggy Bailey.

On her deathbed, Peggy's adoptive mother reveals a photo of two women, one of which is Peggy's birth mother. Peggy sets off to discover the truth after identifying one of the women as celebrated actress Louise Baker.
The Lost Mother is set over two timelines. We have Peggy's journey for the truth in the 1950s after her discovery of the photo of her birth mother. We also have the story of her mother Anna in the 1930s as she flees from the attention of Goebbels, hides her Jewish heritage and is regarded as a Nazi traitor by the Americans.
Peggy is a wonderfully tenacious character as she ploughs on with her search for her birth mother. Anna is a much gentler character and endures much suffering. Her inner strength and bravery are obvious but more subtly depicted. Her loyalty to her friends, family and the Germany she loves lead her to unhappiness.
I was not aware of the discrimination against Germans in America and wonder how different the story would have been if Anna had focussed on her Jewish heritage and claimed refugee status. This angle is unique among other historical books I have read (and I have read quite a few!) I liked the way that the author didn't shy away from the more unpleasant elements of the American treatment of Germans nor the plot to create a Nazi satelite on American soil.
The Lost Mother is a powerful story of love against the odds and the ending ties up the narrative starnds and offers hope for the characters' futures.

An interesting novel which moves between 1950s New York and Berlin, Germany pre and post WW2.
Peggy discovers that she is adopted as the death of her adoptive mother approaches. A photograph depicting what she believes to be her birth mother alongside another young woman is her only key to discovering her past. The story moves between two main characters and covers events taking hold of Germany under the regime of the Nazis and moves to New York which was fascinating to read how Hitler's followers tried and ultimately failed to rally the German immigrant groups in the US.
The story has many characters which at times make it slightly challenging to recall where they all fit in but setting this aside the story is a good historical read.

Catherine Hokin is back with a heart-wrenching historical tale of secrets, sacrifice and salvation: The Lost Mother.

The city of Berlin had once been full of bright lights, glittering parties and streets reverberating with laughter and cheerfulness, but there is now tension and fear in the air as the Nazi party’s grip on the German capital tightens and their influence grows malevolently with each passing day. Houses stand deserted and Berlin’s citizens cower in abject terror determined not to arouse suspicion or incur the wrath of this most despotic of rulers. Staying out of sight from the Nazi party had always been the plan, however, when Anna Tiegel’s beautiful best friend catches Goebbels’ eye, she swoops in to rescue her friend and ends up in danger herself. As Anna’s life becomes more and more unbearable, she finds herself with no other choice but to flee to America where she hopes to build a new life for herself with her boyfriend Eddy. Pregnant and desperate for an escape, Anna begins to make plans to make this terrifying journey – only when Eddy doesn’t show up on the agreed date, she realises that she is all on her own. Determined to protect the life growing inside her, Anna will to whatever it takes to keep her baby safe, but does a better future beckon? Or will Anna end up regretting her journey to America?

Twenty years later in Rhode Island, Peggy Bailey stares in shock at the photograph of two laughing women her beloved adoptive mother handed to her before she died. The picture was inside her baby blanket when she was brought home and Peggy realises that she recognises one of the women in the picture. She had seen her once before. But what is her connection to Peggy? As she embarks on a voyage of discovery to piece together the fragments of her past, will Peggy uncover the truth about her heritage? Is she ready for the shocking secrets she is about to uncover? Or will she end up wishing that she had left the past dead and buried?

Keep a box of tissues handy when reading Catherine Hokin’s The Lost Mother because this book will make you cry buckets. A beautifully written and highly evocative tale of triumph and despair, love and war, courage and uncertainty, The Lost Mother is an emotional novel readers will not forget in a hurry written with flair, assurance and sensitivity.

An absorbing read that will tug at the heartstrings, Catherine Hokin’s The Lost Mother is a riveting historical tale from a very gifted storyteller.

This book made me feel several different feelings in a short time. I felt sadness, anger and hope. Anna and Peggy’s story was so heartbreaking and sad. I cried reading about what Anna had to do in New York with Frank and the camp. Peggy’s journey to find her mother was a inspiring Read and made me really dislike Louise. Sadly the end dissapointed me alot. But all in all great read

This is not my usual genre and I will admit it took me a bit of time to really get into this story. The early chapters are definitely a bit on the slow side but also the character development as a result was fairly rich and detailed, especially of Anna and Marika. Related, over all despite enjoying this book and it doing an excellent job of reminding me of how fear can take up root in a person and effect everything they do, I do think it was overly long and their bit that could have been edited down to get to the conclusion a bit quicker. However, solid writing, strong story, good characters and oddly timely considering current events and the rise of fascism in the west.

As a lover of historical fiction I was very excited to start this book. The prologue to this book starts in New York in 1935 where we are introduced to Anna, a woman who is filled with pain and longing for the baby she so desperately wants back in her arms. She appears to be full of fear and apprehension, which intrigued me and had me pondering what had caused her so much distress.

We then jump forward to Rhode Island in 1957 where we meet Peggy. Her adoptive mother has just passed away, and she finds herself in one of the most difficult points in her life as she is left with many unanswered questions and unspoken words. Peggy had been her mothers carer for the last few months of her life, so when her mother passes away, Peggy finds herself feeling lost, alone and full of an unbearable pain.

On her deathbed, Peggy's mother left her a photograph of her biological mother. The picture shows two young women in a hoppegarten in Germany. Peggy is filled with fear that Germany will have a deep claim on her, and she is filled with uncertainty as to what this could possibly mean. Peggy finds herself torn, unsure of what to do for the best. When she becomes aware of the fact that one of the women in the photograph is actress Louise Baker, Peggy quickly comes to the decision to track her down. She begins a journey across America, heading for Los Angeles, hoping that she will get the answers she so desperately needs from this city.

This story was truly fascinating and captivated me from the start. The story had so much detail and was so incredibly informative, and I must say I learnt a lot about the American Bundt and the support that Nazism had throughout the 1930's. The authors writing style was wonderful, and really brought the story to life in my mind. I could picture the setting, and the intensity of the situations the characters found themselves in throughout this story.
Heart breaking and full of emotion, a book I am certain others will enjoy.

When Peggy's adoptive mom dies she's left without any family. Her mother waits until her last days to tell her what little she knows about the day they picked her up from the hospital.. A photo with two young girls was tucked inside Peggy's baby blanket and her mother held onto it all this time. Peggy can't stop looking at the photo because one of the girls looks familiar to her. Once she realizes she has a lead she travels to America to hopefully find her mother or someone who may know her mother.
Anna is an actress on the big screen but her real passion is the theater. She loves performing but doesn’t like the pressure of the parties and social life that comes with it. When the minister takes notices of Anna and her beauty she knows she cannot get away from him easily, or he’ll make her pay. Plans to star in a big film in America is her escape and her boyfriend and best friend have worked out all the details to escape. The Germans are making their presence known more and more so Anna must leave behind everything and leave. When she discovers that her boyfriend and best friend have left without her call she feels betrayed but also frightened. The minister is after her and little by little starts stripping her Of everything she loves. Her family, her job, and her freedom.

It’s hard to even start imagining the kind of trauma, fear and absolute torture people went through during the WW2 in Germany and subsequently other countries.

This story alternated between pre-war / WW2 days of the 1930s and the post war, 1950s. It’s the story of two young women – one from each of these times – bound together.

Peggy, in the 1950s, has recently lost her adoptive mother. The only mother Peggy knew, on her dying bed, pressed a photograph of two young women into Peggy’s hand and whispered that this was found tucked into the blanket she was wrapped in as a baby.

Anna, having faced terrible times, heartache and loss of her father in Nazi Germany, is forced to give up her baby and when she finally lands in the US is constantly looking out for her daughter.

Now Peggy, a journalist by profession, feels compelled to find out which of the young women in the photograph is her mother. And so begins the search for her mother.

How love and the desire to belong to each other wins over fear and betrayal is the essence of this lovely story.

Another winner from this author!

The Lost Mother is the new book from historical fiction author Catherine Hokin. It’s a dual timeline story of sorts, I say this because a lot of the books I read with dual timelines are set in the present day and then perhaps back during the war years. Here the story takes place in the late 1950’s and then goes back to the pre war years and in turn the war itself. In New York in 1935, in the brief prologue, we are introduced to Anna. She is filled with longing and pain and she would give anything to have her baby back in her arms. She is wretched and afraid and instantly the reader wonders what has happened to her for her to be in this state of separation and feeling this way? Fast forward to Rhode Island in 1957 and we meet Peggy. She is at a time in her life when so many questions remain unanswered and so many words left unsaid. Her mother has just passed away and as she had been her carer in those last few months now Peggy feels lost, adrift, isolated and full of pain. She is rudderless with no idea what to do but there is a puzzle she could try solving if only she was brave enough to do it.

On her deathbed her mother left her a photo of her real mother. It showed two young women in a hoppegarten in Germany. Peggy is afraid that Germany has a very deep claim on her and she is not sure if she is willing and able to assert this claim given the consequences that revelation might bring. Peggy goes back and forth an awful lot as to what she should do. Whereas I thought, really she has nothing to lose she should just go for it. When she realises that one of the women in the picture is actress Louise Baker, who is still alive and working in Hollywood, Peggy’s mind is made for her. She sets off on a road trip across America until she reaches Los Angeles. Is this the city where all her questions will be answered? A change in her life’s direction and a confrontation may await. Can she cope with what she discovers and at the same time can she boost her career as a journalist and make it big in a new city? Or is the story she is pursuing just too personal to be splashed across the pages of a newspaper?

To be honest I didn’t really care for Peggy, all that much. Initially she came across as weak, insecure and indecisive and I just couldn’t gel with her at all. I was glad when she reached Hollywood because then we started to be brought back to the past and this aspect of the story I found to be much more interesting and gripping. Yes, we needed Peggy in the later years carrying out her search/quest in order to tie the two strands of the story together and to complete the bigger picture but I found myself rushing through chapters from her perspective when they appeared in order to get back to Anna’s story which really grew in intensity the further it progressed. Peggy has the task of finding Louise Baker and getting answers but when someone is cold and aloof, they mightn’t be willing to give all the answers in order to protect their own skin. It’s only towards the end I felt that Peggy grew a real backbone and started using her investigative journalistic skills to the max. She was pushing forward in seeking the truth and wouldn’t let sleeping dogs lie. After all the answers she seeks although they may be detrimental to others she needs to find them to satisfy her own personal issues and to resolve her past. Yes there was some love interest for her along the way but if that had been omitted it wouldn’t have bothered me in the slightest as it really isn’t a major focus of the overall plot.

Anna was the stand out character for me. She grew up in Berlin and along with her friend Marika in 1939, after attending drama school was about to audition for UFA, Germany’s biggest and oldest film company. A job here meant an illustrious career awaited. Marika was very different to anyone that Anna had ever met before. She was a whirlwind in that she was charming and ambitious but at the same she was nobody’s fool and she was spoiled, selfish, and ruthlessly competitive. I didn’t like Marika one bit, I always thought she believed herself too good for a friendship with Anna and that she would walk all over her to get what she wanted for more gain and fame. Anna has a relationship with Eddy, a trainee director, but even Marika doesn’t see fit that this should last and happiness be found. With the rise of Hitler and his propaganda, laws and cruelty the girls were stuck between a rock and a hard place especially as Joseph Goebbels the minister for propaganda for the Nationalist Socialist Party really sets his teeth into the pair.

Here is where I felt, there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing without much happening and I think it could have been shortened and the real major part of the story would have gotten going much quicker. For reasons I won’t go into, Anna finds her life torn in two and what was promised for her is no more. An act of betrayal and just pure selfishness and worrying about one’s own personal ego and further career development leaves Anna in danger and from this point on the story ramped up a gear and the momentum did not let up until the very last page. I became deeply invested in Anna’s story. She wanted just to fall apart but she knew she couldn’t given what she had discovered about her personal circumstances. I thought part two really gave us a fascinating insight into what happened to Anna once what she believed to be the worst that could befall her had happened. Little did she know what awaited her and part two was brilliantly written and I felt I was on a real journey with the character. America becomes the predominant setting and to be honest this was a real eye opener as one just presumes that although the Americans did join the war that not much happened on American soil rather the people continued on as best they could.

But this story shows the Germans and Nazi’s rule extended far and wide. That they got in and immersed themselves in communities and spread fear, their absurd ideas and radicalism everywhere. Anna was brave, forthright and she put her life on the line so many times all with one goal in mind and through her story I was given a glimpse into an aspect of America during the war that I had never heard about before. Anna really was caught, the love for someone that was hers but for a brief moment drove her own through the hardships, dangers and fears she endures and she earned my respect for the dignity she showed in what she went through. You could tell she is restless, angry and has one goal in mind but so many obstacles are thrown in her way. The direction she takes is a surprising one and I felt at times with her it was out of the frying pan and into the fire. She was a remarkable woman that was served such an injustice. As you read, you just hope that this wrong can be put right and some form of happiness be found for all involved. But old wounds do cut very deep.

What is it that for me books by Catherine Hokin that after a very slow start it’s only at the midway point or in this case the 60% mark that within a turn of a page they become gripping. It’s like an entirely different story is unfolding with a sentence or two things suddenly change and I become invested in what is happening. Part two had me even forgetting about Peggy and her search in the 1950’s. The beginning for me was too drawn out until we finally got to the heart of the story and we get to see what happened to Anna. I found there was too much extra information given in the initial chapters and I thought the reason for and the point where Anna and Marika are separated could have been covered in a chapter or two and therefore we would have reached the crux of the story much quicker. Admittedly, this is where I really became gripped and I thought things were much more exciting as we followed Anna’s journey. All that said, Catherine Hokin is a brilliant writer and each of the three books that I have read by her have been fantastic after my initial issues which always resolve themselves. I’d just love to be hooked from page one because when the author really gets going its difficult to leave one of her books down. The Lost Mother is a beautiful and heart breaking read as mentioned on the front cover and definitely a worthy addition to the historical fiction genre.