A powerful tale of courage and resilience, *The Book of Lost Children* intertwines a wartime secret with a modern-day mystery. In 1943, nurse Evelyn Nightingale risks everything to hide babies from the Nazis in occupied Guernsey. Decades later, in Dublin, Kitty White’s discovery of a hidden list inside an old violin leads her on a journey to uncover a shocking family truth.

Inspired by true events, this novel masterfully blends historical fiction with a gripping mystery. Evelyn’s bravery and Kitty’s search for answers create an emotional, page-turning read.

This powerful and interesting book really grabbed my attention immediately. I loved the setting in the Channel Islands. The story really flowed . My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Book of Lost Children by Jennie O Brien

Wow a brilliant historical fiction in this time period .
The Book of Lost Children is based on the invasion of the Nazis on the Channel Islands and whilst this is fiction it still had fact within it.
A dual timeline read but married together brilliantly.
I really enjoyed reading the characters Evelyn's & Kitty's and their stories . And loved that we got to read Evelyns and all that happened around her more than the more recent times.

The Book Of Lost Children
By: Jenny O' Brien

5 Stars

With the loss of her mother, Kitty is left to care for her father and the family antique shop. One day, a mysterious violin brought in brings about many questions when her father reacted strangely to it. Soon, the truth, her family truth, becomes real as she begins to learn about why. She learns a story that transports her back to the war. It is a story that will change some forever.

Wow. This was a great story of bravery and dedication. Evelyn was a brave soul who, despite all, looked out for the few who could not look out for themselves. She gave these children futures and a chance at a decent life. This was similar to the many children smuggling stories you hear from the era but different since it involves infants. I love these types of books. This book, being inspired by a true story, is simply beautiful. This story was well done, both well written and researched. It kept me engaged and was an emotional ride full of drama, danger, and above all, bravery.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

This is a WWII story, unlike any that I’ve ever read before. Uniquely written from the perspective of two women, Evelyn during the German occupation of Guernsey in WWII and Kitty, 2018. We start the story not knowing how these two women are connected but as you continue reading, there are little bites that tie them together. The full connection isn’t revealed until the last chapters, which I appreciated.
This story is inspired by true history and is one that will make you think more about all that happened during the war and what happened to the people who lived through it. While this may be the authors first Historical Fiction book, I expect it will not be her last. You will not regret reading this book. Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

The Book of Lost Children is nothing short of extraordinary. Evelyn’s courage as a wartime nurse in Nazi-occupied Guernsey was incredibly moving—her determination to protect those babies, no matter the cost, was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The way the story unfolds, connecting her actions during the war with Kitty’s quest for answers decades later, was simply brilliant. I was captivated by how the past and present intertwined, and the hidden truth that Kitty uncovers felt like a powerful revelation. This book not only sheds light on a remarkable piece of history but also explores the lasting impact of sacrifice, family, and love. It’s a deeply emotional journey that I won’t forget. Five stars without a doubt.

This book was a great read . There was sad bits and funny bits was a nice book to read . Will be reading more by Jenny O'Brien for sure .

So much gripping history seen through the eyes of a. Nurse. Have the tissuea ready , you Will cry. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc , my opinion is my own

I am such a sucker for historical fiction in this time period. The Book of Lost Children is based on fact, but fiction, which is also a love of mine. This dual timeline read was beautifully tied together. So much emotion. The author went into great depths on Evelyn's story, I do wish she spent a little more time on Kitty's as well. I found myself wanting more of Kitty and the modern storyline.

Excellent historical fiction novel set in world War 2. Captivating from start to finish. Based on true events through the eyes of a nurse, a gripping and powerful read.

I recently finished reading The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien, and it left a lasting impression on me. This historical fiction novel, set during the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II, tells the story of Evelyn Nightingale, a nurse hiding a dangerous secret.
What captivated me was how vividly O’Brien portrayed life during that era. The historical details were so well-integrated that it felt like I was experiencing it firsthand. The use of dual timelines added complexity to the narrative, gradually revealing Evelyn’s secrets and the mysteries surrounding her.
What’s truly remarkable is that this story is based on real events. The fact that such courageous and heartbreaking tales actually happened during World War II is both astonishing and humbling. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of those who lived through such times.
The book was engrossing throughout, with moments that kept me completely absorbed. While some parts were slower, they were essential for building the tension and emotional impact that followed.
Overall, The Book of Lost Children is a compelling and emotional read. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact historical fiction can have on us. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in World War II history or those who enjoy a strong narrative with deep historical roots.

Jenny O’Brien’s “The Book of Lost Children” is a must-read! It’s based on a true story and tells the tale of two perspectives and timelines, from Guernsey during WWII to Dublin in 2018/19. The horrors people faced during the war with Hitler are almost unbearable to imagine. But this story follows one woman’s brave efforts to make amends for those injustices. Her research is evident on every page, making this a truly impressive read.

A historical fiction tale, The Book of Lost Children (2025) by Jenny O'Brien is set during The Second World War. Not widely known, but historically true, German soldiers occupied the Island of Guernsey. Unable to leave the island, nurse Evelyn Nightingale works long hours, amidst difficult conditions at the local hospital. In 1943, Evelyn places herself in grave danger when she decides to act to protect new mothers and hides their babies. Then a French woman arrives to give birth and once again, Evelyn takes a great risk that will have repercussions down the generations. In 2018 Dublin, the sale of an old violin leads Kitty White to discover a list that reveals old secrets and causes tumult in her own family. A heartfelt tale inspired by true events makes for a three and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given. With thanks to Storm Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

A WWII historical fiction that explores a nurse"s life on the island of Guernsey during the German occupation. Among her nursing tasks is the taking care of mothers in labor and their safe deliveries. Three babies born of mothers with different histories that include not being able to keep their newborns are saved by the heroics of this nurse. Years later, we meet the descendants of these babies and their connection to a violin and it case left at an Antique store in Dublin. A tragic story that shows the bravery of people on the Guernsey Island during this most difficult time. Highly recommended

A story of a courageous young lady based on true events. It reminds you to appreciate what you have and assist others when needed. I appreciate the medical field and the nurses deserve a medal. A emotionally charged tale.

Inspired by true historical events, this heart-wrenching tale will stay with you long after the last page.

A wartime nurse risks everything to protect mothers and babies in Nazi-occupied Guernsey. Decades later, a hidden record reveals a devastating family truth. Based on a remarkable true story of one woman’s extraordinary courage.

The Book of Lost Children is a compelling and captivating read that I wont soon forget.

The story is told in two time lines.

1943 in Guersney we meet Evelyn Nightingale working as a nurse in the German Occupied island.

Tension mounts every day with the German presence, food is scarce and the hosptial team does the absolute best they can possibly do.

Evelyn thinks quickly on her feet and several times comes up with plans to thwart the Germans including hiding three babies.

Too many people know her secret..

Secrets have a way of blowing up in your face.

I cheered for Evelyn, cried with her but most of all admired her strength and resilience

1948 there is Kitty White buys for her antique store an old German viiolin with a hidden compartment.

She realizes her dad recognizes the instrument. Kitty is determined to get to the bottom of the story and it the story the violin will tell.

Jenny O'Brien does an amazing job of bringing the two stories together.

The book is beautifully written and I felt like I was right there with both ladies.

The Book of Lost Children is a gripping read based on a true story and I found it impossible to put down.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the privilege to read and review The Book of Lost Children and most of all introducing me to Jenny O'Briens books.

I got so caught up in this story. A WWII tale of a nurse who is secretly helping the mothers and babies. What a terrible time in history, although so well written. Loved it!

The historical accuracy of this book along with the to date accuracy, blew my mind away. This author did her homework! A dual timeline book which keeps you riveted to the end. The perfection in the writing, grammar and research makes this book what it is. I felt every person's anguish, sadness, troubles and the starvation they suffered at the hands of the war. Along with that, I felt all of that and more with the modern day storylines as well. A book that kept me guessing how it all played together and how to make all the lives of the people come true to life. This book is awesome and easily read. Any person that reads about WWII and all it entails will love this book. Concentrating on family ties and love its a novel that takes place in a war but essentially concentrates on the families that worked together to save others from monstrosities created by the German forces. A great read and I would highly recommend it.

This has to be one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read!
I know it’s fiction but it definitely could be true; there were some absolute heroes throughout the war making this story even better and feeling realistic. I didn’t know any of the factual parts (like Germany occupying Guernsey during the war - not something we were taught about in school)
Anyway, whatever you do this year, read this book! You’ll smile, laugh, cry, feel hopeful, heartbroken and happy and sad all at once - but you won’t regret reading it!