This is an historical fiction set on the Isle of Guernsey in the Channel Islands during WWII. Guernsey is occupied by the Nazi’s and teacher Evelyn turns to nursing the remaining local population. She helps place three babies in safe arms and away from the Nazi’s. Her story of resilience and starvation was compelling. I would have liked to have learned more about Colin and Camille. Their romance and bravery felt very distant. Back matter on what true historical events this was based on would have been great, too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this DRC.
#TheBookofLostChildren #NetGalley

A stunning work of historical fiction based on a true story. The novel follows Kitty, an antiques dealer in 2018 Dublin, and Evelyn, a nurse on the Nazi-occupied isle of Guernsey in the mid 1930s. We follow Evelyn as she works to keep her patients and those around her safe from enemy soldiers. Kitty’s story is seemingly unrelated as she works to unravel the story behind a violin case received in her shop. I enjoyed both storylines and especially loved the way the author wound them together in the end. This is a phenomenal story that is beautifully written.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing this book for review. All views expressed are my own.

What a powerful story of resilience and love! Written it dual timelines but you will not get confused which your reading. A story of a family’s struggle during WW2. And the nurse who saved them. Jenny O’Brian tells a powerful tale of the struggles ppl were put thru during a horrible time. Forced to do whatever it takes to live and protect yourself from the power of war. Not usually a historical story person but this book doesn’t ready like that. It will hold you to the pages as it tells a story that will tug on your heartstrings. I wouldn’t consider this a romance story there is a small undercurrent of it but it makes the story what it is. It’s not the basis of the story.
If you’re looking for a good rainy day novel you won’t want to put down I suggest reading this one.

The Book Of Lost Children
By Jenny O'Brien
Publish Date April 13th 2025
Storm Publishing

Before you start reading this book, you will need several boxes of tissues, and at least two days minimum to recover from this book. The Book Of Lost Children is inspired by true historical events, and is duel timeline between Guernsey in the 1940's to Dublin 2018. It all begins with a violin in a dusty case that has been brought to the antique store that Kitty's father owns. Having just lost her mother nearly a year ago, Kitty feels drawn to the violin the woman is trying to sell, because her mother used to play a violin and Kitty has hopes of fixing this one up and learning how to play herself. Also inside the violin case , there are a few photos, a ring and a notebook with the name E. Nightingale written on it. You will discover that E Nightingale was a nurse during World War II and you will learn of the heroic things this brave woman did in order to keep children safe.
I have read alot of books, but none of them have ever made me cry like this one. I know when this book is published on April 13th of this year, the sales of tissues are going to skyrocket to an all new high. I had the pleasure and honor to receive an advanced reader copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily. Thank you to Netgalley , Storm Publishing and to Jenny O'Brien for sharing Kitty White and Evelyn Nightingale with us. May we all have the pleasure and honor to know a Kitty and Evelyn in our lifetime.

A very powerful book featuring a brave woman at it's centre. A few surprising twists set in a dual time, during WW2 and modern day.

Nurse Evelyn Nightingale lives in Guernsey when the Germans occupy her island. She wants to protect the mothers and children from a Nazi who is a danger to them all. She risked her life to save various children and a French woman who recently gave birth sending them off with a record of who they all were.
Years later in Dublin Kitty White receives an instrument with hidden documents which open up to her the history of her blended family. She travels from Guernsey to Germany filling in the blanks and uniting her family in the process.
Fantastic book well written and based on a true story from ww2. Highly recommended read.

This story had it all. The good side and bad side of love (maternal and romantic) in a war torn world because of Nazi occupying Guernsey.
I glimpsed parallels between the brave nurse who risked it all to protect innocent babies and Camille—a woman who survived because of her beauty and certain … abilities. I didn’t expect to come to care for Camille so much, but her heart gutting story, and the other mothers’ stories as to why they couldn’t care for their children were so beautifully, and tragically written.

“I don’t care about myself but my son deserves a future without a monster in it.’

There were so many amazing lines in the story, but I picked that one, and would love to see this story as a film. (I don’t say that often, but this would make a great movie)

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

I received a copy of the book "the Book of Lost Children" by Jenny O'Brien, from NetGalley. The book takes place in two different time eras. In 1943 Evelyn is trying to survive during World War 2. She had been a teacher but ended up helping nurses. She starts helping a patient who is accused of being a spy by hiding him. She eventually ends up in the Maternity ward. She witnesses a young girl giving birth and dying she sees this baby is part of the "master race" program started for Hilter. She saves the baby, and decides to save other babies to keep them from the horrors of Hitler.
the second era takes place in 2018, Kitty helps out her dad in the store they own. They buy used items to sell in the store. When a person comes in to sell a very old violin she reluctantly buys it. When she further inspects the violin there are some papers and a notebook hidden in the violin and case. It has names of "lost children" very mysterious things written in the notebook. This has the name of Evelyn in the violin. Now KItty wants to know who is Evelyn? what do these names mean? the book goes back and forth focusing on Evelyn and how she helped babies to protect them from HItler's plan. and How Kitty from 2018 tried to find out what happened to Evelyn and the babies she tried to save. A very good book. Although the characters are fiction it is based on real events that happened during the Holocaust and World War 2.

This is a story of bravery & selflessness! Based in Guernsey during the occupation.
It begins with Kitty White working in the family antique shop when a customer comes in with items to sell. As it’s nearly closing time and Kitty is feeling charitable she decides to see what the woman has. When an old violin is uncovered it is the opening of old wounds for her father who is still mourning the loss of his wife. Once stripped back it starts the story of Evelyn Nightingale who works at the hospital, although not actually a nurse she is well thought of by the sister who gives her jobs as if she were. One night she is called upon to assist the doctor when a very young woman is brought in, in a very bad way and in labour. This is when Evelyn finds an inner strength and does unimaginable things to protect her patients.
One of the German soldiers Yannik Klein has no such care, he is very much for himself, at all costs.

As both stories are told there are long held secrets that unravel, which will have you reading late into the night, like I did.
My favourite character was Evelyn for her kindness. Least favourite was Yannik for his attitude. The saddest has to be Ms Laine.
It was my first by this author, will def read more.

Set in two timeframes the book tells the story of Evelyn Nightingale, 1940-1944, a nurse in German occupied Guernsey and then of Kitty White, 2018, trying to keep the family second-hand shop going in Dublin. Evelyn risks everything to hides new-born babies from the Germans especially when some are the result of desperate liaisons with those Germans. She and others suffer greatly from lack of rations, medicines and it is truly awful how the Channel Islands suffered. Kitty buys an old violin from a customer and sets to restoring it but finds letters, a notebook and photograph hidden in the case. The stories of the two women are linked by family and the book does a good job of exploring those links, especially towards the end. Mostly it focusses on Evelyn and her compassion and bravery but the last quarter or so focusses more on Kitty and her aunt. Well written and emotional. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Inspired by true events, The Book of Lost Children is written in two points of view. Evelyn Nightingale works as a nurse in 1943 Guernsey during the occupation. Evelyn is keeping a dangerous secret – she is hiding newborn children from the enemy, hoping to save them from the Germans. In an alternating timeline, Dublin 2018, Kitty White does what she can to save her family’s antique shop. When she purchases an old violin, the hidden past will come to light. This book is an incredible, well-written tale. The author has intertwined the stories quite well in this heart-wrenching read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jenny O’Brien’s “The Book of Lost Children” is a poignant historical fiction novel that masterfully intertwines dual timelines, keeping readers thoroughly engaged. The narrative oscillates between the harrowing days of World War II and a more contemporary setting, weaving a tale that’s both heart-wrenching and hopeful.

At the heart of the story is Nurse Evelyn, a beacon of compassion and resilience amidst the unimaginable atrocities of the war. Her unwavering dedication to protecting mothers and their infants during such tumultuous times showcases the profound impact one individual can have, even when faced with overwhelming adversity.

O’Brien’s writing is exceptional, bringing to life characters that readers will find themselves deeply connected to from the very first pages. The emotional depth and authenticity of their experiences make the story not just a reading experience but an emotional journey.

While the narrative delves into the profound sorrows of its characters, it is beautifully balanced with an underlying thread of hope. The meticulous blend of historical facts with fiction offers a rich and immersive backdrop, enhancing the story’s authenticity and depth.

In summary, “The Book of Lost Children” is a compelling read that will tug at your heartstrings and linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope. I wholeheartedly give this book four solid stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is based around the story of a nurse in Ww2 . Instead of focusing on the war it focused on how her and others intbhe hospital tried to help a few orphans from the German hands . It's excellently written and I loved it. .
It made me teary up and also feel proud of what she achieved.
Written in a dual timeline with a lovely ending .
Definitely recommend

This one hit me in all the feels, the story line and plot are so good. It does pull hard on the heart strings. I did cry just one lol but it was worth it. The ending is good. Very good.

The Book of Lost Children, written by Jenny O'Brien, is a great WWII historical fiction book based on a true story. It reads as a dual timeline, the 1940's in the Channel Islands and also in 2018/19 in Dublin.

In Dublin in 2018, Kitty White, who lost her mother 12 months earlier, takes on keeping the family antique store open. Her father is still grieving the loss of his wife and is struggling to move on. Kitty's mother was an excellent violin player so when one day a woman brings in an old violin to sell, memories surface of her mother and she buys it on the spot. Kitty plays the violin as well and thinks maybe she might start playing again. Looking at the violin, she knows they won't be able to recover much profit from it... or will they? Upon examining the violin and case, she discovers some photos and a notebook with the name E. Nightingale on the cover. In the back of the notebook is a list of names. This begins her search to find out who these people are listed in the notebook.

How does this violin connect the past to the present?

In Guernsey in 1943, nurse Evelyn Nightingale is employed by Emergency Hospital and eventually she is transferred to the OB ward. She is a simple nurse and becomes a quiet hero! One day a mother dies in childbirth leaving a baby behind and the father is unknown. Evelyn hides this baby to save it from the hands of the Nazis. Only few know her secret. She records the name of the baby and the mother and father, if known. She hides the notebook in her violin case. Such courage from a nurse who knew she needed to save this baby. Does she rescue other babies from the ward? What happens to these babies? Are they still alive today?

Kitty White begins to uncover the secrets of the notebook. How does her father feel about this? This is a story that you'll want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens and how these lives connect. Jenny O'Brien put much research in this and delivered an astounding story. I look forward to reading more of her books I do recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fantastic read, i honestly loved everything about it and I couldn't put it down I read it in a few hours. I loved the writing, I loved the dual timeline, it is one of my favourite narrative techniques and I think this author did it really well and the story was so compelling. I loved it

Oh my! The Book of Lost Children makes you feel all the feels. I could not put this book down. The author has a beautiful way with words and keeping the two timelines intertwined. I don’t always enjoy two timelines; I can easily get confused but that didn’t happen with this book. It answered all my questions and left me wanting more. This was such a powerful read and I highly recommend it!

Set across two time periods the 1940’s during WWII in Guernsey and 2018/19 in Dublin, Ireland this book which is inspired by true events is a heartbreaking yet uplifting read.
Evelyn Nightingale was a teacher in Guernsey before the schools were closed during WWII and most of her students were evacuated to the mainland but Evelyn stayed. She took up a position at the local hospital and was soon looking after new born babies some who lost their mothers or were abandoned. She thought of herself as a nobody but she was far from that - she was brave, loyal and played the violin beautifully. Evelyn with the help of a few other hospital staff save the lives of a small group of babies.
In Dublin Kitty helps her father run their antiques shop since her mother has passed away. A violin with some documents hidden in the case comes to the store and the past and present collide when Kitty begins to learn the history of her family.
This is a truly emotional read and one that will have you reading well into the night.
I wasn’t aware of the German occupation on the Isle of Guernsey so found this an interesting part of WWII history.

A change of direction for Jenny O’Brien for this historical fiction novel.
I very much enjoyed the opening couple of chapters but the change of timeline distracted my interest and I just couldn’t get along with it after that.
Well written as always and I think the problem was with me rather than the novel.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

As always Jenny O'Brien gets the tone just right in this her latest novel set during WW2. This time she writes of the German occupation of Guernsey. Of the hardship and bravery of the people left behind on the island during the occupation. Specifically the nurses and doctors at the local hospital. The dual timeline narrative allows Kitty a relative in present day Dublin to trace what actually happened to her family on the island during the occupation. The characters are written beautifully. You can actually experience their emotions through the writing. A beautiful heart-rending book I wouldn't have missed for the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.