Set In the 1940s and modern day this read takes you across the 2 time frames from Evelyn the nurse in occupied Germany to Kitty who runs an antique business. The story takes you on a journey connecting Kitty to a the past from a purchase she acquires.
Mainly told through the story of Evelyn I became really invested in her but not so much the Kitty modern day side of the book. That said even with a slow start I fell in love with this and couldn’t put it down. The story gripped me showing love courage and fortitude during difficult times. If you love reading. Historical war fiction then this is a must thank you NetGalley and Storm for the Arc otherwise I may have missed out on a truly beautiful read.

The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O'Brien is a historical fiction novel that intertwines two timelines: one in Guernsey during World War II and the other in Dublin in 2018.
In 1943, nurse Evelyn Nightingale bravely hides three babies within the walls of the Emergency Hospital in Guernsey, protecting them from a terrible fate during the German occupation. Her actions have far-reaching consequences that ripple through generations.
Then, in 2018, Kitty White, still grieving her mother’s death, struggles to keep her family’s antique shop afloat in Dublin. A desperate woman arrives with an old violin, and hidden within its case, Kitty discovers a mysterious list of names that unsettles her father. Kitty's quest for answers leads her to Guernsey, where she uncovers a long-buried secret about her family.
This is the fourth book I have read by Jenny O'Brien; the book is professionally written, and I love its evocative storytelling and powerful depiction of life during the war. It blends fact with fiction, making for a gripping and heart-wrenching read. Utterly addictive and should come with a warning – once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down until the final page. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Release Date: April 11, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC. The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O'Brien is a dual timeline story that is set during WWII on the island of Guernsey and in modern day Ireland. In the modern timeline the main character, Kitty, searched for the answer to family secrets that began during WWII. On Guernsey, during WWII, Evelyn works as nurse and shows great compassion, perserverance, and bravery while helping her patients and others during the Nazi occupation of the island.

The Book of Lost Children is a well written book with characters that are easy to connect to. I wish there had been a few more chapters set in the modern day so we could get to know Kitty and her aunts a little more. The stories are intriguing and kept me interested until the end.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Book of Lost Children. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction like The Book of Lost Names or The Booklover's Library then you should definitely give this book a chance!

Beautifully written book ! Perfect to get me out of the reading slump I was in ! I gave it four stars because it did take a little bit to get into but once I was in it was amazing

A historical novel, set in both the 1940s and modern day, tells the story of Evelyn, a teacher turned nurse in Germany occupied Guernsey during WW2. Despite the dangers she often faces from the Nazis, Evelyn works to save the lives of many through her work. In modern day, Kitty runs her family’s antique business. An item she purchases leads her to unravel the story of her own past. This is a touching novel about love, family, and fortitude. Even more so, this is a novel about helping others and providing empathy in a time where darkness seems to prevail! It blew my mind to see that the author isn’t known for historical fiction. The characters in the 1940s timeline were so gripping that sometimes I wished the modern day storyline wasn’t interrupting which is really my only complaint about the novel. I wish I was just a tad bit more invested in Kitty’s storyline which is to be expected when the majority of the book happens through Evelyn’s perspective. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I would highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Jenny O’Brien for allowing me to read the ARC!

This story is set on a small island off the coast of Europe during WWII. The story is heartbreaking, as a nurse tries to save 3 infants from the Nazis. The book goes from the past to the present and tells the story of the children in present times. It is a compelling story, keep the tissues handy. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Spanning two time periods and inspired by true events, "The Book of Missing Children" by Jenny O'Brien is a powerful tale that radiates hope and resilience. It beautifully illustrates the remarkable strength and courage that individuals as they navigate difficult circumstances.

In 1940, we are introduced to Evelyn, who is actively serving in a hospital on the Island of Guernsey during the challenging times of the German occupation in World War II.

The narrative then shifts to 2018, where we meet Kitty, who is managing her family’s antique shop in Ireland. One fateful day, a customer arrives eager to part with an old family heirloom. Kitty feels an irresistible pull toward the piece and instinctively purchases it as a special gift for her father to present on her upcoming birthday.

But there’s more to this gift than meets the eye. As Kitty uncovers the treasures hidden within the heirloom, she begins to unravel dark secrets about her family’s past, sending her on a journey of discovery that will change everything she thought she knew.

Jenny O'Brien skillfully intertwines these two storylines, guiding readers on a profound journey that resonates long after the final page is turned. The rich character development makes you feel deeply connected; you won’t just read the story, you’ll feel like you're living it.

Historical fiction books are something I really enjoy. The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O’Brien was one I loved.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the arc of this amazing historical story based on true events and people.
A story that brings together two different timelines, 1944-46 and present when a violin links these two women Kitty and Nurse Nightingale.
Harrowing at times realizing the brutality of war and the bravery of those working in hospitals trying desperately to save lives with limited resources and supplies.
Jenny O' Brien writes an emotionally charged story that brings you into awareness of the times gone by. Her pulling two timelines together seamlessly is amazing writing, and a wonderful reading experience.
Her knowledge on every page shows the depth of research involved in this story.
I've read a couple of books by this author and absolutely love her writing style.

Set in dual timelines of ww2 and present day the story is excellently delivered and interwoven, bringing true events alive in a vivid imagining.

4.5⭐️

Historical fiction set in Guernsey during WW2.

A duel time line story telling the story of Evelyn Nightingale who is a nurse in a Guernsey hospital during German occupation. The modern day thread is about Kitty in Ireland who is trying to keep her family’s antique shop going. It is interesting the threads come together.

I loved reading about how Evelyn helped during the war with no official resistence organisation. It’s a sad story hearing about the conditions that people were forced to live in with the lack of food and basics, their ingenuity was impressive. I found the attention to period details made this really interesting to read, especially those in the nursing environment. The sense of community really shone through and helping friends and neighbours when there was so little to give.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it’s a moving story. I really wanted there to be a real life hero Evelyn who has a statue outside of the hospital. For me the coming together at the end was a bit too long, that’s just a minor nitpick, but interesting to see how it impacted on the children. You don’t need to be a historical fiction fan to enjoy this story. I’d hoped that Evelyn was a real life hero with a memorial, but as the author states in her acknowledgements many individuals on the island did what they could to rebel.

I have tremendously enjoyed this story! Knowing that it is based on the life of a real woman makes the novel even more interesting and captivating. The plot was full of tension, and the two timelines worked very well. The only detail I found totally unnecessary is Kitty's burgeoning romance . To me, it did not bring anything to the story and rather disturbed the smoothness of the plot.
I have read many of the author's crime books which I also enjoyed a lot. Still, this novel was a brilliant change and I hope she writes more historical novels beside her crime books.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

This is a historical fiction book told from two points of view, one in 2018 and another during WWII in the 1940s. This story is about a nurse, Evelyn, saving children in a very dark time. I loved how the story came full circle.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Well, this certainly got all the emotions going!

Inspired by a true story, this is a tale told in dual POVs, over dual timelines and locations of WW2 in Guernsey, and 2018/19 in Dublin, Ireland

In the more recent time, Kitty is minding her family store. A store of curiosity, full of pretty much anything and everything. Her mother passed away a year before, and her father isn't handling it well, leaving Kitty to run the shop. When a woman appears just before closing, wanting to sell an old violin, in desperate need of repair, Kitty decides to take it off her hands, a self bought Christmas present to her from her father.

On Christmas day, on examining the case, some photos and a notebook are revealed. It's clear her father recognises the photos but shuts the conversation down completely. It's not until she visits her aunty who has recently taken a tumble that she learns who these people in the photos are and the names in the notebook are brought to life.

Ww2, Guernsey, and Evelyn Nightingale, once a primary school teacher is now working as unofficial nurse. Working tirelessly to help those most in need, Nurse Nightingale soon becomes a hero without realising just how many lives she will save. With her pure heart, quick thinking, and bravery, she goes above and beyond to keep the needy safe, even at the detriment of her own health and safety.

It is a story of true resilience, bravery, and kindness. This seriously pulled at every heartstring. Knowing that during the war, there were real people out there, doing everything humanly possible to save others. With little or no medical supplies, little food to survive on and sparce belongings to hold on to. It shows just how strong friendships could truly be, even when times were at their bleakness.

This was an intricately weaved tale where two lives come together, connected by time and all revealed by an old violin.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

What a compelling page turner, based on fact, but fiction, so we put faces on the people involved.
A dual time read between 2018 and 1940, from Dublin to Guernsey, from current time to WWII.
When a women brings a violin into their store, she is intrigued with the instrument, and never in her wildest dreams did she realize the impact it will make on her family.
The 1940's is a time when the evil invading Europe is occupying Guernsey, and life tries to go on. Working as a nurse Evelyn Nightingale is at the Emergency Hospital, doing work in most of the wards. She is such a bright light, at such a dark time! Shortages everywhere, including at the hospital. We are there to see what a blessing and the sacrifices she makes to help those in need.
I loved that the author brings this story a full circles, so yes, the answers come, and we are there for the outcome!
I received this book through Net Galley and Storm Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is a compelling historical novel that intertwines the lives of two women across different eras, connected by hidden truths and acts of courage.
Inspired by true events this books really pulls at your heart strings and captures your interest from page 1. O'Brien's meticulous research and evocative storytelling bring to life the struggles and bravery of individuals during tumultuous times.

This was a really enjoyable read and the words will stay with you long after you are finished!

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Jenny O'Brien and Storm Publishing📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

I've visited Guernsey so this immediately appealed to me. I was aware the island had been occupied during WWII but I hadn't realised the hardship and suffering the islanders were put through. O'Brien skillfully incorporates the facts of the occupation within a fictional dual time storyline - with Evelyn in Guernsey in WWII and Kitty in Dublin in 2018. Beautifully written, incredibly invocative, it's a story that has stuck in my mind since finishing it. I've been a fan of O'Brien's writing for a while, but with this she has surpassed herself.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

"Miss Nightingale was a nobody. Someone you wouldn't look twice at but that didn't didn't stop her from being a hero." Oh, this book warmed my heart and shattered my soul. It's not a story of flashy resistance fighters on the Isle of Guernsey during its brutal German occupation. It's about the fierce determination of a handful of doctors and nurses to care for the islanders in the Emergency Hospital with a dwindling food supply and no antibiotics or surgical supplies.

This book was impossible to put down. Set in Guernsey during WW II and Dublin in 2018, the characters are connected through time by an antique violin. The author expertly weaves the two timelines together, introducing the reader to unforgettable characters and heartbreaking scenarios that seamlessly come together in the end. Jenny O'Brien allows the reader to experience the quiet desperation of the islanders as living conditions deteriorated under the Nazi boot as well as their will to survive with their humanity intact. "Hope. It was a small word for such a powerful force." This powerful book is not to be missed, and I will be thinking about it for a long time.

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.

A beautifully penned account of life during the second world war. Informative, evocative and very powerful. This story will remain with me for a very long time. Simply beautiful