‘I absolutely loved The Forgotten Girls. It is a beautiful, compelling read… Lizzie Page writes like a dream… I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 starsLondon, 1943. German bombs rain down on London, but Elaine Parker knows her job transcribing letters from far-away prisoners of war is more important than her own safety. At home, Elaine’s life isn’t so … own safety. At home, Elaine’s life isn’t so simple – as the main breadwinner for her struggling family, she doesn’t have much time to consider her own future hopes and dreams.
And then Elaine meets dark-haired and passionate Bobby – a wartime photographer on the dangerous front line – and her world shifts. Will Elaine be forced to choose between her family and her growing passion for Bobby? And how do you let yourself love someone with your whole heart when each moment could be their last?
Present day. Even the kiss of warm sunshine and the musical call of birds at her family’s countryside villa can’t make Jen forget the heartbreak she’s left behind. That is, until she begins to investigate the origins of a tattered family photograph: two sweet little girls gazing out across a sparkling bay, their eyes clear and hopeful – looking for all the world as if England hadn’t just suffered the most terrible war imaginable. What is the story behind the picture, and could it finally be the key to mending the cracks in Jen’s own past?
A heartbreaking World War Two novel – emotional and unforgettable. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday and Before We Were Yours.
What readers are saying about The Forgotten Girls:
‘Twists and turns that keep you turning the page… I must read one more chapter before I turn out the light for the night… fans who enjoyed The Nightingale or Sold on a Monday will love this book as much as me. Authentic, heart-tugging and soul-stirring. Be sure to have tissues nearby.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘A heartbreaking tale of life in 1943 living through the war… One of the best historical fiction books I have read in a long while.’ Sean’s Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘It not only brought tears to my eyes when the connection between the two women was revealed, but it pulled on my heartstrings all the way through the book. A story of love and loss, family and friendships, this book will keep you gripped until the very last page. Would definitely recommend.’ Stardust Book Reviews
‘I came to really love the blossoming romance between Robert and Elaine… A beautiful novel, and one I highly recommend.’ Emily Claire Writes
‘A captivating story.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘I absolutely loved The Forgotten Girls. It is a beautiful, compelling read… Lizzie Page writes like a dream… I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘I really fell in love with this book… Beautifully done, the imagery is well written and I found myself picturing the scenes and living them out in my mind’s eye. Well done!’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Oh, how I loved this book! I smiled, cried, my heart raced and I marvelled at the storytelling… Wonderful!’ Angela Petch, author of The Tuscan Girl, 5 stars
‘I just love the deft and thrilling blend of fact and fiction, and the way Lizzie Page brings characters from the past back to life. I am such a huge fan of her work.’ Bestselling author Jill Mansellmore
A delightfully well-written family saga/romance/women’s novel with two blended story lines: Nana Elaine’s passionate wartime (WWII) romance with a famous photographer and the contemporary life of her granddaughter Jen – a woman whose husband has left her for a younger woman at the outset. While there are definitely romances in both lives, the book is more than that. It is a powerful description of the women who stepped up during the war and were then sent home once it was over, and while her grand romance is key, Elaine’s story entails much more. As the family learns about Elaine, Jen recognizes parallels between them and must decide what choices to make for her own life.
I liked some parts of this book more than others. I was fascinated by the historical sections, mainly because they contained a “real-life” person (Robert Capa). After looking up his biography, I think that the author did an admirable job of conjuring up a plausible storyline that fit what is known about him. I also enjoyed learning about the clerical girls of WWII. I found the contemporary scenes to be less exciting, but they were necessary to tie the two time periods together. I would recommend, especially for fans that like a dash of realism in their historical fiction. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a pre-release digital ARC of the book.
Family First
Wartime is a different time to live in. People have to make choices that they would not ordinarily make. Lives are changed by circumstances that are out of their control.
The story is about a clerical worker, Elaine that loses her parents, thus must care for her brothers. She falls in love with a famous war photographer, Robert. Because of her family responsibilities she breaks off her engagement and marries someone else. Elaine and Robert never stop loving each other.
Many years later a documentary is being done on the famous photographer. Elaine’s daughters, Betty and Shirley and their children try to find out about the relationship between Robert and Elaine, coming across information and a secret involving Betty.
This book is about relationships during the war and years later. It has romance and heartbreak. There are sad moments and happy moments.
I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Lizzie Page, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I have read only one other book written by Lizzie Page so I was eager to see if I would enjoy The Forgotten Girls as much as I did When I Was Yours. The stories were very different but both had the great sense of place and strong character development of very complicated and complex characters.
The plot is as complex as the characters with twists and turns that keep you turning the page. Thinking again and again, I must read one more chapter before I turn out the light for the night. At the heart is the need of two women to find their identity and path in life. Still much is different such as the dual time of past and present, which is so well done in The Forgotten Girls.
WWII, 1943 is such a major factor in this story almost taking on a life of its own. What a wonderful depiction of the times, the people, the current state of life in London during the war and the role it plays in one woman’s life. Then it moves to the present, 2016, with another woman also facing unsettling times in her life. Between the two is the connection of the two little girls in the faded photograph.
Historical fiction fans who enjoyed The Nightingale or Sold on a Monday will love this book as much as me. Authentic, heart tugging and soul stirring. Be sure to have tissues nearby. It is a truly satisfying read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoy reading historical fiction books that are set in WWII. And the fact that this was a dual timeline story was even better. The author’s research is impressive and her writing style is appealing. The picture of two girls triggers a heartwrenching story. The primary character is Elaine. But the author does a fabulous job of weaving the two storylines together so that you have a unique perspective into decisions Elaine made. This was a rollercoaster emotional ride as you travel through the pages. One question remains once you have finished the story … did Elaine make the right decision? You need to read the book to decide for yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This story takes place from several different points of view beginning in London 1944 and going to Spain 2016. Going back and forth between these different time spans with numerous characters became somewhat confusing to me at times. I found the characters all quite bland and unremarkable. I love historical fiction but I was disappointed in this one. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 3-1/2 stars.