We stand in the back of the hall as the children troop in. Big ones, little ones. Straggly hair, cropped hair, curls… the adults surge forward to choose and soon there is just one child left, a little girl sitting on the floor. She is thin as a string bean and her sleeve is ragged and damp – like she’s been chewing it.1939. War has broken out – hundreds of children are evacuated to the … evacuated to the countryside to keep them safe from the bombs raining down on the cities. Wrenched from her family in the East End and sent more than a hundred miles away, seven-year-old Pearl Posner must adapt to a new life away from everything familiar.
Vivienne didn’t ask for an evacuee child. In fact, she’s not sure her heart can take it. So many years, so many disappointments… Vivi’s ability to feel love left her the day she learned the truth about her husband Edmund, and when she made the worst decision of her life and left her cherished sister to her fate. But like it or not, Pearl is here to stay, and what with the rumours about what’s happening to children in mainland Europe, it might be the last safe place for her.
As Pearl and Vivi learn how to live together, they discover that they have a connection that runs more deeply than they could ever have guessed – from before Pearl was born, and deep into Vivienne’s past. And will it be Pearl – the little girl who says so little and sees so much – who forces Vivi to finally confront what happened in her marriage… and to the long-lost sister she loved so dearly and let fall so far, just when she needed Vivi most?
A beautiful and emotional wartime historical novel – heartbreaking, moving and unforgettable. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train and Before We Were Yours.
Readers absolutely love When I Was Yours…
’Brought me to tears. I love how having Pearl as an evacuee gave Vivienne a purpose in life. The story has plenty of twists and turns… If you like romantic historical fiction, particularly which is set in wartime, then this is the book for you! This, at times, bought tears to my eyes and equally a warm glow to my heart.’ Stardust Book Reviews
‘Lizzie Page has gone and done it again with this beautiful, poignant and immensely emotional story… She is by far one of my favourite authors… Lizzie you have blown me away with your beautiful words, wonderful imagination and emotional story… It is a lovingly written story that has real heart, and one that I cannot recommend enough.’ Chicks Rogues and Scandals, 5 stars
‘I loved it!… I adore Lizzie Page’s writing and the way she so brilliantly blends fact and fiction.’ Jill Mansell, bestselling author
‘Page is a wonderful writer, one that draws me in to the story completely and utterly … wonderful characters… brilliantly plotted with a delightfully intertwined story, it has the heartbreak of war and a gorgeous love story… fantastic.’ Short Book and Scribes, 5 stars
‘A compelling and intriguing read… I was fascinated by Vivienne’s story… Vivienne and Pearl are characters I will certainly never forget.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘A lovely, heart-tugging novel.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘You’ll find the yourself engrossed till the last page.’ My Pert Opinions, 5 stars
‘The story is heartbreaking… This is an all-round excellent read, without a doubt 5 stars from me.’ Booking Good Read, 5 stars
‘This book was hard to put down… One of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in a very long time.’ Shelly’s Book Nook, 5 starsmore
I really enjoyed the basic storyline. The characters were relatable and as their lives played out, they became real. You’re given a look into the lives of those who served in both WWI and WWII. Such a sacrifice they made. You’ll enjoy the realness of the way their lives play out and you’ll get attached to the characters.
This was a compelling, powerful and interesting book. It is an emotional read and at times difficult given the subject matter. Its fictionalized history that we need to never forget. During wartime everyone is being asked to step up and help do what they can. Being asked at times means being told, but what are you supposed to do e
when your husband is dead against participating. And so begins the relationship between Vivienne and Pearl, who has been evacuated from the city to the countryside to stay safe during the time of war. Vivienne does not want this or any child as she fears her heart won’t be able to withstand the emotional toll for she is truly broken. Vivienne has lived a life of disappointment and sadness and she is terrified she won’t be what Pearl needs. She is stuck in a very unhappy marriage to a controlling emotionally absent unhappy man and afraid of what will happen with Pearl in their home. Unsurprisingly Pearl gives Vivienne a new purpose, a new desire to live a happy and fulfilled life and to start to figure out how to do just that. The story toggles back and forth from 1914 to 1939, but does so seamlessly. Relationships are created, rediscovered, hearts mended, old wounds healed and new paths are forged for all. This isn’t the genre I typically read, but found the editorial review compelling so decided to give it a try. I am so glad I made that decision. Though it is fiction it feels as if it was someones reality. This is not a light fluffy beach read, but a book that will teach you something and open your mind and heart.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book is about children who were sent out of London to the countryside during the Blitz in WWII. This must have been a disturbing time for the children and their parents.
A very moving dual timeline set during World War I and World War II.
Brilliantly written and researched, fabulous characters, and vivid descriptions of the atrocities of war and the effect it had on those involved.
I cannot recommend it highly enough, for me it was a real page turner, but at the same time I didn’t want it to end.
I loved the book but was frustrated by Vivienne’s loyalty.
I liked it then I didn’t……. and so it went but I loved how it ended.
Sweet.
Good book. Learned something about World War 1. Interesting story.
Author wrote the story in two time periods simultaneously and did a good job with transitions and continuing to build the story. It was an enjoyable read.
I loved the novel’s resolution of life’s problems through Vivienne’s eyes. She has a chance at true self in World War 1 as an ambulance driver, but leaves it behind. Marries the wrong guy, finds hope in a displaced child sent to her during World War 2 who carries an unexpected promise. Overall, the puzzle pieces fit together well enough for the women and children who are the mercy of men and wars. And with Vivienne, we get to see that perhaps second chances are worth the cost.
I enjoy reading about WW2 thru historical fiction. A childless English woman in an unhappy marriage finds That a child she shelters from the London bombing brings a new dimension to her life.
Excellent writing.
I liked the characters, and was able to follow the story, which frequently switched back in time.
This was a disturbing, haunting, tragic book.
This story touched my heart, The bond formed by the unhappy woman who takes in the neglected young girl during World War II in England brings about unexpected changes for both of them. This relationship bolsters the woman’s resolution to break from those who have crushed her spirit as she moves toward a happier life.
I love children and I feel what happened to all these kids was awful, they went house losing friends in the process. As a navy brat I know how that effects our adult thinking. The book was easy reading I would read this author again.
I’ve read a lot of WWI books and this one stands at the top of the pike as being no only informative but realistic of what it must have been for the nurses who went to France to help. The book talks about moral subjects that we’re obviously going on at that time but are not mentioned in other books. The book also has a twist at the end I didn’t see coming. I truly enjoyed this book.
It does give you an inside look at what people were living through during both wars…it was very personal
Thank you Forever Pub for the #gifted copy of this book.
2.75/5 Stars
I’m going to be really honest with you, this was NOT AT ALL what I thought it was going to be. Based on the cover AND the synopsis, I thought it would be centered around a women named Vivienne and the evacuated child named Pearl she takes in during WWII. Instead, this is a dual timeline story that covered Vivienne’s life throughout both World Wars. Pearl and the rest of the evacuated children are just secondary characters within this story.
What I enjoyed:
• I did like seeing both World Wars through the eyes of one person
• The chapters were a great length
• I appreciated that a couple of the characters were real life people, though how much of their story is true I’m not sure
• I enjoyed Olive’s character and what she stood for. I hope to learn more about the real life woman and artist.
What I disliked:
• The synopsis and cover are very misleading
• There was very little character growth in Vivienne
• The story spanned 30yrs and felt more like a summarization than a living breathing story, even death felt glossed over and emotionless
• Vivienne was hard to connect with; she seemed dull and didn’t seem to have a backbone, even while doing heroic things. Her main objective was appearances and pleasing here “betters”
• The story didn’t start to pick up until the last 45pages, by then it was a little too late.
I did not like it