The Ration Book Baby

A Village at War #1

by Ellie Curzon

England, 1940. Opening the box with trembling hands, she couldn’t believe it – a tiny baby lay inside. She gently lifted the newborn as it started to cry. Cradling the little one to her chest, she searched the darkness for any sign of whoever left it here. And as she rocked the child, something fluttered to the ground… a ration book.

Nurse Annie Russell anxiously listens to the terrifying sounds of planes and gunfire overhead, worried about what the morning will bring for the patients in her care. The boys from the local airfield fly up in the skies each night, risking their lives to protect the people of Bramble Heath village, but they can’t stop every bombshell. Until a knock at the door makes her jump.

Awaiting Annie on the doorstep is a hatbox. Peeking under the lid, she gasps – inside is a whimpering newborn, round cheeks glistening with tears. The poor little thing may be all alone, but someone must truly love the baby… Tucked into a hand-knitted blanket, there’s a precious ration book, vital for food supplies in these darkest of days.

Her heart breaking, Annie does everything she can to care for her tiny charge. But, without a ration book, she knows that the frightened young mother could also be in dire need of help too. Then social services bring devastating news. If Annie can’t find the helpless child’s family soon, the authorities will have to take the little one away.

As the Nazi threat grows, more and more of the brave pilots at the local airbase don’t come home. Is one of the fallen the child’s father? And with her only clue leading nowhere, can Annie find the answers she needs, and reunite the innocent baby with its parents before it is too late?

A totally unputdownable and emotional historical novel that will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Diney Costeloe, Martha Hall Kelly and Before We Were Yours .

What readers are saying about Ellie

‘ Must-read … Wow and wow … The twist and turns in the story will come as a surprise and keep you hooked … Loved it .’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Writing at its absolute best . A thoroughly enjoyable read… Beautiful … A lovely romance and an amazing ending – what’s not to love … It was so good and I wanted it to go on forever. 5 stars? Worth so many more .’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘A rip-roaringly good read… I thoroughly enjoyed it… I'd love to see this as a film or TV drama … Absolutely spiffing . Highly recommended. Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘“Awwww" moments that hit me with the "feels" … I would hugely recommend this.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘ Brilliant read… Marvellous… Couldn't put the book down! ’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I read this in two sittings . A great insight into what life was like during those dark days of the war… Warmed my heart .’ Goodreads reviewer

‘A page-turner . I found it hard to put down … Was sorry it had to end.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I was hooked from page one … A can't-put-down book … I'd highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘ Brilliant … A lovely heart-warming saga .’ Goodreads reviewer

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Audiobook, Fiction, Holocaust, Historical, Womens Fiction

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

Ellie Curzon is the pen name of Catherine Curzon and Helen Barrell. Catherine and Helen began writing together in the spring of 2017 and swiftly discovered a shared love of the past and a uniquely British sort of story. They drink gallons of tea, spend hours discussing the importance of good tailoring and are never at a loss for a bit of derring-do.

Reviews

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ration Book Baby (A Village at War, #1) by Ellie Curzon was quite different from other World War II novels that I had previously read. It took place at the beginning of World War II, in 1940, in a small village in England known as Bramble Heath. Before Bramble Heath became the proud recipient of an airbase and military hospital, very few people, outside of its inhabitants, had ever heard of this quaint and friendly village or had the pleasure of visiting it. Bramble Heath had acquired a large number of Polish immigrants recently. They had escaped from their homeland mainly because of the way they had been treated and regarded by the Nazis. Based on what these Polish people had experienced, the tight knit community kept mostly to itself. Unfortunately, there were a few citizens in Bramble Heath who displayed uncharacteristically bad behavior towards the Polish people who had settled in their village. Most of the people of Bramble Heath were outraged by the way a select few chose to treat them.

This heartwarming yet emotional novel focused on two distinct plots. The first was the discovery of an abandoned baby girl. Imagine the shock and surprise Annie Russell, a young woman who was employed as a nurse, got when she responded to a knock on the door of the home she shared with parents. On the doorstep of her home was a large hatbox from Clara’s hat shop. When Annie lifted the cover, she discovered a baby girl nestled safely inside the hatbox. Once Annie lifted the baby girl from the hatbox, a ration book fell to the floor. Annie couldn’t stop thinking about the poor mother that had sacrificed her own ration book and baby at the same time. What circumstances could have led this poor mother to abandon her child? Imagine the suffering this mother endured in order to make sure that her baby would be well cared for. By providing the ration book, the mother eliminated all burdens of obtaining food and necessities for her child. Annie wondered why the mother had chosen to leave her baby daughter with her and her parents. As soon as the people of Bramble Heath learned about “Baby Clara” they all helped to provide for her. Then social services threatened to take Baby Clara away unless Annie was able to locate her mother. Annie was determined to find Baby Clara’s mother.

The secondary plot revolved around the fate of a certain Wing Commander, William Chambers. Annie had been out attending to patients when she spotted a burst of flames and a parachute falling to the ground. When Annie reached the victim, she discovered that it was Wing Commander, William Chambers. He had been very badly burned and Annie knew that William’s injuries were very severe. Annie had known William for years. She made him as comfortable as she could while she waited for an ambulance to take William to the military hospital. He would be in good hands with the doctor that treated burns there. How would William feel after he learned about his burns? Could Annie help him realize that despite his injuries he was so lucky to have lived. Annie needed to convince William that he was still the same wonderful and caring man he had always been despite his injuries. When faced with catastrophic injuries, no one ever knows how they will react. Will Wing Commander, William Chambers, be able to pick up the pieces of his life as they had been before his plane went down and he was severely burned? Can he get passed his physical appearance?

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Ration Book Baby by Ellie Curzon. It was well narrated by Polly Edsell. Before listening to the Ration Book Baby, I had not realized that it was the first book in a new series. How exciting! I can’t wait to read more about Annie and William and all the people in Bramble Heath. I loved how the authors chose to depict certain aspects of the war in this novel. I found it refreshing and quite interesting. It was with bated breath, that I listened to learn about Baby Clara’s fate. I enjoyed how hard Annie tried to untangle all the clues that would bring her closer to identifying Clara’s mother. I was rooting for Annie to succeed. I didn’t want social services to have to intervene. Would Annie be able to discover why Clara’s mother felt so compelled to give her daughter up to Annie and her family? This was the first book that I had read by this author but I can’t wait to read more especially the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Bookouture for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Ration Book Baby through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Caroline D’cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a historical fiction book is always a delight & The Ration Book Baby was truly a delight to read. Author Ellie Curzon writing was simple & easy to read, which made this book a quick read. The story was simple, sweet yet heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time.

The main character Annie was a delight to know and she budding friendship with commander William Chambers was very interesting. The baby in this story only brought on more happiness to this story.

Overall, a simple and easy read if you love historical fiction.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the Author for this ARC

[Brianna Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful historical story. I loved the community that all of these people built, even through a world of difficulty. It was truly a world where no one could trust each other and, yet, these people found a way to make it. They also found a way to care for a baby even when everyone was struggling. I’m sure this fiction is much nicer than the reality was but I like to think there were some positive stories like this too.

🌀Synopsis
A baby on a doorstep.
It’s the middle of WWII. Everyone is struggling. Food is rationed. Bombs are flying. Communities are in shambles.
All Annie knows now is that she needs to take care of this baby. She’s determined to find out who’s baby it is and get it back to them too. Whomever it is left their ration book and will also be very hungry. She knows it’s important to help out the pieces together and get the baby back with mom.
Through a series of trial and error, Annie starts to pin down who the mother could be.
Then one night it happens. The mother is so sick and needs Annie’s help. Annie immediately recognizes that she is the one who has labored and works to get her the care she needs so she can reunite her with her baby.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't starting another series. Nope. I really wasn't. But this one was just calling to me. A baby left on the doorstep with nothing but a ration book in the midst of a war. Throw in a little romance as well as the mystery of said baby's parentage against the backdrop of bombs and I was sold. THE RATION BOOK BABY is a delightfully heartwarming read and while I ummed and ahhed over it at first, I'm glad I took the plunge and added it to my ever growing TBR list.

Set in the village of Bramble Heath, district nurse Annie Russell opens the door one evening to discover a hatbox on her doorstep with a newborn baby nestled inside. There is no clue as to where the baby came from or whose it may be. Nothing but the raggedy stork hand sewn with love and a ration book to go...and even then, those gave nothing away. Annie's own mother now a retired midwife Norma and her father semi-retired constable Henry welcomed the new addition whilst Annie made enquiries in the village and the nearby RAF airfield.

But something about the little raggedy stork and the ration book told Annie that someone had given up their own ration book so that the baby would not go without. A little investigation lead Annie to the Polish hamlet on the outskirts of the village. But the immigrants, having fled their own war-torn country, barely spoke English and those that did gave away no secrets. So if there was anything to tell, no one was telling. Annie however is determined to find the mother before social services come to claim the baby.

As word spreads of the baby left on Annie's doorstep, the village bands together to provide everything the little one needs - from clothing, napkins and toys to milk, bottles and food. Even a pram and a crib. Baby Clara, who Annie names after the milliner's box she was found in, wants for nothing. All the villagers love her.

Bramble Heath is a small village with a nearby RAF airfield. The pilots are a mix of English and the Polish immigrants who now call Britain home. Both who fight the German Luftwaffe and protecting the country from their constant raids. Among them is Wing Commander William Chambers who commands a squadron and partakes in the dogfights in the air, one of which sees him critically injured.

When Annie saw the parachute amidst the burning spitfire and its German counterpart, she had no idea if the injured party she rushed to give aid was friend or foe. She was shocked to discover it was William and he was barely conscious. She kept him alive until the ambulance and doctor arrived and they whisked him away to hospital. She had no idea if he would survive.

And yet she still had the mystery of baby Clara's parentage. With Ewa remaining tight-lipped about who the mother may be, Annie must draw on all her resources to find her before social services swoop to claim her as abandoned and adopt her out.

I have read many sagas set during wartime, featuring the RAF and air raids and the like, but THE RATION BOOK BABY had something of a different feel to it that sets it apart. Maybe it's the mystery of the baby being left on the doorstep, I'm not sure. But it was certainly a refreshing tale that offered something different and yet it was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once also.

I thoroughly enjoyed THE RATION BOOK BABY and was delighted to learn when I reached the end that there is more to come and I look forward to meeting up with Annie and William again in subsequent books soon.

I would like to thank #EllieCurzon, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheRationBookBaby in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb historical fiction book, which I loved a lot. I really enjoyed the audiobook, as the narrator was perfect for this emotional story.

The story itself is set during World War 2, and it is about a nurse called Annie and her Mother who is a retired midwife, who find themselves looking after a little baby called Clara, after she is left at their door. This is a lovely story which is very heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it is written beautifully. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical fiction, or books about families, as it is so interesting and touching.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC and ALCs of this book.

This book gave me all the feels. From the very beginning I needed to know what was going to happen to baby Clara. Clara’s mother couldn’t have picked a better family to leave her daughter with than the Russells. Annie is determined to find her regardless of her circumstances.
Throw in a little romance. Nurse Annie makes house calls (the perfect way to ask people about Clara’s mother) and helps at the air base by treating the pilots. She easily develops feelings for Wing Commander Will Chambers, even though he’s engaged to be married. Her and Will team up to find as many answers as they can about Clara’s parents.

I enjoyed listening to the audio of this book. The narrator did a great job distinguishing between the dual POVs.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 in the ‘A village at war’ series. Set at the beginning of WWII the story begins with a newborn baby being left at the door of the village’s District Nurse, Anne and her parents house. As no clues were left as to whose the baby is , Anne spends most of her free time along with the Wing Commander, William , trying to work out who the mother is until William is injured in the line of duty . The narrator was very easy to listen too and really brought the characters to life .

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Stacey E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio ARC provided by NetGalley
Honestly, I wasn't sure how well I would like this as I'm not really a fan of historical fiction, but the synopsis peaked my interest. I was plenty surprised by this book and actually enjoyed this. It was a heartwarming and beautiful story. I did listen to the audio version, found the narrator to be a great voice actress, and felt she really brought the story to life. As this book is part of a series, I look forward to more books in the future.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. It is amazing much strength shows through when going through wars and chaos . I especially love reading about it through the point of view of women. Their bravery doesn't get medals like the men did

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story of an abandoned baby set during WWII an excellent read

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual sort of read but it kept me entertained on a very long car journey. Going to recommend this one to my mother in law who I think would really enjoy it. A gentle war time story - the narration brought the story to life.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new series by Ellie Curzon and what a wonderful start it was. Historical Fiction saga is one of my favourite genres and I took this one completely to my heart from the very beginning . An abandoned new born baby and also the horrors of war is what this book is about . It’s an easy but at the same time a read you won’t want to put down . This book brought a tear to my eyes at time . Considering this is the first book in a new series the author has written some wonderful characters and I have no doubt these characters will be developed even more as this series progresses . 4⭐️

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ration Book Baby is the first book in the A Village at War series by Ellie Curzon. Ellie in fact is two authors writing as one which I did not realise until the end of the book. Never would I have thought that two people co-wrote this book nor could I attempt to guess what parts they wrote as it flowed very well and was never disjointed nor did it come across as if there were two writing styles. This is a quick read and it’s definitely a traditional war time saga with a lovely, conversational and relaxed style to the writing. I would liken it to Lizzie Page’s Shilling Grange Children’s Home series in terms of its style. The plot is very easy to follow and in my mind the last quarter or so of the book was the best when everything started to come together. Right from the prologue, the reader is taken to the heart of the story and I really appreciated that there was no messing around and we got down to business. Sometimes, I find it boring to have endless backstory before we get down to the nitty gritty of things so I praise Ellie Curzon for just getting on with things. Anything we needed to know and learn about the characters and the setting could follow along at their own leisure.

Annie Russell lives in the village of Bramble Heath with her parents Norma and Henry. She is the district nurse for the area and has been kept very busy since an airbase was established at the edge of the village. One evening there is a knock at the door and Annie finds a hatbox on the step. She looks inside and there is a newborn baby. There is no sign of anyone in the street nearby and Annie surmises the baby has been abandoned. Could the mother be a resident of the village? A young girl who got into trouble and had nowhere else to turn to? Annie doesn’t have the answers but with the help of her parents she will do her best for the baby she names Clara - after the name of the shop on the hatbox - which I thought was a really nice touch. Inside the box Annie finds a ration book but all the necessary identification details have been crossed out so no clues can be gleaned from this. The baby is dressed well and has a little handmade stork as a toy but beyond that there is no further clues as to the identity of Clara’s mother.

Annie is such a selfless character right from the very beginning and why wouldn’t she possess such kind and caring qualities given that she is a nurse but whether she had been in this profession or not I feel she would have been like this anyway. She didn’t hesitate in taking baby Clara in and throughout her quest to find her mother she was just relentless and dogged in her determination. I loved how she knew herself that she couldn’t keep the baby but nor did she want to want social services to intervene. She knew a child’s place is first and foremost with their mother. With the war raging and daily and nightly air raids the world is a dangerous and hopeless place but when the residents of Bramble Heath come together they show that there is love, friendship and support in abundance when we need it the most.

The storyline of discovering who Clara’s mother was didn’t dominate the entire book. Instead it ebbed and flowed and in between we learnt more about Annie and her work in the village and the surrounding areas including the airbase and the hamlet where a Polish community has been established since many families fled the atrocities in their country. The Polish men flew with the RAF at the base and the women established homes in the hamlet. The issue of discrimination reared its ugly head when it came to the Polish community and I thought it was dealt with well although I did want to give the character in question a good hiding much earlier on than when they got their come uppance.

I’ll admit, I did ever so slightly lose interest coming up to the halfway point because I felt there was nothing really happening in that we just read about Annie travelling on her motorbike to tend to different people through her work. It became a little monotonous and the story needed something exciting to shake things up a bit. This came in the form of Wing Commander William Chambers sustaining injuries in a fighter plane crash which Annie is witness too. The pair had enjoyed an easy friendship and it was evident that things could develop into something more if given the chance but there was quite a stumbling block in the way only added to by William’s accident and subsequent injuries. I enjoyed how this aspect of the storyline was handled. It was sensitive and showed how many fighter pilots and soldiers had to cope with what they were experiencing daily and also the fallout of something going wrong.

Annie, above anyone else in the book, was always so encouraging, dedicated and supportive in her every thought, action, word and deed. She’s just an all-round generally nice person who deserves a happy ending seen as she always does so much for everyone else. I felt that she was the glue that held people together. She was always on the go and was so proud of her work and full of confidence. I will admit when it came to uncovering who Clara’s mother was that I guessed fairly early on and it was only by pure chance that I did as one little line/action stood out to me for some reason and I kept remembering it the further I read through the book. Knowing who it was didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story in fact I was quite chuffed that I had guessed correctly and wanted to know the finer details around Clara arriving on Annie’s doorstep.

Overall, The Ration Book Baby was an enjoyable and easy read with community and working together through the toughest of times being the main themes. Annie is a character whom you admire, encourage and root for all the way. The mystery of baby Clara’s origins kept the plot moving along nicely despite a bit of a lull at the midway point but the last quarter or so lots happened and it kept me turning the pages keen to see would things pan out successfully or not. This story offers something that little bit different from the usual WW2 historical fiction that I normally read and therefore I found it refreshing and a change from what I am used to. Given this is book one in the series and the war is nowhere near its conclusion I am sure there is a lot more to come for Annie, William and the residents of Bramble Heath and I look forward to seeing what Ellie Curzon has in store for them in the future.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ration Book Baby (A Village at War) by Ellie Curzon
This book is a marvelous read. The author is adept at creating her characters. The reader easily is drawn to each one. The reader is quickly engaged by characters like Annie the nurse, Wing Commander William, and several Land girls reminiscent of those from a previous book, Wartime Wishes for the Land Girls, another excellent book by Ellie Curzon.
Annie and the Wing Commander cross paths in the most unusual ways.
They live in a small village called Bramble Heath which happens to have an airfield attached to it. The pilots who fly in and out are RAF and Poles who evacuated their homeland when the Germans invaded. They have merged with the villagers at Bramble Heath, in a mutually synergetic relationship, although as in most relationships there are benefits and drawbacks.
One night Annie came home from her rounds and found a hatbox on her front doorstop, and inside the hatbox snuggled inside was a newborn baby. She and her parents were awe-struck. Her mom is a midwife, and her dad is a doting father. Together with Annie, the mother made an optimal choice regarding the location to leave the foundling. All three immediately fell in love with the small child. They chose to name the little girl, Clara, from the name on the hatbox. Clara wants for little in their loving and caring hands.
It does not take long before all of Bramble Heath learns of the new arrival. Annie and her parents begin immediately to begin searching for Clara’s mother. Clara is gifted with blankets, booties, and sweaters as fast as the villagers can knit them. The word spreads to the RAF pilots, and the Polish community. Even William, the Wing Commander, joins the search. Short of going door to door the hunt is on.
The reason the book is titled The Ration Book Baby is because a ration book is found in the hatbox with the newborn. Annie and her parents think the ration boob might have belonged to the baby’s mother. When the books are issued to people living in the village the name of the villager is inscribed. However, the book in the hatbox has no such inscription. The name has been scratched out.
Annie and William surmise the ration book may have belonged to the baby’s mother. William checks with all the RAF pilots, and no one can offer any help. Annie wonders if someone in the group of Polish refugees might hold some information, but they are a tight-knit group. Annie speaks to one lady, Ewa, a friend who is a member of that group, but Ewa is tight- lipped and gives Annie no help.
After a night of difficult dog fights over Bramble Heath, Annie is riding her motorbike home and hears a high-pitched whistle she sees a fiery plume in the sky, followed by what appears to be a plane crashing nearby, Annie drops her bike and runs to the are where she believes the plane has crashed. It is one of the RAF planes. It is the Wing Commander’s plane, and it has taken quite a beating. Annie checks on the wing commander whose parachute is stuck in a nearby tree. The Commander is suffering from several serious injuries.
Annie managed to flag down help and an ambulance. Some had seen the plane come down. William was in seriously bad shape. Days later Annie was able to visit him, but he suffered serious burns and was greatly disfigured. His fiancé was there briefly but it was apparent she had other places she’d rather be. William not only suffered from burbs but depression as well.
To avoid revealing the whole plot. The baby’s mother and father are found. What a happy reunion. William recovers. His fiancé moves on while he and Annie make a wonderfully happy couple.
This is a fascinating book. And I highly recommend it. This author is a joy to read. This is the fourth book of hers I have read.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know when I stumbled on Ellie Curzon's The Ration Book Baby at the library, that it's the first in a series called A Village at War.  The other titles churned out since 2023 are The Spitfire Girl (2023)*, The Wartime Vet (2024), Wartime Wishes for the Land Girls (2024), The Codebreaker Girls (2021) and Under a Spitfire Sky (2021).  (Yes, the use of 'girls' to describe adult women does set my feminist teeth on edge though I know it was common parlance even in my young adulthood).

The Ration Book Baby isn't great literature, but it is what I needed for bedtime reading to offset the brutality of Mo Yan's Red Sorghum.  Curzon's novel is romance set in WW2, with a predictable plot and an heroic cast of stoic characters during the Battle of Britain.  Nurse Annie cycles around the village patching up the locals and airmen from the nearby airfield, while also working at the hospital, and she's the one who discovers a newborn baby in a hatbox on her doorstep.  Unburdened by judgemental attitudes about 'the sort of girls' who 'got into trouble', she offloads the care of this infant to her parents and adds finding the mother to her daily routine.  Everyone in the village rallies around to provide the wherewithal for the baby, and to help stave off the impending removal of the baby by social services.

The only clues to the child's parentage are the hatbox and a ration book with the name made illegible.  The quest is padded out over two thirds of the book before Annie's suspicions that someone from the Polish refugee community must be the mother, come to fruition.

In the meantime she bonds with a handsome young airman called William, but in a noble case of self-denial, it's just friendship because he's already engaged to Georgie.  And this raises an interesting aspect of the story.  There are no Bad Guys in this village, only Hitler and his minions up in the sky.  There's no one complaining, there's no black market, no profiteering, and no prejudice against the Poles except for a teenage boy who is grieving the loss of his pilot brother and thinks they didn't do enough to save him. (It doesn't take long for his gang to think better of their behaviour, and a stiff talking-to from an injured pilot wreaks a transformation in his attitudes.)

So everyone is pulling together as the myth of universal stoicism decrees except for Georgie.  The only Bad Person is a woman...

To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/09/15/t...

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crocodile tears. So many gut wrench tears. I cried for the injured pilots. I cried for those that didn't return. I cried for the horrors of war. I cried for the Polish citizens trying to adapt and be accepted in England. All those tears were worth it when I was reminded that even with all the devastation and loss there was happiness. Reading The Ration Book Baby has given me greater understanding of what my family went through.

Bramble Heath is a small village close to an air base. The people have opened their hearts to the pilots and other members of the air base. Annie, the village nurse, can be seen riding her motorbike as she helps the villagers, the polish people in the hamlet and the airmen at Heath Place. I got glimpses into the challenges of World War 2 England as I rode on the back of her bike.

Annie must deal with a situation that was very prevalent during the war. Like many families, my family had to deal with the results of night time comfort and escape. One evening, a new born baby was left on her parents porch. To keep the baby from going into the system; Annie must find the mother, rather sooner than later. I didn't realize how many challenges the mothers faced until reading this story and using what I discovered to explore the history.

I have frequently heard "it takes a village." Bramble Heath is that village. They honor the pilots successes. They mourn the loss of life. They celebrate and support one another. They come together to help Annie and her parents provide for the baby.

The Ration Book Baby has a bonus story line. Annie finds love and support in the most unexpected way. I became deeply invested in her friendship with a wing commander. I was pleased to see how her strength was such a great support for him. She lifted him up when he was down. She showed how important women were during the war. Not just to help with the war effort but to hold up those that have fallen.

Books like The Ration Book Baby help us remember World War 2. As more and more of our relatives that lived through it pass on; the war becomes less relevant. We need to keep it relevant so we don't make the same mistakes. The book doesn't just tell a story but it shares life lessons. The book is a map, giving direction of where to find out more.

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the quaint village of Bramble Heath, The Ration Book Baby unfolds a tale of unexpected arrivals, resilience, and enduring love against the backdrop of World War II. District nurse Annie Russell finds herself entangled in the mysteries of a newborn baby left on her doorstep, setting in motion a dual narrative that weaves together the search for a lost mother and an evolving romance.

The first plotline introduces Clara, the abandoned baby, as Annie navigates the challenge of unravelling her origins within the close-knit community. The urgency to find Clara's parents before adoption adds a gripping layer to the story, keeping this reader on the edge of my seat.

Simultaneously, a sweet love story blossoms between Annie and Wing Commander William Chambers. The two characters, familiar with each other but brought closer by the harsh realities of wartime, embark on a heartwarming romance. The author skillfully balances the intensity of the search for Clara's mother with the tender moments of love and connection between Annie and William.

Polly Edsell's narration in the audiobook version is commendable, breathing life into the characters and enhancing the overall experience. I've given the performance a solid 4-star rating and highly recommend the audiobook for The Ration Book Baby.

This book resonated with me as a historical fiction enthusiast, particularly drawn to WWII settings and strong, independent female characters. The blend of sweetness, heartbreak, and the overarching theme of hope and community during wartime creates a truly compelling narrative.

The Ration Book Baby is a beautiful story of hope, community, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and child during WWII. The historical setting is vividly portrayed, immersing readers in the challenges and triumphs of wartime life.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed The Ration Book, Baby, and eagerly anticipate delving into more stories from this series.

Thank you to #EllieCurzon, #Netgalley, and #Bookouture for providing an ARC of The Ration Book Baby in exchange for an honest review. 📚✨

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and heartwarming tale that takes place during a dark time in history.

England, 1940

Nurse Annie Russell answered a knock at the door and found a newborn baby inside wrapped in a blanket. Annie looks around for signs of who left the baby but only sees a ration book that was left behind. A ration book that is desperately needed during wartime.

Annie and her family do their best to take care of the infant (Clara) while Annie does everything in her power to find the baby's mother. Annie receives gifts for the baby from those in her local community and from the young men who she provides medical care for. The village has a local airfield where the men take to the skies at night to protect the area.

But news of the baby being abandoned has reached social services who inform Annie that if the baby's parents aren't found soon, they will need to take her into their care.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was wonderful. I was swept into the lives of those in Bramble Heath village and enjoyed their sense of community and their desire to help. I thought Ellie Curzon did a great job of showing the distrust of the polish community there. They have had to flee their country due to persecution and keep to themselves. The effects of war, the injuries, the deaths, and the conditions were expertly detailed.

Books set during wartime can be heavy and this does have some heavy moments, but it was also heartwarming and lovely. The characters in this book are very likeable and I rooted for them - especially Annie and William, a pilot. This book had a nice mystery revolving around baby Clara and who left her. I enjoyed watching Annie care for her while trying to find her mother. I also admired Annie for how she cared for the injured men in her care.

This is the beginning of a new series and I look forward to reading the next book(s) in the series!

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

1940, Nurse Annie Russell finds a baby on her doorstep one night. She is keen to reunite the infant with its mother but who could it be? Her family resolve to care for the child until the mother can be found but there isn't much time before social services will take the baby for adoption...
The Ration Book Baby is an historical novel set in the Englsih countryside during WW2.
Annie Russell and her parents are at the heart of their community so a desperate mother knows she can leave her baby safely with them. Annie is keen to find the mother to check on her welfare and support her. She has a few clues to work on but isn't sure if it could be a local woman or someone from the Polish refugee network.
Annie's search is supported by her parents and other locals but it is her friendship with Wing Commander Chambers from the local air base that ads another dimension to the plot. I had my fingers crossed that the pair would fall in love but when he mentions he is engaged I thought my hopes were dashed!
There is a lot of emotion in this book from the baby plot thread as we hope for a happy reunion between mother and child. The village celebrates the successes of the airmen whilst also mourning the terrible injuries and deaths. Not everyone is accepting of the Polish refugees and I liked that the author didn't shy away from including unpleasant aspects.
I felt that the historical elements of the book gave an authentic basis for the plot and was fully immersed in the past and plot. The language and dialogue also supported the historical setting and the social conventions of the era.
The Ration Book Baby is an enjoyable, emotional, and warmly toned historical novel.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1940 and Bramble Heath is a small village shaken nightly by Nazi bombs because of the location of the local airbase, and Annie worries nightly about the people of their village and their safety. Annie is the village nurse and midwife, so it's logical that if someone needs a safe place to leave a baby, they leave it with her. But Annie knows that since whoever left the baby left their ration book with her, they are in a desperate situation.

So with the help of her friends and neighbors, Annie begins to try and piece together the clues in an effort to reunite this child and her mother. But when social services steps in and forces her to accelerate her timeline, Annie has to really press forward to find the best solution for everyone.
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I really enjoy a WWII Homefront book and this one did not disappoint. It is layered beyond the story of the ration book baby with romance and family drama and community pride.

A theme of this book is the goodness of people beyond status or clout or looks. It's about how you navigate through life based on your principles. I really enjoyed the angst of this novel feeling earned as they moved through loss of people, hope, and security to find what life had to offer them on the other side of grief.

If you enjoy a WWII Homefront novel that ends in a tidy bow, you'll want to check this one out.
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Content Note: War violence (bombings), medical content, burns, child abandonment, prejudice

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ration Book Baby by Ellie Curzon is a delightful historical novel to start a new series.
The action is set during the early years of World War II, near an air base in the South East. We follow a young nurse and her family, as well as the English and Polish airmen and their families.
The RAF functions as a family. Any losses are keenly felt by both the men and the local village.
We see that even in war prejudices and injustice still exist as not everyone greets the Poles with kindness. Grief and loss have distorted a viewpoint – but that is no excuse for poor behaviour and choices. Without the help of the Poles, Britain may well have lost the battle for the skies.
Prejudices against unmarried mothers force a baby to be abandoned. Kind hearts take the baby in as the search for her mother begins. We see the village pull together to help the ration book baby. “A kind gift in the face of so much tragedy… The world wasn’t a hopeless and dark place.” Kindness sows’ seeds of hope.
War leaves scars – physical and mental. We witness a character trying to heal from terrible burns. The mental scars are awful. Fortunately, there are those who surround him who remind him that inside, he is still the same man they know and love.
I adored The Ration Book Baby and cannot wait for the subsequent books in the series.
I received a free copy from the publishers via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Nicki White · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Ration Book Baby" by Ellie Curzon takes readers on a compelling journey through post-World War II England, focusing on the life of Nurse Annie and a baby named Claria. Set against the backdrop of rationing and societal changes, this historical fiction novel explores the resilience and determination of its characters.

Curzon's writing skillfully captures the atmosphere of the era, immersing readers in the challenges and triumphs faced by Nurse Annie and the baby in her care. The characters are well-developed and their experiences evoke a range of emotions, from heartwarming moments to heartbreaking struggles. The story not only delves into the personal journeys of the characters but also sheds light on the broader social and historical context of the time.

The narration for "The Ration Book Baby," elevates this captivating read. Curzon's storytelling prowess keeps readers engaged from beginning to end, and the historical details add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

In summary, "The Ration Book Baby" by Ellie Curzon is a compelling historical fiction novel that explores the lives of Nurse Annie and baby Claria in post-World War II England. With its well-crafted characters and vivid storytelling, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the challenges and resilience of individuals during that time period.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and emotively written, this is an uplifting story centred around an abandoned baby and a whole village taking her into their hearts, during WWII.

Annie is a community nurse and her mother is a retired midwife. The tiny baby, who they name Clara, is left on their doorstep and with social services closing in, Annie is determined to find the baby’s mother.

The writing is, quite simply, exquisite. I teared up so many times, I found myself smiling often, and most of all, rooting for Annie, Wing Commander William and of course, baby Clara and her unknown mother.

The hamlet has taken in some polish families too, most of the Bramble Heath villagers welcome them with open arms, but Jamie, a misguided teenager, grieving for the loss of his brother in the war, has a hard lesson to learn about acceptance. I felt Ellie Curzon handles the racial issues incredibly sensitively and realistically.

The characters are well developed and I particularly liked Ewa and her loyalty to her countrymen and women.

I would love to read a sequel to this and see how Bramble Heath fares as the war continues.

Absolutely a 5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Ellie Curzon and Bookouture for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Miranda YEUNG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ration Book Baby (A Village at War) by Ellie Curzon
(Narrated by Polly Edsell)

During the wartime in 1940 England, someone left a hatbox at nurse Annie Russell’s doorstep in Bramble Heath village. Annie opened the box and found a newborn baby inside. Annie held baby Clara up and found a precious ration book underneath.

The ration book showed the baby was not abandoned. It’s desperately seeking for help from the trusted nurse. Annie needed to find the baby’s mother as soon as possible to stop the Child Social Services to take the baby away.

During the wartime, the pilots kept fighting hard and protecting the country. It’s sad to see the pilots passed away and would one of these pilot be the baby’s father?

A warm but heartbreaking WW2 story. The love relationship between Annie and William, the mother-daughter relationship and the people in the small village to take care of the baby which built the depth of the story.

The desperate mother, the calm but worried nurse and the brave pilots were all alive under the narrators presentation. The Polish accents and intonation were fabulous.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Ellie Curzon for the audiobook!

Format: Audiobook (9h21m)
Pub date: July 25, 2023

[Tracy Eyles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the AAC! The Ration Book Baby (A Village At War) by Ellie Curzon is a historical fiction novel set in a small village in England at the beginning of the war. Annie, a young nurse travels to the residents of the village to treat their ailments. She also helps the new Polish refugees in the nearby village. One night a baby is left on her doorstep with nothing but a blanket and a ration book. Annie tries hard to find the baby’s mother not only to reunite them but also to ensure that the new mother is being cared for. The story has many different side plots woven into the narrative which allow the listener to get a sense of what it was like to live in a small village in that moment in time. It also enabled the author to effectively highlight the differences in social classes of the time as well as compare people’s reactions to soldiers who were injured in the line of duty. The narration by Polly Edsel was very well done. She allowed longer pauses when the emotion of the story warranted it. I did, however, find it hard to get into at first given the narrator is British but once I got used to her accent, I was able to immerse myself in the story. Overall, i enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely heartwarming feel good novel. Set in a small village during the Second World War, nurse Annie discovers a baby in a hatbox with a ration book. Annie takes the baby, Clara, to live with her, and her parents. Whilst she and the rest of the village, from family and friends, to airmen, the veteran’s hospital and the newly established community of Polish immigrants who have flown the war, and come to join the fight to win the war quickly fall in love with the child and determine to find her birth mother before social services remove her from their care.

Whilst the atrocities of war are not shied away from at all, and nor should they be. This was a really lovely heartwarming read. The audible narration was lovely, although I should point out that there was a fair bit of background noise in parts, it sounded a bit like there was work being done, that said I appreciate this was an ARC and I don’t expect perfection, it’s worth highlighting. Look out for this on July 25th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookature for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ration Book Baby is an amazing work of art! I could not put this book down! Ellie Curzon did a wonderful job is sharing a story set during WWII and the British participation in the war effort, and her story was full of hope, excitement, action and romance. This books has it all! The main character in the story, Annie, is a nurse who has an integral role in providing care not only for the airman at a nearby base, but also the town residents and the refugee's who are living there. Within her care as a nurse, she comes upon a surprise gift on her doorstep, and the journey with this gift throughout the novel brings you to tears and joy! The camaraderie of the men and women who fought the enemy in WWII was very uplifting and encouraging to see them all working together, without being caught up in the divisiveness of "differences" among them. I am really looking forward to reading more about Annie and her journey, as well as her family, her beau, and her friends in Bramble Heath Village. You will not want to put this book down! Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy of this book for my honest review.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful start to a new series!
The Ration Book Baby is a historical novel with the setting in a very small village at the beginning of World War II.
The story revolves around a young nurse and her parents that find a newborn baby left on their door step. The baby is wrapped in a blanket in a hat box from a store called Miss Clara’s Millinery and there is a ration book under the blanket. Not knowing why the mother would abandon their baby unless it was completely necessary, they decide to keep the baby hoping the mother will come back for her. They name the baby Clara. Can they find the mother before social services takes the baby away?
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is a heartwarming and heartfelt story that had me smiling, laughing and crying.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the authors for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jasminegalsreadinglog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ration Book Baby by Ellie Curzon is a historical fiction set in the 1940s in a small England village known as Bramble Heath. Bramble Heath, though small, was a very important place due to the airfield and the Polish immigrants who are also pilots.

Annie and her family are in an integral part of this community because Annie is a nurse, her dad is a constable, and her mom is a retired midwife. Annie, one day, suddenly finds a newborn on their stoop in a hat box and a ration book. No one knows who the baby's mother is. The whole community comes together to solve this mystery. There are multiple stories and layers in this book. There's Annie's story woven too in this story.

This book is like fuzzy just baked warm chocolate chip cookie. It wraps around your heart, and there are so many feelings coming up after the last chapter is done. Though World War II is the base of the book, the story is more about the community spirit and community stories. I loved every part of the book.

Thank you, Bookouture and Netgalley, for this book. All the opinions are my own.

[lori pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the free audio book in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Polly Edsell who does a fantastic job!

This is such a heartwarming and emotively written story centred around an abandoned baby and a whole village taking her into their hearts, during WWII. There is nothing like having a helpless baby dropped on the doorstep of the home of the village nurse, midwife and constable to give people a good thing to focus on during a war. It brings out the best in people during a difficult time.

The characters are well developed and the plot is expertly woven. This story has it all for a historical fiction novel: romance, hope, war, injured soldiers, mourning and a few heartbreaking moments. Its all so well done! I loved the hero and heroine, their banter and their love and support for each other, especially after all they went through.

HIghly recommend!!