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The Girl with the Suitcase
London, 1941
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2025
414 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Pearse
71 books2,231 followersLesley Pearse is one of the UK's best-loved novelists with fans across the globe and sales of over 2 million copies of her books to date. A true storyteller and a master of gripping storylines that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end, Pearse introduces you to characters that it is impossible not to care about or forget. There is no formula to her books or easily defined genre. Whether crime as in 'Till We Meet Again', historical adventure like 'Never Look Back', or the passionately emotive 'Trust Me', based on the true-life scandal of British child migrants sent to Australia in the post war period, she engages the reader completely.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
November 18, 2025
4.5★
The year is 1940 in London during WWII, a time when many families watched their loved ones go off to war with the uncertainty of whether they would ever see them again. When Mary Price meets Elizabeth Manning, she never expected that her life would change forever.
This story has so many in-depth layers that I found it impossible to put down—a story of loss, love, friendship, and family. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or who enjoys a good read.
The year is 1940 in London during WWII, a time when many families watched their loved ones go off to war with the uncertainty of whether they would ever see them again. When Mary Price meets Elizabeth Manning, she never expected that her life would change forever.
This story has so many in-depth layers that I found it impossible to put down—a story of loss, love, friendship, and family. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or who enjoys a good read.
July 25, 2025
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
UK historical fiction saga nobility, author Lesley Pearse has been in the industry for over thirty years and her latest release is her 32rd book.
She has become a staple for her audience, a writing icon in her own country and across the world, she thrives and goes from strength to strength with each new title.
It’s 1941, London and the battles of world war two are ongoing.
While dining in a local crowded cafe, quiet Mary is sitting alone having a meal when the enigmatic Elizabeth joins her at the table.
The two start chatting about their different lives and comment how alike their look, a beginning of a friendship.
Elizabeth is about to travel to Ireland to live a life of luxury in her newly inherited cottage from her grandmother while Mary will go back to her humdrum life as a maid.
But then the air raid sirens begin and the two must dash to safety.
After disaster strikes, Mary comes out alive and while in hospital, mistaken identity happens and Mary must make an instant decision that will change her life forever.
An intriguing plot and premise starring a selection of pleasing characters including Lesley’s trademark villain all set off against the backdrop of war and the countryside.
And while it’s a great read it slightly lacks the big melodrama her books always contain and I mean just slightly, you will know what I mean when you read it.
But overall it’s still worth your reading time and you will be rewarded with an engrossing story.
UK historical fiction saga nobility, author Lesley Pearse has been in the industry for over thirty years and her latest release is her 32rd book.
She has become a staple for her audience, a writing icon in her own country and across the world, she thrives and goes from strength to strength with each new title.
It’s 1941, London and the battles of world war two are ongoing.
While dining in a local crowded cafe, quiet Mary is sitting alone having a meal when the enigmatic Elizabeth joins her at the table.
The two start chatting about their different lives and comment how alike their look, a beginning of a friendship.
Elizabeth is about to travel to Ireland to live a life of luxury in her newly inherited cottage from her grandmother while Mary will go back to her humdrum life as a maid.
But then the air raid sirens begin and the two must dash to safety.
After disaster strikes, Mary comes out alive and while in hospital, mistaken identity happens and Mary must make an instant decision that will change her life forever.
An intriguing plot and premise starring a selection of pleasing characters including Lesley’s trademark villain all set off against the backdrop of war and the countryside.
And while it’s a great read it slightly lacks the big melodrama her books always contain and I mean just slightly, you will know what I mean when you read it.
But overall it’s still worth your reading time and you will be rewarded with an engrossing story.
April 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve loved Lesley Pearse’s books since I was a teenager and I was so thrilled to receive this ARC of her new novel. It was a lovely engrossing read with strong characters - I really enjoyed how warm and enterprising and brave Beth was - and how wonderful Rose was. As with most of Lesley’s books, the story moves quickly and a lot happens off the page as a result. I did find myself wishing it was a bit longer so I could read about more of these events.
I’ve loved Lesley Pearse’s books since I was a teenager and I was so thrilled to receive this ARC of her new novel. It was a lovely engrossing read with strong characters - I really enjoyed how warm and enterprising and brave Beth was - and how wonderful Rose was. As with most of Lesley’s books, the story moves quickly and a lot happens off the page as a result. I did find myself wishing it was a bit longer so I could read about more of these events.
April 23, 2025
The Girl with the Suitcase is a compelling wartime tale of identity and reinvention, based on Mary, a young woman who seizes a new life after being mistaken for someone else. Lesley Pearse captures the danger and hope of 1940s London with her usual flair for emotional storytelling. While the plot is more straightforward than some of her earlier, more layered novels like Rosie or Faith, it still delivers strong characters and a rewarding emotional journey. Longtime fans may find it lighter in tone, but it remains a satisfying, heartfelt read.
November 18, 2025
Ten million copies sold, a 50+ person hold at my local library, and a plot that promised intrigue and adventure in spades... Suffice to say, I was excited to get my hands on this book. That excitement began fading after 100 pages, 200, 300... And precious little happening in the plot to make good on all that was promised. 'Beth' goes through challenges, no doubt, but they're the mundane happenings that occur at some point to most people, and not the kinds of adventures that recommend themselves to fiction writing. It might've been immersive as an autobiography, but for fiction, the stakes are always higher, and the audience suspends disbelief for that reason.
But nothing really happens. Beth remains fairly flat as a personality, there are developments that go nowhere (ex: her relationship with the Irish doctor, or seeing Ronnie again), such that we're forced to wonder why they were included in the first place, if only to add a few pages' worth of passing curiosity. The abuse in her past was, in one page, described with disgusting and unnecessary detail (including an ill-timed exclamation mark...), the side characters were two-dimensional, including the important ones such as Ruth (who goes away and we never discover why) and Rose (who waxes lyrical about how much she loved her husband Duncan, only for his name to change to Donald on one page without any explanation)... It all feels rather lazy. We are given the impression that the world around Beth exists only for her to pass through it, uninspiring and uninspired.
Mediocre doesn't even cut it for this one. Considering the premise held so much potential, this was a disappointment.
But nothing really happens. Beth remains fairly flat as a personality, there are developments that go nowhere (ex: her relationship with the Irish doctor, or seeing Ronnie again), such that we're forced to wonder why they were included in the first place, if only to add a few pages' worth of passing curiosity. The abuse in her past was, in one page, described with disgusting and unnecessary detail (including an ill-timed exclamation mark...), the side characters were two-dimensional, including the important ones such as Ruth (who goes away and we never discover why) and Rose (who waxes lyrical about how much she loved her husband Duncan, only for his name to change to Donald on one page without any explanation)... It all feels rather lazy. We are given the impression that the world around Beth exists only for her to pass through it, uninspiring and uninspired.
Mediocre doesn't even cut it for this one. Considering the premise held so much potential, this was a disappointment.
May 12, 2025
Historical novel London 1941 WW2
Mary Price Hampstead maid meets the glamorous Elizabeth Manning in the corner house after chatting about themselves Elizabeth invites Mary to travel with her to Ireland.
Then the sirens go and they run to the shelter.
When Mary wakes up the nurse assumes she is Elizabeth, this will change her life forever, taken on someone else's identity and escape the hardship and go to Ireland and settle in the cottage Elizabeth has been left by her godmother.
Can she do it?
Very emotional heartwrenching story as we learn of now named Beth's old life of abuse and rape to what she is now abled to achieve.
Full of love compassion sorrow and loss through the war years.
I just couldn't put this story aside.
The author has done such a superb job bringing the characters to life and this is the result.
Absolutely beautiful.
I loved it.
Mary Price Hampstead maid meets the glamorous Elizabeth Manning in the corner house after chatting about themselves Elizabeth invites Mary to travel with her to Ireland.
Then the sirens go and they run to the shelter.
When Mary wakes up the nurse assumes she is Elizabeth, this will change her life forever, taken on someone else's identity and escape the hardship and go to Ireland and settle in the cottage Elizabeth has been left by her godmother.
Can she do it?
Very emotional heartwrenching story as we learn of now named Beth's old life of abuse and rape to what she is now abled to achieve.
Full of love compassion sorrow and loss through the war years.
I just couldn't put this story aside.
The author has done such a superb job bringing the characters to life and this is the result.
Absolutely beautiful.
I loved it.
May 19, 2025
Set during the second world war, the carnage of an exploded bomb allows Mary escape her deprived and cruel upbringing and swap places with Elizabeth who is financially well off, good looking and confident. This takes her initially to Ireland then back to England. People she meets along the way seem to fall into two camps. Mostly wonderfull surrogate mother types and very desirable potential husbands or very nasty lecherous men and spiteful women. This struck me as a bit unnatural as did the almost constant rain in Ireland.
The book is good at exploring the difficulties Mary has adapting to her new more privileged life as Beth and coping with the guilt that comes with it. It was enjoyable reading about shy downtrodden Mary blossom and engage with life as Beth. However it all felt a bit too sugar coated for me and was not the type of hisorical novel i was expecting.
The book is good at exploring the difficulties Mary has adapting to her new more privileged life as Beth and coping with the guilt that comes with it. It was enjoyable reading about shy downtrodden Mary blossom and engage with life as Beth. However it all felt a bit too sugar coated for me and was not the type of hisorical novel i was expecting.
October 23, 2025
I've read quite a few Leslie Pearce books in the past and was looking forward to this. The concept of the swapped identity was good but I found the pace slow and the narration less seamless than usual. The characters were likeable but events were a little predictable.
November 3, 2025
Disclaimer: Penguin Random House South Africa kindly sent me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
It's 1940 and WWII has just begun. Mary Price is a young woman who walks into a tea house in London, and ends up sitting next to Elizabeth Manning. They share a pot of tea, and Elizabeth reveals her plans to move to Ireland because she's inherited a cottage there, and would love Mary to join her. Even though they are strangers their connection is almost instant.
That same day during an air raid the two take shelter in a London Tube station. After the bombing Mary wakes up in a hospital only to find out that she is fine apart from a few scratches, but that Elizabeth is dead. Except, the staff at the hospital have mistaken her for her friend. Instead of correcting them Mary decides to be Elizabeth, and to go to Ireland in place of her friend. After being released from hospital she finds herself at a boarding house where the suitcase belonging to her dead friend reveals identity documents, new clothes, train tickets, letters and money. Though she feels guilt and torn over her decision, she reinvents herself as Beth, and makes her way to Ireland.
The cottage is a dream, and Beth spends her days safe from the Blitz, befriending the locals and writing letters to Jack, a soldier she met on her last night in London. She's not used to not working, and eventually travels to Bristol for a little holiday, and it is there that she meets the elderly Rose, who needs someone to take care of her.
Beth (or Mary Price) had a traumatic childhood that she never speaks about. Her mother was an alcoholic, and her stepfather sexually assaulted her on a regular basis. Her only escape from the horror was visiting a neighbour who taught her to read, and encouraged her to leave at a reasonable age and take up service with a house as a cleaner. Mary did just that, and that's why as she meets Rose she realises this is what she can do for the elderly woman who has been so kind to her, and who has no close relatives nearby to help.
In the midst of her new role in Bristol and still in ownership of a cottage in Ireland Beth loses Jack to the war and is devastated. She also meets another soldier, Harry, who allows her to fall in love again.
Despite her guilt at taking Elizabeth's identify, living in a house that isn't hers and the secrets of her terrible childhood that still haunt her, Beth is still able to forgive herself, and learns to love again.
The Girl with the Suitcase is a story of identity. Set during the horrors of WWII - the Blitz, rationing, and unspeakable loss - Beth becomes the woman she never dreamed she'd be, and makes a new family from the ashes of her old one. The ending was a tad rushed, and left a few more questions than answers, however Beth's story will remain as one of courage and survival.
It's 1940 and WWII has just begun. Mary Price is a young woman who walks into a tea house in London, and ends up sitting next to Elizabeth Manning. They share a pot of tea, and Elizabeth reveals her plans to move to Ireland because she's inherited a cottage there, and would love Mary to join her. Even though they are strangers their connection is almost instant.
That same day during an air raid the two take shelter in a London Tube station. After the bombing Mary wakes up in a hospital only to find out that she is fine apart from a few scratches, but that Elizabeth is dead. Except, the staff at the hospital have mistaken her for her friend. Instead of correcting them Mary decides to be Elizabeth, and to go to Ireland in place of her friend. After being released from hospital she finds herself at a boarding house where the suitcase belonging to her dead friend reveals identity documents, new clothes, train tickets, letters and money. Though she feels guilt and torn over her decision, she reinvents herself as Beth, and makes her way to Ireland.
The cottage is a dream, and Beth spends her days safe from the Blitz, befriending the locals and writing letters to Jack, a soldier she met on her last night in London. She's not used to not working, and eventually travels to Bristol for a little holiday, and it is there that she meets the elderly Rose, who needs someone to take care of her.
Beth (or Mary Price) had a traumatic childhood that she never speaks about. Her mother was an alcoholic, and her stepfather sexually assaulted her on a regular basis. Her only escape from the horror was visiting a neighbour who taught her to read, and encouraged her to leave at a reasonable age and take up service with a house as a cleaner. Mary did just that, and that's why as she meets Rose she realises this is what she can do for the elderly woman who has been so kind to her, and who has no close relatives nearby to help.
In the midst of her new role in Bristol and still in ownership of a cottage in Ireland Beth loses Jack to the war and is devastated. She also meets another soldier, Harry, who allows her to fall in love again.
Despite her guilt at taking Elizabeth's identify, living in a house that isn't hers and the secrets of her terrible childhood that still haunt her, Beth is still able to forgive herself, and learns to love again.
The Girl with the Suitcase is a story of identity. Set during the horrors of WWII - the Blitz, rationing, and unspeakable loss - Beth becomes the woman she never dreamed she'd be, and makes a new family from the ashes of her old one. The ending was a tad rushed, and left a few more questions than answers, however Beth's story will remain as one of courage and survival.
June 12, 2025
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 391
Publisher - Michael Joseph
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
The enthralling new novel from the 10-million-copy, No. 1 bestselling author is available to PRE-ORDER now!
London, 1941
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
My Review
Mary has known poverty and cruelty her whole life, it is wartime and she is desperate to escape her job as housekeeper, cleaner and general dogsbody. When she meets the beautiful Elizabeth who offers her a chance at a new life, she has just came into a fabulous house in Ireland, inheritance from an estranged aunt. A bomb hits, the girls are in an underground shelter when everything goes dark. Mary wakes injured but alive, she is misidentified and finally has a chance to live, really live but can she do it?
Aw Mary, what a poor soul and hard going "upbringing" she had. We find out more about Mary and why she is the way she is by going from present to past. As always Pearse's books feature some of the darker side of humanity, abuse, SA, child endangerment, substance abuse, stolen identity. You get reeled in because you are rooting for Mary aka Beth but you do question some of her decisions and behaviours. I think that is one of her gifts, she gives you characters who aren't wholly whiter than white (Mary), and some downright horror bags the "stepfather".
When Mary goes to Ireland we meet a whole cast of people, sweet, nosey, hearing about the aunt, ooft she was a character in herself. We see how world war 2 affected different parts of the world, meat rationing, families, love, loss. It is a busy book as is Pearse's way but she does it so well the story flows and envelopes you. Lots of characters/happenings, some time and place jumps but all done effortlessly.
Even when I have a reading block I can still inhale one of her books, 4.5/5 from us, I need to check her backlist and see what I have missed (we have read loads but she has published loads) and catch up on any missed. She is a fab writer, pulls you emotively and allows you to escape your own life and merge into a world full of love, loss, sadness, friendship, family, she ticks the boxes.
Pages - 391
Publisher - Michael Joseph
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
The enthralling new novel from the 10-million-copy, No. 1 bestselling author is available to PRE-ORDER now!
London, 1941
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
My Review
Mary has known poverty and cruelty her whole life, it is wartime and she is desperate to escape her job as housekeeper, cleaner and general dogsbody. When she meets the beautiful Elizabeth who offers her a chance at a new life, she has just came into a fabulous house in Ireland, inheritance from an estranged aunt. A bomb hits, the girls are in an underground shelter when everything goes dark. Mary wakes injured but alive, she is misidentified and finally has a chance to live, really live but can she do it?
Aw Mary, what a poor soul and hard going "upbringing" she had. We find out more about Mary and why she is the way she is by going from present to past. As always Pearse's books feature some of the darker side of humanity, abuse, SA, child endangerment, substance abuse, stolen identity. You get reeled in because you are rooting for Mary aka Beth but you do question some of her decisions and behaviours. I think that is one of her gifts, she gives you characters who aren't wholly whiter than white (Mary), and some downright horror bags the "stepfather".
When Mary goes to Ireland we meet a whole cast of people, sweet, nosey, hearing about the aunt, ooft she was a character in herself. We see how world war 2 affected different parts of the world, meat rationing, families, love, loss. It is a busy book as is Pearse's way but she does it so well the story flows and envelopes you. Lots of characters/happenings, some time and place jumps but all done effortlessly.
Even when I have a reading block I can still inhale one of her books, 4.5/5 from us, I need to check her backlist and see what I have missed (we have read loads but she has published loads) and catch up on any missed. She is a fab writer, pulls you emotively and allows you to escape your own life and merge into a world full of love, loss, sadness, friendship, family, she ticks the boxes.
August 22, 2025
Lesley Pearse is an auto-read author for me - ever since my high school days when I hardly even read books! She is the queen of women's fiction and I just absolutely love how she so easily pulls you into the ongoings of WW2. I really enjoyed this one, it was such a new concept with our heroine taking on a new identity to gain a better life. I enjoyed the adventure this brought, and I understood all the loneliness and guilt that came from what she did, even though it is what her friend would have wanted for her.
As in any war setting, especially in 1940's London during The Blitz, there is so much heartbreak. You feel it in the constant fear, in the rations and coupons, in the air raids and shelters, in seeing the neighbour's and other characters loose loved ones, but it never hurts more than it does when it happens to our main female character. Beth's beautiful, hopeful whirlwind of a romance with Jack was such a poetic tragedy and the grief and hardships that she had to face was unbelievable.
Her background is also incredibly sad and painful, she had a terrible childhood shadowed by an abuser and I honestly loved the person she is and grew into throughout this story. The side characters like Margery and Rose really make you see the good in some people, even under such horrible circumstances. Harry was a highlight too, a little more hope for Beth, I love how she found happiness after such a hard life. This was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it.
As in any war setting, especially in 1940's London during The Blitz, there is so much heartbreak. You feel it in the constant fear, in the rations and coupons, in the air raids and shelters, in seeing the neighbour's and other characters loose loved ones, but it never hurts more than it does when it happens to our main female character. Beth's beautiful, hopeful whirlwind of a romance with Jack was such a poetic tragedy and the grief and hardships that she had to face was unbelievable.
Her background is also incredibly sad and painful, she had a terrible childhood shadowed by an abuser and I honestly loved the person she is and grew into throughout this story. The side characters like Margery and Rose really make you see the good in some people, even under such horrible circumstances. Harry was a highlight too, a little more hope for Beth, I love how she found happiness after such a hard life. This was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it.
January 14, 2026
Torn on how to rate it. I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy it, but the dialogue at times was (at least to me) terrible. Some lines from characters didn’t feel real. Overall it was a nice story, but I don’t think I will be recommending it anytime soon.
July 3, 2025
This was an easy read by Lesley Pearse who is quite a prolific author.
For me this one wasn’t up to the standard of her earlier books - but I have noticed this with her more recents works.
In parts it was slow and repetitive and sometimes the narrative didn’t fit at all. The main character Mary/Beth decided to go to Bristol - her brute of a ‘step father’ finds her there but there was no explanation as to why that should be the case. He was a hardened East Londoner after all.
For me the entire book lacked some credibility. It was enjoyable to read but only once you realised that the events didn’t follow a particular sequence. Some parts were predictable others surprising.
Even Mary/Beths final relationship after the loss of Jack with Harry was rushed - as though it was needed to finish off the book. There were plenty of opportunities to make more of this friendship that turned to love if some of the slower bits had been left out. I’m not sure I was meant to but one of the passages at the end actually made me laugh out loud - so quaintly and old fashionedly put !
Sadly I ended up feeling a little disappointed on the whole
For me this one wasn’t up to the standard of her earlier books - but I have noticed this with her more recents works.
In parts it was slow and repetitive and sometimes the narrative didn’t fit at all. The main character Mary/Beth decided to go to Bristol - her brute of a ‘step father’ finds her there but there was no explanation as to why that should be the case. He was a hardened East Londoner after all.
For me the entire book lacked some credibility. It was enjoyable to read but only once you realised that the events didn’t follow a particular sequence. Some parts were predictable others surprising.
Even Mary/Beths final relationship after the loss of Jack with Harry was rushed - as though it was needed to finish off the book. There were plenty of opportunities to make more of this friendship that turned to love if some of the slower bits had been left out. I’m not sure I was meant to but one of the passages at the end actually made me laugh out loud - so quaintly and old fashionedly put !
Sadly I ended up feeling a little disappointed on the whole
October 31, 2025
This was a nice story, but otherwise, it was quite boring. I found this a bit disappointing as i have really enjoyed many of Lesley Pearses other books. I kept waiting for something to happen or Elizabeth to reappear and not be truly dead, but this never came. Overall, it was a slow burn that I did not care for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
Boring as watching paint dry. The blurb is the entirety of the book. Somehow I finished it but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
November 5, 2025
really badly written and narrated on audio :( cringingly twee
August 10, 2025
Set between 1941 and 1945, this book depicts the life of a young woman who is trying to make her life as good as she can during the war. Mary has come from a life of struggle, abuse, and addiction; she meets a new friend who changes her life forever.
I enjoyed this book, a nice heart-tugging read but with suspense along the way. I did find it a little soppy at times, but generally, a great story
I enjoyed this book, a nice heart-tugging read but with suspense along the way. I did find it a little soppy at times, but generally, a great story
October 13, 2025
One afternoon in a cafe in London in 1940, two strangers, Mary Price and Elizabeth Manning share a table. Despite their very different backgrounds the two young women strike up a friendly conversation. Elizabeth is about to leave London for Ireland where she has inherited a cottage from her godmother, while Mary is in service as a maid. They are both struck by the fact that they look so very much alike and as their conversation flows, Elizabeth persuades Mary to leave her life in service and travel to Ireland with her.
Without giving anything away, Mary’s fears and terrible childhood unfold and are the core of this emotional story from Lesley Pearse.
Without giving anything away, Mary’s fears and terrible childhood unfold and are the core of this emotional story from Lesley Pearse.
June 12, 2025
The Girl with the Suitcase by Lesley Pearce ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been a long time since I read a Lesley Pearce novel. I really enjoyed this book. It’s not my usual type of book. A story set in England during WW2, a bombing in London leads to mistaken identity. Mary and Elizabeth have come from very different backgrounds and from here unravels a story. I don’t think you can call this historical fiction, more a romance chick lit book. Gentle with likeable characters and easy to read.
It’s been a long time since I read a Lesley Pearce novel. I really enjoyed this book. It’s not my usual type of book. A story set in England during WW2, a bombing in London leads to mistaken identity. Mary and Elizabeth have come from very different backgrounds and from here unravels a story. I don’t think you can call this historical fiction, more a romance chick lit book. Gentle with likeable characters and easy to read.
January 2, 2026
I tried to persevere with this book, but I just couldn't finish it. The plot was good, but the forced dialogue and lack of authorial voice did my head in. The author had clearly tried to research the context, but her inclusion of 'detail' was contrived and cringy. I may use extracts of this novel to show kids in my classes examples of how NOT to write.
January 9, 2026
Such a lovely read, filled with hope and lovely moments.
January 3, 2026
love a Lesley Pearse book, they never disappoint!
May 11, 2025
This novel takes a classic identity-swap premise and gives it emotional depth and wartime urgency. When shy, overlooked Mary meets the confident and wealthy Elizabeth, their contrasting lives set the stage for a dramatic twist. A bombing raid changes everything, and through a believable chain of confusion and desperation, Mary is mistaken for Elizabeth. What follows is a gripping story of reinvention, deception, and the weight of choices made under pressure.
The heart of the book lies in Mary’s transformation. As she steps into Elizabeth’s privileged shoes, the reader is asked to consider: how far would you go to escape a life of poverty and invisibility? The moral ambiguity is well handled Mary’s motivations are understandable, even when her actions cross ethical lines.
It’s such a good story as always from Lesley Pearse
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random Hiuse for an ARC
The heart of the book lies in Mary’s transformation. As she steps into Elizabeth’s privileged shoes, the reader is asked to consider: how far would you go to escape a life of poverty and invisibility? The moral ambiguity is well handled Mary’s motivations are understandable, even when her actions cross ethical lines.
It’s such a good story as always from Lesley Pearse
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random Hiuse for an ARC
November 27, 2025
Great easy read
January 18, 2026
Have never read any of this authors books before and quite enjoyed it, set in the Second World War and had lots of historical facts.
June 25, 2025
I'm a big fan of Lesley Pearse, so I jumped at the chance to get an ARC of her latest book, "The Girl with the Suitcase".
This book starts in London during WW2, and charts the life of a young woman who makes a difficult decision in a case of mistaken identity, which completely changes the rest of her life. Lesley Pearse always writes with such empathy that you can completely understand why Beth made this decision, which then brings her opportunity but also overshadows the rest of her life. It was an enjoyable read charting the despair, grief and sadness of war and post-war Britain, with hope and love throughout the rest of Beth's life as she finds her place in the world with her new identity. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Lesley Pearse, Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
This book starts in London during WW2, and charts the life of a young woman who makes a difficult decision in a case of mistaken identity, which completely changes the rest of her life. Lesley Pearse always writes with such empathy that you can completely understand why Beth made this decision, which then brings her opportunity but also overshadows the rest of her life. It was an enjoyable read charting the despair, grief and sadness of war and post-war Britain, with hope and love throughout the rest of Beth's life as she finds her place in the world with her new identity. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Lesley Pearse, Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 25, 2025
Once a Lesley Pearse fan, it is hard to put down any of her books and this one did not disappoint.
The way she incorporated World War 2 into the story is done in such a way that it truly felt like I was part of that world.
Deception and secrets are the main ingredients for this one and the storyline kept me motivated throughout.
Recommended for all fans of Lesley Pearse.
The way she incorporated World War 2 into the story is done in such a way that it truly felt like I was part of that world.
Deception and secrets are the main ingredients for this one and the storyline kept me motivated throughout.
Recommended for all fans of Lesley Pearse.
January 7, 2026
It was a fine, mild read. I think I was hoping for a Kate Quinn style historical, but was more of a Hallmark style rom drama. It feels like both nothing happens, and too many random things happen to the main character. Also felt like the character development was also about lucky events to her as opposed to intentional growth.
August 29, 2025
What a lovely story. Not the greatest prose but a lovely heart warming story nonetheless
December 3, 2025
As an avid fan of Lesley Pearse, I was excited to read this book.
However, this was not up to her usual standard.
It felt like "Survivor", "Secrets" and "Father Unknown" all put together. The plot was weak, and jumped around a lot. The characters were underdeveloped. Nothing really happened. What is the point in having Ronnie as a potential character if he doesn't do anything? Furthermore, everyone is so accepting of her indiscretion - which wouldn't happen!
What had a great premise did not deliver.
However, this was not up to her usual standard.
It felt like "Survivor", "Secrets" and "Father Unknown" all put together. The plot was weak, and jumped around a lot. The characters were underdeveloped. Nothing really happened. What is the point in having Ronnie as a potential character if he doesn't do anything? Furthermore, everyone is so accepting of her indiscretion - which wouldn't happen!
What had a great premise did not deliver.
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