Echoes of Yesterday : The Orphanage Chronicles

by Rachel Wesson

Echoes of Yesterday
In the heart of a turbulent era, hope is found in the unlikeliest of places.

January 1936.

Lauren Greenwood has always believed that Hope House is more than just a refuge—it's a lifeline for those seeking shelter from both the physical storms of life and the emotional ones that haunt them. But as whispers of war grow louder across Europe and prejudice tightens its grip at home, she must fight harder than ever to protect the people she loves.

Edward, the steadfast journalist recovering from a life-changing injury, dreams of returning to his work—even as the shadows of fascism creep closer. Becky, driven by a desperate search for her lost brother Luke, is torn between family loyalty and her duty to the children who have come to see her as their own. And Luke himself arrives at Hope House battered and feverish, carrying secrets that could shatter the fragile peace they’ve built.

As floods rise and tensions mount, Lauren and her close-knit community face not only the forces of nature but also the threat of those who would see them divided. With courage, resilience, and unwavering love, they must stand together against hatred, uncertainty, and the echoes of the past that refuse to be silenced.

A story of resilience, compassion, and the power of unity, Echoes of Yesterday is a gripping historical novel that will touch your heart and remind you that even in the darkest times, hope can shine through.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction with strong female leads, emotional depth, and timeless themes of love, courage, and community.

Genres: Historical Fiction

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

About the author

Rachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.

Reviews

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly engrossing tale of love in the midst of turmoil and adversity. Very realistic characters and dialogue.

[Kelly Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Having adopted 2 children these books are especially important to me. I love the way the children are taken care of by Lauren, Becky and Nanny Kat. This book follows after the last 2 in the series with Becky and Will about to get married and Lauren and Edward being engaged to get married. It’s starts out in 1939 and tensions are high. Will they survive another war? Will Edward recover and go back to Germany to help the Jews? What will happen to the Jewish people they know? Will they be safe? Read to find out all the answers! I really hope there is another book in this series! I’m not done reading about these characters!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

With tear-filled eyes, I reached The End! What a wonderful book filled with heart, adventures and remembrances of the harsh times in 1936. War torn countries in Europe that brought uncertainty to our shores were reminders of the Great Depression. About the time people were beginning to pull out of unemployment, dreary lives and starting over, the wars overseas filled the radio news. Newspapers printed stories of soldiers preparing, government leaders yelling and hatred of Jews in Germany and other areas of Europe. I loved Lauren, Becky and others in the Hope House Orphanage as they worked to give children a chance at life. My heart broke over Edward, but I did understand his duty to family and writing. Thanks for a great book and I look forward to reading the next story in The Orphanage Chronicles.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs summary

The author is a great writer .. but this book sorely needed a summary of her previous series "A Home For Orphans." I read that series 3 years ago. This is supposed to be a new series but it is based on characters in the previous series. I have easily read 100 books since reading that series and frankly became frustrated at all the characters introduced from before with no explanation of who they were and how they fit into the story. A one page summary of the previous series along with a list of characters would have made this book more meaningful and enjoyable. I really don't understand why authors don't do this for their readers.

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much going on at first, I found it a little challenging to keep the names straight. It was probably just me. But once I had everyone figured out in my mind, I was drawn into to the story and couldn’t put it down. The characters and the actual real life history made this book so enthralling. I’ve always been interested in stories of Hitler, so this hit big for me. I’ve also been a huge fan of the Waltons. In many ways it reminded me the Waltons. I shed many tears, happy and not. That lets you know it feels real. I highly recommend it.

[christine mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another great story thats carrying on from 2 previous books with the same people in, so good to read a carry on ,things happen at hope house taking in new people ,Becky finding a lost brother when he gets in trouble ,Becky finally gets married to Wil but Lauren's engagement to Edward is broken when he goes to help people in Germany during the war ,looking forward to the next installment

[Nethanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren and Becky will do everything to help the orphans in their care. But it isn’t easy with the shadows of the war around them. But will the help they get be enough when danger is around?

I recommend to read The home for unloved children and A baby on the doorstep before this one to get the whole story. I really enjoyed this series, this author is a real storyteller.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read! You will instantly fall in love with the main character Laureen, and also Becky and her brother Luke and the children! From the very first book, I couldn't stop rooting on for Laureen and her journey!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed Rachel Wesson’s entire orphan, mail order bride and resistance series. Reading the stories makes you feel like you’re living through that time
I have learned so much as she weaves historical facts within the stories

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!

[Lilian Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of yesterday

What did I like or dislike about this book. There was nothing to dislike Rachel Wesson did it again she wrote another
Gripping story that leaves you wanting more. I loved it and have told friends about it and other Rachel books I have read.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hope continues.

The story had held my interest for a couple of years. Thank God Becky married Will. They are part of the backbone of Hope House. Lauren is difficult to understand.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope

I loved this book but I love all Rachels ' booksit felt like catching up with friends it's got to be a 5 STAR. Review