What do you think?
Rate this book
The Forgotten Boy
1460: Ismay Deacon, caught between sides in the War of the Roses, tries to hide away in her ancestral home, Havencross. But when word gets out that she has a child, and speculation on who the father might be, Ismay has to make a terrible choice to protect her son. The Deacon family disappears, but there are rumors of a fair-haired, unsmiling ghost of a boy haunting the halls of Havencross . . .
1918: War nurse Diana Neville is hired by Havencross School for Boys to run the infirmary. She's enjoying the change from the front lines—but soon, vials are smashed in the infirmary when no one is there, there is knocking on her door in the darkness, and she hears footsteps in empty corridors. Moreover, the youngest students are reporting a ghostly boy luring them from bed in the middle of the night. But as Diana tries to investigate, she is faced with an outbreak of the Spanish flu, a child's disappearance, and a journey into terrifying medieval tunnels.
2018: Juliet Stratford is hired to spend the winter at Havencross to clear it out before it becomes a luxury hotel. Juliet, a historian, throws herself into the mysteries of the estate. Who is the forgotten boy who has haunted Havencross for so long? And is it the same boy that Juliet has begun to see in the echoing, empty house?
1918: War nurse Diana Neville is hired by Havencross School for Boys to run the infirmary. She's enjoying the change from the front lines—but soon, vials are smashed in the infirmary when no one is there, there is knocking on her door in the darkness, and she hears footsteps in empty corridors. Moreover, the youngest students are reporting a ghostly boy luring them from bed in the middle of the night. But as Diana tries to investigate, she is faced with an outbreak of the Spanish flu, a child's disappearance, and a journey into terrifying medieval tunnels.
2018: Juliet Stratford is hired to spend the winter at Havencross to clear it out before it becomes a luxury hotel. Juliet, a historian, throws herself into the mysteries of the estate. Who is the forgotten boy who has haunted Havencross for so long? And is it the same boy that Juliet has begun to see in the echoing, empty house?
Audible Audio
Published August 6, 2024
36 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Laura Andersen
116 books603 followersLaura Andersen has one husband, four children, and a college degree in English that she puts to non-profitable use by reading everything she can lay her hands on. Books, shoes, and travel are her fiscal downfalls, which she justifies because all three ‘take you places.’ She loves the ocean (but not sand), forests (but not camping), good food (but not cooking), and shopping (there is no downside.) She lives in Massachusetts with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 14, 2024
The Forgotten Boy was the first book that I have read by author, Laura Andersen. It can be described as a somewhat dark historical fiction ghost story. This is not the usual genre that I am drawn to but the cover intrigued me and I decided to give it a chance. I was glad that I did. The Forgotten Boy was well written and well plotted. It took place at a place called Havencross that metamorphosed from an ancestral home, into a school for boys and finally into a subject for exploration and discovery. It was written over the course of three time lines in alternating chapters and captured the lives of three courageous and strong women. This ghost story impacted each of three brave and heroic women in unique yet similar ways. I listened to the audiobook that was brilliantly narrated by Kim Bretton. The inflection of her voice was perfect for the various characters she portrayed.
In 1486, Ismay Deacon, was transported to live with family she was not well acquainted with. As she matured and grew into a strong woman, she stood up for what she believed in. Her family was determined to marry her off to someone who would bring wealth and security to the family. Ismay was determined to marry for love and nothing less. She was ready to fight for her happiness no matter the consequences. She lived during The War of Roses. Havencross Estate was her home. She was sole heir to the property. Ismay loved Havencross with her whole being and would protect it and those she loved beyond anyone’s expectations.
In 1918, Diana applied for the position as the school nurse of Havencross Academy. She had previously been a war nurse during the battles of World War I and had witnessed very harrowing deaths of the soldiers she treated. Diana was seeking a calmer and more normal life. She thought that she would find that at Havencross Academy. Diana had not been at Havencross long before she started to witness strange and unexplained things occurring. Was her brain playing tricks on her? Was she just being delusional? Then, on top of these strange sightings and some of the boys at Havencross Academy mysteriously disappearing, the Spanish Flu began to take the lives of some of the boys in her charge.
In 2018, a historian by the name of Juliet, with distant ties to Havencross, was sent to go through the contents of the home to see if there was anything that was worth saving. Not long after Juliet’s arrival, she started to witness strange and unexplained occurrences, similar to what Diana had been privy to. Through her vivid dreams, sightings and found treasures, Juliet began to unravel the long history of Havencross.
It was most satisfying when author, Laura Andersen, finally connected the links between the three timelines and provided the answers I hadn’t been able to understand myself. When she did this, I felt a revelation that was so clear and obvious. The three timelines and these three strong women fit together perfectly and yet for me it had not been obvious at all. It had been hard to imagine how these three women had been connected. The Forgotten Boy was full of compelling characters, twists in the plot and featured three strong and brave women protagonists. I felt that the three time lines was a little confusing, especially in the beginning, but as I got to know each woman, I began to enjoy their stories. In the future, I will look for other books written by Laura Andersen. I recommend this book.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio for allowing me to listen to The Forgotten Boy by Laura Andersen through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
In 1486, Ismay Deacon, was transported to live with family she was not well acquainted with. As she matured and grew into a strong woman, she stood up for what she believed in. Her family was determined to marry her off to someone who would bring wealth and security to the family. Ismay was determined to marry for love and nothing less. She was ready to fight for her happiness no matter the consequences. She lived during The War of Roses. Havencross Estate was her home. She was sole heir to the property. Ismay loved Havencross with her whole being and would protect it and those she loved beyond anyone’s expectations.
In 1918, Diana applied for the position as the school nurse of Havencross Academy. She had previously been a war nurse during the battles of World War I and had witnessed very harrowing deaths of the soldiers she treated. Diana was seeking a calmer and more normal life. She thought that she would find that at Havencross Academy. Diana had not been at Havencross long before she started to witness strange and unexplained things occurring. Was her brain playing tricks on her? Was she just being delusional? Then, on top of these strange sightings and some of the boys at Havencross Academy mysteriously disappearing, the Spanish Flu began to take the lives of some of the boys in her charge.
In 2018, a historian by the name of Juliet, with distant ties to Havencross, was sent to go through the contents of the home to see if there was anything that was worth saving. Not long after Juliet’s arrival, she started to witness strange and unexplained occurrences, similar to what Diana had been privy to. Through her vivid dreams, sightings and found treasures, Juliet began to unravel the long history of Havencross.
It was most satisfying when author, Laura Andersen, finally connected the links between the three timelines and provided the answers I hadn’t been able to understand myself. When she did this, I felt a revelation that was so clear and obvious. The three timelines and these three strong women fit together perfectly and yet for me it had not been obvious at all. It had been hard to imagine how these three women had been connected. The Forgotten Boy was full of compelling characters, twists in the plot and featured three strong and brave women protagonists. I felt that the three time lines was a little confusing, especially in the beginning, but as I got to know each woman, I began to enjoy their stories. In the future, I will look for other books written by Laura Andersen. I recommend this book.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio for allowing me to listen to The Forgotten Boy by Laura Andersen through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 7, 2024
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“Havencross felt lived in. It had its own life, that house, or a memory of life.
You felt that the house itself carried on no matter who might be there at any given time.”
Lured by the cover, stayed for the premise, left with a pleasantly agreeable feeling of not a perfect read, but one that allowed me to escape through different moments of time and experience the lives of three various young women and how their lives were strangely intertwined through the bizarre and unexplained existence of The Forgotten Boy that crossed their paths. 👏🏻👏🏻 And how in the face of adversity, they found the courage to do what was necessary to overcome their fear.
I enjoyed this; I did not love it, but it was a smooth and enriching and fulfilling read, leaving me glad I took a chance on something I perhaps would have never read, not if I had not crossed paths with it - per chance. 😊 Yes, I did raise an eyebrow or two at the slightly modern writing style depicted during 1400s England - I mean, Who wouldn't be? is not exactly the vernacular I would assume one to use at that time, or maybe I'm mistaken - but, the dialogue itself was fitting of the time and quite fluid and viid, so it really is a minor complaint. 🥲
“I imagined there must be a ghost. No house stands this long without collecting tragedies.”
All three heroines were well-developed - each with their own pasts and purpose that tied each of them inevitably together - each shouldering their own pains and grief that had led them to where they were now - each carrying their own weight of guilt they must shed in order to move on. It is Ismay's struggle as much as it is Diana's bravery and eventually Juliet's determination that bounds them with this connection of a ghostly presence of a young boy, who either is an apparition of a warning, or perhaps a blessing with the intent to protect in whatever circumstances they find them in. 😟 I cared for all three; their backstories had meaning and their reasoning for their well-meaning intentions had me concerned for them. Throw in the spooks and chills made me even more curious to see what was the true intent behind each event. 👍🏻
The author easily navigates the narrative between all three timelines and perspectives with enough grip that I wanted to see how their lives would progress. There is just the right amount of tension and palpable intrigue to make for an enriching dark and haunting hic tale set in the atmospheric halls of Havencross School for Boys, an institution steeped with a rich history of secrets and stories left untold through the passage of time and its hallows, itself. 👌🏻
“No, life is not what it was and it never will be. We cannot go back. But equally we cannot stand still. The world will make a new normal. We must...”
With head-strong and capable Diana of World War I, the fear was prevalent at the school she was working as a nurse for, after her time as a war nurse. One which escalated when the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic broke out at Havencross Academy. 'Death is not a stranger to most of them now, and it will be easy for them to transmute their grief into a safe haunting.' Dividing her time between caring for the sick in the infirmary and tracking down young boys who start disappearing, strange happenings jarringly intertwined with their Headmistress, who is desperate to find solace in searching for her missing brother and hoping a ghost of a boy could lead her to him. 🥺 It was perhaps where the intrigue of the mystery really set its claws in, a palpable wanting in me to know whether or not there was some real reasoning behind it.
Juliet was of present-day with present day problems, but no less threatening as the daunting fear escalates when taking care of the final parts of Havencross fall upon her as one of the descendants of the family, a researcher hoping to find answers to some unsolved mysteries that it houses. 😥 What she does not expect is her painful and traumatic past catching up to her present, one which felt believable enough for me to fear for her life, too. And adding to that unexpected unease, is her own spooks of a presence looming in the shadows of the abandoned mansion - one that seeks to be a blessing or a curse was something she was not quite prepared for.
Ismay of the past had the most heart-breaking journey, and one which laid the foundation for the memories. As the heiress to the riches of Havencross Estate during the War of Roses, we get a real glimpse of how innocence can be robbed or treasured, monarchy and political aspirations can cut family ties and break hearts; it can sever love from loyalty and break hope to despair. But, what cannot be touched, is courage; the sacrifices loved ones make to protect that which is dear and to keep intact what is most precious to us. Ismay's story captured that feeling of struggle and strength so simply, but poignant. 💔💔
“We say to hell with guilt. We say that we can remember the dead without making ourselves one of them.... We live in every way we can.”
Amidst their trials and the ghosts, the author managed to introduce a love interest for all three - ones that were as kind and gentle and sweet as what they were deserving, having lived the lives they had. And the romance was refreshingly modest, but still endearing; it was wholesome and heartwarming and the male love interests for each heroine proved their worth to them, believably so. 💕 The chemistry did not feel forced and their interactions were heightened by the problems they were encountering during their lives, which made it feel more genuine, too.
Easy to read, engaging enough, never a lull in either perspective, so it was good. It was! The writing was enjoyable; the emotions expressive; the lingering vestiges of memories echoed within. It was not like really intense fictional writing, if that makes sense, but a calming, but well-written feeling swept over me. ❤️🩹 The manor was a character of its own, sweeping the characters amidst its presence into its history that had been forgotten. Each time period was enriched with vivid details that made it easy for me to escape to their moments in time, however brief. Atmospheric with interesting enough plot twists, because you really have to pay attention. The hints are subtle, but it is how the author converges each of the multiple povs to bring a conclusive feeling to the story that really left me with a content feeling. 🤧
Perhaps a part of me enjoyed it more was because of the lingering mystery buried amidst the historical aspects of it; the scary moments that spoke of a ghost with its own agenda left just the right amount of chills that had me fear for their lives, too. As much as I did not want it to be true, a ghost does mean death; someone did die. Who? The young fair-haired boy that appeared before them, what truths hid behind his visage? I was not expecting the end, but the eventual conclusion wraps itself nicely to give a bit of closure to some ones who may have not known peace in their lives, but at least the spirit of those who were at unrest may eventually lay their hearts at ease knowing that their presence helped those in need. 🙏🏻
“Havencross felt lived in. It had its own life, that house, or a memory of life.
You felt that the house itself carried on no matter who might be there at any given time.”
Lured by the cover, stayed for the premise, left with a pleasantly agreeable feeling of not a perfect read, but one that allowed me to escape through different moments of time and experience the lives of three various young women and how their lives were strangely intertwined through the bizarre and unexplained existence of The Forgotten Boy that crossed their paths. 👏🏻👏🏻 And how in the face of adversity, they found the courage to do what was necessary to overcome their fear.
I enjoyed this; I did not love it, but it was a smooth and enriching and fulfilling read, leaving me glad I took a chance on something I perhaps would have never read, not if I had not crossed paths with it - per chance. 😊 Yes, I did raise an eyebrow or two at the slightly modern writing style depicted during 1400s England - I mean, Who wouldn't be? is not exactly the vernacular I would assume one to use at that time, or maybe I'm mistaken - but, the dialogue itself was fitting of the time and quite fluid and viid, so it really is a minor complaint. 🥲
“I imagined there must be a ghost. No house stands this long without collecting tragedies.”
All three heroines were well-developed - each with their own pasts and purpose that tied each of them inevitably together - each shouldering their own pains and grief that had led them to where they were now - each carrying their own weight of guilt they must shed in order to move on. It is Ismay's struggle as much as it is Diana's bravery and eventually Juliet's determination that bounds them with this connection of a ghostly presence of a young boy, who either is an apparition of a warning, or perhaps a blessing with the intent to protect in whatever circumstances they find them in. 😟 I cared for all three; their backstories had meaning and their reasoning for their well-meaning intentions had me concerned for them. Throw in the spooks and chills made me even more curious to see what was the true intent behind each event. 👍🏻
The author easily navigates the narrative between all three timelines and perspectives with enough grip that I wanted to see how their lives would progress. There is just the right amount of tension and palpable intrigue to make for an enriching dark and haunting hic tale set in the atmospheric halls of Havencross School for Boys, an institution steeped with a rich history of secrets and stories left untold through the passage of time and its hallows, itself. 👌🏻
“No, life is not what it was and it never will be. We cannot go back. But equally we cannot stand still. The world will make a new normal. We must...”
With head-strong and capable Diana of World War I, the fear was prevalent at the school she was working as a nurse for, after her time as a war nurse. One which escalated when the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic broke out at Havencross Academy. 'Death is not a stranger to most of them now, and it will be easy for them to transmute their grief into a safe haunting.' Dividing her time between caring for the sick in the infirmary and tracking down young boys who start disappearing, strange happenings jarringly intertwined with their Headmistress, who is desperate to find solace in searching for her missing brother and hoping a ghost of a boy could lead her to him. 🥺 It was perhaps where the intrigue of the mystery really set its claws in, a palpable wanting in me to know whether or not there was some real reasoning behind it.
Juliet was of present-day with present day problems, but no less threatening as the daunting fear escalates when taking care of the final parts of Havencross fall upon her as one of the descendants of the family, a researcher hoping to find answers to some unsolved mysteries that it houses. 😥 What she does not expect is her painful and traumatic past catching up to her present, one which felt believable enough for me to fear for her life, too. And adding to that unexpected unease, is her own spooks of a presence looming in the shadows of the abandoned mansion - one that seeks to be a blessing or a curse was something she was not quite prepared for.
Ismay of the past had the most heart-breaking journey, and one which laid the foundation for the memories. As the heiress to the riches of Havencross Estate during the War of Roses, we get a real glimpse of how innocence can be robbed or treasured, monarchy and political aspirations can cut family ties and break hearts; it can sever love from loyalty and break hope to despair. But, what cannot be touched, is courage; the sacrifices loved ones make to protect that which is dear and to keep intact what is most precious to us. Ismay's story captured that feeling of struggle and strength so simply, but poignant. 💔💔
“We say to hell with guilt. We say that we can remember the dead without making ourselves one of them.... We live in every way we can.”
Amidst their trials and the ghosts, the author managed to introduce a love interest for all three - ones that were as kind and gentle and sweet as what they were deserving, having lived the lives they had. And the romance was refreshingly modest, but still endearing; it was wholesome and heartwarming and the male love interests for each heroine proved their worth to them, believably so. 💕 The chemistry did not feel forced and their interactions were heightened by the problems they were encountering during their lives, which made it feel more genuine, too.
Easy to read, engaging enough, never a lull in either perspective, so it was good. It was! The writing was enjoyable; the emotions expressive; the lingering vestiges of memories echoed within. It was not like really intense fictional writing, if that makes sense, but a calming, but well-written feeling swept over me. ❤️🩹 The manor was a character of its own, sweeping the characters amidst its presence into its history that had been forgotten. Each time period was enriched with vivid details that made it easy for me to escape to their moments in time, however brief. Atmospheric with interesting enough plot twists, because you really have to pay attention. The hints are subtle, but it is how the author converges each of the multiple povs to bring a conclusive feeling to the story that really left me with a content feeling. 🤧
Perhaps a part of me enjoyed it more was because of the lingering mystery buried amidst the historical aspects of it; the scary moments that spoke of a ghost with its own agenda left just the right amount of chills that had me fear for their lives, too. As much as I did not want it to be true, a ghost does mean death; someone did die. Who? The young fair-haired boy that appeared before them, what truths hid behind his visage? I was not expecting the end, but the eventual conclusion wraps itself nicely to give a bit of closure to some ones who may have not known peace in their lives, but at least the spirit of those who were at unrest may eventually lay their hearts at ease knowing that their presence helped those in need. 🙏🏻
August 19, 2024
The Forgotten Boy by Laura Anderson
This gothic historical fiction was a wonderful surprise. I usually don’t like books that cover 3 time periods and 3 POV but it worked. All 3 stories come from Havencross and I loved the connections between all 3. We get the story of Ismay, a lady caught during the time of civil war, the war of the roses. She chooses her son over fealty to the realm. Then we have Diana, a nurse during the war, starts work at Havencross becoming a nurse at the school for boys and Juliet who is hired to clear Havencross out before it becomes a hotel.
Both Juliet and Diana see the ghost of a boy. Juliet takes on the task of trying to figure out who the little lost boy is and the story is truly heartbreaking. I loved the book. I thought the writing was phenomenal and the whole tone of the book was eerie and fabulous!
Excellent narration and my kind of book. 4.5 stars
This gothic historical fiction was a wonderful surprise. I usually don’t like books that cover 3 time periods and 3 POV but it worked. All 3 stories come from Havencross and I loved the connections between all 3. We get the story of Ismay, a lady caught during the time of civil war, the war of the roses. She chooses her son over fealty to the realm. Then we have Diana, a nurse during the war, starts work at Havencross becoming a nurse at the school for boys and Juliet who is hired to clear Havencross out before it becomes a hotel.
Both Juliet and Diana see the ghost of a boy. Juliet takes on the task of trying to figure out who the little lost boy is and the story is truly heartbreaking. I loved the book. I thought the writing was phenomenal and the whole tone of the book was eerie and fabulous!
Excellent narration and my kind of book. 4.5 stars
July 30, 2024
Three timelines, and the stories of three brave women perfectly woven into one ghostly story spanning centuries.
This was a wonderfully dark and at the same time comforting story perfect for the fall season. It was very well written, with an intriguing plot and captivating characters.
The eerie atmosphere throughout the story was underlined beautifully by the narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridgeAudio for a free early release copy of this audiobook.
This was a wonderfully dark and at the same time comforting story perfect for the fall season. It was very well written, with an intriguing plot and captivating characters.
The eerie atmosphere throughout the story was underlined beautifully by the narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridgeAudio for a free early release copy of this audiobook.
July 30, 2024
Well, I’ve always enjoyed books with dual timelines, but I believe this is the first I’ve read with TRIPLE timelines!
We have three separate timelines…
Mid 1400’s. (1468)
Early 1900’s (1918)
And early 2000’s…(2018)
In 1468 we have Ismay, who is a YOUNG girl with a good heritage and significant property (Havencross). The Royal lines are looking to court/marry her…not so much for love, but to gain wealth/property. But she is just a girl, and doesn’t want to marry for this. She secretly has a crush…on one who is not in the lineup for her…
As the War of the Roses comes to a head, her beloved goes to fight in the war… and she is so worried that he may not return to her…
In 1918 we have Diane, who is a nurse, and has just left the frontlines in hopes of returning to a more ‘normal’ type of life…
She accepts a job as a nurse at an all boys school with a relatively small population. It can’t be anything like what she experienced during war times…
When she begins to hear and see things that she just does not understand (or accept) she feels like her life is turning on a new axis. Is she the only one experiencing this? Has anyone else encountered it?? Is she losing her marbles??
As the Spanish Flu makes its way into the surrounding areas, Diane is concerned that the students may be affected…
In 2018 we have Juliet, who is a revered historian. When she learns that Havencross will not exist as it is, a short time from now, she opts to move into the place and try to find things out that just don’t add up in her mind. She feels like there are some missing pieces… and maybe she can find them or figure it all out.
As she spends more and more time there, she begins to experience similar things that she does not understand…
As she races to get to the bottom of it, she feels like her life might actually be in danger!!
Strange noises. Strange lights. The feeling of claustrophobia… Weird dreams…
When the three timelines begin to intersect, your mouth will be hanging open, like mine!! 😮😮😮
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!
#TheForgottenBoy by #LauraAndersen and narrated beautifully by#KimBretton.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HighBridgeAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
***** This is due to be released in about one week on 8/6/24! *****
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends!! 📚⭐️
We have three separate timelines…
Mid 1400’s. (1468)
Early 1900’s (1918)
And early 2000’s…(2018)
In 1468 we have Ismay, who is a YOUNG girl with a good heritage and significant property (Havencross). The Royal lines are looking to court/marry her…not so much for love, but to gain wealth/property. But she is just a girl, and doesn’t want to marry for this. She secretly has a crush…on one who is not in the lineup for her…
As the War of the Roses comes to a head, her beloved goes to fight in the war… and she is so worried that he may not return to her…
In 1918 we have Diane, who is a nurse, and has just left the frontlines in hopes of returning to a more ‘normal’ type of life…
She accepts a job as a nurse at an all boys school with a relatively small population. It can’t be anything like what she experienced during war times…
When she begins to hear and see things that she just does not understand (or accept) she feels like her life is turning on a new axis. Is she the only one experiencing this? Has anyone else encountered it?? Is she losing her marbles??
As the Spanish Flu makes its way into the surrounding areas, Diane is concerned that the students may be affected…
In 2018 we have Juliet, who is a revered historian. When she learns that Havencross will not exist as it is, a short time from now, she opts to move into the place and try to find things out that just don’t add up in her mind. She feels like there are some missing pieces… and maybe she can find them or figure it all out.
As she spends more and more time there, she begins to experience similar things that she does not understand…
As she races to get to the bottom of it, she feels like her life might actually be in danger!!
Strange noises. Strange lights. The feeling of claustrophobia… Weird dreams…
When the three timelines begin to intersect, your mouth will be hanging open, like mine!! 😮😮😮
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!
#TheForgottenBoy by #LauraAndersen and narrated beautifully by#KimBretton.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HighBridgeAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
***** This is due to be released in about one week on 8/6/24! *****
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends!! 📚⭐️
August 7, 2024
Rating: 5
Format: Audiobook
Our reader is introduce to three protagonist spanning 3 different times in history at the same location, Havencross. Ismay in 1460, Diana in 1918, & Juliet in 2018. Diana & Juliet both start to experience ghostly interactions; thus starting their own investigation into the estates’ history. Readers are taken on romantic & paranormal adventures between all the characters while uncovering these main protagonists connections with one another over the course of history.
Highlights:
⭐️Different characters intersecting POV chapters from different time periods while readers are uncovering these protagonists connections across history
⭐️Plot twists! All plot twists unfolded nicely & kept me on my toes. I honestly was not expecting how the story unfolded.
⭐️All protagonists had challenges to overcome & readers got to experience characters’ trials/errors. There was not significant dynamic character growth for each individual protagonist but the small growth or trials that had to be overcome, connected to the plot very well & satistied me as a reader.
⭐️Overall plot & the protagonist personalities/traits = amazing! I was very engaged in uncovering the secrets of Havencross & was excited to continue to listen to this book.
⭐️Narrator was emotional while reading the plot & did a great job of relaying a dynamic story.
Pitfalls:
❌None!
Thank you NetGalley & HighBridge Audio for a free early release copy of this audiobook for my honest review & feedback.
Format: Audiobook
Our reader is introduce to three protagonist spanning 3 different times in history at the same location, Havencross. Ismay in 1460, Diana in 1918, & Juliet in 2018. Diana & Juliet both start to experience ghostly interactions; thus starting their own investigation into the estates’ history. Readers are taken on romantic & paranormal adventures between all the characters while uncovering these main protagonists connections with one another over the course of history.
Highlights:
⭐️Different characters intersecting POV chapters from different time periods while readers are uncovering these protagonists connections across history
⭐️Plot twists! All plot twists unfolded nicely & kept me on my toes. I honestly was not expecting how the story unfolded.
⭐️All protagonists had challenges to overcome & readers got to experience characters’ trials/errors. There was not significant dynamic character growth for each individual protagonist but the small growth or trials that had to be overcome, connected to the plot very well & satistied me as a reader.
⭐️Overall plot & the protagonist personalities/traits = amazing! I was very engaged in uncovering the secrets of Havencross & was excited to continue to listen to this book.
⭐️Narrator was emotional while reading the plot & did a great job of relaying a dynamic story.
Pitfalls:
❌None!
Thank you NetGalley & HighBridge Audio for a free early release copy of this audiobook for my honest review & feedback.
July 29, 2024
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. I really enjoyed this book! I don' think I have read from this author before. Biy i would read from her again for sure. It was well written and if you are a bit of a Tudor fan you will like this book a lot. A very easy fast read. The narrator did a great job!
July 25, 2024
Who doesn't love a good ghost story??? I liked this one a lot. Multiple timelines and multiple POV'S come together to tell a really good story!
Many thanks to Net Galley and HighBridge Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Net Galley and HighBridge Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
I decided to try something out of my usual genres and The Forgotten Boy by Laura Andersen was a great choice! The multiple povs and timelines created an intricate story that unravelled at a steady pace. The characters were all so interesting and unique. The romance was sweet and heart warming. It was a nice contrast to a story about a haunted house and its previous inhabitants. I would have the haunting to be a little scarier but I'm still really enjoyed this. And I really enjoyed the narrator's voice. She was perfect for this role.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for this alc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for this alc in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2024
The Forgotten Boy follows three timelines that all take place at the Havencross Estate in Northumberland.
1468: Ismay Deacon’s story is perhaps the most heart breaking. Being left in the care of a guardian when her family passes, the heiress fights for love in a time of arranged marriages at court. The sacrifices she must make when the English crown seems to have revolving ownership during the War of the Roses illustrate her strength as a young woman with little authority.
1918: Diana Neville flees to the boys' school at Havencross as WWI is winding down to serve as their school nurse. Previously having served on the front lines in France, Diana is looking for a little peace in the countryside and is surprised when she finds a familiar face so far away from the battlefield. What she does not expect is a ghost that haunts her and the Spanish Flu to rear its ugly head.
2018: Juliet Stratford needs a restart after her marriage falls apart. She is glad for the excuse to put an ocean between her and her ex, and the historian in her is ecstatic about poking around an old estate full of treasures. When she feels a presence looming, and her past starts to catch up with her, Juliet with the help of local Noah attempts to solve Havencross’s biggest mystery—the ghost boy who haunts the inhabitants.
Laura Andersen does a great job of managing three timelines without confusion. It does take some time and patience to become invested in the three different women, but the pay off is worth it. The paranormal aspects of this novel are so believable considering the age of the estate and what happened within its walls. If you are looking for a historical novel to get you into the spooky season, this novel will do the trick!
Thank you to NetGalley, Highbridge Audio, and author Laura Andersen for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Forgotten Boy is out now! All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
August 3, 2024
I've never read Laura Andersen before, but The Forgotten Boy evoked memories of the stories told by the great Anya Seton. In all honesty, Ms. Andersen's book is not at the level of Ms. Seton's tales, but it was well-done and kept my interest. The "forgotten" boy appears as a leitmotif (and perhaps ghost?) in two of the three storylines: one involving a nurse at a boarding school in Northumberland as WWI is ending and the flu is spreading, and the other an American historian staying at the same location 100 years later. But the boy's story originates in the oldest timeline, in the 1400s, during the War of the Roses. Not being a British historian myself, I found the names and details tossed casually about in that early timeline confusing, particularly at the beginning. (Spoiler/not Spoiler: Warwick is the bad guy!) By the end I was engrossed in all three tales, but I felt the author presented their resolutions in the wrong order, and the end of the 1918 story, in particular, was rushed. And while coming up for an attention-grabbing title is never easy, I find this one a bit misleading since a different missing boy is frequently discussed in the two modern timelines, and the "actual" (?) forgotten boy was neither a boy nor completely forgotten, at least by earnest historians. Finally, I listened to the audiobook, and while overall the presentation was fine, the narrator's American accent was grating. Despite my many criticisms, I'm very glad I read/listened to the book, and I look forward to exploring other titles by the author.
February 7, 2025
“The forgotten boy” is a historical paranormal novel that tells its story across 3 points in history, at the same estate in England.
In 1460 we follow Ismay Deacon who returns to her family home in Havencross when she falls pregnant with her child, whom she is forced to hide.
In 1918 we re-visit Havencross, which is now a boy’s school, when veteran nurser Diana Neville takes a job at the school and experiences unexplained encounters with a spirit of some sort.
In 2018, Havencross is now about to be turned into a luxury hotel, and historian Juliet Stratford moves in to catalog its history.
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I eventually did and I’m disappointed that the story line didn’t deliver. The writing was lovely, and individually the stories of Ismay, Diana and Juliet were engaging and the characters likeable, but I didn’t feel the repeated jumps in time worked well here, nor was the mystery developed enough to conclude the book to satisfaction.
Considering the 1460 storyline was the ‘origin’ story, I didn’t feel this was fleshed out enough. The conclusion to that story was obvious and I felt this aspect of the story focussed on the wrong elements and was perhaps introduced too early.
Again, whilst I did enjoy each storyline individually, with Diana’s the most, I felt the link connecting the three timelines and women a tad contrived and forced. I just didn’t feel the multiple timelines worked well here and some elements seemed too far-fetched. It feels like this novel tried to do too much at once, and none of it was executed fully.
In 1460 we follow Ismay Deacon who returns to her family home in Havencross when she falls pregnant with her child, whom she is forced to hide.
In 1918 we re-visit Havencross, which is now a boy’s school, when veteran nurser Diana Neville takes a job at the school and experiences unexplained encounters with a spirit of some sort.
In 2018, Havencross is now about to be turned into a luxury hotel, and historian Juliet Stratford moves in to catalog its history.
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I eventually did and I’m disappointed that the story line didn’t deliver. The writing was lovely, and individually the stories of Ismay, Diana and Juliet were engaging and the characters likeable, but I didn’t feel the repeated jumps in time worked well here, nor was the mystery developed enough to conclude the book to satisfaction.
Considering the 1460 storyline was the ‘origin’ story, I didn’t feel this was fleshed out enough. The conclusion to that story was obvious and I felt this aspect of the story focussed on the wrong elements and was perhaps introduced too early.
Again, whilst I did enjoy each storyline individually, with Diana’s the most, I felt the link connecting the three timelines and women a tad contrived and forced. I just didn’t feel the multiple timelines worked well here and some elements seemed too far-fetched. It feels like this novel tried to do too much at once, and none of it was executed fully.
December 15, 2024
I enjoyed this. Three timelines and three points of view make for quite a juggling act, but the three women involved are distinctive enough that it was easy to keep straight when I was, and which of the three protagonists was speaking. At times the 15th century passages had an oddly modern style, but at ;east the author resisted any temptation to speak forsoothly.
We work our way backward in time, starting with Juliet in 2018, then Diana in 1918, and finally Ismay in 1453. The Wars of the Roses were a horrific time in England as warring factions fought for the throne. The last days of World War I, and the pandemic of 1918, shape Diana's chapters. Juliet's time is relatively tranquil, but her personal history certainly isn't.
The north of England will always intrigue me, both in real life and as a setting for fiction. The author makes good sue of thesetting, with its natural beauty and--even now--its isolation. The house passes through different owners over the centuries, and undergoes numerous changes without ever completely losing its original form.
To go into much detail about the ghosts involved is to commit major spoilers, so I'll just say that their appearances are well handled. I was thoroughly mystified until the end.
My one real quarrel with the book is that, for me, it ends too abruptly. That's almost a recommendation, though; it means that I would have liked it to last longer.
We work our way backward in time, starting with Juliet in 2018, then Diana in 1918, and finally Ismay in 1453. The Wars of the Roses were a horrific time in England as warring factions fought for the throne. The last days of World War I, and the pandemic of 1918, shape Diana's chapters. Juliet's time is relatively tranquil, but her personal history certainly isn't.
The north of England will always intrigue me, both in real life and as a setting for fiction. The author makes good sue of thesetting, with its natural beauty and--even now--its isolation. The house passes through different owners over the centuries, and undergoes numerous changes without ever completely losing its original form.
To go into much detail about the ghosts involved is to commit major spoilers, so I'll just say that their appearances are well handled. I was thoroughly mystified until the end.
My one real quarrel with the book is that, for me, it ends too abruptly. That's almost a recommendation, though; it means that I would have liked it to last longer.
August 13, 2024
“The Forgotten Boy” written by Laura Anderson is a wonderful tale with multiple povs. It involves a number of romances while following an immensely intriguing plot!
Within this novel lies three time lines that leading to the reveal of a heartbreaking history of why a fair haired boy haunts the halls of this building.
1460- Ismay Deacon attempts to hide within Havencross. A place passed down through her family. However, despite her attempts to conceal her condition news spirals, and everyone has their own conspiracy theories. In order to keep this ever so precious thing safe she makes a horrific decision. Then the Deacon family disappears…
1918- Havencross has become a school for boys and a war nurse is hired to take charge of the infirmary. However, it seems someone wants her gone. As she battles the outbreak of influenza, she is faced with a missing student, and a formidable treck into the medieval tunnels beneath haven cross!
2018- During the winter, historian Juliet Stratford is hired to spend her time organizing and cleaning up the Havencross estate. Being a historian she dives right into the mysteries that lie within the walls of the house. The who, where, when, why, and how of the forgotten boy who has haunted the place since the 1400s plagues her mind.
Will this boy ever have his story revealed?
Laura Anderson has pieced together a wonderful story, her writing is beautiful and she put a lot of detail into this novel. The way she threads the three timelines together in an almost seemless way is amazing. I am so grateful to have arc read this book thank you so much to NetGalley, the publishers and Laura Anderson for providing me with this chance.
September 10, 2025
I really cant even tell y’all how much I loved this book!
To be fair, much of the mystery was predictable, but that in no way, detracted from my enjoyment.
-very well written. Everything flows so well that you can easily get sucked in.
-Before you get too far in, do yourself a favor and google a quick summery of the war of the roses, if you’re unfamiliar with the details. it will make it that much more enjoyable
-I loved the setting of being in the old estate by herself, although I wish it had used a little more of the creepiness to add to the suspense. Especially during the blizzard. Also , I wish the author had told us more about the cool things she found in the house.
-Diana’s parts felt unnecessary, but I still enjoyed them.
-light pg-13 romance, so If you’re purely looking for smut, this is not it. There is none. I still recommend giving it a chance though.
-Ghosts and paranormal
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone.
***SPOILER
-One tiny plot hole…It’s a little unclear whether Thomas was in the well or in the tunnel. Why didn’t Clarissa search the tunnels since she clearly knew about them? Or did she only know about a few of them? Why didnt Juliette and MMC go back and search the tunnel like they planned?
To be fair, much of the mystery was predictable, but that in no way, detracted from my enjoyment.
-very well written. Everything flows so well that you can easily get sucked in.
-Before you get too far in, do yourself a favor and google a quick summery of the war of the roses, if you’re unfamiliar with the details. it will make it that much more enjoyable
-I loved the setting of being in the old estate by herself, although I wish it had used a little more of the creepiness to add to the suspense. Especially during the blizzard. Also , I wish the author had told us more about the cool things she found in the house.
-Diana’s parts felt unnecessary, but I still enjoyed them.
-light pg-13 romance, so If you’re purely looking for smut, this is not it. There is none. I still recommend giving it a chance though.
-Ghosts and paranormal
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone.
***SPOILER
-One tiny plot hole…It’s a little unclear whether Thomas was in the well or in the tunnel. Why didn’t Clarissa search the tunnels since she clearly knew about them? Or did she only know about a few of them? Why didnt Juliette and MMC go back and search the tunnel like they planned?
July 31, 2024
Spanning centuries, three women connected to the haunted Havencross estate confront its tragic legacy. In 1460, Ismay Deacon makes a devastating choice to protect her son. In 1918, nurse Diana Neville encounters ghostly activity alongside a deadly flu outbreak. In 2018, historian Juliet Stratford uncovers the secrets of the ghost boy who haunts Havencross’s halls. As each woman faces the mysteries of the past, their stories intertwine to reveal a haunting truth.
I loved this. All three of the intertwined stories are well-paced and compelling. I’ve always been fascinated by the Wars of the Roses, so I enjoyed that aspect of the book. The audiobook narration added to the enjoyment of the novel.
CW: child death
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved this. All three of the intertwined stories are well-paced and compelling. I’ve always been fascinated by the Wars of the Roses, so I enjoyed that aspect of the book. The audiobook narration added to the enjoyment of the novel.
CW: child death
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The timeline seemed to jump around a lot and despite the authors valiant efforts, I got lost a few times. Luckily I was quick to recover. This book is so beautifully written. The history, the traumatic events both historical and personal to the characters, the mystery, and even the element of suspense. The narrator had such a beautiful tone to her voice and her range for character acting was impressive. There wasn't much I didn't love about this book. Definitely a 4 star for me.
May 27, 2025
Enjoyable story
I really like historical fiction and this book was very interesting by telling the story from 3 different time periods in the same setting. The first was set in 1400-1500, the second in 1918, and the third in 2018. Reading about some of the hardships in each time period was interesting. Learning about the harshness of the flu epidemic in 1918 after living through Vivid was a particular draw.
I really like historical fiction and this book was very interesting by telling the story from 3 different time periods in the same setting. The first was set in 1400-1500, the second in 1918, and the third in 2018. Reading about some of the hardships in each time period was interesting. Learning about the harshness of the flu epidemic in 1918 after living through Vivid was a particular draw.
November 18, 2025
I thought, when I began this book, that it was a "classic" horror story. When I realized it was more a romance story (which is really not my taste )than a truly horror book, I was already hooked. I' m glad I didn't know before starting this one about the romance style, cause then I would never give it a shot and would have missed out on a very good story. The narration is excellent, the characters are so well developed and the gothic vibe is perfect
August 31, 2024
I am a huge fan of historical “old fashioned” ghost stories and this one did not disappoint. I am also a fan of dual timelines- what a pleasant surprise to find three timelines with this one. It was wonderfully written and kept my interest throughout. The narration was also very good. I can’t wait to listen to the next book by Laura Andersen!
May 30, 2025
3 different timelines centered on one story- one boy. The gothic setting was extremely immersive. I loved the description of the house even more than how well everything tied together in the end. It wasn't necessarily the most surprising of endings but it was SO WELL DONE. The perfect cozy nighttime read.
August 1, 2024
A story from my part of the world told in three timelines. Juliet is hired to clear out the sprawling mansion of Havencross in Northumberland, when she sees a boy - one who has haunted this place for a long time. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook.
August 29, 2024
***** I received this free audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
An interesting ghost story at a boys school. It spans across years moving back and forth. Sometimes it was a bit confusing keeping the storylines separate.
An interesting ghost story at a boys school. It spans across years moving back and forth. Sometimes it was a bit confusing keeping the storylines separate.
August 30, 2024
A brilliantly plotted novel that seamlessly weaves together three seemingly disparate storylines. That is, until you realize there is nothing disparate about a mother’s love no matter what century you’re in.
…or a son’s love for his mother.
A wonderful wonderful book.
…or a son’s love for his mother.
A wonderful wonderful book.
October 24, 2024
Super interesting spooky little tale! If looking for something ghostly to read I highly recommend! It has the tone of historical fiction. I think some of the people in it are real like the kings and queens . It blends 3 different time periods and I loved it!
April 3, 2025
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the three inter-connected storylines from different time periods that leads to us finding out who the boy was. A little mystery and intrigue, a little romance, and a little history- this book has a bit of it all. Interesting and engaging, but not an overwhelming page tuner.
I enjoyed the three inter-connected storylines from different time periods that leads to us finding out who the boy was. A little mystery and intrigue, a little romance, and a little history- this book has a bit of it all. Interesting and engaging, but not an overwhelming page tuner.
October 24, 2024
Loved this book! It is a great mystery with just enough spookiness that I wasn’t afraid to read in the dark. This will go on my “must read again” list!
January 17, 2025
Very good mix of 3 stages of history and a ghost story! I really enjoyed it!!!
March 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews