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The Secret Orphanage
“Nobody outside the village knows the orphanage exists, Celina. We’re hidden by the mountains and everyone is sworn to secrecy. Please don’t give the soldiers a reason to come here…”
In a quiet village in German-occupied France, schoolteacher Celina ushers young Jewish children into her classroom. Watching their bright smiles as they learn how to write, she and sweet, handsome Remy promise to protect them. Every day she pretends to send them home, waving at the local police roaming the streets, as instead they sneak away to hide upstairs.
But Celina can’t stop thinking about the note left on her bedside table last night. Written in the secret code used by the Resistance, it told her a baby she’s sheltering could be reunited with its mother. Will Remy ever forgive her if she attempts to take the baby home? If she’s caught, they could discover the orphanage…
New York, present day. Haunted by a loss he refuses to speak about, Rachel’s grandfather is slowly losing his memories. Then Rachel finds a name scribbled into the old children’s book he used to read to her, which leads her to a French village with a dark and dangerous past.
Nothing can prepare Rachel for what she finds behind the orphanage’s crumbling façade. But as her own future becomes entwined with her grandfather’s wartime secrets, she will learn just how much courage it takes to follow your heart.
A breathtaking, emotional historical novel that will sweep you away to World War Two France, to the dangers of Nazi occupation, and the hope that prevailed in the darkest of times. For fans of Victoria Hislop, Soraya Lane and Fiona Valpy.
What readers are saying about Barbara
“A book to be devoured, once you begin you won’t be able to stop until the last page is turned… Heart-warming, feel-good… A must-read… I absolutely loved this.” Page-Turners Book Reviews by Caroline, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I am at loss of words to explain how I felt about this book… Loved… Amazing… A wonderful masterpiece. This book will stay with me for a long time.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I devoured this beauty in a day! Talk about being hooked to a book!… Had me from the first page and didn’t let go!… Will tug at the heart.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Totally enchanting. I was immediately under the spell of the characters… Gorgeous… will capture your heart.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Enchanting… phenomenal… magic… I cannot recommend it enough.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Phenomenal… Grabbed my attention immediately and had me eagerly flipping pages by the end of the first chapter!… There’s so much to love about this story!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely gorgeous and page-turning… Enchanting… Captivating… I honestly couldn’t get enough!… Spellbinding!” Goodreads reviewer,
In a quiet village in German-occupied France, schoolteacher Celina ushers young Jewish children into her classroom. Watching their bright smiles as they learn how to write, she and sweet, handsome Remy promise to protect them. Every day she pretends to send them home, waving at the local police roaming the streets, as instead they sneak away to hide upstairs.
But Celina can’t stop thinking about the note left on her bedside table last night. Written in the secret code used by the Resistance, it told her a baby she’s sheltering could be reunited with its mother. Will Remy ever forgive her if she attempts to take the baby home? If she’s caught, they could discover the orphanage…
New York, present day. Haunted by a loss he refuses to speak about, Rachel’s grandfather is slowly losing his memories. Then Rachel finds a name scribbled into the old children’s book he used to read to her, which leads her to a French village with a dark and dangerous past.
Nothing can prepare Rachel for what she finds behind the orphanage’s crumbling façade. But as her own future becomes entwined with her grandfather’s wartime secrets, she will learn just how much courage it takes to follow your heart.
A breathtaking, emotional historical novel that will sweep you away to World War Two France, to the dangers of Nazi occupation, and the hope that prevailed in the darkest of times. For fans of Victoria Hislop, Soraya Lane and Fiona Valpy.
What readers are saying about Barbara
“A book to be devoured, once you begin you won’t be able to stop until the last page is turned… Heart-warming, feel-good… A must-read… I absolutely loved this.” Page-Turners Book Reviews by Caroline, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I am at loss of words to explain how I felt about this book… Loved… Amazing… A wonderful masterpiece. This book will stay with me for a long time.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I devoured this beauty in a day! Talk about being hooked to a book!… Had me from the first page and didn’t let go!… Will tug at the heart.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Totally enchanting. I was immediately under the spell of the characters… Gorgeous… will capture your heart.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Enchanting… phenomenal… magic… I cannot recommend it enough.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Phenomenal… Grabbed my attention immediately and had me eagerly flipping pages by the end of the first chapter!… There’s so much to love about this story!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely gorgeous and page-turning… Enchanting… Captivating… I honestly couldn’t get enough!… Spellbinding!” Goodreads reviewer,
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
816 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Josselsohn
14 books256 followersBarbara Josselsohn is a best-selling author known for her captivating contemporary and historical novels, including her latest, The Forgotten Italian Island. This sweeping, multigenerational story delves into the lives of two women bound by a fateful mistake made one night during the Nazi occupation of northern and central Italy. Barbara's work is marked by richly developed characters, intricate emotional landscapes, and immersive settings that transport readers to the heart of each story.
With a talent for blending history and human drama, Barbara’s novels explore complex themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring power of secrets. Her storytelling often spans generations, drawing readers into a tapestry of personal and historical struggles. Known for her lush descriptions and evocative prose, Barbara has garnered praise for her ability to bring history to life while crafting deeply emotional, character-driven narratives.
Her books resonate with readers who appreciate stories that combine rich historical details with powerful personal journeys. Currently, Barbara is working on a new World War II novel set in the mountains of southern France.
In addition to her writing career, Barbara teaches novel writing at Sarah Lawrence College and other prestigious venues. When not writing, Barbara enjoys ballet, yoga, reading, and relaxing on the beach. She loves spending time with her family, which includes her beloved rescue pup, Albie.
With a talent for blending history and human drama, Barbara’s novels explore complex themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring power of secrets. Her storytelling often spans generations, drawing readers into a tapestry of personal and historical struggles. Known for her lush descriptions and evocative prose, Barbara has garnered praise for her ability to bring history to life while crafting deeply emotional, character-driven narratives.
Her books resonate with readers who appreciate stories that combine rich historical details with powerful personal journeys. Currently, Barbara is working on a new World War II novel set in the mountains of southern France.
In addition to her writing career, Barbara teaches novel writing at Sarah Lawrence College and other prestigious venues. When not writing, Barbara enjoys ballet, yoga, reading, and relaxing on the beach. She loves spending time with her family, which includes her beloved rescue pup, Albie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 10, 2025
“𝘼𝙣 𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙩; 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙖𝙡; 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣; 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨…”
I can always count on historical fiction author Barbara Josselsohn to place me in her character’s shoes and encourage me to face the unthinkable.
I was swept back to World War Two France, got caught up in the dangers of the Nazi occupation and felt the emotional pull of the glitter on the mountain top.
I loved how Josselsohn tied the present and past together, mixed in some intergenerational dynamics (including dementia care), some identity revelations, and a wonderful children’s book titled 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒊𝒔𝒉.
Rachel, Celina, Brielle Aimee, Remy, Max, and grandpa pulled at my heartstrings, and I enjoyed uncovering the mystery at Paillettes au Sommet.
Inspired by real wartime events but framed with fiction, this story felt so real that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days afterwards.
Gorgeous cover, as always.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I can always count on historical fiction author Barbara Josselsohn to place me in her character’s shoes and encourage me to face the unthinkable.
I was swept back to World War Two France, got caught up in the dangers of the Nazi occupation and felt the emotional pull of the glitter on the mountain top.
I loved how Josselsohn tied the present and past together, mixed in some intergenerational dynamics (including dementia care), some identity revelations, and a wonderful children’s book titled 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒊𝒔𝒉.
Rachel, Celina, Brielle Aimee, Remy, Max, and grandpa pulled at my heartstrings, and I enjoyed uncovering the mystery at Paillettes au Sommet.
Inspired by real wartime events but framed with fiction, this story felt so real that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days afterwards.
Gorgeous cover, as always.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 24, 2025
“Nobody outside the village knows the orphanage exists, Celina. We’re hidden by the mountains and everyone is sworn to secrecy. Please don’t give the soldiers a reason to come here…”
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn. What an amazing book. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. This book was written with two timelines, the past and the present. It had me engaged right from the start. It is an emotional read and there are plenty of secrets also. I absolutely loved it. I highly recommend this book and it got a 5 star rating from me. I loved the cover! #Bookouture #BarbaraJosselsohn
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn. What an amazing book. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. This book was written with two timelines, the past and the present. It had me engaged right from the start. It is an emotional read and there are plenty of secrets also. I absolutely loved it. I highly recommend this book and it got a 5 star rating from me. I loved the cover! #Bookouture #BarbaraJosselsohn
September 6, 2025
I loved this book! A WWII story that doesn’t have a lot of doom and gloom and descriptive visuals about the state of war torn France and the cruelty of the Nazis. This is a more uplifting story of a brother and sister who start a secret orphanage to try to save Jewish children whose parents were taken by the Nazis. It’s also a beautiful love story. There are two storylines that are connected in the end. One is 1940 in France and the other is 2018 in New York and eventually France as well.
July 13, 2025
it Will keep you hooked. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
August 10, 2025
*Warning! Do not begin this book if you have food cooking or housework to do! Your food will burn and your house will stay dirty, because you will not be able to stop reading!*
This was a wonderful novel of historical fiction.
The author did a masterful job of weaving duel timelines together, one in 1940’s France, the other in 2018. The parts about the Nazi occupation of France, and the bravery of the Resistance workers, will leave one breathless. The relationship of Rachel to her grandfather in modern day will make one’s eyes misty. And the solution to the mystery factor of the book-well, don’t say you weren’t warned!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
This was a wonderful novel of historical fiction.
The author did a masterful job of weaving duel timelines together, one in 1940’s France, the other in 2018. The parts about the Nazi occupation of France, and the bravery of the Resistance workers, will leave one breathless. The relationship of Rachel to her grandfather in modern day will make one’s eyes misty. And the solution to the mystery factor of the book-well, don’t say you weren’t warned!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
August 17, 2025
What a good book!
It’s told with dual timelines, both certain to keep you turning the pages. It’s full of emotion and some secrets.
You won’t be able to put this book down and will definitely stay up late to finish it. I loved it!!
It’s told with dual timelines, both certain to keep you turning the pages. It’s full of emotion and some secrets.
You won’t be able to put this book down and will definitely stay up late to finish it. I loved it!!
July 6, 2025
Book Review: The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the gifted ARC of this warm and emotionally satisfying novel.
The Secret Orphanage is the kind of historical fiction that wraps around you like a favorite sweater—soft, comforting, and full of heart. Barbara Josselsohn has written a World War II story that doesn’t focus on battlefields or politics, but on the quiet strength of one woman, a small schoolroom, and a group of children who just want to feel safe. It’s about the people who hold things together when the world is falling apart—and how sometimes, the biggest acts of courage happen in the smallest of places.
Celina, the schoolteacher at the center of the story, is easy to love. She’s not loud or flashy—she’s steady, thoughtful, and brave in the way that truly matters. In a tiny village in German-occupied France, she opens her classroom to Jewish children, teaching them by day and hiding them upstairs by night. There’s such a gentle rhythm to her world, even with the danger always nearby. Her bond with the children feels so natural and warm, and their laughter brings a lovely lightness to the story. Every moment between them—the chalk dust, the lessons, the whispered goodnights—feels cozy despite the high stakes.
Remy, the kind and dependable friend who helps Celina run the orphanage, adds a touch of romance that feels honest and sweet. There’s no big drama between them, just two people quietly falling into step together. Their connection is based on shared purpose, trust, and a growing love that feels all the more powerful because it’s rooted in everyday moments. A shared meal, a late-night conversation, a reassuring touch on the shoulder—it’s all written with such tenderness that I found myself smiling more often than tearing up.
And while the historical thread is rich and full of emotional depth, the modern storyline adds a cozy charm of its own. Rachel, a young woman in New York, discovers a name scribbled in a childhood book once read to her by her grandfather. As his memory begins to fade, she sets off for a quiet French village in hopes of piecing together his past. Her journey is gentle and curious, more about connection than drama. When she arrives at the now-crumbling orphanage, she doesn’t just find history—she finds a part of herself.
The transitions between timelines feel smooth and natural, like stepping from one warm room into another. There’s no jarring shift in tone or pace. Instead, the stories of Celina and Rachel feel beautifully linked by shared themes of care, courage, and the importance of remembering where we come from. Rachel’s discoveries don’t just offer answers; they bring comfort—to her, to her grandfather, and to the reader, too.
What I truly appreciated about The Secret Orphanage is how it stays grounded in the emotional truths of its characters. There are moments of sadness and suspense, of course—how could there not be, given the setting? But the overall tone remains hopeful and reassuring. Even when choices are difficult, even when the future feels uncertain, there’s always love guiding these characters forward. As one line puts it, “There’s more than one kind of bravery. Sometimes, it’s just keeping the light on for someone else.” That simple quote captures everything I loved about this book—its warmth, its compassion, and its belief in quiet heroism.
Josselsohn’s writing is lovely without ever being showy. She paints the world with small, gentle strokes: the smell of baking bread, the creak of old stairs, the sound of children’s voices echoing through an empty hallway. She doesn’t need to raise the volume to make her message heard. The heart of the book beats steadily from start to finish, and it left me feeling not just moved, but comforted.
This is the perfect read if you’re looking for historical fiction with emotional depth but without the heaviness. It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and just the right kind of bittersweet. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of found family, gentle romance, and the enduring power of kindness. The Secret Orphanage isn’t just a story about the past—it’s a warm reminder of the goodness that lives quietly in people, even during the darkest times.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the gifted ARC of this warm and emotionally satisfying novel.
The Secret Orphanage is the kind of historical fiction that wraps around you like a favorite sweater—soft, comforting, and full of heart. Barbara Josselsohn has written a World War II story that doesn’t focus on battlefields or politics, but on the quiet strength of one woman, a small schoolroom, and a group of children who just want to feel safe. It’s about the people who hold things together when the world is falling apart—and how sometimes, the biggest acts of courage happen in the smallest of places.
Celina, the schoolteacher at the center of the story, is easy to love. She’s not loud or flashy—she’s steady, thoughtful, and brave in the way that truly matters. In a tiny village in German-occupied France, she opens her classroom to Jewish children, teaching them by day and hiding them upstairs by night. There’s such a gentle rhythm to her world, even with the danger always nearby. Her bond with the children feels so natural and warm, and their laughter brings a lovely lightness to the story. Every moment between them—the chalk dust, the lessons, the whispered goodnights—feels cozy despite the high stakes.
Remy, the kind and dependable friend who helps Celina run the orphanage, adds a touch of romance that feels honest and sweet. There’s no big drama between them, just two people quietly falling into step together. Their connection is based on shared purpose, trust, and a growing love that feels all the more powerful because it’s rooted in everyday moments. A shared meal, a late-night conversation, a reassuring touch on the shoulder—it’s all written with such tenderness that I found myself smiling more often than tearing up.
And while the historical thread is rich and full of emotional depth, the modern storyline adds a cozy charm of its own. Rachel, a young woman in New York, discovers a name scribbled in a childhood book once read to her by her grandfather. As his memory begins to fade, she sets off for a quiet French village in hopes of piecing together his past. Her journey is gentle and curious, more about connection than drama. When she arrives at the now-crumbling orphanage, she doesn’t just find history—she finds a part of herself.
The transitions between timelines feel smooth and natural, like stepping from one warm room into another. There’s no jarring shift in tone or pace. Instead, the stories of Celina and Rachel feel beautifully linked by shared themes of care, courage, and the importance of remembering where we come from. Rachel’s discoveries don’t just offer answers; they bring comfort—to her, to her grandfather, and to the reader, too.
What I truly appreciated about The Secret Orphanage is how it stays grounded in the emotional truths of its characters. There are moments of sadness and suspense, of course—how could there not be, given the setting? But the overall tone remains hopeful and reassuring. Even when choices are difficult, even when the future feels uncertain, there’s always love guiding these characters forward. As one line puts it, “There’s more than one kind of bravery. Sometimes, it’s just keeping the light on for someone else.” That simple quote captures everything I loved about this book—its warmth, its compassion, and its belief in quiet heroism.
Josselsohn’s writing is lovely without ever being showy. She paints the world with small, gentle strokes: the smell of baking bread, the creak of old stairs, the sound of children’s voices echoing through an empty hallway. She doesn’t need to raise the volume to make her message heard. The heart of the book beats steadily from start to finish, and it left me feeling not just moved, but comforted.
This is the perfect read if you’re looking for historical fiction with emotional depth but without the heaviness. It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and just the right kind of bittersweet. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of found family, gentle romance, and the enduring power of kindness. The Secret Orphanage isn’t just a story about the past—it’s a warm reminder of the goodness that lives quietly in people, even during the darkest times.
July 23, 2025
What a wonderful, readable book. The story takes place primarily in a hidden town in the mountains of France, during the German occupation of 1942. Written simply, but with great detail and well drawn characters. The dual timeline actually works well in this case and was easy to manage with distinct names and relationships.
There’s a hint of a mystery, which fit perfectly. Again, highly readable, very enjoyable. Recommended.
Actual rating 4.5 rounded up to 5.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this wonderful digital ARC.
There’s a hint of a mystery, which fit perfectly. Again, highly readable, very enjoyable. Recommended.
Actual rating 4.5 rounded up to 5.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this wonderful digital ARC.
July 5, 2025
An interesting, but all too short story of a group of people hiding children from the Nazis. It would have been better without the lady searching for her family history in 2018, since that took time away from the WWII story.
August 15, 2025
The Secret Orphanage is a dual timeline WWII historical fiction.
We follow two FMC's in a dual timeline in this story. FMC Celina who we follow in the 1940s, comes upon a secret orphanage as she is about to leave France back home to the US. After a small car accident in the small town, Celina, sees a baby under a tree, and is instructed to take the baby to a house. She soon finds out that this is a secret orphanage moonlighting as a school for the small town. There are other children, as well as the baby that she found. While she had every intention of leaving France as the Nazi's slowly take over, she just cannot find it in herself to leave this orphanage, who needs a teacher. So Celina stays and risks her life along with the other adults that are running the orphanage.
The second FMC is Rachel, who we follow in 2018, whose grandfather is in memory care. She makes a surprise trip to France, in search of the author who dedicated her favorite childhood book to someone with the same name as her mother. Upon showing her grandfather the book to help remind him of good memories, he becomes very agitated and acts as if he knew the author. Rachel doesn't realize that she will uncover the truth about her grandfather's involvement in WWII, and it is not what she expected.
I really enjoyed this book. I especially love when WWII stories are set with dual timelines, reading about the past and the present together, until they meet. I loved the slow reveal in this story for each predicament that both Celina and Rachel find themselves in. Rachel has to deal with realizing the person she was excited to meet in person may not be who she is truly looking for, while also trying to discover the author of her favorite story, and her grandfather's involvement with the author. Did he know the author? Did he do something bad during WWII? And with Celina, will she take the baby back to their mother? Will the orphanage avoid being caught by Nazi collaborators?
It is such a perfect slow reveal, that keeps the reader on the edge, wanting to find out what each character does and learns on their journeys. Rachel does discover what she truly wants, and Celina decides it is time to let the town, and eventually the world, know of her true actions in WWII. I love how one little dedication in a children's story, leads to a world of discovery for both characters. You will have to read the story to learn what these two strong female leads go through to finally find their peace.
Thank you so much to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of this story!
We follow two FMC's in a dual timeline in this story. FMC Celina who we follow in the 1940s, comes upon a secret orphanage as she is about to leave France back home to the US. After a small car accident in the small town, Celina, sees a baby under a tree, and is instructed to take the baby to a house. She soon finds out that this is a secret orphanage moonlighting as a school for the small town. There are other children, as well as the baby that she found. While she had every intention of leaving France as the Nazi's slowly take over, she just cannot find it in herself to leave this orphanage, who needs a teacher. So Celina stays and risks her life along with the other adults that are running the orphanage.
The second FMC is Rachel, who we follow in 2018, whose grandfather is in memory care. She makes a surprise trip to France, in search of the author who dedicated her favorite childhood book to someone with the same name as her mother. Upon showing her grandfather the book to help remind him of good memories, he becomes very agitated and acts as if he knew the author. Rachel doesn't realize that she will uncover the truth about her grandfather's involvement in WWII, and it is not what she expected.
I really enjoyed this book. I especially love when WWII stories are set with dual timelines, reading about the past and the present together, until they meet. I loved the slow reveal in this story for each predicament that both Celina and Rachel find themselves in. Rachel has to deal with realizing the person she was excited to meet in person may not be who she is truly looking for, while also trying to discover the author of her favorite story, and her grandfather's involvement with the author. Did he know the author? Did he do something bad during WWII? And with Celina, will she take the baby back to their mother? Will the orphanage avoid being caught by Nazi collaborators?
It is such a perfect slow reveal, that keeps the reader on the edge, wanting to find out what each character does and learns on their journeys. Rachel does discover what she truly wants, and Celina decides it is time to let the town, and eventually the world, know of her true actions in WWII. I love how one little dedication in a children's story, leads to a world of discovery for both characters. You will have to read the story to learn what these two strong female leads go through to finally find their peace.
Thank you so much to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of this story!
August 14, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖Title: The Secret Orphanage
Author: 📝Barbara Josselsohn
📚Book 85/144 done🎉
Genre: 🕰️ Historical Fiction
In 1944, Celina is a courageous schoolteacher who hides Jewish children in her classroom, pretending to send them home each day while secretly ushering them to safety upstairs. She works closely with Remy, whose gentle spirit and shared determination to protect the children make their bond unshakable. But when Celina receives a coded Resistance note about reuniting a hidden baby with its mother, she faces a heartbreaking decision either risk exposing the orphanage or keep the baby hidden and safe.
In present day NY, Rachel is watching her beloved grandfather slowly lose his memories. When she discovers a name scribbled in an old children’s book he always read to her, the clue leads her to a crumbling French orphanage with a past steeped in secrets. As she uncovers the truth, her own future becomes tangled with her grandfather’s wartime story, revealing just how much courage it takes to follow your heart.
❤️What I loved:
- Captivating story with well-developed characters
- Dual timelines that intersect and each tells its own story
- Learning another piece of WWII history
A gripping and heartfelt historical fiction that immerses you in courage, love, and resilience. You won’t be sorry if you read this one!
📖Title: The Secret Orphanage
Author: 📝Barbara Josselsohn
📚Book 85/144 done🎉
Genre: 🕰️ Historical Fiction
In 1944, Celina is a courageous schoolteacher who hides Jewish children in her classroom, pretending to send them home each day while secretly ushering them to safety upstairs. She works closely with Remy, whose gentle spirit and shared determination to protect the children make their bond unshakable. But when Celina receives a coded Resistance note about reuniting a hidden baby with its mother, she faces a heartbreaking decision either risk exposing the orphanage or keep the baby hidden and safe.
In present day NY, Rachel is watching her beloved grandfather slowly lose his memories. When she discovers a name scribbled in an old children’s book he always read to her, the clue leads her to a crumbling French orphanage with a past steeped in secrets. As she uncovers the truth, her own future becomes tangled with her grandfather’s wartime story, revealing just how much courage it takes to follow your heart.
❤️What I loved:
- Captivating story with well-developed characters
- Dual timelines that intersect and each tells its own story
- Learning another piece of WWII history
A gripping and heartfelt historical fiction that immerses you in courage, love, and resilience. You won’t be sorry if you read this one!
August 1, 2025
Set in a dual timeline, The Secret Orphanage tells the story of Rachel and Cece, and how their lives are connected in ways they never thought possible.
After spending years trying to understand her grandfather, Rachel decides to embark on a journey to a small mountain town in France to try and find answers about her grandfather.
Cece spent her early 20’s secretly fighting the Nazi’s by a form of resistance: saving Jewish children right under their nose. Cece finds a Jewish baby in the bushes one day and vows to never leave its side, no matter what. She must save this baby - and every other child at the secret orphanage in the small French mountain town Paillettes.
Truly an unputdownable novel told over a dual timeline from different characters perspectives.
After spending years trying to understand her grandfather, Rachel decides to embark on a journey to a small mountain town in France to try and find answers about her grandfather.
Cece spent her early 20’s secretly fighting the Nazi’s by a form of resistance: saving Jewish children right under their nose. Cece finds a Jewish baby in the bushes one day and vows to never leave its side, no matter what. She must save this baby - and every other child at the secret orphanage in the small French mountain town Paillettes.
Truly an unputdownable novel told over a dual timeline from different characters perspectives.
July 4, 2025
Look, I picked this up thinking oh, just one more WWII historical fiction, and then suddenly I’m crying over a baby, a brave teacher, and a crumbling orphanage in France. Didn’t plan to be emotionally ruined today, but here we are.
You’ve got:
✔️ Secret attic hideouts
✔️ A Resistance code note (!!)
✔️ A swoony guy named Remy
✔️ A granddaughter trying to piece it all together before her grandpa’s memory fades
It’s dual timeline done right—past and present woven together with just the right amount of suspense, emotion, and “wait, what?!” reveals. And somehow, despite all the heartbreak, it still leaves you with hope.
🌼 For fans of The Nightingale and The Paris Orphan
🍼 Bonus points for secret babies and old books with scribbled names
🫠 One or two slightly dramatic plot turns, but I was in it
Not 100% perfect, but emotionally satisfying and just the right amount of historical heartbreak for a cozy weekend read.
You’ve got:
✔️ Secret attic hideouts
✔️ A Resistance code note (!!)
✔️ A swoony guy named Remy
✔️ A granddaughter trying to piece it all together before her grandpa’s memory fades
It’s dual timeline done right—past and present woven together with just the right amount of suspense, emotion, and “wait, what?!” reveals. And somehow, despite all the heartbreak, it still leaves you with hope.
🌼 For fans of The Nightingale and The Paris Orphan
🍼 Bonus points for secret babies and old books with scribbled names
🫠 One or two slightly dramatic plot turns, but I was in it
Not 100% perfect, but emotionally satisfying and just the right amount of historical heartbreak for a cozy weekend read.
October 31, 2025
Really beautifully written story, and loved how the 2 stories overlapped!!
July 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book!
This book was absolutely beautiful from beginning to end. I found myself easily swept up in the two POVs that were presented and utterly captivated throughout - I was actually sad when I finished the book. The characters have such depth to them and I felt so connected to their stories. I was moved to tears at multiple points in this book, though that could be mostly due to having a 3 month old baby myself. Overall, an incredible read that I will be recommending to everyone and I can't wait to read more from this author!
This book was absolutely beautiful from beginning to end. I found myself easily swept up in the two POVs that were presented and utterly captivated throughout - I was actually sad when I finished the book. The characters have such depth to them and I felt so connected to their stories. I was moved to tears at multiple points in this book, though that could be mostly due to having a 3 month old baby myself. Overall, an incredible read that I will be recommending to everyone and I can't wait to read more from this author!
July 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this lovely heartwarming story, the duel timeline was easy to follow and the characters were well written. I must admit that it took a while but it clicked to who was the surprise character.
I can so recommend this book and will look out for other books from this author.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to the Publisher Bookouture for the chance of the early read
I can so recommend this book and will look out for other books from this author.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to the Publisher Bookouture for the chance of the early read
August 15, 2025
The Secret Orphanage is the new stand alone book from Barbara Josselsohn after the conclusion of her very enjoyable Sisters of War series. Set during 1942 and 2018, this new story effortlessly moves back and forth between the two time periods as Rachel sets about getting some answers to questions regarding her family’s past that have arisen now that her grandfather has dementia and is in a care home. I flew through this book and read it in two sittings as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened which is quite something considering the amount of reading I have done lately has slowed considerably due to lack of concentration. I read endless amounts of historical fiction and I think what I enjoyed about this one was that it wasn’t heavy and drowning in detail regarding the war. Yes, the themes being explored are tough and heart rending but that shock and awe aspect that is present in many books in this genre wasn’t here and I was glad for it as it allowed for the story to be told without it being overly dramatic. It didn’t need to be at all. Yet the message of strength, bravery, sacrifice and courage was deftly portrayed and the meaning the author wished to convey was done so in a way that I quickly became invested in the characters and the story as a whole.
The opening to the book was brilliant and so vividly described and I thought this continued the entire way through. it’s 1942 and Celina and her brother Max are travelling through the free French zone to a small village called Paillettes au Sommet, where her husband Emilie had been left a house once owned by his grandfather. They are to meet with a solicitor regarding the sale of the house and then they will go back to America as the war rages around them and they know they are not safe .A dramatic introduction sees their car crash in the village and it’s while they are waiting on a mechanic that Celina spots something in the bushes. She investigates and discovers a baby wrapped up and a note is included saying the baby is called Brielle Aimee and her mother wishes for the baby to be kept safe until she can find her again. Instantly, I wanted to know more but I also wanted to know more about Celina. An American in France, how did she come to be there and what happened with Emilie? All this is revealed over time but you can read between the lines up until that moment as plenty is mentioned.
Max wants to get out of the area as soon as possible after all they had one job to do and that was it. Through one thing and another Celina realises the baby is to be brought to the orphanage at the top of the village and she soon discovers said orphanage is housed in the building that she has been left. Here she meets Remy and his sister Adele who are doing incredible things. The orphanage masquerades as a school and the villagers are all complicit in this. For the children living there are Jewish and they must be protected at all costs. Saying all this is not giving too much away as this merely the bones of the story and so much else happens and there are lots of twists and turns and secrets which Rachel in the present must uncover. Celina decides to stay she can’t just up and leave considering she is pretending that the baby is hers and the local police who are in collusion with the Germans coming sniffing around on a regular basis.
I felt Celina’s recent past and the trauma she had been through and how it would affect her future were portrayed in a thoughtful and considerate manner. As the weeks passed it was like she had found her calling and she was getting time to rest and heal. Yes, the orphanage was a safety net for the children and adults but at any time it could be dismantled and as Celina writes the text for a book she had begun with her husband strange things start to happen which has her questioning everything she had thought. Remy who was an excellent and subtle male character-strong, moral, reassuring, confident and sensitive was by her side as she wrestles with the decision whether to traverse the path that her situation has led her to the beginning of.No doubt abut it she was brave, courageous and made many sacrifices with love and compassion at the centre of everything she did.
So what of Rachel and how does she tie in with the past. Well, thought I knew fairly on and I did think why was the author giving away things too easily? But I was wrong and pleasantly so. Rachel visits her grandfather Henry on a regular basis but the times that he recognises her are few and far between but when she finds a copy of a book that he read to her every night as a child well that’s when everything changes. The book when her grandfather sees it opens up a whole can of worms and he says things that Rachel can’t understand. The Little Lost Fish, is very symbolic throughout the book. It’s full of metaphors and secrets and Rachel adored it as a child and read so much into its meaning hoping that it would explain so much in her life. Why did she never met her grandfather until her mother died when she was only five? Why did she know so little about him? He became her protector, yet he could be so closed and guarded? What made him come to America from France?
Rachel is keen to find out the story behind the dedication in the book and in doing so she hopes it will open up a whole new side to her family that she never knew about as she had always been too sacred to push for more information from her grandfather. Rachel, was strong in some aspects and then in others I found her to be a bit weak where as I felt Rachel to be the opposite of this. The storyline with Griffin and how she ended up in France was uncessary. What I mean was the character of Griffin I felt didn’t need to be there at all and I have seen someone else in a review mention the same. It brought nothing to the story and I kind of thought is that with regards to him. I would have preferred if he had been left out altogether.
Rachel makes it the small mountain village in France and the people there are warm and welcoming but also guarded regarding the book and the orphanage. Although the war is long over there are things that they do not wish to discuss and as Rachel begins her explorations she is on her own personal journey but at the same time slowly starts to delve into a remarkable tale which gave one woman purpose and she hopes the same will occur for her. She meets Alain, who I found to be very guarded but at the same time there was a wisdom, charm and generosity about him. This in turn meant I couldn’t wait to see how everything was connected and the story that was unfolding kept me rapidly turning the pages.
Overall, The Secret Orphanage was a very good read and the fact that I spent an evening reading half of it and then wanted to get back to it straight away the next morning could only be a good thing. There was just the right amount of mystery and uncovering of secrets with plenty of red herrings thrown in which certainly threw me off figuring out exactly what would ultimately be revealed. I was quite smug thinking that I had things all worked out and then that moment of reveal came and I thought oh well done Barbara Josselsohn you pulled the wool over my eyes. I love when that happens in a book as those pivotal moments that lead to epic and satisfactory conclusions are few and far between these days. I liked how the epilogue tied up all the loose strands and yes there may have been some aspects of predictability throughout the book and I did feel one of two things seemed familiar from the authors book but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book which reminded me that I do really love this authors books and that despite reading so much in this genre I will always make time for more inspiring stories with a depth to them that was subtle and well written. I’m already looking forward to what Barbara has in store for us next.
The opening to the book was brilliant and so vividly described and I thought this continued the entire way through. it’s 1942 and Celina and her brother Max are travelling through the free French zone to a small village called Paillettes au Sommet, where her husband Emilie had been left a house once owned by his grandfather. They are to meet with a solicitor regarding the sale of the house and then they will go back to America as the war rages around them and they know they are not safe .A dramatic introduction sees their car crash in the village and it’s while they are waiting on a mechanic that Celina spots something in the bushes. She investigates and discovers a baby wrapped up and a note is included saying the baby is called Brielle Aimee and her mother wishes for the baby to be kept safe until she can find her again. Instantly, I wanted to know more but I also wanted to know more about Celina. An American in France, how did she come to be there and what happened with Emilie? All this is revealed over time but you can read between the lines up until that moment as plenty is mentioned.
Max wants to get out of the area as soon as possible after all they had one job to do and that was it. Through one thing and another Celina realises the baby is to be brought to the orphanage at the top of the village and she soon discovers said orphanage is housed in the building that she has been left. Here she meets Remy and his sister Adele who are doing incredible things. The orphanage masquerades as a school and the villagers are all complicit in this. For the children living there are Jewish and they must be protected at all costs. Saying all this is not giving too much away as this merely the bones of the story and so much else happens and there are lots of twists and turns and secrets which Rachel in the present must uncover. Celina decides to stay she can’t just up and leave considering she is pretending that the baby is hers and the local police who are in collusion with the Germans coming sniffing around on a regular basis.
I felt Celina’s recent past and the trauma she had been through and how it would affect her future were portrayed in a thoughtful and considerate manner. As the weeks passed it was like she had found her calling and she was getting time to rest and heal. Yes, the orphanage was a safety net for the children and adults but at any time it could be dismantled and as Celina writes the text for a book she had begun with her husband strange things start to happen which has her questioning everything she had thought. Remy who was an excellent and subtle male character-strong, moral, reassuring, confident and sensitive was by her side as she wrestles with the decision whether to traverse the path that her situation has led her to the beginning of.No doubt abut it she was brave, courageous and made many sacrifices with love and compassion at the centre of everything she did.
So what of Rachel and how does she tie in with the past. Well, thought I knew fairly on and I did think why was the author giving away things too easily? But I was wrong and pleasantly so. Rachel visits her grandfather Henry on a regular basis but the times that he recognises her are few and far between but when she finds a copy of a book that he read to her every night as a child well that’s when everything changes. The book when her grandfather sees it opens up a whole can of worms and he says things that Rachel can’t understand. The Little Lost Fish, is very symbolic throughout the book. It’s full of metaphors and secrets and Rachel adored it as a child and read so much into its meaning hoping that it would explain so much in her life. Why did she never met her grandfather until her mother died when she was only five? Why did she know so little about him? He became her protector, yet he could be so closed and guarded? What made him come to America from France?
Rachel is keen to find out the story behind the dedication in the book and in doing so she hopes it will open up a whole new side to her family that she never knew about as she had always been too sacred to push for more information from her grandfather. Rachel, was strong in some aspects and then in others I found her to be a bit weak where as I felt Rachel to be the opposite of this. The storyline with Griffin and how she ended up in France was uncessary. What I mean was the character of Griffin I felt didn’t need to be there at all and I have seen someone else in a review mention the same. It brought nothing to the story and I kind of thought is that with regards to him. I would have preferred if he had been left out altogether.
Rachel makes it the small mountain village in France and the people there are warm and welcoming but also guarded regarding the book and the orphanage. Although the war is long over there are things that they do not wish to discuss and as Rachel begins her explorations she is on her own personal journey but at the same time slowly starts to delve into a remarkable tale which gave one woman purpose and she hopes the same will occur for her. She meets Alain, who I found to be very guarded but at the same time there was a wisdom, charm and generosity about him. This in turn meant I couldn’t wait to see how everything was connected and the story that was unfolding kept me rapidly turning the pages.
Overall, The Secret Orphanage was a very good read and the fact that I spent an evening reading half of it and then wanted to get back to it straight away the next morning could only be a good thing. There was just the right amount of mystery and uncovering of secrets with plenty of red herrings thrown in which certainly threw me off figuring out exactly what would ultimately be revealed. I was quite smug thinking that I had things all worked out and then that moment of reveal came and I thought oh well done Barbara Josselsohn you pulled the wool over my eyes. I love when that happens in a book as those pivotal moments that lead to epic and satisfactory conclusions are few and far between these days. I liked how the epilogue tied up all the loose strands and yes there may have been some aspects of predictability throughout the book and I did feel one of two things seemed familiar from the authors book but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book which reminded me that I do really love this authors books and that despite reading so much in this genre I will always make time for more inspiring stories with a depth to them that was subtle and well written. I’m already looking forward to what Barbara has in store for us next.
September 5, 2025
Very tame for a holocaust book
I loved the story even though I wasn’t overly impressed with the writing style. My two biggest issues were:
1. The author glossed over the atrocities of the holocaust. Every time a character was even close to being in danger, it ended up working out and the crisis was averted. Even when the narration mentioned fear or anything unpleasant, I didn’t feel it through the characters. Of course I don’t want anyone to suffer, but there could have been a bit more rawness which would make it feel more real.
2. The ending! All of a sudden there was just an epilogue and we retrospectively learned everyone’s fate. This was wholly unsatisfying because I was invested in the story and this seemed like I was getting new information second-hand.
I loved the story even though I wasn’t overly impressed with the writing style. My two biggest issues were:
1. The author glossed over the atrocities of the holocaust. Every time a character was even close to being in danger, it ended up working out and the crisis was averted. Even when the narration mentioned fear or anything unpleasant, I didn’t feel it through the characters. Of course I don’t want anyone to suffer, but there could have been a bit more rawness which would make it feel more real.
2. The ending! All of a sudden there was just an epilogue and we retrospectively learned everyone’s fate. This was wholly unsatisfying because I was invested in the story and this seemed like I was getting new information second-hand.
November 17, 2025
When I started reading this, I couldn’t hardly put it down. Without revealing too much, I was disappointed that the last few chapters were so rushed. The buildup to the plot was great but I think the book could have been better with a chapter including grandfathers reaction instead of a quick synopsis five years later!
August 19, 2025
The Secret Orphanage is a dual timeline story set in the 1940s and 2018. Celina had come to Paris as a young woman and fallen in love. She married Emile who became part of the resistance and was eventually killed by the Nazis. She moved to Lyon, but wanted to return home to Maryland. She contacted her brother in Switzerland and they made plans to return to the US. Before going, they went to the village of Paillettes au Sommet in the mountains in the south of France to sell a property that belonged to Emile. When she arrives in the village, she finds a baby hidden in the bushes. She is a Jewish girl and had been smuggled there to live at the Secret Orphanage, that has been set up in Emile's home. Celina decides to stay and teach at the "school" with Remy, his sister and her husband and another woman that helped out. Each day they are worried about Henri, "Red" a local police officer and Nazi collaborator, finding out the truth. In 2018 in New York, Rachel's grandfather, who raised her, is in a care home with dementia. When she brings their favourite book from her childhood to remind him of earlier times, he begins talking about knowing the author, and that he didn't do enough to save her. Rachel isn't sure what he is trying to tell her, but decides to head to France to see if she can find answers. What Rachel eventually finds out about her grandfather will change her life forever.
I have read several of Barbara Josselsohn's books and enjoy her stories and writing. I usually enjoy one timeline better than the other in dual timeline stories, but I enjoyed both of them in this book. Both Celina (aka Cece) and Rachel are characters that I liked. They were women who loved deeply, wanted to help others and were smart. I liked how the two timelines came together and answered the questions that Rachel had. Her journey was not an easy one, as people in Paillettes either didn't have the answers she was looking for, or weren't ready to share them with someone who's reason for asking was unclear. I was gripped by this story and found myself tearing up a couple of times. It was a well written story with great characters, setting and plot. One of the reasons I enjoy historical fiction is to learn about times, places and events that I might not know a lot about. In the author's notes Barbara Josselsohn shares her inspiration for this book. When she was on a tour in the area where this book is set, they were told about a town, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, that along with other villages in the region, saved more than 3,000 Jewish people, mostly children. This sent me out on the internet where I was fascinated by what I found. If you are a lover of historical fiction, and enjoy reading stories based on real events, then I recommend you pick up The Secret Orphanage.
I have read several of Barbara Josselsohn's books and enjoy her stories and writing. I usually enjoy one timeline better than the other in dual timeline stories, but I enjoyed both of them in this book. Both Celina (aka Cece) and Rachel are characters that I liked. They were women who loved deeply, wanted to help others and were smart. I liked how the two timelines came together and answered the questions that Rachel had. Her journey was not an easy one, as people in Paillettes either didn't have the answers she was looking for, or weren't ready to share them with someone who's reason for asking was unclear. I was gripped by this story and found myself tearing up a couple of times. It was a well written story with great characters, setting and plot. One of the reasons I enjoy historical fiction is to learn about times, places and events that I might not know a lot about. In the author's notes Barbara Josselsohn shares her inspiration for this book. When she was on a tour in the area where this book is set, they were told about a town, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, that along with other villages in the region, saved more than 3,000 Jewish people, mostly children. This sent me out on the internet where I was fascinated by what I found. If you are a lover of historical fiction, and enjoy reading stories based on real events, then I recommend you pick up The Secret Orphanage.
August 1, 2025
The Secret Orphanage has easily secured its spot as my favorite book of the year - I simply couldn't put it down! I consider myself an avid reader of WWII historical fiction, so when I first picked up this book, I thought I knew exactly what to expect. Oh, how wrong I was!
The Secret Orphanage is a brilliant twist on a classic WWII storyline. Rather than focusing on the tumultuous battlefields of this era, Barbara Josselsohn takes a different approach. In this dual-timeline novel, readers follow the stories of Celina, an American woman living in France during WWII, and Rachel, a modern-day, small-town librarian looking to learn more about her family's cryptic past. I absolutely loved how Josselsohn tied the past and the present together through Rachel's quest for knowledge and understanding. While you are clearly reading two different timelines, the stories feel so intertwined that I felt like I was learning more about Rachel as I was reading Celina's POV!
Speaking of characters, what a crowd. I was awestruck by Celina's bravery in the face of danger. And Rémy, whose mysterious air kept me on my toes and whose unwavering support almost moved me to tears. Grandpa, with his crippling dementia, reminded me of my own grandmother and pulled at my heartstrings. Red, who made me angry until his true colors finally got to show. Claude, who was a minor character but reminded me of so many people I'd met during my own travels in France. Brielle Aimée - both of them! And of course, Rachel - who hopeless romanticism made me roll my eyes and laugh, but whose determination kept me hooked on this book from start to finish.
The only character that I didn't particularly care for was Griffin. While I understand his role in this novel, I do think that Rachel's character development could have been achieved in other ways - perhaps through additional interactions with Grandpa, through uncovering previously unkwown information during her PhD research, through finding some hidden family momento... That being said, his presence didn't particularly take away from the plotline. But I will admit that I was glad when he stopped popping up!
Overall, The Secret Orphanage is a rewarding read for historical fiction lovers and provides just the right amount of mystery, heartbreak, and redemption to make it the perfect weekend read.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Secret Orphanage is a brilliant twist on a classic WWII storyline. Rather than focusing on the tumultuous battlefields of this era, Barbara Josselsohn takes a different approach. In this dual-timeline novel, readers follow the stories of Celina, an American woman living in France during WWII, and Rachel, a modern-day, small-town librarian looking to learn more about her family's cryptic past. I absolutely loved how Josselsohn tied the past and the present together through Rachel's quest for knowledge and understanding. While you are clearly reading two different timelines, the stories feel so intertwined that I felt like I was learning more about Rachel as I was reading Celina's POV!
Speaking of characters, what a crowd. I was awestruck by Celina's bravery in the face of danger. And Rémy, whose mysterious air kept me on my toes and whose unwavering support almost moved me to tears. Grandpa, with his crippling dementia, reminded me of my own grandmother and pulled at my heartstrings. Red, who made me angry until his true colors finally got to show. Claude, who was a minor character but reminded me of so many people I'd met during my own travels in France. Brielle Aimée - both of them! And of course, Rachel - who hopeless romanticism made me roll my eyes and laugh, but whose determination kept me hooked on this book from start to finish.
The only character that I didn't particularly care for was Griffin. While I understand his role in this novel, I do think that Rachel's character development could have been achieved in other ways - perhaps through additional interactions with Grandpa, through uncovering previously unkwown information during her PhD research, through finding some hidden family momento... That being said, his presence didn't particularly take away from the plotline. But I will admit that I was glad when he stopped popping up!
Overall, The Secret Orphanage is a rewarding read for historical fiction lovers and provides just the right amount of mystery, heartbreak, and redemption to make it the perfect weekend read.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2025
There is a lot of World War II historical fiction on the market right now and some of it tells the same stories over and over. This new book by Barbara Josselsohn is a fresh look at German occupied France that features a strong and tenacious woman who works to help Jewish children despite the danger to herself. It is also a dual time line novel with another strong and caring woman who lives in America in present time.
In a tiny village in German occupied France, Celina is a teacher at a small school. The school is run by Remy who is part of the resistance. Despite the fact that Remy has led the local police to believe that it is just a school, several of the students are Jewish children who are being hidden. The entire town is part of the deception with families who help the orphanage and the children. Despite the constant fear of being discovered by the police, both Celina and Remy enjoy their time with the children and with each other.
In current time, Rachel was raised by her grandfather from an early age. He read her the same book every night as she was growing up. He had a lot of secrets in his life and even though he admitted that he was from a small village in France, he would never tell her about his earlier life. Now he is losing his memory to dementia and as his mind slips away, Rachel takes items to his room from their past that she hopes he'll remember. When she takes a copy of the children's book that he used to read to her, it evoked strong feelings. She decides to travel to the small village that he grew up in to try to find out more about the book and its connection to her grandfather.
I have read other books by this author and her research is always extensive and apparent on every page. Her characters are both strong women who care deeply for other people. The dual time lines are well written and mesh well with each other. Sometimes in a dual time line story, it's easy to like one timeline more than the other but both of these timelines and characters are emotional and unforgettable. This book has mystery, a little romance, danger and suspense but the overall feeling is one of hope for the future no matter how dark the world is.
In a tiny village in German occupied France, Celina is a teacher at a small school. The school is run by Remy who is part of the resistance. Despite the fact that Remy has led the local police to believe that it is just a school, several of the students are Jewish children who are being hidden. The entire town is part of the deception with families who help the orphanage and the children. Despite the constant fear of being discovered by the police, both Celina and Remy enjoy their time with the children and with each other.
In current time, Rachel was raised by her grandfather from an early age. He read her the same book every night as she was growing up. He had a lot of secrets in his life and even though he admitted that he was from a small village in France, he would never tell her about his earlier life. Now he is losing his memory to dementia and as his mind slips away, Rachel takes items to his room from their past that she hopes he'll remember. When she takes a copy of the children's book that he used to read to her, it evoked strong feelings. She decides to travel to the small village that he grew up in to try to find out more about the book and its connection to her grandfather.
I have read other books by this author and her research is always extensive and apparent on every page. Her characters are both strong women who care deeply for other people. The dual time lines are well written and mesh well with each other. Sometimes in a dual time line story, it's easy to like one timeline more than the other but both of these timelines and characters are emotional and unforgettable. This book has mystery, a little romance, danger and suspense but the overall feeling is one of hope for the future no matter how dark the world is.
July 23, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
The Secret Orphanage is a dual-timeline novel that explores identity and hidden histories. Barbara Josselsohn tells the story of two women—Celina during World War II, and Rachel decades later—whose lives are intertwined.
The gradual unfolding of Celina’s journey, beginning with the discovery of a hidden orphan girl on a roadside in France, is well written. Once a privileged young woman, Celina’s transformation into a protector and educator for Jewish orphans is touching. Her awakening to the realities of the war and her deepening commitment to the secret orphanage disguised as a school create a strong emotional core to the novel. Josselsohn’s descriptions of the tension, secrecy, and moral courage required to keep the children safe are on point.
Parallel to Celina’s story is Rachel’s search for the truth behind a mysterious book inscription that seems to tie back to her late mother, Brielle Aimee. When her grandfather cryptically mentions the author and a past journey to Switzerland, Rachel sets off for France to uncover a forgotten chapter of her family’s past. The connection between the two women—foreshadowed but not predictable—adds depth to the narrative.
The emotional reveal toward the end, where Rachel meets the real Celina, is heartwarming and well-earned. The book’s conclusion brings both storylines together in a satisfying and meaningful way.
That said, the subplot involving Griffin, the elusive writer Rachel was supposed to meet in France, felt out of place. The brief romantic tension and his role in encouraging Rachel to take the journey could have been more effectively incorporated through her interactions with other characters.
Overall, The Secret Orphanage is an engaging novel that captures the spirit of resistance, the importance of remembrance, and the quiet bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times. It's a rewarding read for fans of historical fiction.
The Secret Orphanage is a dual-timeline novel that explores identity and hidden histories. Barbara Josselsohn tells the story of two women—Celina during World War II, and Rachel decades later—whose lives are intertwined.
The gradual unfolding of Celina’s journey, beginning with the discovery of a hidden orphan girl on a roadside in France, is well written. Once a privileged young woman, Celina’s transformation into a protector and educator for Jewish orphans is touching. Her awakening to the realities of the war and her deepening commitment to the secret orphanage disguised as a school create a strong emotional core to the novel. Josselsohn’s descriptions of the tension, secrecy, and moral courage required to keep the children safe are on point.
Parallel to Celina’s story is Rachel’s search for the truth behind a mysterious book inscription that seems to tie back to her late mother, Brielle Aimee. When her grandfather cryptically mentions the author and a past journey to Switzerland, Rachel sets off for France to uncover a forgotten chapter of her family’s past. The connection between the two women—foreshadowed but not predictable—adds depth to the narrative.
The emotional reveal toward the end, where Rachel meets the real Celina, is heartwarming and well-earned. The book’s conclusion brings both storylines together in a satisfying and meaningful way.
That said, the subplot involving Griffin, the elusive writer Rachel was supposed to meet in France, felt out of place. The brief romantic tension and his role in encouraging Rachel to take the journey could have been more effectively incorporated through her interactions with other characters.
Overall, The Secret Orphanage is an engaging novel that captures the spirit of resistance, the importance of remembrance, and the quiet bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times. It's a rewarding read for fans of historical fiction.
September 17, 2025
"The Secret Orphanage" is a beautifully written, poignant story with dual storylines. It starts out in 2018 with Rachel and her grandfather, who has Alzheimer's and now lives in a medical facility. Her grandfather had raised her and every night he had read a children's book to her. One day as Rachel visits her grandfather, she asks him a question about the author of the book which gets him upset and he says that he should have done more for the children.
Rachel knows nothing about her family except growing up with only her grandfather, who was good to her and loved her. She decides that she is going to France to hopefully find the author of the book alive and find out what connection her grandfather has to her.
In 1943 France, Celina has just lost her husband and is traveling with her brother to a little village where German soldiers have taken over, to sell the childhood home she had inherited from her deceased husband. It is winter and the roads are icy. They slide off the road in their car and crash. After they have gotten out of the wrecked car, Celina finds a baby in a box in the woods. She takes the baby to a large house up the road looking for help and discovers the house is actually a secret orphanage. The person running the orphanage is Remy, a gentle and kind hearted man who is hiding 6 Jewish children from the Germans and pretending it is a school for the local children. Celina is shocked when she finds out this building is the house that belonged to her husband and the one she had come to the village to sell and go back to Maryland where she was from.
This book is wonderful, emotional, heart wrenching, with surprising twists and turns that left me with my mouth open. I loved it and I highly recommend it. Have plenty of tissues handy, too. This story will stay with you. 5 stars.
Rachel knows nothing about her family except growing up with only her grandfather, who was good to her and loved her. She decides that she is going to France to hopefully find the author of the book alive and find out what connection her grandfather has to her.
In 1943 France, Celina has just lost her husband and is traveling with her brother to a little village where German soldiers have taken over, to sell the childhood home she had inherited from her deceased husband. It is winter and the roads are icy. They slide off the road in their car and crash. After they have gotten out of the wrecked car, Celina finds a baby in a box in the woods. She takes the baby to a large house up the road looking for help and discovers the house is actually a secret orphanage. The person running the orphanage is Remy, a gentle and kind hearted man who is hiding 6 Jewish children from the Germans and pretending it is a school for the local children. Celina is shocked when she finds out this building is the house that belonged to her husband and the one she had come to the village to sell and go back to Maryland where she was from.
This book is wonderful, emotional, heart wrenching, with surprising twists and turns that left me with my mouth open. I loved it and I highly recommend it. Have plenty of tissues handy, too. This story will stay with you. 5 stars.
July 20, 2025
The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.
The story is set in 1943 in occupied France and in 2018 in America. The storylines are linked by a granddaughter in present day, wanting to find out about her grandfather’s war. And also, about the author of a children’s novel that her grandfather read every night to her as a child.
We see that all is not as she first imagines as her beloved grandfather seems to be hiding a wartime secret. However, even an old photograph is not portraying the truth too. As her grandfather suffers from dementia, will the truth ever be known? Or will it be buried with him?
During the occupation, we witness the bravery of siblings who run a secret Jewish orphanage, right under the noses of the Nazis.
In 1943, an American lady finds herself pulled into the rescue of a Jewish baby. She puts the children first, with little regard for personal safety as she stays behind to teach the orphans.
The reader is drawn into the story as we marvel at the bravery of all involved. We also try to work out just who was the grandfather during the war?
There were extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable.
The Secret Orphanage was an all-consuming read that I enjoyed.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The story is set in 1943 in occupied France and in 2018 in America. The storylines are linked by a granddaughter in present day, wanting to find out about her grandfather’s war. And also, about the author of a children’s novel that her grandfather read every night to her as a child.
We see that all is not as she first imagines as her beloved grandfather seems to be hiding a wartime secret. However, even an old photograph is not portraying the truth too. As her grandfather suffers from dementia, will the truth ever be known? Or will it be buried with him?
During the occupation, we witness the bravery of siblings who run a secret Jewish orphanage, right under the noses of the Nazis.
In 1943, an American lady finds herself pulled into the rescue of a Jewish baby. She puts the children first, with little regard for personal safety as she stays behind to teach the orphans.
The reader is drawn into the story as we marvel at the bravery of all involved. We also try to work out just who was the grandfather during the war?
There were extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable.
The Secret Orphanage was an all-consuming read that I enjoyed.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn was riveting and emotional all at the same time. This is the type of book you don't want to put down, so that you can read what happens next in the story! The premise of the book is set-in two-time frames: 1940's era during WWII in France and 2018 modern time in New York. The main characters, Celina, Remy, Red, and Brielle during the 1940's, and Rachel, her grandfather, Alain, and Cece of the 2018's, have suspenseful and emotional ties to one another. The story of the secret orphanage will fill your heart with many emotions including fear, love, compassion, perseverance, and hope. The story of Rachel and her grandfather in modern times will remind you of possibly your own unknown heritage and stories from your family ancestry. What stories are kept in secret until death welcomes us home? Can we determine those secrets that have remained hidden and be able to accept the truths they present to us? Forgiveness is sometimes a hard skill to process, depending on our perceptions, and finding out the reality of situations instead of wondering of the "what if's" in life, can bring us healing and hope. Josselsohn does a beautiful job describing these characteristics and giving us hope for healing in a world of sorrow, loss, and grief.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2025
You know when you read a good book and it just hits differently? That was my experience with The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn. I read it quickly, in just a few hours, actually, it was hard to put down. But putting words down for a review of it? That is something I've struggled with.
The Secret Orphanage has a well-developed cast of characters that enchanted me and kept me turning pages right until the end. It was full of heart, gentle romance in the quiet moments, and secrets that were interesting to uncover.
It wasn’t a heavy WWII book like most, as it didn’t deal directly with the war effort. Author Barbara Josselsohn took a different route with this story and setting, and I quite appreciated the elegant way she wrote it. I loved her vivid descriptions, which showed me what her characters were experiencing. As well as the mystery woven into it.
I will definitely be looking for the next book Barbara Josselsohn writes, as well as going back through her already published works. Definitely recommend The Secret Orphanage if you’d like to see a different side of WWII than most books display.
**I volunteered to read this book for my honest feedback; the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Review originally published on Travelers Wife 4 Life as part of a Bookouture release tour.
The Secret Orphanage has a well-developed cast of characters that enchanted me and kept me turning pages right until the end. It was full of heart, gentle romance in the quiet moments, and secrets that were interesting to uncover.
It wasn’t a heavy WWII book like most, as it didn’t deal directly with the war effort. Author Barbara Josselsohn took a different route with this story and setting, and I quite appreciated the elegant way she wrote it. I loved her vivid descriptions, which showed me what her characters were experiencing. As well as the mystery woven into it.
I will definitely be looking for the next book Barbara Josselsohn writes, as well as going back through her already published works. Definitely recommend The Secret Orphanage if you’d like to see a different side of WWII than most books display.
**I volunteered to read this book for my honest feedback; the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Review originally published on Travelers Wife 4 Life as part of a Bookouture release tour.
August 16, 2025
Celina, a passionate schoolteacher, finds herself in a challenging situation during the occupation of German-occupied France. Her classroom is filled with young Jewish children, their faces filled with hope despite the uncertain future they face. Determined to protect them, Celina and her partner, Remy, devise a plan to hide the children upstairs.
As Celina carefully shelters the children, she stumbles upon a secret note written in code by the resistance. The note reveals that one of the babies she is caring for could be reunited with its mother. However, attempting to reunite the baby with its mother poses a grave risk. It could expose the orphanage, leading to Celina’s capture and potential death.
Barbara Josselsohn’s “The Secret Orphanage” is an extraordinary time-slip novel that skillfully weaves together the past and present. This heart-wrenching and tragic historical fiction is a poignant tale of family, friendship, and hope. I was utterly captivated by the story, turning the pages eagerly from beginning to end.
The story is fast-paced and emotionally charged, drawing me in with its unexpected plot twists. The characters are vividly portrayed, their hope and resilience radiating through the pages. I highly recommend this remarkable book to anyone seeking a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.
As Celina carefully shelters the children, she stumbles upon a secret note written in code by the resistance. The note reveals that one of the babies she is caring for could be reunited with its mother. However, attempting to reunite the baby with its mother poses a grave risk. It could expose the orphanage, leading to Celina’s capture and potential death.
Barbara Josselsohn’s “The Secret Orphanage” is an extraordinary time-slip novel that skillfully weaves together the past and present. This heart-wrenching and tragic historical fiction is a poignant tale of family, friendship, and hope. I was utterly captivated by the story, turning the pages eagerly from beginning to end.
The story is fast-paced and emotionally charged, drawing me in with its unexpected plot twists. The characters are vividly portrayed, their hope and resilience radiating through the pages. I highly recommend this remarkable book to anyone seeking a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.
July 10, 2025
This isn't you typical World War II if that is the first impression you get when you first look at thee cover. This is actually a dual timeline story of events that happened during the war significant to the time period itself and then following the actions to the modern day telling. I for one was very impressed with the storyline and of the bravery of the characters. I will admit this was quite the emotional story but thankfully things turned out for the better.
In 1944 we are introduced to Celina who is a schoolteacher in France. During the day she gives the germans the facade of devoted schoolteacher but at night she takes the risk of being a protector of the jewish children. Thankfully she has the help of her good friend Remy to help her get through the day.
In the modern day storyline we are introduced to a young girl named Rachel living in New York. She is trying to find out some answers to her past but her grandfather's memory is starting to fade. She decides that a trip to France is the vest option. From there she ventures to the run down Orphanage which may have some answers.
In 1944 we are introduced to Celina who is a schoolteacher in France. During the day she gives the germans the facade of devoted schoolteacher but at night she takes the risk of being a protector of the jewish children. Thankfully she has the help of her good friend Remy to help her get through the day.
In the modern day storyline we are introduced to a young girl named Rachel living in New York. She is trying to find out some answers to her past but her grandfather's memory is starting to fade. She decides that a trip to France is the vest option. From there she ventures to the run down Orphanage which may have some answers.
July 13, 2025
Got an early copy and literally could not put it down - hence the same “started reading” and “finished reading”’dates.
Dual timeline, with one story in 1942 about righteous Gentiles running a secret orphanage for Jewish babies whose parents had been killed by the Nazis; the other set in 2018 about a young woman who goes to Europe to find answers about the author of a children’s book her now-dementia-ridden grandfather had always read to her. The reader anticipates that there’s going to turn out to be a connection between the two stories (as there always is in a dual timeline novel), but the enjoyment - and the compulsion to keep reading- lies in finding out what it was. Turned out to be more complicated than I had guessed, which made the book even better.
Meanwhile, some potential relationship drama going on in each story line that had me eager to see where all of THAT would go, too.
Josselsohn brings the plots and various storylines together really well and writes the most evocative and beautiful descriptions of things.
Compelling story, sympathetic characters, lush writing… what more could you ask for?
Such a good book!
Dual timeline, with one story in 1942 about righteous Gentiles running a secret orphanage for Jewish babies whose parents had been killed by the Nazis; the other set in 2018 about a young woman who goes to Europe to find answers about the author of a children’s book her now-dementia-ridden grandfather had always read to her. The reader anticipates that there’s going to turn out to be a connection between the two stories (as there always is in a dual timeline novel), but the enjoyment - and the compulsion to keep reading- lies in finding out what it was. Turned out to be more complicated than I had guessed, which made the book even better.
Meanwhile, some potential relationship drama going on in each story line that had me eager to see where all of THAT would go, too.
Josselsohn brings the plots and various storylines together really well and writes the most evocative and beautiful descriptions of things.
Compelling story, sympathetic characters, lush writing… what more could you ask for?
Such a good book!
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