The Lifeboat Orphans

by Ellie Curzon

North Atlantic Ocean, 1942. The wind whips around Connie’s shivering frame as waves churn beneath the lifeboat. She clings to the little orphan boy in her care, willing him to stay alive—even if she does not. Tears fall down her freckled cheeks. Is this the end for two orphans, lost at sea?

Fifteen-year-old Connie is leaving war-torn England for the safer shores of America, looking after a nine-year old orphan boy with sad blue eyes. But the ocean is rife with Nazi vessels. And when their boat is torpedoed, in the fear and chaos Connie can’t stop thinking about handsome Jack, who stayed behind in London. Will the orphans survive, and will Connie ever be reunited with her first love?

Back in London, sixteen-year-old Jack desperately misses Connie, his brave, kind friend, after their tearful goodbye when her ship set sail. As bombs set the skies ablaze, he listens to an old radio for any news about the dangerous Atlantic crossing. When he intercepts a secret message that could change everything, he races to the war office. Will they listen to a young lad like him, and can he save Connie and countless other lives?

From the bestselling author of The Ration Book Baby comes an utterly heart-wrenching and gripping WW2 novel, perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday and Diney Costeloe.

Genres: Historical Fiction

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, moving, riveting, thought provoking, and hard to put down! The writing duo, Catherine Curzon and Helen Barrell, who write as Ellie Curzon have once again dazzled me with their writing and endearing characters in The Lifeboat Orphans: An utterly gripping and heartbreaking World War Two novel! The Blitz kids are back and one again I found myself feeling so many different emotions for them while reading The Lifeboat Orphans: An utterly gripping and heartbreaking World War Two novel. I rooted for them, I worried for them, I cried for them, and I kept my fingers crossed for them. This book highlights the strength of their bonds and friendship, their bravery, their sacrifices, their antics, their hope, their fears, and their unwavering fight for survival.

World War 2 was full of tragedies, deaths, and horrific events. Orphaned children were forced to survive unspeakable horrors. This book begins in London and by the end sees some of the children traveling by ship to America. But between the beginning of the book and the ending, there will be a lot of trials, a lot of struggles, a lot of love, a lot of heartbreak, a lot of hope, and a lot of moving scenes.

If you have not read the first book in the series, The Lost Orphans, I highly recommend it. That introduces you to many of the characters and how the children became known as the Blitz kids. Would this book work as a stand-alone novel? Yes, but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning.

Well researched, wonderfully written, moving, captivating, thought provoking and well thought out!

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

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

THE LIFEBOAT ORPHANS (The Runaway Evacuees Book #2) by Ellie Curzon is an emotional roller coaster of a historical fiction novel featuring a young group of WWII orphans who form their own family and come to be known as “The Blitz Kids” to all of England. This is the second book featuring this group and I feel you should read the first book, The Lost Orphans, to fully enjoy and understand their exploits, character development, and the secondary cast of characters surrounding them in both books.

I cannot get enough of all the characters, the Blitz Kids, Lisette, Mr. Wyngate, and all their friends in both books. Ms. Curzon made me feel as though I was right there in London during the air raids and feeling the loss of friends and/or family. The kids pull at your heartstrings, and you want them to stay safe, but they all want to help their friends, neighbors, and even strangers.

When Connie, Ned, and Mr. Wyngate leave for America to get Ned the operation he needed, I was on the edge of my seat worrying about their safety from German U-boats. The tale of their crossing, the disaster, and devastating news not only has you pulling out the tissues but realizing how true this story was for many during the war.

I highly recommend both Runaway Evacuees books. They are gripping and poignant historical fiction stories of family, love, endurance, and faith during WWII.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Lifeboat Orphans (The Runaway Evacuees Book 2) by Ellie Curzon. The was a continuation of The Lost Orphans. The Blitz Kids are at it again. Helping others and taking care of their unique family unit. This book is so wonderfully written and it makes the reader feel all sorts of emotions throughout the book. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster! This book was amazing and I am waiting for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this series of books. I gave this book a 5 star rating. Read it and see for yourself! #Bookouture #EllieCurzon

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lifeboat Orphans is the second book in The Runaway Evacuees, and it picks up where the first one ended. The Blitz Kids are still helping out around the East End of London and are still considered heroes. When one of them is injured in a bomb attack, they head to the US on a ship in a convoy, for surgery to restore Ned's hearing. When the convoy is torpedoed, they fight for their life.

This is another great story starring this wonderful group of kids, and the adults that have been helping them out. I recommend that you read The Lost Orphans before this one to get the full story of these characters. This was an emotional roller coaster with people losing their lives in the air raids, the kids trying to help out their friend, Jasper who loses his business, and a major falling out that causes a tragedy. I love this group of kids and how they look after one another, find ways to survive and how they always try to help others. There is a bit of romance with two of their guardians, that is sweet, and even a budding attraction between two of the orphans. This story is quite realistic, sharing what it was like to live in London during the blitz and not just trying to survive, but to enjoy as much life as you can. My one niggle is that the title and blurb implied that the story occurs on a ship and in lifeboats, but that is only in the last quarter of the book. If you enjoy historical fiction, one that will pull on your heartstrings, then I recommend The Lifeboat Orphans. Set some time aside, because if you're like me, you will not want to stop reading this one once you start it.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! So many emotions, happy, sad, worried, etc. Tears of sadness followed by happiness.
The author tells such a detailed in depth story of 6 children left orphaned during the war and the blitz on London. The adults that help to protect them, the children working together to overcome adversity, each with their own talents and skills, their personalities so evolved for being so young.
I couldn't love this story more. Waiting for the next book in the series.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the War waging on across Europe, people are desperate to escape the horror.  They are willing to risk everything to save those who can’t save themselves.  Connie is only fifteen-year’s old, she is leaving war torn England for a better life in America.

She sets out in a lifeboat with six orphans to cross the dangerous Atlantic Ocean.  The lifeboat comes under attack and they only have each other.  Known as the Blitz Kids, they each suffered so much in their life, but they never gave up and cling to hope.

“The Lifeboat Orphans” by Ellie Curzon is a totally heartbreaking story of survival at its core.  I experienced every emotion for the children and Connie as well, as I turned page after page.  This emotional story was very inspiring.

The Blitz Kids exhibited such courage and resilience throughout their life.  They overcame so much when they had so little.  They had someone that believed in them and was the shoulder they needed when they wanted to cry and needed a hug.  This amazing story takes the reader from heartbreak to hope. I absolutely recommend this story.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book

its the blitz kids back in action again and we catch up with them where we left them...settling into their new house and helping anyone that needed their help during the blitz....

this one though is a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions

connie and ned are on their way to new york for surgery on neds hearing.... it can only be done by a surgeon who is at this very moment in america so they have to board a boat... but this is war and it doesnt come without risks

theres a lot going on in this storyline so i dont really want to ruin it for anyone else reading it but its enough to know that you will need hankies to read this one....

and now i cant wait for the next book in this series

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, there was plenty going on and it kept my interest the whole way through. It was great to catch up with the Blitz Kids! The kids are still living together and Lysette and Wyngate are keeping an eye on them. Ned runs off after an argument with Connie and unfortunately get very badly injured in an air raid This is a story of courage, friendship, love and respect. WW2 would have been a terrible time to live through and these kids are smashing it. It is a totally over the top story, and not very realistic but I am totally invested in these kids and can’t wait for the next instalment! Great book, highly recommend.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back with The Blitz Kids and Ned is still running round London fetching whatever anyone needs for money. When he goes missing, the others are determined to find him.

With Lisette and Adam still keeping an eye on the children, they have their work cut out!

When Adam, Connie and Ned embark on a journey to America, the others are anxious for their return.

I sat and read this book in one day, I was invested in the story and wanted to know what was happening with The Blitz Kids.

World War Two was such a difficult time for all of Europe, and you can feel the pain and bravery of so many through the writing.

Parts of the story were inspired by the story of the SS Cap Arcona, and makes this difficult to read.

The Blitz Kids were inspiring and this book not only brings them to life, it shows their courage in troubled times.

This is a story of strength, sacrifice and heroism. An emotional read that I haven’t stopped thinking about.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotional read. Get a box of tissues. There was so much loss throughout the book it seemed like every character was affected somehow throughout the book.
And a few nice surprises (missing people meeting back up with friends and families )

I’ve read quite a few books on WW2 but first time I read about this piece of history. Such compelling story(s).

Author has a knack for telling a story and keeping readers interested.

So many different relationships to get attached and invested in. The book doesn’t focus on one person / couple / family .

I would def read and recommend this book and author.

**

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lifeboat Orphans is book two in Ellie Curzon’s, The Runaway Evacuees series, and needless to say it was as entertaining as ever. It picked up more or less where the first book had left off and it felt like I had never been away from the gang of eclectic yet resourceful and courageous young evacuees who are making a name for themselves as the Blitz kids. A brilliant tense prologue really set the scene for the book. There was enough detail to refresh my memories regarding characters but also an ample amount to inform new readers without giving away too much of the plot from book one. The events in the prologue really laid the down the foundations of what was to come in this new story and made for a very solid opening.

It’s the summer of 1942 and nowhere is safe in London as bombs rain down on a nightly basis. Connie, aged 15, knows life is fragile and she makes the best of every moment as she sings in Jasper’s club. It’s a place which has offered sanctuary for the Blitz kids and Wyngate and Lisette who have become like their surrogate parents. Disaster strikes as the club is struck by a bomb and the scenes that followed were tense and exciting and I loved that this was present from the get go. There was no long, slow lead into the action. We got it from the start and yes there was a lull or two further on before the pace picked up again but this was needed and came at an opportune time. The club is left in ruins and it’s heartbreaking for all involved but the Blitz Kids and their infamy mean that soon they are organising a fundraiser so Jasper will have the means to rebuild a place that was like a second home for them. Despite such young children being caught up in the violence and horror of war having their innocence shattered and the carefree days of childhood snatched away from them they all do their utmost to make the best of a dire situation. Community spirit and working together for the good of everyone radiates from every page.

Jack is also 15 and he is like the leader of the pack. He cares deeply for his little sister Elsie but his kindness has expanded to everyone in the gang - Ned, Susan and Ben included. Yes there is a romantic angle that is simmering beneath the surface with a certain someone but this is something that is gentle and understated and which comes to the fore much further on in the book. There is always lots going on in every chapter and I loved how it moved back and forth between Connie and Lisette’s viewpoints. If this was solely focused on the children I’m not sure would I have enjoyed it as much because to get the adult view of Lisette was brilliant. The development of her relationship with Wyngate who works for the War Office is well constructed here and they go through many challenges and ups and downs. They always put the children’s current situations and needs before their own. But at the same time there was still elements to their plot that kept the reader intrigued whilst also deeply caring about their own trials and tribulations. One thing I would love in the future is a chapter from Lisette’s mother’s point of view as she stuck in Paris or even for Lisette to have to secretly get into France for one reason or another. Yes, I know this series is about the orphans but still there are numerous tantalising titbits dropped in that really makes me want to know more.

As I’ve said the focus of this series is on the evacuees who weren’t happy in the countryside and they escaped back to the city. Their lives have changed dramatically as they help people in need around the city and earn a name for themselves thanks to Esther, a reporter who has taken a shine to them. This notoriety really comes into play when after an argument with Connie following her stand out performance at the fundraiser leads to Ned running out in anger and subsequently vanishing. Ned is a brilliant character, a really cheeky chappy, a wheeler and dealer who knows the streets of London like the back of his hand. He can get anything on the black market and is always helping out those who run it. He is so loveable and has a heart of gold and is admired and respected by everyone. The way he is written you’d forget that he is only 10 as he comes across so mature but yet the events that occur re Ned show that he does have a vulnerable side too and everyone needs someone that will be there in their corner fighting for them.

Connie is eaten up with guilt that something dreadful has happened to Ned and that she is the cause of it all when really he was only trying to help her with what would hopeful become a good singing career. Connie, herself shows her vulnerabilities and anxieties throughout all this. The notoriety I’ve mentioned up above comes into play as everyone starts searching for Ned. London residents who have read about the Blitz Kids join forces to try and locate him and to say this was a worrying time would be an understatement and I was wondering what way would the authors have this play out?

One thing that I was finding frustrating was when would the title come into play because from the outset I had thought that’s what the book would be about. It wasn’t until around the 50% mark that everything started to become clearer. It then made me realise that everything leading up to it was actually a very good set up and all that had occurred thus far had actually needed to happen and it highlighted how expertly plotted the book actually was. Yes, there were elements that were very far fetched and totally implausible regarding events and meetings with people that wouldn’t have happened to ordinary people during the war as there had also been in book one but suspend your disbelief and just go with the flow because it all hypes up the drama.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second half of the book. It was packed full of tension, anxiety and edge of your seat stuff and highlighted the dangerous voyages that liners undertook across the Atlantic ocean during the war. I couldn’t believe that certain things were unfolding and my heart was in my mouth because believe a certain thing was happening and I was desperately hoping that it wouldn’t turn out to be true. The reasons for the voyage across the Atlantic I will not divulge but suffice to say things became embellished but in a really good way and it changed the course of the book for many.

The Lifeboat Orphans was a brilliant addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yet again you’d never realise that Ellie Curzon is two authors writing as one so seamless was the writing, the character development and the plot. I can’t wait to read more from this courageous, gutsy and determined young group. With the war still raging on I think there is lots more in store for everyone. I hope it won’t be too long before I get to catch up with them again.

[The Journey Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction is set during the Second World War, amid the London Blitz, told through the eyes of children and teenagers. The teenage budding love, the romance between a soldier and a war officer, and the friendships formed around the music club were all heartwarming to read. Some parts felt a little too good to be true for my taste, but then I thought, what is the purpose of a book if not to let us imagine beyond reality? So, why not let people dream a little dream, especially when they were living in such difficult times?

Adam, Lisette, Connie, Jack, Elsie, Ned, Ben, and Susan were all orphans of war who became a found family. They hold on to each other, they hurt each other, they forgive each other. This, to me, is both beautiful and essential to every family.

They were called the Blitz Kids because they helped others, searching for survivors when buildings collapsed, assisting the elderly through crumbled streets, and warning people of hidden bombs. Each had unique strengths: Adam was strategic, Lisette spoke French, Connie sang beautifully, Jack cracked Morse code, Ned lifted everyone’s spirits and knew London inside out, Elsie and her dog were wonderful entertainers, Ben told the best jokes, and Susan made clothes. From the War Office to charity shows, each contributed their talents generously.

After a tragic event, some of them had to travel to the USA. That part marks the climax of the story, and I will not spoil it in case you would like to read the book yourself.

I especially enjoyed the musical thread throughout the story, particularly through Connie, the singer. Connie has a scar on her face, and when a dream agent, someone every artist would love to have, approaches her promising to make her famous and a star on the condition that she hides her scar, thus, her face, it really made me think.

This applies to everyone and every kind of job. It can be an agent or job offer or anything, promising something I desire at the cost of not being my true self and pulling me away from the possibility to build meaningful, deep-rooted relationships that actually are the key for me to thrive. Do I know how to choose?

This book is freshly published on 12 November 2025, very timely for November, the month of Remembrance.

Many thanks @catherinecurzon, @helen_barrell, @bookouture for providing this eARC via @netgalley.

Ellie Curzon is the pen name of the writing duo Catherine Curzon and Helen Barrell.

#HistoricalFiction #WW2Novel #TheLifeboatOrphans

Originally posted at:
https://thejourney-writing.com/2025/1...

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open The Lifeboat Orphans and get lost in the story of the Blitz kids. The story began in The Lost Orphans. I hope it isn't ending with The Lifeboat Orphans.

The story is intense. The kids were frequently in danger during the bombings in World War 2. They step up while others run. The see what others miss and are frequently the heroes of the day. Even buried in rubble won't stop them from helping others. There are so many nail biting moments. If it was that intense in a book, I can't imagine what is was like experiencing it in real time. Life gets more extreme with everything Jack and Lisette discover. They just need to get others to listen.

When tragedy hits they keep going. Ned is missing. Days of walking, days of searching and they still haven't found him. It was Mr. Wyngate that finds him, a victim of the bombings. To see so many ready to help Ned had me in tears. Even America stepped in when he needed a surgery only available in New York City.

Travel to the United States on a ship. Sail into the darkness. Experience the dangers, the fear. See the bravery of the crew. Be rewarded with tours and shopping in New York city as you await Ned's surgery. Celebrate Connie's success and fall in love with her reward. It makes for a wonderful ending.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t fortunate to read the first book in the series but it’s perfectly possible to read this as a standalone. Would I go back and read book 1? -I really am not sure.

I really enjoyed this book - the lives of the Blitz Kids - and their mentors Lisette and Mr Wyngate (Adam) but really struggled with the title. The lifeboats and in fact boats or liners in general didn’t appear until about 75% through. Then it was very rushed - how did Adam get off The City of Newcastle?

But the book was well written and had obviously been well researched. Though a little contrived at times.

There was so much packed in - nightclubs and singers, The War Office and secrets and I suppose espionage, love and hardship. Injury and deafness - all while London is being bombarded by Nazi bombs.

At times sad, at times funny but mostly heartwarming a fantastic read. So even though I found parts unrealistic I think it deserves its 5 stars

I hope there is more to come

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun series! If it wasn’t for the Lisette/Wyngate romance it would definitely be a perfect children’s book, the endless adventures that the children have are very reminiscent of Enid Blyton! I’d highly recommend this series to ten or so year olds, as long as they don’t mind a little adult romance subplot (it’s all very clean at least!).

In this second book, Ned loses his hearing in an accident and the only surgeon who can save him is in New York, so he and Connie have to board a ship across the Atlantic, where Nazi u-boats prowl… it’s all very thrilling, fun and easy to read, and with the bonus of a lot of classic film stars name-dropped as they all band together for the war effort!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and captivating, this unputdownable novel by the talented duo writing as Ellie Curzon continues the story of the blitz kids’ lives. The Lifeboat Orphans picks up where The Lost Orphans left off, set in London during the blitz. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters as you follow their journeys, bound together by friendship, loss, love, and family. I highly recommend The Runaway Evacuees series. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series and other books by the authors. 4 1/2 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouiture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the first book in The Runaway Evacuees series, The Lost Orphans, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was elated to see that Ellie had written a second book about these wonderful characters.
They had become so dear to me in the first book and I was left wondering how they were faring.

There were a few times that I needed tissues at the ready. Other times I was either cheering the kids on or laughing along at their antics.

Really looking forward to reading more about their exploits.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book so enjoyable and carried on from the series.

I liked every bit of this book the intrigue and the working out of things and the excitement as well as thinking it was sad in parts and also very euphoric. We have everything a bit of romance and also misunderstandings.

I really liked how the characters worked week together and the drama of what was happening will there be a tragedy or a happy ending.

Would certainly recommend this book.

[Valerie McGurk · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read that has the plight of six orphaned children at its core. Set in the blitz the story gave me mixed emotions from sad and happy, but is also full of love. An easy read for an afternoon.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking WWII story. Traveling across the Atlantic Ocean that is full of German ships. I loved the story and recommend it.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

One of the best books I ever read, a page turner, tears and joy, heartwarming story, the first book was great but this one was even better!