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The Girl with the Suitcase
*AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW*
London, 1941
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
London, 1941
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
416 pages, Hardcover
Published July 3, 2025
385 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Pearse
71 books2,215 followersLesley Pearse is one of the UK's best-loved novelists with fans across the globe and sales of over 2 million copies of her books to date. A true storyteller and a master of gripping storylines that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end, Pearse introduces you to characters that it is impossible not to care about or forget. There is no formula to her books or easily defined genre. Whether crime as in 'Till We Meet Again', historical adventure like 'Never Look Back', or the passionately emotive 'Trust Me', based on the true-life scandal of British child migrants sent to Australia in the post war period, she engages the reader completely.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
November 18, 2025
4.5★
The year is 1940 in London during WWII, a time when many families watched their loved ones go off to war with the uncertainty of whether they would ever see them again. When Mary Price meets Elizabeth Manning, she never expected that her life would change forever.
This story has so many in-depth layers that I found it impossible to put down—a story of loss, love, friendship, and family. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or who enjoys a good read.
The year is 1940 in London during WWII, a time when many families watched their loved ones go off to war with the uncertainty of whether they would ever see them again. When Mary Price meets Elizabeth Manning, she never expected that her life would change forever.
This story has so many in-depth layers that I found it impossible to put down—a story of loss, love, friendship, and family. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or who enjoys a good read.
July 25, 2025
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
UK historical fiction saga nobility, author Lesley Pearse has been in the industry for over thirty years and her latest release is her 32rd book.
She has become a staple for her audience, a writing icon in her own country and across the world, she thrives and goes from strength to strength with each new title.
It’s 1941, London and the battles of world war two are ongoing.
While dining in a local crowded cafe, quiet Mary is sitting alone having a meal when the enigmatic Elizabeth joins her at the table.
The two start chatting about their different lives and comment how alike their look, a beginning of a friendship.
Elizabeth is about to travel to Ireland to live a life of luxury in her newly inherited cottage from her grandmother while Mary will go back to her humdrum life as a maid.
But then the air raid sirens begin and the two must dash to safety.
After disaster strikes, Mary comes out alive and while in hospital, mistaken identity happens and Mary must make an instant decision that will change her life forever.
An intriguing plot and premise starring a selection of pleasing characters including Lesley’s trademark villain all set off against the backdrop of war and the countryside.
And while it’s a great read it slightly lacks the big melodrama her books always contain and I mean just slightly, you will know what I mean when you read it.
But overall it’s still worth your reading time and you will be rewarded with an engrossing story.
UK historical fiction saga nobility, author Lesley Pearse has been in the industry for over thirty years and her latest release is her 32rd book.
She has become a staple for her audience, a writing icon in her own country and across the world, she thrives and goes from strength to strength with each new title.
It’s 1941, London and the battles of world war two are ongoing.
While dining in a local crowded cafe, quiet Mary is sitting alone having a meal when the enigmatic Elizabeth joins her at the table.
The two start chatting about their different lives and comment how alike their look, a beginning of a friendship.
Elizabeth is about to travel to Ireland to live a life of luxury in her newly inherited cottage from her grandmother while Mary will go back to her humdrum life as a maid.
But then the air raid sirens begin and the two must dash to safety.
After disaster strikes, Mary comes out alive and while in hospital, mistaken identity happens and Mary must make an instant decision that will change her life forever.
An intriguing plot and premise starring a selection of pleasing characters including Lesley’s trademark villain all set off against the backdrop of war and the countryside.
And while it’s a great read it slightly lacks the big melodrama her books always contain and I mean just slightly, you will know what I mean when you read it.
But overall it’s still worth your reading time and you will be rewarded with an engrossing story.
April 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve loved Lesley Pearse’s books since I was a teenager and I was so thrilled to receive this ARC of her new novel. It was a lovely engrossing read with strong characters - I really enjoyed how warm and enterprising and brave Beth was - and how wonderful Rose was. As with most of Lesley’s books, the story moves quickly and a lot happens off the page as a result. I did find myself wishing it was a bit longer so I could read about more of these events.
I’ve loved Lesley Pearse’s books since I was a teenager and I was so thrilled to receive this ARC of her new novel. It was a lovely engrossing read with strong characters - I really enjoyed how warm and enterprising and brave Beth was - and how wonderful Rose was. As with most of Lesley’s books, the story moves quickly and a lot happens off the page as a result. I did find myself wishing it was a bit longer so I could read about more of these events.
April 23, 2025
The Girl with the Suitcase is a compelling wartime tale of identity and reinvention, based on Mary, a young woman who seizes a new life after being mistaken for someone else. Lesley Pearse captures the danger and hope of 1940s London with her usual flair for emotional storytelling. While the plot is more straightforward than some of her earlier, more layered novels like Rosie or Faith, it still delivers strong characters and a rewarding emotional journey. Longtime fans may find it lighter in tone, but it remains a satisfying, heartfelt read.
May 12, 2025
Historical novel London 1941 WW2
Mary Price Hampstead maid meets the glamorous Elizabeth Manning in the corner house after chatting about themselves Elizabeth invites Mary to travel with her to Ireland.
Then the sirens go and they run to the shelter.
When Mary wakes up the nurse assumes she is Elizabeth, this will change her life forever, taken on someone else's identity and escape the hardship and go to Ireland and settle in the cottage Elizabeth has been left by her godmother.
Can she do it?
Very emotional heartwrenching story as we learn of now named Beth's old life of abuse and rape to what she is now abled to achieve.
Full of love compassion sorrow and loss through the war years.
I just couldn't put this story aside.
The author has done such a superb job bringing the characters to life and this is the result.
Absolutely beautiful.
I loved it.
Mary Price Hampstead maid meets the glamorous Elizabeth Manning in the corner house after chatting about themselves Elizabeth invites Mary to travel with her to Ireland.
Then the sirens go and they run to the shelter.
When Mary wakes up the nurse assumes she is Elizabeth, this will change her life forever, taken on someone else's identity and escape the hardship and go to Ireland and settle in the cottage Elizabeth has been left by her godmother.
Can she do it?
Very emotional heartwrenching story as we learn of now named Beth's old life of abuse and rape to what she is now abled to achieve.
Full of love compassion sorrow and loss through the war years.
I just couldn't put this story aside.
The author has done such a superb job bringing the characters to life and this is the result.
Absolutely beautiful.
I loved it.
November 3, 2025
Disclaimer: Penguin Random House South Africa kindly sent me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
It's 1940 and WWII has just begun. Mary Price is a young woman who walks into a tea house in London, and ends up sitting next to Elizabeth Manning. They share a pot of tea, and Elizabeth reveals her plans to move to Ireland because she's inherited a cottage there, and would love Mary to join her. Even though they are strangers their connection is almost instant.
That same day during an air raid the two take shelter in a London Tube station. After the bombing Mary wakes up in a hospital only to find out that she is fine apart from a few scratches, but that Elizabeth is dead. Except, the staff at the hospital have mistaken her for her friend. Instead of correcting them Mary decides to be Elizabeth, and to go to Ireland in place of her friend. After being released from hospital she finds herself at a boarding house where the suitcase belonging to her dead friend reveals identity documents, new clothes, train tickets, letters and money. Though she feels guilt and torn over her decision, she reinvents herself as Beth, and makes her way to Ireland.
The cottage is a dream, and Beth spends her days safe from the Blitz, befriending the locals and writing letters to Jack, a soldier she met on her last night in London. She's not used to not working, and eventually travels to Bristol for a little holiday, and it is there that she meets the elderly Rose, who needs someone to take care of her.
Beth (or Mary Price) had a traumatic childhood that she never speaks about. Her mother was an alcoholic, and her stepfather sexually assaulted her on a regular basis. Her only escape from the horror was visiting a neighbour who taught her to read, and encouraged her to leave at a reasonable age and take up service with a house as a cleaner. Mary did just that, and that's why as she meets Rose she realises this is what she can do for the elderly woman who has been so kind to her, and who has no close relatives nearby to help.
In the midst of her new role in Bristol and still in ownership of a cottage in Ireland Beth loses Jack to the war and is devastated. She also meets another soldier, Harry, who allows her to fall in love again.
Despite her guilt at taking Elizabeth's identify, living in a house that isn't hers and the secrets of her terrible childhood that still haunt her, Beth is still able to forgive herself, and learns to love again.
The Girl with the Suitcase is a story of identity. Set during the horrors of WWII - the Blitz, rationing, and unspeakable loss - Beth becomes the woman she never dreamed she'd be, and makes a new family from the ashes of her old one. The ending was a tad rushed, and left a few more questions than answers, however Beth's story will remain as one of courage and survival.
It's 1940 and WWII has just begun. Mary Price is a young woman who walks into a tea house in London, and ends up sitting next to Elizabeth Manning. They share a pot of tea, and Elizabeth reveals her plans to move to Ireland because she's inherited a cottage there, and would love Mary to join her. Even though they are strangers their connection is almost instant.
That same day during an air raid the two take shelter in a London Tube station. After the bombing Mary wakes up in a hospital only to find out that she is fine apart from a few scratches, but that Elizabeth is dead. Except, the staff at the hospital have mistaken her for her friend. Instead of correcting them Mary decides to be Elizabeth, and to go to Ireland in place of her friend. After being released from hospital she finds herself at a boarding house where the suitcase belonging to her dead friend reveals identity documents, new clothes, train tickets, letters and money. Though she feels guilt and torn over her decision, she reinvents herself as Beth, and makes her way to Ireland.
The cottage is a dream, and Beth spends her days safe from the Blitz, befriending the locals and writing letters to Jack, a soldier she met on her last night in London. She's not used to not working, and eventually travels to Bristol for a little holiday, and it is there that she meets the elderly Rose, who needs someone to take care of her.
Beth (or Mary Price) had a traumatic childhood that she never speaks about. Her mother was an alcoholic, and her stepfather sexually assaulted her on a regular basis. Her only escape from the horror was visiting a neighbour who taught her to read, and encouraged her to leave at a reasonable age and take up service with a house as a cleaner. Mary did just that, and that's why as she meets Rose she realises this is what she can do for the elderly woman who has been so kind to her, and who has no close relatives nearby to help.
In the midst of her new role in Bristol and still in ownership of a cottage in Ireland Beth loses Jack to the war and is devastated. She also meets another soldier, Harry, who allows her to fall in love again.
Despite her guilt at taking Elizabeth's identify, living in a house that isn't hers and the secrets of her terrible childhood that still haunt her, Beth is still able to forgive herself, and learns to love again.
The Girl with the Suitcase is a story of identity. Set during the horrors of WWII - the Blitz, rationing, and unspeakable loss - Beth becomes the woman she never dreamed she'd be, and makes a new family from the ashes of her old one. The ending was a tad rushed, and left a few more questions than answers, however Beth's story will remain as one of courage and survival.
June 12, 2025
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 391
Publisher - Michael Joseph
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
The enthralling new novel from the 10-million-copy, No. 1 bestselling author is available to PRE-ORDER now!
London, 1941
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
My Review
Mary has known poverty and cruelty her whole life, it is wartime and she is desperate to escape her job as housekeeper, cleaner and general dogsbody. When she meets the beautiful Elizabeth who offers her a chance at a new life, she has just came into a fabulous house in Ireland, inheritance from an estranged aunt. A bomb hits, the girls are in an underground shelter when everything goes dark. Mary wakes injured but alive, she is misidentified and finally has a chance to live, really live but can she do it?
Aw Mary, what a poor soul and hard going "upbringing" she had. We find out more about Mary and why she is the way she is by going from present to past. As always Pearse's books feature some of the darker side of humanity, abuse, SA, child endangerment, substance abuse, stolen identity. You get reeled in because you are rooting for Mary aka Beth but you do question some of her decisions and behaviours. I think that is one of her gifts, she gives you characters who aren't wholly whiter than white (Mary), and some downright horror bags the "stepfather".
When Mary goes to Ireland we meet a whole cast of people, sweet, nosey, hearing about the aunt, ooft she was a character in herself. We see how world war 2 affected different parts of the world, meat rationing, families, love, loss. It is a busy book as is Pearse's way but she does it so well the story flows and envelopes you. Lots of characters/happenings, some time and place jumps but all done effortlessly.
Even when I have a reading block I can still inhale one of her books, 4.5/5 from us, I need to check her backlist and see what I have missed (we have read loads but she has published loads) and catch up on any missed. She is a fab writer, pulls you emotively and allows you to escape your own life and merge into a world full of love, loss, sadness, friendship, family, she ticks the boxes.
Pages - 391
Publisher - Michael Joseph
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
The enthralling new novel from the 10-million-copy, No. 1 bestselling author is available to PRE-ORDER now!
London, 1941
When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.
But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.
This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.
Will she take it and what could go wrong?
My Review
Mary has known poverty and cruelty her whole life, it is wartime and she is desperate to escape her job as housekeeper, cleaner and general dogsbody. When she meets the beautiful Elizabeth who offers her a chance at a new life, she has just came into a fabulous house in Ireland, inheritance from an estranged aunt. A bomb hits, the girls are in an underground shelter when everything goes dark. Mary wakes injured but alive, she is misidentified and finally has a chance to live, really live but can she do it?
Aw Mary, what a poor soul and hard going "upbringing" she had. We find out more about Mary and why she is the way she is by going from present to past. As always Pearse's books feature some of the darker side of humanity, abuse, SA, child endangerment, substance abuse, stolen identity. You get reeled in because you are rooting for Mary aka Beth but you do question some of her decisions and behaviours. I think that is one of her gifts, she gives you characters who aren't wholly whiter than white (Mary), and some downright horror bags the "stepfather".
When Mary goes to Ireland we meet a whole cast of people, sweet, nosey, hearing about the aunt, ooft she was a character in herself. We see how world war 2 affected different parts of the world, meat rationing, families, love, loss. It is a busy book as is Pearse's way but she does it so well the story flows and envelopes you. Lots of characters/happenings, some time and place jumps but all done effortlessly.
Even when I have a reading block I can still inhale one of her books, 4.5/5 from us, I need to check her backlist and see what I have missed (we have read loads but she has published loads) and catch up on any missed. She is a fab writer, pulls you emotively and allows you to escape your own life and merge into a world full of love, loss, sadness, friendship, family, she ticks the boxes.
August 22, 2025
Lesley Pearse is an auto-read author for me - ever since my high school days when I hardly even read books! She is the queen of women's fiction and I just absolutely love how she so easily pulls you into the ongoings of WW2. I really enjoyed this one, it was such a new concept with our heroine taking on a new identity to gain a better life. I enjoyed the adventure this brought, and I understood all the loneliness and guilt that came from what she did, even though it is what her friend would have wanted for her.
As in any war setting, especially in 1940's London during The Blitz, there is so much heartbreak. You feel it in the constant fear, in the rations and coupons, in the air raids and shelters, in seeing the neighbour's and other characters loose loved ones, but it never hurts more than it does when it happens to our main female character. Beth's beautiful, hopeful whirlwind of a romance with Jack was such a poetic tragedy and the grief and hardships that she had to face was unbelievable.
Her background is also incredibly sad and painful, she had a terrible childhood shadowed by an abuser and I honestly loved the person she is and grew into throughout this story. The side characters like Margery and Rose really make you see the good in some people, even under such horrible circumstances. Harry was a highlight too, a little more hope for Beth, I love how she found happiness after such a hard life. This was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it.
As in any war setting, especially in 1940's London during The Blitz, there is so much heartbreak. You feel it in the constant fear, in the rations and coupons, in the air raids and shelters, in seeing the neighbour's and other characters loose loved ones, but it never hurts more than it does when it happens to our main female character. Beth's beautiful, hopeful whirlwind of a romance with Jack was such a poetic tragedy and the grief and hardships that she had to face was unbelievable.
Her background is also incredibly sad and painful, she had a terrible childhood shadowed by an abuser and I honestly loved the person she is and grew into throughout this story. The side characters like Margery and Rose really make you see the good in some people, even under such horrible circumstances. Harry was a highlight too, a little more hope for Beth, I love how she found happiness after such a hard life. This was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it.
May 19, 2025
Set during the second world war, the carnage of an exploded bomb allows Mary escape her deprived and cruel upbringing and swap places with Elizabeth who is financially well off, good looking and confident. This takes her initially to Ireland then back to England. People she meets along the way seem to fall into two camps. Mostly wonderfull surrogate mother types and very desirable potential husbands or very nasty lecherous men and spiteful women. This struck me as a bit unnatural as did the almost constant rain in Ireland.
The book is good at exploring the difficulties Mary has adapting to her new more privileged life as Beth and coping with the guilt that comes with it. It was enjoyable reading about shy downtrodden Mary blossom and engage with life as Beth. However it all felt a bit too sugar coated for me and was not the type of hisorical novel i was expecting.
The book is good at exploring the difficulties Mary has adapting to her new more privileged life as Beth and coping with the guilt that comes with it. It was enjoyable reading about shy downtrodden Mary blossom and engage with life as Beth. However it all felt a bit too sugar coated for me and was not the type of hisorical novel i was expecting.
October 23, 2025
I've read quite a few Leslie Pearce books in the past and was looking forward to this. The concept of the swapped identity was good but I found the pace slow and the narration less seamless than usual. The characters were likeable but events were a little predictable.
October 31, 2025
This was a nice story, but otherwise, it was quite boring. I found this a bit disappointing as i have really enjoyed many of Lesley Pearses other books. I kept waiting for something to happen or Elizabeth to reappear and not be truly dead, but this never came. Overall, it was a slow burn that I did not care for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
Set between 1941 and 1945, this book depicts the life of a young woman who is trying to make her life as good as she can during the war. Mary has come from a life of struggle, abuse, and addiction; she meets a new friend who changes her life forever.
I enjoyed this book, a nice heart-tugging read but with suspense along the way. I did find it a little soppy at times, but generally, a great story
I enjoyed this book, a nice heart-tugging read but with suspense along the way. I did find it a little soppy at times, but generally, a great story
October 13, 2025
One afternoon in a cafe in London in 1940, two strangers, Mary Price and Elizabeth Manning share a table. Despite their very different backgrounds the two young women strike up a friendly conversation. Elizabeth is about to leave London for Ireland where she has inherited a cottage from her godmother, while Mary is in service as a maid. They are both struck by the fact that they look so very much alike and as their conversation flows, Elizabeth persuades Mary to leave her life in service and travel to Ireland with her.
Without giving anything away, Mary’s fears and terrible childhood unfold and are the core of this emotional story from Lesley Pearse.
Without giving anything away, Mary’s fears and terrible childhood unfold and are the core of this emotional story from Lesley Pearse.
June 12, 2025
The Girl with the Suitcase by Lesley Pearce ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been a long time since I read a Lesley Pearce novel. I really enjoyed this book. It’s not my usual type of book. A story set in England during WW2, a bombing in London leads to mistaken identity. Mary and Elizabeth have come from very different backgrounds and from here unravels a story. I don’t think you can call this historical fiction, more a romance chick lit book. Gentle with likeable characters and easy to read.
It’s been a long time since I read a Lesley Pearce novel. I really enjoyed this book. It’s not my usual type of book. A story set in England during WW2, a bombing in London leads to mistaken identity. Mary and Elizabeth have come from very different backgrounds and from here unravels a story. I don’t think you can call this historical fiction, more a romance chick lit book. Gentle with likeable characters and easy to read.
May 11, 2025
This novel takes a classic identity-swap premise and gives it emotional depth and wartime urgency. When shy, overlooked Mary meets the confident and wealthy Elizabeth, their contrasting lives set the stage for a dramatic twist. A bombing raid changes everything, and through a believable chain of confusion and desperation, Mary is mistaken for Elizabeth. What follows is a gripping story of reinvention, deception, and the weight of choices made under pressure.
The heart of the book lies in Mary’s transformation. As she steps into Elizabeth’s privileged shoes, the reader is asked to consider: how far would you go to escape a life of poverty and invisibility? The moral ambiguity is well handled Mary’s motivations are understandable, even when her actions cross ethical lines.
It’s such a good story as always from Lesley Pearse
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random Hiuse for an ARC
The heart of the book lies in Mary’s transformation. As she steps into Elizabeth’s privileged shoes, the reader is asked to consider: how far would you go to escape a life of poverty and invisibility? The moral ambiguity is well handled Mary’s motivations are understandable, even when her actions cross ethical lines.
It’s such a good story as always from Lesley Pearse
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random Hiuse for an ARC
November 27, 2025
Great easy read
June 25, 2025
I'm a big fan of Lesley Pearse, so I jumped at the chance to get an ARC of her latest book, "The Girl with the Suitcase".
This book starts in London during WW2, and charts the life of a young woman who makes a difficult decision in a case of mistaken identity, which completely changes the rest of her life. Lesley Pearse always writes with such empathy that you can completely understand why Beth made this decision, which then brings her opportunity but also overshadows the rest of her life. It was an enjoyable read charting the despair, grief and sadness of war and post-war Britain, with hope and love throughout the rest of Beth's life as she finds her place in the world with her new identity. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Lesley Pearse, Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
This book starts in London during WW2, and charts the life of a young woman who makes a difficult decision in a case of mistaken identity, which completely changes the rest of her life. Lesley Pearse always writes with such empathy that you can completely understand why Beth made this decision, which then brings her opportunity but also overshadows the rest of her life. It was an enjoyable read charting the despair, grief and sadness of war and post-war Britain, with hope and love throughout the rest of Beth's life as she finds her place in the world with her new identity. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Lesley Pearse, Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 25, 2025
Once a Lesley Pearse fan, it is hard to put down any of her books and this one did not disappoint.
The way she incorporated World War 2 into the story is done in such a way that it truly felt like I was part of that world.
Deception and secrets are the main ingredients for this one and the storyline kept me motivated throughout.
Recommended for all fans of Lesley Pearse.
The way she incorporated World War 2 into the story is done in such a way that it truly felt like I was part of that world.
Deception and secrets are the main ingredients for this one and the storyline kept me motivated throughout.
Recommended for all fans of Lesley Pearse.
July 3, 2025
This was an easy read by Lesley Pearse who is quite a prolific author.
For me this one wasn’t up to the standard of her earlier books - but I have noticed this with her more recents works.
In parts it was slow and repetitive and sometimes the narrative didn’t fit at all. The main character Mary/Beth decided to go to Bristol - her brute of a ‘step father’ finds her there but there was no explanation as to why that should be the case. He was a hardened East Londoner after all.
For me the entire book lacked some credibility. It was enjoyable to read but only once you realised that the events didn’t follow a particular sequence. Some parts were predictable others surprising.
Even Mary/Beths final relationship after the loss of Jack with Harry was rushed - as though it was needed to finish off the book. There were plenty of opportunities to make more of this friendship that turned to love if some of the slower bits had been left out. I’m not sure I was meant to but one of the passages at the end actually made me laugh out loud - so quaintly and old fashionedly put !
Sadly I ended up feeling a little disappointed on the whole
For me this one wasn’t up to the standard of her earlier books - but I have noticed this with her more recents works.
In parts it was slow and repetitive and sometimes the narrative didn’t fit at all. The main character Mary/Beth decided to go to Bristol - her brute of a ‘step father’ finds her there but there was no explanation as to why that should be the case. He was a hardened East Londoner after all.
For me the entire book lacked some credibility. It was enjoyable to read but only once you realised that the events didn’t follow a particular sequence. Some parts were predictable others surprising.
Even Mary/Beths final relationship after the loss of Jack with Harry was rushed - as though it was needed to finish off the book. There were plenty of opportunities to make more of this friendship that turned to love if some of the slower bits had been left out. I’m not sure I was meant to but one of the passages at the end actually made me laugh out loud - so quaintly and old fashionedly put !
Sadly I ended up feeling a little disappointed on the whole
August 29, 2025
What a lovely story. Not the greatest prose but a lovely heart warming story nonetheless
November 5, 2025
really badly written and narrated on audio :( cringingly twee
July 6, 2025
An emotional journey.
When Mary enters a cafe the last thing she expects is her life is about to change forever. She been for an interview in Kent and was heading back to blitz riden Londonto her bedroom in the house of her employers but then she meets Elizabeth. Soon asks would be Elizabeth.
An air raid later she goes to hospital as Mary and leaves a new woman and get me is forever changed well obviously neither of them have family but Elizabeth had been left a house by a Godparent she hardly knows in Irekand and invited Mary to join her. So after the air raid everything changed and Beth has decision to make
This is an emotional journey of how her life develops his circumstances can change thing in a moment will there be a HEA well time will tell but I'm not going to. I will say this is a wonderful read and you will love Mary or Beth, well I did.
When Mary enters a cafe the last thing she expects is her life is about to change forever. She been for an interview in Kent and was heading back to blitz riden Londonto her bedroom in the house of her employers but then she meets Elizabeth. Soon asks would be Elizabeth.
An air raid later she goes to hospital as Mary and leaves a new woman and get me is forever changed well obviously neither of them have family but Elizabeth had been left a house by a Godparent she hardly knows in Irekand and invited Mary to join her. So after the air raid everything changed and Beth has decision to make
This is an emotional journey of how her life develops his circumstances can change thing in a moment will there be a HEA well time will tell but I'm not going to. I will say this is a wonderful read and you will love Mary or Beth, well I did.
May 23, 2025
What an absolutely true heart-warmer of a book! I couldn’t stop reading it and I couldn’t have been happier to choose this as my holiday read.
From the first page, I wanted to keep reading on and on and it very quickly drew me in. The main character we follow is so so likeable and I was really rooting for her. As we follow her, navigating her new life with a new identity, she has a lot to overcome but is presented with the perfect opportunity to start afresh. I loved the plot and it was super compelling from beginning to end.
It was fast paced which certainly helped with my holiday weary attention span and kept me perfect company.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
From the first page, I wanted to keep reading on and on and it very quickly drew me in. The main character we follow is so so likeable and I was really rooting for her. As we follow her, navigating her new life with a new identity, she has a lot to overcome but is presented with the perfect opportunity to start afresh. I loved the plot and it was super compelling from beginning to end.
It was fast paced which certainly helped with my holiday weary attention span and kept me perfect company.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
December 9, 2025
I used to read a lot of this author’s books in my late teens and used to love them but haven’t really read one since then. I enjoyed the story and how it got going straight away. There were secrets and deception which kept me engaged to the end.
August 24, 2025
Disappointed with LP’s latest novel. Her earlier books were gripping but the last few haven’t been as good.
September 29, 2025
Boring as watching paint dry. The blurb is the entirety of the book. Somehow I finished it but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
October 1, 2025
Omg one of the most dull boring books I’ve read. Thank god it’s over. I felt like I was reading a high school story. Too much going on and not enough interest.
June 12, 2025
Slightly disappointing.
Mary Price has had a terrible upbringing. Her father died during World War 1 and her mother took up with Ronnie, a violent man who beats and rapes Mary and pimps out her mother. Alone and unloved, Mary longs for a different life. Her only friend is the lady in the upstairs flat who teaches her to read and write, do some maths and take care of a house. Mary uses these new found skills to go into service for a family, but with the advent of World War 2 she has found much of the other domestic staff have left and she has been doing everything. Looking for a better environment she has applied for a job with another family, and following the interview she visits Lyon's tearooms. There she meets Elizabeth Manning.
Elizabeth is everything that Mary isn't. She is cultured and refined, elegant and adventurous. In fact, Elizabeth is only in London as she has inherited a cottage in Ireland from her godmother and is passing through on the way to start a new life overseas. Striking up an instant friendship with Mary, Elizabeth invites her to join her in Ireland...before Mary can decide there is an air-raid and both women flee to the underground for safety. Unfortunately this proves to be not so safe as a bomb lands close by showering the women with debris. Sadly, only Mary survives but, due to a mix up with their bags, medical staff believe Mary is Elizabeth...and she isn't inclined to correct them as this might just be her chance to escape from her hellish life.
I wanted to like this I really did, and I tried. But, it just didn't go anywhere. It felt overly long and there were pages and pages of just day to day living without any advance of the story. I struggled to believe some of the events and, for me, Mary felt like a flat character. Her good luck doesn't end with the tickets to Ireland and the cottage there, there is a huge amount of cash in the suitcase too - enough money for Mary to be a lady of leisure and hire her own housekeeper once she gets to Ireland, yet she constantly complains that she is bored and wants a job.
I found it hard to believe that everyone that Mary meets thinks she is so wonderful - immediately, that they are either saying she is like a daughter or sister to them or asking her to marry them. I found the relationships that Mary embarks on to be too far fetched for me - for example, she meets Jack on one night in London when she decides to stay out during an air raid and watch the events. Jack sees her and appoints himself her protector and stays out with her, where they chat while watching the bombing and then he walks her home before kissing her goodnight on the doorstep and asking her to write to him as he wants to marry her....he has known her a matter of hours! This happens with other men that she meets as well so isn't a one off or reaction to being shipped off to war. And it's not just men, much later in the book, Mary meets Rose when Rose falls and Mary helps her up and then takes her for a cup of tea where Rose offers her a job as her housekeeper and companion...a stranger that she has just met. Rose also compares the death of one of Mary's boyfriends who she has been on two dates with, with the death of her husband who she had been married to for 50 years....it just didn't strike me as realistic and felt ridiculous.
There are a couple of sex scenes in the book that I felt were described with language that was too modern and out of keeping with the time that the story is set in and out of keeping with the rest of the book too. The rape scene is quite graphic and made me feel uncomfortable as did the almost casual way this is treated.
It's not all bad though. This is a story that would be a good beach read as it's very slow paced and easy to read - it's the kind of book my Mum would have liked. For me, it wasn't gritty or realistic enough.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mary Price has had a terrible upbringing. Her father died during World War 1 and her mother took up with Ronnie, a violent man who beats and rapes Mary and pimps out her mother. Alone and unloved, Mary longs for a different life. Her only friend is the lady in the upstairs flat who teaches her to read and write, do some maths and take care of a house. Mary uses these new found skills to go into service for a family, but with the advent of World War 2 she has found much of the other domestic staff have left and she has been doing everything. Looking for a better environment she has applied for a job with another family, and following the interview she visits Lyon's tearooms. There she meets Elizabeth Manning.
Elizabeth is everything that Mary isn't. She is cultured and refined, elegant and adventurous. In fact, Elizabeth is only in London as she has inherited a cottage in Ireland from her godmother and is passing through on the way to start a new life overseas. Striking up an instant friendship with Mary, Elizabeth invites her to join her in Ireland...before Mary can decide there is an air-raid and both women flee to the underground for safety. Unfortunately this proves to be not so safe as a bomb lands close by showering the women with debris. Sadly, only Mary survives but, due to a mix up with their bags, medical staff believe Mary is Elizabeth...and she isn't inclined to correct them as this might just be her chance to escape from her hellish life.
I wanted to like this I really did, and I tried. But, it just didn't go anywhere. It felt overly long and there were pages and pages of just day to day living without any advance of the story. I struggled to believe some of the events and, for me, Mary felt like a flat character. Her good luck doesn't end with the tickets to Ireland and the cottage there, there is a huge amount of cash in the suitcase too - enough money for Mary to be a lady of leisure and hire her own housekeeper once she gets to Ireland, yet she constantly complains that she is bored and wants a job.
I found it hard to believe that everyone that Mary meets thinks she is so wonderful - immediately, that they are either saying she is like a daughter or sister to them or asking her to marry them. I found the relationships that Mary embarks on to be too far fetched for me - for example, she meets Jack on one night in London when she decides to stay out during an air raid and watch the events. Jack sees her and appoints himself her protector and stays out with her, where they chat while watching the bombing and then he walks her home before kissing her goodnight on the doorstep and asking her to write to him as he wants to marry her....he has known her a matter of hours! This happens with other men that she meets as well so isn't a one off or reaction to being shipped off to war. And it's not just men, much later in the book, Mary meets Rose when Rose falls and Mary helps her up and then takes her for a cup of tea where Rose offers her a job as her housekeeper and companion...a stranger that she has just met. Rose also compares the death of one of Mary's boyfriends who she has been on two dates with, with the death of her husband who she had been married to for 50 years....it just didn't strike me as realistic and felt ridiculous.
There are a couple of sex scenes in the book that I felt were described with language that was too modern and out of keeping with the time that the story is set in and out of keeping with the rest of the book too. The rape scene is quite graphic and made me feel uncomfortable as did the almost casual way this is treated.
It's not all bad though. This is a story that would be a good beach read as it's very slow paced and easy to read - it's the kind of book my Mum would have liked. For me, it wasn't gritty or realistic enough.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2025
I always enjoy historical novels set in wartime as people were living through extraordinary times which often leads them to act out of character particularly when they are put in unusual situations.
As Elizabeth Manning sits people watching in Lyons Corner House in London she sees a young woman, Mary Price hovering uncomfortably just inside the door. She takes pity on her and beckons her to join her at her table as the restaurant is full. As they talk Mary tells Elizabeth that she has just been to an interview for a new job as a maid as she is unhappy in her present employment. As the conversation progresses Elizabeth confides that she has just inherited her godmother’s house in Ireland and she is travelling there the next day. On impulse Elizabeth asks Mary to go with her as she is a little apprehensive about going alone into the unknown. Mary has a lot in her past that she needs to escape from so she starts to consider that this may be a good way to escape her old life. As the air raid warning sounds the two girls go to shelter in the underground but tragedy strikes and Elizabeth is killed. When Mary is mistaken for Elizabeth she is faced with the dilemma of whether she should carry on the journey to Ireland as Elizabeth.
As Mary starts her new life as Beth and the reader learns more about her previous life it becomes clear that the old Mary was no chancer and deserves a new start even though guilt for her duplicity hangs heavy on her.
I really enjoyed reading about Beth’s journey and the difficulties she faced as she confronted many moral dilemmas. She was an easy person to love as can be seen by her relationship with her good neighbour, “Auntie Ruth” who mentored her in childhood so that she could get out of terrible home circumstances. Also later in her life she shows real compassion to elderly Rose who treats her as the daughter she never had and to whom Beth confides her life story.
The Girl with the Suitcase is an enthralling story with a satisfactory ending unlike many contemporary novels that I feel often end too abruptly. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
As Elizabeth Manning sits people watching in Lyons Corner House in London she sees a young woman, Mary Price hovering uncomfortably just inside the door. She takes pity on her and beckons her to join her at her table as the restaurant is full. As they talk Mary tells Elizabeth that she has just been to an interview for a new job as a maid as she is unhappy in her present employment. As the conversation progresses Elizabeth confides that she has just inherited her godmother’s house in Ireland and she is travelling there the next day. On impulse Elizabeth asks Mary to go with her as she is a little apprehensive about going alone into the unknown. Mary has a lot in her past that she needs to escape from so she starts to consider that this may be a good way to escape her old life. As the air raid warning sounds the two girls go to shelter in the underground but tragedy strikes and Elizabeth is killed. When Mary is mistaken for Elizabeth she is faced with the dilemma of whether she should carry on the journey to Ireland as Elizabeth.
As Mary starts her new life as Beth and the reader learns more about her previous life it becomes clear that the old Mary was no chancer and deserves a new start even though guilt for her duplicity hangs heavy on her.
I really enjoyed reading about Beth’s journey and the difficulties she faced as she confronted many moral dilemmas. She was an easy person to love as can be seen by her relationship with her good neighbour, “Auntie Ruth” who mentored her in childhood so that she could get out of terrible home circumstances. Also later in her life she shows real compassion to elderly Rose who treats her as the daughter she never had and to whom Beth confides her life story.
The Girl with the Suitcase is an enthralling story with a satisfactory ending unlike many contemporary novels that I feel often end too abruptly. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
August 17, 2025
Thank you to Penguin Books South Africa for my copy of “ The girl with the suitcase “
This stunning read is set during World War 2 so keep your tissues nearby for more than one reason 😉
Elizabeth and Mary meet by chance at Lyon’s Corner House , Elizabeth was enjoying her pot of tea and people watching when Mary walked into the crowded restaurant and Elizabeth offered to share her table and soon enough the girls are on their way to becoming fast friends , Elizabeth even invites Mary to join her in Ireland , she’s inherited a cottage from her godmother and going with a friend seems like more fun but Mary is hesitant and yet Elizabeth manages to convince her to go but before they can even go on their adventure tragedy strikes ….
The girls head to safety in a shelter in Trafalgar Square, one makes it out and one doesn’t 😰 Elizabeth died saving Mary but in the hospital Mary is mistaken for Elizabeth and she assumes her identity and starts a new life for herself and before we get all judgmental I think it happened more often than not in that time and let’s face it Mary had a tough childhood and what I know of Elizabeth she would’ve wanted this for Mary and in many ways Mary did honour Elizabeth….
I don’t want to focus on the horrors Mary went through as a child but rather that she got a second chance and she grabbed it with both hands and she’s a good and gentle soul with a kind heart that loved and cared for those around her just look at Ruth and Rose , the relationship she shared with these 2 woman I think really shaped her , they saw her for who she was , they were kind , loving , compassionate and generous ….
I’m grateful she found love with Harry after the loss of Jack and I’m even more grateful that she shared her whole story not only with him but Rose
as well , she had a good friend in Elizabeth however short lived that was because in essence Elizabeth lived on through Mary ….
This is one of those books that when you’ve read the last page , you take a deep breath and think yourself what now !? You miss the characters and don’t want to say goodbye but you bid them farewell with a full heart and wonder to your shelf for the next adventure 🥰📕
This stunning read is set during World War 2 so keep your tissues nearby for more than one reason 😉
Elizabeth and Mary meet by chance at Lyon’s Corner House , Elizabeth was enjoying her pot of tea and people watching when Mary walked into the crowded restaurant and Elizabeth offered to share her table and soon enough the girls are on their way to becoming fast friends , Elizabeth even invites Mary to join her in Ireland , she’s inherited a cottage from her godmother and going with a friend seems like more fun but Mary is hesitant and yet Elizabeth manages to convince her to go but before they can even go on their adventure tragedy strikes ….
The girls head to safety in a shelter in Trafalgar Square, one makes it out and one doesn’t 😰 Elizabeth died saving Mary but in the hospital Mary is mistaken for Elizabeth and she assumes her identity and starts a new life for herself and before we get all judgmental I think it happened more often than not in that time and let’s face it Mary had a tough childhood and what I know of Elizabeth she would’ve wanted this for Mary and in many ways Mary did honour Elizabeth….
I don’t want to focus on the horrors Mary went through as a child but rather that she got a second chance and she grabbed it with both hands and she’s a good and gentle soul with a kind heart that loved and cared for those around her just look at Ruth and Rose , the relationship she shared with these 2 woman I think really shaped her , they saw her for who she was , they were kind , loving , compassionate and generous ….
I’m grateful she found love with Harry after the loss of Jack and I’m even more grateful that she shared her whole story not only with him but Rose
as well , she had a good friend in Elizabeth however short lived that was because in essence Elizabeth lived on through Mary ….
This is one of those books that when you’ve read the last page , you take a deep breath and think yourself what now !? You miss the characters and don’t want to say goodbye but you bid them farewell with a full heart and wonder to your shelf for the next adventure 🥰📕
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