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Once Upon a Time
As World War two rages on, two orphaned children meet under the most tragic of circumstances. Together they struggle to survive while hiding from those who seek to destroy them.
A widower with a kind heart rescues them during a snowstorm, and takes them in, and a new life begins.
But it's wartime, and nowhere is truly safe, when danger lurks around every corner.
A widower with a kind heart rescues them during a snowstorm, and takes them in, and a new life begins.
But it's wartime, and nowhere is truly safe, when danger lurks around every corner.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2025
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 2, 2026
This is a great story about two young teenage orphans hiding from the German soldiers in occupied France. They are taken in by a forester who works with the French Resistance and come to learn how much these people helped to turn the tide of the war in France.
Excellent.
Excellent.
November 1, 2025
Shem and Madeleine, orphans of the storm of Nazism sweeping across Europe. He's a Roma boy, hidden in the forest to escape the massacre of his community, while she's the survivor of a similar massacre of those found sheltering Jews.
Brought together by circumstances, and seeking shelter from the winter weather, they're taken in by Jean-Paul, a member of the Resistance. The story develops against the by-now-familiar background of Nazi occupation and all that goes with it; deprivation and hunger, the rounding-up and extermination of certain social groups, families split up due to death, or the desire of parents for their children to be saved. There’s the resistance of locals living with the fear of discovery, arrest and execution for helping, while those they’ve managed to evade arrest are seen making hazardous train journeys, during which they could be questioned and discovered, or the horrendous and physically-taxing hike across the Pyrenees to reach neutral Spain. The threat to local communities—of occupying soldiers thinking they can do exactly what they want with the local women, and the consequences for all concerned—cannot be forgotten. There’s so much more, while all is shot through with emotion, usually that of fear, and the underlying eternal question: when will it all end? The end of the war is covered, and while it’s good to have it done with it’s by no means a happy ending for everybody. The survivors pick up the pieces, and life goes.
Author Beverley Latimer handles her cast of characters and their situation well, in a page-turning tale. Overall a compelling story to which I’ll award five stars.
Brought together by circumstances, and seeking shelter from the winter weather, they're taken in by Jean-Paul, a member of the Resistance. The story develops against the by-now-familiar background of Nazi occupation and all that goes with it; deprivation and hunger, the rounding-up and extermination of certain social groups, families split up due to death, or the desire of parents for their children to be saved. There’s the resistance of locals living with the fear of discovery, arrest and execution for helping, while those they’ve managed to evade arrest are seen making hazardous train journeys, during which they could be questioned and discovered, or the horrendous and physically-taxing hike across the Pyrenees to reach neutral Spain. The threat to local communities—of occupying soldiers thinking they can do exactly what they want with the local women, and the consequences for all concerned—cannot be forgotten. There’s so much more, while all is shot through with emotion, usually that of fear, and the underlying eternal question: when will it all end? The end of the war is covered, and while it’s good to have it done with it’s by no means a happy ending for everybody. The survivors pick up the pieces, and life goes.
Author Beverley Latimer handles her cast of characters and their situation well, in a page-turning tale. Overall a compelling story to which I’ll award five stars.
September 29, 2025
Set during World War Two, in France, we follow the tales of Shem, a Roma boy, and Madeleine, who both have lost their families to the brutality of the invading Nazis. To survive, they form a bond, but even that is not enough, and a kindly man helps them out. Around them, the Nazi occupation of France, the rounding up of jews and other ‘undesirables’, and the constant fear of arrest for being part of the resistance. It is a nicely told tale that spans the war years until liberation in 1945, and in between all the tragedy that occurs. No spoilers. The book has its fair share of triumph and tragedy and is a pertinent reminder of how inhumanity can be countered by humility, charity and compassion. I enjoyed the book tremendously.
October 4, 2025
A Harrowing and Heart-wrenching Story
Author Beverley Latimer’s plain-spoken narrative is the driving force behind ‘Once Upon a Time,’ a Historical Romance which captures the realism of those targeted by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Latimer’s characters pulsate with life: the orphaned Madeleine and Shem; Marcel and Monique of the French Resistance; Jean-Paul, Yvette and Maurice, Henri and Marie-Claire—individuals who aided and abetted Jewish fugitives. And, many more who breathed life into this harrowing and heart-wrenching story.
Through reader anxiety over the fate of these life-like characters, the story counters the brutality of the times with the bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice of those who stepped up to save the Jewish, Romani, and mentally challenged.
A story fraught with danger and uncertainty, ‘Once Upon a Time,’ is a must read for its sensitive portrayal of darkness.
Author Beverley Latimer’s plain-spoken narrative is the driving force behind ‘Once Upon a Time,’ a Historical Romance which captures the realism of those targeted by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Latimer’s characters pulsate with life: the orphaned Madeleine and Shem; Marcel and Monique of the French Resistance; Jean-Paul, Yvette and Maurice, Henri and Marie-Claire—individuals who aided and abetted Jewish fugitives. And, many more who breathed life into this harrowing and heart-wrenching story.
Through reader anxiety over the fate of these life-like characters, the story counters the brutality of the times with the bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice of those who stepped up to save the Jewish, Romani, and mentally challenged.
A story fraught with danger and uncertainty, ‘Once Upon a Time,’ is a must read for its sensitive portrayal of darkness.
October 15, 2025
Right from the first page you are gripped by some shocking and harrowing events. Shem’s papa and grandpapa and the rest of his community are killed. Their crime is that they were simply Roma and Shem only survives as his Papa had the savvy and fortitude to hide his son in the forest beforehand. Grieving for his family and with all hope loss by pure chance he encounters the young Madeleine whose parents have also be killed. Their crime: protecting Jews from the Nazis. Hiding in the forest they soon develop a bond that proves unshakeable but as winter approaches they seek the warmth of a barn where the kindly Jean Paul offers to take them in and the three of them soon become a family. Over the years the love they have for each other trumps any adversity that comes their way but some dangers may prove too much. Even though the story was set in a time where the world was a very dark and inhumane place this book also showed the best that humanity can offer via love, patience, understanding and courage. I was intrigued by the details regarding the French Resistance during the Second World War and was awe struck by their sacrifices to save as much people as possible. The book was very much a pertinent reminder of the fight against fascism and also grimly highlights what could happen considering today’s political climate. Thy writing itself was engaging and well paced. It kept me invested throughout an I read the last half of the book in one day. I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 11, 2025
A beautiful story!
Brought together under heartrending conditions, Shem, a young boy from the Roma community and a young girl, Madalaine, seek shelter in the woods and must form a pack to stay safe from the German army. As winter is upon them and danger all around, they are taken in by Jean-Paul, a kind-hearted French farmer whom they come to love as an uncle.
The story tells of the invasion of France and how the French Resistance would stop at nothing to help people reach safety.
Once Upon a Time by Beverley Latimer is a heartbreaking story, as it takes us through all the harsh realities of war. Still, it’s also heartwarming, as we witness the love between the two young main characters as they bond from a young age, then into something beautiful as they grow into young adults.
A well-written and engaging story that I highly recommend.
Brought together under heartrending conditions, Shem, a young boy from the Roma community and a young girl, Madalaine, seek shelter in the woods and must form a pack to stay safe from the German army. As winter is upon them and danger all around, they are taken in by Jean-Paul, a kind-hearted French farmer whom they come to love as an uncle.
The story tells of the invasion of France and how the French Resistance would stop at nothing to help people reach safety.
Once Upon a Time by Beverley Latimer is a heartbreaking story, as it takes us through all the harsh realities of war. Still, it’s also heartwarming, as we witness the love between the two young main characters as they bond from a young age, then into something beautiful as they grow into young adults.
A well-written and engaging story that I highly recommend.
October 17, 2025
This is a heartwarming story set during World War Two in France. Two orphaned children, Shem and Madeleine, have both lost their families through the brutality of the invading Nazis. Shem, because his family was Roma travellers, and Madeleine, because her parents sheltered Jews. Traumatised by their horrific experiences, the youngsters are drawn together and hide in the woods from the German army. As the weather worsens, they are forced to seek shelter and are fortunate when a kindly widower takes them in during a snowstorm. However, it is wartime and nowhere is truly safe, and their troubles are far from over. This is an engaging story which highlights the harsh realities of war, whilst incorporating the incredible bravery, compassion and kindness of strangers. I enjoyed the book enormously.
November 1, 2025
How can a story be both tragic and beautiful at the same time? Well, that’s exactly what Once Upon a Time by Author Beverley Latimer is. It’s the beautiful story about a Roma boy named Shem and a Jewish girl named Madelaine who find each other out of the tragic loss of each of their families. The young teens bond as would a brother and sister to survive in German-occupied France during the Second World War.
Against all odds, they do survive in the wilderness and the harsh winter cold and eventually find stability through the generosity of a kind-hearted man who takes them in and shelters them from the Germans.
As they grow, Shem and Madeleine evolve from a sibling relationship to something much deeper and more enduring.
This story is truly enchanting as a love story with great insight into the tragic times of German-occupied France during the War. The book is a heart-breaking reminder what a megalomaniac political leader can do to destabilize the world if allowed. The lesson is there for all to learn. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it.
Against all odds, they do survive in the wilderness and the harsh winter cold and eventually find stability through the generosity of a kind-hearted man who takes them in and shelters them from the Germans.
As they grow, Shem and Madeleine evolve from a sibling relationship to something much deeper and more enduring.
This story is truly enchanting as a love story with great insight into the tragic times of German-occupied France during the War. The book is a heart-breaking reminder what a megalomaniac political leader can do to destabilize the world if allowed. The lesson is there for all to learn. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it.
September 27, 2025
This book was an incredible read. The story is focused around a boy and a girl in1940s in occupied France, called Shem and Madelaine. People are being rounded up everywhere. A young boy finds shelter in the woods, when word gets out that people are being rounded up and taken away. Shem's father had foresight, knowing what was coming, he built the shelter for Shem for this reason, to keep him safe from the German soldiers. He hides out for a long time, foraging and braving the harsh weather conditions. His father stops visiting at night and this worries Shem. But then, one day, he awakes to screaming. He rises from his shelter and wanders through the woods, until he comes across a scared girl, a year or so younger than him. Shem wins her trust, promises her saftey, and together they hunker down in Shem's shelter. But deep winter turns to harsh snow conditions. They need to find a warmer shelter and after hours of trudging the snow, they happen upon a barn and sleep there for the night. The barn belonged to Jean-Paul, a kind-hearted giant of a man, who allows them to stay in his house and protect them. But the war wages on, the resistance is doing all it can to help people cross the Perenees. Danger lurks at every corner, food is scarce and people in the village begin to flee. Can Jean-Paul continue to protect Shem and Madelaine? What will happen if their real identities are revealed? They have suffered so much and Jean-Paul will try to protect them at any cost. Wonderfully written. I could envisage the scenes as I read on. The characters were wonderful and the story had me hooked from page one. I would love a second book, the story of Shem and Maelaine continued... If I could give this story more stars, I would have! Highly recommend.
September 26, 2025
Beverley Latimer knows how to grab hold of your heart from page one, and Once Upon a Time is no exception. It's a gut-punch of a story—equal parts devastating and hopeful—told through the eyes of two children caught in the chaos of war. Shem, a Roma boy, and Madeleine, a Jewish girl, are both thirteen when the Nazis tear their lives apart. What follows is a journey of survival, resilience, and unexpected connection. With the help of a French farmer, they find each other and cling to what little they have left. What starts as a sibling-like bond deepens into something far more profound as the years pass.
Latimer doesn't flinch from the harsh realities—fear, hunger, cruelty—but she also gives us courage, loyalty, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people. Her portrayal of the French Resistance is compelling, honoring those who risked everything to stand against fascism.
Her prose is sharp and unpretentious, the pacing tight, and the characters unforgettable. Shem and Madeleine feel like real kids—scared, brave, stubborn, and full of heart. Latimer's body of work is already impressive (The Child at the Window, Broken and Forgotten, Esther's Journey, and more), but Once Upon a Time might be her most emotionally resonant yet.
Latimer doesn't flinch from the harsh realities—fear, hunger, cruelty—but she also gives us courage, loyalty, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people. Her portrayal of the French Resistance is compelling, honoring those who risked everything to stand against fascism.
Her prose is sharp and unpretentious, the pacing tight, and the characters unforgettable. Shem and Madeleine feel like real kids—scared, brave, stubborn, and full of heart. Latimer's body of work is already impressive (The Child at the Window, Broken and Forgotten, Esther's Journey, and more), but Once Upon a Time might be her most emotionally resonant yet.
October 13, 2025
This is a beautifully written book about a shameful time in our recent history, where Jews, the Roma people, homosexuals, and people with disabilities, whether physical or mental, were exterminated. The story starts when two children, whose parents have been murdered by the Germans in occupied France, are thrown together. Thirteen-year-old Shem, a rough and ready Roma boy, finds well-bred twelve-year-old Madeleine in the forest after her parents have been shot. He vows to keep her safe, but soon they will not be able to survive life in the forest in winter. They hide in a barn and are found by a kind-hearted bear of a man, Jean-Paul. The story continues, where the reader is confronted by the atrocities committed by Hitler and his Nazis, but set against all this horror is the story of resilience, of found family, of new love and extreme bravery. We follow the Resistance fighters as they risk their own lives to help those who cannot help themselves. It’s brutal, and we rejoice when they win and cry when they lose, but they don’t give up until the liberation of France has been completed. It was lovely to read what happens to the character who survived after the end of the way.
As with all this author’s books, you need your hankies at the ready. Highly recommended.
As with all this author’s books, you need your hankies at the ready. Highly recommended.
November 15, 2025
This tale focuses on two orphaned French children during World War II after the Nazis murdered their parents in 1940. Shem is a 13-year-old Roma boy when the story begins, and he knows how to forage for food in the forest. His father had prepared a hiding place for Shem in the woods in case German soldiers might attack the Roma group of families.
The worst happens, and Shem hides in the forest in a crude shelter his father built. Shortly thereafter, Madeleine, whose father runs a tailoring shop, is shot dead along with his wife for sheltering Jews. But Madeleine survives and escapes into the forest. A year younger than Shem, she encounters him, and they join forces. Their story of survival parallels the struggles of the French Resistance as they fight the Nazis who occupy France.
This book is an excellent fictional account of how ordinary people become extraordinary during their efforts to survive and remain free. Readers may well compare the dark years of World War II France with today's world, where terrible conflicts rage and democracy is under threat. I highly recommend "Once Upon A Time," a great story that's not only addictive and entertaining, but is also thought-provoking.
The worst happens, and Shem hides in the forest in a crude shelter his father built. Shortly thereafter, Madeleine, whose father runs a tailoring shop, is shot dead along with his wife for sheltering Jews. But Madeleine survives and escapes into the forest. A year younger than Shem, she encounters him, and they join forces. Their story of survival parallels the struggles of the French Resistance as they fight the Nazis who occupy France.
This book is an excellent fictional account of how ordinary people become extraordinary during their efforts to survive and remain free. Readers may well compare the dark years of World War II France with today's world, where terrible conflicts rage and democracy is under threat. I highly recommend "Once Upon A Time," a great story that's not only addictive and entertaining, but is also thought-provoking.
October 14, 2025
An affecting story of love and loss
This book is a timely reminder of the consequences of hate-driven conflict on a large scale, told through the intimate lens of a found-family narrative that personalises the repercussions. It’s also a reminder of the true extent of the Holocaust, with characters representing three of the major demographics victimised by the Nazi regime – Jews, the Roma, and the disabled. The two orphaned children at the story’s centre are beautifully portrayed, and their saviour, Jean-Paul, is a stand-out character who lends real heart to the tale. Although this is a heartrending story of the suffering caused by an inhumane dictatorship, it also showcases the compassion and bravery of the resistance fighters and ‘ordinary’ people who, at great personal risk, aided and protected the refugees. As the two children grow up, their changing relationship dynamics are nicely handled, and it was good to know what happened to all the main characters after the war ended. A lovely page-turner that I read in no time!
This book is a timely reminder of the consequences of hate-driven conflict on a large scale, told through the intimate lens of a found-family narrative that personalises the repercussions. It’s also a reminder of the true extent of the Holocaust, with characters representing three of the major demographics victimised by the Nazi regime – Jews, the Roma, and the disabled. The two orphaned children at the story’s centre are beautifully portrayed, and their saviour, Jean-Paul, is a stand-out character who lends real heart to the tale. Although this is a heartrending story of the suffering caused by an inhumane dictatorship, it also showcases the compassion and bravery of the resistance fighters and ‘ordinary’ people who, at great personal risk, aided and protected the refugees. As the two children grow up, their changing relationship dynamics are nicely handled, and it was good to know what happened to all the main characters after the war ended. A lovely page-turner that I read in no time!
March 2, 2026
Poignant Saga with Historical Depth
Set in France during the brutal German occupation of WWII, this book takes you through a heartwarming, but nail-biting, journey of two children joined by tragedy. Hidden in the forest by his grandfather, thirteen-year-old Shem is left alone when the Germans cut his Roma community down. Young Madeleine sees her parents and neighbors shot dead for sheltering Jews from German abduction. Together, they fight to survive through the perils and cruelties of war. Taken into the bosom of a group of resistance fighters, they form everlasting bonds with those who have come to their aid. While they risk their lives each day to thwart an evil regime. Vivid worldbuilding woven with captivating historical details brings this devastating period to life. Richly drawn characters bring their virtues, fears, and foibles to bear on your heart. Don’t miss this touching, suspenseful story that will place you firmly within the grasp of a desperate time. Highly recommend!
Set in France during the brutal German occupation of WWII, this book takes you through a heartwarming, but nail-biting, journey of two children joined by tragedy. Hidden in the forest by his grandfather, thirteen-year-old Shem is left alone when the Germans cut his Roma community down. Young Madeleine sees her parents and neighbors shot dead for sheltering Jews from German abduction. Together, they fight to survive through the perils and cruelties of war. Taken into the bosom of a group of resistance fighters, they form everlasting bonds with those who have come to their aid. While they risk their lives each day to thwart an evil regime. Vivid worldbuilding woven with captivating historical details brings this devastating period to life. Richly drawn characters bring their virtues, fears, and foibles to bear on your heart. Don’t miss this touching, suspenseful story that will place you firmly within the grasp of a desperate time. Highly recommend!
October 14, 2025
With this title, the reader may think it is a story of children. And it is. But it isn't.
In the midst of the occupation of France, the horror of war touches everyone, young and old. And two children, although 'saved' by the brave actions of their parents, find themselves alone and battling to survive.
This title also allows for a broader embrace of many stories of strength, loss, great love, and sacrifice as Shem and Madelaine are aided. In this way, their story becomes entwined with many others.
The epilogue was especially sweet and poignant for me.
In the midst of the occupation of France, the horror of war touches everyone, young and old. And two children, although 'saved' by the brave actions of their parents, find themselves alone and battling to survive.
This title also allows for a broader embrace of many stories of strength, loss, great love, and sacrifice as Shem and Madelaine are aided. In this way, their story becomes entwined with many others.
The epilogue was especially sweet and poignant for me.
October 24, 2025
Set in France during the Nazi occupation in WWII, two young orphans find hope and help from a kind forester. Despite the danger, and the constant threat of discovery, these three become a family and bring a heartwarming element to this story. The author also delves into the fierce loyalty of the Resistance fighters, which I have always found fascinating. If you enjoy WWII drama, this is definitely a book you should read.
February 19, 2026
A touching story filled with heart, resilience, and hope. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows two orphaned children forced together by tragic circumstances, and their resilience and bond between the two orphaned children is deeply emotional and beautifully written.
A powerful, unforgettable read for fans of heartfelt historical fiction.
A powerful, unforgettable read for fans of heartfelt historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews