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The Baby in Her Arms
Not yet published
Expected 28 Sep 26On a hot and dusty Parisian street, two brave women risk everything for a tiny, dark-haired baby…
Paris, 1943: From the far side of the cobbled street Sadie locks eyes with a thin woman wearing a yellow star and clutching a newborn baby. Her eyes carry a pleading message that Sadie cannot ignore. As the woman is hustled onto a bus by cold-eyed soldiers, she calls out a desperate appeal.
Moments later, Sadie hears the tiny cry. Scooping the abandoned baby under her jacket, she runs to where she La Maison Bleue. A place of glittering chandeliers and velvet armchairs, beloved by the German soldiers. A dangerous place for a young girl to hide a Jewish child.
Sadie vows she will reunite the baby with her mother. She walks the streets of Paris until one day, in an old airless department store, she sees a familiar pair of sad, dark eyes… Each time Sadie visits the baby’s mother she takes a terrible chance. There is joy as she whispers of the little girl’s gummy smiles but also a chilling sense of fear. Paris is crumbling and the enemy soldiers are more ruthless than ever. Sadie ignores the warnings, as she weaves through the cobbled streets with the pram. But is her desperation to keep the connection between mother and child putting them all into the soldiers’ sights?
A completely haunting and heart-breaking read about the bravest of all mothers and the terrible sacrifices made as the streets of Paris crawled with enemy soldiers. Fans of The Nightingale, The Midwife of Auschwitz and The Alice Network will be swept away by The Baby in her Arms.
What everyone is saying about Suzanne
‘I just couldn't put this one down. I loved every page, and I went through an entire box of tissues before I was done. You will keep turning the pages until the very end because you just won't be able to put it down at all.’ Crossroad Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow! Where do I even begin? I was captivated from the very first page right up until the very last… So easy to get swept up into the story and lose yourself completely within the pages. Captivating, compelling and heart-breaking… Absolutely brilliant.’ Confessions of a Bookaholic, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could not put this book down, and heaven help anyone that tried to disturb my reading!! I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I cheered… what a fantastic read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful… I felt sad once I’d finished this book as I enjoyed it so much. I wish I could give it more stars.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow what a book. I am still sat thinking about this book even though I finished it a few days ago. I cannot write a review to do this book justice. I was hooked from the first page.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heartbreaking… Tear-jerking… Unputdownable book and really touching… Five stars!’ Tropical Girl Reads Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paris, 1943: From the far side of the cobbled street Sadie locks eyes with a thin woman wearing a yellow star and clutching a newborn baby. Her eyes carry a pleading message that Sadie cannot ignore. As the woman is hustled onto a bus by cold-eyed soldiers, she calls out a desperate appeal.
Moments later, Sadie hears the tiny cry. Scooping the abandoned baby under her jacket, she runs to where she La Maison Bleue. A place of glittering chandeliers and velvet armchairs, beloved by the German soldiers. A dangerous place for a young girl to hide a Jewish child.
Sadie vows she will reunite the baby with her mother. She walks the streets of Paris until one day, in an old airless department store, she sees a familiar pair of sad, dark eyes… Each time Sadie visits the baby’s mother she takes a terrible chance. There is joy as she whispers of the little girl’s gummy smiles but also a chilling sense of fear. Paris is crumbling and the enemy soldiers are more ruthless than ever. Sadie ignores the warnings, as she weaves through the cobbled streets with the pram. But is her desperation to keep the connection between mother and child putting them all into the soldiers’ sights?
A completely haunting and heart-breaking read about the bravest of all mothers and the terrible sacrifices made as the streets of Paris crawled with enemy soldiers. Fans of The Nightingale, The Midwife of Auschwitz and The Alice Network will be swept away by The Baby in her Arms.
What everyone is saying about Suzanne
‘I just couldn't put this one down. I loved every page, and I went through an entire box of tissues before I was done. You will keep turning the pages until the very end because you just won't be able to put it down at all.’ Crossroad Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow! Where do I even begin? I was captivated from the very first page right up until the very last… So easy to get swept up into the story and lose yourself completely within the pages. Captivating, compelling and heart-breaking… Absolutely brilliant.’ Confessions of a Bookaholic, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could not put this book down, and heaven help anyone that tried to disturb my reading!! I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I cheered… what a fantastic read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful… I felt sad once I’d finished this book as I enjoyed it so much. I wish I could give it more stars.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow what a book. I am still sat thinking about this book even though I finished it a few days ago. I cannot write a review to do this book justice. I was hooked from the first page.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heartbreaking… Tear-jerking… Unputdownable book and really touching… Five stars!’ Tropical Girl Reads Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresHistorical Fiction
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 28, 2026
About the author
Suzanne Goldring
20 books186 followersFollowing an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specializing in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. She writes in a thatched cottage in Hampshire and a cottage by the sea in North Cornwall.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you are looking for a book with unconditional love, a mother's love, tough choices . And multigeneration look no further. This book made me rage , cry and think. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
September 11, 2026
Paris, France, 1942. Sadie Toissant is on her way to work when she notices French police forcing Jewish people from their homes, she locks eyes with a scared woman and she’s holding a newborn baby to her chest. Her eyes carry a pleading message, after the bus leaves Sadie waits and searches the area and hears a weak cry. Sadie saves the baby and runs to La Maison Bleu, a brothel where she works.
Irene Spanier feels heartbroken for abandoning her baby Rachel, after she spends days locked up in The Vélodrome d'Hiver and Irene knows she wouldn't have survived. Irene is one of the lucky ones taken to work in a department store selling goods stolen from Jewish people, Sadie discovers she’s here and gives her updates on her daughter.
Hampshire, England, 2024. Ellen Lawrence was raised by her loving parents Major and Maggie Johnson and they told her she was adopted. Ellen and her granddaughter Fleur, travel to Paris to discover why it happened when she was two years old, and nothing could prepare them for the truth.
I received a copy of The Baby in Her Arms by Suzanne Goldring from NetGalley and Bookouture for an unbiased review. Sadie and other ladies of the night were involved in the resistance, most considered them to be traitors and it’s not the case at all.
For two years Sadie, Lulu and Kika and the women at La Maison Bleu hid and cared for baby Hélène. Towards the end of the war France was a disaster, the Germans had taken all the food, everyone was starving and Sadie had no idea if Irene had survived and she had to make a heartbreaking choice and do what she thought was best.
A narrative about desperation, sacrifice, courage, protection, love and as we know mothers will do anything for their children and in this case the baby had three. Not an easy read, I felt sorry for everyone involved, war is a terrible and four and a half stars.
Irene Spanier feels heartbroken for abandoning her baby Rachel, after she spends days locked up in The Vélodrome d'Hiver and Irene knows she wouldn't have survived. Irene is one of the lucky ones taken to work in a department store selling goods stolen from Jewish people, Sadie discovers she’s here and gives her updates on her daughter.
Hampshire, England, 2024. Ellen Lawrence was raised by her loving parents Major and Maggie Johnson and they told her she was adopted. Ellen and her granddaughter Fleur, travel to Paris to discover why it happened when she was two years old, and nothing could prepare them for the truth.
I received a copy of The Baby in Her Arms by Suzanne Goldring from NetGalley and Bookouture for an unbiased review. Sadie and other ladies of the night were involved in the resistance, most considered them to be traitors and it’s not the case at all.
For two years Sadie, Lulu and Kika and the women at La Maison Bleu hid and cared for baby Hélène. Towards the end of the war France was a disaster, the Germans had taken all the food, everyone was starving and Sadie had no idea if Irene had survived and she had to make a heartbreaking choice and do what she thought was best.
A narrative about desperation, sacrifice, courage, protection, love and as we know mothers will do anything for their children and in this case the baby had three. Not an easy read, I felt sorry for everyone involved, war is a terrible and four and a half stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Baby In Her Arms by Suzanne Goldring is a powerful and heartbreaking dual timeline novel that I never wanted to end.
The action is set in Paris during World War II and in 2024 in England. Nazi-occupied Paris was a terrible place to be. We witness a young Jewish mother make the ultimate sacrifice – leaving her newborn baby at the mercy of a stranger finding and caring for her, during a random round-up. We see the appalling treatment and are horrified. In contrast, we applaud the mother’s decision based on sacrificial love, to give her baby a chance of life.
There are strong women throughout the novel. They are prepared to stand up and be counted. Where they see injustice, they seek to right it. They do what they can, when they can, in whatever way they can.
Letters thrown from trains departing eastwards are found and delivered if they have addresses, or ultimately published in the hope that someone will read the letters from the lost.
A grandmother in present day is searching for her roots. She wants to know where she came from – and what she uncovers is amazing. Finally, the jigsaw pieces fit, and she can celebrate where she comes from, and who she is.
This is a powerful tale of strong women who love sacrificially and who love well. Family first. Self, second. It must be read in memory of the six million innocents who died, and of those who survived.
I received a free copy from the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in Paris during World War II and in 2024 in England. Nazi-occupied Paris was a terrible place to be. We witness a young Jewish mother make the ultimate sacrifice – leaving her newborn baby at the mercy of a stranger finding and caring for her, during a random round-up. We see the appalling treatment and are horrified. In contrast, we applaud the mother’s decision based on sacrificial love, to give her baby a chance of life.
There are strong women throughout the novel. They are prepared to stand up and be counted. Where they see injustice, they seek to right it. They do what they can, when they can, in whatever way they can.
Letters thrown from trains departing eastwards are found and delivered if they have addresses, or ultimately published in the hope that someone will read the letters from the lost.
A grandmother in present day is searching for her roots. She wants to know where she came from – and what she uncovers is amazing. Finally, the jigsaw pieces fit, and she can celebrate where she comes from, and who she is.
This is a powerful tale of strong women who love sacrificially and who love well. Family first. Self, second. It must be read in memory of the six million innocents who died, and of those who survived.
I received a free copy from the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review is not required. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2026
Review of advance copy from NetGalley.
As Sadie watches a round-up of people from the Jewish community by German soldiers, a young woman catches her eye. Irene tries to communicate to Sadie that she wants her to look after her baby that she’s trying to keep hidden under her coat.
It’s 1943, and the Germans have occupied Paris. When Sadie realises that Irene has abandoned her baby, she saves her and takes her to her workplace - La Maison Bleue - a brothel. Determined to save the baby, Sadie does all she can to look after the baby.
With Irene eventually back in the area working for the Germans, Sadie manages to keep her up to date with how her child is getting on. With liberation coming closer, the Germans move all the workers away. Can she ever be reunited with her child?
It’s now 2024, and Ellen Lawrence has had a good life, she lives in her parents’ family home in Hampshire with her daughter. Ellen knew she was adopted, but decides to go to Paris with her granddaughter, Fleur, to see if they can find out more about her childhood and family.
This dual timeline story was emotional and tough to read. It’s a story of sacrifice, bravery, courage and perseverance.
My heart went out to the characters, they all knuckled down to get through the most horrendous time, and did whatever had to be done - no matter what the cost. They stuck together and made sure they had each other’s backs.
As Sadie watches a round-up of people from the Jewish community by German soldiers, a young woman catches her eye. Irene tries to communicate to Sadie that she wants her to look after her baby that she’s trying to keep hidden under her coat.
It’s 1943, and the Germans have occupied Paris. When Sadie realises that Irene has abandoned her baby, she saves her and takes her to her workplace - La Maison Bleue - a brothel. Determined to save the baby, Sadie does all she can to look after the baby.
With Irene eventually back in the area working for the Germans, Sadie manages to keep her up to date with how her child is getting on. With liberation coming closer, the Germans move all the workers away. Can she ever be reunited with her child?
It’s now 2024, and Ellen Lawrence has had a good life, she lives in her parents’ family home in Hampshire with her daughter. Ellen knew she was adopted, but decides to go to Paris with her granddaughter, Fleur, to see if they can find out more about her childhood and family.
This dual timeline story was emotional and tough to read. It’s a story of sacrifice, bravery, courage and perseverance.
My heart went out to the characters, they all knuckled down to get through the most horrendous time, and did whatever had to be done - no matter what the cost. They stuck together and made sure they had each other’s backs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow I loved this story, it was so heartbreaking and sad. It was so well written. It’s the story of Irene a young Jewish mother who hides her newborn baby when she is taken by the Nazis. Sadie finds the baby and looks after her until she is adopted at 3 years of age. Follow these two brave ladies lives as they fight for survival during WWII. It’s a dual timeline story so we are also following baby Rachel once she has grown and is trying to discover where she came from. This book really points out how hard life was during the war and what people had to do to survive. It’s very sad but is also peppered with bravery, hope and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend. Perfect for WWII fiction fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 28 September 2026.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 28 September 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Baby in Her Arms
By: Suzanne Goldring
Pub Date: Sept 28, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
I cannot imagine giving up your baby, but in this novel a brave mother hands her baby to another lady knowing she will be have a better life as she is being boarding on a bus with other Jewish people in 1943, in Paris. Sadie is the lady who is entrusted by the mother, and she knows she has to find her a safe place.
The baby ends up in La Maison Bleue, which is frequented by soldiers, so the baby’s origin must be kept a secret. Sadie wants to make sure the baby will be eventually reunited with her mother, but as the war happens things happen which bring them further apart.
This story is haunting, enlightening and had me praying for the mother, child and so many others. This had me in tears, but worth reading and was able to find out how their story would end. Goldring descriptions, and storyline had me so invested and rooting for the characters.
By: Suzanne Goldring
Pub Date: Sept 28, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
I cannot imagine giving up your baby, but in this novel a brave mother hands her baby to another lady knowing she will be have a better life as she is being boarding on a bus with other Jewish people in 1943, in Paris. Sadie is the lady who is entrusted by the mother, and she knows she has to find her a safe place.
The baby ends up in La Maison Bleue, which is frequented by soldiers, so the baby’s origin must be kept a secret. Sadie wants to make sure the baby will be eventually reunited with her mother, but as the war happens things happen which bring them further apart.
This story is haunting, enlightening and had me praying for the mother, child and so many others. This had me in tears, but worth reading and was able to find out how their story would end. Goldring descriptions, and storyline had me so invested and rooting for the characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adored ‘The Baby in her Arms’! It’s a heartbreaking story of a mother’s love and a stranger’s care. Suzanne Goldring presents with great compassion and understanding the terrible dilemma of a Jewish woman in World War Two trying to keep her newborn baby safe. There were so many occasions as I read this gripping novel, that I asked myself ‘what would I do?’ – always the sign of an all-consuming story. Suzanne’s characterisation is superb and I was completely engaged with Sadie, Irene, Ellen and Fleur. In interspersing ‘Letters from the Lost,’ messages to family members from those being transported, Suzanne reminds us of the thousands of others who suffered during the war, adding an additional poignancy to an already powerful and emotional novel. I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Read
August 10, 2026I very much enjoy reading historical fiction and learning about places and events in history, however, in this book there were topics and professions covered that I would rather not have read about in such detail. Had I known beforehand I would not have chosen to read this book. That being said, there were some things I did like about this book. First I liked that it switched between 3 POVs and felt that the pacing was well done as the story unfolded. Similar to the Nightingale it contained POV during ww2 as well as a POV of the child in "present day" 2024. I also ended up researching some into the history of the Levitan department store and learning about how it was used as a forced labor camp. It is truly horrifying the more one learns of the lengths the Nazis went to.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Baby in Her Arms by Suzanne Goldring is an emotional, gripping read that pulled me in right away. The story is packed with secrets, tough choices, and twists that kept me guessing about what would happen next. I really liked the characters and how their stories came together, and there were lots of moments that made me want to keep turning the pages. It’s a suspenseful, heartfelt story with a great mix of mystery and emotion.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#Bookouture #TheBabyinherarms #Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#Bookouture #TheBabyinherarms #Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow what a journey this book was, filled with emotive highs and lows. I was absolutely rooting for the main characters and was completely invested in their stories. The multiple POV and timeline were perfect for keeping interest in if they’ll connect and what happens to each. I actually think this could’ve been longer, in some places I wanted more, more detail, more story, just more as I was never bored with any of the chapters, and I felt the ending left me with some unknowns so would’ve loved a little more here too.
4.5⭐️ rounded up
4.5⭐️ rounded up
August 7, 2026
ARC Review
4 Stars
Summary:
The Baby In Her Arms is a dual timeline story that takes place during WWII. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of Irene, a young Jewish mother sacrificing her desire to raise her baby in order to save her, and Sadie who steps in to care for the child.
This a beautiful story that shows both the love and sacrifice of motherhood, as well as the hardship endured in WWII.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
4 Stars
Summary:
The Baby In Her Arms is a dual timeline story that takes place during WWII. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of Irene, a young Jewish mother sacrificing her desire to raise her baby in order to save her, and Sadie who steps in to care for the child.
This a beautiful story that shows both the love and sacrifice of motherhood, as well as the hardship endured in WWII.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another heart-warming, immensely engaging wartime tale from Suzanne Goldring. Told through three characters' viewpoints, in different timelines. I was fascinated by a storyline that took me from the present day, and an elderly woman trying to find her family she never knew, back to the dark days of the war, where a young mother is forced to make a terrible decision that will have ramifications long into the future. Great stuff!
July 31, 2026
I enjoyed this book, the dual timelines were excellently written and both storylines were so moving.
However, it did feel a bit rushed in places and I would have loved more detail in so many parts of it. It felt like a lot of momentous points were skipped over. I wanted more!!
Overall it was a good read, I just wanted more of it.
4 stars out of 5 ⭐️
However, it did feel a bit rushed in places and I would have loved more detail in so many parts of it. It felt like a lot of momentous points were skipped over. I wanted more!!
Overall it was a good read, I just wanted more of it.
4 stars out of 5 ⭐️
September 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before release.
As with any book about World War Two it always pulls at the heart, this book had that but for all
The other reasons on how life can be protected during such the hardest of times for people. I was so pleased the way book ended
As with any book about World War Two it always pulls at the heart, this book had that but for all
The other reasons on how life can be protected during such the hardest of times for people. I was so pleased the way book ended
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review to follow for ARC Book Tour on September 29
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews