What do you think?
Rate this book
The Orphan's Secret
England, 1940: A tear-jerking wartime tale of an orphaned baby who needs a home, and the woman who risks everything to provide it. Fans of Before We Were Yours , Wives of War and Diney Costeloe will be utterly swept away by this heartbreaking – yet beautifully hopeful – World War Two page-turner.
With the war raging, Lily has learned not to take life for granted. In a time of such tragedy, every day is a gift. Her husband is a soldier, fighting to save their country, and she prays that she will survive – to one day welcome him home.
One sweltering July night, bombs rain down. Lily and her dear friend Ethel , who is nine months pregnant, seek refuge in a shelter. Miraculously, a baby girl is born to the sound of ear-splitting shrieks and explosions in the distance. Once the raid quietens, Lily races into the house to find the newborn a blanket. But then the unthinkable happens, planes thundering right over the rooftops…
When Lily rouses, finding herself amongst broken glass and crumbled brick, she is devastated to discover that Ethel has been killed – leaving little Joy behind. With tears rolling down her face, Lily makes a split-second decision.
To save the orphaned child, Lily must tell a heartbreaking lie, a secret that she holds close to her chest for years. But when the truth comes out, whose lives will be destroyed? And will she ever be forgiven?
Readers absolutely love Shirley
‘I was gripped from the very first page … It was heartbreaking … I smiled through these happy times with them but also shed tears … I could not put it down… Will undoubtedly pull at your heartstrings . Just make sure you have a box of tissues ready! ’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Absolutely fabulous … Had me hooked from the very first page… Took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and had me in tears .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I absolutely loved it! … An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and loss amidst the horror of war... Will tug at your heartstrings … Will have you reaching for the tissues … Wonderful .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautiful story! Had me in tears from the very beginning . I couldn’t put this one down .’ A Book With Review , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Outstanding … I absolutely loved this superb page-turner .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Make sure you have tissues handy … The story is heartbreaking … Worthy of 5* and more .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Promises to keep you turning the pages as your heart attempts not to break . A book you will lose yourself in! ’ All the Good Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A gorgeous character-driven, coming-of-age story about family bonds, love, and hardships of war. Exceptionally beautiful! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautifully written coming-of-age story… I didn’t want to put down … Tugs at your heartstrings .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the war raging, Lily has learned not to take life for granted. In a time of such tragedy, every day is a gift. Her husband is a soldier, fighting to save their country, and she prays that she will survive – to one day welcome him home.
One sweltering July night, bombs rain down. Lily and her dear friend Ethel , who is nine months pregnant, seek refuge in a shelter. Miraculously, a baby girl is born to the sound of ear-splitting shrieks and explosions in the distance. Once the raid quietens, Lily races into the house to find the newborn a blanket. But then the unthinkable happens, planes thundering right over the rooftops…
When Lily rouses, finding herself amongst broken glass and crumbled brick, she is devastated to discover that Ethel has been killed – leaving little Joy behind. With tears rolling down her face, Lily makes a split-second decision.
To save the orphaned child, Lily must tell a heartbreaking lie, a secret that she holds close to her chest for years. But when the truth comes out, whose lives will be destroyed? And will she ever be forgiven?
Readers absolutely love Shirley
‘I was gripped from the very first page … It was heartbreaking … I smiled through these happy times with them but also shed tears … I could not put it down… Will undoubtedly pull at your heartstrings . Just make sure you have a box of tissues ready! ’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Absolutely fabulous … Had me hooked from the very first page… Took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and had me in tears .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I absolutely loved it! … An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and loss amidst the horror of war... Will tug at your heartstrings … Will have you reaching for the tissues … Wonderful .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautiful story! Had me in tears from the very beginning . I couldn’t put this one down .’ A Book With Review , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Outstanding … I absolutely loved this superb page-turner .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Make sure you have tissues handy … The story is heartbreaking … Worthy of 5* and more .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Promises to keep you turning the pages as your heart attempts not to break . A book you will lose yourself in! ’ All the Good Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A gorgeous character-driven, coming-of-age story about family bonds, love, and hardships of war. Exceptionally beautiful! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautifully written coming-of-age story… I didn’t want to put down … Tugs at your heartstrings .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2021
983 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Dickson
6 books206 followersShirley Dickson is the author of The Orphan Sisters, her debut novel.
She lives under the big skies of Northumberland with her husband, family and lucky black cat.
She wrote her first short story at the age of ten for a childrens' magazine competition. She didn't win but was hooked on writing for a lifetime.
For many years she wrote poetry and short stories and got many rejection slips.
Shirley decided to get serious about writing novels when she retired.
She signed with Bookouture in 2018 for a two-book deal. She has written two stirring World war two historical novels.
Shirley says she is a prime example of 'never give up on your dream.'
Follow Shirley on her Facebook 'Shirley Dickson Author' page.
She lives under the big skies of Northumberland with her husband, family and lucky black cat.
She wrote her first short story at the age of ten for a childrens' magazine competition. She didn't win but was hooked on writing for a lifetime.
For many years she wrote poetry and short stories and got many rejection slips.
Shirley decided to get serious about writing novels when she retired.
She signed with Bookouture in 2018 for a two-book deal. She has written two stirring World war two historical novels.
Shirley says she is a prime example of 'never give up on your dream.'
Follow Shirley on her Facebook 'Shirley Dickson Author' page.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 8, 2021
Lily still lived at home with her parents but had met John while working at the cinema. John and she had become close and when John knew he was to be deployed, he proposed to Lily. Her delight and John’s, along with Lily’s parents agreeance saw the couple be married a few days later, before John left to join in the war effort. It was 1941 and Lily was devastated to see John go, but knew they’d keep in touch by letter.
When Lily decided to join the Women’s Land Army and become a land girl, she worked with timber in Scotland. The women were all billeted together, and meeting Ethel and Bella saw Lily form deep friendships with the women. With both Lily and Ethel pregnant, they left the Land Army and travelled by train back to Lily’s home where Ethel, with no other family as she was an orphan, stayed with Lily for company while John was away. But the German bombers were still dropping their loads and spending time in the shelter became the norm. It was when Ethel was in labour that tragedy struck and Lily was left, distraught and unsure what to do for the best…
The Orphan’s Secret is another heartbreaking historical novel by Shirley Dickson which I thoroughly enjoyed. Be aware though that the blurb is VERY misleading. Lily was an excellent MC; a warm and caring young woman with her Mam and Dad, plus three brothers, one younger than her. I enjoyed the depth of the story which spanned from 1941 to 1953, and how much lives changed through the war years and afterwards. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Lily decided to join the Women’s Land Army and become a land girl, she worked with timber in Scotland. The women were all billeted together, and meeting Ethel and Bella saw Lily form deep friendships with the women. With both Lily and Ethel pregnant, they left the Land Army and travelled by train back to Lily’s home where Ethel, with no other family as she was an orphan, stayed with Lily for company while John was away. But the German bombers were still dropping their loads and spending time in the shelter became the norm. It was when Ethel was in labour that tragedy struck and Lily was left, distraught and unsure what to do for the best…
The Orphan’s Secret is another heartbreaking historical novel by Shirley Dickson which I thoroughly enjoyed. Be aware though that the blurb is VERY misleading. Lily was an excellent MC; a warm and caring young woman with her Mam and Dad, plus three brothers, one younger than her. I enjoyed the depth of the story which spanned from 1941 to 1953, and how much lives changed through the war years and afterwards. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2021
I've just finished this book and I'm so emotional and speechless.
This book is so heartbreaking but also heartwarming story.
Stories about LOVE. First love, marriage, friends, families, mothers and children, fathers and children.
Author wrote and developed story very well. I got into the book's world so deep. I felt each character's life and thought.
This book is in my top 5 book that I will not forget.
This book is so heartbreaking but also heartwarming story.
Stories about LOVE. First love, marriage, friends, families, mothers and children, fathers and children.
Author wrote and developed story very well. I got into the book's world so deep. I felt each character's life and thought.
This book is in my top 5 book that I will not forget.
November 12, 2021
“An orphaned baby who needs a home, and the woman who risks everything to provide it”
I have read several WWII novels recently and whilst all have had very unique and enjoyable storylines, from this book I was hoping for something individual and inspiring – and boy did it come through on all fronts – including the hammering a pack of travel tissues has taken, which I keep on my desk for just such emotional reads!
This was another of those stories where the main theatre and focus of events, was life on the home front for those left behind when the troops had gone off to war, although there were one or two flashes and snippets about life and conditions on the frontline too. Women stepped up to take on some of the roles which had traditionally been filled by their male counterparts, often taking them way outside of their comfort zones both physically and emotionally. However, surprising even themselves, it was amazing just how quickly they manged to adapt to the changes, taking things in their stride and making a remarkably good job of it all.
I was taken on a journey which lasted some fourteen years, from just after the outbreak of war, right up until 1954, and boy, was it one heck of an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. The skill and consummate ease with which Shirley was able to add in subtle twists and turns to the storyline, was just a joy, even though each one left me more wrecked and tearful than the last, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in my need to know what happened next.
An extremely well-structured, multi-layered, poignant and wonderfully textured storyline. Totally immersive and rich in atmosphere, often intense and emotional, but with some genuinely intuitive and unscheduled lighter moments of touching compassion and compelling humour. Despite the fact that I couldn’t escape the obvious horrors of wartime shortages and enemy bombing raids; from the industrial mining and shipyards of South Shields, to the relative serenity of the Scottish Highlands, the assured observational and highly descriptive narrative, blended with some excellent conversational and honest emotional dialogue, to offer a genuine sense of time and place, which had great depth of vision, making it a seamlessly inclusive experience for me, as a casual observer.
Lily, like so many other young wartime women, is way ahead of her time and strives to realise her dream of independence and individuality, capitalising on the opportunities the war effort has thrown her way. Ultimately though she is forced to make the life-changing decision of whether to pursue the path she has chosen, or if, after all, blood is thicker than water. Having made that decision and at peace with herself, she then faces her biggest challenge yet. Which path will she now choose, when truth, openness and honesty set her on a collision course with her own inner emotions and longings. There are no guarantees, as either decision might have damaging and irrevocable consequences, even though her actions will always be taken with the best of intentions.
Shirley has carefully created and drawn, a substantial cast of well developed and genuinely authentic characters. Not all are immediately easy to relate to, but that has much to do with their northern upbringing and outlook on life, so scratch the surface a little and their true canny sense of humour and easy friendliness rises to the occasion, notwithstanding the usual vagaries of family dynamics. Yes! they are often complex and emotional, volatile and vulnerable, raw and passionate; however they are always reliably genuine and believable, addictive and often amusing.
A work of cultural and societal fiction, based on and wrapped around the reality of some well established historical facts, written sympathetically and lovingly from the heart, with care and deference to the subject.
Aside from the WWII theme, which features strongly in all author Shirley Dickson’s novels, to date they also have the commonality of focussing on protagonists who share the same background experience of having been raised in orphanages, or been abandoned as children, often resulting in emotional suffering and very damaged childhoods.
Was the ending the ‘happy ever after’ moment I felt that I, and indeed the characters deserved after so much sorrow? Now that would be telling! However the joy of reading is that everyone’s experience is unique, so where will your journey take you?
Check out the extended post, including loads of added 'extras'. Visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
I have read several WWII novels recently and whilst all have had very unique and enjoyable storylines, from this book I was hoping for something individual and inspiring – and boy did it come through on all fronts – including the hammering a pack of travel tissues has taken, which I keep on my desk for just such emotional reads!
This was another of those stories where the main theatre and focus of events, was life on the home front for those left behind when the troops had gone off to war, although there were one or two flashes and snippets about life and conditions on the frontline too. Women stepped up to take on some of the roles which had traditionally been filled by their male counterparts, often taking them way outside of their comfort zones both physically and emotionally. However, surprising even themselves, it was amazing just how quickly they manged to adapt to the changes, taking things in their stride and making a remarkably good job of it all.
I was taken on a journey which lasted some fourteen years, from just after the outbreak of war, right up until 1954, and boy, was it one heck of an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. The skill and consummate ease with which Shirley was able to add in subtle twists and turns to the storyline, was just a joy, even though each one left me more wrecked and tearful than the last, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in my need to know what happened next.
An extremely well-structured, multi-layered, poignant and wonderfully textured storyline. Totally immersive and rich in atmosphere, often intense and emotional, but with some genuinely intuitive and unscheduled lighter moments of touching compassion and compelling humour. Despite the fact that I couldn’t escape the obvious horrors of wartime shortages and enemy bombing raids; from the industrial mining and shipyards of South Shields, to the relative serenity of the Scottish Highlands, the assured observational and highly descriptive narrative, blended with some excellent conversational and honest emotional dialogue, to offer a genuine sense of time and place, which had great depth of vision, making it a seamlessly inclusive experience for me, as a casual observer.
Lily, like so many other young wartime women, is way ahead of her time and strives to realise her dream of independence and individuality, capitalising on the opportunities the war effort has thrown her way. Ultimately though she is forced to make the life-changing decision of whether to pursue the path she has chosen, or if, after all, blood is thicker than water. Having made that decision and at peace with herself, she then faces her biggest challenge yet. Which path will she now choose, when truth, openness and honesty set her on a collision course with her own inner emotions and longings. There are no guarantees, as either decision might have damaging and irrevocable consequences, even though her actions will always be taken with the best of intentions.
Shirley has carefully created and drawn, a substantial cast of well developed and genuinely authentic characters. Not all are immediately easy to relate to, but that has much to do with their northern upbringing and outlook on life, so scratch the surface a little and their true canny sense of humour and easy friendliness rises to the occasion, notwithstanding the usual vagaries of family dynamics. Yes! they are often complex and emotional, volatile and vulnerable, raw and passionate; however they are always reliably genuine and believable, addictive and often amusing.
A work of cultural and societal fiction, based on and wrapped around the reality of some well established historical facts, written sympathetically and lovingly from the heart, with care and deference to the subject.
Aside from the WWII theme, which features strongly in all author Shirley Dickson’s novels, to date they also have the commonality of focussing on protagonists who share the same background experience of having been raised in orphanages, or been abandoned as children, often resulting in emotional suffering and very damaged childhoods.
Was the ending the ‘happy ever after’ moment I felt that I, and indeed the characters deserved after so much sorrow? Now that would be telling! However the joy of reading is that everyone’s experience is unique, so where will your journey take you?
Check out the extended post, including loads of added 'extras'. Visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
November 4, 2021
Wow, this book really pulled the emotions. I loved it but, oh boy it was so very sad. I loved the fact that it dealt with a different side of WW2. I never knew that we had Timberjills during this time and I found that very interesting. The characters were all so interesting and I,loved them all. Such a lovely book to read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I loved this book it really tugged at your emotions. It was so sad at times. Set during the Second World War it describes how a family deals with rationing and hardship. What I didn’t realise that at this time women volunteered to work in Scotland as “Timberjills” cutting down trees and taking timber to depots to be used. This I found very interesting. If you want to read this book, have a tissue handy, it’s very sad. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I loved this book it really tugged at your emotions. It was so sad at times. Set during the Second World War it describes how a family deals with rationing and hardship. What I didn’t realise that at this time women volunteered to work in Scotland as “Timberjills” cutting down trees and taking timber to depots to be used. This I found very interesting. If you want to read this book, have a tissue handy, it’s very sad. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
It's 1941 and Lily and Ethel meet while working with the land army as Lumberjills in the forest. Bot of them are expecting. Lily's husband, John is away at war, Ethel is not married and has gotten pregnant from a POW, Karl, a German. When they realize they are both expecting they leave the service and go to live in Lily's home. Lily is comforted to have Ethel share her home, and Ethel, being an orphan, has nowhere else to go. One night as they huddle in the backyard shelter they make a promise to each other that if something happens to either of them, they will take care of each other's child. During a bombing, as planes fly over the house, one mother and one child survives and the promise is kept. Now, there is a secret that must be kept as well. A secret that is kept for years, until a question is asked and John needs to tell the truth.
Lily is the main character in this story. This book opens in 1953, then returns in time to 1940 and moves forward slowly until returning to 1953. The story begins with the story of Lily and John, their friendship, brief romance and marriage. I loved Lily's family, they were a large, crazy, loving family. They were all great friends, outgoing and quick to tease, no wonder Lily made friends everywhere and was so well liked. Lily and John lived apart while he was away fighting, but had enough time together for her to get pregnant more than once. Difficulty carrying a child to term was heartbreaking for them. I do not want to give away the story, so will not say anymore about the plot. This is a story of love, heartbreak and happiness during WWII. Giving birth during a German raid, miscarriages and still birth are tense and emotional and this book had me in tears several times. Making a split decision in difficult times can change the course of more than one life, and keeping a secret is difficult as well. I always enjoy when I learn something new from a story. I enjoyed learning about the "LumberJills" something I did not know about. I knew the Land Girls worked on farms, but these women were in Scotland working in the forests. One more way the women kept the lights on at home. Shirley Dickson has penned an emotional, at times heartbreaking story that I very much enjoyed. I recommend The Orphan's Secret to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, especially reading about those left at home. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Lily is the main character in this story. This book opens in 1953, then returns in time to 1940 and moves forward slowly until returning to 1953. The story begins with the story of Lily and John, their friendship, brief romance and marriage. I loved Lily's family, they were a large, crazy, loving family. They were all great friends, outgoing and quick to tease, no wonder Lily made friends everywhere and was so well liked. Lily and John lived apart while he was away fighting, but had enough time together for her to get pregnant more than once. Difficulty carrying a child to term was heartbreaking for them. I do not want to give away the story, so will not say anymore about the plot. This is a story of love, heartbreak and happiness during WWII. Giving birth during a German raid, miscarriages and still birth are tense and emotional and this book had me in tears several times. Making a split decision in difficult times can change the course of more than one life, and keeping a secret is difficult as well. I always enjoy when I learn something new from a story. I enjoyed learning about the "LumberJills" something I did not know about. I knew the Land Girls worked on farms, but these women were in Scotland working in the forests. One more way the women kept the lights on at home. Shirley Dickson has penned an emotional, at times heartbreaking story that I very much enjoyed. I recommend The Orphan's Secret to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, especially reading about those left at home. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
January 28, 2022
The Orphan’s Secret by Shirley Dickson opens with a proposal. Lily Armstrong’s boyfriend proposes by letter. It is wartime Britain and John Radley has 4 days leave from his training camp before a posting overseas. A few days later Lily is Mrs Radley and John goes off overseas with the army.
Lily and her family settle into life in wore torn Britain all Lily wants from life is to be a mother but things don't go as planned and to get her mind of the miscarriages she has Lily volunteers to drive ambulances. She then gets an opportunity to travel to Scotland to work for the Land army as a Lumberjill. Here she meets Ethel a woman who has fallen in love with a German POV and is carrying his child. Ethyl is thrown out of the Land Army for impropriety. Jill is leaving at the same time, as she finds out she is pregnant yet again. When she finds out Ethyl is an orphan and has nowhere to go Jill invites Ethel to come home with her.
This is the first book by Shirley Dickson I have read and I have to say I’m very impressed. The story took me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster through Jill’s eyes with love, joy, tragedy, cruelty, happiness and sorrow. There were a heap of topics covered during the story such as forbidden love, out of wedlock pregnancy, miscarriage, wounded soldiers returning home, and death. The author also leads the reader to give thought to the concept of whether lying by omission is a lie. I mean if you don’t actually tell a lie but allow people to think it is the truth without telling the real story, is it your fault?
Very thought provoking
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy to review
Lily and her family settle into life in wore torn Britain all Lily wants from life is to be a mother but things don't go as planned and to get her mind of the miscarriages she has Lily volunteers to drive ambulances. She then gets an opportunity to travel to Scotland to work for the Land army as a Lumberjill. Here she meets Ethel a woman who has fallen in love with a German POV and is carrying his child. Ethyl is thrown out of the Land Army for impropriety. Jill is leaving at the same time, as she finds out she is pregnant yet again. When she finds out Ethyl is an orphan and has nowhere to go Jill invites Ethel to come home with her.
This is the first book by Shirley Dickson I have read and I have to say I’m very impressed. The story took me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster through Jill’s eyes with love, joy, tragedy, cruelty, happiness and sorrow. There were a heap of topics covered during the story such as forbidden love, out of wedlock pregnancy, miscarriage, wounded soldiers returning home, and death. The author also leads the reader to give thought to the concept of whether lying by omission is a lie. I mean if you don’t actually tell a lie but allow people to think it is the truth without telling the real story, is it your fault?
Very thought provoking
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy to review
November 11, 2021
Lily Armstrong had been heartbroken time and again. She did the best she could during a time of war, with her husband John away fighting. After she married she and John wanted to be parents. Lily had the heart of a mother. No doubt she would be an excellent mother. Unfortunately, she had lost more than one baby. Wanting to do more than just wait for John during the war effort, Lily took on a job as a Lumberjill in the forest. It was then that she met Bella and Ethel and they became fast friends, especially Lily and Bella. Ethel was orphaned, alone and pregnant during the war.
With John still away fighting, at some point, Lily took Ethel in and with both of them being pregnant at the same time, Lily begin to have hope that she would have this child. Meanwhile, World War II continued at a fever pace leaving Lily wondering for her own health as well as for John’s safety. Ethel did have her baby, although Lily lost hers. Suddenly, with dangerous bombs dropping, and not being able to find safety in time, Ethel lost her life. Sadly, this left her precious baby Joy without a mother or a father.
The story segues back to 1940 and we meet Lily and John and we see the effects of war and how Joy eventually came into their lives. She knew marrying John would be trialsome as he would soon be called to war. The story was quite tragic and it was clear to see how much love Lily had in her heart and wanted so much to have a child.
As the story develops, it is clear that it is not about Ethel. It is about Lily. From the very beginning, we as a reader begin to understand Lily and the intense pain of loss she experienced time and again. We learned that she is a very strong woman and is most certainly a fighter. This became a story of a woman’s capacity for love despite the most difficult of times and heartbreaking experiences. There is another message in this fabulous story but I will leave it to the reader to see what that message is.
I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and completely gutted as I continued to read on. Although the story dealt with very sensitive topics such as miscarriage and stillbirth, it was still a very good read, especially as we get to the latter part of the book. This is an incredibly wonderful story of hope and love by Shirley Dickson and definitely deserves five stars.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
With John still away fighting, at some point, Lily took Ethel in and with both of them being pregnant at the same time, Lily begin to have hope that she would have this child. Meanwhile, World War II continued at a fever pace leaving Lily wondering for her own health as well as for John’s safety. Ethel did have her baby, although Lily lost hers. Suddenly, with dangerous bombs dropping, and not being able to find safety in time, Ethel lost her life. Sadly, this left her precious baby Joy without a mother or a father.
The story segues back to 1940 and we meet Lily and John and we see the effects of war and how Joy eventually came into their lives. She knew marrying John would be trialsome as he would soon be called to war. The story was quite tragic and it was clear to see how much love Lily had in her heart and wanted so much to have a child.
As the story develops, it is clear that it is not about Ethel. It is about Lily. From the very beginning, we as a reader begin to understand Lily and the intense pain of loss she experienced time and again. We learned that she is a very strong woman and is most certainly a fighter. This became a story of a woman’s capacity for love despite the most difficult of times and heartbreaking experiences. There is another message in this fabulous story but I will leave it to the reader to see what that message is.
I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and completely gutted as I continued to read on. Although the story dealt with very sensitive topics such as miscarriage and stillbirth, it was still a very good read, especially as we get to the latter part of the book. This is an incredibly wonderful story of hope and love by Shirley Dickson and definitely deserves five stars.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 8, 2021
It’s probably best if you go into this one with a box of tissues and a free afternoon with no commitments. I was a blubbering mess!
At the core of this story is a woman who, during the worst moment of her life, makes a split second decision that she’d never have made otherwise. She is able to move forward with her life because she views the outcome as a gift from the hand of fate that allows her to honour the promise made to her friend.
The author manages to stuff equal amounts of pain and suffering with love and joy to take you on an emotional roller coaster. You’ll read about a girl who is pregnant and shunned, forbidden love, miscarriages, wounded soldiers, birth during a bomb raid, death, and a second chance at love. Dickson explores the question whether a lie of omission is really a lie. I can’t tell you what the orphan’s secret is, you’ll have to read to find that out!
I do prefer a tauter plot, but the author was able to zero in on the diction and daily wartime life in 1941 so superbly, that I kept reading and opted to scan over the extraneous bits. The synopsis makes one think this story is about Ethel and Karl, but I felt it’s really about John and Lily. Regardless, the sense of place and time is on point and the character development is fantastic.
I loved the bit about the quilt in the narrative and thought the cover design was spectacular.
Publishes Nov. 9, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shirley Dickson, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
At the core of this story is a woman who, during the worst moment of her life, makes a split second decision that she’d never have made otherwise. She is able to move forward with her life because she views the outcome as a gift from the hand of fate that allows her to honour the promise made to her friend.
The author manages to stuff equal amounts of pain and suffering with love and joy to take you on an emotional roller coaster. You’ll read about a girl who is pregnant and shunned, forbidden love, miscarriages, wounded soldiers, birth during a bomb raid, death, and a second chance at love. Dickson explores the question whether a lie of omission is really a lie. I can’t tell you what the orphan’s secret is, you’ll have to read to find that out!
I do prefer a tauter plot, but the author was able to zero in on the diction and daily wartime life in 1941 so superbly, that I kept reading and opted to scan over the extraneous bits. The synopsis makes one think this story is about Ethel and Karl, but I felt it’s really about John and Lily. Regardless, the sense of place and time is on point and the character development is fantastic.
I loved the bit about the quilt in the narrative and thought the cover design was spectacular.
Publishes Nov. 9, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shirley Dickson, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 23, 2021
The Promise
A very emotional tearjerker of a story. A friendship between two woman, a wartime romance, and a child left motherless and needing a home.
Lily and Ethel meet while working with the land army as Lumberjills in the forest. When they both find out they are expecting they leave the service and go to Lily's home. Lily's husband John is away at war so it is comfort for Lily to have Ethel share her home as Ethel is an orphan and has no place to go.
One night as they huddle in the backyard shelter they make a promise to each other that if something happens to one the other will care for their child. Later there is a bombing, one mother and one child survives and the promise is kept, but also a secret must be kept as well. A secret that is kept for years. When the secret finally comes out it will affect many lives.
This is a story of love, heartbreak and happiness during WWII. A story of family, hard times, happy times and a secret that could destroy everything.
It is a very good read and I would recommend it. I have read many of the author's books and they never disappoint.
Thanks to Shirley Dickson, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy for my honest review.
A very emotional tearjerker of a story. A friendship between two woman, a wartime romance, and a child left motherless and needing a home.
Lily and Ethel meet while working with the land army as Lumberjills in the forest. When they both find out they are expecting they leave the service and go to Lily's home. Lily's husband John is away at war so it is comfort for Lily to have Ethel share her home as Ethel is an orphan and has no place to go.
One night as they huddle in the backyard shelter they make a promise to each other that if something happens to one the other will care for their child. Later there is a bombing, one mother and one child survives and the promise is kept, but also a secret must be kept as well. A secret that is kept for years. When the secret finally comes out it will affect many lives.
This is a story of love, heartbreak and happiness during WWII. A story of family, hard times, happy times and a secret that could destroy everything.
It is a very good read and I would recommend it. I have read many of the author's books and they never disappoint.
Thanks to Shirley Dickson, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy for my honest review.
December 1, 2021
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Shirley Dickson really knows how to tug at your emotions and this one was no different. But what was different to her previous books was that the story does not specifically revolve around a child or children but is the story of Lily whose greatest desire is to have a child with her soldier husband John. But her journey there is not an easy one and fraught with many heartbreaks along the way. A child is the primary focus by the end of the book but, unlike Shirley's other historical tales, not throughout.
The year is 1941 and Lily Armstrong has the most exciting news to impart to her family. John Radley has just proposed via letter and they are to be married next week during his four-day leave! However, her excitement dwindles when her mother refutes the idea as ridiculous particularly in such a short time. But her father, who rules the home, overruled her still angry mother who then left the house in a furious huff...only to return some time later drenched and cold from the rain and full of apologies for her only daughter.
Her wedding day was a memorable one ending with a couple of nights in a guest house that John had rented for their shortened honeymoon. Lily's greatest fear was having to spend her wedding night under her parents' roof whilst her brothers played some childish prank like filling their bed with flour or such like. At least at the guest house they could enjoy their time together...maybe even start a family. Although Lily didn't want the life of drudgery she saw her own mother suffer after bearing five children and two miscarriages and wanting something more for her life, she couldn't wait till she and John became parents. It was her greatest desire. For Lily had the heart of a mother. But fate had other plans...and Lily endured heartbreak after heartbreak.
With John away fighting abroad, Lily wanted to do something. Life at home was relentless in drudgery and life at the house John's mother have gifted them was big, empty and lonely with no one to share it with. She desired more from her life before settling down and with John away what better way than to serve the war effort. She trained and volunteered to drive ambulances, ferrying the injured during air raid after air raid. Then one day she heard the Women's Land Army were recruiting and felt she could see herself working the land for the war effort. And so she joined the Women's Timber Corp and was sent to Scotland where she was trained in felling trees. There she met the vivacious and frank Bella Campbell who had a story of her own to tell...but one she wasn't quite yet ready to share.
Then one day, Lily was seconded to another camp where they needed a driver desperately before she finished her own training. She was disappointed to leave Bella but the two women promised to keep in touch. But upon arrival, the air was thick with discord when news of one of the women apparently fraternising with one of the German POWs which was strictly forbidden. The woman in question, Ethel, was ostracised by most of the corp but Lily decided to reach out and befriend the young woman...and in turn, some of the other women softened towards Ethel. And then Lily got the surprise of her life when Bella turned up at the camp with the news that she was to work in the stables.
When things take a turn and Lily realises that she is pregnant, she decides to do everything she can to ensure this child survives. But then she also discovers that Ethel, too, is with child and with the realisation that they can no longer do the heavy work of Lumberjills, Lily decides to invite Ethel to come home with her while they await the respective births of their babies. Ethel, having been orphaned, has nowhere else to go and Lily welcomes to company of someone else in her large and sprawling home in South Shields. Whilst there, Ethel works on a colourful blanket she calls a memory quilt in which she has stitched many squares detailing aspects that tell the story of her life...which she is making for her baby. Lily in enthralled by the idea and asks Ethel to tell her what each square means and the story behind them. The final square has yet to be added, which will feature Ethel's time in Lily's home, with which Lily has extended the offer to her friend indefinitely.
But then fate intervenes and everything changes in a heartbeat. A promise made in the huddle of a backyard shelter to the reality that it becomes. But the decisions made will have irrevocable consequences leaving a trail of deceit and guilt and the possibility that whatever the outcome there will be no guarantees. And so the journey of heartbreak continues...
The story begins in 1953 with a young girl and her younger brother playing hide and seek, in the process coming across a colourful hand-stitched blanket that had the little girl in awe of its creation. When her daddy opens her bedroom door to remind her that bedtime was long past, she shoves the coveted quilt under her covers before her father can see. But alas he has and she is then prompted to ask what it means. And so the plot segues back to 1941 where Lily's story begins...
THE ORPHAN'S SECRET is not so much as the orphan's secret but Lily's and as the story unfolds it is clear that it is Lily's story and no one else's. From the beginning the reader is privy to Lily's most devastating heartbreaks and silent thoughts as she experiences the intense pain of loss and heartbreak time and time again. And yet she is a strong woman, as the generation who lived through the war were. The stoic stiff upper lip of the British as they endured day after day and night after night of relentless bombing as what had originally been dubbed as "the phoney war" dragged on for six long years. The story follows Lily from her betrothal to John and their marriage, most of which was lived apart throughout the war, and the ensuing years from VE Day up to 1954 as events slowly played out and the mystery of the prologue becomes clearer.
This is Shirley Dickson's fifth historical novel and I have read every one of them since she debuted with "The Orphan Sisters" and one thing I enjoy spotting is each book's relation to each other. Every book features, either in actuality or in reminiscence, the orphanage Blakely Hall run by Mrs Knowles (I believe her name was) which is where the journey began in her first book with sisters Etty and Dorothy who spent many of their formative years there until they were released for domestic service. Each subsequent book since has featured another young girl who has come from or spent some time in the orphanage. There is also the often-made reference to funeral direction Mr Newman who features in passing in almost every book too. I like how Shirley Dickson has kept each book tied to the other without it being a series. Very clever of her.
As with the unfolding plot in THE ORPHAN'S SECRET, you will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster through heartbreaks and happiness, sorrow and joy as often taboo topics of the time feature - forbidden love, pregnancy out of wedlock, miscarriage, still birth - along with the more common themes of air raids, wounded soldiers, death and loss. The author also explores the question of whether a lie of omission is really a lie and it's a question you will find yourself tying yourself in knots over also.
As with most historical tales of this time, THE ORPHAN'S SECRET is a heartbreaking read but one that offer a little hope by the book's end. Even amidst the secrets, deceit and guilt.
I thoroughly enjoyed THE ORPHAN'S SECRET, as I do every Shirley Dickson novel, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to others who enjoy wartime fiction and those featuring the plights of women, children and orphans.
I would like to thank #ShirleyDickson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheOrphansSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Shirley Dickson really knows how to tug at your emotions and this one was no different. But what was different to her previous books was that the story does not specifically revolve around a child or children but is the story of Lily whose greatest desire is to have a child with her soldier husband John. But her journey there is not an easy one and fraught with many heartbreaks along the way. A child is the primary focus by the end of the book but, unlike Shirley's other historical tales, not throughout.
The year is 1941 and Lily Armstrong has the most exciting news to impart to her family. John Radley has just proposed via letter and they are to be married next week during his four-day leave! However, her excitement dwindles when her mother refutes the idea as ridiculous particularly in such a short time. But her father, who rules the home, overruled her still angry mother who then left the house in a furious huff...only to return some time later drenched and cold from the rain and full of apologies for her only daughter.
Her wedding day was a memorable one ending with a couple of nights in a guest house that John had rented for their shortened honeymoon. Lily's greatest fear was having to spend her wedding night under her parents' roof whilst her brothers played some childish prank like filling their bed with flour or such like. At least at the guest house they could enjoy their time together...maybe even start a family. Although Lily didn't want the life of drudgery she saw her own mother suffer after bearing five children and two miscarriages and wanting something more for her life, she couldn't wait till she and John became parents. It was her greatest desire. For Lily had the heart of a mother. But fate had other plans...and Lily endured heartbreak after heartbreak.
With John away fighting abroad, Lily wanted to do something. Life at home was relentless in drudgery and life at the house John's mother have gifted them was big, empty and lonely with no one to share it with. She desired more from her life before settling down and with John away what better way than to serve the war effort. She trained and volunteered to drive ambulances, ferrying the injured during air raid after air raid. Then one day she heard the Women's Land Army were recruiting and felt she could see herself working the land for the war effort. And so she joined the Women's Timber Corp and was sent to Scotland where she was trained in felling trees. There she met the vivacious and frank Bella Campbell who had a story of her own to tell...but one she wasn't quite yet ready to share.
Then one day, Lily was seconded to another camp where they needed a driver desperately before she finished her own training. She was disappointed to leave Bella but the two women promised to keep in touch. But upon arrival, the air was thick with discord when news of one of the women apparently fraternising with one of the German POWs which was strictly forbidden. The woman in question, Ethel, was ostracised by most of the corp but Lily decided to reach out and befriend the young woman...and in turn, some of the other women softened towards Ethel. And then Lily got the surprise of her life when Bella turned up at the camp with the news that she was to work in the stables.
When things take a turn and Lily realises that she is pregnant, she decides to do everything she can to ensure this child survives. But then she also discovers that Ethel, too, is with child and with the realisation that they can no longer do the heavy work of Lumberjills, Lily decides to invite Ethel to come home with her while they await the respective births of their babies. Ethel, having been orphaned, has nowhere else to go and Lily welcomes to company of someone else in her large and sprawling home in South Shields. Whilst there, Ethel works on a colourful blanket she calls a memory quilt in which she has stitched many squares detailing aspects that tell the story of her life...which she is making for her baby. Lily in enthralled by the idea and asks Ethel to tell her what each square means and the story behind them. The final square has yet to be added, which will feature Ethel's time in Lily's home, with which Lily has extended the offer to her friend indefinitely.
But then fate intervenes and everything changes in a heartbeat. A promise made in the huddle of a backyard shelter to the reality that it becomes. But the decisions made will have irrevocable consequences leaving a trail of deceit and guilt and the possibility that whatever the outcome there will be no guarantees. And so the journey of heartbreak continues...
The story begins in 1953 with a young girl and her younger brother playing hide and seek, in the process coming across a colourful hand-stitched blanket that had the little girl in awe of its creation. When her daddy opens her bedroom door to remind her that bedtime was long past, she shoves the coveted quilt under her covers before her father can see. But alas he has and she is then prompted to ask what it means. And so the plot segues back to 1941 where Lily's story begins...
THE ORPHAN'S SECRET is not so much as the orphan's secret but Lily's and as the story unfolds it is clear that it is Lily's story and no one else's. From the beginning the reader is privy to Lily's most devastating heartbreaks and silent thoughts as she experiences the intense pain of loss and heartbreak time and time again. And yet she is a strong woman, as the generation who lived through the war were. The stoic stiff upper lip of the British as they endured day after day and night after night of relentless bombing as what had originally been dubbed as "the phoney war" dragged on for six long years. The story follows Lily from her betrothal to John and their marriage, most of which was lived apart throughout the war, and the ensuing years from VE Day up to 1954 as events slowly played out and the mystery of the prologue becomes clearer.
This is Shirley Dickson's fifth historical novel and I have read every one of them since she debuted with "The Orphan Sisters" and one thing I enjoy spotting is each book's relation to each other. Every book features, either in actuality or in reminiscence, the orphanage Blakely Hall run by Mrs Knowles (I believe her name was) which is where the journey began in her first book with sisters Etty and Dorothy who spent many of their formative years there until they were released for domestic service. Each subsequent book since has featured another young girl who has come from or spent some time in the orphanage. There is also the often-made reference to funeral direction Mr Newman who features in passing in almost every book too. I like how Shirley Dickson has kept each book tied to the other without it being a series. Very clever of her.
As with the unfolding plot in THE ORPHAN'S SECRET, you will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster through heartbreaks and happiness, sorrow and joy as often taboo topics of the time feature - forbidden love, pregnancy out of wedlock, miscarriage, still birth - along with the more common themes of air raids, wounded soldiers, death and loss. The author also explores the question of whether a lie of omission is really a lie and it's a question you will find yourself tying yourself in knots over also.
As with most historical tales of this time, THE ORPHAN'S SECRET is a heartbreaking read but one that offer a little hope by the book's end. Even amidst the secrets, deceit and guilt.
I thoroughly enjoyed THE ORPHAN'S SECRET, as I do every Shirley Dickson novel, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to others who enjoy wartime fiction and those featuring the plights of women, children and orphans.
I would like to thank #ShirleyDickson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheOrphansSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 28, 2021
Make sure you have tissues nearby as you will shed a few tears. This was a beautiful,heartwarming story filled with courage, love and friendship. This is my second Shirley Dickson book and it wont be my last. I loved this story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2021
This is one of those books that pulls at my heartstrings. It ties joy and heartache, dreams, hard work, family relationships and love of friends and family together in this novel of WWII
December 8, 2021
A spellbinding wartime saga that will break your heart, The Orphan’s Secret is the latest tear-jerker by Shirley Dickson.
With the Second World War showing no signs of slowing down, Lily has learned to treat each day as a gift and not to take anything for granted. With Hitler’s bombs relentlessly raining down on England, everybody has had to grow used to tragedy, anguish and heartache and Lily is no different. Her soldier husband is fighting on the front line doing his duty for king and country and she prays every night that he will emerge from this cruel war unscathed and that she will be able to welcome him home and embrace him again.
One hot July night during an air raid, Lily and her pregnant friend Ethel seek refuge from the bombing in a shelter where the latter gives birth to a beautiful baby girl amidst the wreckage and the ear-splitting sound of sirens and explosions. While her friend cuddles her newborn child, Lily rushes home to grab a blanket and the unthinkable happens. Ethel has been killed during the raid leaving her baby behind. A devastated Lily vows to do whatever it takes for her friend and in a split second makes a life-changing decision that will have serious consequences that will echo down the decades.
In order to save baby Joy, Lily is forced to live a lie and keep a devastating secret close to her chest for years. But when the shocking truth is revealed, Lily finds herself having to face the repercussions of the decision she had made that ends up changing the life of the people close to her. Will they ever forgive her? Or will they end up casting her out of their lives for good?
When reading Shirley Dickson’s The Orphan’s Secret make sure there is a box of tissues within reach because this book will make you cry buckets. Emotional, dramatic and poignant, The Orphan’s Secret is a terrific saga that tells the story of a strong, loyal and selfless woman you cannot help but be drawn to. Lily is a woman who makes an impossible decision under difficult circumstances and even if you may not always agree with her choices, she is a brilliantly layered character that it is hard not to care for.
A superb wartime saga that tugs at the heartstrings, Shirley Dickson’s The Orphan’s Secret makes for perfect wintertime reading – don’t miss it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With the Second World War showing no signs of slowing down, Lily has learned to treat each day as a gift and not to take anything for granted. With Hitler’s bombs relentlessly raining down on England, everybody has had to grow used to tragedy, anguish and heartache and Lily is no different. Her soldier husband is fighting on the front line doing his duty for king and country and she prays every night that he will emerge from this cruel war unscathed and that she will be able to welcome him home and embrace him again.
One hot July night during an air raid, Lily and her pregnant friend Ethel seek refuge from the bombing in a shelter where the latter gives birth to a beautiful baby girl amidst the wreckage and the ear-splitting sound of sirens and explosions. While her friend cuddles her newborn child, Lily rushes home to grab a blanket and the unthinkable happens. Ethel has been killed during the raid leaving her baby behind. A devastated Lily vows to do whatever it takes for her friend and in a split second makes a life-changing decision that will have serious consequences that will echo down the decades.
In order to save baby Joy, Lily is forced to live a lie and keep a devastating secret close to her chest for years. But when the shocking truth is revealed, Lily finds herself having to face the repercussions of the decision she had made that ends up changing the life of the people close to her. Will they ever forgive her? Or will they end up casting her out of their lives for good?
When reading Shirley Dickson’s The Orphan’s Secret make sure there is a box of tissues within reach because this book will make you cry buckets. Emotional, dramatic and poignant, The Orphan’s Secret is a terrific saga that tells the story of a strong, loyal and selfless woman you cannot help but be drawn to. Lily is a woman who makes an impossible decision under difficult circumstances and even if you may not always agree with her choices, she is a brilliantly layered character that it is hard not to care for.
A superb wartime saga that tugs at the heartstrings, Shirley Dickson’s The Orphan’s Secret makes for perfect wintertime reading – don’t miss it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2022
This story talks about unconditional love , true friendship and kindness, and compassion for other plus being open-minded toward German POWs like Karl. Sadly he didn't know Ethel got pregnant with his baby nor was even aware she had died. The camp kept the death and pregnancy secret due to the stigma. Karl thought Ethel moved on with her life and so should he move on. The child was kept a secret from the foster father John by the wife. Lily promised Ethel before she died. She and John would give the kid a loving and healthy family which the baby deserved. Lily went through three miscarriages which made her do thoughtless actions that really hurt John finally realized that Lillian never meant any harm. She was afraid that Social Services would have put the child in a foster home with strangers, a orphanage like her friend Ethel did, the baby placed up for adoption. Lily was looking out for the best interest for the child in her care. Ten years later John married another one of his beloved late wife's dearest girl pals. Bella stood by her friends Ethel, Lily and John. I love Lily and Bella because they were blunt by telling their friend exactly how things are. They refused to spent hours and hours talking about the "what ifs" with the loved one. Ethel and Lily's husband listened to the truth. Ethel passed away knowing her child was in good hands with a wonderful family if the birth dad was never found. Karl was contacted when the kid was old enough to understand. He shared losing a sweetheart and wife with John. That only lead the two dads becoming pals together. John learned that not all German POWs were bad like Dr. Josef Mengele. No wonder Ethel fell in love with Karl because of his inner and outer beauty too. Her gentle spirit and inner & outer helped Karl find love and their daughter. I believe Ethel and Lily were very proud of how the little girl and Freddie too. Wouldn't any mother be proud?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2021
**Content warning for this book. Miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss are dealt with.**
As you might guess from a book called the Orphan's secret. This book is one that will play on your emotions and pull on your heartstrings. From the blurb, you might be thinking that the main characters in the book are Ethel and Karl. While they do feature in the story and play important roles, this is really John and Lily's story. In fact, we don't meet either Ethel or Karl until we are around halfway through.
This novel is set in wartime and much of the hardships that our characters face are due to that. Dealing with husbands sent overseas, women finding their role in this strange world of the home front, bombing and rationing. A lot of the action also takes place with the lumberjills, the young women who went out to fell trees for the war effort. While I had heard of and knew a little about the women's land army, this is the first time that I'd come across the lumberjills. Really, what a lot of our women folk faced during that period is hard to comprehend.
I don't want to give away too much of what happens in this book, but it is certainly one that sends you on an emotional rollercoaster. I had an idea of what might go on and in some ways, I think that helped. Although I was emotionally invested in the characters, guessing what was coming helped make it less upsetting.
This was an interesting and gripping read and one that I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
As you might guess from a book called the Orphan's secret. This book is one that will play on your emotions and pull on your heartstrings. From the blurb, you might be thinking that the main characters in the book are Ethel and Karl. While they do feature in the story and play important roles, this is really John and Lily's story. In fact, we don't meet either Ethel or Karl until we are around halfway through.
This novel is set in wartime and much of the hardships that our characters face are due to that. Dealing with husbands sent overseas, women finding their role in this strange world of the home front, bombing and rationing. A lot of the action also takes place with the lumberjills, the young women who went out to fell trees for the war effort. While I had heard of and knew a little about the women's land army, this is the first time that I'd come across the lumberjills. Really, what a lot of our women folk faced during that period is hard to comprehend.
I don't want to give away too much of what happens in this book, but it is certainly one that sends you on an emotional rollercoaster. I had an idea of what might go on and in some ways, I think that helped. Although I was emotionally invested in the characters, guessing what was coming helped make it less upsetting.
This was an interesting and gripping read and one that I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
May 29, 2024
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅".
"𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕, 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈".
The orphan's secret brings us back to 1940s England during World War II.
Lily had two miscarriages while her husband, John, was sent to fight in the war. Lily has the belief that she may not have a child anymore and has decided to contribute to the war effort by joining the women's land army. During her time in the army, she met Ethel, and they quickly became friends.
Ethel was in love with Karl, who was a German prisoner at the time. However, they were forced to part. It wasn't long after she learned that she was pregnant with Karl's baby. While at the same time, Lily believes she is pregnant for the third time.
Fearing the possibility of losing her child again, she decided to resign from the army and rest at home to wait for the arrival of her baby. Lily offered Ethel to come stay with her as Ethel has no one in her life.
As the war rages, they both promise to take good care of their babies if anything might happen to either of them.
"𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝑳𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚".
💭Thoughts:
I am deeply moved by the beauty of this story. Despite the sad ending, the courage they hold onto for their loved ones and the friendship between them warms my heart. It's sad that during war, people are helpless and afraid, not knowing what comes next, still struggling to survive while being selflessly dedicated. Great story🩷
"𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕, 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈".
The orphan's secret brings us back to 1940s England during World War II.
Lily had two miscarriages while her husband, John, was sent to fight in the war. Lily has the belief that she may not have a child anymore and has decided to contribute to the war effort by joining the women's land army. During her time in the army, she met Ethel, and they quickly became friends.
Ethel was in love with Karl, who was a German prisoner at the time. However, they were forced to part. It wasn't long after she learned that she was pregnant with Karl's baby. While at the same time, Lily believes she is pregnant for the third time.
Fearing the possibility of losing her child again, she decided to resign from the army and rest at home to wait for the arrival of her baby. Lily offered Ethel to come stay with her as Ethel has no one in her life.
As the war rages, they both promise to take good care of their babies if anything might happen to either of them.
"𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝑳𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚".
💭Thoughts:
I am deeply moved by the beauty of this story. Despite the sad ending, the courage they hold onto for their loved ones and the friendship between them warms my heart. It's sad that during war, people are helpless and afraid, not knowing what comes next, still struggling to survive while being selflessly dedicated. Great story🩷
November 6, 2021
I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“The Orphan’s Secret” by Shirley Dickson tells the lovely story between two friends - Lily and Ethel. Although the summary posted here focuses on Ethel and Karl, the story is mostly about Lily and John (in fact, Ethel doesn’t appear until nearly halfway into the book). This book opens in 1953, then returns in time to about 1940, then slowly returns to the 1950s. Although I’ve read a number of books set in England during WWII, this book was the first time I ran across the term “lumberjills.” The author went into a bit of detail about what the women did - from cutting the trees, loading the logs onto trucks, clearing the land - but presented it in enough detail to educate, but not overwhelm the reader. I liked one of the minor characters, Bella, for her straight talking manner (and occasional voice of reasonable logic). But - as others have said - this book tugs at the heartstrings; although I had an idea about 60% of the way through what could possibly happen, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book (and I have to admit, I really liked the eventual outcome). A very high and solid 4 star rating for both the historical information (every time I read about Dunkirk I'm in awe) and also portrayal of the situations faced by the main characters. Trigger warnings include death and miscarriage.
“The Orphan’s Secret” by Shirley Dickson tells the lovely story between two friends - Lily and Ethel. Although the summary posted here focuses on Ethel and Karl, the story is mostly about Lily and John (in fact, Ethel doesn’t appear until nearly halfway into the book). This book opens in 1953, then returns in time to about 1940, then slowly returns to the 1950s. Although I’ve read a number of books set in England during WWII, this book was the first time I ran across the term “lumberjills.” The author went into a bit of detail about what the women did - from cutting the trees, loading the logs onto trucks, clearing the land - but presented it in enough detail to educate, but not overwhelm the reader. I liked one of the minor characters, Bella, for her straight talking manner (and occasional voice of reasonable logic). But - as others have said - this book tugs at the heartstrings; although I had an idea about 60% of the way through what could possibly happen, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book (and I have to admit, I really liked the eventual outcome). A very high and solid 4 star rating for both the historical information (every time I read about Dunkirk I'm in awe) and also portrayal of the situations faced by the main characters. Trigger warnings include death and miscarriage.
November 11, 2021
World War II rages on throughout Europe, and Lily sees every day as a gift. Lilly’s husband is a soldier, fighting for his country and she hopes and prays every day for him to safely return home to her. As the bombs continually fall from the sky, Lilly’s best friend Ethel, is nine months pregnant and she seeks refuge in a shelter. Ethel gives birth to a baby girl, and shortly afterward Ethel is killed leaving her new daughter, Joy, an orphan. In order to save Joy, Lily does what she has to, the only thing she can do. The secret Lily holds so tightly for many years, until one day the truth is revealed and she wonders if she will ever be forgiven. This story is filled with so much emotion. It was incredibly heartbreaking and phenomenal at the same time. This unputdownable must read is one that will have you reaching for Kleenex for sure. It is sure to be remembered for years to come. I love this author’s writing style and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you Shirley Dickson for such a wonderful, heartbreaking and inspiring story. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book. A phenomenal and absolute must read. I loved the everything about this unputdownable book. I can’t recommend this book enough. It has to be read now.
Thank you Shirley Dickson for such a wonderful, heartbreaking and inspiring story. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book. A phenomenal and absolute must read. I loved the everything about this unputdownable book. I can’t recommend this book enough. It has to be read now.
October 22, 2021
What an incredibly heartbreaking story that I could not put down. This is another fantastic WWII Historical Fiction Book by Author Shirley Dickson. Lilly has led a sheltered life helping her mum take care of the house, her father and her brothers. She meets and marries John Radley who goes off to war. Lilly decides she wants to help with the war effort and joins an organization where she works in the forest with other Lumberjills. She meets and becomes friends with Ethel who has been shunned by the other girls. When Lilly discovers she is pregnant for the third time after suffering two miscarriages, she resigns from the Lumberjills. When she leaves, she invites Ethel to come and live with her since Ethel is also pregnant. This story has a lot of intricate skillfully woven plots that held my interest from the very beginning to the end. Warning: Tissue alert!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this touching and tragic book that kept me reading through the night.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this touching and tragic book that kept me reading through the night.
October 7, 2021
A heartbreaking story
You will need lot's of tissues
In the North east town of South Shields England WW2 1940
Lily Armstrong plans to marry John Radley her mam isn't happy as she isn't yet twenty one he is going to be posted abroad and only has four days leave her dad is happy for them both so they have a wedding to arrange they had been together eighteen months now and adored each other his mam is handing over her house in foley avenue as she is moving to Scotland to stay with her sister.
The war is raging and all Lily wants is to be a mother but things don't go as planned for the couple its heartbreaking so Lily volunteers in the ambulance service to learn to drive then gets taking on in Scotland as a lumberjill.
I absolutely loved this bookas the author takes us right through WW2.
Beautiful, enchanting leaving me in tears with a big lump in my throat right to the end.
You will need lot's of tissues
In the North east town of South Shields England WW2 1940
Lily Armstrong plans to marry John Radley her mam isn't happy as she isn't yet twenty one he is going to be posted abroad and only has four days leave her dad is happy for them both so they have a wedding to arrange they had been together eighteen months now and adored each other his mam is handing over her house in foley avenue as she is moving to Scotland to stay with her sister.
The war is raging and all Lily wants is to be a mother but things don't go as planned for the couple its heartbreaking so Lily volunteers in the ambulance service to learn to drive then gets taking on in Scotland as a lumberjill.
I absolutely loved this bookas the author takes us right through WW2.
Beautiful, enchanting leaving me in tears with a big lump in my throat right to the end.
November 29, 2021
What a wonderful book!
First of all I just want to say that I’ve read every book Ms. Dickson has written and I couldn’t begin to pick out a favorite. Her writing flows making it so easy to get started and so hard to find a place to stop. I fell in love with Lilly and my heart ached for Ethel and before I knew it I wanted to be a part of their friendship. You felt as though you could sit and have a cup of tea with both of them and feel like you were one of their best friends. You couldn’t help but like Bella from the moment she was introduced and her friendship proved her loyalty to Lilly. I was so wrapped up in finding out how this book could possibly end well that I sat all afternoon reading until I finished just now. I
This is a beautiful book, not just about Orphans during WWll, but a book about incredible friendships. I highly recommend you read this book. Read ALL her books as each one is great!
First of all I just want to say that I’ve read every book Ms. Dickson has written and I couldn’t begin to pick out a favorite. Her writing flows making it so easy to get started and so hard to find a place to stop. I fell in love with Lilly and my heart ached for Ethel and before I knew it I wanted to be a part of their friendship. You felt as though you could sit and have a cup of tea with both of them and feel like you were one of their best friends. You couldn’t help but like Bella from the moment she was introduced and her friendship proved her loyalty to Lilly. I was so wrapped up in finding out how this book could possibly end well that I sat all afternoon reading until I finished just now. I
This is a beautiful book, not just about Orphans during WWll, but a book about incredible friendships. I highly recommend you read this book. Read ALL her books as each one is great!
March 19, 2022
Such an emotional rollercoaster with a heartfelt story to tell!
What an absolutely beautiful and yet sad story of how life was in wartime England ,and the choices that had to be made to help other's.
I literally read this book in one day absolutely inspired to hear the story of Lily and her dear friend and the tragedies they had both lived through in their short lives.
For every woman that has bore a child,I speak feeling so emotional as I lived each sombre moment with the characters of this book,feeling all their love,the despair,the guilt and the sadness,mixed with the love of baby joy and the beautiful journey in her early days with John and in the years to bring truth and joy and a future into their lives and happiness for all to share together.
I will never forget the beauty of each and every word of this book till my dying day
Beautifully written and enjoyed
What an absolutely beautiful and yet sad story of how life was in wartime England ,and the choices that had to be made to help other's.
I literally read this book in one day absolutely inspired to hear the story of Lily and her dear friend and the tragedies they had both lived through in their short lives.
For every woman that has bore a child,I speak feeling so emotional as I lived each sombre moment with the characters of this book,feeling all their love,the despair,the guilt and the sadness,mixed with the love of baby joy and the beautiful journey in her early days with John and in the years to bring truth and joy and a future into their lives and happiness for all to share together.
I will never forget the beauty of each and every word of this book till my dying day
Beautifully written and enjoyed
November 4, 2021
What a compelling page turner, the author pulled me in and didn’t let go.
You’ll find yourself living in WWII England, rationing, bomb shelters, bombs dropping. At first we walk with Lilly, we see her finding love and then her husband is sent off to fight, and how she does her part. Not an easy time, but she is a light to so many people, and yes, she makes some lifelong friends.
How Lilly handles the loss and found of her baby, follows wishes, and the return of her husband. Such heartwarming and I think I would have done exactly as she does!
Life is not smooth, but keep reading right to the end, and keep the tissues handy.
Such a great read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
You’ll find yourself living in WWII England, rationing, bomb shelters, bombs dropping. At first we walk with Lilly, we see her finding love and then her husband is sent off to fight, and how she does her part. Not an easy time, but she is a light to so many people, and yes, she makes some lifelong friends.
How Lilly handles the loss and found of her baby, follows wishes, and the return of her husband. Such heartwarming and I think I would have done exactly as she does!
Life is not smooth, but keep reading right to the end, and keep the tissues handy.
Such a great read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 6, 2021
Before you start reading this book can I suggest you have plenty of tissues close to hand as this book will most certainly make you cry. A story set in the North East of England during World War 2. This book wasn’t just good it was fabulous and I felt quite bereft after finishing it. This was an emotional and gut wrenching read at times but it is also a wonderful story. This author is fast becoming a favourite of mine and every time I hear she has a new book out I know I’m in for a treat.
November 21, 2021
Secrets!
I really, really, really enjoyed this book. I just could not put the book down. The book goes from a secret early in the book and continues through the unveiling of the secret. The story begins with World War II and the birth of a child, secrets about parentage, and continues through the unmasking of the secret. Read this book to learn about the secret and the people involved. I hope you enjoy this book also.
I really, really, really enjoyed this book. I just could not put the book down. The book goes from a secret early in the book and continues through the unveiling of the secret. The story begins with World War II and the birth of a child, secrets about parentage, and continues through the unmasking of the secret. Read this book to learn about the secret and the people involved. I hope you enjoy this book also.
November 22, 2021
Love this author and her style of writing which hooks you in from page one. Based on Lily and her personal struggles through the war years and how she wishes to be independent even when she marries - I do not wish to disclose the storyline however there are plenty of ups and downs and it’s quite an emotional roller coaster. Really enjoyed and would recommend
May 2, 2022
This story really is a tale of how women in England survived WWII. I had never heard of the limberjills before. Reading about the lives of the women during and after the war gave insight into the everyday life and problems. You learn the different paths of the women who found ways to cope through the hardships and loneliness of those years. I would recommend reading.
October 21, 2022
A Must Read!
The book started as a rather boring story that seemed to go on and on. Then, everything changed as new events unfolded and a sensitive and heart warming story emerged. It was wartime, and life was unpredictable. Things happened that otherwise might not have happened, and in the long run the characters found the goodness in themselves and in others. A must read!
The book started as a rather boring story that seemed to go on and on. Then, everything changed as new events unfolded and a sensitive and heart warming story emerged. It was wartime, and life was unpredictable. Things happened that otherwise might not have happened, and in the long run the characters found the goodness in themselves and in others. A must read!
November 30, 2021
Loved this book, captured my attention from beginning to end as although predictable still wanted to read to end to enjoy the happiness achieved after all the struggles endured. Depicts the hard life during the war years and obstacles, emotions and suvival to overcome.
May 19, 2022
Like reading 3 different stories…
This story was all over the place! It was in a place and during a time with which I was unfamiliar. I learned a lot of trivia about those times but kept waiting for the big climax…
This story was all over the place! It was in a place and during a time with which I was unfamiliar. I learned a lot of trivia about those times but kept waiting for the big climax…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews