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Orphans of War
Kingston Upon Hull, 1941.
German bombs are raining down on the city. Racing to the nearest air-raid shelter, Charlotte hears an almighty explosion. Her mother’s haberdashery shop has taken a direct hit, reducing the shop to a pile of rubble — and killing her mother outright. Suddenly sixteen-year-old Charlotte is all alone in the world.
But then mysterious Aunt Hilda comes forward — an aunt Charlotte never knew she had — and offers her a home in the sleepy Yorkshire village of Mornington where she runs the local pub with her husband George.
Charlotte doesn’t mind helping out in the pub, but she can’t understand why her Aunt Hilda seems to resent her so. Nor why her mother never revealed she had a sister.
Everything changes when a group of French orphans are brought to live in the big house. Charlotte volunteers to help look after them — and finds a new purpose in life.
Then a band of Free French soldiers is billeted in the village, including a handsome young officer with the deepest brown eyes . . . But Emile has a tragedy in his past — and Charlotte must uncover both his and her own family’s secrets if they are to have a chance of happiness.
German bombs are raining down on the city. Racing to the nearest air-raid shelter, Charlotte hears an almighty explosion. Her mother’s haberdashery shop has taken a direct hit, reducing the shop to a pile of rubble — and killing her mother outright. Suddenly sixteen-year-old Charlotte is all alone in the world.
But then mysterious Aunt Hilda comes forward — an aunt Charlotte never knew she had — and offers her a home in the sleepy Yorkshire village of Mornington where she runs the local pub with her husband George.
Charlotte doesn’t mind helping out in the pub, but she can’t understand why her Aunt Hilda seems to resent her so. Nor why her mother never revealed she had a sister.
Everything changes when a group of French orphans are brought to live in the big house. Charlotte volunteers to help look after them — and finds a new purpose in life.
Then a band of Free French soldiers is billeted in the village, including a handsome young officer with the deepest brown eyes . . . But Emile has a tragedy in his past — and Charlotte must uncover both his and her own family’s secrets if they are to have a chance of happiness.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2022
520 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
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November 7, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up! Orphans of War by Sylvia Broady was a bit of a disappointment for me. I usually enjoy historical fiction novels that are written about this time period but Orphans of War lacked any real substance. The thing I love most about reading a new historical fiction novel is learning some new information that I was not previously aware of. That was what this book lacked. The characters were well developed and the storyline was good but not enlightening.
Charlotte and her mother, Martha, lived in Kingston Upon Hull during The Blitz. They were on the way to a bomb shelter when her mother realized she had left her pocketbook that contained all her papers in their home. Charlotte’s mother went to retrieve it when a German plane made a direct hit on the building she had entered. Martha did not survive the hit. The building was completely destroyed. Charlotte was in the shelter when she heard the bomb. She was inconsolable. It had only been her and her mother. Charlotte’s father had died years ago. The bomb had destroyed their home and place of business. Charlotte remained in Hull long enough to bury her mother. Then Charlotte was sent to live with her Aunt Hilda, her mother’s sister. Charlotte had no recollection of her mother ever mentioning that she had a sister. Charlotte boarded a train to Mornington, a small village in Yorkshire. Charlotte was all of sixteen years of age when her world as she knew it fell apart.
Hilda and George Bilton, almost complete strangers to Charlotte, took her in when she had no one else. They owned a local pub. They showed no compassion or empathy towards Charlotte. Her Aunt Hilda barely spoke two words to Charlotte. There were no hugs or words of sympathy. Charlotte was told she would have to earn her keep by helping out at the pub. She was assigned certain chores to do and was expected to serve the customers at the pub and help clean up when the customers left the pub. Charlotte sensed that her aunt almost resented that Charlotte was there. It was not what Charlotte bargained for but she had nowhere else to go.
Charlotte got to know some of the local residents in Mornington and learned from them that a group of twenty French orphans were coming to Mornington to live. There was a huge abandoned house that would house them. She learned that volunteers were needed to prepare the house and take care of the orphans. Charlotte wanted to do her part for the war effort so she volunteered. At first she balanced her time between volunteering and working at the pub. Eventually, Charlotte got up the courage and told her aunt and uncle she would no longer live with them or work at the pub. Charlotte secured a place to stay at the home where the children resided. At about that time, Free French soldiers arrived in Mornington and billeted in the village while they trained. Charlotte met Emile and there was an instant connection. Emile was charismatic and quite handsome but he had secrets. Charlotte’s life began to revolve around the French orphan children and Emile. She found she had a purpose in life once again.
Orphans of War by Sylvia Broady was her debut novel. Although it was not my favorite historical fiction novel, I did enjoy the storytelling. I was invested enough to want to know what would become of the orphan children at the end of the war, learn the outcome of Charlotte’s and Emile’s relationship and find out if Emile would trust Charlotte enough to reveal his secrets to her. Orphans of War was about family, hardships, trust, friendships, hope and a desire to help those less fortunate than others. I would recommend Orphans of War if you are looking for more of a romance story rather than a story rich with historical details. I will definitely give Sylvia Broady another chance. I look forward to seeing what she writes next. Orphans of War is set to publish on November 14, 2022.
Thank you to Joffe Books for allowing me to read this ARC of Orphans of War by Sylvia Broady through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte and her mother, Martha, lived in Kingston Upon Hull during The Blitz. They were on the way to a bomb shelter when her mother realized she had left her pocketbook that contained all her papers in their home. Charlotte’s mother went to retrieve it when a German plane made a direct hit on the building she had entered. Martha did not survive the hit. The building was completely destroyed. Charlotte was in the shelter when she heard the bomb. She was inconsolable. It had only been her and her mother. Charlotte’s father had died years ago. The bomb had destroyed their home and place of business. Charlotte remained in Hull long enough to bury her mother. Then Charlotte was sent to live with her Aunt Hilda, her mother’s sister. Charlotte had no recollection of her mother ever mentioning that she had a sister. Charlotte boarded a train to Mornington, a small village in Yorkshire. Charlotte was all of sixteen years of age when her world as she knew it fell apart.
Hilda and George Bilton, almost complete strangers to Charlotte, took her in when she had no one else. They owned a local pub. They showed no compassion or empathy towards Charlotte. Her Aunt Hilda barely spoke two words to Charlotte. There were no hugs or words of sympathy. Charlotte was told she would have to earn her keep by helping out at the pub. She was assigned certain chores to do and was expected to serve the customers at the pub and help clean up when the customers left the pub. Charlotte sensed that her aunt almost resented that Charlotte was there. It was not what Charlotte bargained for but she had nowhere else to go.
Charlotte got to know some of the local residents in Mornington and learned from them that a group of twenty French orphans were coming to Mornington to live. There was a huge abandoned house that would house them. She learned that volunteers were needed to prepare the house and take care of the orphans. Charlotte wanted to do her part for the war effort so she volunteered. At first she balanced her time between volunteering and working at the pub. Eventually, Charlotte got up the courage and told her aunt and uncle she would no longer live with them or work at the pub. Charlotte secured a place to stay at the home where the children resided. At about that time, Free French soldiers arrived in Mornington and billeted in the village while they trained. Charlotte met Emile and there was an instant connection. Emile was charismatic and quite handsome but he had secrets. Charlotte’s life began to revolve around the French orphan children and Emile. She found she had a purpose in life once again.
Orphans of War by Sylvia Broady was her debut novel. Although it was not my favorite historical fiction novel, I did enjoy the storytelling. I was invested enough to want to know what would become of the orphan children at the end of the war, learn the outcome of Charlotte’s and Emile’s relationship and find out if Emile would trust Charlotte enough to reveal his secrets to her. Orphans of War was about family, hardships, trust, friendships, hope and a desire to help those less fortunate than others. I would recommend Orphans of War if you are looking for more of a romance story rather than a story rich with historical details. I will definitely give Sylvia Broady another chance. I look forward to seeing what she writes next. Orphans of War is set to publish on November 14, 2022.
Thank you to Joffe Books for allowing me to read this ARC of Orphans of War by Sylvia Broady through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
ORPHANS OF WAR by Sylvia Broady is an emotional YA historical fiction story set in the English countryside during World War II featuring a young protagonist and her tumultuous life during the war years. This is an easily read and engaging standalone book.
Charlotte is a happy sixteen-year-old who assists her mother in her haberdashery shop in the port city of Hull. As the Germans begin bombing England, their city is a prime target with its port and factories. Charlotte’s mother is killed in a raid and their business destroyed. Her father died when she was young, but a mysterious aunt shows up to take her to her home in the country where she works in the pub her aunt and uncle own.
Charlotte finds her uncle and aunt cold and indifferent, but she does not mind the work. When she has been there for a year, county aid workers open a large, abandoned mansion for rescued French orphans. She volunteers and finds she loves working with the children. At the same time a group of Free French soldiers are training on tanks just outside the village and she becomes attracted to a young French officer.
As the war continues, Charlotte finds her purpose in life working with the children and finds young love with Emile before he is sent back to the war. Over the next years of the war, Charlotte will learn many life lessons that will affect her, friends, and family.
I loved reading about Charlotte’s life. This is not a WWII set in the war zone, but a story of a young girl’s life at home in England and how the war affected her life over the five-year period and how much she matured, changed, and found love. All the characters were fully drawn, believable, and memorable. The romance between Charlotte and Emile was realistic. The story deals with family, friendship, hardship and hope during perilous times. Even with the war in the background of the story, it is still full of interesting historical details. I was pulled into Charlotte’s life and story.
I highly recommend this YA historical fiction!
ORPHANS OF WAR by Sylvia Broady is an emotional YA historical fiction story set in the English countryside during World War II featuring a young protagonist and her tumultuous life during the war years. This is an easily read and engaging standalone book.
Charlotte is a happy sixteen-year-old who assists her mother in her haberdashery shop in the port city of Hull. As the Germans begin bombing England, their city is a prime target with its port and factories. Charlotte’s mother is killed in a raid and their business destroyed. Her father died when she was young, but a mysterious aunt shows up to take her to her home in the country where she works in the pub her aunt and uncle own.
Charlotte finds her uncle and aunt cold and indifferent, but she does not mind the work. When she has been there for a year, county aid workers open a large, abandoned mansion for rescued French orphans. She volunteers and finds she loves working with the children. At the same time a group of Free French soldiers are training on tanks just outside the village and she becomes attracted to a young French officer.
As the war continues, Charlotte finds her purpose in life working with the children and finds young love with Emile before he is sent back to the war. Over the next years of the war, Charlotte will learn many life lessons that will affect her, friends, and family.
I loved reading about Charlotte’s life. This is not a WWII set in the war zone, but a story of a young girl’s life at home in England and how the war affected her life over the five-year period and how much she matured, changed, and found love. All the characters were fully drawn, believable, and memorable. The romance between Charlotte and Emile was realistic. The story deals with family, friendship, hardship and hope during perilous times. Even with the war in the background of the story, it is still full of interesting historical details. I was pulled into Charlotte’s life and story.
I highly recommend this YA historical fiction!
November 22, 2022
Great historical fiction about WW2!
Teenage Charlotte lost her mum and everything else in the Blitz. Now, she has the chance to help some other children; a group of orphans from who made the perilous journey from occupied France, with the help of kind strangers. Charlotte can relate to these lost children, and wants nothing more than to help them move on from the horrors they’ve experienced. To help them be children again, not terrified little souls…
This is definitely a book for adults. The description of the massacre in the town of Oradour is graphic, and heart-breaking, and there are some other very mature scenes depicted.
A must-read for fans of WW2 historical fiction.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Teenage Charlotte lost her mum and everything else in the Blitz. Now, she has the chance to help some other children; a group of orphans from who made the perilous journey from occupied France, with the help of kind strangers. Charlotte can relate to these lost children, and wants nothing more than to help them move on from the horrors they’ve experienced. To help them be children again, not terrified little souls…
This is definitely a book for adults. The description of the massacre in the town of Oradour is graphic, and heart-breaking, and there are some other very mature scenes depicted.
A must-read for fans of WW2 historical fiction.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
November 2, 2022
This is a gripping book perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction.
It is 1941 Charlotte is living in Hull helping her mother with her haberdashery business when there is an air raid that destroys her home and business but more heartbreaking her beloved mother. An Aunt she didn't know existed comes to take her back to their home in a quiet Yorkshire village. She soon realises she is just cheap labour working hard in the pub she befriends 3 old ladies who brighten her life.
A chance meeting with a lady in a pony and trap sees her volunteering to help with evacuated French children and she realises that this is where her heart lies. When the love of her life, Emile, goes off to fight she throws herself into her work with the children.
This is very emotional as the reader is given an inside, detailed view of what life was like in those war years. The traumatised orphans and injured soldiers are just a small part of the overall picture and this is an absolutely heart rending read but such a gripping one that I had to keep reading.
If you like historical fiction this is a must read it ticks so many boxes for me I absolutely loved reading it.
It is 1941 Charlotte is living in Hull helping her mother with her haberdashery business when there is an air raid that destroys her home and business but more heartbreaking her beloved mother. An Aunt she didn't know existed comes to take her back to their home in a quiet Yorkshire village. She soon realises she is just cheap labour working hard in the pub she befriends 3 old ladies who brighten her life.
A chance meeting with a lady in a pony and trap sees her volunteering to help with evacuated French children and she realises that this is where her heart lies. When the love of her life, Emile, goes off to fight she throws herself into her work with the children.
This is very emotional as the reader is given an inside, detailed view of what life was like in those war years. The traumatised orphans and injured soldiers are just a small part of the overall picture and this is an absolutely heart rending read but such a gripping one that I had to keep reading.
If you like historical fiction this is a must read it ticks so many boxes for me I absolutely loved reading it.
November 19, 2022
The story starts off in Kingston upon Hull and we meet 16 year old, Charlotte Kirby. Following a night of bombing and a direct hit on her Mother's Haberdashery Shop which kills her mother, Charlotte is left an orphan and all alone in the world.
Charlotte is told that her Aunt (Hilda Bilton) is collecting her and she goes to live with her and her husband, at the Travellers Rest Inn that they run in Mornington, Yorkshire.
I liked Charlotte and hated how she was being treated by this Aunt who she had never even heard of. I wondered why they were treating her this way? and why did Charlotte's mother never tell Charlotte that she had an Aunt?
Charlotte works hard at the Inn and befriends some locals in the village who remember her Mother when she was younger, yet as their friendship grew it felt as if they were not being honest with Charlotte. Charlotte gains strength and some security through Joyce, her friend from home, the locals and through her volunteer work at Mornington House.
Other important characters show up in the right places and I did wonder about one character but then up he popped! I thought the second half of the book more entertaining and emotional, but there was drama throughout and I felt tired for Charlotte, Laura, and Mrs Jolly who were constantly on the go. I enjoyed every minute with them and felt so emotional at times.
I liked that events that happened in the book were based on fact and I love the way the author has written them into the story. The story is set during the second World War and other themes covered are loss, freedom, friendship and love.
It was an honour to share Charlotte's journey, emotions and the revelations with her.
Charlotte is one of the most selfless, loving characters that I've ever come across in the world of fiction. She showed commitment and devoted her life to others and I think that helped her mental scars to heal.
This is a beautiful, tragic, heartwarming story that is well written, well researched, and as the story progressed and I got to know and care for the lovely characters, I was bewitched by it all.
Charlotte is told that her Aunt (Hilda Bilton) is collecting her and she goes to live with her and her husband, at the Travellers Rest Inn that they run in Mornington, Yorkshire.
I liked Charlotte and hated how she was being treated by this Aunt who she had never even heard of. I wondered why they were treating her this way? and why did Charlotte's mother never tell Charlotte that she had an Aunt?
Charlotte works hard at the Inn and befriends some locals in the village who remember her Mother when she was younger, yet as their friendship grew it felt as if they were not being honest with Charlotte. Charlotte gains strength and some security through Joyce, her friend from home, the locals and through her volunteer work at Mornington House.
Other important characters show up in the right places and I did wonder about one character but then up he popped! I thought the second half of the book more entertaining and emotional, but there was drama throughout and I felt tired for Charlotte, Laura, and Mrs Jolly who were constantly on the go. I enjoyed every minute with them and felt so emotional at times.
I liked that events that happened in the book were based on fact and I love the way the author has written them into the story. The story is set during the second World War and other themes covered are loss, freedom, friendship and love.
It was an honour to share Charlotte's journey, emotions and the revelations with her.
Charlotte is one of the most selfless, loving characters that I've ever come across in the world of fiction. She showed commitment and devoted her life to others and I think that helped her mental scars to heal.
This is a beautiful, tragic, heartwarming story that is well written, well researched, and as the story progressed and I got to know and care for the lovely characters, I was bewitched by it all.
October 9, 2022
This is a really good book. It is the first one I have read from this author. Yes, it is a “war story”. But the war is the back story. The main story is about some of the children in Paris who, for whatever reason, were separated from their parents after Paris was bombed by the Germans. These children were taken to a large farm in the English countryside to be cared for for the remainder of the war. Ms. Broady is a good storyteller. The characters are very realistic and their lives are believable. I will be reading other books from this author and recommending it to family and friends. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
October 16, 2022
As a massive fan of historical fiction focused on Britain during WWII, I was excited for this book. Unfortunately it fell completely flat for me - perhaps my expectations are higher than most because I've read so much great work in this sub-genre.
The story jumped around too much to establish any real flow. It also lacked focus and would have benefited from a more condensed time scale. The historical research just wasn't there - I didn't learn anything new - and there was no real attempt to educate the reader.
A unique title would have been helpful to differentiate this book from several others with the same title and subject matter - but I think even the lazy title serves to illustrate how little effort was made here.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
The story jumped around too much to establish any real flow. It also lacked focus and would have benefited from a more condensed time scale. The historical research just wasn't there - I didn't learn anything new - and there was no real attempt to educate the reader.
A unique title would have been helpful to differentiate this book from several others with the same title and subject matter - but I think even the lazy title serves to illustrate how little effort was made here.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
November 17, 2022
Orphans of War was a touching story about french children that were rescued in France and taken to a manor house in Yorkshire to live out the war in safety. Charlotte had ended up in the area after a bomb landed on her mom's store in Hull leaving Charlotte an orphan. She was taken, by an aunt she didn't even know to another town.
The author gives glimpses into the struggles of villagers in Northern England. Money is tight. Goods are lacking. The young men are gone off to war. What made this story unique for me was the Free French Soldiers that were billeted there. I honestly forgot about them training in England in preparation to win back their home.
Orphans of war has a budding romance between Charlotte and Emile, one of the frenchmen. She gives the reader a glimpse into the language barriers, the acceptance of villagers, war through Emile's eyes and Charlotte's struggles with lack of communication.
Thanks to the author, I learned more about the orphans and those that helped to save them. I was inspired to research many different WW2 historical situations, the need to learn more seems to grow with each chapter. If it wasn't for her and other authors I am afraid I would have remained clueless to so many of the dedicated people during World War 2. Our textbooks did them a disservice by teaching us very little.
Please grab this book and escape to WW2 in the safety of you warm home. Because of those that fought for our freedom we have homes to enjoy.
The author gives glimpses into the struggles of villagers in Northern England. Money is tight. Goods are lacking. The young men are gone off to war. What made this story unique for me was the Free French Soldiers that were billeted there. I honestly forgot about them training in England in preparation to win back their home.
Orphans of war has a budding romance between Charlotte and Emile, one of the frenchmen. She gives the reader a glimpse into the language barriers, the acceptance of villagers, war through Emile's eyes and Charlotte's struggles with lack of communication.
Thanks to the author, I learned more about the orphans and those that helped to save them. I was inspired to research many different WW2 historical situations, the need to learn more seems to grow with each chapter. If it wasn't for her and other authors I am afraid I would have remained clueless to so many of the dedicated people during World War 2. Our textbooks did them a disservice by teaching us very little.
Please grab this book and escape to WW2 in the safety of you warm home. Because of those that fought for our freedom we have homes to enjoy.
November 7, 2022
Historical Fiction Novel 1941 Kingston upon Hull
Charlotte Kirby has lost her mother Martha in a big air raid at only sixteen years old she is sent to live with her aunt Hilda Bilton she didn't even know her mam had a sister. In the village of Mornington, she runs the travellers rest inn along with her husband George she's a woman of few words and a stiff manner, poor Charlotte has nowhere else to go.
Not having any intentions of been their skivvy she takes on war work in Mornington house looking after orphans of war children, with no future ahead, she gives them an education for future employment. and also the important thing they do need and that is love.
Romance is also in the air for her as she meets french man Emile Delmas but he is soon posted on and his daughter Juliette comes over into her care from France till the end of the war.
This book takes us through the war years such an inspirational and truly heart breaker to read that leaves a big lump in your throat, dear god I was choked reading the chapters my emotions showed right till the end and this to me shows an excellent good read. 10/10 if I could 5 big stars.
Charlotte Kirby has lost her mother Martha in a big air raid at only sixteen years old she is sent to live with her aunt Hilda Bilton she didn't even know her mam had a sister. In the village of Mornington, she runs the travellers rest inn along with her husband George she's a woman of few words and a stiff manner, poor Charlotte has nowhere else to go.
Not having any intentions of been their skivvy she takes on war work in Mornington house looking after orphans of war children, with no future ahead, she gives them an education for future employment. and also the important thing they do need and that is love.
Romance is also in the air for her as she meets french man Emile Delmas but he is soon posted on and his daughter Juliette comes over into her care from France till the end of the war.
This book takes us through the war years such an inspirational and truly heart breaker to read that leaves a big lump in your throat, dear god I was choked reading the chapters my emotions showed right till the end and this to me shows an excellent good read. 10/10 if I could 5 big stars.
November 15, 2022
Charlotte loses her Mother in a air raid over Hull in WW2, she goes to live with her Aunt Hilda - whom she had not heard of - her Mother's sister.
After living with her Aunt and Uncle and working in their pub in the village for over 2 years, Charlotte decides to leave and work with the refugee French children whom she has been volunteering with.
She meets and falls in love with a Free French soldier and waits for him to return.
A really lovely book with a good ending.
After living with her Aunt and Uncle and working in their pub in the village for over 2 years, Charlotte decides to leave and work with the refugee French children whom she has been volunteering with.
She meets and falls in love with a Free French soldier and waits for him to return.
A really lovely book with a good ending.
November 17, 2022
I am so sorry this book ended.
Yes. This was one of ‘those’ books. It just could have continued on. Sad and happy, the stories were told of the war orphans to lovers. Each of the characters lent their story to Ms Broady who gently brought them together, with emotional details.
Yes. This was one of ‘those’ books. It just could have continued on. Sad and happy, the stories were told of the war orphans to lovers. Each of the characters lent their story to Ms Broady who gently brought them together, with emotional details.
November 19, 2022
A good well written and touching story set in WW2. Tells the story of children rescued from Europe , their on going story and a large vs story of two young people brought together, torn apart and finally reunited, not my usual reading but I thoroughly enjoyed it and have no trouble in recommending it
October 1, 2024
Captivating Story of War andvLove
I couldn't stop reading this story...the many lives with lots of contrasts and challenges are something to be witnessed....Congratulations to the author.
I couldn't stop reading this story...the many lives with lots of contrasts and challenges are something to be witnessed....Congratulations to the author.
October 24, 2022
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. It is a beautifully written story that really pulled at the heartstrings. I thought the authors attention to the historical detailing really brought this period of history to life and the characters came across as very real in the telling.
This book will certainly appeal to lovers of quality historical fiction, especially if you enjoy novels written by Catherine Cookson. This book is certainly a novel that I can see myself reading again and again.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
This book will certainly appeal to lovers of quality historical fiction, especially if you enjoy novels written by Catherine Cookson. This book is certainly a novel that I can see myself reading again and again.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
August 17, 2023
Certainly not what I expected.
Title was very misleading - yes orphans were mentioned, but the bulk of the "story" was about Charlotte, who I guesss in the big scheme, became an orphan atage 16.
It was good to see that Charlotte was able to befriend some good people to make her life in a strange village more bearable. There was a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of mystery but overall, nothing about the story grabbed me; I did not find a plot, but I continued to read to see if it improved --it didn't! Lots of characters, often introduced by name dropping and more often than not added nothing to the story.
I felt the writing style and the dialogue was quite juvenile, and geared more to the young children who were placed in the safety of the Chldren's home, than to an adult audience. Is this yet another author that is unaware of a thesaurus or cannot come up with an alternate term - absolutely every time she mentioned Mrs. Carlton-Jones, or Dot, May and Edna, those were the ony terms she ever used, as if the readers needed to be reminded of who they were. Would have been a pleasant change to see Mrs C-J referred to as the matron, (or whatever her position was) or the 3 women as her mentors, or best friends, or something different. As it was none of them had a distinctive personalitythat shone through.
Time lines appeared a little jumbled at a times hard to follow
And is so often the case, the story dragged and dragged for 300+ pages and then it was like the author either had writer's block, or an epiphany and thought "Oh I had better wrap up this book" and rushed to bring it to a conclusion in 40 ps or less! So disappointing
will not be buying or reading any more of Ms Broady's books
Title was very misleading - yes orphans were mentioned, but the bulk of the "story" was about Charlotte, who I guesss in the big scheme, became an orphan atage 16.
It was good to see that Charlotte was able to befriend some good people to make her life in a strange village more bearable. There was a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of mystery but overall, nothing about the story grabbed me; I did not find a plot, but I continued to read to see if it improved --it didn't! Lots of characters, often introduced by name dropping and more often than not added nothing to the story.
I felt the writing style and the dialogue was quite juvenile, and geared more to the young children who were placed in the safety of the Chldren's home, than to an adult audience. Is this yet another author that is unaware of a thesaurus or cannot come up with an alternate term - absolutely every time she mentioned Mrs. Carlton-Jones, or Dot, May and Edna, those were the ony terms she ever used, as if the readers needed to be reminded of who they were. Would have been a pleasant change to see Mrs C-J referred to as the matron, (or whatever her position was) or the 3 women as her mentors, or best friends, or something different. As it was none of them had a distinctive personalitythat shone through.
Time lines appeared a little jumbled at a times hard to follow
And is so often the case, the story dragged and dragged for 300+ pages and then it was like the author either had writer's block, or an epiphany and thought "Oh I had better wrap up this book" and rushed to bring it to a conclusion in 40 ps or less! So disappointing
will not be buying or reading any more of Ms Broady's books
December 29, 2022
This is such a wonderful enjoyable book, I was totally intrigued from beginning to end.
An absolutely lovely storyline with great characters and descriptive with a little bit of a romantic side to the story.
I must have gone through many emotions reading this from sadness, anger, laughter and I even shed a tear or two with sadness and happiness.
A totally lovely book.
My thanks to Joffe for the copy of which this is my honest unbiased review.
An absolutely lovely storyline with great characters and descriptive with a little bit of a romantic side to the story.
I must have gone through many emotions reading this from sadness, anger, laughter and I even shed a tear or two with sadness and happiness.
A totally lovely book.
My thanks to Joffe for the copy of which this is my honest unbiased review.
November 18, 2022
If there's one thing that I like doing it's discovering new authors. Sylvia Broady is certainly a new author for me. Anybody who knows me well knows that not only am I a book geek but I am also a history nerd. Combine the two and you have a very happy me! So you can probably understand why I was so excited when I read the synopsis of 'Orphans Of War'. I couldn't wait to dive in and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for a full afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Orphans Of War' but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book to one side for any length of time. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I warmed to the main character of Charlotte from the start and as she was only young and had recently suffered a bereavement, I felt all protective of her. I was blown away by the story and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and in particular how the story would impact on Charlotte. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Orphans Of War' and i had to say goodbye to Charlotte and the other characters. I found 'Orphans Of War' to be both a gripping and an emotional read, which certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.
'Orphans Of War' is superbly written. Sylvia has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Sylvia clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. Sylvia makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. Sylvia has clearly done a lot of research into the time period in which the story takes place and this shines through and makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I never knew my grandparents so reading books such as this one are the nearest I am going to get to being able to understand what it was like living through the Second World War. Reading 'Orphans Of War' felt like being on an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs, twists and turns. I love the way in which Sylvia makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Orphans Of War' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sylvia's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book to one side for any length of time. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I warmed to the main character of Charlotte from the start and as she was only young and had recently suffered a bereavement, I felt all protective of her. I was blown away by the story and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and in particular how the story would impact on Charlotte. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Orphans Of War' and i had to say goodbye to Charlotte and the other characters. I found 'Orphans Of War' to be both a gripping and an emotional read, which certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.
'Orphans Of War' is superbly written. Sylvia has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Sylvia clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. Sylvia makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. Sylvia has clearly done a lot of research into the time period in which the story takes place and this shines through and makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I never knew my grandparents so reading books such as this one are the nearest I am going to get to being able to understand what it was like living through the Second World War. Reading 'Orphans Of War' felt like being on an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs, twists and turns. I love the way in which Sylvia makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Orphans Of War' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sylvia's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
May 16, 2023
Although there were some terms even I hadn't heard after living in Scotland for 3.5 years decades ago, most of the time this was because those items weren't likely in use in the 2nd half or the 1980s, and the rest, I knew (what I was missing was, specifically, a "fire oven" and a "fire stool," in the book, for which neither Google nor any other search engine could find a match).
The story is a WWII era tale focusing on a 16 year old whose father died when she was very small, and whose mother, along with the haberdashery shop they ran, was bombed out of existence when Hull, a shipbuilding and industrial site, was hit by the Luftwaffe. Suddenly, Charlotte finds herself being sent to live with an aunt, of whose existence she was totally unaware until suddenly, she was taken there. She was soon working for room and board in her uncle's pub, where she meets 3 older women who regularly stop by a table in a small corner for a stout. They help ease her way into the village and introduce her to others who become her surrogate family. Then, a woman who is always running various volunteer efforts asks her help in finding out if a particular place is suitable for a children's house. She is soon volunteering a great deal of time helping with French war orphans and children separated from families. Then the Free French forces come for training in Britain, and Charlotte meets Emile.
Charlotte soon finds the man with the talent for woodworking is a surrogate father in her life, and she makes friends with the volunteers and staff at the house, soon finding herself with a full time live in job, that enables her to leave the bar and the unhappy household, though it is a while before she finds out her aunt's secrets. Her friend from Hull joins the Land Army, a group of young women who helped out at farms to replace the loss of sons gone to war, and ends up at the farm down the road from the village.
As the war progresses, she learns more about all of the people who have become her new family, and finds herself caring for Emile's daughter, as she waits some word of her beloved's fate.
Filled with adventures, children's antics, sorrows, joys, learning, growth, pain, in a tale of passion both romantic and non-romantic, this book will grip your heart from start to finish, and not let you go until the last page - when you'll find yourself disappointed that there is no more story.
The story is a WWII era tale focusing on a 16 year old whose father died when she was very small, and whose mother, along with the haberdashery shop they ran, was bombed out of existence when Hull, a shipbuilding and industrial site, was hit by the Luftwaffe. Suddenly, Charlotte finds herself being sent to live with an aunt, of whose existence she was totally unaware until suddenly, she was taken there. She was soon working for room and board in her uncle's pub, where she meets 3 older women who regularly stop by a table in a small corner for a stout. They help ease her way into the village and introduce her to others who become her surrogate family. Then, a woman who is always running various volunteer efforts asks her help in finding out if a particular place is suitable for a children's house. She is soon volunteering a great deal of time helping with French war orphans and children separated from families. Then the Free French forces come for training in Britain, and Charlotte meets Emile.
Charlotte soon finds the man with the talent for woodworking is a surrogate father in her life, and she makes friends with the volunteers and staff at the house, soon finding herself with a full time live in job, that enables her to leave the bar and the unhappy household, though it is a while before she finds out her aunt's secrets. Her friend from Hull joins the Land Army, a group of young women who helped out at farms to replace the loss of sons gone to war, and ends up at the farm down the road from the village.
As the war progresses, she learns more about all of the people who have become her new family, and finds herself caring for Emile's daughter, as she waits some word of her beloved's fate.
Filled with adventures, children's antics, sorrows, joys, learning, growth, pain, in a tale of passion both romantic and non-romantic, this book will grip your heart from start to finish, and not let you go until the last page - when you'll find yourself disappointed that there is no more story.
November 24, 2022
ORPHAN'S OF WAR by Sylvia Broady.
Kingston Upon Hull, 1941.
Sixteen-year-old Charlotte Kirby believes she’s all alone in the world when her mother is killed in a bombing raid. But then a mysterious aunt comes forward — an aunt Charlotte never knew she had — and offers her a home in the small Yorkshire village where she and her husband George run the local pub.
Charlotte finds it hard to adjust to rural life. She doesn’t mind helping out in the pub, but she can’t understand why her Aunt Hilda seems to resent her so. Nor why her mother never told her she had a sister.
She wants to do her bit for the war effort — but the war doesn’t seem to have reached their sleepy little village.
Everything changes when a group of French orphans are brought to live in the big house. Charlotte volunteers to help look after them — and finds a new purpose in life.
Then a band of Free French soldiers is billeted in the village, including a handsome young officer with the deepest brown eyes . . . But Emile has a tragedy in his past — and Charlotte must uncover both his and her own family’s secrets if she and Emile are to have a chance of happiness.
Really good read. Great story and characters. 4*.
Kingston Upon Hull, 1941.
Sixteen-year-old Charlotte Kirby believes she’s all alone in the world when her mother is killed in a bombing raid. But then a mysterious aunt comes forward — an aunt Charlotte never knew she had — and offers her a home in the small Yorkshire village where she and her husband George run the local pub.
Charlotte finds it hard to adjust to rural life. She doesn’t mind helping out in the pub, but she can’t understand why her Aunt Hilda seems to resent her so. Nor why her mother never told her she had a sister.
She wants to do her bit for the war effort — but the war doesn’t seem to have reached their sleepy little village.
Everything changes when a group of French orphans are brought to live in the big house. Charlotte volunteers to help look after them — and finds a new purpose in life.
Then a band of Free French soldiers is billeted in the village, including a handsome young officer with the deepest brown eyes . . . But Emile has a tragedy in his past — and Charlotte must uncover both his and her own family’s secrets if she and Emile are to have a chance of happiness.
Really good read. Great story and characters. 4*.
September 27, 2023
German bombs are raining down on the city. Racing to the nearest air-raid shelter, Charlotte hears an almighty explosion. Her mother’s haberdashery shop has taken a direct hit, reducing the shop to a pile of rubble — and killing her mother outright. Suddenly sixteen-year-old Charlotte is all alone in the world.
But then mysterious Aunt Hilda comes forward — an aunt Charlotte never knew she had — and offers her a home in the sleepy Yorkshire village of Mornington where she runs the local pub with her husband George.
Charlotte doesn’t mind helping out in the pub, but she can’t understand why her Aunt Hilda seems to resent her so. Nor why her mother never revealed she had a sister.
Everything changes when a group of French orphans are brought to live in the big house. Charlotte volunteers to help look after them — and finds a new purpose in life.
Then a band of Free French soldiers is billeted in the village, including a handsome young officer with the deepest brown eyes . . . But Emile has a tragedy in his past — and Charlotte must uncover both his and her own family’s secrets if they are to have a chance of happiness.
But then mysterious Aunt Hilda comes forward — an aunt Charlotte never knew she had — and offers her a home in the sleepy Yorkshire village of Mornington where she runs the local pub with her husband George.
Charlotte doesn’t mind helping out in the pub, but she can’t understand why her Aunt Hilda seems to resent her so. Nor why her mother never revealed she had a sister.
Everything changes when a group of French orphans are brought to live in the big house. Charlotte volunteers to help look after them — and finds a new purpose in life.
Then a band of Free French soldiers is billeted in the village, including a handsome young officer with the deepest brown eyes . . . But Emile has a tragedy in his past — and Charlotte must uncover both his and her own family’s secrets if they are to have a chance of happiness.
August 2, 2023
An interesting story
Orphans of War really has two stories in it - one about war orphans who primarily came from France, and the other, a romance story. The story overall had a difficult time keeping my interest and I had a hard time with continuing with the book. I was also disappointed with the "lovemaking" scenes and descriptions, as I feel that they could have been left out or modified. The book does portray the hardships of war on children and the care they need, and the devotion to meeting their needs and caring for them. It is a good story to get a feeling and understanding of what life was like for both children and adults during the war for orphans placed in England.
Orphans of War really has two stories in it - one about war orphans who primarily came from France, and the other, a romance story. The story overall had a difficult time keeping my interest and I had a hard time with continuing with the book. I was also disappointed with the "lovemaking" scenes and descriptions, as I feel that they could have been left out or modified. The book does portray the hardships of war on children and the care they need, and the devotion to meeting their needs and caring for them. It is a good story to get a feeling and understanding of what life was like for both children and adults during the war for orphans placed in England.
April 14, 2023
I thought this book was excellent and was interesting to read about the orphans.
Charlotte ends up with her Aunt & Uncle in a village after her Mother dies. Charlotte gets friendly with a French soldier Emile, but then he goes away back to France to fight will she see him again. Charlotte ends up working looking after the French children that were found with no families.
I really enjoyed the characters and found that I could not put the book down.
It is a well written book.
Would recommend it.
Charlotte ends up with her Aunt & Uncle in a village after her Mother dies. Charlotte gets friendly with a French soldier Emile, but then he goes away back to France to fight will she see him again. Charlotte ends up working looking after the French children that were found with no families.
I really enjoyed the characters and found that I could not put the book down.
It is a well written book.
Would recommend it.
October 17, 2023
What a heart wrenching read, but with a happy ending. This is a story of the tragic events occurring to families during WWII in Europe. Charlotte loses her mom in a bombing and ends up with an estranged aunt and uncle. In turn she works with children separated from their parents. There is a love story between Charlotte and Emile that develops, but so much more with her connection and dedication not only to the children but an elderly man she grows to love like a father. A beautifully touching read!
July 12, 2023
Wonderful read
I loved this novel of French war orphans who were cared for by another 16 year old orphan.
Charlotte lost her beloved mother in the Blitz of London and was sent to an unfamiliar aunt where she became a helper at their inn. She eventually began volunteering at the orphan home and there found her calling. She also found the love of her life, Emile, who was a French soldier in training.
This was a pageturner! I highly recommend this book.
I loved this novel of French war orphans who were cared for by another 16 year old orphan.
Charlotte lost her beloved mother in the Blitz of London and was sent to an unfamiliar aunt where she became a helper at their inn. She eventually began volunteering at the orphan home and there found her calling. She also found the love of her life, Emile, who was a French soldier in training.
This was a pageturner! I highly recommend this book.
July 21, 2023
Worth a read
Was my first read by Sylvia Broady as was looking for something new and came across this little gem of a book and Sylvia been from my home town of Hull was a bonus. This book doesn’t disappoint, I couldn’t put it down once started and I love the way you get to know each of the characters, this really brought the book to life. I will definitely be reading more of Sylvia’s books now
Was my first read by Sylvia Broady as was looking for something new and came across this little gem of a book and Sylvia been from my home town of Hull was a bonus. This book doesn’t disappoint, I couldn’t put it down once started and I love the way you get to know each of the characters, this really brought the book to life. I will definitely be reading more of Sylvia’s books now
August 13, 2023
Set in WWII England, this book concentrates not only on those forced to serve in combat, but those left behind to ‘keep a stiff upper lip’ and ‘carry on and stay calm’. It is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a joy to read. The only bad thing about it was reading those two awful words, THE END. I look forward to reading more of Sylvia Broady’s work and hope she has many more books to write and, hopefully, share with the rest of us.
August 12, 2023
What more could I want! This book has everything!
I enjoyed this book from page 1 until the ending. The author described things so I could picture them in my mind's eye.
Sometimes I felt like something wasn't answered, however, it was finally addressed later in the book. It had romance and drama!
I enjoyed this book from page 1 until the ending. The author described things so I could picture them in my mind's eye.
Sometimes I felt like something wasn't answered, however, it was finally addressed later in the book. It had romance and drama!
August 14, 2023
ebook
She loses her mom in an air raid. She’s sent to a small village to live with her aunt. She works as a maid and cleanup girl in their pub. She volunteers at a children’s home for war orphans and works her way up to be the manager. She meets a French solider and falls in love. Somehow his daughter winds up in her care and eventually he comes home to her.
She loses her mom in an air raid. She’s sent to a small village to live with her aunt. She works as a maid and cleanup girl in their pub. She volunteers at a children’s home for war orphans and works her way up to be the manager. She meets a French solider and falls in love. Somehow his daughter winds up in her care and eventually he comes home to her.
December 5, 2022
Nice wartime story, Charlotte has to go live with her aunt when she is orphaned.
The story is very graphic, but Charlotte is a likeable character who wants to help some other orphans who arrive from war torn France.
Great story
The story is very graphic, but Charlotte is a likeable character who wants to help some other orphans who arrive from war torn France.
Great story
July 8, 2023
Engrossing
This book maintained interest for me from beginning to end. I only wish that there had been more one on one encounters with the children being kept together at the house. Their stories were intriguing.
This book maintained interest for me from beginning to end. I only wish that there had been more one on one encounters with the children being kept together at the house. Their stories were intriguing.
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