Book Synopsis:
It’s a photograph of two little girls, the camera catching the cold whiteness of their legs, the pretty lines of their dresses, the smooth surface of the lake. I know at once it’s my mother and Aunty Barbara, I’ve always known it somehow. But I also know that the camera doesn’t tell the whole story. It can’t.
London, 1943. German bombs rain down on London, but Elaine Parker knows her job transcribing letters from far-away prisoners of war is more important than her own safety. But at home, Elaine’s life isn’t so simple – as the main breadwinner for her struggling family, she doesn’t have much time to consider her own future hopes and dreams.
And then Elaine meets dark-haired and passionate Bobby – a wartime photographer on the dangerous front line – and her world shifts. Will Elaine be forced to choose between her family and her growing passion for Bobby? And how do you let yourself love someone with your whole heart when each moment could be their last?
Present day. Even the kiss of warm sunshine and the musical call of birds at her family’s countryside villa can’t make Jen forget the heartbreak she’s left behind. That is, until her she begins to investigate the origins of a tattered family photograph: two sweet little girls gazing out across a sparkling bay, their eyes clear and hopeful – looking for all the world as if England hadn’t just suffered the most terrible war imaginable. What is the story behind the picture, and could it finally be the key to mending the cracks in Jen’s own past?
A heartbreaking World War Two novel – emotional and unforgettable. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday and Before We Were Yours.
The Forgotten Girls is available in ebook and paperback now. The ebook is currently only 99p. You can purchase your copy using the link below.
My Review:
Ooh i do love dual timeline books set in WW2, especially if they are written by this author as you always know you’re in for a great read.
The two main characters Elaine and Jen are both strong woman who are instantly likeable and I was instantly on their side. I always enjoy it when a real historical person is bought to life, especially when I haven’t heard of them before, so I found it fascinating to learn more about Elaine and the photographer Robert Hale. They aren’t particularly well known characters which gives the author the freedom to weave facts with fiction to create a great insight into their lives and the events that continued to haunt them for years to come
The author’s vivid descriptions helps brings war time London to life and I really felt transported back to that time. I hadn’t heard of Elaine’s job before so I found it particularly fascinating to learn more about that. Some of the attitudes of the time made my blood boil and I found it hard to read about some of the decisions Elaine was forced to make. It really highlighted the sacrifices woman had to make during the war.
This was a bit of a slow burner for me but I didn’t mind as I was so absorbed in the story and the characters lives. I loved following them both and enjoyed watching the two storylines come together in a very clever way. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.
Huge thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley. A must read for fans of dual timeline historical fiction!
About The Author:
Lizzie loves reading ALL the books and has always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to her to write historical fiction.
She lives with her family by the sea in South East England. And with her dog. She enjoys traveling and lived in Japan for several years. Lizzie has had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling – but being a writer is her absolute favourite.
She’d love to hear what you think of her books – feel free to send her a message on twitter @LizziePagewrite or on FB or leave a review on amazon.
Over The Rainbow Blog 
I like a book that takes its time. I don’t always want a manic pace so this sounds lovely.
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