The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn published by Bookouture.
It should come as no surprise to you by now that I love Historical Fiction, WWII especially, so when Bookouture asked me to review Barbara Josselsohn’s newest book, The Secret Orphanage, I was definitely on board. This latest book is a dual-timeline story about a hidden orphanage in a tiny WWII German-occupied town in France, and a modern storyline that follows a woman uncovering the secrets of the past.
About Barbara Josselsohn
Barbara Josselsohn is a best-selling author known for her captivating contemporary and historical novels, including her latest, The Forgotten Italian Island. This sweeping, multigenerational story delves into the lives of two women bound by a fateful mistake made one night during the Nazi occupation of northern and central Italy. It is a follow-up to her two previous World War II novels, Secrets of the Italian Island and The Lost Gift to the Italian Island. Barbara’s work is marked by richly developed characters, intricate emotional landscapes, and immersive settings that transport readers to the heart of each story.
With a talent for blending history and human drama, Barbara’s novels explore complex themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring power of secrets. Her storytelling often spans generations, drawing readers into a tapestry of personal and historical struggles. Known for her lush descriptions and evocative prose, Barbara has garnered praise for her ability to bring history to life while crafting deeply emotional, character-driven narratives.
Her books resonate with readers who appreciate stories that combine rich details with powerful personal journeys. Currently, Barbara is working on a new World War II novel set in the mountains of southern France.
In addition to her writing career, Barbara teaches novel writing at Sarah Lawrence College and other prestigious venues. When not writing, Barbara enjoys ballet, yoga, reading, and relaxing on the beach. She loves spending time with her family, which includes her beloved rescue pup, Albie.
About The Secret Orphanage
Author: Barbara Josselsohn
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII Fiction
Publisher: Bookouture
“Nobody outside the village knows the orphanage exists, Celina. We’re hidden by the mountains, and everyone is sworn to secrecy. Please don’t give the soldiers a reason to come here…”
In a quiet village in German-occupied France, schoolteacher Celina ushers young Jewish children into her classroom. Watching their bright smiles as they learn how to write, she and sweet, handsome Remy promise to protect them. Every day, she pretends to send them home, waving at the local police roaming the streets, as instead they sneak away to hide upstairs.
But Celina can’t stop thinking about the note left on her bedside table last night. Written in the secret code used by the Resistance, it told her a baby she’s sheltering could be reunited with its mother. Will Remy ever forgive her if she attempts to take the baby home? If she’s caught, they could discover the orphanage…
New York, present day. Haunted by a loss he refuses to speak about, Rachel’s grandfather is slowly losing his memories. Then Rachel finds a name scribbled into the old children’s book he used to read to her, which leads her to a French village with a dark and dangerous past.
Nothing can prepare Rachel for what she finds behind the orphanage’s crumbling façade. But as her own future becomes entwined with her grandfather’s wartime secrets, she will learn just how much courage it takes to follow your heart.
A breathtaking, emotional historical novel that will sweep you away to World War II France, to the dangers of Nazi occupation, and the hope that prevailed in the darkest of times. For fans of Victoria Hislop, Soraya Lane, and Fiona Valpy.
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
Review of The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn
You know when you read a good book and it just hits differently? That was my experience with The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn. I read it quickly, in just a few hours, actually, it was hard to put down. But putting words down for a review of it? That is something I’ve struggled with.
The Secret Orphanage has a well-developed cast of characters that enchanted me and kept me turning pages right until the end. It was full of heart, gentle romance in the quiet moments, and secrets that were interesting to uncover.
It wasn’t a heavy WWII book like most, as it didn’t deal directly with the war effort. Author Barbara Josselsohn took a different route with this story and setting, and I quite appreciated the elegant way she wrote it. I loved her vivid descriptions, which showed me what her characters were experiencing. As well as the mystery woven into it.
I will definitely be looking for the next book Barbara Josselsohn writes, as well as going back through her already published works. Definitely recommend The Secret Orphanage if you’d like to see a different side of WWII than most books display.
**I volunteered to read this book for my honest feedback; the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
