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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
A lovely ode to storytelling and the power they have to bond us. The author skillfully weaves together the themes of found family and the love between sisters amidst the backdrop of World War II.
This book was well-written, compelling, and had a twist I didn't guess.
I enjoyed the characters, but I thought there were a few too many. I was sometimes confused by the flashbacks and present day. This was enjoyable, but it could have been better. I would read more by this author though.
I enjoyed the characters, but I thought there were a few too many. I was sometimes confused by the flashbacks and present day. This was enjoyable, but it could have been better. I would read more by this author though.
As a follower of Christ, Patti Callahan Henry understands our purpose and the promise of eternity in Heaven. Viewing The Secret Book of Flora Lea through this lens enhances its power.
In this mesmerizing novel, Hazel Linden’s world is upended when she discovers a rare book revealing long-held secrets about her missing sister, Flora. The story begins in 1939, with fourteen-year-old Hazel and her five-year-old sister, Flora, evacuated to the English countryside during World War II.
The sisters find solace with Bridie Aberdeen and her son, Harry, in a village along the River Thames. Hazel creates Whisperwood, a magical fairy tale world, to distract Flora from the war. But their world shatters when Flora vanishes, leaving Hazel with guilt that haunts her into adulthood.
Twenty years later, Hazel is ready to start a new chapter in London. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a package containing an illustrated book titled Whisperwood and the River of Stars—a story known only to her and Flora. This discovery reignites Hazel’s hope that Flora might still be alive.
As Hazel embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, she revisits old relationships and confronts buried memories. This dual-time-line narrative, with its strong sense of place, endearing characters, and unexpected revelations, is both captivating and enchanting.
Patti Callahan Henry has truly outdone herself with The Secret Book of Flora Lea. It’s a poignant and magical story about the enduring bond between sisters, the power of storytelling, and the hope of second chances. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
In this mesmerizing novel, Hazel Linden’s world is upended when she discovers a rare book revealing long-held secrets about her missing sister, Flora. The story begins in 1939, with fourteen-year-old Hazel and her five-year-old sister, Flora, evacuated to the English countryside during World War II.
The sisters find solace with Bridie Aberdeen and her son, Harry, in a village along the River Thames. Hazel creates Whisperwood, a magical fairy tale world, to distract Flora from the war. But their world shatters when Flora vanishes, leaving Hazel with guilt that haunts her into adulthood.
Twenty years later, Hazel is ready to start a new chapter in London. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a package containing an illustrated book titled Whisperwood and the River of Stars—a story known only to her and Flora. This discovery reignites Hazel’s hope that Flora might still be alive.
As Hazel embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, she revisits old relationships and confronts buried memories. This dual-time-line narrative, with its strong sense of place, endearing characters, and unexpected revelations, is both captivating and enchanting.
Patti Callahan Henry has truly outdone herself with The Secret Book of Flora Lea. It’s a poignant and magical story about the enduring bond between sisters, the power of storytelling, and the hope of second chances. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
I love when historical fiction and fairy tales combine. This may be slightly rounded up to 5.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
slow-paced
4.5
Loooooooved this story. Found family, friends to lovers, idiots in love, angst, hurt/comfort, mystery, non-linear narrative -- it has all the tropes I love. It felt a bit rushed and/or melodramatic in some of the scenes toward the last 1/3 of the book, but overall fantastic story, characters, and writing.
Loooooooved this story. Found family, friends to lovers, idiots in love, angst, hurt/comfort, mystery, non-linear narrative -- it has all the tropes I love. It felt a bit rushed and/or melodramatic in some of the scenes toward the last 1/3 of the book, but overall fantastic story, characters, and writing.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This story could be magical and fun and everything it purports to be if it had been written well. As it is… one of the most poorly written books I’ve ever read.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beautiful heartwarming tale of loss and love with a side of mythical fairytale.