beachgrlreads 's review for:

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

5.0

---

This is a beautifully written book about the Pied Piper Project during WWII which sent the children of London to the country or Canada in order to be safe during the Blitz. This particular story is about Hazel Linden and her younger sister, Flora who take the train from London to Binsy with Hazel’s schoolmates. The girls are fortunately chosen by Bridie Aberdeen and her son, Harry who is just about the same age as Hazel. Hazel makes up stories about a magical land called Whisperwood to comfort Flora, it is kept a secret between the two girls. The story is told in dual time lines by Hazel. In the 1940s timeline, the girls, while missing their mother, enjoy a somewhat idyllic life in Bridie and Harry’s cottage until one day when Flora disappears. In the 1960s timeline, Hazel is employed by a bookshop that specializes in rare books. One day a book by a young, new American author comes in and perfectly tells the story of Whisperwood. Did someone overhear their story? Is Flora still alive? The build up and twists and turns of the story kept the pages turning. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this beautiful book.