Glynis Peters
In the darkness of war, light shines from the pages of a book…
For as long as Alice Carmichael can remember, the only thing she’s been able to count on is the written word. The war may have taken everything from her, but the stories she cherishes provide solace and escape into a world that is more hopeful than 1942 England.
So when Alice finds herself at the mercy and kindness of strangers, miles from everything she’s ever known, it’s little surprise that books become her purpose.
Now, Alice must channel the courage of her favourite heroines to risk everything for her country. Because it’s only in writing her own story that Alice can seize the destiny her beloved books have taught her she deserves…
My Review:
The Orphan’s Secret Library by Glynis Peters is a heartfelt historical fiction novel that explores the solace books can bring, especially in the midst of war. The story follows Alice Carmichael, a young orphan navigating life in 1942 England. After a series of personal tragedies, Alice finds herself taken in by two kindhearted sisters, Hettie and Hilda, and begins a journey of self-discovery, community building, and, ultimately, love.
The depiction of wartime struggles—the loss of loved ones, the uncertainty, and the quiet heroism of daily life—feels authentic and engaging. Alice’s development from a lonely girl into a resourceful young woman is inspiring, and her love for books shines as a central theme. The creation of her mobile library adds a charming and hopeful thread to the narrative.
The standout characters for me were the sisters, Hettie and Hilda, who brought warmth and humor to the story. Their relationship with Alice was heartwarming and provided a sense of family that balanced the novel’s more somber moments.
Overall, this is a solid read for fans of historical fiction looking for a story of resilience, community, and the power of books to inspire hope. While it didn’t fully capture me, it’s a commendable effort with some memorable moments.
The Author:
Glynis Peters writes WWII historical romance novels. She lives by the sea in Essex with her husband of forty-plus years, they have three adult children, and four grandchildren. Glynis is a retired NHS nurse. When not writing she enjoys time out with her husband and family, card-making and walking Harry their lively Cockapoo. Her son lives with his family in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, hence the Canadian heroes and characters in her books.
You can connect with Glynis via the page Glynis Peters Author and on Facebook and Instagram
The Book:
Title: The Orphan’s Secret Library
Author: Glynis Peters
Publication Date: 21 November 2024
Number of pages: 377
The Review
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I will never charge for a book review—#FreeBookReviewsAlways This review, or excerpts from it, may also be shared on my social media platforms (find me everywhere as momobookdiary) and on book sites like Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Amazon. All links are accurate at the time of publication.
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