The Children Left Behind - (Shilling Grange Children's Home) by Lizzie Page (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

England, 1951. In the aftermath of World War Two, Clara's orphanage is all these children have left. Can she keep them safe and help them to heal? A heart-warming and emotional story of love and loss.

Clara Newton has dedicated her life to taking care of orphans who have nobody in the world but her. From affectionate Gladys, who desperately misses her older brothers, to traumatised Florrie who longs for her father and refuses to eat, Clara loves each of the children like they are her own.

But even though she has opened her heart to so many little ones, when brown-eyed war hero Ivor asks her to marry him, Clara is afraid to take a chance on love. Would married life prevent her from dedicating herself completely to her orphans?

Clara is soon distracted from the troubles of her heart when her beloved orphanage comes under attack. Someone throws stones through the window, and a threatening message is chalked near the door. Why would anyone want to frighten innocent children? And as the attacks get worse, can Clara keep the orphans safe?

Desperate to protect the little ones in her care, Clara takes the children on a day out. Away from the orphanage, Clara hopes that she and the children will be able to put their worries behind them. But when a terrible accident happens, will they all make it out alive? And will it be too late for Clara to tell Ivor how she really feels?

An utterly tear-jerking, heart-warming and unforgettable historical novel, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Before We Were Yours, Diney Costeloe and The Orphan Sisters.

What readers are saying about Lizzie Page:

'So moving...just melted my heart... Heartbreaking, funny and so enjoyable from the start to finish... took my breath away wholeheartedly.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I have been swept away by this... pure delight... the conclusion is the best ever.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐