The Orphan’s Secret

England, 1940: A tear-jerking wartime tale of an orphaned baby who needs a home, and the woman who risks everything to provide it. Fans of Before We Were Yours, Wives of War and Diney Costeloe will be utterly swept away by this heartbreaking - yet beautifully hopeful - World War Two page-turner. With the war raging, Lily has learned not to take life for granted. In a time of such tragedy, every day is a gift. Her husband is a soldier, fighting to save their country, and she prays that she will survive - to one day welcome him home. One sweltering July night, bombs rain down. Lily and her dear friend Ethel, who is nine months pregnant, seek refuge in a shelter. Miraculously, a baby girl is born to the sound of ear-splitting shrieks and explosions in the distance. Once the raid quietens, Lily races into the house to find the newborn a blanket. But then the unthinkable happens, planes thundering right over the rooftops... When Lily rouses, finding herself amongst broken glass and crumbled brick, she is devastated to discover that Ethel has been killed - leaving little Joy behind. With tears rolling down her face, Lily makes a split-second decision. To save the orphaned child, Lily must tell a heartbreaking lie, a secret that she holds close to her chest for years. But when the truth comes out, whose lives will be destroyed? And will she ever be forgiven? Readers absolutely love Shirley Dickson: ’I was gripped from the very first page... It was heartbreaking... I smiled through these happy times with them but also shed tears... I could not put it down... Will undoubtedly pull at your heartstrings. Just make sure you have a box of tissues ready!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’Absolutely fabulous... Had me hooked from the very first page... Took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and had me in tears.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’I absolutely loved it!... An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and loss amidst the horror of war... Will tug at your heartstrings... Will have you reaching for the tissues... Wonderful.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’A beautiful story! Had me in tears from the very beginning. I couldn’t put this one down.’ A Book With Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’Make sure you have tissues handy... The story is heartbreaking... Worthy of 5* and more.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’Promises to keep you turning the pages as your heart attempts not to break. A book you will lose yourself in!’ All the Good Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’A beautifully written coming-of-age story... I didn’t want to put down... Tugs at your heartstrings.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐