Publication Date: September 15, 2025
English countryside, 1940. A brave mother’s love offers hope for children fleeing war. When her world falls apart, will they be her guiding light?
When a class of frightened children escape the city’s bombs for her countryside home, Louisa vows to do everything in her power to protect them. As she sends up silent prayers for her only son David, fighting the Nazis in the skies above Britain, she tucks them in to bed. Her heart aches as they cry in their sleep, and she knows they need all her love and care.
Among them is wide-eyed orphan Gracie, who was found next to her mother in the rubble, and clings to Louisa like a shadow. And little Alf, who begins to smile again as he cares for Lulu the dog, the only other survivor of his family. Alongside their handsome teacher Jack, can Louisa help the children to heal? Or when the school governors threaten closure and the war edges closer than ever before, will she soon lose them all?
Then devastating news about David shatters Louisa’s world. Through the depths of her grief, she must find the strength to fight for her beloved lost children. Can they show her the way through the darkness? Or when German planes fly over their peaceful village, will Louisa and the orphans be torn forever apart?
Perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday and Diney Costeloe, this is an utterly heartbreaking and unforgettable World War Two novel, from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate.
In the aftermath of a bombing within the city, a woman steps forward to offer shelter for the displaced children.
Author Marty Wingate delivers a charming World War II story featuring recently divorced Lady Louisa Brightford in The House for Lost Children. With her son away fighting, Louisa is determined to help the children.
The nine children and their two teachers liven up the halls of Oxburrow Manor. The author brings the young characters to life, from the rather spirited Johnno to Alf with his rucksack surprise.
It’s young Gracie who serves as an inspiration, slowly blossoming under Louisa’s care. And when troubling news comes from the war front, she serves as a source of comfort.
The danger in the story not only comes from the safety aspect with German bombers flying above, but also the uncertainty of whether the school administration will allow the children to stay under a divorced woman’s care.
Emotions run high with plenty of humor delivered by the children. A potential love interest adds a sweet flair to the story, in addition to some adorable fur babies.
The House for Lost Children illustrates how residents in the English countryside were able to help with the war effort.
Marty Wingate is a USA Today best-selling author of both mysteries and historical fiction. Marty enjoys weaving humor into her books and creating characters—from quirky and loveable to sinister and duplicitous—that leap off the page. Before embarking on her series about the London Ladies Murder Club with Bookouture, Marty published three contemporary cozy mystery series (the Potting Shed, Birds of a Feather, and First Edition Library books). She has also published two standalone books of historical fiction and found stories of the past to be compelling. She’s delighted to combine her penchant for both mysteries and histories to bring her readers more satisfying stories. Marty currently resides near Seattle, Washington.
