Book Review: ‘The Secret Book Of Flora Lea: A Novel’ By Patti Callahan Henry

The year is 1939, and London has declared war with Germany, and the following year 14-year-old Hazel, and her six-year-old sister Flora are sent to the countryside, along with other children for protection. They’re taken in by Birdie, and her son Harry, who becomes very friendly with Hazel. To keep Flora feeling safe, Hazel has made up a fantasy place called Whisperwood, and makes up tales to tell her. Then one day Flora goes missing, presumed to have drowned. Now 20 years later Hazel works in a bookstore, it’s her last day, and she sees a package of books called Whisperwood. She never told anyone about the tales, and with Flora gone, she wonders if her sister can somehow be alive after all these years. Hazel turns detective to find out what really happened to her sister all those years ago, and how the stories have been published. This is another amazing, character driven novel from author Henry, who never disappoints with her books. A perfect beach read.

You can pick up The Secret Book Of Flora Lea in stores on Tuesday, May 2nd from Atria.