The Secret Book of Flora Lea

A Novel

By: Patti Callahan Henry

Narrated by: Cynthia Erivo, Patti Callahan Henry

When a woman discovers a rare book with connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood in the English countryside during World War II are revealed in this “beguiling blend of hope, mystery, and true familial love” (Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author).

In the war-torn London of 1939, fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora are evacuated to a rural village to escape the horrors of the Second World War. Living with the kind Bridie Aberdeen and her teenage son, Harry, in a charming stone cottage along the River Thames, Hazel fills their days with walks and games to distract her young sister, including one that she creates for her sister and her sister alone—a fairy tale about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own.

But the unthinkable happens when young Flora suddenly vanishes while playing near the banks of the river. Shattered, Hazel blames herself for her sister’s disappearance, and she carries that guilt into adulthood as a private burden she feels she deserves.

Twenty years later, Hazel is in London, ready to move on from her job at a cozy rare bookstore to a career at Sotheby’s. With a charming boyfriend and her elegantly timeworn Bloomsbury flat, Hazel’s future seems determined. But her tidy life is turned upside down when she unwraps a package containing an illustrated book called Whisperwood and the River of Stars. Hazel never told a soul about the imaginary world she created just for Flora. Could this book hold the secrets to Flora’s disappearance? Could it be a sign that her beloved sister is still alive after all these years?

As Hazel embarks on a feverish quest, revisiting long-dormant relationships and bravely opening wounds from her past, her career and future hang in the balance. Spellbinding and atmospheric, “this heartrending, captivating tale of family, first love, and fate will sweep you away” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

Critic reviews

"Narrator Cynthia Erivo’s quiet assurance permeates this dual-timeline audio about the powerful alchemy of storytelling. In 1939, two girls, Hazel and Flora Lea, are evacuated from London to escape imminent war. Flora Lea mysteriously disappears. In 1960, Hazel, now a rare book shop clerk, opens a package and discovers a book of the same stories she once made up to calm Flora Lea. Erivo rarely raises her voice, yet through desperate tones she expertly conveys Hazel’s search for answers to the mysteries of her missing sister and the appearance of the stories from long ago. Erivo seamlessly adopts the charming lilt of young Flora and the American accent of the woman who has unwittingly written the fanciful stories that connect Hazel’s past with her present."

What An Interesting Stroll!

So interesting and full of realism! A page turner with every page! Worth the time to get to the next new mystery and find new discoveries! If a book can't hold my attention and interest, I don't waste my time on it! This one did! I was fascinated from the very beginning and grew more so the further I got into the story! The narration was difficult for me understand for short periods at times, but the story line held my interest through out! Overall the book was well worth the cost and my time! I will come back to this book and listen or read it again!

A beautifully written tale

I loved this book. Patti Callahan takes you as the reader on a beautiful journey to solve the mystery of a missing sister while alternating time periods. A story about the disappearance of a child during the Second World War when children had to leave home in London and be separated from their parents for safety's sake. The writing is magical, whimsy, and extremely touching. I would highly recommend this and the narration was lovely.

Magical

When Hazel and her sister, Flora, are sent to the English countryside during WWII as part of Operation Pied Piper, they survive on made up stories about a magical place called Whisperwood. Bridie Aberdeen and her son Harry take care of the girls. All is idyllic until 6 year old Flora mysteriously disappears.

In 1960 Hazel uncovers a new novel from an American author that tells the story of Whisperwood. Is this author her sister? Is her sister still alive?

There are lots of twists and turns in this story— it will keep you guessing. I loved the blending of myths and fairy tales. This book did not disappoint. Excellent!

Wonderful narrator.

No accents

The story was cute. But I did find it odd that the British characters had American accents.

Amazing and unforgettable

My husband and I were overwhelmed ...and want to read everything thus author has written!!!