The Valley of Lost Secrets

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The pacing of the story is good. The author cleverly dropped clues along the way. She also gave a very good insight into what it was like to be evacuated to a new place during that era. A good read. it was a fiction book based on the second world war (WWII). I would recommend this book.

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr | Waterstones

And the brilliance of the story is that as it navigates into a poignant coming-of-age story of courage and resilience and friendship, it shifts into this heart-breaking history of tragedy that settles an ache in my heart over the loss of a loved one. It is with that deep-seeded sadness that Jimmy sees the pain of others and realizes that the special bond he shares with his own brother cannot be taken for granted - no matter what. 🤍🤍Now that she’s close, I can smell lavender and peppermints. She lifts Ronnie’s tag and says, ‘Ronald, now that’s one of my favourite names, that is.’

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr | Goodreads

This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded’ The Sunday Times This is one of those stories that drew me in immediately. First, I love a story set in South Wales, and second, I love a good evacuee story and this is certainly that. I was happy that Gwen and Alun turned out to be kind and caring, even if there was some resentment in the village about the London evacuees. And Jimmy is an interesting character, unhappy about leaving his dad and Nan, resistant to letting himself settle in too comfortably with the Thomases, and very affectionate and protective of his younger brother. A beautiful setting, real people, real stories and an author who brings it all to life.... I simply cannot wait to read what Lesley Parr writes next.... I have no doubt it will be another classic!When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place. This novel made me think of an old favourite of mine, Carrie's War and I enjoyed this tale just as much. Lesley Parr is slowly climbing the list of Middle Grade authors that I have grown to love. Along with the beautiful colorful covers that grace her wonderful stories, she writes with such skill that she weaves you into the story and allows you to be a part of the moment that is happening to her young protagonists. Jimmy's loneliness at being isolated in a new place resonated with me, that 'I already feel like a parcel, wrapped up, labelled and sent far away,' - as someone who doesn't know how to fit in and belong - yet, still wants to. His feelings of nurture and care for his younger brother, Ronnie were as expressive as his sudden bursts of indignation of outburst at Ronnie's zealous spirit and brash, forgiving behavior. 😔

The Valley of Lost Secrets - Bloomsbury Publishing The Valley of Lost Secrets - Bloomsbury Publishing

I love reading books in this era, as they have the potential to feel so heartwarming and immersive and this was definitely one of those books.

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There isn’t as much sky as I thought there’d be. And what I can see is clear and blue, not the never-ending rain clouds we were told we’d get in Wales.