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The Lost Orphans of Lyon
- Author
- Helen Parusel
- Narrator
- Karen Cass
- Publisher
- Boldwood Books
- Publish Date
- 16 May 2026
- Run Time
- 9 hours 53 minutes
- Format
- x-book®
- Genre
- Historical fiction, Family life fiction, Historical romance, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Coming of age, Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss, Narrative theme: Interior life, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Narrative theme: displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Fiction: mashup, Fiction: narrative themes
What to expect
A hidden tunnel. Two frightened children. One woman who must risk everything.
Lyon, Occupied France, 1942
When Yvette Dubois’s husband inherits a remote chateau, she reluctantly leaves Lyon behind – only for Armand to abandon her there to manage the vineyard alone. Isolated among unfamiliar staff, Yvette feels trapped in a life she never wanted.
Everything changes the day she hears a mysterious knocking in the library. Behind a tapestry, she discovers a hidden tunnel – along with two frightened orphans. Yvette learns the chateau once acted as an escape route for Jewish children and others fleeing Nazi persecution.
Yvette vows to continue the important work, wanting to honour the legacy. But Armand insists their safety depends on appeasing the occupiers. And defying him could destroy their future – and their freedom.
As German patrols tighten their grip on the area and whispers of betrayal grow louder, Yvette must risk everything to protect the innocent – even if the day may come when she’ll need to use the tunnel to save herself...
'The story is poignant and compelling - and what an ending: wow!' Gill Thompson
'The hardships of occupied France are brought to life in this brilliant gripping story packed with historical detail.’ Clare Marchant
'this is one poignant book … just stunning and heartbreaking to read. It brought both tears and strength to my eyes and heart' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'The Lost Orphans of Lyon grabbed me from the first page and barely let me come up for breath until the very last word … An expertly woven story that I can highly recommend.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'Gorgeous, well-written book with great plotting, impeccable vibes, and a unique type of format' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'Utterly compelling and beautifully poignant plot. … I felt joyous and cheerful for the good and sadness and shame for the bad. A wonderful story of courageous actions.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'The story is extremely heartfelt and powerful! I really got engrossed in this book, swept away by every emotion they were feeling. … A fantastic read full of courage , strength, survival bravery, trust and human connection. Ive a feeling this book will stay with me for a long time!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Helen Parusel
- Narrator
- Karen Cass
- Duration
- 9 hours 53 minutes
- Release Date
- 16 May 2026
- ISBN
- 9781805577782
- Format
- x-book®
- Publisher
- Boldwood Books
- Genre
- Historical fiction, Family life fiction, Historical romance, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Coming of age, Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss, Narrative theme: Interior life, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Narrative theme: displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Fiction: mashup, Fiction: narrative themes
Synopsis
A BRAND NEW heartbreaking WWII novel set in Occupied France from Helen Parusel. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Mandy Robotham and Gill Thompson!‘An absolutely beautiful tale of secrets, love, and courage.' Amanda Geard 'Grabbed me from the first page and barely let me come up for breath until the very last word.' Deborah Carr A hidden tunnel. Two frightened children. One woman who must risk everything.Lyon, Occupied France, 1942When Yvette Dubois’s husband inherits a remote chateau, she reluctantly leaves Lyon behind – only for Armand to abandon her there to manage the vineyard alone. Isolated among unfamiliar staff, Yvette feels trapped in a life she never wanted.Everything changes the day she hears a mysterious knocking in the library. Behind a tapestry, she discovers a hidden tunnel – along with two frightened orphans. Yvette learns the chateau once acted as an escape route for Jewish children and others fleeing Nazi persecution.Yvette vows to continue the important work, wanting to honour the legacy. But Armand insists their safety depends on appeasing the occupiers. And defying him could destroy their future – and their freedom.As German patrols tighten their grip on the area and whispers of betrayal grow louder, Yvette must risk everything to protect the innocent – even if the day may come when she’ll need to use the tunnel to save herself...'The story is poignant and compelling - and what an ending: wow!' Gill Thompson'The hardships of occupied France are brought to life in this brilliant gripping story packed with historical detail.’ Clare Marchant'this is one poignant book … just stunning and heartbreaking to read. It brought both tears and strength to my eyes and heart' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'The Lost Orphans of Lyon grabbed me from the first page and barely let me come up for breath until the very last word … An expertly woven story that I can highly recommend.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'Gorgeous, well-written book with great plotting, impeccable vibes, and a unique type of format' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'Utterly compelling and beautifully poignant plot. … I felt joyous and cheerful for the good and sadness and shame for the bad. A wonderful story of courageous actions.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'The story is extremely heartfelt and powerful! I really got engrossed in this book, swept away by every emotion they were feeling. … A fantastic read full of courage , strength, survival bravery, trust and human connection. Ive a feeling this book will stay with me for a long time!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
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