The Secret Orphanage

By: Barbara Josselsohn

Narrated by: Lauryn Allman

France, 1944. Celina rushes through the woodland, the tiny baby clutched to her chest. If she's discovered crossing the border, the soldiers might find Remy. They might discover the secret orphanage...

Heartbroken by the loss of her husband, Celina knows she should flee occupied France and return to America. But she can't bear to sell his childhood home without seeing it first. She's shocked to find the stone house full of smiling children – brave innocent boys and girls who hide upstairs each night.

Remy risked everything when he took six Jewish children into the crumbling abandoned building. Though the villagers are sworn to secrecy, it's only a matter of time before the Nazis come. But Celina arrives first.

When they meet, Celina and Remy realise that they are stronger together. As the house's true owner, Celina can help protect it, ushering the children inside each night and offering hope of a new beginning when the war ends.

Until a baby arrives and turns their world upside down...

©2025 Barbara Josselsohn (P)2026 Bolinda Publishing

Beautiful story

This story will make you fall in love with the characters and perhaps begin to understand some of the challenges faced in WWII. The reader did an excellent job, especially considering all of the French words and accents.