Rachel Wesson

This was an excellently written fictional book based on actual historical events and individuals. The main characters, Connie and her sister, Dottie, are based on real life heroines, Ida and Louise Cook, who helped many Jews escape Germany, Austria, and Poland before WWII. The story that author Rachel Wesson wove so expertly, blending real life events with fictional embellishments to keep the reader's attention, brings to life the struggles that those living in Europe during the 30s were show more facing, particularly those who were Jewish. Without giving away much of the story I'll say that the young ladies, Connie and Dottie, use their love of opera to travel throughout Europe and return home with items from those wishing to escape with their families so that they could sell the items and open bank accounts for the owners so that they could then prove that they had assets in Britain in order to obtain British visas to leave the countries being overtaken by the Nazis. What the women did saved many people which, according to Jewish Talmudic scripture, means they saved the whole world. They have been recognized by Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, as two of The Righteous Among Nations, those non-Jews who at great risk to themselves saved Jews during the Holocaust. The story tells well the indignities, injustices, terror, brutality, and suffering the Jews faced and their willingness to risk all to flee all they knew for a chance for freedom and their very lives. The author also does a very good job showing the attitudes not only of all those amazing individuals who offered to help, even at a risk of their own freedom and possibly their lives, but also of the ordinary citizens who turned a blind eye to the atrocities taking place or, worse yet, joined in the hatred. This story and others about Holocaust rescuers are particularly meaningful to me because my husband's great grandparents and great aunt are among the over six million who are not was lucky as those these women helped. They instead died in concentration camps. Just yesterday, before finishing this book, I went to the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and reading this story made each photo of the many Jewish victims even more poignant. This truly was an incredible book and I feel very blessed to have received an advanced reader copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. show less

This split timeline story was captivating and intriguing. Set in present day as well as in 1920s Ireland, it gave historical glimpses into Ireland's history and the brutal fight for their freedom from the British. In real time, the characters are trying to unravel a mystery decades long regarding their family tree & have to uncover hard truths about their ancestors lives.

Overall, it was an interesting premise and story, but there were just certain parts that fell flat for me. The ending, for show more one, left me wanting more out of these characters and plot that had been developing thus far. I also noticed the author kept repeating certain phrases that started to bother me. The phrases themselves weren't annoying, but the repetition was. I truly appreciated the cleanliness of this story and might revisit this author for additional books.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. A positive review is not required & all opinions are my own. show less

As a historical fiction reader, I’m always looking for novels that help me learn more about real historical events, vividly capture a sense of place, and draw me into the story quickly. The Irish Orphan’s Secret by Rachel Wesson did all three—I read it in just two days.
The novel explores lesser‑known aspects of Irish history, including the legacy of the Magdalene laundries and the social tensions that contributed to the formation of the IRA. These historical elements are thoughtfully show more woven into the narrative and enhance the emotional depth of the story.
Themes of identity, belonging, and the search for family are central to the novel. As someone researching my own genealogy, I found these themes especially resonant and well developed.
This would make an excellent book club selection and will appeal to readers who enjoyed Cane River or The Vanishing Half. A compelling and immersive historical read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. show less

Set in 1941 Ireland, Stolen from Her Mother is a heartbreaking and gripping story that follows Kate, a young lady in love during a time of war. When her beloved airman, Tony, returns to war, she soon finds out she is expecting his child out of wedlock. Shunned from her family and community, she is forcibly sent to a cruel Magdalene laundry home for pregnant women. Seen as fallen, less-than, and unlovable mothers and babies, Kate must navigate the abuse while trying to stay strong for her show more child. When her child is ultimately sold, she vows never to stop searching. Interwoven with another somber story, Stolen from Her Mother is a fantastic read of perseverance, love, and grace.

One constructive critique I have is I did not feel the supporting characters had sufficient character development. I would have loved to read a bit more of Kate's fellow Maggie's stories and personalities. Regardless, this book is a wonderful read that might bring tears to your eyes and give you a renewed sense of compassion to those who have different paths and lives than we do. Thanks to Rachel Wesson, Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced copy. Loved it. show less