“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” —Roald Dahl
Who doesn’t love Roald Dahl and his glittering eyes? I wonder if he’d even watch our news. Sometimes it feels harder these days to find enchantment in the world around us. Thankfully, we have books—likely places where we can wrap ourselves up in portable magic. Props to Patti Henry for dispensing pure charm in her latest novel, The Secret Book of Flora Lea.
Henry’s story revolves around two sisters. In an effort to escape the London bombings during World War II, fourteen-year-old Hazel and her younger sister Flora are evacuated to a small village along the River Thames. Hazel watches over and comforts Flora by telling her stories about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own. Her tales alway begins the same way: “Not very long ago and not very far away, there once was and still is an invisible place right here with us. And if you were born knowing, you will find your way through the woodlands to the shimmering doors that lead to the land made just and exactly for you. Keep an eye out for the secret doorways. They’re hidden everywhere, and only visible to those who are worthy. Fortunately, we are worthy.”
The magical stories of Whisperwood and the River of Stars (known only to Hazel and Flora) come to an immediate end when Flora suddenly disappears near the banks of the river. Hazel is devasted and blames herself for the loss of her little sister. Flash forward twenty years later to Hazel unwrapping an illustrated book titled, Whisperwood and the River of Stars. She knows that this book is somehow connected to her missing sister. Hazel begins a passionate quest to uncover the truth from her past.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea is a heartwarming tale that I would recommend to anyone that believes in the enduring magic of storytelling. Maybe even 5-star worthy! It makes me realize how much I’m looking forward to Tracy and Rachel sharing their magical gift of writing a beautiful story.