The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House: Heart-wrenching and addictive World War Two historical fiction

London, 1940. Walking up the steps of the lodging house at No. 34 Hill Street in Mayfair, Grace Whelan is full of hope, despite the bombs raining down on London every night. But is this the fresh start she craves, or will the family she’s desperately running from catch up with her?

Nurse Grace Whelan’s Irish accent isn’t out of place on the hospital wards in the East End. But she hides it, and so much more, when her work takes her to the other side of the city. Her roommates at the lodging house and her potential beau, RAF pilot Owen, can never know the secrets she’s keeping about her family…

The three girls may share a room in the cosy lodgings, but they are very different. Jess is a country girl not used to the city, and Betony is adjusting to life without her aristocratic father’s money. But as they go through terrifying air raids and family heartbreak together, a sisterhood starts to form.

Until Grace’s criminal brother tracks her down, looking for money. And when it’s revealed she’s not the only one involved with Owen, the scandal threatens to tear the three apart for good.

Devastated, Grace is torn. Will she lose her new friends as quickly as she found them? Or can confessing all her secrets bring them closer together, as the war comes to their doorstep?

A heart-wrenching story full of love, loss and friendship during the darkest times. This wonderful new series is perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.

What readers are saying about Natalie Meg Evans:

‘Wow, this book packs a punch!… Brilliant… Heartbreaking… Oh, my goodness, the secrets… Had me gasping and picking my jaw up off the floor… I was speechless.’ The Plain Spoken Pen, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a gripping story!… Amazing… Heart-stopping… Gripping, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense, and twists… I couldn’t set it down!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow… I was heartbroken… Found myself reaching for the Kleenex box so many times… Had me from the very first word on page one until the very last… Heart-stopping… Broke my heart over, and over again. I devoured this book in one sitting… I was breathless… A must read. I loved it.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book. I couldn't put it down… Beautiful… One of the best love stories I've read… keeps you guessing till the end… phenomenal.’ Jthbooks, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I demolished [this book] in one day, I was hooked… Beautiful, stunning… Just everything I could ever want.’ The Writing Garnet, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Had me from the very first page… Outstanding. If you only read one book of historical fiction, make it this one. Excellent.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a wonderful read!!!… I couldn’t put this book down!’ Netgalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2025 Hachette UK - Bookouture (Audiobook): 9781836189435

Release date

Audiobook: 21 October 2025