The Secret Orphanage

Barbara Josselsohn is a bestselling author of seven novels with a background in newspaper reporting. She is known for her captivating contemporary and historical novels. Her books include The Forgotten Italian Restaurant, Secrets of the Italian Island and The Lost Gift to the Italian Island, all set during WWII. Josselsohn's work is marked by richly developed characters, intricate emotional landscapes, and immersive settings that transport readers to the heart of each story. She has also written hundreds of articles and essays in major and regional publications about family, home and relationships. Her latest novel is The Secret Orphanage (2025).

Originally from Canada, Lauryn trained at the National Theatre School before moving to London, England in 2014. An actor, singer and writer with a life-long passion for reading, she has narrated over 80 audiobooks, notably including Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid series, Tithe and Ironside by Holly Black and The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine. Lauryn can most often be found outside, either with her dogs or off running.