The Children of Zagreb

A heartbreaking story of friendship, sacrifice and the children who must never be forgotten.

Croatia, 1941. When the Nazis invade Yugoslavia, nurse Ilona's world is torn apart. Her Serbian husband Jovan has joined the resistance, her best friend Misa has vanished, and children are disappearing from their homes. Working alongside the brave Diana Budisavljević, Ilona risks everything to rescue thousands of children from concentration camps, but she cannot save the two who matter most to her friend's shattered heart.

Croatia, 1991. Fifty years later, Ilona's granddaughter Nadica has grown up believing she knows her family's history. But when war erupts again and they are forced to flee their homeland, devastating secrets emerge. Nadica discovers her true heritage and why the past refuses to stay buried.

Inspired by the incredible true story, The Children of Zagreb is an unforgettable tale of the bonds that transcend blood, the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times and the children whose stories must never be forgotten. Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Kate Quinn's The Huntress.

What readers are saying about books by Lelita Baldock:

‘Heartwarming and heartbreaking… a stunning book.’ Rachel Wesson, author of When's Mummy Coming Home?

‘I am speechless… What an amazing read! Truly one of the best this year.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘WOW… This beautifully tragic novel absolutely broke my heart (and made me want to bake bread). It is a must read for 2024.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart piercing… I was deeply moved… The main ingredients of The Baker's Secret are love and care… unforgettable.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful… You will smile with them and cry with them…You must read this book!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Achingly beautiful… my heart was captured.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This story broke my heart… seeing their resilience and their will to survive (and bake bread) really moved me. This is a must read in 2024, I cannot recommend this book enough!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I rarely give 5 stars but this one absolutely deserves it! Beautifully written… just the right amount of romance, family tension, and amazing plot twist (never saw that coming).’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Incredible… unputdownable… have your tissues close.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐