Picture a British storyteller who weaves heart-wrenching tales of love and resilience amid the chaos of World War II—meet Glynis Peters! From her seaside home in Essex, this bestselling historical fiction author has captivated readers worldwide with novels like The Secret Orphan, blending meticulous historical detail with deeply human stories. A retired NHS nurse turned international sensation, Peters’s journey from self-publishing to HarperCollins stardom is as inspiring as her characters’ wartime triumphs.
The Making of Glynis Peters
Glynis Peters grew up in Essex, UK, where her love for storytelling took root. Married to her high school sweetheart for over forty years, she balanced life as a nurse, mother of three, and grandmother while nurturing her creative spark. Her writing journey began in earnest during a stint in Cyprus, where she penned her first novel. By 2013, back in the UK, she had five self-published historical novels under her belt as Glynis Smy, focusing on the Victorian era. A pivotal moment came in 2014 when she was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction’s New Talent Award, catching the eye of HarperCollins. This leap to traditional publishing marked her transformation into the WWII fiction powerhouse we know today.
Glynis Peters’s Unforgettable Stories
Peters’s novels are a love letter to wartime Britain, infused with romance, suspense, and the indomitable spirit of her characters. Her breakthrough, The Secret Orphan (2018), follows Elenor Cardew and young Rose as they navigate the Blitz’s devastation in Coventry, weaving a tale of guardianship and survival that became a USA Today and Globe & Mail bestseller. The Forgotten Orphan (2020) tugs at heartstrings with Maisie Reynolds, an orphan finding love and purpose amid Southampton’s war-torn streets. The Red Cross Orphans series, starting with its 2021 namesake, tracks nurse Kitty Pattison’s nomadic life, blending historical grit with tender connections. Peters’s latest, The Orphan’s Secret Library (2024), explores the power of stories in wartime. Her style—rich with historical accuracy, emotional depth, and Canadian heroes inspired by her son’s life in Alberta—resonates with fans of authors like Ellie Dean and Kitty Neale.
Each book is a tapestry of loss and hope, grounded in Peters’s nursing background, which lends authenticity to her depictions of wartime medical care. Readers praise her for crafting narratives that feel like “a hug within a book,” balancing heartbreak with uplifting resolutions. Her ability to transport readers to 1940s Britain, from rubble-strewn cities to Cornish farms, has earned her a devoted following.
Why Glynis Peters Matters
Glynis Peters has carved a niche in historical fiction by humanizing the WWII experience, particularly through women’s perspectives. Her stories of ordinary people—orphans, nurses, farmers’ daughters—facing extraordinary challenges resonate universally, offering solace and inspiration. Her rise from self-publishing to international bestseller status is a testament to perseverance, inspiring aspiring authors. Peters’s work, featured in Hello! Magazine and honored with awards like the HarperCollins Canadian March Madness Shelf of Fame, continues to shape the genre, proving that love and resilience can shine even in the darkest times.
- Key Works: The Secret Orphan, The Forgotten Orphan, The Red Cross Orphans, The Orphan’s Secret Library
- Awards: USA Today Bestseller, Globe & Mail Bestseller, HarperCollins Canadian March Madness Shelf of Fame
- Hobbies: Fishing, cross-stitch, card-making, walking her Cockapoo, Harry
Ready to step into wartime Britain? Snag The Secret Orphan and dive into Glynis Peters’s heartfelt historical fiction!