Keeper of Lost Children

By: Sadequa Johnson

Narrators: Sadeqa Johnson, Ariel Blake, Karen Chilton, Adam Lazarre-White

Simon & Schuster Audio

ISBN: 9781668069912

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 02/10/2026

Format: Other

My Rating: TBR (ARC)

FEB 2026 MUST-READ BOOKS

In this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve, one American woman’s vision in post WWII Germany will tie together three people in an unexpected way.

Lost in the streets and smoldering rubble of Occupied Germany, Ethel Gathers, the proud wife of an American soldier spots a gaggle of mixed-race children following a nun. Desperate to conceive her own family, she feels compelled to follow them to learn their story.

Ozzie Philips volunteers for the army in 1948, eager to break barriers for Black soldiers. Despite his best efforts, he finds the racism he encountered at home in Philadelphia has followed him overseas. He finds solace in the arms of Jelka, a German woman struggling with the lack of resources and even joy in her destroyed country.

In 1965, Sophia Clark discovers she’s been given an opportunity to integrate a prestigious boarding school in Maryland and leave behind her spiteful parents and the grueling demands. In a chance meeting with a fellow classmate, she discovers a secret that upends her world.

Toggling between the lives of these three individuals, Keeper of Lost Children explores how one woman’s vision will change the course of countless lives, and demonstrates that love in its myriad of forms—familial, parental, and forbidden, even love of self—can be transcendent.

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Praise

“One of our preeminent historical fiction writers in America.”

—Adriana Trigiani, on The Today Show

“Johnson once again uncovers overlooked corners of history, blending emotional storytelling with historical depth....Through vivid historical settings, Johnson gives voice to history's voiceless and delivers a moving exploration of hope, courage, and the ties that bind us through generations.”

—Booklist (Starred Review)

"This timely, fascinating novel highlights the importance of resilience, courage, and love in all its forms."

—Library Journal

"A powerful and beautifully told novel about hidden secrets and the hunger to belong. I loved it."

—Clare Leslie Hall, New York Times bestselling author of Broken Country

"KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN is an irresistible story that held me spellbound from the very first page. Sadeqa Johnson has an uncanny gift for mining the past and transforming it into unforgettable fiction. With its intricate plot and seamlessly shifting timelines, only a writer of Johnson’s caliber could weave together such a cohesive and deeply moving narrative. Readers won’t want to miss this one."

—Nathan Harris, New York Times bestselling author of The Sweetness of Water

"Sadeqa Johnson has done it again! Riveted by each character's story, I was captured from the very first page. This is historical fiction at its finest, although I’ve come to expect nothing less from this extraordinary author."

—Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times bestselling author of Harlem Rhapsody

"Powerful. . . .Through the eyes of three richly drawn characters, KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN explores love, identity, and the far-reaching consequences of war. What emerges is a sweeping and immersive tale of courage, hope, and the search for belonging across borders and generations.”

—Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train

About the Author

Sadeqa Johnson is a New York Times Bestselling author of five novels. Her most recent novel, The House of Eve was an instant New York Times Best Seller, Target book club pick, Reese’s Book Club selection and nominated for a NAACP Image Award. Her previous novel, Yellow Wife, was named by Oprah Magazine as “27 of 2021 Most Anticipated Winter Historical Fiction books.” Yellow Wife was also a 2021 Goodreads Choice Award finalist for historical fiction, a 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner, and a Barnes & Noble book club pick in paperback.

Sadeqa’s novels have received starred reviews from Kirkus and Library Journal and have been featured in top reads lists by NBC News.com, Good Housekeeping, Christian Science Monitor, Reader’s Digest, Off The Shelf, W Magazine, Country Living, Hollywood Life, Parade, She Reads, and many others. She is a passionate public speaker and writing coach. She teaches for the MFA program at Drexel University and is a writing instructor for Story Summit. When she’s not writing or reading library books, she’s practicing yoga, meditating, hiking and dancing.

Originally from Philadelphia, Sadeqa currently lives near Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and three teenagers. WEBSITE