Three nurses in 1941 Philippines become friends and stay in touch if possible during the Japanese occupation of the islands. Enduring horrific deprivation and torture, the friends suffer much under their captors, hoping against all odds to survive the war and continue that important friendship. Recommended reading.

When We Had Wings
An amazing story of the war in Manila. Reasons for going off to war and returning, all different. A lot of research went into this book considered historical fiction.

Three great authors/storytellers come together to write a fantastic historical fiction book that takes place in the Philippines during WWII. It is based on true events of nurses, known as the "Angels of Bataan.'

In this story, three nurses, Penny Franklin, Eleanor Lindstrom, and Angelita Capel, cross paths and immediately connect to form a lasting friendship. They are nurses with different stories, but together they serve in combat and later are POWs in this war. They are given separate assignments, and hang on to the hope of seeing each other again. Eventually the Japanese Army takes control of the Philippines and these nurses are captured and sent to POW camps as the first female prisoners of war. The Japanese Army failed to comply with the Geneva Convention for wartime treatment of prisoners and they suffered greatly from horrible living conditions, starvation, and physical brutality.

A heartbreaking and compelling story of how the tortures of war impacted their lives. You will be inspired by the perseverance, bravery, hope, friendship, love, and strength of these nurses throughout their journey. Find out what happens after liberation. The authors did a fantastic job drawing you into the story to feel all the emotions!! I would recommend this book for reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperMuse books for a complimentary digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

So many World War II novels have been set in Europe that we tend to forget about the Pacific warfront. Now three of our favorite historical fiction authors have come together to tell the story of the brave nurses who were imprisoned by the Japanese in the Philippines. The intersecting stories of Elinor, Penny and Lita reflect the horrors these young women faced as they did their best to serve their patients under very trying circumstances. It is a book that will stay with you long after you read the final page. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advance copy to read and review.

Three authors skillfully weave together the stories of three different nurses caught up in the conflict of WWII in the Philippines. Told from the viewpoint of three nurses who meld a strong bond of friendship that witnessed some of the worse depravity shown by mankind, but also the greatest acts of courage.
Their stories, though fictional, mirror the untold stories of real nurses, the Angels of Baatan, who valiantly cared for the prisoners the POW camps from 1941-1945. Readers will quickly become immersed within the atmospheric setting of the Pacific Theater, at times overwhelmed by the reality of the harshness and brutality that was faced by the POW's but also inspired by the unquenchable hope that rose from the ashes.
Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nurses Eleanor Lindstrom, Penny Franklin, and Angelita Capel meet in the South Pacific where they have been assigned to serve. Their expectations of a time in paradise are soon destroyed as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and they are thrust into the midst of war. Each woman has a past to overcome and unimaginable challenges as the war intrudes into their lives on the most devastating ways.
Stories of the horrors of war, devastation, and most importantly unrelenting strength and determination to serve their patients show what true heroes these women are.
Recommended for readers of historical fiction. This novel is based on true stories from the nurses serving in and around Bataan and engaged in the battles for the Philippines. Well-researched and well-written.

Three authors detail the story of three nurses who were caught up in the WWII front in the Philippines. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom signed up to serve in an attempt to escape a broken heart. Penny Franklin is a newly widowed Army nurse who is nursing her own broken heart over the loss of her husband. Lita Capel is a half-Filipino nurse who struggles for acceptance. Because she’s not fully Filipino, she faces disapproval from all sides. But when the three nurses meet, they instantly form a bond.

Over the course of the war, the three young women are sent to different regions and assignments. They do cross paths at times, but none of them have it easy once the Japanese invade. Now the women must endure the deprivations of hunger, lack of medical supplies, poor accommodations and treatment that does not meet the conditions of the Geneva Convention. The Japanese are heartless and unapologetic in their treatment of POWs, including children and civilians.

The bravery of the women who put the welfare of others above their own, stands out. They are tireless in their dedication to healing. But there’s also a personal story for each of them involving some romance and even a delightful, willful child. The nurses continue their friendship, despite their separation, and they each share in the real story of the “Angels of Bataan.”

The three authors are all established writers of historical fiction. Working together they have created a moving tale of the bravery of women in a war that generally showcases men. Each of the central characters is richly drawn and demonstrates the resiliency of women under duress. This is another strong addition that lovers of historical fiction will be delighted with.

WHEN WE HAD WINGS: A Story of the Angels of Bataan by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris & Susan Meissner

As a first-gen Filipina 🇵🇭 I was excited to receive this ARC because I have not come across many historical fiction novels set in my birthplace of Manila, Philippines.

Based on first hand accounts of the 77 US Army and Navy nurses who became POWs during the Battle of the Philippines in WWII. The story follows US Army nurse Penny Franklin, US Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom and Filipina nurse Angelita “Lita” Capal.

Eleanor meets Penny and Lita at the ANC (Army Navy Club) and the three become fast friends as they bond over their troubled pasts and the “light duties” of their jobs.

After bombing Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Imperial Army begin their attack on the Philippines. Penny, Lita and Eleanor are captured and transported to different internment camps. There the women and their fellow nurses continue to treat the sick, injured and dying all the while battling various diseases, suffering from malnutrition and the brutal treatment of the Japanese army.

I fell in love with the major and minor characters. The women’s backstories and narratives were relatable and compelling. The pacing and action kept me interested and I read well into the wee hours. I also appreciate the addition/inclusion of a native Filipina nurse’s perspective during this time period as it helped with context.

The story is well researched and a seamless collaboration by three authors. Yes, this story recounts the horrors of the war, but it’s also about friendship, sacrifice, perseverance and love. Highly recommend!


Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️

Pub Date: 10.17.22 (available now!)
#WhenWeHadWings #ArielLawhon #KristinaMcMorris #SusanMeissner

**ARC courtesy of @NetGalley & @HarperMuseBooks

Such an amazing story! One that will stay with me for a long time.

The authors are new to me, and I hope to read more of their books. The writing was flawless and kept me interested in the story. I had a hard time putting it down. The story took me to one of the many places where my Dad served in the Army during WWII...the Philippines. When I read the synopsis, I thought oh wow a historical fiction book placed in the Philippines I haven't read a story based there during WWII. The story was brilliant, and I had so many emotions hit me during the reading of this book. I was happy, angry, disheartened, and man did I cry.

There were so many characters I have to say that it is hard to pick a favourite so I'm not going to pick just one. I'm going to pick 3 Penny, Lita, and Eleanor. They were the main protagonists for When We Had Wings. Each a nurse Penny was Army, Eleanor was Navy and Lita was a Filipino nurse. Each had their trials and tribulations to go through and at times it was really hard to read. Their bravery when the Japanese took the Philippines, and they became POW's. It nearly broke my heart the way they were treated. Each one of them was taken to a different camp and sometimes they were moved, and their paths crossed but not often.

When We Had Wings has become one of my favourite books this year. I really wish I could give it a higher rating than 5 stars...I don't say this often but in this case, it is true! A truly exceptional story from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to read a digital copy for an honest review. These are my words and my words only.

The ability of people to endure the unendurable and find light and hope in the darkest of times forms the central theme of this story of three nurses caught in the occupation of the Phillipines by the Japanese Army in World War II. Wanting to put as much distance as she can between herself and a hopeless love, Eleanor Lindstrom joins the Navy Nurse Corps and accepts duty in the Phillipines. A widow leaving behind a tragic past, Penny Franklin joins the Army Nurse Corps and is stationed in Manila, where she strikes up a friendship with Fillipina nurse Lita Capel. The three become friends, vowing to meet once a month at the Army-Navy club to compare notes. Those plans are swept away by the conquest and occupation of the Phillipines. Through transfers to prison camps and detainment centers, the three struggle to maintain their bonds, hanging on to their friendship for each other and their calling as nurses to aid the sick and injured. For some, the terrible conditions of internment are brightened by the light of unexpected love; for all, weathering the loss of independence, the privations, cruelty and starvation of wartime occupation require every bit of their courage and stamina. Based on true stories of the “Angels of Bataan,” this novel is sometimes difficult to read but always inspiring.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

The three authors did an excellent job of writing about WWII in the Philippines. The story is about three nurses who become close friends and their differing experiences during a horrible time. We learn how the conditions in Manila went from paradise to hell when the Japanese invaded just after Pearl Harbor. Everything was effected - the lives of the people, food, water, hospitals.

Although they were in different areas of the country, the three women tried to stay in contact as much as wartime situations allowed. We see what these nurses had to contend with as they tried to care for the sick and wounded. We learn of their loves and losses, hopes and dreams for the future.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

When We Had Wings
by Ariel Lawhon; Kristina McMorris; Susan Meissner
Pub Date: 18 Oct 2022

This book centered around three nurses who bonded and became friends during World War 2. It is written by three different authors giving each nurse a different voice. The book was well written and showed a deeply dark and traumatic season of our world. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I didn't feel quite fully connected or invested in the characters and storyline. It probably is just the mindset I was in when reading it because truly there was nothing wrong with the writing. I will admit, however, I have read similar books that I was in fact riveted and more emotionally invested in.

I have tremendous respect for all three authors who collaborated on this one, which prompted me to ask for an early copy from NetGalley. This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. I loved the detailed descriptions of the setting, as well as the friendships that formed between the women. Although difficult to read sometimes, I appreciated the in-depth insights into the global conflict and the forces at work during this time in human history. Reading When We Had Wings was a learning experience for me. Having said that, the pacing for the novel was a bit slow for me in the middle. Overall, the characters' determination to fight evil with good, to pursue love and connection despite the horrors of war, and to keep moving forward no matter how what was all incredibly inspiring.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions shared here are my own.

Although I enjoyed it slightly more than the audiobook version, my rating stays the same as I have an issue with the pacing. At times, it felt rather slow going with lots of set up and almost textbook-like backstory of setting. It was like there was not subtext, everything was handed to me.

1941, three young ladies, Eleanor, Penny, and Lita, are assigned to nursing duty in Manila. The story is a historical fiction story based on World War 2, however the story itself dives into the gift of friendships formed, and how they lasted throughout the tragedies of a war.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Muse, and Ariel Lawhon for the opportunity to read this arc ebook version.

Historical fiction at its best, as the novel tells the story of three nurses in the Philippines as war broke out with the Japanese. Lita is a nurse from the Philippines, hoping to join her sisters in America. Peg joined the US Army as an Army nurse after the death of her husband, while Eleanor joined as a Navy nurse to forget an unrequited love. All three never expected to be caught in the middle of atrocities and horrors, as they were seen as prisoners of war. Their friendship helped them to survive, even as they were separated. There is much written about this time period but this is an area I have not been familiar with, learning about the American prisoners of war that were also civilians caught up in the attack. I highly recommend this impactful story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I was provided a free copy of this book from @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Set in the Philippines starting in 1941, we meet three women serving as nurses for the U.S. military. Two Americans and one Filipina quickly become great friends and believe they are in paradise! They don't realize how much they will need their friendship as war is about to take over the islands! Over the next few years they will be forced to serve in combat conditions, endure huge struggles, and become the first female prisoners of war of WWII.
Although I've read a lot of WWII historical fiction, I don't think I've ever read about what happened in the Philippines. This is a pretty tough book at times as many of the circumstances the characters faced were unimaginably difficult. But it was also a book of hope, friendship, love, resilience, and all based on real experiences of nurses known as "the Angels of Bataan".
I appreciated hearing the story from the different women. One serving as an Army nurse, one a Navy nurse, and one a Filipina nurse serving with the U.S. military. This allowed the reader to get a broader perspective of what was happening during the war.
If you are a fan of historical fiction or learning new things, I would give this one a read! Luckily for you, it is already published and available now, so go check it out!
#WhenWeHadWings #NetGalley

First, the cover is stunning. Immediately gripping and I would gravitate to it if I saw it on a bookstore shelf. Second, this entire book start to finish was awe inspiring. I was hooked from go and read it in one sitting.

An inspiring tale that sticks with the reader for a long time, what feats of bravery and heroism, An outstanding justice to these stories and true accounts.

Ariel Lawhon is a must-read author for me, but I admittedly haven’t read anything from the other two authors. I love historical fiction but I haven’t read any WWII fiction regarding the South Pacific or the “Angels of Bataan”.

When We Had Wings follows three nurses in the Philippines - Eleanor, Lita, and Penny. After the Japanese take control of the islands, they are forced to endure the harshness and cruelty of captivity separately, all the while trying to serve as nurses against insurmountable odds.

While interesting at points, this book didn’t completely work for me. The three POVs felt disjointed, the constant back and forth didn’t seem to allow for the characters to fully develop or for me to become overly invested in their stories.

What a treat! I love each of these authors on their own, and this collaboration was magnificent!

Set in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation during WWII, we learn the story of brave American military nurses who were essentially abandoned by General MacArthur and became prisoners of war.

Through the fictional accounts of three nurses - Lita (a Philippine), Penny, and Eleanor - the story of horrors, atrocities, bravery, resilience, and HOPE are beautifully told. I got a vivid sense of place and of the unimaginable situations all of the prisoners of war in the Philippines faced.

I am anxious to learn more about this event in history. Don’t you love it when a book leaves you much richer for having read it?

Thank you to @netgalley and @harpermusebooks for the complimentary digital copy!

Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️