Member Reviews
Historical fiction about WWII has flourished over the past few years. I’ve said before that I wonder if readers are drawn to these stories of the past during our own times of insecurity. Readers know that horrific things happened during the War but they also know how it ended before they begin their next read
Even in a crowded field, this book may be worth a look for fans of this genre. The story takes place in England where three close friends have scattered. Nurse Kitty is a main character; she is a nurse in love with a doctor who is elsewhere. Waiting and hoping for his letters is of great importance to her.
Kitty’s friends Jo and Trixie are also trying to make it through the war and are awaiting their own letters. How will life turn out for all of the people who have been thrust into a world at war? Read this one to find out. There is an extra bonus in reading the letters that are sent among the characters.
Many thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the Orpah’s series featuring Red Cross nurse, Kitty Pattison during World War Two. Kitty is once again moving around the country, nursing the wounded as they return from the front line. Despite the distances between them and the constraints that war time brings, she remains close to Jo and Trixie - the friends she made at the start of her training. In the first book, Kitty met Canadian soldier, Michael – now her fiancé and the pair continue their relationship, overcoming many adversities.
There were a few layers to this storyline which knitted together well, the character were interesting and it was well researched. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction.
This could be read as a stand alone, although I highly recommend reading The Red Cross Orphans – not only to gain background on the characters but it’s also an excellent read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the review copy.
Thoroughly enjoyed this WW11 novel that gave us a lot of insight into the Red Cross nurses during that time.
The doctors & nurses put there heart & soul into helping people & often paid with their own health as the hours were long & hard.
Very often it would all be come too much & many suffered with burnout.
Well written with good characters the camaraderie & friendship shine through.
Kitty Pattison is a fair way through her training to become a fully fledged Red Cross nurse.
Her fiancé who is a Canadian medic is on the front line & Kitty cherishes the letters they share between them.
Waiting patiently for any news as she hopes & prays he will make it through the war.
Jo & Trixie are two of Kitty’s closest friends & their friendship has pulled her through some bad moments.
They all get moved around a lot as they get sent to where they are needed most, but they always try to make the most of it when they do meet up.
Heartwarming yet heartbreaking at times the author weaves an interesting captivating read.
this is book two in the series. It was good to see where the girls ended up. THe letters written back and forth and the tragedy as well as the love suring this trying time.
I hadn’t read the first book but, it didn’t matter as this was easily picked up . I loved this book, sad, and happy and full of emotion this one does tug at the heartstrings. A satisfying read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Having read the first book in the series, this one began seamlessly, putting the reader directly into the stressful decimation of life as it was during the war. I admire the way Glynis Peters shows how everyone’s lives were affected by setting scenarios of different situations instead of just telling the reader. Also loved hearing about all the villagers and Red Cross nurses. I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets of history throughout this book which added to my knowledge base of the effects of WW2 on small villages. Donut Dollie’s and Kitty’s harrowing experience in Normandy will linger with me for quite some time.
My favorite character was Meryn who the reader was privileged to watch mature before their eyes. Her story was a positive addition to the book. The friendship between Kitty, Jo, and Belle was constantly fluctuating, and at times seemed somewhat annoying. Having loved the first book I found myself wanting more from these characters, more history and more descriptions of daily life. Kitty’s relationship with Michael was so odd to me and seemed unrealistic. The ending seems to set the stage for the third book, which seems like it will focus on Michael.
Overall parts of the book were compelling to read while others seemed to drag.
Many thanks to Glynis Peters, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this just published book.
I enjoyed the first in this series and was looking forward to the second, but it did not quite live up to the hope. Kitty and Michael are still in love, making their way through the war. Kitty seems to be healing every soldier sent her way with great ability and altruism, whilst also dropping everything every time a friend or fiance needs her. I can appreciate young women at this time were very torn, but she seems to be able to find postings and shifts with great ease to suit her life.
Belle, always a character, returns, but remains rather shadowy in this book. Jo is still her stalwart friend, as are Trix and Smithy.
The story wends along, until Kitty finally is part of the D-Day landings (which really did stretch the credulity) in order to be by her fiance Michael. Clearly there will be a sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is historical fiction, buy at times it definitely felt like a romance or even a biography/memoir.
There is a lot of focus on the Kitty and Michael romance of being apart and back together a bunch during WWII. I almost wished there has been more focus on the nursing/Red Cross detail, orphans, and spy/treason portions. Instead of a solid plot line it feels more like just following Kitty through life.
I did like the ending since I started to feel more of the drama in the last quarter of the book, but it was tough overcoming the slower parts. I enjoyed the book, but wanted a more definitive focus Instead of the meandering feeling I was getting.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Book 2 continues the love story of Red Cross nurse, Kitty, and Canadian Medic, Michael in the UK during WWII.
I thought the writing was good, but not much happens in the story itself. Kitty is constantly being moved around to different assignments hoping to run into Michael again so they can spend time together. Kitty meets lots of new friends in her assignments like Wenna (a motherly figure) and Meryn (a deaf young woman). This book is a somber read. Nothing seems to be going right for Kitty. She experiences one heartbreak after another with the worst having to do with Michael. I was glad that the book ended with a happy event. Even though this wasn’t my favorite book, I plan on reading the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This is the 2nd book of the Orphans and it was just as good as the first. It let old friends meet again and Kitty and Michael be together at times. Jo was a dear friend as always and talked Kitty through rough times and there were alot of those. . Trix and Smithy were also there for her and became even better friends to her. The descriptions of the war were awful, but unfortunately, that is war. Michael and Kitty grabbed what happiness they could when they could. That made the end of the story so hard to read. I almost hope there is another chapter in this story with a happier ending. It's a tough read at times, but well worth it.
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
This book follows the previous one. WW2 is raging and we follow Kitty as she finishes her nursing degree. She’s with the Red Cross and seems to be moved around a lot from one post to another. Through out everything she manages to keep up with her friends and makes new ones. She’s also able to be with her love Michael.
It’s a good story, it moves slowly. It kinda ends in a slight cliffhanger so I can’t wait for book three
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
A brief description of The Orphan's Letters would include a historical novel about a Red Cross nurse in England during World War II. And, it is that - but oh so much more. Kitty is a very capable nurse who deals with a wide range of real-life wartime situations. She takes care of orphans, she tends to the wounded, and she attempts to keep up with her friends' exploits as well. At the center of her story is her fiance, Michael, a Canadian medic. She experiences all of the fears of a wartime romance. Ms. Peters gives us a window into a very realistic portrayal of life in Great Britatin during the war. Fortunately, reality is balanced with delightful characters. Well done, Ms. Peters!
The Orphan’s Letters by Glynis Peters is the continuation of Kitty’s story, a Red Cross nurse in Britain during WWII. The trials of a Red Cross nurse are brought to life with the descriptions of living through the war, the reality of burn-out among the nurses and doctors, and the uncertainty of loved ones on the war front. Kitty lives for letters from her fiancé Michael, a surgeon often stationed in the line of fire. This is an excellent book depicting the reality of what soldiers, Red Cross nurses, doctors, and civilians went through during WWII. I recommend this book along with the first in the series, The Red Cross Orphans.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.
Peters is back with a new WWII novel and while I have read her before, I haven’t yet read book 1 of this series. I know, I know, I didn’t realize it before requesting the book and so I can only review it based on it as a stand-alone.
First, the thing I love about her books is the friendship she incorporates into the novel. This was no different. Kitty, a Red Cross Nurse with a fiancé in the line of duty, with a spotlight on difft aspects of war through her eyes. Orphanage, front line, burnout of nurses and yet also friendship and heart.
It just felt like it never got deep the way I love my HF. It was good, but I didn’t love it. Perhaps that’s my issue though because I didn’t have book 1.
I appreciate the gifted copy. And will still keep reading the author as I do enjoy her writing.
The sequel to Red Cross Orphans, Glynis Peters continues the story of Kitty Pattison and her continued trading as a Red Cross nurse, based in Britain during WWII. We also have a reunion with her fellow Red Cross workers, Trixie and Jo, and her fiancé, Canadian Medic Michael. She has taken a step back from her rescue and hospital work and is working with orphans, billeted in a local manor. She loves this assignment, but is again returned to the trauma of the hospital and the steady influx of injured.
Michael is serving on the front, but can make his way for visits on his short furloughs.Theyhave their letters to stay close and their fears, loneliness and desire to get home, marry and raise a family. Kitty takes solace in the close relationships with her fellow nurses and the locals that she befriends.
This story has it all, danger, intrigue, betrayal, loss, as well as romance, everlasting friendships and the drama of war.
Glynis Peters is a wonderful storyteller, with a strong likable cast. Her re-creation of the heartache, loss and terror of war is painful but she does a wonderful job balancing that with the camaraderie of those living and working together.
I look forward to another book in the series, and hopefully see Kitty return to her roots and a lovely life.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The sequel to The Red Cross Orphans, this book picks up with Kitty and Michael still separated by the war and their duties. Jo is still driving a doughnut truck, and Bella is doing her duties plus running a hotel.
There are moments of absolute joy, and moments of terrific horror. I’m not an expert in the period, but it seems to be well researched and truthful. The doctors and nurses, along with the other volunteers had experiences beyond comprehension, yet hope continued. They lived for the future when war wouldn’t be the center of their universe.
I don’t do spoilers so I won’t say what happens for Kitty and Michael, but I am hoping there will be another book to tie up the loose ends.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
The Red Cross Orphans #2
As the Second World War rages on, nurse Kitty Patison's life takes on a nomadic turn as her work with the Red Cross sees her traversing the country, moving from post to post with her best friends Jo and Trixie also scattered across the UK, and her soldier sweetheart Michael off on the continent undertaking medical missions he can't discuss, the war takes its toll and long nights interrupted only by nightmares of what she's seen on the wards.
We catch up with Kitty, Jo and Trixie. We also meet some new characters along the way. This is a heartbreaking read but it's also heartwarming. This is a story of love, friendship and how they survived during wartime. The stress and the emotional uncertainty they faced every day took its toll. The letters these women received gave them something positive to look forward to. The pace is steady throughout. The characters are well rounded and likable. This book could be read as a standalone, bit I recommend you read the first book, The Red Cross Orphans, if you haven't already.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #GlynisPeters for my ARC of #TheOrphansLetters in exchange for an honest review.
The past comes alive on the pages of The Orphan's Letters. The author takes the reader back in time to various locations in England and Scotland giving glimpses of what it could have been at during WW2. I have heard stories from relatives similar to those told in The Orphan's Letters. How could I not read, learn and make sure to never forget the struggles of World War 2.
Kitty, a Red Cross nurse, is bounced around, going where ever she was needed. Soldiers, landing back in England and Scotland, were treated with care as they shared their stories. Her dedication to others puts her in danger on more than one occasion creating some real nail biting chapters. Trouble just seemed to follow her. When she is told of suspicions of treason she could not walk away. She is pulled into more danger, creating alliances. Thankfully I experienced it all from the safety of my home.
The Americans have arrived creating more problems. Innocence will be tested. Acceptance will be questioned. Old values will conflict with the realities of war. Unwed mothers and children of mixed race add to the struggles of war.
Kitty struggles to stay connected to Michael, her Canadian fiancee. Secret mission after secret mission have miles and miles apart with little to no communication. The reader gets a glimpse into the violence of war when Kitty joins Michael on mission to save soldiers. They are desperate to be together. They will sacrifice to be close.
I was gutted. I bawled like a baby. I became one of those family members getting a telegram. I have heard so many stories from family members. The Bombs. The Rations. The gas masks. The loss. Yet, it was The Orphan's Letters that really brought it home. So much unnecessary suffering. So many ramifications. Love does not conquer all.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
Kitty is never in one position, she’s moved about by the Red Cross, but with the visits to her friends and letters from them and Michael help her survive.
The story was beautiful, about friendships and how they help us through the hard times. It was interesting to read about how woman’s roles changed due to the war.
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
A pleasant read!
I love these types of pallet cleanser books, An easy read with loveable characters that draw you in from the get go. I have not read the first book in this series but that did not take away from the novel at all.
I look forward to picking up the first book in the series to get some back history on the characters I enjoyed so much.
Thanks to Net Galley and One More Chapter for the advanced copy.